Dual Cultivation God Returns Chapter 1097: Expectations and reality

Wu Long sensed that Hong Xinyi was not yet fully prepared for dual cultivation with him.

The sheer joy of realizing he was alive, coupled with her profound love and deep yearning for him, might have certainly eclipsed her lingering anger towards him, making her receptive to Wu Long’s heartfelt confession and pushing their relationship towards a new chapter. However, this emotional surge didn't entirely erase her residual displeasure with him.

Certainly, his subsequent actions after their very first kiss—his solemn promise to spare no effort for her elder twin sister, Hong Xinan, his fierce reaction to the news of her attackers, the stunning revelation that he had rescued the twins from the ritual, and his overall demeanor towards her—had indeed managed to quell a significant portion of her fury and hurt.

Furthermore, gaining an understanding of the underlying reasons for his past conduct enabled her to consciously accept him with far greater ease.

Yet, all these developments were not quite enough to render her emotionally ready for profound physical intimacy.

Not to mention that, for an extended period, the concept of dual cultivation with him was, in her mind, inextricably linked to the idea of a casual fling or a transient cultivation partner. This perception had led her to reject and evade it so consistently that it had become a deeply ingrained subconscious mindset.

Wu Long was simply content that she had accepted him, considering all that she had endured because of him, and the truth was, neither of them were truly in the mood for such an endeavor at that moment.

Consequently, with Hong Xinyi now largely apprised of the unfolding situation and the origins of her predicament becoming increasingly clear to Wu Long, they made preparations to emerge and formally greet his Dao Family.

—

By this juncture, the day had progressed well past the customary breakfast hour, nearing noon, a full day after the grand auction. Despite the late hour, every individual remained gathered within the main mansion. This unusual congregation disrupted the typical daily rhythm, which usually saw members dispersing throughout the mountain for personal training, meditation, or other solitary pursuits.

Even those who typically emerged from the Dream Realm well before this time, such as Liang Yuhan and Sui Luxiao, chose to remain in close proximity on this particular occasion.

They engaged in leisurely conversations within smaller clusters, comfortably seated on one of the most expansive verandas adorning the entire mansion.

However, not everyone present exhibited such a relaxed disposition—Hong Ye and Hong Yue were seated together, enveloped in a rather palpable tension, their gazes occasionally flickering towards each other with a distinct undercurrent of unease.

Even the normally carefree Hong Ye, who typically displayed an indifferent attitude towards formalities and the established order of things, found herself unable to casually dismiss the gravity of this particular situation.

They were, after all, on the precipice of encountering an individual whom both had revered as a legendary figure since their earliest childhood, having been indoctrinated to perceive her as an almost divine entity. Compounding this apprehension was the fact that she also held the position of leader within an organization where they could easily be perceived as dissenters or even traitors.

Both sisters were acutely aware that Wu Long would never permit them to come to harm; neither of them harbored even the slightest inkling that such a possibility existed. This certainty was a given for Hong Ye, but it represented a rather significant shift for the elder of the twins.

Hong Yue, in her past disposition, might have harbored doubts, questioning Wu Long’s faithfulness even when his actions solely benefited the twins. Yet now, not only did she possess unwavering trust in him, but the very notion of doubting him in this specific circumstance did not even cross her mind.

The former iteration of herself might have pondered: Hong Xinyi represented a connection Wu Long had maintained for a considerably longer duration, and potentially, a far deeper emotional bond. Consequently, there existed a conceivable chance that he might act against the twins' interests. However, this line of reasoning no longer held any sway, not even vaguely crossing her thoughts in the present.

Although, it must be noted, she remained completely oblivious to the profound internal transformation that had brought about this change.

Therefore, while the fear for their lives was non-existent, the sheer prospect of meeting Hong Xinyi remained a daunting experience for both sisters.

Several of the resident beauties attempted to assuage their mounting unease at various points throughout the preceding night, achieving varying degrees of success. The most effective interventions came first from Ye Ling, who successfully calmed their initial jitters, followed by Gong Cui and Wu Mengqi, who managed to induce a period of considerable relaxation for the twins through a series of lighthearted exchanges.

But now, with the sun having ascended over the Dream Realm and a substantial amount of time having elapsed—signifying that the anticipated meeting was drawing near—their previous state of tense anticipation resurfaced.

Aware of the sisters' palpable nervousness, everyone conscientiously avoided broaching the subject of Hong Xinyi, yet an undercurrent of curiosity permeated the veranda, with each individual pondering, in their own unique way, what the formidable leader of the Bahshi Assassins was truly like.

At a particular moment, Fen Baihu, who had been lazily resting in her diminutive fox form, suddenly perked up. Turning her head, she gazed into the distance, announcing,

All eyes on the veranda turned with warmth and joy toward one figure, then shifted in surprise to the second individual.

Though unfamiliar, the reputation of the leader of Bahshi Assassins, one of the most lethal figures in the Seven Boundless Worlds, conjured a variety of images, all seemingly inaccurate.

"S-she doesn't look as terrifying as I imagined," Gong Cui murmured to Gong Liwei, who let out a chuckle.

"I told you, she's beautiful," her older sister replied. "Now that she's not covered in blood, I can see she's even more stunning."

"Wu Long informed me that you were the one who healed me. My deepest gratitude, I owe you my life," Hong Xinyi expressed with sincerity, lowering her head.

"Ah~ no... I... please don't bow... and it's..." Gong Liwei became flustered, her eyes wide as she waved her hands in front.

Hong Xinyi offered a smile and raised her head once more. "I shall offer my thanks more fully when we have more time to converse, but I am delighted to meet you."

A sigh of relief escaped Gong Liwei, tinged with a hint of helplessness, as it seemed Hong Xinyi wouldn't easily dismiss her gratitude. She then smiled gently. "I am glad I could be of assistance. It is a pleasure to meet you as well. Welcome to the Dao Family."

Beyond them, Hong Xinyi addressed Ye Ling, Wu Mengqi, and Liang Yuhan with a distinct warmth that all three perceived in her interactions.

Then, Fen Baihu stepped forward with a giggle. "It is an honor to meet such a renowned individual."

"Surely you jest, Your Highness. Your renown and reputation far surpass mine," Hong Xinyi replied with a grin, recognizing the Celestial Fox without the need for an introduction.

"Please, do not address me so formally, as we are Dao Sisters from this moment on... besides, my status is gone now that my Clan has fallen," Fen Baihu began with a smile, her expression shifting to one of slight melancholy toward the end.

"Ah, please forgive me. That was insensitive of me to mention," Hong Xinyi realized her mistake, having been too accustomed to thinking of Fen Baihu as the Princess of a mighty Beast Clan.

"It's quite alright, I have had time to come to terms with it," Fen Baihu smiled, shaking her head. "Welcome to the Dao Family."