Chapter 117: How Is My Disciple?

After breakfast, Li Nianlong sat in the living room watching the morning news, much like he did back in Tianfu. The Yue sisters sat on either side of him. Yuechang leaned sleepily on Li Nianlong's shoulder, while Yuexi lay down, resting her head on his thigh like a little kitten, enjoying the comforting touch of his hand. Everything felt just like it did in Tianfu—perfect.

"Big brother, did you come to Longcheng for something?" Yuexi asked, opening her eyes as Li Nianlong reached for his water cup.

"Yes, I had something to take care of," Li Nianlong replied, taking a sip of water. A hint of frustration flashed in his eyes as he smiled faintly. "But I didn't succeed. I planned to leave early this morning, but I thought it would be wrong not to see you two since I was already here."

The last sentence made the Yue sisters very happy. Yuexi giggled, "I knew you were the best, big brother." She paused before continuing, "Big brother, what did you come to Longcheng for? Maybe Changchang and I can help."

Li Nianlong fell silent, unsure if he should tell them.

"This just in: It's been three days since the assassination attempt on the Crown Prince, but the perpetrator has yet to be found. According to investigations, Zhang Xiaofan's identity was fabricated, highlighting the flaws in our country's household registration system..." the news anchor reported.

Yuexi suddenly froze, and Yuechang also opened her eyes, looking at Li Nianlong with a thoughtful expression.

Seeing the sisters' puzzled expressions, Li Nianlong said calmly, "There's no need to wonder. I'm the one who tried to assassinate the Crown Prince."

"Big brother, you..." The Yue sisters were shocked. Although they had heard about the assassination attempt through the news a few days ago, they never connected it to Li Nianlong. Moreover, the released photos of the perpetrator looked nothing like him. But now, with Li Nianlong in Longcheng and his mentioning a failed mission, coupled with the timely news broadcast, his confession hit them hard. "How could it be you?"

"What's so strange about it?" Li Nianlong said calmly. "I originally had a grudge against Long Zongheng. When my abilities first awakened, I lacked the strength, but now I feel strong enough, so I came to Tianfu to kill him. However..." Li Nianlong clenched his fists, his eyes filled with anger. "If it weren't for that old man from the Long family, I would have succeeded. I wouldn't have left like this."

"Big brother..." The Yue sisters looked at him worriedly. This was the first time they had seen Li Nianlong so angry and frustrated. He seemed like a lone wolf on the prairie, struggling and helpless.

A warm embrace suddenly enveloped Li Nianlong. He looked up to find Yuechang holding him gently. His face was pressed against her soft, ample chest, and her sweet scent made him feel intoxicated. "Changchang..."

"It's okay," Yuechang's soft voice was like the kind and compassionate voice of a Bodhisattva, soothing and healing. "Everything will be okay. Big brother, even though you didn't succeed this time, I believe that one day, you will achieve your goal. I believe in you, truly believe in you."

Li Nianlong's body relaxed, finding peace in Yuechang's warm embrace.

On the other side, Yuexi pouted. Well, this time I'll let it slide.

Ding dong—

At that moment, the doorbell rang, startling the three of them.

"Who could it be at this hour?" Yuechang wondered, tilting her head. She let go of Li Nianlong and went to the door. Peeking through the peephole, she smiled and turned to Yuexi. "It's Master."

"Master's here?" Yuexi immediately sat up and told Li Nianlong, "Big brother, my master's here."

"Oh?" Li Nianlong had heard the Yue sisters mention their master before, but he'd never had the chance to meet her. He hadn't expected to meet her on his first visit here.

The door opened, and an ordinary-looking old woman walked in. If anything stood out, it was her eyes. Though they appeared cloudy, they were deep and seemed capable of seeing through everything.

When their eyes met, Li Nianlong felt as if the old woman saw through him completely, making him very uncomfortable.

"Detection of abnormal energy around the host. System automatically activating defense mechanisms. Abnormal energy has been isolated. Host, please remain calm," Dragonfly's voice assured him, making Li Nianlong breathe a sigh of relief. The old woman, however, showed a look of surprise. She could see through him a moment ago, but now she couldn't. Could this young man's soul be stronger than hers? How was that possible?

Li Nianlong looked at the old woman and said calmly, "It's not polite to look at someone without permission, ma'am."

The Yue sisters were taken aback. They looked at Li Nianlong, then at the old woman. "Master..."

The old woman chuckled. "Indeed, extraordinary. It was my fault for being rude."

Li Nianlong smiled faintly, letting it go. "You must be Changchang and Xixi's master. I've heard about you and have been looking forward to meeting you. Today, I see that you are indeed extraordinary."

"Young man, don't mock an old woman," she replied with a chuckle. With Yuechang's support, she walked to the right-side sofa and sat down. Yuexi quickly poured her a cup of hot water. "Master, please have some water."

"Thank you, Xixi," the old woman said kindly, her genuine affection for the Yue sisters making Li Nianlong nod in approval. Clearly, she cared deeply for them.

"Master, why are you here?" Yuexi asked curiously after sitting down next to Li Nianlong.

"Why? Can't I come?" the old woman teased.

"Of course you can," Yuexi pouted. "I'm just surprised. You never visit us this early."

"Yes," Yuechang added sleepily. "It's strange for Master to come so early." She glanced at Li Nianlong and giggled. "Could it be that Master knew big brother was coming and came because of that?"

Hmm?

Li Nianlong was puzzled. She knew I was coming? My actions were so secretive; how could she know?

Thinking of the old woman's eyes that seemed to see through everything, Li Nianlong felt a chill. Could she have some sort of precognitive ability?

"I did come for your 'big brother'," the old woman said, emphasizing 'big brother' in a teasing tone, making the Yue sisters blush.

Li Nianlong watched coldly. Even though the Yue sisters were here, their master's presence made him cautious and uneasy, unable to relax completely.

Seeing Li Nianlong's change in demeanor, the old woman smiled faintly. "Young man, your name is Li Nianlong, right?"

"Yes," Li Nianlong replied. "What advice do you have, Master?"

"Since you call me Master, I'll be straightforward," the old woman said, smiling. "It's a bit abrupt and perhaps unreasonable, but I hope you will abandon your plan to assassinate Long Zongheng."

"Impossible!" Li Nianlong said coldly. Although he didn't know how she knew he was the one who tried to assassinate Long Zongheng, there was no way he would give up. "Long Zongheng and I have a blood feud. I must kill him in this lifetime!"

The old woman looked at Li Nianlong and sighed. "You are filled with killing intent, which has affected your state of mind. This will be detrimental in the future."

"If you only wanted to tell me this, there's no need for us to continue talking," Li Nianlong said coldly.

"Big brother, don't be like this. If Master says something, it must be for a good reason," Yuexi said, holding his arm and pleading. "Big brother doesn't know Master's abilities. Actually, Master can see..."

"Xixi!" the old woman suddenly interrupted sharply, and Yuexi immediately shut her mouth.

"What can she see?" Li Nianlong asked, puzzled.

"I..." Yuexi covered her mouth. "I'm sorry, big brother, I can't say. If I do, something bad will happen."

Something bad?

Li Nianlong frowned. Although he didn't know what the bad thing was, Yuexi's strong abilities were evidently so afraid of it, indicating it was very dire.

Li Nianlong wasn't one to push for answers. Since Yuexi didn't dare to say, he didn't press her. "It's okay."

"Big brother, I'm sorry. I can tell you anything else, but not this. I'm sorry," Yuexi apologized repeatedly, feeling deeply regretful.

"It's okay," Li Nianlong said, patting her head. Yuexi's expression softened, and she closed her eyes contentedly, enjoying his touch.

Li Nianlong smiled slightly. "Everyone has secrets they don't want to share. I understand."

"Mm," Yuexi snuggled against his shoulder. "Big brother, I like you the most."

Seeing this, the old woman smiled. "Nianlong, what do you think of Xixi?"

"She's lively and adorable," Li Nianlong replied.

Yuexi pouted, "Not gentle and virtuous?"

Li Nianlong smiled and ruffled her hair.

"Meow..."

The old woman continued smiling. "And what about Changchang?"

"She's gentle on the outside but strong on the inside."

Yuechang opened her eyes wide. "Is that really me?"

"Of course it is!" Yuexi said, rubbing her butt. "Every time you get angry, I suffer, especially my butt."

The old woman chuckled. "Indeed, Changchang is outwardly gentle but inwardly strong. For small matters, you rely on Xixi; for big matters, on Changchang. Isn't that how it is?"

The Yue sisters scratched their heads, realizing it was true.

Li Nianlong smiled. "Changchang and Xixi are both wonderful girls. They're like sisters to me. I like them very much."

"Just sisters?" The old woman instantly sensed a hint of disappointment in the Yue sisters' hearts. She squinted and adjusted her glasses, chuckling. "There's no such thing as a pure brother-sister relationship without blood ties. You say you see them as sisters, but do you have no other feelings in your heart?"

Her words made the Yue sisters perk up their ears, and the old woman stared deeply at Li Nianlong.