Su Luo...

Is clearing out a secret realm difficult?

Not in the slightest.

They obtained some treasures, but none were particularly valuable.

This only further confirmed that it was a trap—meant to lure people inside.

Those who could enter were likely skilled, but once inside, their chances of survival were slim.

Unfortunately, the ones who walked into it were Su Luo and Little Yu.

What new kind of scheme was this from the demon beast army?

Without a doubt, it was their handiwork.

When Su Luo and Little Yu emerged from the secret realm, they shattered it completely.

"Is the demon beast army making another move?" Little Yu asked.

"Hard to say."

"Even Su Luo doesn’t know?"

"There are many things I don’t know. But don’t worry, someone will deal with the demon beast army."

Once Lin Xuan fully matured, he would slaughter his way through the battlefield—even the Beast Lord would eventually fall by his hand.

"That’s true," Little Yu nodded.

They searched the area but found no further clues about the secret realm, so they gave up.

Continuing toward their destination, this time without any mishaps, they arrived at the foot of the Thousand Peaks Mountain.

Standing at the base and looking up, the mountain loomed like a colossal giant, its peak piercing the clouds.

Its sheer grandeur inspired awe, as if it were the most immovable presence between heaven and earth.

Mist coiled around its slopes, lending it an air of mystery.

Yet, despite its imposing appearance, the surroundings were eerily quiet. Though it was the tallest mountain, there were no secret realms, no hidden opportunities—nothing of note.

As a result, few ever came here, and even demon beasts were scarce.

"Let’s go."

They didn’t fly up.

If they flew, it wouldn’t be climbing.

For cultivators, this might seem pointless—why not fly when they could? Wouldn’t walking be redundant?

But Su Luo thought differently. This was a chance to temper Little Yu’s state of mind.

Little Yu’s cultivation had advanced rapidly, yet Su Luo had never seen her struggle with inner demons.

Still, it was better to be cautious.

By climbing slowly, Su Luo believed Little Yu might gain new insights.

If inner demons ever arose, she would have the mental fortitude to resist them.

Their journey upward was mostly silent, focused solely on the ascent.

But if they expected hardship, they were mistaken—this level of exertion meant nothing to Su Luo or Little Yu.

Moving at a mortal’s pace, their progress was naturally slow.

"How do you feel?" Su Luo asked.

"It’s nice."

Anything with Su Luo was nice.

"What about your state of mind?"

"Nothing special."

Huh, no effect? Back when Su Luo had climbed this mountain, it had profoundly strengthened his resolve.

Well, they’d keep going. Maybe at the summit, Little Yu would feel something different.

By the end of the day, they had reached the halfway point—still faster than an ordinary person.

"How do you feel now?"

Su Luo wondered if he should increase the difficulty. Just climbing didn’t seem to be helping.

"Still nothing special."

"Then let’s keep going."

He decided against making it harder. Little Yu clearly didn’t need it.

The second half of Thousand Peaks Mountain was more treacherous.

The winds grew fierce—not ordinary winds, but gales strong enough to sweep even cultivators off their feet.

Yet, it still made no difference.

When one was strong enough, no place posed a challenge.

But then, something unexpected happened.

Just before reaching the summit, Little Yu said she wanted to wander off alone.

Su Luo asked why.

Little Yu didn’t answer, only telling him not to peek.

Mysterious. But since Little Yu rarely made requests, Su Luo didn’t refuse.

Little Yu circled the mountain, flying to the other side.

Su Luo glanced down—they had climbed very high.

Just as he marveled at the loneliness of great heights, Little Yu returned.

Much sooner than expected.

"So, what did you do?"

"I’m not telling."

"Now I’m even more curious."

"Don’t ask."

"Alright, let’s go then."

If Little Yu wouldn’t say, he wouldn’t press.

The remaining distance was quickly covered, but Little Yu suddenly grew quiet.

From the moment she had left, she barely spoke to Su Luo, responding only with vague murmurs.

Who knew what was on her mind?

At the peak of Thousand Peaks Mountain—

"AHHHHHHHH!"

Su Luo’s sudden shout startled Little Yu, even frightening her a little.

"Haha, just remembering the past."

The first time he had climbed this mountain, Su Luo wasn’t nearly as strong and had suffered greatly.

It had taken him days.

But no matter what, he had persevered. Back then, he had shouted just like this—

Filled with a sense of accomplishment, all his worries vanished, and he felt capable of overcoming anything.

Now, reaching the top in just two days? It was nothing special.

"Beautiful, isn’t it?"

The sun had begun its descent, sliding toward the horizon.

The sky blazed crimson, as if set aflame by the sunset’s brilliance.

"Yeah."

They stood in silence, watching until the sun disappeared completely.

The sky darkened, and eventually, night swallowed everything around them.

Su Luo remained quiet, wanting Little Yu to fully absorb the mountain’s atmosphere.

But beside him, Little Yu fidgeted, distracted.

She kept stealing glances at Su Luo, hesitating as if wanting to speak but holding back.

Time passed, and still, neither spoke. Su Luo thought the night would end like this—

"AHHHHHH!"

Suddenly, Little Yu mimicked Su Luo’s earlier shout.

The outburst took him completely by surprise.

Since when did the Little Yu he knew scream like this?

Had she gained some profound enlightenment?

"Su Luo…"

Then, Little Yu kissed him.

Su Luo hadn’t expected this at all.

After a long moment, Little Yu finally pulled away.

"Since we reached the summit… does Su Luo have a reward for me?"

Her face was already flushed, and the thought of what came next made her want to flee.

But—she couldn’t back down now.

Su Luo hadn’t anticipated Little Yu asking for a reward and had nothing prepared.

As he wracked his brain for something suitable, Little Yu spoke again.

"I’ve already decided what I want."

Then, she opened her robe.

Su Luo stared, stunned.

"H-How is it?"

Little Yu was now wearing… those kinds of clothes. The kind that made one blush just looking at them.

Su Luo was at a loss for words.

The moonlight is beautiful?

He never imagined Little Yu could be so bold.

"Well?" Little Yu pressed.

"…You look amazing."

There was no doubt about that.

Hearing his answer, Little Yu could hold back no longer. She threw herself at him.

"Reward me…"

At this point, how could Su Luo restrain himself?

……

The night passed.

When Little Yu woke in the morning, memories of last night’s passion made her bury her face in Su Luo’s chest.

"Little Yu."

"Mhm."

She wanted to say something but didn’t know what.

"Don’t overthink it, Su Luo. Last night… I didn’t do that to make you worry."

"Silly, why would I worry?"

Su Luo answered with action.

"Su Luo…" Little Yu lightly punched him. "You’re terrible."