Chapter 242 – Nangong Yue has returned


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    Sword Sect, Spirit Beast Mountain.


    Lin Jichen sneaked up the mountain. Ever since Elder Tianyuan had driven him awayst time, he hadn''t returned.


    But this time, he came with a purpose: to discuss a cooperation with Elder Tianyuan.


    For his pet shop to run long-term, a stable supply was essential.


    The Beast Forest was too far from Fengqu City, taking several days to reach, and the harvest was unpredictable.


    Lin Jichen had been luckyst time, catching the tail end of the beasts'' mating season, which allowed him to gather so many pets.


    Other seasons wouldn''t be so easy.


    Moreover, he was alone and didn''t want to invest too much energy in catching pets.


    For now, he didn''t want to reveal the location of the Beast Forest, so he wouldn''t seek help.


    Thus, he needed a long-term, stable supplier with ample stock.


    The Beast Taming Sect would have been the best choice, as they had a vast variety of pets.


    However, the Beast Taming Sect didn''t know Lin Jichen, and even being Leng Feiyan''s disciple might not earn him any favors.


    So Lin Jichen decided to turn to his own sect.


    Elder Tianyuan shouldn''t be too unreasonable. If negotiations failed, he could wait for his master toe out of seclusion and have her talk to Tianyuan. Surely, the old man wouldn''t dare refuse then?


    Unbeknownst to Lin Jichen, someone was eagerly waiting for him on Spirit Beast Mountain.


    "Junior Sister Nangong, I heard you made a stunning impression at the Sword Sect Conference in Yongbian City, defeating disciples from the other three provinces and taking the top spot. You''ve really brought honor to our Tianyan Sword Sect. Senior Brother is impressed."


    In the pavilion outside the Spirit Beast Garden, Chu Tianhan smiled at Nangong Yue, who was sitting on a stone bench, lost in thought.


    But she seemed not to hear him at all, her eyes staring nkly into the distance, as if burdened with heavy thoughts.


    Seeing this, Chu Tianhan didn''t get discouraged. He immediately took out several books and handed them to Nangong Yue.


    "Junior Sister Nangong, while you were in Yongbian City, Senior Brother collected many rare romance novels for you. These are all out-of-print editions, said to be very good."


    Nangong Yue nced at the books on the stone table and then at the handsome Chu Tianhan, her expression cold.


    "Senior Brother, I appreciate your kindness, but I don''t feel like reading romance novelstely. You should take them back and read them yourself."


    Chu Tianhan smiled gently, "Even if you don''t want to read them now, you might want toter. Why not keep them for when you do? If these aren''t suitable, I''ll find more for you."


    "Senior Brother, I''ve told you many times, I don''t like you. There''s no possibility between us. Please stop wasting your efforts on me."


    Nangong Yue said impatiently.@@novelbin@@


    A sh of anger crossed Chu Tianhan''s eyes, but he maintained a facade of magnanimity.


    "I understand, feelings should be mutual. I would never force you, but..."


    Before he could finish, another voice interrupted from outside the pavilion.


    "Excuse me, Senior Brother, is the Grand Elder of Tianyuan here?"


    Chu Tianhan found the voice familiar. Before he could look, Nangong Yue had already turned her gaze towards the voice, her eyes lighting up with joy and affection.


    "Junior Brother!"


    Nangong Yue called out, abandoning Chu Tianhan and running out of the pavilion.


    Outside, Lin Jichen was asking a disciple of Spirit Beast Mountain about Elder Tianyuan''s whereabouts.


    He heard a familiar, clear voice behind him. Turning around, he saw a graceful figure, carrying a refreshing fragrance, rushing into his arms like a bird returning to its nest.


    Lin Jichen was momentarily stunned, then smiled, holding the beauty in his arms.


    "Senior Sister, you''re finally back?"


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Yue looked up at the person she had missed so dearly, her eyes filled with tender affection, her love almost leaping from her clear eyes.


    "Junior Brother, it''s been so long. Did you... miss me?"


    Nangong Yue asked shyly, her face blushing.


    "Of course. I risked my lifeing to Spirit Beast Mountain to ask your grandfather if you were back. Last time, he drove me away and warned me."


    Lin Jichen said, feeling guilty.


    Though it was a bit of a lie, he had to say it to avoid disappointing Nangong Yue.


    "Really? Junior Brother, you''re so good~"


    Nangong Yue smiled brightly, her eyes full of love.


    She realized that after not seeing her Junior Brother for so long, he looked even better than before, pleasing her in every way.


    <em>[Ding! Nangong Yue''s affection level towards you +5! Current affection level: 75 points (Harmonious Melody)]</em>


    Lin Jichen hadn''t expected that just by meeting again and exchanging a few words, Nangong Yue''s affection for him would increase so much.


    It must be because they hadn''t seen each other for a long time.


    As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder.


    While the two were lost in their affection, Chu Tianhan''s face twisted in the pavilion.


    Seeing Nangong Yue so close to Lin Jichen, even hugging him, Chu Tianhan felt his heart was about to explode.


    His face turned terrifyingly dark, his gaze cold, and his hands clenched tightly inside his sleeves, knuckles turning white.


    If not for the fact that they were in the Sword Sect, he would have killed Lin Jichen on the spot!


    He believed no one in the Sword Sect could match him. All the elders, including Leng Feiyan, acknowledged him as the most promising sessor, a standout among the younger generation.


    As the Senior Brother of the Sword Sect, he was highly esteemed and powerful.


    He was the most qualified to pursue Nangong Yue.


    He dared to say that no one in the Sword Sect, except him, was worthy of Nangong Yue.


    He had long been deeply in love with her.


    But unfortunately, his love was unrequited. Nangong Yue had never shown any interest in him.


    Despite this, Chu Tianhan wasn''t in a hurry. He thought Nangong Yue was just too young and not ready for a rtionship. In a few years, when she was ready, she would naturally consider him.


    Who knew Lin Jichen''s appearance wouldpletely disrupt his ns.


    Nangong Yue wasn''t uninterested in rtionships; she already had someone in her heart.


    Seeing the two so affectionate, Chu Tianhan''s heart bled. His hatred for Lin Jichen reached its peak.


    His eyes flickered, and a n formed in his mind.


    "Enjoy your moment. Soon, I''ll make sure you fall from grace!"


    Chu Tianhan sneered and left in a huff.


    Lin Jichen and Nangong Yue paid no attention to Chu Tianhan''s presence.


    Nangong Yue hugged Lin Jichen tightly, as if trying to pour all her longing into his embrace.


    Just as they were enjoying their sweet moment, a cold snort interrupted. Lin Jichen''s ears rang as if struck by a gong, leaving him dizzy.


    Lin Jichen quicklyposed himself and turned to see Elder Tianyuan ring at him.


    Beside him stood Nangong Wu, Nangong Yue''s father.


    <em>Oh no... caught red-handed...</em>