CHAPTER 522: CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHT_1

Faint starlight sprinkled over Li Zijun’s face, water droplets clinging to the strands of hair on her forehead, dripping down to her collarbones. The few rosy points on her chest were alluringly translucent under the moonlight. Her wet clothes clung to her body, revealing her delicate contours, as enticing as a half-peeled fruit, her jade arms lightly bent, showcasing her enchanting figure.

Her fair hands gently gathered her water-soaked hair behind her head. The streaming water soaked her garment, sketching out her perfect curves, as she looked somewhat embarrassedly at Ji Nanjue. The clothes, not entirely removed, clung to her tender body, offering glimpses of the skin beneath. Her usually loose-fitting robes typically hid her shape, but now, thoroughly soaked, they revealed her true figure, as if one were finally seeing the famed Mount Lu in all its glory.

Ji Nanjue watched her with obvious astonishment, then curled the corner of her mouth and said with a hint of playfulness, "True to the saying ’like master, like disciple,’ even your lying is cast from the same mold..."

"Forget it. If you want to call me sister, then do so. ’Madam Teacher’ indeed sounds oddly old-fashioned."

"..."

Her jade legs hidden under the water gently stirred the surface, creating ripples and splashes. Then, with her arms, she lightly propped herself up, standing naked, the water barely covering her thighs, revealing half of her slender waist, smooth and flawless.

"Take off your clothes. You can’t bathe while wearing them, can you?"

This one robe had been with Li Zijun for who knows how long on this journey, though it bore no stains.

Li Zijun, feeling shy, took off her clothing and laid it on the bank, then immediately sat down in the pond, covering herself snugly.

Ji Nanjue didn’t laugh at her but sat down beside her.

The air was somewhat oppressive. The time before rain always felt especially restless.

Her small hands gently scooped up the water, allowing the drops from the pond to fall as she suddenly asked, "You’ve only met him a few times, yet you are so sure of your feelings?"

"At this age, it’s normal to admire someone, but from your actions, you don’t seem like an impulsive person."

"I’m very curious. Can you share what’s on your mind?"

She paused, feeling her question was a bit tricky. Ji Nanjue then added with a smile, "Of course, it’s fine if you’d rather not say..."

While speaking, her eyes were fixed on Li Zijun.

"Thoughts?"

Li Zijun lightly pursed her thin lips and did not look at Ji Nanjue, murmuring softly. Gazing at the darkening pond, she hesitated briefly and then said faintly, "Does liking someone necessarily require thoughts or reasons?"

"Isn’t it that at a certain moment, because of a single event that deeply touches your heart, that person unknowingly takes up residence there?"

"Perhaps it’s just one look, just one gesture."

Ji Nanjue was taken aback for a moment. Listening to Li Zijun’s voice, which was tinged with sadness, she noted that despite its gentle tone, it carried a great deal of distress. Then she wrapped her arms tightly around Li Zijun, pressing her face against hers, "Love at first sight?"

Ji Nanjue might have previously scoffed at the concept, dismissing it as mere fiction. The idea that a single glance could determine one’s feelings was, in her view, probably nothing more than lusting over someone’s beauty. But now, her heart was gradually coming to accept this notion. Her own life had inexplicably intertwined with Su Bei’s. The emotions built from overcoming adversity together, especially after returning from the brink of death, were undeniably deep and significant. Perhaps even before that night, the image of that person had already been imprinted in her heart; it was just that her long-sealed emotions had never admitted it.

"That’s also valid," Ji Nanjue murmured, mostly to herself.

Li Zijun gave a wry smile; it seemed she had been misunderstood. Her feelings for Su Bei weren’t as casually developed as her brief description implied. It was after nearly a century of evolving connection that she had finally confirmed what was in her heart.

"Sister Nan Ji, Zi Jun feels a bit cold..." Li Zijun hugged her arms around herself and blinked at Ji Nanjue.

"Let’s go back."

"You go back," Ji Nanjue said. "I... Sister will stay here alone for a while."

Ji Nanjue smiled warmly at her, her heart carrying mixed feelings.

After all, she was a woman. Despite knowing she and Su Bei could never be together publicly, she still felt a natural aversion to another woman vying for a share of his affection. Moreover, this woman was his Disciple... Morally and emotionally, it felt like a profound transgression. A strange thought crossed Ji Nanjue’s mind: Su Bei’s Disciple, her own Master... and herself caught in the middle? What a tangled web of relationships... a true generational mess, it seemed.

"It’s all Su Dudu’s fault," she muttered under her breath.

There was no right or wrong in matters of the heart. But if blame had to be assigned, the root of it all lay with that philandering heartbreaker. If he hadn’t been so free with his affections, scattering them everywhere, how could he have incited so many emotional debts? He certainly had his fun...

Li Zijun waved her hand in front of Ji Nanjue, bringing her back to her senses. Ji Nanjue playfully pinched her delicate nose and said with a smile, "You’ve worn that dress for too long. If you don’t mind, wear my garment for now."

"..."

Her hand pointed towards the white gauze dress on the shore.

Li Zijun blinked, then gave Ji Nanjue a sweet smile.

With a soft RUSTLE, she donned the dress and headed toward the Daoist Temple.

Ji Nanjue watched as Li Zijun’s figure disappeared into the distance and sighed softly.