Chapter Thirty-Six: We Can Only Be Friends

Blackwater County is one of the few bustling commercial centers in Annan Province.

To obtain goods and cultivation resources from the other twelve provinces of Qianwu, Annan must cross the Blackwater River. As a transit point, Blackwater County is unavoidable.

The county town, as the venue for the martial academy ranking competition, is lively at night. With the upcoming tournament, disciples from various county academies have arrived, joined by martial artists eager to watch the excitement. The streets are teeming with people.

Ma Xue'e pulled Luo Changning by the hand, examining stalls here and there, touching this and that. Behind them, Ma Qingyun, Xiang Yinglong, and Xiang Tong walked in a line like three bodyguards. In fact, Xiang Tong was indeed a bodyguard; Ma Qingyun had disguised himself as a young attendant, and only Xiang Yinglong, innocent as he was, had become the “burly porter.”

Both hands cradled a mountain of paper parcels, boxes, and wooden chests—every one filled with items Ma Xue'e had bought. His path was blocked, forcing him to stagger along. Portable storage was a rarity in Annan; Xiang Yinglong had none, otherwise he wouldn't be stuck laboring.

The Su family did have a spatial jade toad, but it was with Su Meng. Xiang Yinglong lamented: Xue'e is here to have fun, Changning accompanies her, Xiang Uncle is the elder. Ma Brother... Fine, I'll just carry the bags...

Hmph! One after another, they all bully me!

Ma Xue'e held a sugar-coated hawthorn skewer in each hand, eating with delight, her eyes curved into crescents of joy. “Blackwater County really is lively and fun, and the snacks are more plentiful than in Qingyang County. But I still prefer staying in the Su family courtyard—Aunt Su and Cousin Qing’s cooking is too delicious!”

Festive red lanterns hung along the street. Ma Xue'e's little face was flushed, popping candied fruit into her mouth one after another. Her lips glistened bright red, more charming than the lanterns themselves. Had she kept her original face, who knows how much trouble it would have caused.

Fortunately, with the competition approaching, martial artists crowded the county, wary of crossing the wrong person. The trio of “bodyguards” behind her made it clear they could fight.

Though Ma Xue'e's beauty drew attention, no one dared spoil her fun. Watching the delighted smile beside him, Luo Changning felt his heart stir: Xue’e is so adorable, I just want to pinch her cheeks...

He couldn’t quite name the feeling; all he knew was that every time he saw her, he couldn’t help but want to spoil her. In both his past and present lives, he had never had a sister, so he didn’t know how other brothers treated theirs.

Luo Changning stopped Ma Xue'e with a gentle tug: "Wait..."

"Hmm? What is it?" Ma Xue'e turned to him, wide-eyed and innocent.

That look made Luo Changning’s heart itch all the more; he wanted to pinch her cheek even more. He hesitated, then reached out and wiped the corner of her mouth with the pad of his finger.

Ma Xue'e was waiting for his words when she saw a well-defined hand approach. Her face warmed as something soft gently brushed her mouth. Her heart thumped, tingling and itchy, as if touched by a feather. It felt like someone had gently swept her heart’s core with one.

"Changning, you, why..." She came to herself and realized it was his fingertip.

Ma Xue'e blushed deeply, shyly twisting away, unable to face the culprit before her.

Seeing her bashfulness, Luo Changning wondered if he’d lost his mind. Was this inappropriate? Was he being too forward?

He cleared his throat, "You had syrup at the corner of your mouth, so I wiped it off for you." He raised his finger for her to see, a thin layer of syrup indeed visible.

"Oh, so that's what it was..." For some reason, Ma Xue'e felt a hollow emptiness at his explanation.

Later, Ma Xue'e would realize that some feelings take root early, unavoidable and inescapable. Her heart no longer belonged to herself; she was like a moth drawn to the flame of loving Luo Changning, willing to give everything—even if it meant heartbreak and no reward.

Xiang Tong, watching these two peerless youths favored by heaven, nodded in satisfaction: Good, much better than our young master’s blockheaded ways!

Xiang Yinglong, just emerging from his pile of parcels, caught sight of the scene: the boy gently wiped the girl’s mouth, the girl shyly gazed at him, words lingering on her lips...

Even prepared, he felt a stab of pain. His footing faltered; he stumbled forward.

Thud!

His sturdy body crashed onto the stone pavement, goods spilling everywhere.

“Ah, are you alright, Brother Xiang?” Ma Xue'e, still with lingering warmth at her lips, was startled by the commotion behind.

Xiang Yinglong scrambled up, scratching his head and grinning sheepishly, “Hehe, I didn’t break anything. I’m tough! Just couldn’t see the road and tripped.”

Ma Xue'e sighed in relief, smiling, “As long as you’re okay. Thank you for your hard work tonight, Brother Xiang. I’m tired too. Let’s head back to the inn and rest—let’s split the things, everyone carry some.”

She bent to pick up the scattered parcels.

Xiang Tong shook his head regretfully: Ah, our young master is so foolish—when will he find a wife? He’s nearly of age. Luo is much better, handsome and knows how to win a girl’s heart, already making his move!

Luo Changning: Uncle Xiang, you misunderstand! My feelings for Xue’e are purely sibling-like...

Ma Qingyun took the parcels from his sister, his brow furrowed, casting a gloomy glance at Luo Changning.

Soon, the group returned to Evergreen Inn.

After a late supper and bathing, they each retired to their rooms.

Ma Xue'e’s room was placed in the center for safety; girls are always at greater risk.

In his guest room, Luo Changning wore pale moon-colored inner clothes, rinsed his mouth with brine, spitting the water into a basin on a wooden stand beside the bed.

Just as he was about to rest, someone knocked at the door.

So late—who could it be? Xiang Yinglong, perhaps?

He raised an eyebrow and opened the door.

Ma Qingyun stood outside, his freshly washed hair still dripping. Water slid down his neck and disappeared into his collar, and his cold face lent him an ascetic allure.

A youth in the midst of growth is most enticing—refined and noble, showing signs of maturity yet retaining a child’s purity, untouched by the world. It is the prime age.

“Brother Ma, is there something you need? Is it about the martial academy ranking competition?” Luo Changning could only think of that.

Before he finished, Ma Qingyun stepped inside, turned, and closed the door. His voice was as calm and cold as ever, “This way I won’t disturb the others.”

By “others,” he meant Xiang Yinglong, Ma Xue'e, and Xiang Tong.

Luo Changning poured tea for Ma Qingyun and himself, sitting at the table, sipping as he waited for the reason.

“You and Xue’e... can only be friends.”

??

Luo Changning was puzzled, “We are friends already.”

Ma Qingyun’s face remained blank as he glanced at him, “Xue’e and you are not from the same world. It’s impossible. Friendship is fine, but nothing more. There can be no other relationship, nor will there ever be.”

His unyielding tone brooked no argument or resistance.

If Luo Changning hadn’t understood by now, he’d have wasted two lifetimes.

No wonder—ever since he touched Xue’e’s face, Ma Qingyun’s demeanor had changed, his usual coldness tinged with a hint of hostility.

With a cold laugh, Luo Changning replied, “I don’t know what your relationship with Xue’e is. All I know is, whatever happens, you are my friends—unless you change.”

“As for your concerns, Brother Ma, I assure you they’ll never come to pass. I’m good to her because I see her as a friend, as a sister, and she reminds me of a long-lost companion…”

These were Luo Changning’s true feelings. He cherished Ma Xue’e, but his affection held no trace of romantic love—only siblinghood and friendship.

“My only goal is revenge; I have no mind for romance. Besides, I am only twelve—such matters are premature.”

But you, you shouldn't harbor feelings for my aunt!

Ma Qingyun’s expression softened, “I have only this one sister, this one... relative, so I must think carefully for her. You cannot protect her, and you have vengeance to pursue. I only wish for her lifelong happiness, free from hatred. Whether you or I, we both have enemies we must kill. In the end, Xue’e cannot stay with us, but must find someone who loves and can protect her.”

He smiled for once at Luo Changning, “I hope you don’t mind my words. I mean no offense, only that I know what is best for Xue’e.”

“I understand,” Luo Changning smiled back.

Of course he understood. If there were someone who could protect his aunt, he could pursue revenge unburdened.

Clearly, that person could not and would not be Ma Qingyun.

The Ma siblings’ innate nobility could not be cultivated in a humble household; they must be of grand lineage, aristocratic descent.

The enemies one would provoke by crossing such siblings must be formidable indeed.

Ma Qingyun nodded and walked to the door.

Luo Changning said meaningfully, “A gentle woman like my aunt will surely find a refined, warm-hearted gentleman. What do you think, Brother Ma?”

Ma Qingyun paused, smiled, and replied, “I think a cold, aloof man suits her better.”

With that, he strode out the door.

At the table, Luo Changning narrowed his starry eyes, raised his brow, and drained his teacup without comment.

Let it be—no one can predict the future, and too much pondering is useless. Besides, my aunt is eleven years older than Brother Ma; the possibility of them becoming a couple is nearly zero. Though Yaohua Continent is less conservative than the ancient Earth Dragon Continent, the acceptance of such age-gap relationships remains low. After all, some girls marry at eleven—the difference is enormous.

After ending an unpleasant conversation, Luo Changning finally had peace to rest.

His way to rest was to sit cross-legged on the bed and cultivate the Dog-Beating Staff’s heart method.

Not a moment could be wasted if he hoped to surpass others.