(O_o)

Nangong Xiyun walked toward Su Luo’s room.

She knocked.

Su Luo already knew who it was.

"Come in."

She had resolved to let go, so there was no need to avoid Nangong Xiyun—not that she ever had.

"Nangong Xiyun entered and immediately said with sincerity, "Su Luo, my feelings for you are genuine."

"Sure, sure. So genuine I didn’t even notice," Su Luo replied dismissively.

Trying to play the emotional card? Too bad. Right now, I’m terrifyingly rational.

"What do I have to say for you to believe me?"

"Don’t get it twisted, Peak Master Nangong. Do you really need my trust for whatever you’re planning? Just say it outright. I’ll decide whether to cooperate or refuse—we can discuss it."

"I don’t want you to do anything."

"Then there’s even less to say. Let’s just stay out of each other’s way."

Nangong Xiyun stepped closer. Su Luo lounged lazily, half-reclined, watching to see what trick she’d pull next.

Then—Nangong Xiyun leaned down and kissed her.

?!

Pulling back slightly, Nangong Xiyun whispered, "Su Luo, I’ve only recently realized… I like you."

"I deceived you, and for that, I’m sorry. But one thing I want to make clear—maybe I’m not as devoted as Little Yu, but my feelings for you are undoubtedly real."

With that, she kissed Su Luo again, deeper this time.

A long moment passed before they parted.

Su Luo’s mind was blank. "You… you…"

She wanted to say something, but words failed her.

Nangong Xiyun, meeting Su Luo’s gaze, suddenly recalled her own boldness and flushed with embarrassment.

Her cheeks tinged pink—this was the first time she’d ever done something like this.

Unable to compose herself, she turned and fled the room in a rush of shyness.

Su Luo wasn’t faring much better. It wasn’t the act itself that mattered—it was the fact that Nangong Xiyun had done it.

Her mind short-circuited. She grabbed her diary and began scribbling frantically.

[I must be hallucinating. Did I just imagine Nangong Xiyun kissing me? It’s broad daylight—since when do I dare to dream like this?]

[Wait, no. The sensation was real.]

[This is even more unbelievable than her deceiving me. How could this happen? Is Nangong Xiyun out of her mind?]

[What did she even say just now? Was she joking?]

[Did I mishear her? But how could I mishear something like that?]

[Even if this is some emotional manipulation tactic, isn’t the sacrifice too big? Unnecessary!]

[Calm down. I’ve seen everything—except this. How am I supposed to calm down?!]

……

Su Luo was in complete disarray.

Meanwhile, Nangong Xiyun was no better off. She hadn’t planned to kiss Su Luo—but as she looked at her, the impulse had struck.

She couldn’t even recall why she’d thought of it, much less why she’d acted on it.

Her fingers brushed her lips, remembering Su Luo’s warmth.

The sensation… wasn’t unpleasant.

But the memory alone made her burn with embarrassment. She retreated to a corner, curling up as she tried to steady herself.

Yet the more she thought about it, the more flustered she became.

She pulled out her diary, hoping to distract herself by rereading earlier entries.

But Su Luo had already updated hers—writing about what had just happened.

Though it was mortifying to read, Nangong Xiyun felt a flicker of relief.

So, he’s panicking too. At least I’m not the only one.

The thought eased her slightly. She’d worried Su Luo might resent her for the sudden advance.

Maybe… what I did wasn’t wrong.

But this had to stay a secret—just between me and Su Luo.

A sweet warmth filled her chest.

Wait. A secret?

A realization struck her, and it was a serious one.

Li Siyi could read Su Luo’s diary.

Which meant… she already knew everything?

How am I supposed to explain this?!

The thought sent Nangong Xiyun into another spiral of embarrassment. She bolted, desperate to hide.

How will I ever face Li Siyi after this?

Meanwhile, Li Siyi was still in the northern regions, training to strengthen her cultivation.

After a session, she lay back to rest.

I wonder what Su Luo’s doing right now.

Missing him, she opened her diary—a habit that made her feel closer to him.

Then she saw the new entry.

[……About the fact that my most trusted subordinate, A-Yun, is actually Nangong Xiyun……]

What? Did I misread that?

She closed the diary and reopened it.

No, it’s real!

When did Master go to Su Luo’s side?

Why would Master stay with Su Luo?

But she quickly accepted it. Master must have her reasons. No wonder she’s been so scarce lately.

A-Yun… so it was her.

Ugh, I might’ve been disrespectful to her before. Hope Master doesn’t hold it against me.

She kept reading. It seemed Master’s identity had been exposed, shocking Su Luo.

I don’t know what Master’s planning, but I hope she isn’t giving Su Luo a hard time.

Li Siyi decided she’d talk to Master about it next time they met.

Then she read further.

[……Nangong Xiyun kissed me……]

(O_O)?

(O_o)??

(o_O)???

Wh-wh-wh-what is this?!

No, no, no. This can’t be right.

Why would Master kiss Su Luo?!

Li Siyi shot upright, eyes wide as she reread the line—but there was no mistake.

Has the world gone mad?

Pacing back and forth, she couldn’t make sense of it.

Without hesitation, she decided to return south immediately to investigate.

But halfway, she hesitated.

Even if I go back, I won’t be able to find Su Luo.

There’s no way I can just waltz into the Heavenly Demon Sect—that’d be suicide.

Frustration gnawed at her. If only I were stronger. Now even seeing Su Luo is impossible.

Master, what are you doing? Don’t mess with Su Luo—or with me.

Panicked but powerless, she could only keep moving.

No matter what, Li Siyi couldn’t stay in the north any longer. She rushed back south, determined to uncover the truth.

……

Jiang Ningshu was equally baffled. Nangong Xiyun had gone to Su Luo’s room, only to leave in a hurry shortly after.

What are they up to?

Little Yu was just as confused.

Su Luo, having finally regained her composure, stepped out to talk to Nangong Xiyun—but she was already gone.

Is she toying with me?

But even so, this is too much. It’s not like I’m the one at a disadvantage here.