Aloof and Cold

The lingering scent of sandalwood in the warm pavilion had yet to dissipate, but Gu Chengyin had already made a rapid calculation in his mind.

He never actually intended to ask for five Golden Core cultivators; it was merely a negotiation tactic.

As long as he could get one Golden Core expert as a protective talisman, it would be more than enough.

Not to mention, this person was clearly no ordinary Golden Core enshrinee.

Therefore, the moment Emperor Luo's voice fell, Gu Chengyin immediately offered a smooth and fluent stream of flattery:

Your Majesty is peerlessly wise! Your mind is as broad as the sea! You care for your subjects like a father! I shall certainly do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's high expectations!

This inspection tour will surely spread the prestige of our Great Luo, and display Your Majesty's grace to all the immortal cultivation sects...

Gu Chengyin spoke quickly but clearly, with rich emotion, every sentence striking the core of imperial psychology.

He highlighted the majesty of imperial power, reflected the benevolence of the monarch, and emphasized the loyalty of the subject.

However, Emperor Luo listened with a slight frown and eventually waved his hand to interrupt him:

Enough.

Just a single word, crisp and decisive.

Gu Chengyin immediately shut his mouth, bowing his head with an impeccably respectful posture.

Emperor Luo rubbed the space between his eyebrows; every time he heard Gu Chengyin's flattery, he got a bit of a headache:

The Ministry of Rites and the Celestial Master Mansion coordinating on an inspection tour is the rule to begin with.

He looked at Lin Qingyan, his gaze carrying a certain deep meaning: Jingzhe.

Lin Qingyan withdrew her gaze from Gu Chengyin, turned to Emperor Luo, and gave a slight nod.

This inspection tour is different from the past, Emperor Luo said slowly. The situation over at the Green Sword Sect is particularly complex. You must act carefully, and pay special attention to your safety.

These words were spoken implicitly, but Gu Chengyin heard three layers of meaning:

First, acknowledging the peril of this inspection journey.

Second, reminding Lin Qingyan to be careful, not just of enemies, but of the situation itself.

Third, specifically emphasizing safety, which was both a sign of care and a hint: your mission is not only to protect Gu Chengyin, but also to protect yourself.

Then the question arose: what kind of danger would require even a Golden Core realm expert to be careful and protect herself.

Lin Qingyan spoke, her tone almost rigidly serious and earnest:

Jingzhe understands. Please rest assured, Your Majesty.

A few simple and crisp words, without any superfluous promises or guarantees, yet inexplicably convincing.

Emperor Luo nodded slightly, picked up his vermilion pen again, and let his gaze fall upon the memorials, saying lightly: You may go.

This was a dismissal.

Lin Qingyan turned first and immediately walked out of the warm pavilion.

She did not bow. This casual attitude further confirmed Gu Chengyin's speculation: this woman likely held a transcendent status within the royal family.

Gu Chengyin followed closely behind.

The two walked out of the warm pavilion one after the other and returned to the outer hall.

The long corridor was deep and secluded, with towering palace walls on both sides.

Gu Chengyin walked half a step behind Lin Qingyan, his mind racing to find a suitable topic of conversation.

Just as he was deliberating, Lin Qingyan spoke first.

You did well in Luoshui Commandery. You almost fooled even me.

Gu Chengyin paused his steps, blinked, and asked cautiously: Auntie, were you... also there at the time?

Hearing this form of address, Lin Qingyan cast a faint glance at Gu Chengyin.

Her gaze was very calm, showing neither displeasure nor approval. She merely looked at him calmly, then shifted her gaze away and said lightly:

I was following you the entire time.

Gu Chengyin was instantly left speechless.

He knew it!

Given Luo Zhao's status, even if Emperor Luo wanted to test her, it was impossible for there to be absolutely no protective measures.

It turned out this Golden Core auntie had been following behind them all along!

However...

Gu Chengyin quickly calmed down and analyzed the information behind Lin Qingyan's words:

Following them the entire time meant she was protecting them in secret.

And following meant she was only trailing from a distance, not observing from close up.

Thinking of this, Gu Chengyin felt slightly relieved.

If Lin Qingyan was only following from afar, then she shouldn't know that he had hypnotized Luo Zhao.

Otherwise, she wouldn't be as polite as she was now.

A brief silence fell between the two.

The corridor was very long, and their footsteps echoed in the empty palace path.

Gu Chengyin was thinking about his next step, while Lin Qingyan seemed to have fallen into some sort of memory, a very faint ripple appearing in her eyes.

Finally, they walked out of the palace gates.

The hustle and bustle of the Divine Capital rushed at their faces, forming a sharp contrast with the solemn silence inside the palace.

Gu Chengyin's carriage was parked right outside the palace gates. Seeing Gu Chengyin come out, the coachman immediately stepped forward to bow.

Lin Qingyan glanced at the small carriage and said lightly: I won't get on.

Gu Chengyin looked at the carriage, then at Lin Qingyan.

This refusal was actually expected. The main reason was that the carriage was too small; riding together would be too intimate.

He immediately signaled the coachman: You go back first.

The coachman took the order and drove the carriage away.

Gu Chengyin turned to Lin Qingyan and smiled: The Crown Princess's Palace isn't far. How about I walk together with you, Auntie?

He spoke naturally, as if he genuinely just felt walking was more convenient, rather than deliberately trying to close the distance between them.

Lin Qingyan did not reply. She simply stepped forward, her steps as light as if treading on clouds.

Gu Chengyin quickly caught up and walked side by side with her, maintaining a polite distance, of course.

At this moment, Lin Qingyan's voice sounded again:

You and Zhao'er are not betrothed, so stop calling me Auntie.

These words were direct, almost bluntly drawing a clear line.

Gu Chengyin raised an eyebrow. Several thoughts flashed rapidly through his mind, and then an earnest expression appeared on his face as he said in a serious tone:

What I said during the morning court, although it was putting on an act to counter the opponents' attacks, but...

He looked at Lin Qingyan with a burning gaze: It is true that I am willing to go through fire and boiling water for Her Highness.

Her Highness treats me better than family, and everyone in the Crown Princess's Palace knows it.

Therefore, Her Highness's aunt is naturally my aunt, and I ought to respect you as a senior.

These words were seventy percent true and thirty percent false.

Being willing to go through fire and boiling water for Luo Zhao was based on the premise that the hypnosis was successful. A completely controlled Crown Princess was, of course, worth taking risks for.

However, Gu Chengyin spoke with genuine emotion, his eyes clear and firm. Anyone who saw him would think he was a fiercely loyal subject.

Lin Qingyan's lips moved, looking as if she very much wanted to retort.

But in the end, she said nothing, shifting her gaze away and saying lightly:

Suit yourself.

These words could be considered tacit consent.

Gu Chengyin chuckled inwardly. Sure enough, as long as he brought out the rhetoric of doing it for Luo Zhao.

Even this aloof Golden Core auntie found it hard to insist on drawing a line.

Having gained an advantage, he immediately pushed his luck, carefully shifting half a step toward Lin Qingyan in an attempt to close the distance a bit.

However...

Zzzt!

A faint sound of static electricity suddenly rang out.

Gu Chengyin only felt a numb and tingling sensation transmit from his fingertips, and he subconsciously withdrew his hand and stepped back.

Looking closely, he saw that within a three-foot radius around Lin Qingyan, sparks of electricity were faintly flashing in the air.

These sparks were not conspicuous. If Gu Chengyin were not at the Foundation Establishment realm with sharp perception, he probably wouldn't have even noticed them.

Immediately after, Lin Qingyan's voice came, still calm, but carrying a faint trace of warning:

I cultivate the Nine Heavens Lightning Attraction Art. My body is naturally surrounded by wind and lightning. You'd better be careful.

Gu Chengyin looked at this attitude that clearly kept people three feet away, feeling a slight chill in his heart.

What an aloof and cold auntie.