One of my fairy-like friends

“Aunt Ning should call me ‘sister’ now.” Ming Yan paused for a moment, then smiled with pursed lips.

“...That’s true…” Ning Mengru paused for a moment upon hearing this, then nodded gently. Although she was indeed an ancestor of Yaochi, compared to Ming Yan, the identity of the Queen Mother of the West, and everything that came with it, was lighter in her heart. Ming Yan… was more important…

"Also, there's something I'd like to chat with Aunt Ning about," Ming Yan said, looking at Ning Mengru. "It's about Ning Shuang."

“…Ning Shuang? What… happened to her?” Ning Mengru, who was trying to sever ties with her identity as Yue Ning Shuang, felt a jolt in her heart upon hearing this name.

“I haven’t seen Ning Shuang since I got back.” Ming Yan smiled slightly. “I used to think that Aunt Ning neglected Ning Shuang a bit and always favored Fei Xuan, but I don’t think so now.”

It's normal to be accused of favoritism, since Yue Ningshuang's identity was only temporary. Although Ning Mengru made many adjustments to make Yue Ningshuang's identity more reasonable, how could there not be problems?

So, she fell silent after hearing Mingyan's words. However, Mingyan suddenly said that he didn't think so anymore, which made her a little curious. Why did Mingyan suddenly change his mind?

“After all, it’s normal for Aunt Ning to favor Fei Xuan.” Ming Yan smiled and said, “If I were Aunt Ning, I would probably do the same.”

Upon hearing this, Ning Mengru slightly opened her mouth, a sudden pang of sadness welling up inside her...

What do you mean? Does he... actually... like Fei Xuan more than Yue Ning Shuang?

As expected... he doesn't really care about Yue Ning Shuang's identity, does he?

Even though she had decided to sever ties with this identity, how could Ning Mengru not feel heartbroken upon hearing Ming Yan's words? In her heart, that was another version of herself...

"...Mingyan, tell me the truth, what do you really think of Ningshuang? In your eyes, is she... inferior to others?" Ning Mengru couldn't help but ask, looking at Mingyan with a bitter feeling in her heart.

Chapter 184 Confronting Aunt Ning

Mingyan chuckled inwardly; Aunt Ning had indeed managed to ask that question after all...

Mingyan's expression was slightly strange. "Aunt Ning...does she care about this issue?"

"...She is, after all, my disciple." Ning Mengru silently turned her head to the side, hesitated for a moment, and then said softly.

"If I said that in my heart, she is far inferior to Fei Xuan, far inferior to Aunt Ning, what would Aunt Ning think?" Ming Yan said with a slight upturn of his lips.

"..." Ning Mengru clenched her fists, feeling a pang of bitterness in her heart. She also felt that she had misjudged Ming Yan. Sure enough, Yue Ningshuang was not important to Ming Yan at all?

That's true... how could he care about someone who's given themselves away for free... even if that version of myself... still retained some of my true nature...

But... is Mingyan really this kind of person? Ning Mengru was somewhat disappointed... the Mingyan she liked shouldn't be like this...

“I like Yue Ningshuang.” Mingyan continued, “Although her reason for getting close to me is rather unusual, saying that she fell in love with me at first sight… I don’t really believe in love at first sight. Even when I fell in love with Feixuan, it was because she saved my life. Before Ningshuang found me, we didn’t even know each other. When she says she likes me, I don’t really feel it.”

Mingyan suddenly spoke, causing Ning Mengru, whose emotions were complicated, to turn to look at him again. She saw him with a faint smile, "She said she was willing to give up everything else just to stay by my side. At first, I thought she was just boasting, but after some things happened, I realized that she really could be as humble as she said..."

“From that time on, I developed feelings for her. I’m the kind of person who… I’ll think of being good to those who are good to me, so I started to reciprocate her feelings.” Mingyan smiled and said, “Although she came to me on her own initiative, actually… in my heart, she’s no less than Feixuan or Aunt Ning. What I said earlier about her being far inferior is not true.”

Ning Mengru frowned slightly. "So why did you lie to me? I thought you were interested in my...my disciple..."

Although she was frowning, a hint of secret joy flickered in Ning Mengru's eyes, because that was her true self, a part of her personality, only usually hidden...

“Because Aunt Ning lied to me too,” Mingyan said with a smile.

Ning Mengru's heart skipped a beat. "I...what did I lie to you about...?"

“Actually, when Ning Shuang first approached me, I had doubts about her identity, because before that, I had never heard of Aunt Ning having a disciple,” Ming Yan said with a smile.

Ning Mengru felt a little nervous. As a saint, she actually felt nervous in front of Ming Yan...?

“That’s because… Ning Shuang had been in seclusion for a while…” Ning Mengru explained.

“Yes, and later my sister told me that Yue Ningshuang was indeed from Yaochi, and was indeed Aunt Ning’s disciple, which put my mind at ease,” Mingyan said with a smile.

Ning Mengru secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She was starting to have some doubts about why Ming Yan was talking about Yue Ningshuang.

"However," Mingyan suddenly changed the subject, making Ning Mengru's heart, which had just settled, jump again, "Later, there were still many things that I found strange... For example, why didn't Ning Shuang, who was stronger at the time, become the Holy Maiden of Yaochi, but instead Fei Xuan did? For example, why did Aunt Ning treat Fei Xuan and Ning Shuang so 'biasedly'? For example, why didn't Fei Yan's aunt know of Ning Shuang's existence? Although she was in a coma for a period of time, Fei Xuan had already become Aunt Ning's disciple before that, so Ning Shuang, as Fei Xuan's senior sister, should have been even earlier..."

“I noticed a lot of suspicious points a long time ago, but because I trusted Aunt Ning and my sister, I didn’t think about these issues carefully.”

Mingyan naturally wouldn't mention his sister. He would mention that the Yue Ning Shuang that his sister came out to confirm was Aunt Ning, since his sister had promised Aunt Ning that she wouldn't reveal it.

Although his sister might not care, Mingyan didn't want her image in Aunt Ning's eyes to collapse. Besides, the person who actually revealed this fact was Ning Feixuan.

"But later, I still had to admit that I actually already knew Ning Shuang's true identity." Ming Yan looked at Ning Mengru, who was staring at him with her mouth slightly open, and smiled. "It's just a bit of a surprise. I didn't expect Ning Shuang to be Aunt Ning."

"...What are you talking about... Ning Shuang is Ning Shuang, and I am me..." Ning Mengru's heart trembled, but of course she would not admit that Yue Ning Shuang was herself.

“Aunt Ning, Fei Xuan told me everything, and I also found out myself.” Ming Yan smiled and said, “Actually, there’s no need to hide it anymore. After all, whether it’s Ning Shuang or Meng Ru, I like them both.”

"I'm not..."

"Feixuan told me that she personally witnessed you using the Imperial Artifact from Yaochi to transform from Yue Ningshuang into Aunt Ning, and then back into Yue Ningshuang." Mingyan smiled. "Do you think Feixuan is lying?"

Ning Meng subconsciously took a few steps back. She bit her lip lightly, feeling a little flustered. She opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but then stopped herself and couldn't say anything.

“Actually, when I found out that Ning Shuang was actually Aunt Ning, I really found it hard to believe. Although I like Ning Shuang and Aunt Ning, it’s hard to find much in common between the two of you. Or rather, you two are completely different. It’s impossible to put Ning Mengru and Yue Ning Shuang together. The difference is too great.” Ming Yan smiled and said, “Besides being surprised, I was more delighted because it turns out that the Aunt Ning I like has already been by my side for a long time.”

“She seemed unwilling to reveal her identity, so I was unwilling to expose her either,” Mingyan said. “Then I gradually felt that Yue Ningshuang’s personality was closer to Aunt Ning’s true nature. I really like Aunt Ning’s gentleness, that smile that can soothe all pain, but I also really like Ningshuang’s straightforwardness and boldness, as well as her selfless dedication. I don’t know which one is the real Aunt Ning, but I like both of Aunt Ning’s personalities to the extreme.”

Mingyan looked at Ning Mengru and smiled, "So, Aunt Ning, you don't need to hide it anymore, I already know."

Ning Mengru remained silent; she didn't even want to look Ming Yan in the eye...

Chapter 185 What if I don't want to refuse?

Mingyan stepped forward and took Ning Mengru's hand. "Aunt Ning, are you worried that after I find out the truth, your image in my heart will collapse? If that's what you're worried about, then Aunt Ning can rest assured."

Ning Mengru bit her lip and slowly turned her head to look at Ming Yan after hearing these words. Her eyes were red and moist.

“Well… how should I put it? Ning Shuang is straightforward and lively, while Aunt Ning is gentle, dignified, and generous. She is still Aunt Ning. There’s no such thing as her image collapsing.” Ming Yan smiled and said, “So, Aunt Ning, you don’t need to worry about that.”

Ning Mengru pursed her lips and took a few deep breaths. "You... Fei Xuan... when... when did you... find out...?"

"It's been quite a while, hasn't it?" Mingyan chuckled. "Aunt Ning, are you finally going to admit it?"

Ning Mengru turned her head away again. "Since...since you already knew, then why...didn't you expose it sooner?"

“Because I feel that perhaps only under the dual identity, under the identity of Yue Ningshuang, can Aunt Ning fully release herself... Moreover, I am waiting for Aunt Ning to tell me on her own initiative... But just now Aunt Ning said she wanted to talk to my sister... My sister promised Aunt Ning that she would help Aunt Ning conceal, or even erase, the existence of 'Yue Ningshuang,' right?” Ming Yan looked at Ning Mengru calmly and asked.

Ning Mengru pursed her lips, "...Don't blame our ancestor...I asked him to keep it a secret..."

“Of course I won’t blame my sister, nor will I blame Aunt Ning.” Mingyan smiled slightly. “I just don’t want Aunt Ning to get rid of the identity of ‘Yue Ningshuang’.”

“…” Ning Mengru’s pretty face flushed red as if she had thought of something. She was a little embarrassed. “You… when you heard me tell you to pursue me, didn’t you… find it ridiculous?”

“Of course not. I understand Aunt Ning’s thoughts. No matter what her purpose was, when Aunt Ning first approached me under the identity of Yue Ningshuang, she certainly hadn’t fallen in love with me yet. You approached me for some purpose, I think it might be related to Fei Xuan? Later… maybe you took it for real, but it was definitely through… a way that completely disregarded yourself. So, I can completely understand Aunt Ning’s idea that I should take the initiative to pursue her. It’s normal, and I don’t find it ridiculous, because I’ve always felt that I owe Ningshuang something.” Ming Yan shook his head, denying Ning Mengru’s thoughts.

Hearing Ming Yan's words and seeing his serious expression, Ning Mengru felt a mix of emotions...

In Ning Mengru's heart, although she still hoped Mingyan would like the identity of Yue Ningshuang—after all, it was a part of her—she also felt that if it were given away so easily, how could Mingyan possibly cherish it? At this moment, hearing Mingyan's heartfelt words, she was at a loss for words...

"I feel very lucky to be liked by Aunt Ning." Mingyan hugged Ning Mengru tightly and smiled. "Moreover, there's another great thing about her. Although Ning Mengru has agreed to become my Daoist partner, she is also the Queen Mother of the West, the face of Yaochi. She doesn't just belong to me, but also to Yaochi. But Yue Ningshuang truly belongs entirely to me, she's only mine..."

Hearing Ming Yan's words, Ning Mengru's ears burned and her earlobes turned bright red. She said shyly, "What...what are you saying..."

"Isn't that so?" Mingyan smiled slightly. "Doesn't Ningshuang belong to me alone?"

Ning Mengru turned her head away, pretending to ignore Ming Yan. Ming Yan smiled and leaned in to kiss Ning Mengru on the cheek.

"Oh... what are you doing..." Ning Mengru trembled all over. "I'm Ning Mengru now! Not Yue Ningshuang, you're not allowed to kiss me!"

“But Ning Mengru is my Daoist partner now, my wife, isn’t she? What? Can’t I kiss her?” Mingyan hugged Ning Mengru tightly. Now that he had been honest with Aunt Ning, there was no need to hide anything anymore. When Aunt Ning was still Yue Ningshuang, the two of them already knew each other very well. Mingyan had even taught her everything he knew, leaving nothing behind. If they hadn’t been honest about their identities, it would have been fine, but now that they had, and they knew each other so well, what need was there for restraint or modesty between them?

"..." Ning Mengru couldn't refute Ming Yan's words, and was kissed by Ming Yan a few more times. She was so embarrassed that she wanted to turn away, but Ming Yan held her tightly.

It's strange, really. As a sage, he couldn't escape the embrace of Mingyan, who was merely Taiyi.

Overwhelmed with shyness, Ning Mengru simply used the imperial artifact and transformed herself into Yue Ningshuang in Ming Yan's arms.

Mingyan watched as Ning Mengru transformed into Yue Ningshuang. He blinked, looked at Yue Ningshuang in his arms—though not as voluptuous, she was still perfectly proportioned—and after a brief pause, he bent down, put his arms around the back of Yue Ningshuang's knees, and lifted her up in his arms.

Perhaps it was because she was now in the identity of Yue Ningshuang that Ning Mengru's shyness lessened considerably. She took the initiative to put her arms around Ming Yan's neck, "...What are you going to do?"

“I think we should do what we used to do often,” Mingyan said with a smile.

"...I just accepted you..." Yue Ningshuang turned her burning face away again.

“But we’ve cultivated together more than once.” Mingyan smiled and said, “Although I don’t mind you using the identity of Yue Ningshuang, I think it would be better to use the identity of Aunt Ning this time.”

"...Do you really want to see me lying on top of you?" Yue Ningshuang muttered softly.

“I’ve been waiting for a long time.” Ming Yan placed Yue Ning Shuang on the bed and said seriously, “However, if you are unwilling now, I will not force you. You can make your own decision.”

Letting me make my own decisions...

Yue Ningshuang lay on the bed, her gaze fixed on Ming Yan's face, her pretty cheeks flushed. After a long while, she let out a long sigh, then suddenly reverted to Ning Mengru's appearance, turning her head to the side, unwilling to look at Ming Yan. "Now that things have come to this... do I still have the right to refuse?"

“Of course.” Mingyan stood still, not rushing forward, and smiled.

Ning Mengru paused for a moment before turning to look at Ming Yan. Her beautiful eyes were slightly moist, and her tone returned to its gentle and dignified manner. However, the words she spoke were anything but dignified: "Then... what if I don't want to refuse?"

Chapter 186 Wang Qingchu's Whisper

Although she didn't want Mingyan to know that she was Yue Ningshuang, Ning Mengru decided to admit it now that things had come to this.

It seems Mingyan is quite certain now. Since that's the case, admitting it will make things easier for him...

Although the identity of Yue Ningshuang somewhat revealed Ning Mengru's true nature, constantly switching between the two identities was still somewhat confusing for her.

I'm afraid I've already given myself away in some ways.

That's why Mingyan was so certain that he was Yue Ninglushuang...

Now, Mingyan has seen both the side of Yue Ningshuang and the side of Ning Mengru...

Using Ning Mengru's identity to meet Ming Yan's offensive, the unique feeling brought about by their identities made Ning Mengru feel a little dizzy. But once she thought about Yue Wuxia, who was Ming Yan's master, and how her relationship with Ming Yan was already much closer, Ning Mengru felt that what she and Ming Yan were?

Even though Mingyan is the man Feixuan likes, does this mean I stole the man Feixuan likes? No, it doesn't, right? I didn't force Feixuan to leave, and besides, Feixuan is quite supportive of my relationship with Mingyan, isn't she?

So... if Mingyan's attitude towards her remains the same after he learns her identity, then it's not so bad for Ning Mengru to accept, is it?

--------------------------

Seeing that Ming Yan and her master had finally gotten together, Ning Feixuan didn't know how to feel...

Of course, she supports Mingyan and her master getting together. Perhaps at first, she helped Mingyan and her master just to improve Mingyan's opinion of her, but now it's not like that anymore.

It's actually a good thing for her that her master and Mingyan are together. It's impossible for her to have him all to herself anymore. Her master's involvement can only help her better.

But... watching her master and Mingyan being intimate, she thought of herself, who hadn't been able to take that step with Mingyan yet.

Although Mingyan's opinion of her had changed drastically and his attitude had improved many times over, Ning Feixuan still couldn't feel at ease because she hadn't been able to take that final step.