Luo Huangjun could, of course, have chosen to wait for Chu Ge to come out together with Su Lingyuan.
But if that were the case, with both of them present, it would be uncertain whom Chu Ge would put the ring on first.
Moreover, she could not appear too proactive in fighting for it—after all, she was the master. The dignity and reserve befitting a master could not be cast aside.
Besides, with Su Lingyuan present, Chu Ge might feel constrained and, because of that, choose to simply hand the Dao Ring to them to use on their own.
That was not what Luo Huangjun wanted to see.
What she wanted was not the ring itself, but the process of Chu Ge personally placing it on her finger.
Lastly, Luo Huangjun hoped that when Chu Ge put the ring on her, only the two of them would be present—no third person.
Because she herself was not sure what kind of reaction she would have when that moment came; in any case, it would probably be very improper.
After all, there was precedent—just from maintaining eye contact with Chu Ge for too long before, her face would flush, her heart would race, her whole body growing unbearably restless, to the point that she would flee in panic.
When Chu Ge put the ring on her, it would inevitably involve physical contact. At that time, she certainly would not be able to remain calm. If a third person were to see it, that would be truly embarrassing.
Looking at the innocent and carefree Su Lingyuan, perhaps out of a sense of guilt in her heart, Luo Huangjun reached out and gently stroked the girl's head.
With her light, cheerful steps, Su Lingyuan naturally had no idea what Luo Huangjun was thinking at that moment.
Sensing her master's affectionate gesture, she became even happier.
She lifted her head and gave Luo Huangjun a bright, radiant smile—delicate and endearingly naive.
'Such a good child… just a bit foolish…'
Luo Huangjun thought to herself.
Master and disciple made their way to the training grounds exclusive to the Taihuang Hall.
Although Luo Huangjun had her own little schemes, since she said she would examine her, she would not be perfunctory about it.
The cultivation techniques she had learned, her combat spiritual arts, weapon techniques, physical combat, and even the various abilities of the Yuanling (Primordial) Sacred Body—Luo Huangjun examined every aspect of Su Lingyuan's abilities one by one and offered her insights.
"Your mastery of the Yuanling Sacred Body is still not pure enough. Go to the Quiet Enlightenment Chamber and ponder it carefully for a few days,"
Luo Huangjun said flatly after finishing her evaluation.
"Mm, your disciple understands,"
Su Lingyuan replied.
After learning of her own shortcomings, she did not overthink it. Since a problem had been found, it naturally had to be solved promptly.
Thus, she obediently followed Luo Huangjun's instructions and left the Taihuang Hall.
Only, she vaguely felt as though she had forgotten something.
Luo Huangjun waited quietly, occasionally glancing at the tightly shut door.
'Xiao Chu is about to come out. What should I do? What should I say to him later…?'
Though she had also been in seclusion these past few days, she had always kept an eye on the outside world.
Luo Huangjun knew that although Chu Ge was in closed-door cultivation, he would still set time aside every day to go out—presumably to complete what that system called a daily check-in.
She had long since noted this in her heart and had figured out the exact time he went out each day. That was why she had chosen to send Su Lingyuan away right before he came out.
'Maybe I should just wait for Xiao Chu to take the initiative…'
Just as Luo Huangjun's thoughts were in turmoil—
With a soft click, the door opened.
As the sound of the door opening rang out, Luo Huangjun's heart gave a heavy thump along with it.
She did not turn around. Maintaining an air of composure, she continued to look out at the scenery beyond the great hall, standing quietly as if she had not been affected at all.
Chu Ge stepped out of the room.
With a lift of his eyes, he saw, not far away, his cool and aloof master standing quietly, bathed in the morning sunlight.
Though the morning sun was dazzlingly brilliant, it was far less eye-catching than that solitary graceful figure.
Chu Ge was momentarily stunned. Then a smile spread across his face as he walked toward Luo Huangjun.
The soft tap, tap of his footsteps drew nearer and nearer. To her ears, however, it was as though each step was treading upon her heart itself, making her heartbeat grow ever more rapid.
Chu Ge came to Luo Huangjun's side, his gaze shifting from the distant Taihuang mountain peaks to the cool and aloof master beside him.
"Master,"
he called softly.
Luo Huangjun's eyelashes trembled lightly. She gave a quiet hum in response.
She did not turn her head to look at Chu Ge, still maintaining her distant gaze into the distance. Though her heart was somewhat unsettled, it had not yet affected her outward composure—for the moment.