Arrived in the Divine Capital

Gu Chengyin understood the look in Lin Qingyan's eyes, but he merely offered a faint smile.

He neither distanced himself nor brought up what had just happened.

After all, the recent absurdity was simply a result of Lin Qingyan letting the moment get to her head.

To actually bring it up would be courting death, so the best approach was to take the advantage without gloating.

Since he had already enjoyed what there was to enjoy, it was best to pretend nothing had happened.

Gu Chengyin sat right next to Lin Qingyan, as if he simply wanted to change seats.

Lin Qingyan's brows furrowed even tighter. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something.

But hesitating because Shangguan Yunying was present, she ultimately did not speak.

She could only continue to warn Gu Chengyin with her eyes.

No matter what, the events that had just occurred were far too unlike her.

So much so that even just thinking about it made it difficult for Lin Qingyan to maintain her composure.

Gu Chengyin, however, acted as if he had not seen a thing, and instead reached out to wrap an arm around Lin Qingyan's waist.

Lin Qingyan's body stiffened. She neither resisted nor broke free, but rather glanced over at Shangguan Yunying.

After confirming that the Head Court Lady was deeply engrossed in her own cultivation, she then allowed herself to lean into Gu Chengyin's embrace.

Up until this moment, Lin Qingyan believed that Gu Chengyin had suddenly moved closer because he had noticed her displeasure.

And that he had specifically come over to comfort her. Because of this, Lin Qingyan felt much better.

The trace of inner conflict that had arisen because of Shangguan Yunying instantly dissipated.

At the very least, she was more important in Gu Chengyin's heart than Shangguan Yunying.

But what Lin Qingyan did not know was this.

The reason Gu Chengyin had moved over was to confirm one thing:

Namely, just how much of his true thoughts could a Golden Core realm Dao Heart conceal?

So, as he pulled Lin Qingyan into his arms, Gu Chengyin's mind began to spin.

A single thought surfaced in his mind: Shangguan Yunying is bigger.

The moment this thought arose, Gu Chengyin began to observe Lin Qingyan's reaction.

No reaction.

No abnormalities whatsoever.

No furrowed brows, no sidelong glances, no angry stares.

She merely leaned against his chest with absolute obedience, like a docile kitten.

Apart from that, nothing else.

Gu Chengyin's thoughts shifted again: Compared to Lin Qingyan, I like Shangguan Yunying more.

Lin Qingyan still showed no reaction.

She even closed her eyes, as if being held by Gu Chengyin was a pleasure.

There was not a single ripple of emotional fluctuation, much less any hint of anger.

A profound glint flashed in the depths of Gu Chengyin's eyes.

He was certain now.

Even with Lin Qingyan held in his arms.

Even with the distance between them so close.

His Golden Core realm Dao Heart could completely mask his true thoughts.

It would not be like before.

Where the moment he thought of something, Lin Qingyan would immediately sense it.

This was a qualitative leap, and a return of the initiative.

Previously, in front of Lin Qingyan, he had been like an open book; no thought could hide.

So much so that Gu Chengyin had to constantly keep his mind taut to avoid exposing any flaws.

But now... he could think about anything in front of Lin Qingyan again.

Think about Shangguan Yunying, think about Luo Zhao, think about all his calculations and schemes.

And Lin Qingyan would know nothing.

Gu Chengyin lowered his eyelids, hiding the sharp edge that flashed through his eyes.

But he knew he could not keep it like this forever.

The reason Lin Qingyan had not noticed anything unusual right now was that she was still immersed in the complex emotions brought about by what had just happened.

Her mind was distracted, her vigilance lowered.

She did not even know how to face him, which was why she was so slow to react to his embrace.

But once Lin Qingyan calmed down, once she regained her usual sharpness, she would sooner or later realize something was wrong.

Sooner or later, she would discover that the fluctuations radiating from Gu Chengyin were far too steady.

So steady that he did not seem like a normal man.

Even Gu Chengyin could not hold Lin Qingyan without a single trace of an unsettled, wandering mind.

And it was even more impossible for his aura to remain completely unruffled from beginning to end.

Being too normal was in itself the greatest abnormality.

And Lin Qingyan was not only smart but also extremely sharp.

She would definitely notice.

Therefore, Gu Chengyin had to thoroughly master his Dao Heart before she found out.

By then, he would be able to release some appropriate, expected abnormal fluctuations at the right moments.

These abnormal fluctuations would be sensed by Lin Qingyan and interpreted as various emotions, making her believe in him without a doubt.

She would also believe in her own senses without a doubt, never suspecting that Gu Chengyin could already hide his true thoughts.

And this was true control.

Not just simply hiding, but precisely releasing.

Whatever he wanted Lin Qingyan to perceive, she would perceive.

Whatever he wanted Lin Qingyan to believe, she would believe.

Only then would Lin Qingyan truly fall into the palm of his hand.

Although he could not achieve complete control like hypnosis, there was no doubt that amidst the complex situation of the Divine Capital.

When facing the unfathomable Emperor Luo, Lin Qingyan was his greatest trump card.

And now...

Gu Chengyin lowered his head and glanced at Lin Qingyan in his arms.

She turned her body slightly to the side to make her posture more comfortable.

Gu Chengyin could clearly smell the faint, cool fragrance on Lin Qingyan's body.

And clearly feel the warmth of her body.

Her face had already regained its usual aloofness.

After his Dao Heart breakthrough, Gu Chengyin no longer needed to forcefully suppress his emotions.

His previous restraint and self-control were out of fear that he would sink into it and lose himself.

But not anymore. He could completely control himself and maintain clear rationality.

So, when facing such a Lin Qingyan, such a Golden Core fairy.

Gu Chengyin no longer resisted, but followed his desires.

He lowered his head; he wanted to kiss Lin Qingyan.

When faced with Gu Chengyin's initiative, a flash of surprise involuntarily crossed Lin Qingyan's eyes.

In her impression, Gu Chengyin had never been this proactive.

At most, he would just hold her, wrap her in his arms, and behave himself.

However, before Lin Qingyan's thoughts could even start turning.

The very next breath.

She was lost in Gu Chengyin's kiss.

The following time passed in a subtle tranquility.

Shangguan Yunying was immersed in her cultivation, completely unaware of what was happening beside her.

Nor did she know that right in front of her, Lin Qingyan remained nestled in Gu Chengyin's embrace the entire time.

Spiritual energy surged around her as the profoundness of the Azure Cloud Incantation unfolded bit by bit within her body.

Shangguan Yunying was entranced, wishing she could break through to the Golden Core realm in one breath.

Lin Qingyan rested with her eyes closed, her face as cool and aloof as usual, as if nothing had happened.

But her eyelashes occasionally fluttered slightly, betraying her uncalm heart.

Gu Chengyin, meanwhile, continuously felt the Golden Core Dao Heart within him, attempting to master its every ripple.

Before arriving at the Divine Capital, he had to completely master his Dao Heart.

Only then could he take the next step.

An unknown amount of time passed.

Suddenly, Chen Busha's voice came from outside the carriage:

Junior Preceptor Gu, Lord Jingzhe.

We have arrived at the Divine Capital.