Li Siyi

Along the way, Su Luo and the others chatted and laughed, casually commenting on things, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

When they saw some disciples diligently training, they couldn’t resist teasing them a little.

Naturally, Su Luo’s group attracted the attention of disciples from other sects.

Peak Master Nan Gong and Elder Li appearing together was rare, but not entirely surprising.

What was surprising, however, was the presence of three others, all laughing and chatting—even Peak Master Nan Gong, who was rarely seen smiling so much.

When had they ever witnessed such a scene before?

Once again, they speculated: just who were these three people?

Yet no one could figure it out. One thing was certain, though—those three must hold extraordinary status.

Just then, a pigeon flew over. Li Siyi took the letter tied to its leg and read it.

After a moment, she said, "Master, the Sect Master seems to have something to discuss with you."

"Oh? Really?" Nangong Xiyun was puzzled. What could the Sect Master want with her at this time?

"Little Yu, the Sect Master mentioned wanting to see you."

"Mm."

Little Yu nodded. The Sect Master had always treated her well—it was only right to pay him a visit.

Nangong Xiyun left with Little Yu in tow.

Li Siyi smiled imperceptibly. She had managed to send them away—now she just hoped the Sect Master could stall them for a while.

Earlier, during a lull in their stroll, she had seized the chance to send a message to the Sect Master, asking for this favor.

Meanwhile, the Sect Master wore a troubled expression. He had received Li Siyi’s request—to keep Nangong Xiyun and Little Yu occupied.

Little Yu was understandable, but why Nangong Xiyun as well?

And how exactly was he supposed to stall these two?

Meeting with them was no issue, but casual conversation wouldn’t take long.

There wasn’t much going on lately, and Li Siyi’s request implied needing a significant delay. How was he supposed to manage that?

In the end, he prepared an intricate puzzle artifact—after some small talk, he’d coax them into solving it to buy time.

The only reason he agreed to Li Siyi’s request was out of respect for her many contributions to the sect.

......

Li Siyi continued strolling with Su Luo and Jiang Ningshu.

But her gaze kept drifting subtly toward Jiang Ningshu.

How could she get her to leave as well?

Jiang Ningshu sighed inwardly. The intention was far too obvious—couldn’t she just say it outright?

Then again, considering their lack of familiarity, perhaps directness wasn’t appropriate.

Well, if Li Siyi couldn’t bring herself to say it, Jiang Ningshu would.

"Su Luo," she said, "I think I’ll head back first."

"Huh? Why?"

"There’s not much else to see. I’d rather rest."

"Oh… then I’ll go back too."

Su Luo felt they had already seen most of what there was to see.

Jiang Ningshu gave him a deadpan look.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

"No, no, nothing wrong. I’ll just go back alone."

Li Siyi shot Jiang Ningshu a grateful glance.

You’re a good person.

Jiang Ningshu didn’t mind. She was just helping Li Siyi on a whim.

Even though Li Siyi had lost last night, seeing Nangong Xiyun’s reaction had made it worthwhile. Might as well do her this favor.

With that, Jiang Ningshu vanished.

Now, only Su Luo and Li Siyi remained.

"Come on, let’s keep going."

With no one else around, Li Siyi grew even more lively.

"Look over there—there used to be far fewer celestial willow trees. Now they’re lined up in rows!"

"Remember this place? We sneaked in here once, and you helped me steal some herbs."

"And here—this is where we acted out our love-hate rivalry."

Without realizing it, Li Siyi took Su Luo’s hand, walking side by side with him.

The onlookers’ eyes nearly popped out of their heads.

What was happening?

"Why are they holding hands?"

"So Elder Li already has someone she likes… This hurts."

"Who is he?"

But ordinary disciples wouldn’t know.

Li Siyi paid no mind to their whispers as she led Su Luo forward.

This rare time alone was precious.

And her final destination was Cloudpeak—where her residence was located.

Su Luo, unaware of her plans, simply followed.

"So? Cloudpeak has changed a lot too, hasn’t it?"

It was rather deserted, though. With Nangong Xiyun rarely present, no new disciples had been taken in.

"It’s beautiful. Much more so than before."

"Right? Now, walk up step by step from here. Take exactly a quarter of an hour to reach the top—there’s a surprise waiting."

"You prepared something?"

"Mm-hmm. And don’t walk too fast, okay?"

"Got it."

Li Siyi dashed ahead. In truth, she hadn’t prepared anything.

Su Luo’s arrival had been too sudden, and she’d spent all her time with him since yesterday—when would she have had the chance?

She hadn’t even been sure if she could successfully send the others away, but luck had been on her side.

Now that everything was falling into place, she had to act fast.

She rushed into her room and began decorating—red wedding invitations plastered everywhere.

She tossed aside the original pillows, replacing them with a pair of mandarin duck pillows.

The blankets were swapped for crimson ones.

Red candles and sandalwood incense were lit.

......

In no time, the room was transformed into a bridal chamber.

Now, the most crucial part—herself.

Li Siyi slipped into the red wedding dress she had long prepared.

A touch of makeup, a final glance in the mirror.

Perfect.

She hesitated over the red veil—she wasn’t confident Su Luo would lift it, so she left it off.

Best not to push her luck.

Then, she waited quietly for Su Luo’s arrival.

But the minutes dragged on.

She’d told him to walk slowly, but this was excessive!

In reality, Su Luo hadn’t taken that long—he arrived precisely on time, pushing the door open after exactly a quarter of an hour.

Inside, the room was awash in red, brimming with festivity.

But the most captivating sight was Li Siyi herself, radiant in her scarlet gown.

Trying to sound casual, she asked, "Well? How do I look?"

Secretly, she was terrified he might bolt.

This outfit wasn’t meant to pressure him—she just wanted to fulfill her dream of being a bride, if only for a moment.

Su Luo froze briefly, then quickly understood her intentions.

He stepped forward, cupping her face. "You’re stunning."

"Right? I thought so too."

Li Siyi gazed at him, her eyes shimmering.

He hadn’t run.

"You were afraid I’d turn and leave the moment I saw you, weren’t you?"

"Of course. I don’t have that kind of confidence."

"That would never happen. After everything we’ve been through, how could I let you down?"

Hearing this, Li Siyi grabbed his hand and pulled him down with her as she fell back.

"Now that you’re here, don’t even think about leaving."

Her heart soared with joy.

"Not only am I not leaving," Su Luo murmured, "but I’m not letting you off easy either."

"Really?"

Su Luo smirked. "Naturally. Did you think I’d lose to you?"

"I… I won’t lose either." Li Siyi felt her face burn. She was truly going all out this time.

But it was still her first experience—she couldn’t help but feel shy.

Su Luo suddenly paused. "Wait, shouldn’t I change clothes too?"

"No need. Mine are coming off anyway."

This wasn’t about a formal wedding ceremony—only the outcome mattered to her.