Li Zhibai had a good impression of Qinling, so she directly expressed her doubts.

"Jade Dew Wine is one thing, but why did Tong Jun get angry when I gave you my own things? What's there to be upset about?"

In her impression, Tong Jun was not someone who would make a fuss without reason, and Muyu Peak had no rules against lending personal tokens.

Qinling: "..."

Listening to Li Zhibai's words, Qinling fell silent.

Is Sister Li really such a slow person?

Qinling thought she shouldn't be, considering she could teach a subtle-minded child like Xu Chang'an—could that be right?

Qinling suddenly got the feeling that Xu Chang'an's "rank" far surpassed this Hidden Immortal.

"No, Miss Li probably just never thought in that direction…" Qinling murmured.

"What did you say?" Li Zhibai looked at her strangely.

"N-nothing." Qinling snapped back to reality, gazing at Li Zhibai… and gently sighed: "Miss, let me take it slow, slow."

"...?" Li Zhibai glanced at the overcast rain outside, then gave Qinling a loving look similar to that of Zhu Pingniang but coming from an elder, and then fell silent.

Focusing on her tea.

This child's tea-making skills weren't bad, much better than Chang'an's. It should be said that a girl's touch truly makes a difference.

Not really.

If Chang'an were a girl, he would surely be a heartthrob, stronger than Qinling in unknown measures... At the very least, he wouldn't have strayed like Qinling to develop feelings for herself.

"..."

Li Zhibai suddenly realized there was a subtle similarity between Qinling's regard for Zhu Pingniang and Xu Chang'an's for her...

The heart of comparison among women stirred a little.

——

What was the relationship between Zhu Tongjun and Li Zhibai?

[The clear lake holds the bright moon, viewing afar, no clouds remain]—[What else does life require, with wine and Tong Jun.]

Some things are hidden within a single poem.

Besides, Zhu Tongjun gifting wine.

Qinling felt that the meaning of a jar of Jade Dew Wine should have been very clear. Even the dullest of girls should be able to sense Ms. Zhu's intentions, right?

Yes.

In Qinling's mind, Zhu Pingniang had essentially written her intentions directly on her face.

Li Zhibai exists such that as long as she went toward Zhu Pingniang, no one else would have any chance.

In Qinling's view, if this jar of Jade Dew was really from Zhu Pingniang to her rather than being passed along by Li Zhibai, she would have rushed down the mountain by now to see the girl.

Even if it meant giving up cultivation and becoming a maid by her side, she'd be willing.

Yet Miss Li... completely unable to understand Ms. Zhu's intentions, is there really someone in this world so slow?

Qinling couldn't believe it.

Even Xu Chang'an, who seemed uninterested in romance, knew well enough to keep a proper distance from girls.

A fool could never reach this level of cultivation.

Having grown up alongside Zhu Pingniang, Qinling had heard, more than once, Zhu Pingniang boast about how she "tricked" this Hidden Immortal into Chaoyun and kept her at Muyu Peak.

Every time Zhu Pingniang mentioned this, her eyes brimmed with an undeniable pride.

But Qinling could also detect the bragging.

Zhu Pingniang was boasting about her bond with her sister, bragging that she could bind this strategic-level talent to Muyu Peak with just a few verbal benefits.

But now Miss Li was playing dumb.

So, does that mean... the falling flower longs for love, yet the flowing water is heartless toward it...

Qinling lifted her brow, her gaze sweeping over the Daoist robe slightly yellowed, the appearance not particularly outstanding, possibly plain Hidden Immortal before lowering her eyes.

Life is often unsuccessful, nine times out of ten.

Even for Ms. Zhu, there are desires left unfulfilled.

——

Inside Qinling's mind brewed a complex mix of emotions. While this thought seemed somewhat presumptuous, in some way, she wanted to be with Ms. Zhu, seeing the Miss Li before her as an undeniable, insurmountable rival, akin to a towering mountain.

Thus, knowing the falling flower had feelings, yet the flowing water had none, she should have felt relieved because, no need to compete with this "Hidden Immortal."

Yet, in fact, not only did she not feel eased, her heart felt rather unnervingly bothered.

It was because she felt disappointed that Ms. Zhu wouldn't receive a response.

Subconsciously, compared to her own desires, she wanted the person she liked to find happiness more.

"Thump."

Li Zhibai tapped the table, drawing Qinling's attention before saying, "Done reflecting? I have other matters later, cannot delay too long."

"Mm." Qinling nodded, deciding to skip over this topic.

She understood that Li Zhibai was not being clear with her—or even acting oblivious to Ms. Zhu's feelings was understandable, given in the girl's eyes... she was just a child, no different from that kid Chang'an.

How could an elder talk about their feelings with a youngster?

Seeing how Li Zhibai nonchalantly transferred the Jade Dew Wine to her, it could be seen she had no interest in Zhu Pingniang.

Therefore…

This Jade Pendant was all the more something she couldn't take.

An item Ms. Zhu couldn't obtain personally, if she dared take it, who knows how she'd be tormented.

Li Zhibai: "..."

From her perspective, she could see her junior's expression constantly shifting, but she wasn't very interested, not pondering deeply.

However, the thought of Qinling rejecting her kindness was indeed becoming more resolute.

Forget it. If she doesn't want it, so be it.

Li Zhibai retrieved her personal Jade Pendant, thinking even if Xu Chang'an went out with Wen Li's Sword Qi always protecting him, he was pretty much the group's treasure at Muyu Peak, and even without her ensuring someone had his back, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage.

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