Who knows how the internet will spin this story next.
After asuring Ling Zhenfei's dinsions, there was nothing else for him to do, as Hoshino Junka had many tasks to attend to and couldn't stay with Ling Zhenfei.
Ling Zhenfei was different now; he didn't need to hide anymore.
Thus, he openly walked into the Hoshino Family's premises.
Ling Zhenfei rarely visited the Hoshino Family; even during his last visit, he hadn't walked around much.
This ti, walking through the Hoshino Family brought on a different feeling altogether.
Just as Ling Zhenfei was idly strolling, he suddenly sensed sothing flying towards him.
The object's speed was not fast, indicating it wasn't a hidden weapon, so Ling Zhenfei casually caught it in his hand.
Once in hand, Ling Zhenfei realized it was a small crumpled paper, freshly folded.
Ling Zhenfei was stunned, unsure of who had thrown it.
He looked in the direction from which the paper had co, noticing a two-story pavilion.
Generally, pavilions are single-story; two-story versions are rare, and this particular one seed to have a long history.
The paper ball had co from the upper level of this two-story pavilion.
Ling Zhenfei looked up and saw soone atop the pavilion.
Ling Zhenfei was startled on seeing the person; he hadn't expected it to be Hoshino igetsu.
At this mont, Hoshino igetsu was also looking at him, her face expressionless. After observing him for a few seconds, she turned away and sat back in her seat.
This pavilion was quite cleverly designed; unless soone was sitting above, it was impossible to see from below.
But now that Ling Zhenfei had seen Hoshino igetsu, he glanced around to find nobody nearby.
Ling Zhenfei gathered a breath of Northern Spiritual Energy and imdiately ascended to the pavilion.
Hoshino igetsu hadn't been surprised by his arrival; it was, indeed, her intention to summon Ling Zhenfei.
Yet, she didn't plan on speaking with Ling Zhenfei. Instead, she sat on a bench, staring blankly at the stone table.
Dressed in a plain gauze dress with eleven layers of light blue transparent silk overlaying the white fabric, her hair naturally draped over her shoulders, enhancing her natural elegance.
A gentle breeze tossed Hoshino igetsu's hair lightly, creating a truly refreshing sight.
Ling Zhenfei sat across from Hoshino igetsu, likewise staring at the stone table to see what might be on it.
After a while, Hoshino igetsu spoke.
"Although I know of your relationship with Xiao Xia and understand that months ago she was ready to leave with you—which made happy—learning now that you're getting married makes feel very sad."
It was natural for Hoshino igetsu to feel sad about it, and Ling Zhenfei understood.
Yet, what could be done? Hoshino igetsu was the Celestial Maiden of Ittō-ryū and had never had the chance to experience love since childhood.
She gained many things others couldn't have because she's the Celestial Maiden but lost so of the most fundantal human experiences—in theory, gaining and losing go hand in hand.
Ling Zhenfei said, "I know you're unhappy, but what can be done? This world is full of such helplessness."
Hoshino Junka spoke, "Of course I understand; originally, love wasn't ant for . I shouldn't have t you, nor should I have been born into this family.
Others only see the prestige of being the Celestial Maiden but never know my inner struggles. If I could choose in this lifeti, I'd rather be a regular person than the Celestial Maiden."
Ling Zhenfei realized that titles like Celestial Maiden and Saintess shouldn't exist in such a world, where they directly strip soone of the opportunity to love.
Ling Zhenfei felt deeply resentful of such inhumane practices.
Ling Zhenfei said, "If you wish, I can take you away, away from here."
Staring into his eyes, Hoshino igetsu's tears brimd as her once bright eyes grew even brighter.
"With you? But what about you and Xiao Xia? If I didn't have a sister, it might be an option, but now you and Xiao Xia are getting married.
If I leave with you both, it would first disgrace our family and forever harm Xiao Xia. Having beco the Celestial Maiden, I must endure this life."
Ling Zhenfei grasped Hoshino igetsu's hand, causing her to shiver slightly but not resist.
Her hand had never been held by any other man, except Ling Zhenfei.
Ling Zhenfei said, "I'm truly sorry; my presence might have caused you harm. If I hadn't appeared at that ti..."
Before Ling Zhenfei could finish, Hoshino igetsu interrupted, "Had you not appeared, I might have died long ago. Why can't I forget you? Perhaps because you once saved my life."
Indeed, Ling Zhenfei had saved Hoshino igetsu's life before, during her night raid on Watanabe Manor when she was discovered—Ling Zhenfei rescued her.
Ling Zhenfei indeed held a life-saving grace for Hoshino igetsu.
Ling Zhenfei said, "What are your plans then?"
Hoshino igetsu's tears finally flowed, hitting the marble tabletop and shattering instantly, sounding like a broken heart.
Hoshino igetsu shook her head vigorously, "I don't know; I really don't. Besides blessing you, what else can I do?"
Ling Zhenfei felt helpless, towards Hoshino igetsu, wondering whether she loved him or not but still finding himself truly helpless regarding her.
Everyone should have the chance to love and be loved, yet this couldn't happen for Hoshino igetsu.
Hoshino igetsu could choose to escape, but she had to consider her family, which had raised her. How could she just leave?
Moreover, she's the Celestial Maiden of Ittō-ryū; leaving would be a grand affair for Ittō-ryū.
The entire Ittō-ryū might even penalize the Hoshino Family, which is why Hoshino igetsu couldn't leave.
Ling Zhenfei said, "I don't know what to say; my current strength isn't enough to change the rules unless I beco extrely powerful.
Soon, I'll be heading to Foreign Land Space, where perhaps I will grow strong enough. If I beco powerful enough, I will return, challenge those rules, and take you away."
Hoshino igetsu tightly held Ling Zhenfei's hand, her gaze filled with fervor.
It was nothing but a young man's boastful complaints to a girl, but to Hoshino igetsu, it seed as if it would co true.
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