Chapter 29: Has My Husband Forgiven Me?

Chapter 29: Has My Husband Forgiven Me?

Shen Lian now spends his time either with Yan Huaixuan or in meditation, eager to break through quickly.

He doesn't want to keep lagging behind Yan Huaixuan—he wants to truly stand beside him.

Thinking of Yan Huaixuan, Shen Lian opens his eyes and presses his lips together.

Meanwhile, Ling Yun watches Shen Lian cultivate from above, bored out of its mind.

Even Ling Yun has to admit Shen Lian's talent is nothing to sneeze at; unfortunately, its own cultivation level is still too low, or else it could examine Shen Lian's spiritual roots.

The next day, Shen Lian brings a lunchbox to see Yan Huaixuan again.

Yan Huaixuan is still meditating, but this time, Shen Lian can see spiritual energy swirling around him.

Just like he was yesterday!

A flicker of joy flashes through Shen Lian's eyes—he knew Yan Huaixuan couldn't possibly stay down for long.

The system keeps shrieking in his head.

"Shen Lian, you're digging your own grave! How dare you fall for someone who cultivates the Heartless Dao!"

Along with the system's screams, a piercing pain radiates through Shen Lian's limbs.

His face goes pale, but he hides it all.

"Heartless Dao? He's only just started cultivating—he doesn't have to walk that path."

Seeing Shen Lian's defiance, the system grinds its teeth, but it can't break its bond with him. Once Shen Lian reaches the Golden Core stage, he can easily rip it from his soul.

The system's eyes go bloodshot.

But Shen Lian ignores it. Seeing that Yan Huaixuan is still meditating, he knows cultivation comes first, so he says softly, "Once you're done, you can try the pastries. I'm heading out now."

Shen Lian is afraid that if he stays any longer, he'll show how pathetic he looks.

A sharp glint flashes across his eyes.

This damn system—once he finishes cultivating, he'll rip it out and beat it to a pulp.

As if reading his mind, the system cranks up the electric shocks.

Shen Lian's body trembles, and he can't hold on anymore, about to collapse to the ground.

The next moment, he falls into an embrace as cold as snow.

Shen Lian's eyelashes flutter violently. He quickly looks up, as if to confirm something, and stares at Yan Huaixuan.

"Yan Huaixuan."

His eyes burn; he can barely believe Yan Huaixuan actually caught him.

Yan Huaixuan steadies him, then lets go, saying coldly, "You've been here so many times, and you still trip that easily?"

He's about to sweep off, but Shen Lian immediately grabs his wrist.

Shen Lian refuses to give up even a sliver of hope.

He looks at Yan Huaixuan gently. "I see you've started cultivating. Are you not mad at me anymore?"

Yan Huaixuan's thin lips press together at that, and though he says nothing, it's already a huge improvement for Shen Lian.

Bit by bit, Shen Lian tugs at Yan Huaixuan's sleeve. "Yan Huaixuan."

He coaxes softly, "Yan Huaixuan, talk to me."

The moment he finishes speaking, Shen Lian's body sways, about to pass out again. Yan Huaixuan's brows furrow, and he reaches out to catch him, a hint of concern in his eyes that he doesn't even notice himself.

But Shen Lian catches it, and his heart leaps with joy.

Yan Huaixuan really does still worry about him!

Shen Lian snuggles into Yan Huaixuan's arms. "Husband, you're willing to talk to me now?"

His eyes crinkle, his smile sweet, just like before. "Husband, please forgive me?"

Yan Huaixuan lowers his gaze, staring straight at Shen Lian. "Shen Lian, if you want me to forgive you, then stop lying to me."

Shen Lian nods right away. "Okay."

But Yan Huaixuan asks again, "Then tell me—why did you try to take Ling Yun?"

Shen Lian freezes, but when he meets Yan Huaixuan's eyes, he quickly hides the flicker of unease.

He says softly, "That day, it really wasn't on purpose. I had no idea the sword was so powerful. It was my father, Duke Shen, who gave me an identical one and told me to secretly swap it with His Highness's sword."

"I planned to fake the switch, but actually return the real sword to you."

"But I got the straps mixed up, and I lunged onto the bed just to give the real sword back."

Yan Huaixuan looks at him, then lets out a low laugh. "Fine, this matter is settled. Don't let it happen again."

Hearing this, Shen Lian's heart almost leaps out of his chest.

He hugs Yan Huaixuan, smiling.

"Since that's settled—" Yan Huaixuan starts to pull away, but Shen Lian leans in and whispers in his ear.

"Your Highness, the oral method is too slow. How about I teach you cultivation hands-on?"

Yan Huaixuan's Adam's apple bobs. He sits there, cool and collected, neither refusing nor agreeing.

But Shen Lian is used to this. He's just teasing Yan Huaixuan casually—though deep down, he really does want it.

The person he loves is right in front of him, and they've just patched things up—how could he not want to be close?

He just knows Yan Huaixuan is like fresh snow on a high mountain, not into that kind of thing.

Shen Lian is about to leave when, out of nowhere, his wrist is caught.

Startled, Shen Lian turns around with difficulty.

There he sees the immortal-like man, his gaze lowered slightly.

His thin lips part just a little.

"Mm."

Though his voice was so cold, it swiftly ignited Shen Lian like a blazing flame.

Shen Lian gradually drew closer to Yan Huaixuan.

"You mean... really?"

Shen Lian tilted his head up to look at Yan Huaixuan.

At this man, the only one who would treat him well, care for him, and teach him.

The one who made him want to draw near, yet left him constantly on edge.

Shen Lian's heart pounded, as if afraid Yan Huaixuan might refuse, and he asked again, "Your Highness, really?"

But this time, he didn't even wait for Yan Huaixuan to respond.

Shen Lian cupped Yan Huaixuan's face and tilted his head up to kiss Yan Huaixuan on the lips.

Though cold, it made Shen Lian feel so happy, so warm.

He thought, so many people said he didn't deserve love, but in truth, he had received it.

Yet Shen Lian didn't notice that Yan Huaixuan, the one kissing him, held no joy in his eyes like Shen Lian's. Only indifference.

Ever since that first kiss, Shen Lian's visits grew more frequent. He actually wanted to move right into Yan Huaixuan's palace.

Under the fancy pretext of cultivating together with Yan Huaixuan.

"Once we both reach the Golden Core stage, we can become cultivation partners."

After Golden Core came Nascent Soul, which would grant them entry into the world of cultivation. When the passageway opened, Yan Huaixuan could bring him along.

But Yan Huaixuan ruthlessly refused, citing that cultivation required focus and Shen Lian lacked any discipline.

Shen Lian knew himself too well—the moment he saw Yan Huaixuan, he couldn't help but draw closer.

He reluctantly agreed, but he was certainly going to get something in return.

Through persistent coaxing, he finally got Yan Huaixuan to take the initiative and kiss his lips once.

Over these past few days, he had kissed Yan Huaixuan time and again. At first, Yan Huaixuan showed no reaction, but later, he at least knew to move his lips in response.

Sometimes, he would even pry open Yan Huaixuan's lips and teeth.

Shen Lian slipped his tongue between Yan Huaixuan's lips, joyfully and eagerly drinking in his breath.