Such behavior was entirely expected. It demonstrated her favored status, allowing her to enter without announcement. Yet, the presence of a guest prompted her to subdue her initial exuberance. Had Pei Yan not perceived the brief, almost imperceptible hitch in her breath, he might have missed her subtle shift in demeanor.

Her face, undoubtedly, revealed nothing. But Pei Yan did not rely on sight to understand others.

That moment of change, that subtle intake of breath, occurred when she saw Ye Chonglou in the room, or perhaps when Ye Chonglou saw her. It wasn't surprise that caused the tremor in her breath, but tension.

From this, Pei Yan felt almost certain: Yao Ji and the Boundless Sea Pavilion were undeniably connected.

His expression remained unchanged. Knowing Yao Ji’s purposeful intrusion was a ploy to remain in the room, he offered no comment and allowed her to stay. He simply resumed the previous conversation, exchanging pleasantries about the martial world with Ye Chonglou.

Ye Chonglou's stated reason for visiting was the Boundless Sea Pavilion's intention to establish a presence in the Central Plains martial arts community, hence the courtesy call to the Tiandu Manor. Such visits were customary for sects from the Western Regions and Southern Yue seeking to operate in the Central Plains. Pei Yan treated it as a routine matter, maintaining a polite demeanor with Ye Chonglou. Despite the guest's reserved nature, their conversation flowed smoothly.

Listening from the side, Yao Ji grew increasingly uncertain of Ye Chonglou's true intentions. Her actions were undeniably risky, yet even if Ye Chonglou were to find fault, he could hardly accuse her of wrongdoing. Pei Yan's attitude also puzzled her. If, as he claimed, Madam Pei and Madam Le Yin were old acquaintances, why hadn't either of them mentioned this connection?

Lost in thought, her breathing unconsciously grew uneven. Such a minute change would typically go unnoticed, but Pei Yan, blind, possessed heightened senses. He could discern emotions from the faintest variations in another's breath. This ability had earned him the reputation of one who could decipher both the secrets of heaven and the complexities of the human heart.

Yet, the human heart was far too intricate to be so easily understood. Pei Yan's mind teemed with speculation. Ever since Yao Ji had rejected his proposal, he had begun investigating her background. He had considered the possibility of her being a spy planted by his enemies, a possibility that, in truth, seemed increasingly likely.

But Pei Yan didn't care. Spy or not, if her love for him was genuine, he would eliminate whoever controlled her, allowing her to be with him without constraint.

However, a chilling thought now struck him: What if her refusal wasn't due to external pressure? Though he knew he was likely overthinking, Yao Ji's erratic breathing fueled his suspicions. A smile played on his lips as he continued to politely converse with Ye Chonglou, his hand beneath his sleeve clenching into a fist.

Perhaps her reaction to Ye Chonglou stemmed from fear. Perhaps he was reading too much into the situation. But now, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, he found himself wanting nothing more than to show Ye Chonglou the door, even as he maintained a facade of amiable hospitality.

Of course, he couldn't do that. Given his deceased mother's connection to Madam Le Yin, he was obligated to maintain a pleasant facade and invite Ye Chonglou to dine. Yao Ji, respecting and adoring him, saw him as a man of impeccable virtue, untouched by worldly concerns. She had no idea of the hypocrisy and jealousy churning within him.