### Chapter 156: A Beauties’ Gift of a Sword
Yun Zhonghe, you idiot! Idiot! Idiot, idiot!
If that’s the case, why not say it sooner? You had me misunderstanding things for so long; I almost thought—
Even though she was cursing him in her heart, the icy facade in her gaze seemed to melt away.
A rosy blush crept across her small face.
Standing beside her, Lin Zhongyu also felt a wave of emotion.
She just knew it—Brother Yun absolutely wasn’t that kind of person; there had to be some misunderstanding.
“I… I understand! Since she said so, I’m willing to be friends with her,” Mu Jixue stammered, looking like a pretzel struggling to straighten up.
Even though she seemed reluctant, Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help but nod happily.
All his hard work had finally paid off.
Just moments ago with Qin Hongye, he bend over backward to say nice things about Mu Jixue, praising her to the skies to rekindle Qin Hongye’s old feelings for her.
He even dug out a precious fire-type spiritual herb as a gift, ostensibly from Mu Jixue to Qin Hongye as an apology, claiming he had been busy and delayed the delivery.
In the middle of it all, he acted as a smooth mediator while getting scrutinized by Qin Hongye’s doubtful gaze for a while.
But finally, he earned Qin Hongye’s forgiveness.
Yun Zhonghe consistently spoke good things on behalf of one to the other, but they’d never know it was all his doing.
He felt ecstatic.
Honestly, after this round of matchmaking, Yun Zhonghe sensed the two’s relationship had taken a turn for the better.
As long as he put in a little more effort to help them bond and say nice things to each other, one day they’d be all lovey-dovey, and Yun Zhonghe would be the mastermind behind it all!
This would mean more safety for him and ironclad ties with Huang Aotian!
What? You ask if it was worth it for Yun Zhonghe to spend money and effort like this?
Come on, he was the number one bro in the country! Spending money for a good buddy’s girl? That’s just called camaraderie!
What he invested today would eventually be compensated by Mu Jixue’s cultivation level.
Don’t forget, Mu Jixue’s Xuan Nu Ice Heart Technique could absorb yin energy; the wider her harem, the faster Yun Zhonghe’s cultivation would rocket skyward.
Plus, let’s not overlook that Yun Zhonghe also received benefits; the All-Encompassing Sword Technique gifted by Qin Hongye was now his to keep. Sweet!
But Yun Zhonghe found it a bit odd how much easier Mu Jixue was to talk to today. With her usual character, even if Qin Hongye apologized, she probably wouldn’t be gracious. After all, her stubbornness was legendary!
Or maybe… Is Mu Jixue only stubborn towards him while being nice to other women?
Forget about it for now.
“Well then, it’s settled! On the day we leave, let’s meet at the courtyard where I’m staying. You two can greet each other properly and look out for each other in the sect.”
Yun Zhonghe didn’t plan to say more. He had surprisingly managed to ease the awkwardness between the two today. With all he had done, surely, good things would follow.
However, Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu didn’t say a word; they merely nodded at Yun Zhonghe, their hearts being swept by warm currents.
He was always thinking about them.
He was always keeping them in his thoughts.
It turns out… the indecisive ones were them.
They both knew that Yun Zhonghe was the one doing most of the work, while he thought they were oblivious, they were quite aware.
Yet Yun Zhonghe didn’t mention a word about his own efforts, which only intensified their feelings of guilt.
Why… Why did he do so much for them? Why was he so gentle, considerate, and patient with them…?
Mu Jixue really wanted to confront Yun Zhonghe about this on the spot.
But when she met his hopeful gaze, her question got stuck in her throat.
Yun Zhonghe must have his own considerations and intentions, so he didn’t come clean, right?
“Alright, you two rest well today. I still have some things to take care of, so I’ll take my leave.”
Yun Zhonghe was itching to get back and study the sword technique he had just acquired.
However, his anxious demeanor, from Mu Jixue’s perspective, looked just like someone trying desperately to hide their embarrassment, which made her feel very uneasy.
“Um, Brother Yun, please wait a moment!”
Just as Yun Zhonghe was about to leave, Mu Jixue suddenly called out to him.
Yun Zhonghe turned back, “Lady Jixue?”
She looked at him with her big, watery purple eyes, her face flushed, seemingly summoning all her courage.
“Um… I… I…”
Her voice was intermittent like she was about to burst into tears, definitely looking very delicate and fragile.
It was in stark contrast to her usual aloof demeanor.
Yun Zhonghe was frozen for a moment.
Lin Zhongyu seemed to sense something first. She quietly cheered inside: Could it be that Mu Jixue is finally going to say it?!
She silently squeezed Mu Jixue’s hand, feeling it was drenched in sweat.
Mu Jixue took a deep breath: “Earlier, your sword broke, right? So, I discussed with Little Yu and we went to the market to buy a sword for you. If you don’t mind… please accept it.”
Mu Jixue seemed to exert every bit of strength to say this; after unloading her words, she promptly pulled out a sword from her universe bag and reverently offered it to Yun Zhonghe.
Her trembling hand extended toward him.
Would he accept my offering? Would he find it beneath him? I mean, I’ve really caused him enough trouble, and this isn’t something valuable; he has done so much more for us.
Mu Jixue’s heart raced, anxious that Yun Zhonghe might think less of her.
She had initially intended for Lin Zhongyu to deliver the sword for her; she was far too embarrassed to do it herself, especially since before, she worried that if she handed it over, it would seem like she was being too proactive and the disadvantage would fall to her.
Whoever goes first loses.
Proud Mu Jixue would absolutely not allow herself to become a laughingstock to Yun Zhonghe; she couldn’t bear the thought of being teased.
Yet now, she was willing to temporarily put down that burden and take the initiative.
This wasn’t admitting her defeat, oh no! It just felt that after he had been so proactive, she should reciprocate; otherwise, it would be a bit unreasonable… That’s all! She wasn’t losing! She just thought he deserved it!
Hmph… Hmph!
Yun Zhonghe stared blankly at her, suddenly feeling a dreamlike sense wash over him.
This wasn’t his first time receiving something from Mu Jixue, but in the past, she always looked like she had no choice, but this time was completely different. Yun Zhonghe could genuinely feel her heartfelt wish for him to accept it.
Even the way she held it seemed so perfect, as if she were saying, “I specially picked this for you; if you don’t like it, I’ll cry!”
In an instant, Yun Zhonghe felt a surge of happiness, nearly dizzy.
Is this a dream? Huang Aotian voluntarily gave me something! Does she really treat me like a true buddy now?
Yun Zhonghe trembled with excitement, on the verge of tears.
He felt like a proud parent finally seeing their child grow up.
“What’s wrong? Don’t like it?”
Seeing Yun Zhonghe not reaching for it, Mu Jixue panicked, cautiously inquiring.
Did she guess wrong? Was this sword not to his liking? Or was it something else?
But Yun Zhonghe promptly reached out and grasped Mu Jixue’s delicate hand. His movements were quick, and at the moment their hands touched, Mu Jixue’s face flushed even more, feeling like her hand would burn up.
All Yun Zhonghe did was take the sword, hoist it up in front of him, and begin to admire it closely.
This sword was truly exceptional; though its design was ancient, it sparkled, and the blade was razor-sharp—a fine sword indeed.
One could say it was a magical item.
But this was a sword gifted by his good buddy. Even if it was merely a magical item, he would cherish it and use it for a lifetime!
In the future, when the white-haired loli became the Empress, he’d proudly wave this sword around in front of others.
This was a gift from the Empress herself; a token of their friendship!
