People in the Qin Dynasty sought good fortune and avoided misfortune.

Chapter 513, Scarlet Smoke: This is fate, isn't it?
Inside the palace of Zhangtai Palace, amidst the crimson smoke.

Inside the hall, wisps of incense smoke rose from the incense burner, and dark blue curtains with golden patterns were scattered in front of the windows. Layers of oil lamps were placed beside pillars with unique patterns, and the bright candlelight flickered without wind, making the already dim hall even more mysterious.

Countless points of light shimmered on the deep ceiling, like a cluster of brilliant stars in the night sky.

Xu Qing and Fei Yan sat facing each other, with a letter on their table.

After reading the letter, Xu Qing looked up at Fei Yan.

After a few days apart, Fei Yan was still the beautiful and charming Dong Jun of the Yin Yang School. Her eyebrows and eyes were like paintings, and her demeanor was pleasing to the eye. Even when she was just making tea, she was so beautiful that people could not bear to look away. Her long hair cascaded down, exuding indescribable nobility and elegance.

Her stunningly beautiful face was adorned with elegant and luxurious makeup. A dark blue off-shoulder dress accentuated her slender and graceful figure. The sleeves and hem of the dress were trimmed with wide gold borders, adding to her noble air. Her jet-black hair was simply held in place by a sharp hairpin.

Feiyan placed the teapot on the table, pushed the teacup towards Xu Qing, and said...

"Lord Zhaoming, this letter was sent from within my Yin-Yang School. It was written personally by His Majesty the Eastern Emperor. It instructs all disciples of my Yin-Yang School who have entered Qin to obey your orders, assist the King in taking the throne, and cleanse the world."

Did Donghuang Taiyi write it himself?

Xu Qing tentatively reached for the letter and glanced at Fei Yan. Seeing that Fei Yan's expression remained unchanged and she did not react at all, he then picked up the letter and opened it.

Just as Fei Yan had said, the letter contained only a simple command. However, Xu Qing read it very carefully, as if he wanted to glean some insight into Donghuang Taiyi, the leader of the Yin-Yang School, from these simple words.

As the most mysterious character in the original work, Donghuang Taiyi himself is synonymous with unfathomable depth, so Xu Qing naturally has great curiosity about him.

Not only did he want to know the true face beneath that black cloak, but he was also curious about Donghuang Taiyi, the mastermind behind the relentless pursuit of the Seven Constellations of the Azure Dragon, because he himself was already involved in the secret of the truth of the world.

As the saying goes, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win every battle." Although he was unsure of Donghuang Taiyi's true attitude towards him, Xu Qing felt that he should always take precautions.

Seeing Xu Qing's brows furrow slightly and his expression turn solemn at times, Fei Yan's eyes flashed with a hint of doubt. She had naturally read the contents of the letter; it contained only a simple order and no other issues.

But Xu Qing's appearance still piqued Fei Yan's curiosity, and she couldn't help but ask...

Is there a problem with this letter?

"No, there's no problem," Xu Qing said, shaking his head slightly after putting down the letter.

"Then why are you looking at it so intently? Sometimes your brows are furrowed, and sometimes your face looks serious?" Fei Yan continued to ask.

Xu Qing looked up at Fei Yan, who had a puzzled expression on her face. A glint of light flashed in her eyes. Fei Yan's face was full of confusion. She was no longer cold and dignified as usual. She looked rather cute, which made Xu Qing want to tease her a little.

"I myself have some knowledge of calligraphy and painting. After seeing the letter written by the Eastern Emperor Sect Leader, I couldn't help but admire it, wondering what I could glean from it." Xu Qing's expression became somewhat serious as he placed one hand on the letter and spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Hmm? You know calligraphy? Did you notice anything?"

Fei Yan's beautiful eyes sparkled, and a hint of curiosity appeared on her pretty face. She leaned forward slightly towards Xu Qing.

The handwriting reflects the person; some great calligraphers can discern a writer's character, skill, and thoughts simply from their handwriting and brushstrokes. Donghuang Taiyi was both her teacher and father figure, but Feiyan's understanding of him was roughly the same as that of the others within the Yin-Yang School.

Seeing Xu Qing's serious expression, Fei Yan's curiosity was completely piqued, and she wanted to see what Xu Qing had figured out.

“Looking at the handwriting and penmanship in the letters, I’ve gleaned a conclusion from them,” Xu Qing said slowly, looking at Fei Yan with a serious expression.

"what?"

Feiyan's beautiful eyes flickered slightly, and her body involuntarily tensed up in the serious atmosphere.

Her slender waist tightened, and her pert buttocks, which were pressed against her calves, lifted slightly, revealing a perfect curve of her hips and waist in her dark blue dress.

"The title 'Eastern Emperor Sect Leader' sounds quite familiar to me, like it's a letter written from home. The strokes of the characters are connected, as if he wants to become family with me. So the Eastern Emperor Sect Leader intends to marry you to me, thereby eliminating the misunderstanding between the Yin Yang School and the Daoist Heavenly Sect, and letting the two families reconcile their enmity with a smile," Xu Qing said earnestly.

Seeing Xu Qing spouting nonsense with a straight face, Fei Yan was stunned for a moment, then realized that she had been teased again.

"You... I'm trying to talk to you about something serious, and you're making fun of me!"

Fei Yan's breathing became slightly rapid, her heart filled with both annoyance and anger. She pressed her hands on the edge of the table, giving Xu Qing a coquettish glare. There was little of a woman's shyness, only poise and elegance. Her voice remained clear and cold, but her earlobes, hidden under her hair, were slightly burning.

She knew that Xu Qing would say nonsensical things for no reason, and that he was definitely up to no good. However, she still fell for his tricks and teased him every time, which made Fei Yan feel a complicated and indescribable emotion.

She wasn't angry at Xu Qing's flirting; instead, she felt a strange little thrill, like she had eaten a piece of candy, and her heart felt sweet.

"Don't be angry, don't be angry. I just thought the atmosphere was a bit serious and wanted to lighten it up. If we talk in a very formal way, it makes me feel a little uncomfortable."

Xu Qing raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and said with a smile.

Xu Qing naturally took in all of Fei Yan's little actions. After spending more time with Fei Yan these past few days, he had figured everything out.

Feiyan's maturity is only in appearance and temperament; when it comes to emotions, she is a complete blank slate.

The other person wasn't truly heartless. At the age when love is just beginning to blossom, how could they possibly have no feelings for the opposite sex? It's just that their status and years of habitual indifference prevent them from easily revealing their true feelings.

If she truly disliked these words, Fei Yan wouldn't care about his status as Zhaoming Jun; she would still take action if necessary.

Looking at the obsequious Xu Qing, Fei Yan snorted coldly, turned her head slightly away, and didn't really want to pay attention to Xu Qing.

That's Xu Qing for you. If it were anyone else, she would have flipped the table and unleashed a Dragon's Soul Dance to teach them a lesson about the power of the Three-Legged Golden Crow.

Even when she's angry, she's still so beautiful. It would be such a tragedy if that scumbag Ji Dan were to steal her away.

After Xu Qing made up his mind to marry Fei Yan, he pushed the letter in front of Fei Yan again and changed the subject.
"Let's get down to business. I appreciate Your Majesty's kindness, but with the King's coronation day drawing ever closer, are you sure you want the Yin-Yang School to enter Qin at this time?"

Upon hearing this, Fei Yan turned to look at Xu Qing, her brows furrowing slightly. Her gaze towards Xu Qing was somewhat complicated, and her rosy lips moved slightly as she spoke.

"Are you still questioning the sincerity of the Yin Yang School? Or are you doubting me? I said before that if you need me, I can help you kill Ji Dan. Killing him is enough to prove the sincerity of the Yin Yang School." "The Yin Yang School is based in the states of Chu and Yan. When the Yin Yang School was defeated in the state of Qi, it was fortunate that King Zhao of Yan took it in and gave it a chance to catch its breath. King Zhao of Yan even spent countless sums to build the Jieshi Palace for the Yin Yang School to live in."

“Killing Ji Dan, I think, is enough to prove the Yin-Yang School’s determination to be loyal to the Qin State.”

Hearing the displeasure in Fei Yan's words, Xu Qing felt speechless. Was that what he meant? He didn't doubt the Yin Yang School's sincerity, but this was really not the right time for them to enter Qin.

“I think you’ve misunderstood me. I don’t doubt the sincerity of the Yin-Yang School, nor do I doubt you. Winter is almost here, and there are less than two months until the King’s coronation. The Qin Kingdom will soon face a bloody storm.”

"If the Yin-Yang School enters Qin at this time, they will not only have to face Lü Buwei but also Lao Ai. If they are not careful, they may die without a burial place. Therefore, they should consider it carefully."

Xu Qing noticed the thoughtful look on Fei Yan's face, then changed the subject, her gaze softening as she spoke in a calm tone.
"Don't mention killing Ji Dan again. I've never doubted your intentions, and I know you mean what you say, but I don't want you to kill him."

"Why? Didn't you say he was a tough opponent?" Fei Yan asked, somewhat puzzled and confused.

The sudden change of topic caught her off guard, leaving her still lost in thought.

"Because I don't want you to have blood on your hands. I think we should be honest with each other and don't need any lives as a pledge of loyalty," Xu Qing said affectionately.

Using the crimson smoke to kill and eliminate one's enemies, Xu Qing could never do the kind of scumbag behavior that Ji Dan did.

Looking at Xu Qing with such affection and tenderness, Fei Yan's hands, clasped in front of her lower abdomen, involuntarily clenched together tightly, but she still forced herself to maintain her composure and asked in return...
"Aren't you afraid that I'm really deceiving you?"

"So what? I'd be willing to be deceived by you. My teacher once said that life has its rights and wrongs, but many things cannot be measured by right or wrong, and emotions are the most important factor."

"Love for someone is inherently irrational. Since I've fallen in love with you, even if you deceive me, I'm willing to accept it."

Xu Qing revealed a carefree smile and looked at Fei Yan as he spoke slowly.

Hearing these sweet words, Fei Yan's eyes flashed with shyness, and she lowered her head slightly, not daring to look at Xu Qing.

Although Xu Qing's words were somewhat clichéd, they were still quite effective at eliciting sweet nothings from Fei Yan, who had never heard such words before.

Although Feiyan is the high-ranking Dongjun of the Yin-Yang School, second only to Donghuang Taiyi, the Yin-Yang School is a cold and ruthless sect. Disciples within the sect can only stand out by constantly demonstrating their value; otherwise, they will all become stepping stones for others.

Within such a sect, one must think thrice before acting and clearly consider the pros and cons.

Xu Qing's unreasonable and reckless favoritism was something Fei Yan had never seen or felt before.

Now that such favoritism has fallen upon her, the indescribable complex emotions in Fei Yan's heart began to sprout like a seed, gradually growing rapidly in a certain direction.

"Are you kidding me?"

Fei Yan pursed her lips, looked at Xu Qing with a complicated expression, and asked softly.

After speaking, Fei Yan's heart was filled with trepidation and unease as she awaited Xu Qing's answer. She didn't know how to describe her feelings at that moment, but the anticipation and anxiety in her heart were crystal clear.

"Of course. I'm not joking. I don't like theoretical discussions. I think you'll understand my thoughts when we encounter real situations in the future."

Xu Qing looked into Fei Yan's eyes and said, word by word.

Upon hearing this, Fei Yan's gaze shifted slightly, her tightly clenched hands loosened slightly, and the anxiety and unease in her heart instantly dissipated. Xu Qing's answer gave her an unprecedented sense of peace.

Although this answer was not the correct one for Yin Yang Master Dong Jun, it was a very pleasing answer for Fei Yan.

However, Xu Qing's output wasn't over yet. A happy smile appeared on this scoundrel's face as he looked at Fei Yan and continued speaking.
“I initially practiced the philosophy of ‘nobility and emptiness’ from Liezi, and later I learned the Daoist philosophy of ‘ruthlessness.’ I originally thought that I should spend my life with the lamp and scriptures until I comprehended the Great Dao.”

"Fortunately, I met you. I am so happy to have met you in this life. You made me realize that there is true love in the world."

"It also made me realize that the path of ruthlessness is not suitable for me. Your gentle smile in the Doctor's Palace showed me something more beautiful than the great way of heaven and earth. What is truly suitable for me is to have you by my side for the rest of my life."

"The future is long, and I hope you can walk with me through it."

Xu Qing escalated the topic to the fundamental principles that the Yin-Yang School, the Heavenly Sect, and the Human Sect could not bypass, in order to prove his sincerity towards Fei Yan.

This is the self-cultivation of a good man: his words are always as sweet as honey.

"I'm sorry, I talked too much today. I hope it didn't burden you. I'll take my leave now."

Xu Qing didn't give Fei Yan a chance to answer and got up and left.

Waiting for an answer face-to-face only brings Fei Yan invisible pressure, making it impossible for her to think properly. And with him waiting here, this pressure will make Fei Yan anxious.

Because of the pressure and urgency, even if Feiyan had feelings for him, she would become disgusted and reject him.

Women are emotional. Making her happy can save you a lot of trouble, while forcing her will backfire and make her do the opposite of what you want.

Therefore, it is necessary to learn to take a step back when necessary. Only in this way can you give the other party enough time and space to immerse themselves in thinking in this ambiguous and sweet atmosphere.

Because of the goodwill and the atmosphere created, women will imagine a lot and use this to their advantage.

Fei Yan pursed her lips and watched Xu Qing leave. The palace doors were closed again, and the entire palace fell into a deathly silence.

“Of course I believe what you say,” Fei Yan murmured.

Thinking about what Xu Qing had just said, Fei Yan's slender fingers touched the jade silver needle hidden in her belt. A look of struggle appeared on her face, but it was quickly replaced by a look of determination.

"A lifetime? Perhaps this is fate."

Feiyan looked up at the sky, gazing at the dazzling points of light arranged according to the stars in the heavens, and thought to herself.

(End of this chapter)