Despite the nagging suspicion that there was a deeper mystery to the corrupt spiritual energy, Jun's thoughts were abruptly pulled back to the pressing issue at hand.
"How are we going to explain this to everyone" Jun blurted out, the urgency clear in his tone.
Yinling barely even registered Jun's words, all she could think about was how handsome Jun looked. Even before, Jun could be considered a very handsome guy but now...
Snapping out of her daze Yinling realized the problem and panicked "May- maybe blame it on makeup?"
"Makeup is supposed to make you prettier not the opposite" Jun quipped, his eyebrow raised in disbelief.
Thinking about it, Jun came up with a basic solution, blaming it on a secret technique that was a sensitive topic and wouldn't cause any more questions but not any greed for it.
"Let's just blame it on a secret Dual cultivation technique"
Yinling felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks at the suggestion. Yet, as she mulled it over, the strategy unfolded in her mind with clear logic. Mentioning such a technique would naturally deter further inquiries, wrapping their transformation in a veil of intimate secrecy that few would dare to penetrate.
Although Dual cultivation may not allow individuals to reach the top, it certainly has created a spawn of cities or sects that thrive off these techniques. Entire cities and even sects would have big festivals promoting this kind of thing but Yinling had never really paid much attention to these.
"Perhaps it could work... it should stop people from questioning us out of awkwardness" Yinling spoke lost in thought on such an idea.
Knock Knock Knock
Hearing this, they both turned to each other "at least she knocked this time" both couldn't help but share a knowing look, a mix of amusement and relief passing between them.
Yinling, with a light chuckle, made her way to the door, her movements fluid and composed. She opened it just a crack, peering out to inquire, "What brings you here Yuling?"
Yuling, shifting a bit from one foot to the other, managed, "Ah, Master has requested your presence, both of you." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her nervousness.
Jun, who had quietly moved to stand just behind Yinling, leaned in slightly, "And? Did she give a reason as to why?"
Yuling shook her head "She didn't specify, but it's likely about the upcoming Silent Battlefield games."
Jun's brow furrowed in confusion. "Silent Battlefield games?" he echoed, a note of skepticism in his tone.
Yuling shifted uncomfortably, her gaze flickering between Jun and Yinling. "I think it's best if Master explains the details," she admitted,
"Do we have to participate?"
Yuling's eyes darted to the floor before meeting Jun's gaze again. "I can't say for sure... I've never been a participant myself. But Master seems to hold high expectations for both of you."
Dammit, how did he get involved in this stupid tournament, there's always some tournament nearby stalking his every move.
"Thanks for letting us know," Yinling interjected, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and a hint of nervousness. "Would you mind leading the way? We're still don't know our way around here."
With a cute smile on her face, Yuling regained her playful demeanor "Of course, just follow me" She said walking away expecting Jun and Yinling to follow.
Jun and Yinling exchanged a quick, confirming glance before hurrying after Yuling. They navigated through a maze of corridors and stairwells, their footsteps echoing softly as they ascended to the fourth floor.
"Here we are, just step inside, Master has been waiting for a little while" Yuling spoke
Both nodding, they stepped forward and pushed open the two giant wooden doors and entered, unaware of the puzzled look Yuling was giving them as they entered.
What Jun and Yinling didn't know was while guiding them both, for some reason Yuling couldn't feel their presence at all, almost as if no one was following her, but how was that possible?
For any cultivator of foundation establishment level or beyond, such a lack of presence was unheard of; their heightened senses should have easily picked up on the slightest hint of another's energy within meters. Yet, with Jun and Yinling, she felt nothing, a puzzling contradiction to everything she knew about cultivation.
Could there be something wrong on her end, after all, she suddenly woke up face flat on the hallway. Was she cultivating too much lately and her body and mind just gave out?
All Yuling could remember was a horrible stench entering her nose and boom, her vision gave out.
Letting the two giant wooden doors behind them close, they approached their master who was currently sitting down alone at an 8-seat table at the front.
"Excuse me in calling you so late" Elder Lili spoke, trying her best to remain calm.
Taking their seats across from her, Jun and Yinling exchanged an uneasy glance before turning their attention to Elder Lili. The air was thick with anticipation.
"I must start by offering my sincerest apologies," Elder Lili continued, her gaze fixed on them, revealing the depth of her regret.
Jun's brows lifted slightly, a mixture of appreciation and surprise coloring his response. "It's understandable, Elder Lili, most would react like that so I wouldn't blame you," he offered, accepting her apology.
"Truly, Elder Lili, anyone in your position might have reacted similarly upon witnessing... such unexpected feats," Yinling said, her voice laced with empathy, aiming to ease the elder's discomfort.
Elder Lili, however, gently shook her head, her expression clouded with introspection. "It's not merely the shock of witnessing unprecedented talent," she murmured, more to herself than to them.
Her gaze drifted, lost in thought. While Jun's exceptional abilities were indeed startling, Elder Lili sensed there was more beneath the surface of her reaction—a nagging, elusive reason that eluded even her own understanding.
"Moving on, what happened to both of your faces" Elder Lili pointed to Jun and Yinling who looked different than before, but not in a bad way.
Jun shuffled slightly, his expression carefully molded into one of mild embarrassment. "Ah, this..." he began, glancing at Yinling, whose cheeks were aflame with a soft blush. "We've hit a... pivotal moment in our dual cultivation practice," he explained, wrapping an arm around Yinling, drawing her closer in a show of solidarity.
Elder Lili's response was a measured, "I… I see." However, as her eyes lingered on the pair, a flicker of confusion crossed her features. While directly in her view, Jun and Yinling were as clear as day, but the moment her gaze drifted, it was as if they slipped from the realm of her perception.
(author note: Happy late valentines Day everyone)