That night, Ye Qiu slept soundly.
For so long, his nerves had been on edge, and it was rare for him to feel as relaxed as he did tonight.
The next day, at eight in the morning, when Ye Qiu opened his eyes, he saw Qian Shanxue sitting by the bed, her hands cupping her cheeks, staring at him intently.
“Why didn’t you wake me earlier?” Ye Qiu asked.
Qian Shanxue smiled, “You were sleeping so peacefully, I couldn’t bear to disturb you.”
Ye Qiu sat up, ready to get dressed.
“Don’t move, let me help.”
Qian Shanxue stood, gently assisting Ye Qiu with his clothes.
Ye Qiu felt a wave of emotion. In some films, his understanding of Dadong women boiled down to one word—gentle.
Seeing Qian Shanxue’s actions now, he was deeply moved. He never imagined that one day, Dadong’s goddess would treat him so tenderly, like a wife.
Ye Qiu suddenly chuckled.
“What are you laughing at?” Qian Shanxue asked, puzzled.
Ye Qiu said, “I was thinking, if the people of Dadong knew their national goddess was treating a man so gently, would they drown me in their spit?”
Qian Shanxue replied seriously, “They wouldn’t drown you in spit. They’d probably just chop you with knives.”
Ye Qiu burst into laughter.
After Qian Shanxue helped him dress, she reached for his shoes, but Ye Qiu stopped her.
“You’re pregnant, bending down is risky. I’ll do it myself,” Ye Qiu said.
“Then I’ll prepare your toiletries,” Qian Shanxue said, heading to the bathroom.
When Ye Qiu entered the bathroom, he found facial wash, a towel, a razor, a glass of purified water, and a toothbrush with toothpaste already applied.
Ye Qiu was touched.
Among his lovers, only Qian Shanxue was this meticulous.
Of course, this was tied to Dadong’s culture.
In Dadong, men were traditionally dominant, influenced by patriarchal ideas. Men were only responsible for earning money, leaving everything else to women.
Women, besides housework, were expected to devotedly serve their husbands.
This was why many wanted to marry Dadong women.
After washing up, Qian Shanxue said softly, “The air outside is fresh. Go for some morning exercise, and I’ll make breakfast.”
Ye Qiu took her hand, saying, “You’re pregnant. Let me handle the cooking.”
Seeing Ye Qiu’s thoughtfulness, Qian Shanxue’s heart felt as sweet as honey. She said, “Let me do it. In Dadong, cooking is a woman’s job.”
Ye Qiu insisted, “Listen to me. Today, I’ll cook you some egg noodles and let you taste my skills.”
Seeing his determination, Qian Shanxue smiled, “Alright, I’ll keep you company.”
Hand in hand, they were about to leave when—
*Knock, knock,*
A knock came at the door, followed by Qiu Shan Nange’s voice, “Xiaoxue, are you up?”
Qian Shanxue opened the door, asking, “Master, why are you here?”
“Xiaoxue, I’ve made breakfast. Come with me,” Qiu Shan Nange said, turning to leave.
Qian Shanxue was momentarily stunned.
In her memory, Qiu Shan Nange hadn’t cooked in a decade. Had the sun risen in the west today?
“What’s wrong?” Ye Qiu asked, noticing her daze.
“Nothing,” Qian Shanxue shook her head, leading Ye Qiu to the dining room.
Dadong breakfasts were light. Ye Qiu took a few bites, found it tasty, and ate with relish.
Qiu Shan Nange sat nearby, occasionally stealing glances at Ye Qiu. Unable to hold back, she asked, “Is it good?”
“Delicious,” Ye Qiu replied. “Nange, did you make this yourself?”
“Yes,” Qiu Shan Nange nodded.
Ye Qiu found it odd, saying, “Doesn’t the Shuiyue Sect have disciples and servants? Why did you need to cook?”
*All for you,*
Qiu Shan Nange muttered to herself, then asked, “Does it suit your taste?”
“Yes,” Ye Qiu praised, “It’s really good, fantastic.”
Qiu Shan Nange’s face bloomed into a radiant smile.
After breakfast, Qian Shanxue led Ye Qiu to a pavilion.
Inside was a hot spring, steaming under the sunlight, its mist rising like clouds, resembling a celestial pool.
“This is the Serenity Spring,” Qian Shanxue said. “No matter the season, the water stays warm. In the past, only the sect leader of Shuiyue Sect could bathe here.”
“Ye Qiu, take a bath here, and later, I’ll take you somewhere.”
Qian Shanxue helped Ye Qiu undress and let him soak.
As Ye Qiu entered the warm water, his body felt enveloped in warmth, and his mind inexplicably calmed.
This spring was truly remarkable.
Qiu Shan Nange pointed to a wooden bench by the spring, saying, “Your clothes are ready there. Change into them after your bath.”
“Alright,” Ye Qiu said, then added, “Xiaoxue, why don’t you join me for a soak?”
“No, I need to prepare some things. Enjoy your bath, and I’ll see you later.”
Qian Shanxue kissed Ye Qiu’s cheek and turned to leave.
“Wait,” Ye Qiu called out, asking, “Xiaoxue, you said only the sect leader could bathe here before. So, you’ve soaked here too?”
“Of course, and so has my Master. Why, is there a problem?” Qian Shanxue asked, confused.
“No problem, go ahead,” Ye Qiu said, lying back in the water, chuckling to himself.
Didn’t that mean he was indirectly sharing a “lovers’ bath” with Qian Shanxue and Qiu Shan Nange?
Half an hour later, Ye Qiu emerged, dried off, and changed into the prepared clothes.
A short while later, Qian Shanxue and Qiu Shan Nange arrived.
Both women had changed, now dressed in white gowns, holding long swords, looking very formal.
“Xiaoxue, what’s this about?” Ye Qiu asked, puzzled.
Qian Shanxue smiled slightly, saying, “Ye Qiu, Master and I are taking you somewhere.”
“Where?” Ye Qiu asked.
“You’ll see soon,” Qiu Shan Nange said mysteriously.
Ye Qiu followed the two women along a stone path lined with flowers and greenery, eventually reaching the back mountain.
The view was vast and picturesque.
The back mountain of Shuiyue Sect resembled an ancient folding fan hanging upside down, with bare peaks as the ribs and lush forests as the surface, grand and magnificent, exuding a profound, timeless aura.
Ye Qiu noticed that upon entering the back mountain, Qian Shanxue and Qiu Shan Nange’s expressions grew solemn.
“Ye Qiu, the back mountain is the forbidden area of our Shuiyue Sect,” Qiu Shan Nange said. “Aside from past sect leaders, no one else is permitted here.”
“You are the first outsider to enter. Remember, no loud noises or uncivilised behaviour.”
Qiu Shan Nange instructed.
Ye Qiu’s curiosity deepened. Why were they bringing him to the sect’s forbidden area?
They walked further, stopping at the edge of a cliff.
One side of the cliff was a sheer rock face, covered in carved sword techniques, some faded by time.
Ye Qiu immediately sensed the place’s significance and asked Qian Shanxue, “What is this place?”
With a solemn expression tinged with reverence, Qian Shanxue replied, “This is the Sword Saint’s Enlightenment Ground!”
