Chapter 188: Conversation Under the Moonlight
Under Tang Yuehua's expectant gaze, Gu Han reached out and took the jade flute. Carved from the finest white jade, it felt soft and delicate to the touch, carrying with it a faint fragrance.
Gu Han's expression grew solemn, as if he had finally reached a decision. He raised his head, his deep eyes locking onto Tang Yuehua's.
"Miss Yuehua."
"Brother Gu, what's wrong?"
Tang Yuehua hesitated, unable to meet his gaze. Her slender fingers tightened slightly on her skirt, her head lowered in a mixture of shyness and anticipation.
Gu Han drew in a long breath, then said firmly:
"I'm not good at music."
The words fell like a stone into a still pond.
Tang Yuehua was instantly stunned, the romantic atmosphere she had so carefully cultivated shattering at once. Her lips curved into a faint, bitter smile.
"Haha, so even Brother Gu has weaknesses," she teased softly, her voice carrying a touch of self-mockery. "If Brother Gu doesn't mind, allow me to teach you. After all, I'm not a saint either—I too have my shortcomings."
Gu Han smiled faintly, unconcerned by her jest. He gently returned the flute into her hands, then turned his gaze upward to the radiant moonlight bathing the courtyard. His robe, pure as the moon itself, shimmered with an ethereal glow, making him appear like an immortal descended to the mortal world.
"Miss Yuehua," he said slowly, "would you like to hear my story?"
The question caught Tang Yuehua off guard. Her heartbeat quickened, yet she nodded softly. "Brother Gu, please tell me."
Gu Han paused to gather his thoughts. Then, with deliberate calm, he began to recount his past—being taken in by his grandfather, awakening his martial spirit, apprenticing under Qian Xunji, and eventually meeting Bibi Dong. He spoke clearly, omitting secrets best left unsaid, yet never failing to emphasize his bond with Bibi Dong.
Tang Yuehua listened intently. She was no fool. From the way Gu Han described his past, she could tell—this was his way of rejecting her. His heart already belonged elsewhere.
Her eyes dimmed slightly, her lips tightening as she forced herself to remain composed. Though she knew her chances were slim, she could not give up. To turn away from such a remarkable man would leave her with regrets for a lifetime.
She forced a gentle smile, her tone calm yet carrying an undercurrent of determination.
"Brother Gu and Her Highness the Saint indeed share a deep bond… but Brother Gu, perhaps you've misunderstood something."
Gu Han turned slightly, his gaze meeting hers. Her eyes, shimmering with complicated emotions, revealed both longing and pain. He was about to speak when Tang Yuehua gently raised a slender finger, pressing it lightly to his lips.
Her touch was fleeting. She withdrew her hand, lowered her gaze, and turned back toward the pond, where ripples shimmered under the moonlight. Her voice was soft, tinged with vulnerability.
"Brother Gu, I cannot take away what belongs to Her Highness. But from the moment we met, I felt a bond with you… a connection. I only wish to be your confidant. Just a friend. You won't refuse me that, will you?"
Her eyes lifted once more, clear and resolute, searching his with faint hope.
At that moment, Tang Chen's voice echoed in Gu Han's heart: "Promise her. Don't be so heartless."
Gu Han froze, then exhaled slowly. After a brief silence, he nodded. "Very well."
He had already sensed they were being observed, and by more than one familiar presence. He chose not to expose it.
Meeting Tang Yuehua's eyes, he let a warm smile spread across his face. "Miss Yuehua, if you are free, please visit the Spirit Hall often. My senior sister and I would gladly welcome you personally."
In the depths of his spiritual sea, Bing Di chuckled. "Tsk, tsk, what a killer girl! She's relentless."
Xue Di, arms folded, gave a rare approving nod. "He appeals to both the young and the old. Truly… this one is extraordinary."
Having spent long years at Gu Han's side, she knew he wasn't just another human genius. He didn't belong to this world—his brilliance outshone even Tang Chen's. If they had lived in the same era, Tang Chen's light would be no more than a firefly before the bright moon.
If Tang Chen was the most desperate to reach godhood, then Gu Han was the one destined to.
She sighed quietly. "This girl… she will likely remain single all her life. Once you've met such a man, who else could ever compare?"
Bing Di rested her chin on her palm, nodding slowly. "Sister, I think the same."
Meanwhile, Tang Yuehua's heart brightened again upon hearing Gu Han's words. Smiling through the faint regret in her heart, she lifted the jade flute and began to play.
The melody was clear and melodious, yet tinged with sorrow. It was the perfect reflection of her mood—hope intertwined with inevitable loss.
Gu Han closed his eyes and listened quietly. Though he knew nothing of music, he could tell this woman's artistry surpassed nearly all others. She was unlike the rest of the Haotian Sect—gentle, dignified, and elegant amidst a sea of hammer-wielding men.
When the final note faded, he opened his eyes and clapped softly.
"Miss Yuehua, though I may not understand music, I am certain ninety-nine percent of the world's musicians cannot compare to you."
Tang Yuehua giggled softly, covering her lips. "Brother Gu, you flatter me. I merely dabble, nowhere near the realm of true masters."
Gu Han smiled faintly, then cleared his throat. "Miss Yuehua, we've been out for quite some time. Tonight is Yuexuan's grand opening, and you are the host. If we linger too long, rumors may spread… and that would tarnish your reputation."
Tang Yuehua's eyes sparkled as she teased, "Brother Gu is ever so considerate. Very well, let us return."
Though she joked lightly, a part of her almost wished rumors would spread.
Gu Han's smile turned a little stiff, but he gestured politely for her to walk ahead.
Just as they prepared to leave, the hidden auras Gu Han had sensed earlier quickly returned to the venue.
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