Chapter 525: Instructions
Duan Wuya did not stop Lin Feng from leaving. It seemed that everything he did was for Duan Xinye, to allow Lin Feng to return in glory, become famous in Snow Moon, and then marry Duan Xinye.
But Lin Feng still felt uncomfortable in his heart, very uncomfortable, as if someone was deliberately scheming against him.
Even if Duan Wuya hadn't mentioned it, he would still do his best to compete for a high ranking in the Snow Domain Grand Competition. Even if it wasn't for the glory, it was to train and improve his own strength and cultivation, to continuously make himself stronger.
As for Duan Wudao, Lin Feng would have to face him sooner or later anyway. Both matters were things Lin Feng had to do; it was just a matter of time.
Now, Duan Wuya's harsh demands had left him with even less room to retreat. To seize a top-nine position in the Snow Domain Grand Competition, and if he failed, to die outside; and within one year, to defeat Duan Wudao and become the number one among the Eight Young Masters.
Both conditions were very difficult, already extremely harsh. But Lin Feng had no choice. Perhaps this could also be considered a form of motivation, forcing him to spur himself on and continuously advance on the path of martial arts.
Taking Duan Xinye's hand, Lin Feng lifted his foot and stepped forward, crossing past Duan Wuya and Yue Tianming.
Yue Tianming's face was gloomy. Duan Wuya hadn't moved against Lin Feng; he had only proposed two harsh conditions. But in the end, it was still equivalent to tacit approval. Duan Wuya had even allowed Duan Xinye to follow Lin Feng away.
"Crack!"
A soft sound rang out. Yue Tianming's fists clenched tightly, and a flash of extreme coldness crossed his face. He would definitely stop Lin Feng from seizing a top-nine position. Even if Yue Qingshan didn't want him to fight Lin Feng, he would still fight, just for the sake of that one breath of pride.
...
Deep within the Longing Forest's forbidden area, in front of a small hut perched among the trees, two tables and chairs were set up. Two figures were sitting upright there, pure-hearted and elegant.
Both figures were women. Just by looking at their backs, one could sense their beauty, a natural beauty. Even sitting quietly, they gave off an extraordinary, transcendent feeling.
"Should the outline of this eyebrow be drawn with a thick or thin brushstroke?"
A holy and beautiful woman raised her head. Her unadorned face was so perfect it needed no embellishment; just standing there, she could make all things lose their splendor.
The other woman also raised her head. Time had not left many traces on her face, only a hint of vicissitude in her deep eyes. She smiled gently, equally stunningly beautiful.
"Follow the heart's movement."
Yue Menghe, who had been crowned the most beautiful woman in Snow Moon eighteen years ago, looked at her future daughter-in-law, her eyes full of satisfaction. Meng Qing's beauty was in no way inferior to her own back then. Even if she were to name Meng Qing as the current most beautiful woman in Snow Moon, she would absolutely agree.
Her son had good taste.
Although she hadn't spent much time with Meng Qing, Yue Menghe could find nothing to criticize about this daughter-in-law.
"Follow the heart's movement."
Meng Qing murmured softly, a look of half-understanding in her brow. She closed her eyes, moved by her heart, and used the brush to trace the outline of the figure in the painting.
Opening her eyes, Meng Qing looked at the image she had drawn, a faint smile on her face. Although she didn't know how to paint and was only having Yue Menghe teach her to cultivate her mind and nature, she had still managed to capture some of the spirit.
In the distance, Lin Hai was still carving something. Occasionally, he would lift his head to look this way, a smile on his face as well. If Lin Feng were here, their family of four would be enjoying a happy family reunion.
"Father, Mother, Meng Qing."
At that moment, a voice came, making the three of them happy. They were, of course, familiar with that voice; it was Lin Feng's.
But when they raised their heads and looked into the distance, their eyes couldn't help but freeze slightly. There were two figures. Besides Lin Feng, there was another person, a young girl, a beautiful young girl.
Meng Qing's gaze stiffened slightly. Of course, she recognized that young girl. She had seen Duan Xinye more than once already.
Back when they fought the Moyue army outside Broken Blade City, Lin Feng had traveled a thousand miles alone to save Duan Xinye. Later, on Purple Gold Mountain, when the forbidden area was broken open, Lin Feng and Duan Xinye had walked out together.
How could Meng Qing not know Duan Xinye? She even knew that Duan Xinye had always had feelings for Lin Feng. As a woman, she could read a lot from the way Duan Xinye looked at Lin Feng. This was a woman's intuition.
And at this moment, Duan Xinye was leaning close to Lin Feng, her eyes lowered, seeming to have a hint of timidity.
Seeing Duan Xinye's gaze, Meng Qing seemed to understand something.
Not only her, but Yue Menghe also seemed to realize something. A strange expression couldn't help but appear in her eyes, and she even couldn't help but glance at Lin Hai.
Lin Hai was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head. But in his downcast eyes, a faint smile flashed. His son was even better than him.
A moment later, Lin Feng arrived in front of Yue Menghe and Meng Qing. As if thinking of something, Meng Qing's hand moved slightly, and she quickly rolled up the painting scroll on the wooden table.
Seeing this, Yue Menghe was stunned for a moment, then sighed inwardly. She could clearly feel how deeply Meng Qing cared for Lin Feng. Even at this moment, the first thing she thought of was to put away her own painting, afraid that Lin Feng would see the imperfect image she had drawn, only because the image was of Lin Feng.
Lin Feng stood beside Yue Menghe and Meng Qing, his eyes slowly turning, finally resting on Meng Qing.
Opening his mouth, Lin Feng wanted to say something, but hesitated, as if he couldn't get the words out.
At the same time, a strange look appeared in Lin Feng's eyes, seeming to hold a hint of guilt.
Seeing this, how could Meng Qing, Yue Menghe, and the others not understand? Yue Menghe shook her head slightly, also not knowing what to say.
But at that moment, Meng Qing stood up, startling Lin Feng slightly. His gaze followed Meng Qing's movements.
Meng Qing walked around the table and chairs in front of her and actually walked over to Duan Xinye's side. This made Duan Xinye lower her head even further, like a girl who had done something wrong. Her heart was pounding; she could even hear her own heartbeat.
"I'm sorry."
A weak voice came from Duan Xinye's mouth. Although she was a princess, she knew full well that Lin Feng and Meng Qing were in love. But she had also fallen in love with Lin Feng, unable to extricate herself. No matter how you looked at it, she was the one who had intruded.
Moreover, even though she was of noble status, she couldn't feel any pride in front of Meng Qing. Meng Qing's holy, fairy-like aura not only moved men but also made women feel pressured when standing before her.
"Pfft."
A soft sound rang out, startling the lowered-headed Duan Xinye. She then lifted her head, only to see Meng Qing smiling gently at her.
Meng Qing was actually smiling at her.
Duan Xinye almost thought she was seeing things. But on that holy, perfect face, there was indeed a gentle smile, no blame, no anger.
Not only Duan Xinye, but Lin Feng and Yue Menghe were also stunned, staring blankly at the smile in Meng Qing's eyes.
"Xinye, you are a princess. You must be very good at painting. Perfect. From now on, with you here, you can often teach me how to paint."
Meng Qing stepped forward and took Duan Xinye's hand. Duan Xinye's body trembled, her hands held by Meng Qing, frozen in place like a wooden doll, just staring at Meng Qing.
"Come over here, sit here."
Meng Qing pulled Duan Xinye to the seat she had just been sitting in, then took out a brush and paper, laying them out for Duan Xinye. There was no trace of her usual coldness on her face, only a warm smile, a sincere smile.
"Meng Qing."
Lin Feng murmured softly, but Meng Qing just shot him a glare, then continued talking with Duan Xinye, completely ignoring him.
Yue Menghe came to Lin Feng's side, tugged at his arm, and then lifted her foot to walk into the distance.
Lin Feng naturally understood Yue Menghe's intention. He also lifted his foot and followed Yue Menghe, the two of them arriving together at Lin Hai's side.
"Mother." Lin Feng called out, not knowing what to say.
Yue Menghe glanced at Lin Feng, not blaming him either. She just smiled and said, "Xiao Feng, what happened between you and Princess Xinye?"
Lin Feng smiled bitterly, then slowly recounted his story with Duan Xinye, not hiding even what had happened the previous night, telling everything to Yue Menghe and Lin Hai.
Although the world was cold, this familial bond was placed in the most important place in Lin Feng's heart. He would cherish it with all his being. What could he hide from Yue Menghe and Lin Hai?
Yue Menghe listened to Lin Feng's account and sighed. Then she looked at Lin Feng, rolling her eyes at him, and said, "I don't know if it's the good karma from a past life. Princess Xinye spared nothing for you. And as for Meng Qing, if you don't cherish her well, I won't let you off."
"You don't need to look at anything else. Just look at how Meng Qing is acting now, and you should know how much she cares about you. No matter what happens in the future, you are not allowed to let her down."
Yue Menghe spoke very seriously, which surprised Lin Feng a little. Then he nodded heavily. How could he ever let Meng Qing down? She was his most beloved woman!
PS: Thanks to brother 567 and La Ma for the tips, and thanks to all the brothers for the continuous flower throwing. Touching, positive energy. Today's three chapters are done. I'll work hard to write and save up drafts, striving for a big release this weekend.