My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

Preside over the situation...

The words were unexpected, yet within reason. Upon hearing, Chen Yi began to ponder deeply.

Even as Ming Venerable, Chen Yi never felt a sense of belonging to the Ming’an Divine Sect, and he never had the thought of leading the number one Demon Sect in the world.

His ambitions weren’t here, nor did he like being tied down.

Zhu E saw him pondering quietly, and immediately understood his thoughts. She carefully adjusted her tone, her voice became even softer with a hint of persuasion, and she spoke gently:

"My lord, I know you’re not fond of these sect affairs and mundane matters, but... since you’ve already accepted the position of Ming Venerable, Gongsun Sect Leader’s invitation this time comes with a very humble attitude, acknowledging your status."

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze sincere:

"Moreover, Gaoliang Mountain is the foundation of the Ming’an Divine Sect; you only need to occasionally visit, show your face, and not have to handle everything yourself. This way, it reassures the followers and honors the name of Ming Venerable, isn’t it a win-win situation?"

Although her words were tactful, Chen Yi understood the meaning.

The underlying message was to have him visit Gaoliang Mountain and erect a god statue for the Divine Sect.

As for presiding over the situation and personally handling sect matters, Chen Yi believed Gongsun Guan would be more than willing to let go of these responsibilities, but even if he did, Chen Yi wasn’t interested.

Thus, after Zhu E spoke, he looked up, his gaze gentle yet firm, and shook his head slowly.

"Aunt Zhu, I understand your meaning." His tone was calm, without the slightest displeasure, yet carried a sense of resoluteness, "But my ambitions don’t lie here. I’ve always avoided troubles; exerting myself mentally and physically isn’t what I want."

Zhu E nodded slightly, her head naturally lowered.

The fleeting sense of loss and worry in her eyes fell right into Chen Yi’s notice.

Chen Yi smiled, and suddenly shifted the topic, asking a seemingly unrelated question, his voice still gentle:

"Zhu E, do you remember? I asked you if you believe in the sect or... believe in me?"

This question was so familiar, like a lightning bolt revealing the fog of past events, how could Zhu E forget this familiar question?

She was slightly startled, looking into Chen Yi’s calm yet profound eyes, which held no probing, only a clarity that required her to face her inner self.

Moments of daze and memories surged like tides.

She remembered her identity, remembered the Prince Mansion, remembered all the experiences since meeting Chen Yi... In the end, all thoughts settled down, becoming a moment of realization.

The sense of loss in her eyes hadn’t completely vanished, but there was a newfound clarity. She nodded slightly, as if enlightened:

"Zhu E... naturally believes in my lord."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi’s face showed a genuine smile, dispelling some of the detachment from the earlier discussion. He reached out and gently patted Zhu E’s hand, with a soothing intent.

"If that’s the case, let’s follow my plan. For now, I won’t be heading to Gaoliang Mountain. As for Gongsun Guan and the sect’s affairs..." he pondered slightly, "Let’s handle them as they should be. You needn’t worry too much."

Feeling the warmth transmitted through the hand, the sense of loss from the failed persuasion was diluted by this trust and intimacy. She nodded lightly again, saying no more.

"...Aunt Zhu."

The sunlight was so bright, adding a few more degrees of beauty to the graceful demeanor. The Princess’s hair was pitch black, making it appear even shiny. Today, she wore a deep red curved robe, with simple patterns, and like the lantern in the twilight, it exuded an indescribable warm beauty. A few strands hung below the cloud pin, seamlessly blending with the fair plump neck.

Chen Yi found it hard not to be stirred by desire, his arm gently wrapped around Zhu E’s waist.

Chen Yi’s arm wrapped around the gentle waist, and through the deep red fabric, he could clearly feel the plumpness and warmth beneath. Zhu E naturally relaxed, not only did she not retreat, but leaned slightly towards him, her head lowered, a few stray strands of hair lightly brushing against Chen Yi’s nose, carrying a faint fragrance.

She did not speak, only a subtle blush like that of the robe appeared on her pale cheeks, her gaze lowered, falling on her delicate fingers resting on her lap, her fingertips subconsciously curled slightly.

Chen Yi took in her demeanor completely, the inner spark seemed to have been thrown with pine resin, "boom" it burned brighter. He lowered his head, his lips nearly touching her round earlobe, his breath hot:

"Sect affairs, mere trouble, what compares to Aunt Zhu’s allure before me."

This address of "Aunt Zhu" was spoken deeply, lacking the usual respect, instead adding a playful hint.

Zhu E’s ears turned red instantly, her heart pounding like a drum, she understood Chen Yi’s current intentions, and also knew the study in broad daylight was not the appropriate place.

But her body was held by him, the arm steady and strong, carrying an irresistible warmth, coupled with the hint in his words, making her muscles soft, unable to muster the strength to push away.

"...My lord," her voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of pleading difficult to detect, "Not here..."

If the maids were to see such intimacy between concubine and main wife, how disgraceful would it be?

Chen Yi chuckled softly, tightening his arm around her waist, bringing them nearly side by side.

"What’s improper?" He feigned ignorance, his gaze sweeping over the bright sun outside the window and the faintly audible steps of the maids, "I find this place quite nice."

Zhu E was rendered speechless by his words, the shame deeper. She understood once Chen Yi was set on something, it was hard to change, just like his earlier refusal to go to Gaoliang Mountain.