Chapter 1004: Who Is More Important

Chapter 1004: Who Is More Important

Liu Shuqin had already sensed that Lin Nuo’s trip involved some intimate contact with Ling Meng.

It was no surprise, really; after all, he was the Demon Ruler, just like those supreme emperors with beloved consorts whom he would naturally make time to indulge.

And she was one of them.

However, being favored by him made her more than satisfied—what else was there to demand or complain about?

“Junior Martial Brother, you’ve really worked hard, but I regret not being able to help,” she said.

“It’s just a small matter, no need for help.”

“A small matter…? Well, with your abilities, everything is small, I suppose. How are Ruo’er and Ling Meng doing?”

“They’re doing well.”

“Mm, that’s good. Junior Martial Brother, why don’t you stay here and rest tonight? Of course, if you prefer being alone in your room…”

“I won’t be resting tonight,” Lin Nuo replied.

“Not resting, huh… so you’re staying here? Let’s not rest together then.”

Lin Nuo：“……”

What do you mean by not resting together? Are you suggesting we battle until dawn?

I can’t take it, really, my body can’t handle it.

“I need to patrol a bit; who knows if there are those damned demon realm souls still lurking around? Plus, there’s that disappearing demon illusion. With all this happening, how can I rest?”

“Junior Martial Brother, you truly pour your heart into this, it’s admirable. Since that’s the case, I’ll accompany you; it’s always better to have one more person for patrol.”

Liu Shuqin smiled, thinking about how she could lend a hand. After all, being unnecessary might lead to being left out later.

“Alright then.”

Lin Nuo nodded; if he didn’t agree, she would probably just run off to patrol herself anyway.

He knew Liu Shuqin’s personality well; she never wanted to idle around. If she were in a company, she’d be a top employee, never slacking off.

If only she were a bit stronger, he could retire and let her handle everything.

Liu Shuqin got off the garden bed, adjusted her dress and demeanor, then followed Lin Nuo to patrol through the woods.

“Junior Martial Brother, there’s something I’m unsure whether to ask.”

Liu Shuqin suddenly spoke as she trailed behind Lin Nuo.

“Just ask; if you don’t inquire today, you’ll ask later anyway. It’s not something you can hold in.”

“Um…”

Liu Shuqin seemed a bit embarrassed, as if she’d been seen through by Lin Nuo.

“It’s… now I know that following you are Ling Meng, Ruo’er, and me. How do we three rank in your heart?”

Lin Nuo：“……”

Lin Nuo, who was walking ahead, suddenly stopped.

What’s Liu Shuqin overthinking this time?

Although Lin Nuo liked this elegant and poised young lady quite a bit, and even looked up to such gentle and virtuous Jiangnan women before he time-traveled, these graceful beauties often had one issue: they were sentimental and prone to overthinking.

And when they overthought, it wasn’t just a little; they could turn a tiny issue into an extensive essay, full of literary references that were hard to even comprehend without some cultural knowledge.

Dealing with such sentimental women took a lot of mental effort.

Especially when it came to matters of the heart between men and women.

But he had learned some coping strategies and nonchalantly replied, “What do you think?”

“I…? How could I completely gauge your thoughts, Junior Martial Brother…”

“You could try analyzing it.”

Lin Nuo turned around, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness.

“Um… if I get it wrong, please don’t blame me, Junior Martial Brother.”

Liu Shuqin sighed softly and began her analysis:

“First, regarding Ruo’er. From my memories of the previous life, Ruo’er held an absolutely significant position in your heart. Because even if she became an immortal while you became a demon, facing persecution, she remained the one supporting you without reservation, risking heavenly punishment. From your words and actions, it’s clear that you cherish Ruo’er the most.”

“Could it be that Ruo’er’s just the youngest and naive, needing extra care?” Lin Nuo countered.

“No, it’s not a matter of age. Ruo’er is merely your maid, yet your care for her has far exceeded that of an older brother towards a little fan. It’s evident how important she is to you.”

Lin Nuo listened to Liu Shuqin’s words without rebuttal.

Ruo’er was indeed very important; if you had experienced helplessness, loneliness, and being hunted, you would understand how moving it is when someone is still willing to lend you a hand.

Especially at the cost of their own freedom.

Noticing Lin Nuo’s silence, Liu Shuqin knew she was likely on the right track and continued:

“Next is Ling Meng. I wonder if you had any interactions with her in your last life, Junior Martial Brother. I think there might have been, given she is a remarkably gifted demon woman, your only disciple, and she admires you greatly, supporting you wholeheartedly. Sometimes you can be strict with her, but more often, it’s a form of care of your own. You are the Demon Ruler, and she’s a demon woman; there’s no issue with a union between you two. You’d be happy to marry her, and she is very important in your heart, just not as much as Ruo’er.”

Liu Shuqin continued on with her analysis, all of which made sense, and Lin Nuo didn’t refute it.

If he had crossed paths with Ling Meng in his last life, it might have made sense for him to form an alliance with her, a perfect match between the Demon Ruler and a brilliant demon woman.

However, without any emotional ties from the previous life, naturally, she couldn’t compare to Ruo’er.

“As for me… even though Junior Martial Brother has mentioned I’m also very important, which is why you were willing to save me, I still can’t think of any qualifications that surpass her importance. I’m not a true demon, nor have I provided assistance in the previous life… so, I suppose I’m the least conspicuous among them. I have self-awareness; just being accepted by you is enough for me. Um… I wonder if what I said makes sense; perhaps I’m just being conceited, maybe I’m really not as important as I thought…”

Liu Shuqin’s voice softened, carrying a hint of sorrow, as if she had resigned.

Lin Nuo sighed lightly and replied:

“Between the three of you, Ruo’er is naturally the most important. You and Ling Meng each have your merits, and I’m open to spending time with both of you. You’ve thought too much; in terms of importance, you are more significant than Ling Meng. Regardless of whether you are a true demon or not, you are still more important than her. As for the reason, I won’t elaborate further, just saying that much for now.”

“I… I’m more important than her…?”

Liu Shuqin found it hard to believe; she truly couldn’t fathom why that was the case. Was it merely because she had been his senior and spent some time with him?

Even in terms of support for Lin Nuo, she couldn’t compare to Ling Meng’s fervor.

“Yes. I’m not trying to deceive you. All in all, believe it or not, and stop overthinking. These things aren’t so important. We are demons now; we need to focus on surviving and finding our space in this world.”

Lin Nuo said.