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Chapter 16: Xu Ze's Criteria for a Partner?:
(Shaohua City)
It was located outside the Howling Wind Valley.
Though this bustling town was small, it was buzzing with people. It served as a major route for those heading to the Heavenly Dark Sect, making it a lively spot for cultivators.
(Qingfeng Pavilion)
The most luxurious and highly-rated restaurant in Shaohua City. It was crowded with customers.
People drink and feast, enjoying exquisitely colored and tempting dishes.
In one of the finest rooms on the second floor, Xu Ze and Leng Youran sat at a table, drinking and enjoying the food.
"It has been a long time since I came to Qingfeng Pavilion. The food here hasn't changed a bit." Leng Youran remarked casually, sipping her wine. "This Morning Dew Wine, though not as good as our Heavenly Dark Sect's Wine, has a richer and more aromatic flavor."
"Ze'er, the taste of this Morning Dew Wine reminds me of when you were little. Back then, you were only this tall," she said, raising her hand to indicate a height, "and already acted like a little adult, always asking me for wine... You were so cute."
"Um..." Xu Ze felt a bit awkward.
After all, he was a grown man, and being called 'cute' felt strange.
It was a term more fitting for girls or children, not a man like him.
"Master, that was so long ago... I'm no longer that little disciple." Xu Ze replied with a wry smile.
"Yes, Ze'er is no longer a child..."
Leng Youran sighed. Perhaps due to drinking, her gaze toward Xu Ze seemed a bit off.
"Ze'er... have you ever thought about what you want to do once you reach the pinnacle of cultivation?"
Hmm?
Xu Ze glanced at Leng Youran curiously.
Why was master asking such a question?
Xu Ze responded, "I haven't really thought about the future. The path of cultivation is endless. Even after reaching the peak, I imagine I would continue to explore new paths."
This answer seemed standard to Xu Ze, but Leng Youran felt dissatisfied with it.
She took another sip of wine and asked, "Then, have you ever thought about your future partner?"
Xu Ze was taken aback. So, this was what his master was getting at. Was she testing his resolve?
Thinking this, Xu Ze replied earnestly, "Master, rest assured, I will heed your teachings and not consider such matters until I reach the pinnacle of cultivation."
Leng Youran frowned slightly. This wasn't the answer she wanted to hear.
"Ze'er, you misunderstand. I meant, after you reach the pinnacle, what kind of partner would you choose?" Leng Youran took a sip of wine to hide her embarrassment.
Xu Ze understood and thought for a moment.
"I haven't thought much about it, but if I were to choose a partner, it would be someone who is gentle, beautiful, and understanding."
Leng Youran's eyes lit up, and she noted his words seriously.
Gentle... beautiful... understanding.
Wait, except for being beautiful, none of these traits describe her!
Leng Youran frowned and said, "Ze'er, though I don't wish to interfere with your choice of partner, given your status, your partner should at least be a suitable match."
"Yes, master, I agree," Xu Ze nodded. Although love transcends social status, as the Holy Son, he must find someone fitting for the Heavenly Dark Sect's reputation.
"Your future partner should match your status, have comparable strength, and ideally be someone you are familiar and close with." Leng Youran stated, barely stopping short of naming herself.
Xu Ze stroked his chin, and pondered for a long time.
"Finding such a woman is difficult... I have been with master since childhood and have met many women, but few are so outstanding..."
'You blockhead, isn't the person in front of you a woman!'
Leng Youran covered her face, and was on the verge of tears.
It was clear Xu Ze hadn’t considered her as a potential partner.
"Ah, I thought of someone who fits master’s description perfectly," Xu Ze snapped his fingers.
Leng Youran immediately looked up, her eyes filled with anticipation.
"Su Qianxue, that little girl. Do you remember her, master? She's the princess of the Eastern Imperial Empire, the heir to the throne, and her talent rivals mine. We used to play together when we were kids." Xu Ze said with a smile.
Crack.
Leng Youran expressionlessly crushed the edge of the table. Then she stood up and headed outside.
"Ze'er, this afternoon, carry the meteoric iron and run a thousand laps around the Howling Wind Valley."
"Huh? Why, master?!"
-To be continued!