Fairy, please don't do this!

This naturally reduces the risk of revealing one's identity in the second playthrough.

"Junior sister, what is it that you don't understand?"

Gu Jinchao asked in a gentle voice.

Lin Qingci, holding the notebook, leaned close to him and pointed to one section: "Here, regarding the circulation path of sword intent condensing into threads, the annotation says..."

For the next half hour, the two of them focused solely on discussing swordsmanship training based on the contents of the notes.

The flickering candlelight illuminated the focused profiles of the two people, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.

"It's getting late, Junior Sister, please get some rest. I should head back now."

Seeing that it was almost time, Gu Jinchao got up to take his leave.

Lin Qingci saw him to the door and watched him leave before gently closing the door. Leaning against the door, she let out a long sigh, a lingering doubt still visible between her brows.

Something must have just happened.

Otherwise, Mu Yiren wouldn't have come looking for her for no reason.

Gu Jinzhao left Lin Qingci's room but did not return immediately.

He paused briefly at the doorway and quietly took out the [Earth Branch Mirror] from his pocket.

He lightly touched the mirror with his fingertips, and a wisp of divine soul power was absorbed into it. Then he carefully put the mirror away.

An Wanxi asked curiously, "What are you doing, my little husband?"

You'll find out in a moment.

Gu Jinzhao did not say much.

He walked along the corridor and hadn't gone far when he saw Mu Yiren in the courtyard.

She was sitting on a stone bench, scratching the calico cat's itch.

But this "scratching" only makes the itch worse.

She was seen scratching the calico cat's ears, chin, back, and other sensitive, ticklish areas.

"Young master... help me..."

The calico cat was held down tightly by Hongdou, its four paws kicking wildly as it desperately pleaded for help from Gu Jinzhao.

Mu Yiren ignored him, her slender fingers scratching with undiminished frequency and force.

This cat with two surnames, having accepted bribes from Lin Qingci, dared to conceal such crucial information as the stolen kiss, showing utter disrespect for its owner!

Only by inflicting torture can her anger be quelled.

Gu Jinzhao stepped forward and asked, feigning confusion, "What trouble has Xiaoli gotten into this time that has made Sister Yiren so angry?"

"No...Miss...It itches...Don't scratch!"

"Red Bean, you traitor... You even said we were the best in the world... Liar!"

The calico cat writhed like a caterpillar, enduring torture while accusing Red Bean of aiding and abetting the evildoer.

Red Bean tilted her little head, looking completely innocent: "What's a traitor? Can you eat them?"

"I'll let you off this time, but if you dare to be so greedy and cause trouble again, I'll teach you a lesson."

When Mu Yiren saw Gu Jinchao arrive, she snorted coldly and finally released her clutches.

"Traitor! You just wait!"

As soon as the calico cat was free, it immediately bristled and pounced on Red Bean, determined to avenge itself.

"Hey, come and get me!"

Red Bean was prepared; she transformed into a blur and darted into the flowerbed, with the calico cat in hot pursuit.

The two little ones played and frolicked, and soon disappeared into the depths of the courtyard.

Mu Yiren then turned her gaze away from the direction where they had disappeared and focused it back on Gu Jinzhao.

Those beautiful eyes, now clear and cold, were staring at him intently as she coldly questioned, "What exactly is your relationship with Lin Qingci?"

Chapter 73, Gu Jinzhao: "I like Sister Yiren!" (3K)

What exactly is your relationship with Lin Qingci?

Mu Yiren was well aware that their current relationship was far more complex than that of ordinary senior and junior brothers and sisters.

Knowing is one thing, but pretending not to know is another.

Having experienced the theft of her home in her past life, Mu Yiren had long understood that in order to make a man truly realize how much you care, you have to learn to be jealous appropriately.

Gu Jinchao remained calm: "Sister Yiren, you're overthinking it. We're just ordinary senior and junior brothers and sisters."

Although he didn't understand why Mu Yiren was pretending to be confused, as long as she didn't take the initiative to break the ice, he could continue to play along with her.

Mu Yiren's tone was somewhat dangerous: "Ordinary senior and junior brothers and sisters?"

“Aunt Ruo told me that these days you and she have been inseparable, going in and out together, even when you go to the sect, you ride together on the same horse.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinzhao showed a perfectly appropriate look of helplessness, sighed softly, and naturally reached out to grasp that soft, boneless hand.

Mu Yiren instinctively tried to pull away, but he gripped her even tighter: "What are you doing?"

Gu Jinzhao said gently, "I want to explain things properly to Sister Yiren."

Lin Qingci's identity in the second timeline must be kept secret, and the fact that he is from the sixth timeline must not be revealed.

Therefore, faced with Mu Yiren's jealous probing, he must maintain his image as a warm and caring fiancé and respond with just the right amount of intimacy and "honesty".

Feeling the warmth of their palms touching and their skin rubbing together, Mu Yiren's cheeks involuntarily flushed slightly, and her deliberately hardened aura seemed to soften a little.

She pursed her lips and looked away: "An explanation? I think it's more like a cover-up."

Gu Jinzhao smiled, but instead of continuing to explain, he changed the subject and passed the buck: "Speaking of explanations... shouldn't Sister Yiren also explain something to me?"

Mu Yiren frowned slightly and turned to look at him: "What do I need to explain?"

Gu Jinzhao stared intently at her, then asked meaningfully, "Explain why you forced me to sign the marriage certificate?"

Mu Yiren's eyes darted around and avoided her gaze.

Indeed, to those unaware of the situation, her actions that day seemed inexplicable, even unreasonable.

But she couldn't very well tell Gu Jinzhao that she had memories of her past life and knew that Lin Qingci would take him away in the future, so she had to strike first, could she?

Gu Jinzhao's smile deepened: "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you thinking of ways to make excuses?"

When facing a strong-willed girl, one should take the initiative and turn the tables.

Just like dealing with Xiao Qingyi, only by taking the initiative can one counterattack the other party.

"Explain your relationship with Lin Qingci first?"

Mu Yiren realized she had been outmaneuvered and felt a little annoyed, but she quickly composed herself.

Gu Jinzhao stared at her and asked in return, "Why wasn't it Sister Yiren first?"

Pressed so closely, Mu Yiren let out a cold snort, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed. The deep blue light in her double pupils rippled out once more!

This was none other than the mind-controlling illusion technique that had just been used on Lin Qingci!

Gu Jinzhao seemed completely unprepared and instinctively met her double pupils.

In an instant, the expression on his face froze, and his eyes quickly became empty and dull, like a puppet whose soul had been ripped out.

'You forced me to explain!'

Mu Yiren glanced at him triumphantly, then pinched his cheek: "You answer whatever I ask!"

Do you know?

"Just ask, Sister Yi!"

Gu Jinzhao nodded blankly.

Before returning to Baicaotang, Mu Yiren had planned to use her double pupils to uncover the secrets of Lin Qingci and Gu Jinzhao.

But just as Lin Qingci was making some progress, Gu Jinzhao unexpectedly interrupted her.

This made her wonder if Gu Jinzhao also had memories of his past life.

That's why it happened at just the right time, interrupting her probing of Lin Qingci.

Although some unexpected things happened, they were not out of control.

If we also use mind-controlling illusion on Gu Jinzhao, and then compare his and Lin Qingci's answers, we can see whether Lin Qingci also has memories of her past life.

Mu Yiren stared intently at Gu Jinchao: "Do you still remember that you and Lin Qingci went to the Yellow Springs together on your wedding night?"

A hint of confusion appeared on Gu Jinzhao's face: "When did I marry her?"

Mu Yiren pressed on, "You don't remember your past life?"

Gu Jinzhao's expression became even more bewildered, even showing a hint of incomprehension at hearing such absurd claims: "What does 'past life' mean?"

'It seems Gu Jinzhao has no memories of his past life.'

Mu Yiren immediately understood!

The biggest threat seems to have been ruled out. But just to be on the safe side, she still needs to confirm another key point.

"So, do you like Lin Qingci?"

Her cultivation level was at the early stage of the sixth rank, which was a whole realm higher than Gu Jinzhao's.

Under her full-force use of the Mind-Capturing Illusion Technique with her Double Pupils, even though Gu Jinzhao's willpower far surpasses that of his peers, breaking free would not be easy and would take at least a considerable amount of time.

During this period, his answers will be the truest reflection of his heart.

Gu Jinzhao responded, "I wouldn't say I like her, I just have some feelings for her."

Mu Yiren pressed on, her double pupils gleaming, not missing a single subtle hint of emotion: "Then, what is the most intimate thing you two have ever done?"

Gu Jinzhao thought for a moment: "My junior sister was soaking in a medicinal bath before, but because her sword bone was damaged, she was unable to refine the medicinal effects and almost had an accident."

"In my haste, I rushed in and inadvertently caught a glimpse of spring."

This answer basically matches the information Mu Yiren had just received from the calico cat.

That's right, she had just extracted everything from that little traitor and discovered that this cat wasn't a double-servant, but a triple-servant!

"anything else?"

Mu Yiren remained expressionless.

Gu Jinzhao continued, "Also, every day when we ride together to the sect, my junior sister always hugs my waist tightly."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yiren nodded almost imperceptibly, and the last trace of doubt in her heart dissipated.

Judging from these answers, the relationship between Gu Jinzhao and Lin Qingci was indeed only at the level of mutual affection.

Although there have been a few accidental close contacts and everyday intimacy, there has been no progress that crosses any boundaries.

From this perspective, Lin Qingci is also useless.

Even though his sword bones are intact in this life and he is less timid than in his previous life, he still doesn't know how to seize opportunities and advance relationships.

If it were her in Lin Qingci's position, she would have already made it a fait accompli.

Mu Yiren's tone shifted, turning colder: "Why did you bribe Xiao Li to keep these things from me?"

Gu Jinzhao replied blankly, "I'm afraid you'll get jealous and unhappy if you find out."

"If that's the case, why not keep your distance from Lin Qingci and draw a clear line?"

"My junior sister came to Qingyun City all alone, with no one to rely on."

“I am her senior brother, and the only person she can rely on.”

"Seeing her so panicked and helpless, I couldn't bear it and couldn't be cold to her."

Just like in her previous life, she's still a soft-hearted, overly kind person who's soft-hearted to everyone... Mu Yiren pouted.

But this scoundrel, more than a decade ago, transformed into a ray of light, illuminating the endless darkness that shrouded her.

If Gu Jinzhao hadn't deliberately let her steal the steamed buns back then, and hadn't come to the dilapidated temple during that heavy snow, bringing this little beggar girl back to Baicaotang.

She longed for her beloved, but she wouldn't survive that winter.