Chapter 163 Revealing True Feelings

Yue Hanzheng nodded. “Yes, it is the Ice Ability.”

After awakening the Ice Ability, numerous inherited memories regarding it flashed through his mind. He now knew how to wield this superpower, as well as its formidable might. Though he appeared calm on the surface, waves of emotion surged within him.

Since childhood, his dream had always been to become a General who protected his home and defended his country. Even if he were to die, he wanted to fall on the battlefield like a true warrior. He had studied diligently and trained in martial arts since he was young, never slacking off for a moment. All of this was just to gain greater strength.

When he was a child, he had read ancient texts containing records of Abnormal Power from a thousand years ago. He had often thought that if he possessed a superpower, defending the border cities would be much easier. Unfortunately, the method to awaken such a superpower had long been lost to time. He never expected that one day, he would actually awaken it himself.

And it was his wife who had helped him do so.

At this moment, Yue Hanzheng’s feelings were incredibly complex. Emotions he had long suppressed at the bottom of his heart suddenly welled up.

Gu Songlan spoke up, “According to ancient records, the Ice Ability is the strongest combat-oriented superpower. It suits you perfectly.”

Yue Hanzheng looked at the Ice Cones before him. Channeling his superpower, the Ice Cones transformed into ice swords, and then into long spears, shifting form entirely according to his will. Yet, as he watched these transformations, his mind was filled entirely with thoughts of Qiao Suluo.

A fierce urge gripped his heart—he wanted to see her. He feared that if he didn’t go see her right now, he might never be able to find her again.

With this thought, Yue Hanzheng quickly stood up and offered a deep, formal bow to Gu Songlan. “Young Master Gu, thank you for saving me and taking care of me earlier.

“In the future, if there is any way I, Yue, can be of service to Young Master Gu, please do not hesitate to ask.” He owed him a tremendous favor, and he would definitely repay it one day.

“You are leaving?”

Yue Hanzheng nodded solemnly. “Yes, I want to leave with my wife.”

Gu Songlan was not surprised by this decision. If he were Yue Hanzheng, he would have long since found a way to return to Qiao Suluo’s side; he wouldn’t have held back until now.

“Even if Miss Qiao rejects you, will you still persist?” Gu Songlan asked, though it felt as if he were also asking himself.

Yue Hanzheng did not hide his intentions. “Yes. Even if she rejects me, I will still protect her all the way to Beizhou.”

There would undoubtedly be many dangers along the journey. He could only rest easy if he personally escorted her to Beizhou.

Gu Songlan sighed inwardly. He actually envied Yue Hanzheng for having a reason to stay by her side and protect her. He, on the other hand, had no position or standing to do so.

After packing up, Yue Hanzheng arrived outside the residence where Qiao Suluo was staying.

It was not yet dawn, though the rain had gradually lightened. Yue Hanzheng didn’t knock, nor was he in a hurry; he simply stood quietly outside the door.

It wasn’t until Qiao Suluo and the others got up, finished getting ready, and opened the door that they finally saw Yue Hanzheng. He was wearing a coir raincoat, his body damp with moisture. It was impossible to tell how long he had been standing there.

Chu Moyuan looked at him, slightly taken aback. “Yue Hanzheng?”

“It’s me. May I come in?”

Chu Moyuan nodded. In name, Yue Hanzheng was still his wife’s Beast Husband, so Chu Moyuan naturally couldn’t make any decisions on her behalf. However, looking at Yue Hanzheng’s expression, he noticed a suppressed look in those cool, distant eyes, as if he were holding back some deep emotion.

Chu Moyuan was no stranger to such a look. It meant that love had taken root in his heart. It made sense. Their wife was so wonderful; it was hard for anyone who interacted with her not to be moved. Not to mention, Yue Hanzheng was already her Beast Husband to begin with.

Qiao Suluo was in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Hearing the voices, she glanced out into the courtyard and saw him. A hint of surprise crossed her face. She quickly handed the spoon in her hand to Bai Qianluo and looked at Yue Hanzheng, asking, “Is there something wrong with your body?”

Yue Hanzheng stared deeply at Qiao Suluo. Just seeing her, just meeting her gaze, caused ripples to spread across the lake of his heart.

He possessed a naturally cold and austere disposition. His eyes were usually like unfathomable icy pools, and his gaze was as faint as the lingering frost of early spring—wherever it fell, it was tinged with aloofness and utter indifference. Yet, as he looked at Qiao Suluo now, the cold glint had faded, replaced by a hazy, warm light. It carried an unconcealable devotion, ultimately brimming with boundless tenderness.

“There are no problems,” he said. “I have awakened the Ice Ability.

“I just… I wanted to come back. To accompany you wherever you want to go.

“I am your Beast Husband. This is how it should be.”

The moment he spoke the words hidden in his heart, Yue Hanzheng finally realized that he was allowed to voice them. Upon saying them out loud, his heart felt significantly lighter.

Qiao Suluo paused in shock. She never expected him to make this choice. After pondering her words carefully, she said, “Yue Hanzheng, if you feel you must repay me because I helped you awaken your superpower, there’s no need for this.

“As I’ve said before, the way I hurt and mistreated you in the past was truly wrong. Let us consider our debts settled and walk our separate ways.”

Yue Hanzheng’s expression changed, and he hurriedly replied, “No, it’s not like that.

“I want to stay by your side and protect you of my own free will.

“It’s not out of gratitude.

“I… I like the person you are now.”

After pouring out his true feelings, the tips of his ears flushed a deep red. He hardly dared to look at Qiao Suluo’s reaction.

Qiao Suluo was completely stunned. She hadn’t considered the possibility that Yue Hanzheng would actually like her.

In truth, she really wanted to let him leave. Since he was no longer at risk of turning to the dark side, her mission could be considered complete. But this unexpected confession threw her thoughts into disarray.

The System excitedly chimed in, “I told you that you’re wonderful, Host! No one can resist your charm, not even Yue Hanzheng.

“Host, he is your Beast Husband. If he is willing to stay, you must not reject him and push him away.

“Otherwise, if he accidentally turns to the dark side again, who knows what will happen!”

Thinking about everything Yue Hanzheng had been through, Qiao Suluo couldn’t help but feel a pang of heartache for him.

“Yue Hanzheng, I always thought you hated me, so I didn’t expect this,” she said gently. “Your words are just a bit sudden for me.

“Besides, if we go to Beizhou, there will likely be danger on the road. You can absolutely go back and be your Princely Heir.”

He could go be a General. The Duke Dingguo household was highly prestigious; if he returned, his status and position would definitely be restored. It would be a far better deal than following her.

Yue Hanzheng softened his voice. “I know. I am not asking for a response. I only hope that you will allow me to stay by your side and protect you, my wife.

“If it weren’t for you, my legs wouldn’t have healed, let alone awakened the Ice Ability.”

Qiao Suluo thought for a moment before finally saying, “Alright, then. You can stay for now. But if there ever comes a day when you want to leave, just tell me. I will let you go, and you can regain your freedom at any time.”

Listening to their conversation, Bai Qianluo and Chu Moyuan knew that since Yue Hanzheng had returned, he was never going to leave. In their eyes, there was no female in this world better than their wife.

Upon hearing Qiao Suluo’s words, Yue Hanzheng let out a sigh of relief. He could finally stay.

“You haven’t eaten breakfast yet, have you? I just finished making it, so let’s all sit down and eat together.”

Yue Hanzheng did not refuse. “Okay,” he replied.

The morning rain began to taper off.

Qiao Suluo had originally planned to set off immediately, but Bai Qianluo went back to the Cat Clan Village to check and found that many people hadn’t finished packing yet, which would cause a bit of a delay.

Since they had time, Qiao Suluo headed to the Drunken Immortal Tower to find its Young Master, Zhao Tingci.