Try and try again

"The art of soul-shifting is indeed incredibly powerful," Madam Hu murmured, her astonishment hidden beneath a veil of secrecy.

"It can work wonders when dealing with individuals of lesser skill or those with malicious intentions," Song Qingshu explained. "However, it would be futile against someone with formidable martial prowess and a virtuous heart, such as yourself, sister-in-law." Deep down, Song Qingshu breathed a sigh of relief. Before his meridians had been fully restored, he had been unable to practice due to the intense strain caused by the Jiuyin Scriptures. Reluctant to study the scriptures repeatedly, he had stumbled upon the fortuitous realization that the cultivation of the Soul Transfer technique required no internal energy circulation. It relied solely on spiritual power. In that moment, Song Qingshu realized that, given the right conditions, he might be able to instantaneously acquire martial arts skills.

"I find it hard to believe. I want to see it for myself," Madam Hu's voice trembled with a delicate vulnerability.

"Then would you like to give it a try?" Song Qingshu felt his heart race, his gaze locked onto her.

Madam Hu glanced at him, her fingers brushing against his intense gaze. Her heart swayed, and she replied in a barely audible whisper, "Let's try."

"Sister-in-law, look deep into my eyes..." Song Qingshu couldn't afford to be restrained in seeking her consent.

Madam Hu's gaze met his, and suddenly, she felt herself being pulled into a vast whirlpool, her mind beginning to lose its grasp on reality.

"Sister-in-law, come, embrace me," Song Qingshu, aware of his limitations, dared not give any further instructions.

"Yes..." Madam Hu's voice, unusually alluring, escaped her lips as she took slow, deliberate steps towards him. With outstretched arms, she enveloped Song Qingshu in a tight embrace, resting her head softly against his chest.

As the fragrance of her body lingered in his arms, Song Qingshu realized the stakes had grown considerably higher. He hastily snapped his fingers, breaking the enchantment. Madam Hu snapped back to awareness, her eyes widening as she discovered their compromising positions. Blushing with embarrassment, she pushed Song Qingshu away.

"My apologies, it was an oversight," Song Qingshu explained sheepishly. "I forgot that I had just practiced a mystical technique, and my internal strength may be slightly higher than yours, sister-in-law..."

Madam Hu let out a faint sigh, her gaze locked onto him with a complex mixture of emotions. "Qing Shu, your ability to manipulate souls is a formidable skill. This technique... it truly possesses an evil essence. If you were to... harm someone of good standing..."

"Sister-in-law, please don't misunderstand me. I am not that kind of person," Song Qingshu interjected hastily, keen to clarify the situation. "Martial arts itself is not inherently evil; it is the individuals who wield it that determine its morality. Even someone like Guo Jing and his wife Huang Rong practice similar techniques. Does my sister-in-law consider them to be villains as well?"

Madam Hu sighed, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Well, I can't argue with that," she murmured. "But you must promise me that you will never use this soul-shifting technique on me again." Yet, a tinge of embarrassment tinged her thoughts. If he were unable to control himself and made advances on her during intimate moments, what would become of her?

"Sister-in-law, you have my word. I will never employ it on you again," Song Qingshu reassured her, his expression sincere and earnest.

"Sister-in-law, please believe me," Madam Hu smiled sweetly, the morning sun casting a radiant glow upon her beautiful cheeks, momentarily captivating Song Qingshu.

Noticing his unwavering gaze, Madam Hu came to a decision deep within her heart. "Qing Shu, I fear it is time for me to leave."

Her words struck Song Qingshu like thunder, reverberating through his being. "Sister-in-law, I have erred. I shouldn't have toyed with such dark arts to tease you."

"It's not about that," Madam Hu sighed softly. "I am a widow, and I helped you seek a cure for your meridians. It was understandable for us to share a bond during that time. However, now that your meridians have been healed, how can I continue to be by your side?"

"Then I would rather my meridians remain broken," Song Qingshu muttered despondently.

"Don't speak in anger," Madam Hu found a hint of amusement in his childish outburst. After a pause, she gently persuaded, "Qing Shu, circumstances have brought us closer than ordinary in-laws during this period. But... for various reasons, our intimacy... it cannot persist."

"We are as bright as the sun and moon, and there is no shame in our connection," Song Qingshu protested anxiously.

"What if my conscience troubles me?" Madam Hu's words struck a chord within Song Qingshu. "Have you ever seen an uncle and sister-in-law in such intimate circumstances?" The question hung heavy in the air, leaving them both speechless.

"Qing Shu, I can discern the thoughts in your mind," Madam Hu continued after a while, softly.

Song Qingshu opened his mouth to speak, but a slender finger gently pressed against his lips, silencing him. "Don't worry, listen to me," she urged, her touch suppressing the torrent of words that threatened to spill from him.

"Qing Shu, it is impossible between us. I am a widow. You have a bright future ahead, and a destined girl awaits you," Madam Hu's voice remained soft and pleasant, yet Song Qingshu felt a deep sense of dread, as if he were on the precipice of losing her forever.

"I don't care!" Song Qingshu's voice reverberated with defiance.

"But I do!" Madam Hu's visage transformed into one of solemnity, her words laced with an almost sacred conviction. "I am Hu Yidao's wife, and even in death, I will remain his wife for eternity."

Madam Hu had always avoided confronting the recent turmoil within her mind. But now, compelled by the Soul Transfer technique, she was forced to confront her deepest emotions and make a final decision.

Song Qingshu remained silent, grappling with the complexities of modern perspectives on widowhood. In the present era, love should conquer all, irrespective of social conventions. However, in this world, societal customs and traditions held great significance, and he couldn't expect Madam Hu to be as progressive as he was.

Before, Song Qingshu had subconsciously evaded pondering this predicament. But now, as he contemplated the situation, he realized that even if Madam Hu agreed to be with him, the opposition they would face from society would be insurmountable. In order to uphold their reputation, Song Qingshu and the deceased Hu Yidao had become sworn brothers. If he were to pursue a relationship with Madam Hu, not only would she face immense scrutiny, but Song Qingshu himself would be ruined. They would be cast aside by the world.

Song Qingshu was a man of maturity. Despite his occasional impulsiveness, he never lacked reason. He quickly grasped Madam Hu's decision and regretted why he had prostrated himself before her.

"Have you come to understand?" Madam Hu observed his countenance gradually returning to composure, her heart aching. Nevertheless, she steeled herself and sought confirmation.

"Yes," Song Qingshu nodded wryly. "I am not prepared to face the storms that may come, let alone shield you from the hardships. But do not worry, sister-in-law. One day, I will silence the world's objections and claim you as mine."

"What nonsense," Madam Hu retorted with a snort. "I care not for your thoughts. Now that you have comprehended, I shall take my leave."

"Sister-in-law, I regret my actions. I had intended to jest with you by employing the Soul Transfer technique once more," Song Qingshu suddenly raised his head and smiled mischievously.

Madam Hu was taken aback, quickly closing her eyes. "Qing Shu, what are you planning?"

"It was merely a jest," Song Qingshu sighed, a tinge of regret in his voice. "I realized that I have been ignorant of my sister-in-law's name for far too long. I felt a twinge of remorse and considered using the Soul Transfer technique to inquire about it."

Madam Hu shot him an angry glare. "Do you not know that, apart from their closest kin, women usually reveal their names only to their husbands?"

"I am aware," Song Qingshu's smile tugged at Madam Hu's heartstrings, and she scowled at him. "It matters not to me." With that, he turned and walked away.

After traversing a considerable distance, Song Qingshu glanced back and found Madam Hu still rooted to the spot, gazing at him. Softening her heart, she placed a hand over her mouth and called out, "Big Brother Hu used to call me Bing Xueer." With that revelation, she swiftly fled the scene as if propelled by wings.