Chapter 44: I Just Missed You

The moment Lu Chengfeng accepted the jade pendant, he could distinctly feel a golden light deep within his mind ignite like a flame, burning intensely. Unlike the last time, this flame blazed fiercely, even causing a faint sense of heat and prickling at his brow.

An irrepressible surge of joy and excitement welled up in him. A gift of this magnitude from a Xuanhe Peak elder could exponentially increase his strength in a short period.

"The Three Prodigies of the sect have all reached elder-level strength. It won't be long before I can match anyone in my generation."

Despite the ups and downs, he finally felt as though the clouds had parted, and his heart was as refreshed as if drinking sweet dew. He couldn't conceal the smile spreading across his face.

Seeing Lu Chengfeng's clear joy upon receiving the pendant, the little maid Die'er, with her baby-like round face, couldn't help but smile. Inwardly, she thought, "It seems he genuinely likes Lady Qiu. It's just a pity he's rather fond of women in general."

Meanwhile, Cai Zhang, observing his senior brother's elation, felt somewhat exasperated. He thought, Senior Brother really has a thing for older, married women. He hasn't even gotten what he wants, and he's already this happy.

"Now that the tokens have been exchanged, you are officially my lady's fiancé," Die'er said crisply. "It's late now, so I suggest you return to rest, gather your strength, and prepare for the demon tide within the sect."

With the agreement settled, Die'er's attitude toward Lu Chengfeng softened noticeably. Gone were her earlier sharp words and barbed remarks; in their place was a more courteous and considerate demeanor.

Lu Chengfeng finally composed himself, carefully tucking the jade pendant into his sleeve pouch. He cupped his hands respectfully. "Thank you, Lady Die'er, for your efforts. Please pass on my regards to Lady Qiu Tong and tell her that once I've completed my duties, I will come to bring her home."

"No need for thanks; this is simply my duty," Die'er replied with a slight smile, dimples appearing on her cheeks. "In the future, you may simply call me Die'er. I'll convey your words to my lady accurately, rest assured."

Lu Chengfeng took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Thank you, Lady Die'er. It's getting late; please take care on your way back. I shall take my leave."

Die'er returned his gesture, smiled gently, then turned to leave.

As he watched her silhouette gradually disappear into the dim evening, a gust of wind swept through, yet his chest felt warm, and his gaze was filled with fervor.

"Senior Brother, come back to reality!" Cai Zhang called from the side. "You're not eyeing the maid too, are you? You've been staring at her back this whole time."

Lu Chengfeng flicked his fingers, lightly tapping Cai Zhang on the forehead. "What nonsense are you spouting? You know I only have a preference for widows and married women, haha…"

No longer able to contain his joy, he burst into laughter.

"Senior Brother, you're abandoning the one who helped you!" Cai Zhang muttered, rubbing his forehead where it had been tapped, grumbling.

"Haha, come to Bixiao Peak tomorrow. I'll arrange with Suyi to leave the elixirs for you to pick up," Lu Chengfeng said with a laugh as he started heading back toward Bixiao Peak.

"Oh, how could I possibly accept…" Cai Zhang started, feigning modesty, but before he could finish, Lu Chengfeng said, "If you don't want them, I'll take them back."

"I want them, of course!" Cai Zhang quickly replied. "This will be a testament to your good fortune in marriage. How could I refuse such a gift?"

"You…" Lu Chengfeng chuckled, shaking his head. This guy could twist any logic to suit his needs, almost unrecognizable from the taciturn man he knew on the mountain.

"You've been running around for me these past few days, putting in quite the effort and owing quite a few favors, especially with the sect so busy with the demon tide. For you to help with my personal matters means a lot to me."

"We grew up as disciples together. A few elixirs are just a token of my gratitude. Whenever you're free, come visit me at Bixiao Peak. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to seek my help." Lu Chengfeng spoke with sincerity. Though the evening had darkened, Cai Zhang couldn't quite see his expression, but he understood that his senior brother had taken his loyalty to heart.

"Heh, Senior Brother, there's no need to be so formal. As you said, we're fellow disciples. Running a few errands is nothing…"

Cai Zhang felt a surge of happiness. With few friends or family within the sect, it was his senior brother, Lu Chengfeng, who had shown him much care over the years. After this experience, their bond deepened, filling Cai Zhang with a subtle, indescribable joy.

After a few more words, they parted ways near Houde Pavilion and headed to their respective homes.

Lu Chengfeng now felt an urgent longing to return. He couldn't wait to retreat to his room and begin meditating, eager to absorb the Xuanhe Peak elder's gift.

Without hesitation, he exerted his energy to its fullest, racing through the cool night air.

When he reached the foot of Bixiao Peak, the night had fully descended. From a distance, he saw a faint, warm light flickering, and his steps slowed as he stood, surprised.

Even in the dim light, he could make out a figure in a red dress, cloaked in a white satin cape embroidered with golden butterflies, holding a lantern and standing demurely by the welcome pavilion at the mountain's base, gazing into the distance.

The evening breeze picked up, rustling her skirt and cape, causing the lantern in her hand to sway, the light flickering uncertainly.

The impatience and restlessness in Lu Chengfeng's heart dissipated entirely, replaced by a warm sensation and a hint of moisture in his eyes.

He gathered his energy and quickly approached.

"Husband, you're back?" As he drew close, Luo Suyi spotted him and her face lit up with delight, taking a few quick steps forward.

Lu Chengfeng reached out, taking the lantern with his left hand and pulling her into his arms, his voice filled with concern. "Why are you waiting here so late? The night air is chilly, and it's not safe out here. How am I supposed to be at ease with you doing this?"

Nestled in his arms, Luo Suyi felt the cold evening breeze blocked by his warmth. His chest felt like a cozy furnace, and she found herself savoring the warmth.

"I heard from Brother Luo Yong that he saw you returning to the mountain, but then you left with Brother Cai Zhang. I thought you would surely come back tonight. It's so dark, and I worried you didn't have a lantern on the mountain path…" Luo Suyi leaned her head against his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his waist, clinging tightly to him.

"Silly woman, my inner strength has reached the tenth level; I can see perfectly well in the dark. You don't need to worry," Lu Chengfeng said gently, feeling her affection. He knew the situation with the demon tide had caused her no small amount of anxiety, and he wanted to reassure her.

"I… I just missed you…"

Hearing her soft words, Lu Chengfeng found himself at a loss for words. He passed the lantern to Li Mo, who had accompanied her to keep her safe, and who he had noticed nearby earlier.

With a sweep of his arm, he lifted his beloved wife into his embrace, letting her wrap her arms around his neck as he held her close. "Thank you for watching over Suyi, Brother," he said. "I'll take her home now."

He and Li Mo shared a deep bond, needing few formalities between them. After a brief w

ord, Lu Chengfeng began the journey up the mountain, carrying Luo Suyi in his arms.

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