When Fang Hao received the message from Liang Ling, his heart couldn’t help but speed up a few beats.

"In three days, accompany me to explore an ancient ruin; there may be Formations that need breaking. The reward will be generous. — Liang Ling"

The brief message made Fang Hao read it over and over. He noticed that this time, Liang Ling didn’t call him "Junior Brother Ning," but instead used the slightly more intimate phrasing of "accompany me."

"Ancient ruin... Formations..." Fang Hao murmured to himself, the corners of his mouth curling up unconsciously. He quickly composed himself and replied: "I shall follow Senior Sister’s instructions and will certainly do my best."

After replying, Fang Hao realized his palms were slightly sweaty. For the first time in nineteen years, he had this strange feeling—anticipation mixed with nervousness, joy mixed with trepidation.

Over the next three days, Fang Hao made thorough preparations. Not only did he prepare the Talismans and Formation Plates needed for breaking Formations, but he also specially refined several types of healing and Spiritual Qi recovery Medicinal Pills. He even dug out a few of his precious Spiritual Plants, intending to assist Liang Ling should they encounter danger.

On the day of departure, Fang Hao arrived early at the meeting spot. He had specifically changed into a newly made cyan Daoist robe, and his hair was neatly tied back, making him look spirited and sharp.

Liang Ling arrived on time, still dressed in white, as cold and clear as the moon. Seeing Fang Hao, she nodded slightly: "You’re quite early."

Fang Hao bowed respectfully: "I wouldn’t dare keep Senior Sister waiting." As he stood up, he noticed that Liang Ling seemed a bit different today—there was a White Jade Hairpin in her hair, which softened her cold features slightly.

The two traveled by flying on swords, with Liang Ling leading the way. Fang Hao followed behind, looking at the slender yet upright figure ahead, an unusual emotion stirring in his heart.

During the flight, Liang Ling would occasionally look back to check if Fang Hao was keeping up. Every time their eyes met, Fang Hao would hurriedly look away, the tips of his ears heating up slightly.

"There’s a thundercloud zone ahead, stay close to me." Liang Ling suddenly slowed down and flew side-by-side with Fang Hao. "I have a Lightning-Avoidance Magical Artifact that can protect both of us."

As she spoke, she summoned an oil-paper umbrella-shaped Magical Artifact. The canopy opened, forming a light shield that enveloped them both.

Fang Hao caught a faint, cold fragrance from her, like winter plum blossoms in the snow, crisp and pleasant. The space inside the light shield wasn’t large, and they were very close; he could even see the slight quiver of her eyelashes.

"Thank you, Senior Sister," Fang Hao said softly, his voice a bit dry.

Liang Ling seemed not to notice his odd behavior, focusing instead on controlling the Magical Artifact through the thunderclouds. Amidst the lightning and thunder, the light shield steadily protected them, but Fang Hao wished this path could be a little longer.

Passing through the thunderclouds, the entrance to the ruins appeared. It was an ancient temple half-buried underground, its stone doors mottled and covered in green vines.

"This is it." Liang Ling put away the Magical Artifact. "There’s a Restriction at the entrance; see if you can break it."

Fang Hao composed himself and carefully examined the Restriction on the stone door. It was quite an ancient defensive Formation, but due to its age, its power had greatly diminished.

"It can be broken, but it will take some time." Fang Hao took out his Formation Plate and began calculating the method to break the Formation.

Liang Ling stood quietly to the side as his Protector. Under the sunlight, her white clothes were as bright as snow, and her posture was as upright as a green pine. Whenever Fang Hao occasionally looked up, he couldn’t help but stare in a daze.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Fang Hao successfully broke the Restriction. The stone door slowly opened, revealing a deep and dark passage.

"Be careful, Senior Sister. I’ll go in first to scout the way." Fang Hao instinctively moved to shield Liang Ling.

Liang Ling was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes before she regained her composure: "Let’s go in together so we can look out for each other."

The passage was dark and damp. Fang Hao naturally formed a Lighting Seal and walked ahead. Liang Ling followed behind him and suddenly said softly: "You seem... to have grown quite a bit taller."

Fang Hao’s footsteps faltered, his heart skipping a beat. "Senior Sister still remembers my former height?"

Liang Ling was silent for a moment before saying, "Of course I remember. Back then in the Deacon Hall, you still had to look up at me."

A warm current surged through Fang Hao’s heart. So she remembered so clearly...

The interior of the ruins was full of traps, but they were dismantled one by one by the two of them. Fang Hao excelled in Formations, while Liang Ling had high combat power, and they coordinated with great chemistry.

In a grand hall, they encountered a group of Guardian Statues. During the bitter struggle, Fang Hao’s left arm was slashed by a statue while he was protecting Liang Ling.

"Are you alright?" Liang Ling quickly finished off the last statue and came to his side, her tone carrying a trace of imperceptible concern.

Fang Hao shook his head: "It’s just a minor wound." But he saw that Liang Ling had already taken out medicine and was carefully bandaging it for him.

Her fingers were cold, but when they touched Fang Hao’s skin, they felt burning hot. They were very close, and Fang Hao could see her delicate skin and slightly pursed lips.

"Senior Sister..." Fang Hao called out instinctively.

Liang Ling looked up: "Hmm?"

Their eyes met, and Fang Hao was momentarily speechless, only managing to say: "Thank you, Senior Sister."

Liang Ling lowered her head to continue bandaging, but the tips of her ears turned slightly red. For the first time, Fang Hao discovered that this ice-cold Senior Sister could actually be shy.

Exploring deep into the ruins, they found a spiritual spring. Several Twin-Stemmed Ice Lotuses grew in the spring water, exactly what Liang Ling needed for her Cultivation.

"This is what Senior Sister needs, right?" Fang Hao said happily.

Liang Ling nodded, a rare smile appearing in her eyes: "I didn’t expect there to really be Twin-Stemmed Ice Lotuses."

While picking the lotuses, Fang Hao accidentally slipped into the spring. Liang Ling hurriedly reached out to pull him, but was dragged into the water with him. The spring wasn’t deep, but they were both soaked through, looking quite bedraggled. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Looking at each other’s "drowned rat" appearance, they couldn’t help but laugh together. This was the first time Fang Hao had seen Liang Ling laugh so heartily; the frost melted away like a spring breeze blowing across a snowy plain, leaving him dazed.

Liang Ling noticed his gaze, her smile fading as she gave a light cough: "It’s time to go back."

On the way back, the two tacitly slowed their pace. As the sun set, it stretched their shadows long.

"Thank you for today," Liang Ling said softly. "If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to get the Twin-Stemmed Ice Lotuses."

Fang Hao hurriedly replied: "Senior Sister is too polite; this was my duty."

After a moment of silence, Liang Ling suddenly asked: "What... are your plans for the future?"

Fang Hao answered seriously: "First, Foundation Establishment, then continue to Cultivate. The path of cultivation is long, and I want to go further."

Liang Ling nodded: "With your Heart-Nature and talent, Foundation Establishment should be no problem. If you face any difficulties, you can come find me."

The care in her words sent a warm current through Fang Hao’s heart: "Thank you, Senior Sister. If Senior Sister needs to break Formations or explore secrets in the future, Fang Hao will certainly be at your service."

The corners of Liang Ling’s lips curled up slightly: "Good, I’ve noted it."

Returning to the Sect, as they parted, Liang Ling handed him a Jade Bottle: "This is a thank-you. Do not speak of today’s events to others."

Fang Hao took it and felt that the Medicinal Pills inside were full of Spiritual Qi and certainly no ordinary items: "I will remember Senior Sister’s generous gift."

Watching Liang Ling’s retreating back, Fang Hao stood there for a long time. The Jade Bottle in his hand still carried her warmth, and the emotions in his heart were like spring grass budding and quietly growing.

He knew that this ice-cold Senior Sister had already occupied a special place in his heart. And everything today was perhaps just a beginning.

The path of cultivation is long; to have such a confidante is truly a great fortune.