Jing Yi had Qiu Ling halt the cloud outside of the capital where even the guards couldn't see them. It probably wouldn't cause trouble even if they only halted in front of the teahouse since the Yun Zou sect recruited disciples every few years in the capital. The people had already seen enough of their cultivators to recognize the white robes they were wearing so they wouldn't wonder about someone flying on a cloud. Jing Yi didn't want the attention, though. He had come to talk with his mother in private. Who knew what would happen if people noticed them?
Jing Yi searched around in his spatial bag. Even though outer sect disciples weren't seen too favorably in the sect and someone with his aptitude was even scoffed at, the sect still wouldn't stand for others looking down upon their disciples. Thus, even those with trash spirit veins like him would get one of those white robes and an equally white spatial bag upon entering the Yun Zou sect.
Jing Yi didn't own much so his spatial bag only contained things that were handy to have on him and a few necessities he might need should he ever leave the sect grounds. There was also a memento inside: A white robe his grandfather had gifted him.
Yes, Jing Yi still thought of that white-haired old man every now and then. He hadn't seen him in over five years, though. He already doubted if he would ever see him again but he stubbornly held onto the robe and the bracelet the old man had given him. To him, that Daoist master was his family.
Had Qiu Ling known this fake appearance of his had such a high regard in Jing Yi's heart, he probably would have regretted not helping Jing Yi and his family while using his own appearance. But now it was too late anyway.
Qiu Ling looked on as Jing Yi unfolded the robe. "What are you doing?"
"Oh." Jing Yi paused and motioned toward the capital. I thought it might not be good if we walked in wearing the sect robes. People might get curious and I don't want to bring my mother trouble. Do you have anything else you could wear?"
"Sure." Qiu Ling took one of his black robes out from his spatial ring and happily exchanged the sect's white one for it. Ah, it felt so much better to wear his own clothes.
Jing Yi couldn't help but take a longer look at him. He didn't know why but he somehow felt as if this was how Qiu Ling was supposed to look. He also looked handsome in the white robe and when he wore it he definitely was the spitting image of the heroes Jing Yi had always imagined but this black robe somehow fitted him better. He also couldn't say why.
Qiu Ling noticed his gaze and smiled. "What is it?"
"No, I … I just thought …" Jing Y shook his head and changed clothes, too. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea, though. The robe was still a bit big on him. Whoever it had been meant for must have been one or two heads taller than the him now. Furthermore, both robes were white but the robe he was wearing now was even more eye-catching. The fabric seemed to glow under the sunlight.
Qiu Ling looked at the white robe with a thoughtful gaze. Of course, he recognized it at once. After all, he had spent a lot of time on getting this. He had personally searched for the silk used to make it and had even discussed the design up to the most minute detail before he let his people manufacture it. He didn't want anything but a perfect gift for Jing He. Who knew it would be used in the human world and even without his beloved knowing?
Qiu Ling didn't mind. When Jing Yi ascended and Jing He woke up and remembered everything then he would certainly understand that this robe had been meant for him. Wouldn't he be endlessly touched then?
Qiu Ling reached over with a smile and lightly grabbed the fabric. "It looks nice on you."
"Mn, thank you. It was a present."
Qiu Ling gave him a knowing smile but Jing Yi had already turned toward the city, looking a bit worried.
"It's been five years since I left. I never contacted her. I don't know … Maybe she'll fault me?"
"She wouldn't."
Jing Yi lifted his brows. "What makes you so sure?"
Qiu Ling smiled and grabbed his hand. "She loves you, doesn't she? So she'll understand."
"Mn."
"Come on. Let's go. I also want to meet mother-in-law." He pulled Jing Yi with him.
"Qiu Ling …" Jing Yi sighed and stopped. "Do me one favor, alright?"
Qiu Ling gripped his other hand, too, and pressed them against his chest, conveniently stepping a little closer. "My love, even if you asked for a hundred or a thousand favors, I wouldn't reject even one of them. Just tell me what it is that you desire and I'll go do it at once."
Jing Yi's lips twitched. "It's nothing much. Just … when we meet my mother later, please behave, alright?"
Qiu Ling blinked. "What are you talking about? When didn't I behave?"
"Well … It's not that you don't behave …" Jing Yi's expression was a little strained. How should he say this? He didn't want to hurt his feelings but he had to make sure Qiu Ling understood. "You see, I haven't seen my mother in a while. It'll probably be a huge shock to her when I suddenly turn up at her doorstep. It wouldn't be such a good idea to make this shock even bigger. So, please, just call me Jing Yi while we're there, alright?"
"Jing Yi?" Qiu Ling pursed his lips. He didn't like this one bit.
"Yes, just Jing Yi. No 'my love'. And you can't call my mother mother-in-law either."
"Why not?" Qiu Ling frowned. Alright, they hadn't slept with each other so they weren't officially married but it was just a question of time! And his mother-in-law certainly wouldn't mind. He was sure of that.
Jing Yi sighed. "Please, just listen to me, alright?" He looked up into Qiu Ling's eyes, clearly begging him.
Qiu Ling gulped. This … What was happening right now? Was his beloved trying to seduce him right now? The gaze in those limpid eyes was more than he could take. "If … If that is what you want …", he answered with a slightly hoarse voice.
Jing Yi smiled and nodded. "Thank you." He hesitated a bit, then he squeezed Qiu Ling's hands, before slipping out of his grip and turning around.
Qiu Ling followed him in a daze. Honestly, he didn't even know what was going on anymore. What had they talked about just now? But, well, his beloved seemed happy, so he was happy, too. Mn, he would be even happier if they had kissed just now. Maybe he could exploit Jing He's good mood a bit?
He looked over and observed his beloved's profile. Yes, he was still really happy. This would be a good opportunity. He extended his hands but just then Jing Yi tensed. The gate of the capital had just entered their sight.
It wouldn't be long now. Soon, he'd see his mother again.
Qiu Ling saw Jing Yi's smile turning into a tensed expression. He sighed and dropped his hand. Well, maybe later. They would be very close to each other for a long time now. There was no need to rush anything.