"So, with Moon Pavilion's current teacher, plus the two of us, that makes four in total?" Fu Ye was slightly surprised.
Tang Yuehua nodded in response.
"Mhm. Since we don't have many students, even though I founded this place, my main focus is on cultivating their temperament, speech, and Zither skills. The other two teachers handle calligraphy, painting, and chess."
Fu Ye nodded in understanding. After all, as a level 9 soul master, her energy was limited.
"What about me? Will I be your little follower, Sister Yuehua?"
Hearing his words, the corners of Tang Yuehua's lips curled up slightly.
"Well, if you will be just a little follower, then I can relax a bit."
Stretching lazily in the sunlight, her delicate face radiated ease and contentment.
"By the way, I still don't know your level or martial soul. Would you mind telling me?"
Fu Ye's affectionate "Sister Yuehua" had genuinely pleased her. After all, who could resist a handsome, well-built younger brother following her around and calling her "sister"?
Tang Yuehua was, at heart, a young woman in her early twenties—her heart still brimming with endless fantasies of sweet romance.
"As for me, I'm seventeen this year. My martial soul is a sword, and my soul power is… decent."
Though his answer was somewhat vague, Fu Ye hadn't lied. Given his strength, he could dominate the entire continent if he wished.
"Only seventeen?"
Tang Yuehua found that hard to believe. From her perspective, Fu Ye seemed closer to twenty.
"Yeah, I won't turn eighteen for another half a year."
Fu Ye sighed inwardly. His overwhelming soul power made him appear older than he actually was.
"But how old are you, Sister Yuehua? You seem around my age."
Was it rude to ask a girl her age? Not in his book.
Tang Yuehua, who had just reclined on the sofa, rolled her eyes at him.
Who asked a woman's age so bluntly?
Unfazed, Fu Ye chuckled and casually sat beside her. Before she could react, he took her delicate hand in his, intertwining their fingers.
He lifted their joined hands slightly, admiring them.
"Sister Yuehua's hands are as beautiful as mine. I'd guess you're only eighteen this year, right?"
His movements were so smooth that Tang Yuehua barely had time to process them.
His words were sweet as honey, and though his actions bordered on bold, she couldn't bring herself to mind—not when her heart already held a budding fondness for him.
A glance at his system confirmed it:
[Tang Yuehua: Favorability 55% — Good Friends]
Had she not already taken a liking to him, she wouldn't have invited him to join Moon Pavilion in the first place. Did she think his striking looks and refined demeanor were for nothing?
Before she could speak, Fu Ye released her hand and traced the lines on her palm.
"Sister Yuehua, see this? Your career line rises straight from the base to the peak—just like how you founded Moon Pavilion, this elite academy."
Though he didn't understand women's hearts, he knew how to steer a conversation. At 1.73 meters, Tang Yuehua seemed like a little sister next to his 1.85-meter frame.
"Huh? What's this long line?"
"That's your lifeline. May you live a long and prosperous life."
As they talked, Fu Ye subtly rested his right hand on her shoulder without her noticing.
When it came to courting, timing was everything. How could he win her over without closing the distance?
Force? Bribery? Too crude.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly. Fu Ye shared amusing anecdotes, while Tang Yuehua confided her inner struggles.
Before he knew it, an hour had passed with him holding her close—never crossing the line, but toeing it masterfully. Love was about emotion, and pursuing a girl required careful control of intimacy.
Resting his head on her shoulder as if it were the most natural thing, he watched her cheeks flush.
Yet he never overstepped—just playful gestures: pinching her cheeks, whispering in her ear. Small actions, but enough to deepen their bond.
Of course, if he'd been ugly, fat, or bald, he'd have resorted to throwing money instead. But thanks to the system, his looks and charm were maxed out.
Had any ordinary Zither expert tried this with Tang Yuehua, the guards' spears and staves would've made quick work of them.
Despite Tang Yuehua's modest soul power, she was a guest of the Heaven Dou Empire and a direct disciple of the world's top sect.
As the sun began to set, Fu Ye knew it was time to leave—but not without teasing his sister one last time.
"Fu Ye, just how strong are you, really?"
Tang Yuehua's face burned. Never before had she felt this way about a boy. Without realizing it, she'd let him hold her for so long.
"Sister Yuehua, asking a man about his soul power like that… isn't that a bit forward?"
At his words, she turned her face away, pretending to be upset.
But Fu Ye wasn't one to back down. If she was already in his arms, why let her avoid his gaze?
His left hand, resting on her shoulder, gently tilted her chin back toward him.
As his face drew nearer, her heart raced wildly. It was as if two tiny figures—one white, one black—were warring in her mind.
White Figure: "No! You're seven or eight years older than him. This isn't right!"
Black Figure: "So what? Age is just a number! Sibling-like love can be sweet too!"
White Figure: "But—"
Black Figure: "But nothing! Stop pretending to be pure! Go close the door on your way out!"
Her face burned crimson, eyes tightly shut. Raised under strict familial discipline, she'd never known the flutter of romance.
The only man she'd ever admired was her brother, Tang Hao—peerless even in his youth. Other boys in the sect had never held her interest.
After founding Moon Pavilion, she'd grown even more reserved. Though she longed for someone to lean on, she'd never met the right person—until now.
"Sister Yuehua, why are your eyes closed? I was just brushing the hair off your cheek."
[Tang Yuehua: Favorability 69%]
…
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