Chapter 193

Chapter 193: No Matter How You Are, I Like You

“Ye Xuan, you’re back! Are you hurt?” As soon as Ye Xuan returned to Qingxue Peak with Qingxue, Yu Ling’er excitedly rushed over to him, her concern evident.

Although becoming an immortal was a great thing, no matter how powerful a person was, there was no guarantee they wouldn’t get hurt facing the power of an immortal tribulation. Some, due to lack of preparation, might even die or suffer severe injuries that even immortality couldn’t heal.

“Of course I’m fine,” Ye Xuan smiled at the girl before him. “I made you worry.” As he spoke, he reached out and pulled Yu Ling’er into his arms.

“Ah–!” Feeling Ye Xuan’s embrace, Yu Ling’er couldn’t help but cry out in surprise. Her face turned red, and her heart started racing.

They had both focused on cultivation during their hundred years in the Cosmic Cave Heaven, and their relationship had not progressed much. Even intimate actions like hugging or holding hands were rare.

Ye Xuan had thought he was genuinely focused on cultivation, but now he realized he had been subconsciously influenced by past ties, which caused him to distance himself from Yu Ling’er.

Despite having a lustful nature, he had maintained a pure relationship, which seemed abnormal. Now, Ye Xuan wasn’t going to hold back anymore. He liked her, so he hugged her.

However, Yu Ling’er was unprepared for Ye Xuan’s sudden change in attitude, making her shy and nervous. She had been looking forward to his embrace, but seeing Qingxue and Hu Qianzao around made her feel embarrassed.

Still, she liked Ye Xuan, so although she was shy, she didn’t resist.

“Later, I’ll go to Qingyan Peak and propose to your father. How about that?” Ye Xuan asked Yu Ling’er.

“Pro… propose?” Yu Ling’er was taken aback, then shyly said, “I’ll listen to you.”

“Congratulations, Yu Ling’er,” Hu Qianzao said with a hint of envy.

She understood she had no right to be jealous of Yu Ling’er. If it weren’t for her interference, Yu Ling’er and Ye Xuan might have been together in their past lives, not needing to wait until now. She owed Yu Ling’er this much.

With that in mind, she could only genuinely bless Yu Ling’er. But deep down, she also hoped Ye Xuan would say the same thing to her. She would gladly marry him if he wished.

As Hu Qianzao was thinking this, she noticed Ye Xuan looking at her with a playful expression, as if he knew what she was thinking. Embarrassed, her face turned red, and she stood there silently.

Ye Xuan said, “Qianzao, I’ll visit Jade Fox Palace soon too.”

“Okay, I’ll be waiting for you,” Hu Qianzao replied softly, her face blushing.

She felt that Ye Xuan seemed different after the tribulation. Before, he looked at her with pure love, but now there was a possessive desire in his gaze.

Normally, such a look from anyone else would disgust her, but coming from Ye Xuan, it made her heart race.

She feared that Ye Xuan might suddenly demand something from her. What would she do if he insisted on it? It wouldn’t be appropriate before marriage, but if he insisted, what choice would she have?

“Ahem.” Not only Hu Qianzao but also Hu Lan noticed Ye Xuan’s change. After the tribulation, Ye Xuan seemed like a different person. He used to be a deeply affectionate man, but now he appeared more worldly.

This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing; his previous deep affection might have brought trouble. The current Ye Xuan, though more worldly, seemed more genuine and approachable.

However, his gaze was a bit too straightforward, as if he wanted to devour their palace master. Hu Lan felt it necessary to remind their palace master that some things should be restrained before marriage.

She cleared her throat and said, “Daoist Ye… After this tribulation, you seem different.”

Her words echoed the thoughts of the women present. Even Qingxue noticed the change, although it wasn’t as stark to her as it was to the others.

Ye Xuan, understanding their curiosity, explained honestly, “Indeed, I’m not the same as before. You must have noticed that I am not what you thought.”

“You saw me as a devoted and passionate person, but the real me standing before you is different. The previous image you saw was an act; this is my true self.”

Hearing this, the women exchanged glances, somewhat understanding Ye Xuan’s point. Cultivators’ mindsets often change, and Ye Xuan’s situation was comprehensible.

After all, one’s nature can change with their status, and Ye Xuan’s personality wasn’t hard to grasp.

“But no matter how you change, you are still you,” Yu Ling’er smiled. “As long as it’s you, I will like you. Even if you have Qingxue and Hu Qianzao, I don’t mind.”

“Me too,” Hu Qianzao said. “I like you, and that’s enough.”

“Speaking of which,” Qingxue said, looking at Ye Xuan, “Husband, you were like this when we first met. Only after suffering for me did you unknowingly become that other person. Now you are truly yourself.”

As she spoke, she moved closer to Ye Xuan and said, “Husband, you’ve spent all this time with them. Isn’t it time to spend some time with me?”

She glanced towards the residence on Qingyan Peak, hinting at Ye Xuan. His eyes lit up, finding Qingxue’s initiative appealing.

Hu Qianzao and Yu Ling’er blushed, while Hu Lan felt awkward as these two didn’t see her as an outsider at all.