345. By His Side

“Yes!” The girl named Fei Die responded immediately.

She looked at the large pork shank in her hands, unsure whether to finish eating it or put it down, clearly a bit lost. She looked around but didn’t dare to speak.

“Heh.” Qian Renjue smiled warmly and pointed to the tea table, suggesting, “You can put it over there, or finish it and then go wash up.”

“Thank you, Divine One.” Fei Die gratefully bowed and hurried to the tea table, carefully setting down her food before heading to the bathroom.

Click!

Qian Renjue took Qian Renxue’s hand, guiding her to sit at the table. Ling Yuan Douluo, following silently, poured a cup of ginseng tea.

Qian Renjue accepted the tea and looked over at Qian Renxue. “Sister, are you planning to bring that little girl back to Spirit City?”

“Is that not allowed, my esteemed Holy Son?” Qian Renxue leaned closer, playfully snatching the cup from Qian Renjue's hand, sipping a little, then handing it back.

“Of course it’s allowed. I was just curious,” Qian Renjue replied, gazing warmly at his sister as she leaned on his shoulder, savoring the tea and its familiar aroma.

“When she’s older, let’s see what kind of spirit she awakens. If possible, I’ll have myself a disciple to teach,” Qian Renxue said with a smile, tracing her fingers over Qian Renjue's face as though amused by the thought.

“Is that so?” Qian Renjue, seeing through her thoughts, rolled his eyes. “Just don’t toss her to me for teaching later.”

Qian Renxue chuckled, her warm breath brushing against Qian Renjue's face. “Are you saying you wouldn’t be willing?”

“Your brother wouldn’t dare,” Qian Renjue replied playfully.

“Hmph, you’ve gotten much better with your words since you've been surrounded by women,” Qian Renxue teased. Her golden eyes glanced over at Ling Yuan, her brows knit in subtle scrutiny.

Ling Yuan sat stiffly, her face red, not daring to move.

She wasn’t surprised Qian Renxue knew about her relationship with Qian Renjue, but the thought of addressing Qian Renxue as “sister” in the future left her feeling both shy and flustered.

Qian Renjue was about to speak when he noticed something odd from the bathroom—he couldn’t hear any water running. “Sister, what’s going on with your disciple?”

“Hm?” Qian Renxue held onto Qian Renjue's arm, peering around his shoulder with a slight frown. “Maybe she doesn’t know how to use the bathroom equipment?”

“Ah, I see… Ah Yin!” Qian Renji nodded and called softly.

Ah Yin immediately emerged, standing beside Qian Renji and bowing slightly. “Master~”

Qian Renxue glared at Ah Yin, clearly annoyed by her brazen demeanor

It was bold of her to flaunt her chest like that while Qian Renxue was by Qian Renjue's side.

Qian Renjue pointed toward the bathroom and instructed, “Ah Yin, go in and help the little girl wash up.”

“Yes!” Ah Yin, noticing the sharp look Qian Renxue gave her, hurriedly bowed and left for the bathroom.

Qian Renjue looked at Qian Renxue, both amused and exasperated. “Sister, did you have to frighten Ah Yin like that?”

“Are you feeling sorry for her?” Qian Renxue pinched Qian Renjue's face playfully.

“Not really,” Qian Renjue said, shaking his head. He knew well that Qian Renxue rarely did anything that would truly upset him.

“Good.” Qian Renxue smiled, her fingers gently touching his lips, pressing softly.

“Hm?”

Qian Renjue froze for a moment, slightly frowning as he instinctively pursed his lips, feeling a slight warmth.

Qian Renxue’s face turned red as she leaned closer, feeling the warmth of his breath.

Her body trembled slightly as she realized how near they were, her cheeks flushing even more.

Seeing Qian Renjue's strange gaze, Qian Renxue felt a bit flustered.

She quickly withdrew her slightly damp finger, resting her head on Qian Renjue's shoulder.

She held his hand and scolded, “Jue, who told you to bite my finger?!”

“Sister? You…me…?”

Qian Renjue was stunned, glancing at Ling Yuan, who was trying to stifle a laugh, then hesitated to say anything further.

“Pfft~” Qian Renxue held her finger to her chest and chuckled. “Alright, Sister will rest for a bit, and we’ll eat when Nana gets back.”

“Alright,” Qian Renji nodded. He didn’t dwell on the strange moment—after so long apart, he missed Qian Renxue, too.

She leaned on his shoulder, closing her eyes for a quick nap.

Ling Yuan sighed in relief. Since Miss Xue didn’t pull her aside, it was a sign of acceptance.

“Your Highness, let me pour you more tea.”

“Mhm,” Qian Renjue nodded, holding Qian Renxue by the waist.

Then, as if remembering something, he said, “Oh, Sister Ling Yuan, tonight, I want you to absorb this spirit bone, then accompany me to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan tomorrow.”

With those words, a green, Thirty-thousand-year-old right leg bone appeared in his hand.

“A… spirit bone?!”

Ling Yuan looked at it, her lips pressed together as she shook her head. “Your Highness, it’s too valuable. I can’t accept such a gift without earning it.”

Qian Renjue raised an eyebrow. “Sister Ling Yuan, must we really speak like this with each other?”

Seeing the hint of displeasure in his violet eyes, Ling Yuan felt deeply touched, her face blushing. “No, Your Highness, it’s just that… this spirit bone is far too precious. I feel unworthy of it.”

“Since he’s offering it, just accept it,” interrupted Qian Renxue, sounding slightly impatient before adding, “You’ve protected Jue for years. Even without special merits, you’ve put in the effort. Accept it.”

Her tone softened, and she briefly opened her eyes to glare at Qian Renjue.

“ Sister is right,” Qian Renji chuckled, turning back to Ling Yuan. “Sister Ling Yuan, take it. With this, you’ll be stronger to protect me, won’t you?”

“Your Highness, you’re teasing me!” Lingyl Yuan blushed even more. In situations like this, who was protecting whom could be debatable, yet his words won her over.

She reached out to accept the spirit bone. “Thank you, Your Highness~”

“Mhm.” Qian Renjue took her hand, gently placing the spirit bone in her palm, his violet eyes soft. Although it wasn’t exactly love born over time, a certain warmth had indeed developed.

Ling Yuan’s eyes glistened with emotion. She’d already received the greatest reward for her loyalty all this time—the privilege of being by His Highness the Holy Son’s side.