340 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 340: A Momentous Spring Night The tribulation concluded, and the heavens bestowed a cleansing rain. Although this tribulation was several times more intense than usual, the spiritual rain that followed was equally abundant. The spiritual rain enveloped the entirety of the Liuli Sword Sect, prompting disciples to emerge from their quarters to bask in the downpour. Many found that barriers hindering their progress had subtly eased. The rain persisted for two hours, and only after it ceased did Ye Ling Long descend from the sky, riding her sword. As she arrived before the gathered audience, her aura, still unrestrained from her recent advancement, exuded an overpowering presence. Jiang Ling Yun's eyes lit up, and he rushed forward without hesitation. Before Ye Ling Long could greet anyone, she was already enveloped by her boyfriend's firm embrace. "I've missed you, Ling Long," he whispered softly, his voice nonetheless carrying clearly to Ye Ling Long's ears, and she could just imagine the crimson flush on Jiang Ling Yun's cheeks. She patted his back and laughed, "I've missed you too." This seclusion had been lengthy; though it was a span of two hundred years, the time spent in the temporal cultivation chamber was equivalent to traversing over a thousand years. Huang Bu Fan watched the couple with dimmed eyes, a slight bitterness gnawing at his heart. Standing behind him, Hong Ye nudged him, "See that? My elder sister clearly likes my brother a lot. You've got no chance." With a disdainful snort, Huang Bu Fan averted his gaze, remarking, "So what? As long as they haven't held the dual cultivation ceremony, nothing is set in stone." Hong Ye fell silent. It seemed they needed to schedule that ceremony soon. After a while, their intimate moment was gently interrupted by Ye Tian Ming's soft cough. Inspecting his treasured disciple from head to toe, Ye Tian Ming couldn't suppress his joy. "Our little Ling Long has really made something of herself. You're even more formidable than your master now. You were just a tiny thing when I carried you up the mountain." Ye Ling Long's heart warmed, and she replied, "Master will always be the greatest." Jiang Feng Yao and Hong Feng also extended their congratulations. Xiao Hei dashed into Ye Ling Long's embrace, nuzzling his head against her stomach with whimpering affection. Due to his unique lineage, the two-hundred-year-old Ta Yun Leopard hadn't yet taken a human form. Mo Lao remarked that Xiao Hei's distinct bloodline meant a prolonged juvenile phase, with adulthood—and hence transformation—not yet reached. As she stroked Xiao Hei's head, relishing the silky texture under her hand and gazing at her gathered friends, warmth filled Ye Ling Long's heart. The loneliness she'd felt upon first crossing over was entirely gone. Through the chatter of those around her, Ye Ling Long quickly caught up on the happenings during her years of isolation. When she heard about the chaos Shen Meng Hei—or rather, Yan Ke—had wrought, her eyes flickered with an intensified chill. The near-destruction of the Liuli Sword Sect and the loss of its disciples were debts yet to be settled. Still, everything must be meticulously planned. After chatting for a while, everyone left to give the long-separated couple some alone time. As they departed, Hong Ye gave Jiang Ling Yun an encouraging thumbs-up. He glanced back, inexplicably blushing. When almost everyone had left, only Ye Ling Long and Jiang Ling Yun remained. With two centuries having passed, time had etched no signs on his face, making Jiang Ling Yun appear even more mature and handsome. His gentle eyes gave him a well-behaved appearance, and his long white robe complimented his lithe stature. Being someone with a keen eye for beauty, Ye Ling Long couldn't help but marvel internally. He was quite literally the perfect one for her. His face flushed under her gaze, Jiang Ling Yun became visibly bashful, unsure of where to place his hands and feet. Yet, his eyes remained fixed on Ye Ling Long, obedient and trusting. When she looked into his eyes, she saw herself reflected clearly in them, evoking an irresistible urge to lean closer. His eyes widened in surprise as if he were a startled puppy, reminding her of when she'd previously thought internet claims of "cute" were exaggerated. Now she had to admit, he truly was adorable. She swiftly kissed the corner of his mouth, and Jiang Ling Yun's face turned a brighter shade of red, akin to a boiled shrimp. Jiang Ling Yun glanced furtively around, murmuring shyly, "Ling Long... we're still outside." Despite the quietness of his voice, Ye Ling Long heard it distinctly. His shyness sparked a playful urge within her. Pretending to be crestfallen, she teased, "Do you not like it?" His flustered reaction was immediate, clutching her arm in haste, "No, it’s not like that at all. I... I do like it." His anxious manner depicted his fear of her wrath. With a chuckle, Ye Ling Long relented, "Got you! Just teasing." Her laughter filled the air, and she couldn't help feeling a pang of guilt for amusing herself at his expense. Jiang Ling Yun laughed as well, not at all upset by her teasing but rather gazing at her with warmth and indulgence. As evening descended, Ye Ling Long took his hand and led him to her room. Although two centuries had transformed much of the Liuli Sword Sect, her room remained the same, untouched and pristine, protected by spells. Guiding a dazed Jiang Ling Yun inside, they sat face to face upon the bed. Under the soft glow of the lamps, their features shone even more beautifully. The room filled with an amorous ambiance, drawing them closer. Their lips barely apart, Ye Ling Long paused, sensing something amiss. She pulled back. Jiang Ling Yun, visibly disappointed, looked up with a mix of disheartenment and expectation. Reassuringly patting his shoulder, Ye Ling Long rose to the room's entrance and flung the door open, revealing a group of people who tumbled in unexpectedly. Same place, same faces. With a helpless expression, Ye Ling Long faced them. Meeting her gaze, Hong Ye sheepishly grinned, "Heh, we were just out for a walk, and accidentally ended up here. Do you believe us?" "Exactly!" echoed the others, nodding in fervent agreement. Ye Ling Long smiled warmly, asking, "What do you think?" Hong Ye quickly scrambled up, grabbing her father from beneath the pile as she bolted, "I figured you'd believe us. I'm off, my mom's calling for dinner. Be nice to my brother, okay!" In no time, the rest followed suit, hastily retreating. After everyone had left, Ye Ling Long shut the door with an assuring layer of enchantment before returning to the room. As the drapes fell, their lips met once more, smiling amidst whispered laughter as they tumbled onto the bed together. The room warmed, their initially awkward eagerness shifting to fervent entanglement, their breaths echoing against the backdrop of entwined silhouettes on the wall. Turn off the lights! Turn off the lights! The rest is unfit for writing!