Chapter 6: The Drama King Lin Pingfeng—A Bath Together?

“You—you have a child?!” Lin Pingfeng uttered these words almost in utter despair.

After all, Luo Qingqiu was the one with the highest chance of becoming an Emperor. If she had a child, that meant her primordial yin was gone! Even though he was at the ninth realm of the Holy Sovereign, in the eyes of an Emperor, he was no different from an ordinary person—someone who could be defeated in a single move. Visiting other Emperors, they wouldn’t even spare him a glance. As for moral coercion, he wasn’t capable of saving so many Emperors even if he wanted to. And even if he did, those Emperors would never be so kindly disposed—“You helped me? Did I ever admit it? Just keep your mouth shut forever!”

That was why Lin Pingfeng was so desperate. Becoming an Emperor was his heart’s obsession—who wouldn’t want to stand atop the food chain?

“You’re really blind—uh, no, I’m not her child…” Ling Tian almost blurted out a curse, but catching the odd look on Luo Qingqiu’s face, he swallowed it immediately. Judging from how he addressed her, there was some connection between them, and Luo Qingqiu valued affection; if he insulted Lin Pingfeng, it would only sour her impression of him.

Hearing Ling Tian’s childish voice, Lin Pingfeng, regardless of the truth, let out a long sigh of relief. At least he heard what he wanted to hear. Yet, the very next moment, he nearly choked on that breath.

“I’m her child-bridegroom!” Ling Tian’s eyes sparkled mischievously as he blurted it out. It seemed appropriate—after all, he’d already pledged himself to her in a previous exchange…

“You little rascal, you really know how to joke. But—is it true that he’s not your child?” Lin Pingfeng forced a smile, not taking Ling Tian’s claim seriously. A brat who hadn’t even grown hair, dreaming of such nonsense. The pressing matter, however, was to clarify their relationship.

“You don’t look like a good person at all. I’ve heard your swordsmanship is unmatched—why don’t we have a contest? Whoever loses must never appear by Sister’s side again!” Ling Tian planted his little feet on the table, hands on hips, speaking with utmost seriousness.

This was no act of overstepping on Ling Tian’s part—it was per Luo Qingqiu’s instructions. Before Lin Pingfeng could finish his sentence, Luo Qingqiu’s voice rang in Ling Tian’s mind: “His swordsmanship hasn’t reached the highest realm yet, you can…” The rest, Ling Tian had already voiced.

In fact, Luo Qingqiu had meant to add: If you don’t do as I say, that child-bridegroom comment will earn you a spanking! A fair trade, wasn’t it? As long as he followed her instructions, the matter would be overlooked. Otherwise, his backside was in for trouble.

Women—even at the highest cultivation—still disliked losing out.

Ling Tian hadn’t expected Luo Qingqiu to have such a mischievous side! Still, he was happy to help her out. Since she was reluctant to be the bad guy, he would take on that role for her!

[Luo Qingqiu’s Favorability: 15%]

A gleam flashed in Ling Tian’s eyes—this favor was not given in vain. Yet, he was startled as well: Luo Qingqiu could see that he’d attained the pinnacle of swordsmanship! Even Ye Qingwu hadn’t asked him about it. Did she simply not notice, or was she intentionally silent? Or perhaps, all Emperor-level experts could perceive it?

Ling Tian suppressed this line of thought for now—there would be plenty of time to ask later.

Compared to Ling Tian, Luo Qingqiu felt even more surprised. If not for Lin Pingfeng’s outburst, she wouldn’t have discovered Ling Tian’s secret. Though she had immediately put up her defenses, she had still sensed the sword intent emanating from him.

That sword intent, like a true expert provoked, would never tolerate a challenge and instinctively burst forth. It flashed for only a moment, but she caught it. She was not especially skilled in swordsmanship, but she had interacted with those at its peak and could recognize its essence.

The fleeting sword intent from Ling Tian reminded her of the ultimate realm of swordsmanship. Her telepathic probe had been just a test—she hadn’t expected Ling Tian to accept so readily. This confirmed her suspicion: in terms of swordsmanship, Ling Tian might surpass Lin Pingfeng.

Lin Pingfeng’s expression darkened at Ling Tian’s words, but then, hearing the rest, a hint of delight crept onto his face. Still, he feigned a troubled look. “There’s such a big age gap between us, and I started cultivating long before you. A contest would be bullying the young, wouldn’t it? Besides…”

At this, Lin Pingfeng narrowed his eyes, changing tack. “This isn’t something you can decide, is it?”

Indeed, his previous words were just a setup for this. The very fact that this child was by Luo Qingqiu’s side suggested an unusual relationship, but he still needed confirmation as to who was calling the shots. If Luo Qingqiu hadn’t agreed and he dueled a snot-nosed child, even a win would be a laughingstock. There was no benefit in victory or defeat. But if Luo Qingqiu agreed, he would have a legitimate reason to stay by her side—exactly what he needed now. Affection grows with time—though this didn’t fit his image, he believed that even the most careful plans had holes. If Luo Qingqiu grew careless, he could seize the chance to get closer, and perhaps, become an Emperor.

“What he said is exactly what I mean,” Luo Qingqiu replied, her lips moving softly beneath her veil.

Lin Pingfeng’s face brightened—he hadn’t expected Luo Qingqiu to agree herself! Could it be that this child’s swordsmanship really surpassed his? No, impossible! If that were true, what had his thousands of years of cultivation been for? Laughable—truly laughable! Trying to deceive me into giving up? You underestimate me, Luo Qingqiu! Thinking thus, Lin Pingfeng spoke again to confirm, unable to restrain himself—this matter was too important.

“If I win, does that mean I can stay by your side?”

Indeed, his words were a sleight of hand. The original wager between Ling Tian and him was not to appear before Luo Qingqiu, which he twisted into staying by her side.

“A man being so fussy—fine, as you wish,” Ling Tian replied solemnly, inwardly sneering at Lin Pingfeng’s scheming.

“Very well. Tomorrow at noon, meet me at the Sword Pavilion. I’ll activate the Sword Bell to ensure fairness,” Lin Pingfeng said after a moment’s silence, having made his decision.

A contest held here would be entirely at Luo Qingqiu’s discretion, and if she reneged, there was nothing he could do. He understood now—this was Luo Qingqiu’s ploy to drive him away. Having realized this, he would not let her succeed! He would make this a public affair—the more witnesses, the better! With everyone watching, should Luo Qingqiu lose and then go back on her word, she would only embarrass herself.

Normally, Emperor-level experts didn’t fear such things. Still, in this place, as the saying goes:

An Emperor’s word, once spoken, is like water spilled—it cannot be taken back. If an Emperor breaks a public promise, especially witnessed by many, they will suffer a backlash from the Great Dao itself.

He didn’t believe Luo Qingqiu would gamble her future achievements on this. With these words, as if fearing she’d refuse, Lin Pingfeng vanished instantly.

“This guy is quite the performer…” Ling Tian, having experienced so much in his past life, could easily deduce what Lin Pingfeng was up to. He had really underestimated himself.

He wondered what expression Lin Pingfeng would wear tomorrow.

“Little one, you truly surprise me—not only do you possess heterochromatic eyes, your swordsmanship has likely reached the highest pinnacle…” Luo Qingqiu propped her delicate chin with her right hand, gracefully picked up her teacup with her left, her bright eyes full of spirit and her breath fragrant as orchids.

The table in the pavilion was waist-high; Luo Qingqiu lounged against it lazily. Ling Tian, though standing on the bed, could barely meet her gaze. He had to admit—Luo Qingqiu’s beauty was breathtaking.

“Sister, I almost feel embarrassed before you, as if all my secrets have been laid bare,” Ling Tian said with a wry smile, sitting atop the table—a hint of probing in his words.

“Hmm, such a small mind for someone so young…” Luo Qingqiu clicked her tongue, seemingly reading between his lines, but replied, “It was only a guess just now…”

With that, she put down her teacup and pulled Ling Tian into her embrace. The moment he entered her arms, Ling Tian felt a sense of peace—yes, this was the feeling!

A guess, which meant…

…

“Sister, isn’t this a bit improper?” Ling Tian found himself brought by Luo Qingqiu to the bathing chamber, where the steaming pool was strewn with petals, a faint fragrance wafting from within. He suspected the bathwater might even taste delicious.

His first thought was that they would bathe together, hence his question. If he got a nosebleed, how would he explain it?

“Don’t worry, the water’s not hot,” Luo Qingqiu replied coolly as she set Ling Tian down and began to undress, thinking he was afraid of the heat.

Ling Tian twitched his lips—was that what he meant?

Just then, a garment fell from above and wrapped around his head, the lingering scent filling his nostrils.

Was this a test of his self-control? But he was only a baby now!

His eyes sparkled as he was set in the pool. Slightly disappointing—everything below Luo Qingqiu’s chest was hidden from view.

She extended her slender hand, crystalline droplets trickling down her jade-like arm. What he couldn’t see only spurred his imagination.

She sprinkled some water over his head, her fingertips brushing his face. For some reason, this made Ling Tian’s skin tingle with goosebumps.

Smiling radiantly, Luo Qingqiu said softly, “You helped me today—tell me, how should I reward you…”