I asked you to go down the mountain and get married, not to shock the world!

Chapter 1843 No Regrets

After a few moments of silence, Mu Yaoyao seemed to have finally mustered up her courage, suddenly raised her head, and looked directly into Mingchuan's eyes.

Her cheeks were flushed crimson, the color spreading all the way to her fair neck, but her gaze did not waver in the slightest.

"I'm sorry, Mingchuan... I... I know it might not be appropriate to say these things now. The situation is so tense, and you must be very busy and tired."

Her voice trembled slightly, but she tried her best to remain calm. "But... but I'm afraid if I don't say it now, I'll really never have another chance."

Mingchuan's heart skipped a beat, and he vaguely realized something, but for a moment he couldn't believe it.

“I started noticing you a long time ago…”

Mu Yaoyao's voice gradually became smoother, as if a floodgate had been opened, "Back then, I thought you were arrogant, didn't follow the rules, and... I even disliked you a bit. Later, I watched you create miracles time and time again, protect the Spirit Realm time and time again, watch you establish the Wanchuan Sect, and watch the number of people around you grow up..."

Her eyes became unfocused, as if lost in memories: "I don't know when it started, but my gaze just keeps following you."

"Seeing you in danger makes my heart race. Seeing you get hurt makes me sad. Seeing you with Leng hope and the others... I... I can't help but feel envious, even a little... bittersweet."

“I know you have Leng hope, Ran Qianqian, and Dong Chuyan. They are all wonderful and have been there for you through so much.”

A faint glimmer of tears welled up in Mu Yaoyao's eyes, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall. "I know I may not be as good as them, and I wasn't very nice to you before... but I just can't control myself."

She took a small step forward, getting closer to Mingchuan, and the delicate fragrance became even clearer.

She tilted her head back, and with all her might, uttered the words that had been buried deep in her heart for so long:

“Mingchuan, I like you. It’s not the admiration of a saint for a hero, nor the respect of a comrade for a leader, it’s just… just a woman’s liking for a man.”

After saying that, she seemed to have exhausted all her strength. Her cheeks were burning hot, and even her ears were red. Yet, she still bravely looked at Mingchuan, waiting for his reaction, like a fawn waiting for its verdict.

Mingchuan was completely stunned.

He had a feeling that it might involve some private matters, but he never expected it to be such a direct and passionate confession.

The object of his affections was none other than the Holy Maiden of the Heaven-Mending Holy Sect, the always aloof and reserved Mu Yaoyao!

What the hell!

This is fucking unreal, isn't it?

Did he not wake up?

Mingchuan couldn't help but gasp, remembering how Mu Yaoyao used to treat him with such coldness and a bad temper.

That's a world of difference from her current gentleness; it's terrifying.

For a moment, the side hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Only the two of them could be heard breathing slightly rapidly.

Looking at the stunningly beautiful face so close to him, flushed yet brimming with sincerity and nervousness, Mingchuan felt a mix of emotions.

He opened his mouth, but found his throat was dry, and he didn't know how to respond for a moment.

Refuse? I'm afraid of hurting the other person's sincere feelings, and I'm also afraid of affecting the relationship between the two of us.

Accept it...

He doesn't really want to anymore; he simply doesn't have the mind or energy for it. There's just too much trouble going on lately.

“Mu Yaoyao…” He finally sighed softly, his voice gentle yet with a clear boundary, “I am very grateful for your kindness. Really. It is my honor to be liked by someone as outstanding as you.”

The light in Mu Yaoyao's eyes flickered slightly, as if she had a premonition of something.

“However,” Mingchuan continued, his tone sincere, “I’m sorry, as you can see, the Spirit Realm is in imminent danger. As the Sect Master of Wanchuan, I bear the weight of countless lives and hopes on my shoulders.”

“I really don’t have the energy, nor do I dare to get involved in any more emotional entanglements. That would be unfair and irresponsible to you, to me, and to everyone.”

The light in Mu Yaoyao's eyes dimmed, and her thick eyelashes drooped, obscuring the emotions in her eyes.

The answer was as expected, but hearing it with my own ears still felt like being pricked by a needle, a subtle, persistent pain in my heart.

Perhaps... from the very beginning when she couldn't stand Mingchuan, their relationship was destined to end this way.

Mu Yaoyao did not cry or make a fuss, nor did she lose her composure.

She knew all along that this was likely to be a hopeless outpouring.

She just... didn't want to have any regrets.

"I understand." She raised her head, forcing a smile, which, though somewhat strained, was still beautiful and captivating. "I was being presumptuous, saying these things at a time like this. You don't need to feel embarrassed. I... I just wanted to get my thoughts out. Once I've said it, it'll be alright."

She paused, her voice soft yet firm: "I will not pester you, nor will I affect the cooperation between our two sects. I am still the Holy Maiden of the Heaven-Mending Holy Sect, and you are still the Sect Master of the Myriad Rivers Sect, an ally of the Spirit Realm."

"Today's words... just consider them as the ramblings of an old friend in a moment of impulse."

After speaking, she bowed slightly and turned to leave. Her back was straight, yet it conveyed a sense of loneliness.

"Mu Yaoyao." Mingchuan called out to her.

Mu Yaoyao paused, but did not turn around.

Mingchuan walked to her side, looked at her flushed profile, and said solemnly, "I have received your sentiments and will remember them. You are not talking nonsense; your feelings are sincere and precious."

"Thank you. And please believe that no matter what the future holds, you will always be an important friend of mine, Mingchuan, and a steadfast ally of the Wanchuan Sect and the Butian Holy Sect."

"If needed, I will not hesitate to help."

Friends, allies.

A clear and warm positioning.

Mu Yaoyao felt a slight soreness in her nose, but finally felt a sense of relief.

She gave a soft "hmm," said nothing more, and quickly left the side hall.

Watching her departing figure, Mingchuan stood there, his heart filled with countless emotions.

In chaotic times, romantic love seems all the more of a luxury.

He only hoped that he could protect everything he already had and lead everyone through the current turbulent waves.

As Mu Yaoyao, who had just mustered the courage to confess her feelings, stepped out of the side hall and met the concerned gaze of Sect Leader Mu, the last trace of gloom in her eyes dissipated, replaced by a clarity and determination that had been washed away.

"How is it?" Sect Master Mu asked worriedly.

Mu Yaoyao smiled with a sense of relief, her girlish demeanor vanished, and she regained her usual noble and reserved self: "It's nothing, Master. Mingchuan and I are destined to be apart."

Sect Master Mu's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately understood.

"However, I still want to thank you for encouraging me, Master."

As she spoke, tears welled in her eyes, "Let's go."

Sect Master Mu watched her walk away first, sighed deeply, and finally followed her.

Mu Yaoyao looked at the light not far away, a bright smile on her lips.

Some things, once said, will leave no regrets.

But the road ahead must continue!