The statement struck like thunder, leaving the Saintess and Mo Qi disoriented.
The Saintess, after a long pause, shook her head, her face flushing. "What nonsense are you spouting? Me and him, how could that be possible?"
Feeling utterly mortified, she bolted out the door like lightning.
Mo Qi shot his mother a glare. "Xiao Cui, what are you doing? Aren't you just making things worse?"
The Queen felt wronged. "Didn't I want to help you?"
Mo Qi sighed and chased after the Saintess.
The Saintess ran at an incredible pace, nearly exiting the Light World and reaching a star world at its edge.
Mo Qi followed her scent. Strangely, ever since the Sun Star appeared, he found he could smell the Saintess's unique fragrance, no matter how far away she was.
The Saintess was sitting sadly beneath a tree when a cheerful voice suddenly reached her ears. "Lin Gege, you're finally here."
Curiosity piqued, the Saintess quietly glided to a tree and looked ahead.
She saw a man and a woman meeting secretly beneath a tree not far away.
The woman looked familiar.
The Saintess looked closer and realized the maiden was none other than Xiao Meng, one of her disciples.
Xiao Meng excitedly said, "Lin Gege, I have great news to tell you."
"What good news?" Lin Gege asked, equally thrilled.
"Our Saintess has abolished the rule against romantic relationships between men and women. From now on, we can be together openly."
"Ah? Really? Hahaha..." Lin Gege joyfully spun Xiao Meng around.
Xiao Meng giggled, her face beaming with happiness.
The Saintess's expression turned grim. Xiao Meng was truly determined. She must have rushed here the moment she heard the news, her speed almost matching her own!
Fearing discovery, the Saintess quietly descended from the tree.
As she landed gracefully, she felt herself fall into something soft, not like grass.
Looking up, a playful smile appeared before her eyes.
She was lying in his arms.
Startled, the Saintess was about to cry out when Mo Qi abruptly covered her mouth. "Don't make a sound. If they hear, I won't be responsible."
The Saintess fell silent but continued to struggle, soon breaking free from his embrace. She looked at him reproachfully and whispered, "What are you doing?"
Mo Qi chuckled and said loudly, "I was afraid you'd fall!"
Hearing the voices, Xiao Meng and Lin Gege both looked in their direction. "Someone's here!"
The Saintess glared at Mo Qi, her expression complex. She lowered her voice. "What are you doing? Can you be quieter? You did this on purpose, didn't you?"
Knowing someone was nearby, Xiao Meng said to Lin Gege, "Let's go. We should leave."
Lin Gege patted her shoulder. "What are you afraid of? The rule has been abolished. We're being open about this. If anyone's here, I'll tell them directly that I want you to be my wife."
"I don't think so," Xiao Meng said shyly.
Ignoring her, Lin Gege pulled her towards Mo Qi.
The Saintess's face turned pale with fear, and she prepared to flee.
Mo Qi grabbed her. "What are you afraid of? We're being open too. If they come over, I'll tell them you're my wife."
"You'll make me lose all face! Let go!" the Saintess exclaimed angrily.
As she spoke, she raised her hand, as if to strike him.
Mo Qi tilted his head back dramatically. "I just want to see if you're that heartless. The force of this blow is yours to decide."
The Saintess frowned. "Why are you so helpless?"
"Because I am helpless!"
Just then, Xiao Meng and Lin Gege arrived.
Lin Gege froze when he saw the situation. "What are you doing here? Peeping at us? Let me tell you, this is my wife, and we're being open. Don't try to ruin our reputation."
Mo Qi smiled. "Who's peeping? It's just a coincidence. I also want to tell you, this is my wife."
Lin Gege rubbed his eyes. "Is your wife a shoe spirit?"
Mo Qi turned sharply and realized the Saintess had vanished. He was holding one of her shoes.
Mo Qi felt extremely awkward. "Yes, love knows no race. I like shoe spirits. We're in love, and we're being open. So what?"
Lin Gege gave him a thumbs-up. "You're amazing."
Xiao Meng tugged at Lin Gege. "Let's go."
"Yes, alright." Lin Gege seemed eager to leave, turning and walking away.
Mo Qi, still holding the shoe, continued to chase the Saintess.
The Saintess once again fled to another star world, flying at her fastest speed. She thought Mo Qi couldn't possibly find her now.
However, as soon as she sat down under a tree, Mo Qi appeared again, a smile on his face. "If you want to go on a date, you don't need to find such a secluded spot."
The Saintess looked at him in surprise. "How did you find me?"
Mo Qi smiled and sat down next to the Saintess. She shifted away, and he moved closer.
"There's a thread in the air called fate. It's this thread of fate that pulls me towards you. As long as this thread exists, you can never escape me," Mo Qi said slowly.
The Saintess activated her celestial eye and looked into the air. After a moment, she asked, "Where's the thread? I don't see anything."
"You can't see it," Mo Qi replied. "But it truly exists. You must feel it with your heart to sense its presence."
"I believe your nonsense," the Saintess whispered. "Can we really be together?"
Mo Qi answered without hesitation, "Of course. Is there anything that can stop us?"
"Too much. The eyes of the world, the age difference, the pressure in my heart..."
"These are not problems. That thread can overcome everything," Mo Qi said.
As he spoke, Mo Qi reached out and placed his hand on the Saintess's shoulder. She pushed it away. He placed it on her shoulder again, and she pushed it away again.
Mo Qi suddenly leaned down and grabbed one of the Saintess's feet.
The Saintess jumped in surprise. "What are you doing?"