Chapter 34: A Perfectly Matched Couple!

In the eastern district of the Imperial Capital, Chu Ruoyan was silently encouraging herself.

For today’s date, she had prepared all night, even mapping out the entire route.

After being disrupted by two annoying fools yesterday, she deliberately chose a place where none of her acquaintances would appear: the famed romantic spot of Yinyuan Mountain.

Yinyuan Mountain was famous not only for its hundred-meter-tall Love Tree, but also for countless touching love stories.

But none of that mattered—what mattered was the many activities on the mountain designed to strengthen couples’ bonds.

Li Chen had been cooped up in the palace for a long time and had heard of this place, but this was his first visit.

The scenery of Yinyuan Mountain was beautiful, like a flowing painting: flowers bloomed wildly, colorful butterflies fluttered, and the air carried a faint floral fragrance.

Fallen leaves formed golden paths, crunching softly underfoot.

Many couples walked the paths, but many others came alone, seeking love.

Yinyuan Mountain was not only steep but also high in elevation—the higher they climbed, the fewer people they encountered.

Both Li Chen and Chu Ruoyan were cultivators; even the rugged path posed no challenge to them.

When they reached halfway up the trail, Chu Ruoyan secretly pulled out her small notebook, glancing at it—she had planned a little twist: she would pretend to sprain her ankle ahead.

She chose this spot because she feared Li Chen might grow too tired.

To make her act convincing, she had walked the entire route the night before.

Clearly, Chu Ruoyan had put tremendous effort into this date.

Her preparation was even more meticulous than her cultivation.

As they reached the more difficult steps, Chu Ruoyan grew tense, her mind spiraling with thoughts.

She worried Li Chen might see through her act—what if he thought she was manipulative?

Why hadn’t she considered this yesterday? Should she have picked a better place?

Lost in thought, she failed to notice the step beneath her—and genuinely twisted her ankle.

The instinctive gasp, the faint expression of pain—clearly not faked.

At that moment, Chu Ruoyan’s stubbornness surfaced; somehow, she insisted on reaching her planned destination.

Li Chen, of course, was perfectly understanding—he picked her up and laid her gently on the grass beside the path, massaging her injured ankle.

As a Saint Realm cultivator, he could easily use his power to reduce the swelling in her leg.

But was it necessary? Of course not.

This was a rare opportunity—she’d have to cherish it.

As he massaged her, the smooth, delicate texture of her calf was utterly intoxicating.

When they first met, Li Chen had noticed Chu Ruoyan’s tall, slender figure—her legs were truly long.

If he were to carry them over his shoulders, how thrilling that would be.

But there were passersby around—had they been elsewhere, Li Chen wouldn’t have let her go.

After rubbing for a while, he lifted her onto his back, savoring the softness pressing against him.

In truth, their coordination was flawless—each had achieved exactly what they wanted.

They both understood each other’s intentions; no need for pretense.

This wasn’t because Chu Ruoyan lacked modesty—of course, as a woman, she felt a touch of shyness inside.

But she knew better than anyone what Li Chen was like—this chance wouldn’t come again!

Didn’t she see how Liu Hao and Wu Qi practically wished they were women?

Yesterday, because she hadn’t been bold enough, those two had seized the opening.

Today, with this rare chance to be alone with Li Chen, she had to seize it.

Soon, they reached the summit of Yinyuan Mountain, where the legendary Love Tree stood before them.

As she shook the fortune slip container, Chu Ruoyan silently prayed for a great fortune—preferably the highest grade.

Li Chen activated his technique, directly causing her to draw a perfect upper-tier fortune.

One relied on divine blessing, the other on personal power—yet both ended up with exactly what they desired.

Next came the mountain’s small activities: one person blindfolded and carried on their back across a bridge, while the other guided them—mistakes meant falling into the pool, testing their unspoken understanding.

For a fee, staff would recite romantic symbolism.

In short, they used simple games to help shy couples increase physical contact and deepen affection.

Besides these, there were other simpler activities—but these two participants each had their own plans.

Most absurdly, they were inexplicably perfectly matched—even when Chu Ruoyan stumbled, Li Chen seemed to anticipate her intentions, always helping her succeed while gaining an advantage.

!

For instance, a woman wearing a hooded cloak, full-figured, stumbled toward them.

Even a fleeting glance revealed her breathtaking beauty.

If Li Chen had caught her, he could have easily grasped that ample bounty.

But he merely activated his internal energy, stabilizing her instantly.

His action earned Chu Ruoyan’s approval and the hooded woman’s gratitude.

During the games, two fools were seen fighting over a woman, disrupting everyone’s activities.

Li Chen didn’t even bother speaking—he flicked his finger through the air, and both men spat blood and collapsed.

Realizing they had angered a powerful cultivator, they immediately rose and apologized, then left at once.

Before a true powerhouse, they dared not let lust override reason.

That was merely a warning—if they still didn’t learn, it wouldn’t end with spitting blood.

But nearby onlookers believed it was the Love God manifesting, punishing the troublemakers.

Soon, more people rushed to pray beneath the Love Tree.

And now, a new legend was born.

Yet Chu Ruoyan, standing beside him, saw clearly—this wasn’t divine intervention; the man before them was a true god.

The pleasant day ended as they descended the mountain at dusk.

Chu Ruoyan was deeply moved—three days! Finally, a proper date!

Yinyuan Mountain was perfect in every way—except Li Chen was annoyed that no five-star inn or even a hourly room existed nearby. What terrible business sense.

But today’s goal had been achieved—winning Chu Ruoyan was only a matter of time.

A date, after all, hinges on feedback.

If a woman truly likes someone, she will naturally show initiative.

In Li Chen’s view, the final outcome mattered, but the journey was indispensable.

With his strength and status, acquiring beauty was trivial.

Of course, he didn’t rule out doing so himself someday.

But with a woman like Chu Ruoyan, he savored the process of winning her.

After all, he knew the difference between who to live with and who to sleep with.

(End of Chapter)