Inside the Tuoba family’s main hall, Ge Qingzhi beamed, saying, “So, you two are fellow disciples? Childhood friends, that sort of innocent, untainted connection?”


    Ye Yu’s mouth twitched involuntarily. Senior Sister Tuoba Qiyue had merely introduced them as disciples under Hong Luan at Five-Finger Peak. And yet, somehow, this narrative of childhood sweethearts had been conjured up from nowhere. With such a vivid imagination, perhaps Ge Qingzhi should consider writing romance novels instead.


    Sitting at the head of the hall, Tuoba Encheng grumbled, “Even as fellow disciples, that doesn’t give you the right to enter the Suxin Court. If I hadn’t arrived in time, you would have committed a serious breach!”


    Tuoba Qiyue remained silent, avoiding further argument. For some reason, Ye Yu noticed that ever since she’d met her parents, she seemed much more restrained. But this was family business, and he had no place to interfere.


    Ye Yu took the responsibility upon himself, saying, “Please, don’t be angry, Uncle. I was the one who needed the Heavenly Soul Fruit and asked Senior Sister for help. It was rather abrupt on my part. How about this—I can purchase it. Spirit stones, artifacts, rare resources, whatever you desire, just name it!”


    Tuoba Encheng was about to respond when Ge Qingzhi abruptly slapped the table, startling him into silence. After a wary glance at her, his posture became notably more restrained.


    Ye Yu, observing this scene, quickly realized who truly held the reins in the household. Turning to Ge Qingzhi, he said, “Perhaps it would be best to hear Aunt’s opinion. Just let me know how many spirit stones are needed.”


    In Ye Yu’s mind, any issue solvable with spirit stones wasn’t a real issue. He was more than well-off when it came to spirit stones. The real trouble would be if they asked for some rare artifact or material that he didn’t have on hand.


    But to everyone’s surprise, Ge Qingzhi smiled brightly. “Soon, you’ll be family. Why bring up spirit stones? The Heavenly Soul Fruit is yours, as a gift!”


    Ye Yu’s expression grew complicated. That last part was fine, but what did she mean by “soon, you’ll be family”? Was she truly misunderstanding their relationship?


    Tuoba Qiyue quickly interjected, “Mother, Junior Brother and I don’t share that kind of relationship. We’re just ordinary fellow disciples.”


    Ge Qingzhi replied calmly, “Your father and I were also just fellow disciples once. And look where we ended up—married! To me, a senior and junior disciple are a perfect match! I’m living proof of that.”


    Tuoba Qiyue nodded slightly, deciding not to argue further.


    Ge Qingzhi’s face lit up with delight, and she sent Ye Yu a silent message, Thank you.


    Ye Yu only offered a slight nod in response. Truthfully, the atmosphere in the Tuoba family was something he couldn’t quite understand. There was an odd feeling here that he couldn’t shake.


    With Ge Qingzhi’s arrangements, Ye Yu’s guest room was set up right next to Tuoba Qiyue’s private quarters. It was evident that the lady of the house was eager to pair him with her daughter.


    In truth, Ye Yu didn’t mind the idea. After all, who could resist an elegant, mysterious woman like Senior Sister? But relationships required mutual willingness, and that was something neither of them could force.


    In unfamiliar surroundings, it was risky to lose oneself in sleep, so Ye Yu initially planned to meditate in his room, sitting cross-legged to cultivate.


    After two breaths, however, he gave up on the idea.


    Cultivation? Forget it. After getting used to his meteoric pace of improvement, he couldn’t bear the slow grind of regular practice anymore. He’d rather just get some sleep.


    Moments later, Ye Yu had drifted into a deep slumber.


    The next second, Tuoba Qiyue quietly slipped into his room, carrying paper and a brush. She truly hadn’t intended to do this, but the sensation she felt when holding his hand was addictive. When their fingers intertwined, inspiration seemed to flow freely.


    Junior Brother, she thought with a small smile, after all the help I’ve given you, surely you won’t mind me holding your hand in return? You’re silent, so I’ll take that as consent!


    Gently, she took Ye Yu’s hand. In an instant, ideas flooded her mind, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks as she set her brush to paper, jotting down her thoughts.


    Little did she know that not far away, two figures were watching through the window, witnessing everything in silence.