Summer, though past the prime time of growth, still buzzes with life.
The hills are blanketed with flowers and grass, and the dry, hot air makes everyone a bit restless.
On a scorching summer day, the shade behind the hillside is a perfect spot to cool off.
But behind the shade in Sky Sanctuary, a female disciple kneels on the ground.
Despite the heat, she feels a chill throughout her body, as if she's fallen into an ice cave.
Because standing before her is none other than Goddess Sylvia.
And the reason she's been caught? She had a secret rendezvous with her lover on the back hillside.
Sky Sanctuary has had a ban on romantic relationships for a long time.
This rule has never changed.
Even though the Goddess hasn't mentioned it much lately, it's well known among all the disciples.
Meeting with a lover in Sky Sanctuary is the ultimate taboo!
Other sisters also met with their lovers here today, but she was the only unlucky one caught by Goddess Sylvia.
The disciple feels like crying but has no tears,her body trembles slightly with fear.
Being caught red-handed by Goddess Sylvia in a romantic encounter is a grave offense, and she can't imagine what kind of punishment awaits her.
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Even if she escapes the death penalty, she'll likely be expelled from Sky Sanctuary!
"Isn't Valentine's Day coming up soon?" Sylvia suddenly asks.
The disciple is visibly startled.
One reason is that she can't figure out why the Goddess would ask such a strange question.
More importantly, the tone of her voice is unexpectedly gentle and cool.
Though still carrying the authoritative aura of the Holy Emperor, there seems to be no anger in the Goddess's voice.
Even the disciple is puzzled.
She's well aware of Sky Sanctuary's strict rules and knows how serious a crime it is to engage in romance here.
But why does it seem like the Goddess isn't planning to punish her?
Still, the disciple doesn't dare to relax.
She knows all too well the Goddess's disdain for love, and even if Sylvia doesn't seem angry, it's hard to be sure.
The disciple quickly responds, desperately seeking forgiveness: "Yes, Valentine's Day is just a month away. I, I indeed got carried away by spring emotions and lost my way. But please rest assured, Goddess, I realize my mistake. I am willing to reform and from now on, I will never engage in any romantic affairs again. Please believe me!"
"Uh, you can actually decide these things for yourself," Sylvia coughs lightly.
The sunlight is brilliant, casting a radiant glow on her beautiful, cool face, which unexpectedly softens a bit.
For a moment, even the disciple is mesmerized.
Goddess Sylvia has always been an untouchable, supreme presence in her heart.
But for some reason, she feels that today, the Goddess is different.
"Actually, I didn't come here to punish you. I have a question to ask you."
After hesitating for a while, Sylvia finally lowered her voice, sounding a bit shy and uneasy as she quietly asked, "If it's for Valentine's Day, what do you think... would be a good gift for those of you with lovers?"
"Valentine's Day gifts?"
The disciple was stunned.
She could never have imagined that the Goddess would ask her such a question.
"Don't get me wrong," Sylvia quickly added, "I'm not actually considering giving anyone a gift. I'm just... just trying to gauge how deeply you disciples who've fallen in love are infatuated, and how much you understand about it. You better answer truthfully, or don't blame me for being merciless!"
"Yes," the disciple replied quickly, her mind swirling with confusion.
The Goddess's excuse seemed flawless.
But why did it feel a bit off?
Not daring to probe too deeply, the disciple hurriedly brainstormed.
"Flowers? But usually, it's the men who give flowers."
"Weapons? But that depends on the person, not everyone likes them."
"My sister once gave her lover some high-quality spirit wine, but besides that, I think what men really like is..."
She stopped mid-sentence, her face turning red.
She quickly held back the words she was about to say, her lips pressed tightly together as if she was a bit frightened.
"What were you about to say?" Sylvia, as a Holy Emperor-level powerhouse, had keen insight that was far beyond ordinary, and she immediately noticed something was off with the disciple.
"Goddess, perhaps I shouldn't say it. It's a disrespectful and embarrassing matter, and I really can't bring myself to say it, even if men might actually like it. It's still a bit..."
"Speak. Are you daring to hide something from me?"
Sylvia's icy gaze instantly made the disciple shiver, a chill running through her heart.
She was still struggling to speak, but feeling the terrifying pressure, the disciple's spirit trembled with fear.
She had to suppress her embarrassment and a sense of despair.
After all, saying such a thing seemed utterly pointless and embarrassing!
With a gloomy face, the disciple finally managed to speak in a trembling voice, "The Valentine's Day gift that, as far as I know, all men universally like is..."
"It's..."
"..."
"Really, that?!"
Upon hearing what the disciple said, Sylvia, who had always maintained her dignity, visibly lost her composure.
Even her icy skin flushed a faint red. seaʀᴄh thё nôvelFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
Her heart pounded uncontrollably, as if a little cat was scratching wildly inside her chest.
"Goddess?"
Noticing the unusual change in the Goddess, the disciple shivered in fear, worried that Sylvia might slap her dead in the next moment.
"Don't let me see you again anytime soon," Sylvia glared at her fiercely.
"Yes," the disciple replied, terrified and feeling a chill throughout her body.
She agreed quickly and ran off into the distance without looking back.
Though nearly scared to death, she was relieved to have escaped with her life!
However, what the disciple didn't know was that on the secluded hillside, Sylvia couldn't hide her inexplicable embarrassment.
"Why would men like that, and... do I really have to give that as a gift?
But, but if I do...
Ah, it's so confusing!"
Pacing back and forth, Sylvia was indecisive and couldn't calm her racing heart.
Valentine's Day was just a month away.
She had to make a decision before then!