I accidentally Married the Leader of the Noble Path - Chapter 4

The two returned to the village. After setting down the basket full of medicinal herbs, Qin Nan carefully checked Shangguan Rouyue’s condition to ensure that her injuries hadn’t worsened from the outing.

Thankfully, everything was fine.

Still, Qin Nan reminded her that her injuries had yet to fully heal, so she shouldn’t move around carelessly.

Otherwise, it’ll trouble not only her but also him as her healer.

Shangguan Rouyue promised.

Later, while preparing dinner, Shangguan Rouyue joined in to help. Perhaps she felt guilty for relying on Qin Nan’s care all this time.

However, her lack of experience in household chores was evident. Her clumsy attempts at cooking earned her a scolding from Qin Nan.

After dinner, it was time to heat water for bathing.

Seemingly eager to reclaim some dignity, Shangguan Rouyue waved off Qin Nan’s offer to heat the water. Instead, she simply asked him to bring her an empty bucket.

With a flick of her fingers, the surrounding moisture rapidly condensed, filling the bucket instantly. A light tap of her finger turned the water warm, steam rising gently from the surface.

It was a mesmerizing display of skill.

Expecting a look of astonishment from Qin Nan, Shangguan Rouyue glanced at him out of the corner of her eye—only to be disappointed.

Qin Nan’s face remained entirely calm and unaffected.

Hah, such a simple trick and she expects to shock a reincarnated demon lord? What a joke.

“Do you need me to help wipe you down? You’re still not very comfortable yet, right?” Qin Nan asked intentionally.

“I don’t need it, you little rascal,” Shangguan Rouyue replied, rolling her eyes at him.

Qin Nan chuckled lightly and left the room, heading to the medicine room to process the herbs he’d gathered earlier.

Some herbs couldn’t be left for long after harvesting; they needed immediate preparation to preserve their potency.

…

The next day, when Qin Nan was about to head into the mountains to gather more herbs, Shangguan Rouyue approached him.

“It’s dangerous for you to go alone,” she said.

Even though Qin Nan reassured her, explaining that he’d grown up here and knew the mountains like the back of his hand. But Shangguan Rouyue insisted on accompanying him to ensure his safety.

Having a stunning beauty as company while herb-gathering? Qin Nan wasn’t about to complain.

Though he was used to working alone, having someone to chat with—and even help out—was a pleasant change.

Unfortunately, Shangguan Rouyue’s knowledge of the local herbs was limited, and even though she was willing to help, there wasn’t much she could do.

Shangguan Rouyue was perplexed; the herbs here were too ordinary, inferior goods only used by common people.

If these were rare and precious herbs, even if she couldn’t identify all of them, she would still be able to recognize ninety-nine percent.

After all, she was a genius—although not a pill refining master, she certainly had some skill in this area.

Later, through her sharp mind and after observing Qin Nan collecting herbs for a while, Shangguan Rouyue gradually became familiar with the various herbs and was finally able to offer some help.

Thanks to her assistance, the basket was filled earlier than usual, and they decided to return to the village before sundown.

By the way, the two of them had already eaten lunch in the mountains, which was packed food prepared before they set out.

Every time Qin Nan went up the mountain to gather herbs, he would prepare dry food because he often stayed on the mountain for half a day. Occasionally, if unexpected events or mountain hazards occurred, it wouldn’t be unusual to stay on the mountain for an entire night.

…

By now, Shangguan Rouyue’s presence in Niujiao Village had become widely known. Many villagers came by, curious to see the stunning beauty staying with Qin Nan.

However, Shangguan Rouyue wasn’t one to welcome attention. Her icy demeanor kept most at bay, and any inappropriate stares from male villagers were met with harsh reprimands.

After knowing that she was a cultivator with a cold personality, the villagers now avoided her, keeping their distance out of respect.

Only when she was with Qin Nan did Shangguan Ruoyue let go of her cold attitude, becoming approachable. Occasionally, she would even display intimate gestures.

“Miss Shangguan, when do you plan to leave?” Qin Nan asked one day.

“Are you trying to drive me away?” she shot back.

Qin Nan looked genuinely puzzled. When did he say that?

Since her injuries had mostly healed, Shangguan Rouyue was free to leave the village whenever she wanted. Qin Nan had simply wanted to be prepared for her departure.

Honestly, the thought of her leaving left him feeling a little reluctant.

Qin Nan had already grown accustomed to Shangguan Ruoyue’s presence. Since her injuries had healed, she often stayed by his side.

A living, breathing, unparalleled beauty, who was also very obedient, often close and affectionate, and at times could even be teased for amusement when he got bored.

This had made Qin Nan’s otherwise mundane life much more interesting.

Although, even if Shangguan Ruoyue were to leave, he could still ask to accompany her, but Qin Nan knew that once they left the village and entered the immortal cultivation world, they would likely no longer have the opportunity to stay this close to each other again.

After observing her over the past few days, Qin Nan still couldn’t figure out the full extent of Shangguan Ruoyue’s background, but her extraordinary talent and graceful, vurtue nature.

“You want to stay? Your injuries should be almost fully healed by now, right?” Qin Nan asked.

“Does healing mean I can’t stay?” Shangguan Ruoyue replied with a question of her own.

“Of course you can. I just don’t understand why you’d want to stay. You’re a cultivator, probably someone important from a major sect. Can you really stay here forever?” Qin Nan asked.

“I can’t stay forever, but I want to. I’ve made up my mind, so it’s no problem,” Shangguan Ruoyue said firmly.

Qin Nan looked at her with suspicion, still unable to understand her reasoning. Could she have already figured out that he was a reincarnated demon lord, and was staying to probe his true nature?

“It’s not a big deal, I’m just tired of the constant battles, the endless fighting. Living quietly here seems kind of nice, doesn’t it?” Shangguan Ruoyue said, a hint of bitterness in her voice.

“I see. Well, as long as you’re happy, you’re welcome to stay. But, we’re a man and a woman living under the same roof. Aren’t you worried about rumors?”

“You’re just a little boy.”

“Who are you calling a little boy?” Qin Nan shot back indignantly.

 “Little boys always like to act grown-up.” Shangguan Rouyue chuckled.

Qin Nan narrowed his eyes. Calling him a little boy? How disrespectful.

Unfortunately, Qin Nan couldn’t reveal the truth.

“Miss Shangguan, your face is dirty. Let me clean it for you,” Qin Nan said suddenly.

Shangguan Rouyue didn’t suspect anything, allowing Qin Nan to approach and extend her hands.

A pair of fair, tender hands cupped her face, soft to the touch. Before Shangguan Rouyue could react to Qin Nan’s somewhat strange, overly intimate actions, it was too late. 

Qin Nan suddenly tiptoed and kissed her lips, sweet. A fleeting kiss, brief and gentle, quickly pulling away without going too far.

Qin Nan’s lips curled into a slight smile as he looked at the stunned Shangguan Rouyue. A sense of accomplishment surged within him.