The bamboo grove was pitch dark, but Ian Song walked forward calmly and naturally. Even without activating his Clairvoyant Vision, his Golden Core cultivation let him see night as if it were day.
After a short while, Ian arrived again at the familiar wooden hut.
Creak!
The wooden door opened. The Martial Goddess Heavenreach, dressed in a simple gown, stepped out slowly and bowed slightly. "Greetings, Your Majesty."
"There's no need for such formality, Archmage. Please, rise."
Ian stepped forward and supported Heavenreach by the arms. Even through the layer of clothing, he keenly sensed the delicate softness of her skin beneath.
Three years ago, Ian had taught Heavenreach the Origin-Nurturing Scripture. Although she'd spent those three years busy compiling the Grand Martial Canon, she hadn't neglected her cultivation. Now, her Immortal-Dao realm had reached late Foundation Establishment.
Nourished by true essence, she seemed to grow younger by the day. At this moment, she looked just like a stunning girl of eighteen. Especially thanks to her Immortal cultivation, she radiated an ethereal aura, making her appear even more noble and untouchable.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Heavenreach pulled back her arms and spoke. In the darkness, her cheeks were faintly flushed.
"Please come in, Your Majesty."
"Mm."
Ian nodded and stepped into the small hut.
Although he'd been busy with state affairs these years, he'd visited here several times and was quite familiar with the place by now.
"This place is rather simple. I hope Your Majesty doesn't mind."
Heavenreach poured a cup of tea and handed it to Ian.
Ian took the cup, and their fingers brushed inadvertently. Instantly, both felt a jolt like an electric shock. Collecting himself, Ian took a sip and smiled, "Archmage, I've said before, there's no need to be so formal between us here. There are no outsiders present; why not just call me by my name, Leon Huang?"
"Your Majesty must be joking," Heavenreach replied calmly.
Ian was extremely sensitive to matters of the heart. After years of interaction, he couldn't be sure if Heavenreach truly loved him, but he was certain she at least had some affection—otherwise, she wouldn't have invited him for tea in her hut late at night. Smiling, he asked, "By the way, Archmage, what's your name? We've known each other for years, but I still don't know your name. That's quite rude of me!"
Hearing Ian's question, Heavenreach fell silent, lost in memories. After a long pause, she finally spoke softly, "My name is Tianxing."
"Tessa!"
Ian nodded. "It's truly a beautiful name—just like a star in the heavens, cool and noble."
"Your Majesty flatters me."
Heavenreach kept her tone calm, but her eyes clearly showed joy, which did not escape Ian's notice.
Ian continued, "So, in public I'll call you Archmage, but when we're alone, can I call you Tessa?"
"Whatever Your Majesty wishes."
Hearing this, Ian deliberately put on a stern face. "Tessa, I've already called you by your name, so why do you still insist on calling me 'Your Majesty'? How about you call me Leon instead? If that's too hard, just call me Brother Leon!"
As he spoke, a playful and teasing glint flashed in Ian's eyes.
"Brother Leon?"
A trace of feigned anger flashed in Heavenreach's eyes. "I'm much older than you—how could I possibly call you 'Brother'?"
"You can't say that."
As he spoke, Ian took a glass mirror from his Storage Ring and held it up to Heavenreach's face. "Take a look for yourself. Isn't the girl in the mirror a blossoming beauty, stunning enough to topple kingdoms?"
"This..." Seeing her beautiful reflection in the mirror and hearing his praise, Heavenreach couldn't help but blush shyly. But she still said, "Your Majesty, please show some restraint!"
"I'm just stating the truth. Is that so wrong?" Ian fixed his heated gaze on Heavenreach.
Feeling the burn of his gaze, Heavenreach felt her heart scorch. Instinctively, she retreated two steps. "Your Majesty, it's late. Please return."
But as the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot—so Ian immediately stepped forward, caught both her small hands, and softly said, "Tessa, you're truly beautiful!"
Hearing this, Heavenreach was stunned, a mix of joy and panic swirling inside her. Like a startled fawn, she tried to pull her hands away, but Ian held on tight, giving her no chance to escape.
Of course, if she circulated her true qi, she could easily break free—but right now, she had completely forgotten to do so.
Suddenly, Ian leaned in close, his face just before hers, gazing infatuatedly at her flawless features. In a low voice, he asked, "Tessa, do you like me?"
Boom.
Heavenreach felt her mind explode, turning into a blank, muddled state—like a puppet incapable of thought. Taken as a disciple at five years old, she'd devoted centuries to cultivation, spending nearly all her time training and rarely interacting with the outside world. In matters of the heart, she was still a blank slate, which explained her helpless reaction now.
Ian stared at her in stunned silence.
"We... we're not suitable."
"What's not suitable?"
Heavenreach bit her lip. "Age!"
"I don't care."
Ian answered with determination, knowing this was the moment he couldn't afford the slightest hesitation—Heavenreach was at her most sensitive and conflicted.
"But if word got out, it would ruin your reputation!" Heavenreach protested.
"Anyone who dares gossip, I'll kill them!" Ian declared domineeringly.
"Can you kill everyone in the world?" Heavenreach retorted with a cold laugh.
"I'd give up my life for you—so why would killing all the world's gossips matter?" Ian replied without hesitation. He knew he was exaggerating, but also knew such words had a powerful effect on women.
Sure enough, just as he expected, Heavenreach's eyes grew moist at his words. She remembered how, years ago, Ian had shielded her and taken a blow for her. Her gaze softened and deepened, and she stepped close to Ian, her voice full of emotion: "From now on, I am Tessa, no longer the Martial Goddess Heavenreach!"