Maybe My Soulmate! (GL)-Chapter 240: Challenge.

While the Lin family busied themselves with preparation and pride, convinced that their grand letter of challenge would shake the entire city, the situation inside the Su estate was far less dramatic and far more... private. For the past two days, Su Yubing had been, in a very real sense, a captive. Not because anyone forced her with chains or pressure, but because Mo Yuxin had decided that it was the perfect time for them to dual cultivate again. The request had not come with any serious reasoning at first. Mo Yuxin simply leaned closer one evening, eyes bright with that playful softness she rarely showed in front of others, and said in a voice that was far too innocent to be trustworthy that it had been "so long" since they last cultivated together. Su Yubing knew very well that this was not true. The last time had indeed been when they were still trapped in that other world, but in terms of time passed since their return, it had barely been a few days. Yet Mo Yuxin insisted, pouting slightly and leaning closer with the kind of shameless charm that she only showed when the two of them were alone. The more serious and composed Su Yubing usually was in public, the more helpless she became when faced with that look. Mo Yuxin knew it very well. She tilted her head slightly, her expression softening into that almost puppy like gaze that always weakened Su Yubing’s resolve. In the end the resistance did not last long. Su Yubing sighed softly, already knowing she had lost, and allowed herself to be pulled toward their chambers.

What followed was two full days of complete disappearance from public view. The door to their bedroom remained closed, the lanterns outside burning quietly through day and night, while the rest of the mansion continued its lively preparation for the upcoming wedding. Inside the room, spiritual energy flowed gently between the two women as they cultivated together. Dual cultivation was not simply a physical act but a merging of energies and trust, a balance of yin and yang that strengthened both participants when done correctly. For Su Yubing, the experience always felt strangely calming despite the intensity of it. Mo Yuxin’s spiritual energy moved through her meridians like warm currents of water, steady and controlled but carrying a hidden strength beneath it. For Mo Yuxin, the process was equally satisfying. She enjoyed the closeness just as much as the cultivation benefits. Every so often she would tease Su Yubing with soft comments, clearly amused by how easily the normally composed woman became flustered when their roles shifted from dignified cultivators to lovers alone in their own space. By the time two full days had passed, both of them had made noticeable progress in their cultivation. More importantly, the connection between them felt deeper and steadier than before.

Outside the room, however, the situation looked very different. The maids of the Su household had gathered in the nearby corridor several times over those two days, waiting for their young lady and the new mistress to finally emerge. At first they had assumed the couple would appear after a few hours. When the first evening passed with no sign of movement, curiosity began to spread quietly among them. By the next morning it had already turned into open gossip. They did not dare speak too loudly, but that did not stop the whispers from flowing. One maid leaned closer to another and murmured with a small grin that perhaps dual cultivation was far more exhausting than they had imagined. Another replied that if their mistress looked even half as beautiful in private as she did in public, it was no surprise their young lady would not want to leave the room. Soon the group was laughing softly together. Their admiration for Mo Yuxin had grown quickly over the past days. Not only was she powerful and confident, but her appearance alone was enough to make people stare. Some of the younger maids even joked quietly that if someone like Mo Yuxin asked them to marry her, they would agree immediately without hesitation.

Beyond the playful gossip, however, there was also something deeper in their conversations. Many of the women working in the Su estate had watched the announcement of the upcoming marriage with wide eyes and quiet hope. Some of them had grown up believing that feelings between women must always remain hidden or unspoken. Seeing their young lady and her future wife openly preparing for a wedding had shaken those beliefs in a way none of them expected. One maid admitted softly that she had always liked another girl who worked in the kitchens but never dared to speak about it. Another nodded quickly, confessing that she had once felt the same about a childhood friend but buried the feeling out of fear. Now things felt different. The courage shown by Su Yubing and Mo Yuxin had opened a door that many of them never thought existed. It was not that everything suddenly became easy or accepted everywhere, but the possibility alone felt powerful.

Their gossip continued until finally, on the morning of the third day, the closed bedroom doors slowly opened. The moment the wooden panels moved, the maids who had been pretending to tidy the hallway immediately straightened their posture. Su Yubing stepped out first, her expression composed as always though there was a faint softness lingering in her eyes that had not been there before. Behind her came Mo Yuxin, wearing her usual confident smile. Both women had already returned to their proper robes, their appearance neat and elegant as if the last two days had been nothing more than a brief period of quiet meditation. The maids bowed quickly in greeting, though several of them could not hide their curious glances. Mo Yuxin noticed immediately and seemed thoroughly amused by it. Su Yubing, on the other hand, pretended not to notice at all.

At that moment another maid came running toward them from the main courtyard, slightly out of breath but still careful to bow respectfully. She explained that Master Su and Madam Su were already having lunch and had been asking about the two of them for some time. Hearing that they had finally come out, the couple was now eagerly waiting for them to join the meal. Su Yubing nodded calmly and began walking toward the dining hall with Mo Yuxin beside her. As they passed through the courtyard, the decorations around the estate became impossible to ignore. Red lanterns hung from nearly every beam and archway. Long silk banners fluttered gently in the breeze. Servants moved quickly from one corner of the mansion to another carrying boxes of ceremonial items and carefully wrapped gifts. The entire estate was filled with the warm, festive atmosphere of an upcoming wedding.

When they entered the dining hall, Mother Su immediately stood up with a smile that was impossible to hide. Father Su laughed heartily and waved them over to sit down. The meal had already been prepared with more dishes than necessary, a clear sign that the parents were in a particularly good mood. As they began eating, the conversation naturally turned toward the wedding preparations. Mother Su asked Mo Yuxin whether she preferred any particular style for the ceremony robes or if there were special traditions from her own background that she wanted included in the celebration. Mo Yuxin listened politely before smiling and shaking her head. She told them that the Su family could arrange everything however they wished. As long as she could stand beside Su Yubing during the ceremony, the rest of the details did not matter to her.

The relaxed atmosphere around the table continued for some time, filled with light conversation and occasional laughter. Then suddenly the peaceful moment was broken by a deep metallic sound echoing from outside the estate walls. A large ceremonial gong had been struck with enough force that the vibration traveled through the courtyard and into the hall. Everyone paused immediately. Before anyone could ask what had happened, a guard rushed inside and dropped to one knee, clearly nervous about interrupting the family meal. He apologized quickly and then delivered the message. The Lin family had arrived at the gates of the Su estate. Not just a few representatives, but a large group standing behind Lin Fan himself. They were carrying a formal challenge letter and demanding that Su Yubing come out to accept it.

Outside the estate, the scene had already drawn a large crowd. Citizens of Azure Dragon City gathered along the street, curious to see what kind of drama would unfold. At the center of the spectacle stood Lin Fan, dressed in elaborate robes that made it clear he intended this moment to be noticed. His posture was confident, almost arrogant, as he addressed the gathered crowd loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear. He declared that the three year duel agreement between him and Su Yubing would be advanced to the present day. According to him, it was time for her to repay the humiliation she had caused him in the past. His voice carried a strong tone of self righteousness as he spoke about honor and pride, complaining that being rejected by a woman had been an unbearable insult to a man of his status.

However, the reactions from the surrounding crowd were far from supportive. Over the past year Lin Fan’s rapid rise in cultivation had made him famous, but it had also made many people tired of his attitude. Since gaining power he had grown increasingly arrogant, constantly boasting about his strength and treating others with thinly disguised contempt. Many citizens now watched the spectacle with annoyed expressions rather than admiration. Some even whispered openly that he was making a fool of himself. Others muttered that the entire city had moved on from the old conflict, yet he still clung to it like a child refusing to admit defeat. By the time the news reached the dining hall inside the Su estate, the mood around the table had shifted from warm laughter to quiet anticipation.

By the time the guard finished speaking, the quiet warmth of the dining hall had already faded. Father Su placed his chopsticks down slowly, his brows tightening just a little, while Mother Su let out a faint sigh that carried equal parts annoyance and disbelief. Su Yubing did not react immediately. She simply looked toward the courtyard doors for a moment, as if confirming that what she had heard was real and not some misunderstanding. Beside her, Mo Yuxin leaned back slightly in her chair, one eyebrow lifting in mild irritation. The moment she heard Lin Fan’s name, her mood had already turned sour.

"So he came personally?" Father Su asked the guard.

"Yes, Master. Lin Fan himself stands at the front. The Lin family has gathered outside the gates with quite a large group. Many citizens have already gathered to watch."

Mother Su shook her head. "That boy truly has nothing better to do."

Su Yubing stood up calmly, smoothing the sleeve of her robe as if this were nothing more than an inconvenient interruption to lunch. "Since he came this far, it would be rude not to see what he wants."

Mo Yuxin stood up beside her without another word. There was a quiet sharpness in her eyes now, the playful warmth from earlier completely gone. The two women walked out of the hall together while Father Su and Mother Su followed behind them. Servants and guards stepped aside quickly as the small group moved through the courtyard toward the front gates.

Outside the Su estate, the atmosphere was already thick with tension and curiosity. A large crowd had gathered along the street, whispering among themselves as they tried to see what was happening. At the center of it all stood Lin Fan, surrounded by members of the Lin family. His robes were elaborate and carefully chosen, clearly meant to show off his rising status. He stood tall with his hands behind his back, chin lifted slightly as if he were already standing above everyone else.

The moment the gates of the Su estate opened, the crowd immediately quieted.

Su Yubing stepped forward first, her expression as calm as ever. Mo Yuxin walked half a step behind her, her gaze already fixed on Lin Fan with open impatience. Father Su and Mother Su stopped several steps behind them, observing quietly.

Lin Fan’s eyes locked onto Su Yubing immediately.

"So you finally came out," he said loudly, making sure his voice carried across the street.

Su Yubing did not answer.

Lin Fan let out a small laugh. "What? No greeting? After everything that happened between us, I thought you would at least acknowledge me."

Still nothing.

Mo Yuxin crossed her arms slightly, clearly unimpressed.

Lin Fan continued speaking anyway. "I came here today to settle unfinished business. A year ago you rejected me in front of the entire city. You challenged me to a three year duel, thinking I would never rise again. You dragged my name through the mud and turned me into a joke."

He paused dramatically, sweeping his gaze across the crowd.

"But look at me now."

His voice grew louder.

"In one year I have surpassed what others achieve in decades. I stand at half step Golden Core. Just one step away from the true Golden Core realm."

Whispers spread through the crowd. Many people already knew this, but hearing it said again made the pressure of it more real.

Lin Fan pointed directly at Su Yubing.

"I came today to advance our duel. No more waiting three years. I will defeat you now and reclaim the honor you stole from me."

Su Yubing stood there quietly, listening without expression.

Lin Fan kept talking.

"You thought rejecting me would break me. Instead it made me stronger. And now you dare to prepare a wedding like nothing happened. As if a man like me being rejected was not an insult to my dignity."

The longer he spoke, the more uncomfortable the crowd became.

Some people exchanged glances.

A few quietly covered their mouths to hide their laughter.

His words sounded less like righteous anger and more like wounded pride.

Lin Fan noticed the reactions immediately. His expression darkened.

"What are you all laughing at?"

The crowd quickly went silent again, but the tension remained.

Many people were secretly annoyed with him. Over the past year, ever since his cultivation began rising rapidly, Lin Fan had grown increasingly arrogant. He boasted openly about his strength, spoke down to others, and acted like the entire city owed him respect.

Still, despite their annoyance, there was also worry in many of their eyes as they looked at Su Yubing.

After all, Lin Fan’s strength was real.

Half step Golden Core.

That level of power was terrifying.

Even the City Lord himself was not yet at that level. Lin Fan was closer to Golden Core than the ruler of Azure Dragon City.

Most people believed Su Yubing had only reached peak Foundation Building at best.

The gap was enormous.

While these thoughts spread quietly through the crowd, Su Yubing finally spoke.

Her voice was calm.

"Okay."

Just one word.

No anger. No fear. No excitement.

Just simple acceptance.

The lukewarm response stunned everyone for a moment.

Lin Fan blinked.

Then his face twisted with anger.

"That’s it?" he snapped. "You think this is a joke?"

Su Yubing simply looked at him like she was watching someone behaving foolishly.

That expression made him even angrier.

"Fine," he said coldly. "Let me show you the difference between us."

Suddenly a terrifying pressure exploded outward from his body.

His half step Golden Core aura burst into the surroundings like a storm.

The air itself seemed to grow heavy.

Several people in the crowd gasped.

Common citizens immediately collapsed to their knees under the pressure. Even cultivators below peak Foundation Building struggled to remain standing before slowly kneeling one by one.

The street became filled with the sound of people dropping to the ground.

Lin Fan stood proudly at the center of it all.

His eyes moved toward the Su family.

Especially toward Su Yubing.

Toward Mo Yuxin.

He wanted to see them kneel.

He wanted to see them bow their heads in front of his power.

But nothing happened.

Su Yubing stood there exactly as before.

Mo Yuxin stood beside her, completely unaffected.

Even Father Su and Mother Su remained upright thanks to Su Yubing quitely protecting them and all the members and guards of the su family.

Lin Fan’s expression froze.

"What...?"

He pushed his aura harder.

The pressure in the street increased again.

More people struggled to breathe under the weight.

But the four members of the Su family still stood calmly.

For the first time, doubt flickered in Lin Fan’s eyes.

And then suddenly—

Mo Yuxin moved.

She disappeared from her spot in a flash.

Before Lin Fan could react, a hand closed around his throat.

Gasps exploded through the crowd.

Mo Yuxin stood directly in front of him now, holding him up by the neck like he weighed nothing.

Her expression was cold.

Cold enough to freeze the air.

"You talk too much."

Lin Fan struggled instinctively, but the difference in strength was overwhelming. His body felt completely locked under her grip.

For a moment the entire street was silent.

Mo Yuxin looked at him with open disdain.

"You want to challenge my wife?" she said quietly.

Her voice was calm.

Too calm.

"That’s fine."

She loosened her grip slightly so everyone could hear clearly.

"But if you do, you should be prepared."

Her eyes grew even colder.

"For a life and death duel."

The words echoed through the silent street.

Before Lin Fan could respond, she simply threw him aside.

His body flew across the courtyard like a broken doll before crashing near the Lin family group. Several of their guards rushed forward to catch him.

And then—

A new pressure filled the air.

But this time it was completely different.

Mo Yuxin released her aura.

A true Golden Core aura. She deliberately just released the golden core aura as if she released her true strength, they would all probably suffer heavy injuries.

But with just this, The difference was immediate.

The pressure that Lin Fan created earlier felt crude and shallow compared to this. Mo Yuxin’s aura was deeper, heavier, like a mountain suddenly pressing down on the entire street.

Members of the Lin family froze where they stood.

Even Lin Fan’s father felt his breathing become difficult.

Golden Core.

A real Golden Core cultivator.

Mo Yuxin did not say another word. She simply let the aura spread long enough for everyone present to understand.

Then she withdrew it.

The Lin family members quickly supported Lin Fan and retreated without another challenge.

Their earlier arrogance was completely gone.

Within hours the entire city heard about what happened.

The spectacle spread through Azure Dragon City like wildfire.

People talked about the upcoming duel between Lin Fan and Su Yubing.

But even more than that, they talked about Mo Yuxin.

A Golden Core cultivator.

The first one to appear from Azure Dragon City.

Not from any noble clan.

Not from a famous cultivation family.

But a woman who rose entirely through her own strength.

Praise for her spread everywhere.

And with the duel only two days away, the entire city waited eagerly to see what would happen next.

.

.

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To be continued.