In the beginning, she was indeed a spoilt child and approached with a purpose. But later, it was discovered that the prince had treated her sincerely, so why not reciprocate his sincerity?
In the future, maybe she will impress the son, and the maid will be promoted to be the wife; it was not a bad idea.
"Have you taken the qilin blood essence I gifted you before?"
"Not yet, your highness."
"You should refine that as soon as possible and upgrade your physique." Xiao Tian sat down on the couch and said. "You know, I have a yang physique; if you were to cultivate dual cultivation with me, it would benefit both of us greatly."
He has a supreme Yang physique, while she has a heavenly Yin physique; they were perfect for dual cultivation.
"Dua... dual cultivation..."
Hearing the coveted words, Li Suxin's face was immediately stained with a moving blush; her eyes were as charming as silk, and her face was dyed with a red glow.
The ecstasy in her heart was endless, but she didn't dare to show it, so he could only forcefully suppress her excitement. It was a great blessing to be able to obtain the ice qilin blood essence and improve her special physique.
If it can also be combined with the legendary Nine Sun Supreme Yang Physique in dual cultivation, it will take her to a higher level...
Maybe in the future, others will not call her the Purple Mist Sect Saintess.
It will be Empress of Purple Mist!
"If you don't want to? Then I will take it back."
"I...I am willing." Suxin hastily spoke, fearing he would take his words back.
But she immediately felt that she was too unreserved; her white teeth clenched her red lips, and her exquisite face became more and more attractive.
"Thank you for your kindness... I will definitely work hard to refine it." After leaving these words, she fled away.
It wasn't until she walked out of the courtyard, door closed, that she leaned against the door, almost going limp.
She covered her chest with her hands, and there was a smile on the corner of her mouth that looked pale.
...
"Mmm... I was kidding, but she unexpectedly didn't reject it..." In the room, Xiao Tian muttered softly with a smirk.
"It seems she is much more interested in me than I assumed." Xiao Tian thought inwardly. Because of the system notification, he knew that Suxin had developed an affection for him, but he didn't know the degree of affection.
"Now, the crisis of the Purple Mist Sect has been resolved. The system's first task is almost completed; now I have to calculate a plan for Ye Fan. After dealing with him, my purpose here will be completed."
"But how should I deal with Ye Fan?" Xiao Tian pondered inwardly. "I can't attack him directly; he still has luck remaining. According to the system, I have to deplete his luck. Hopefully, Sister Luan and the old man will find something."
"I should go look for that mysterious woman."
...
Night draped the Purple Mist Sect in a silver veil. The moon hung low above the mountains, large and luminous, casting its soft light across the reflecting pools and ancient stone paths.
In the backyard of Xiao Tian's courtyard, a woman's figure stood alone. It was none other than Lu Shuwan.
The effects of the Vitality Restoration Pills were already taking hold—her once-pale skin now carried a faint healthy glow, and her spiritual core had regained stability. Her blood essence, although still weak, was no longer in danger of collapse.
She wore a simple robe of navy and grey, her long black hair tied in a loose knot behind her. Despite the faint flush on her cheeks, her eyes were sharp—calm, but guarded.
From the darkness, Xiao Tian stepped into the clearing. He sensed her arrival and came out of the room.
He didn't announce himself. She sensed him the moment he arrived.
"I expected you later," Xiao Tian said as he walked toward her. "I thought you would take a longer rest," he replied, stepping to her side. "But I suppose someone like you doesn't rest when there's a debt to repay."
Lu Shuwan's lips twitched faintly. "You speak as if I owe you my life."
"Don't I?"
She turned, facing him directly.
"I gave my word under the Heaven Dao Oath," she said calmly. "I agreed to follow you. But becoming your personal guard… that's another matter."
Xiao Tian raised a brow, not answering immediately. The wind rustled the bamboo around them, its hush adding weight to the moment.
He studied her in silence for a moment, then said, "Do you know why I asked you to be my guard?"
"Because I'm strong?" She said, crossing her arms.
"You are half right; I want to be my guard because you are beautiful and strong. And you have a strong heart."
"So, you are indeed a pervert." Lu Shuwan's eyes rolled as she retorted.
Xiao Tian smiled and replied, "I am not a pervert; I am just fond of beautiful women."
"Not only are you a pervert, but you are shameless as well." She said again, feeling a little conflicted in her heart; she knew that it was a bad decision to follow him, but he saved her life, and she needed a shelter to hide from her enemy.
As long as she joins his team, she will have a shelter and chances of obtaining the high-grade martial skills. She needed time to restore her peak strength; it was not enough. She wanted to become stronger than her previous peak if she wanted to get her revenge.
Lu Shuwan lowered her gaze, expression unreadable. "I will become your guard, but you are not allowed to put excessive demands or lay your dirty hands on me. But I need some compensation or salary in return.
"I'll give you what you need to restore your strength. Techniques, pills, spiritual herbs—whatever you ask for, within reason. And when the time comes, I'll help you settle your old debts."
She raised an eyebrow. "You know about my enemy?"
"No. I don't care who your enemy is. They should be someone powerful who is after you… someone you dared to defy. But who am I? I want to see who dares to lay hands on me." Xiao Tian replied fearlessly.
"Okay, I will become your guard." Lu Shuwan took a long breath and said.
"I, Lu Shuwan, swear upon the Heaven Dao—until my life's debt is paid, I shall serve as the personal guard of Xiao Tian, Crown Prince of the Northern Wastes."
Xiao Tian blinked.
Even he hadn't expected such formality.
She looked up at him with a rare seriousness.
"But don't expect me to call you 'master'. I'll protect you, not worship you."
"I wouldn't want it any other way," Xiao Tian said with a grin.
He extended a hand.
She hesitated… Then he took it but regretted it immediately, as he didn't simply shake her hand but also caressed the back of her gently.
For a moment, she stood in silence, her anger risen. Then Lu Shuwan pulled back sharply, her usual coldness returning like a mask snapping into place.
"You'll regret it," she muttered, turning away.
"I regret many things," he said. "But not you."
She didn't answer.
But a faint redness rose to her ears as she disappeared into the grove, leaving behind only moonlight and bamboo shadows.