Qin Qi finally understood.

It’s also because of his quick thinking that he managed to get one from Feng Xiaoxiao; otherwise, Bai Qingrou would have taken full advantage.

With this thought, he didn’t waste any more time and returned to Yuan Tianqing’s residence.

By this time, Feng Xiaoxiao had been waiting for a while, and upon seeing Qin Qi return, she smiled, "All prepared?"

"Yes, everything is ready." Qin Qi replied.

Feng Xiaoxiao didn’t waste any words, "Since this is the case, there’s no time to lose, let’s go!"

Qin Qi agreed.

Accompanied by Qin Qi and Feng Xiaoxiao’s departure.

Bai Qingrou was also immersed in the joy of the Huangmu Pill.

"It’s just a pity that this brat snatched one, otherwise both Baiqing Residence and I could have had one. Now, it’s just one." Bai Qingrou gritted her teeth in hatred, "This damn kid, does he think he can cling to Qingyi Sect’s thigh? Dream on!"

However, she quickly noticed something was amiss. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Bai Qingrou looked thoughtfully at Yuan Tianqing, "Junior Brother Yuan, I remember that due to the Evil Demon infiltrations, the city’s news has been sealed off."

"How come news of Qin Qi catching an Evil Demon has spread to Holy Wood City so quickly?"

Yuan Tianqing was not surprised that his senior sister could notice the clues.

After all, she’s been around for over a hundred years.

He certainly wouldn’t admit anything, playing dumb, "It is indeed strange. It seems Holy Wood City’s information network is extraordinarily well-connected!"

Bai Qingrou wanted to ask more, but seeing Yuan Tianqing still pretending to be confused, she decided to let it go.

...

Meanwhile, a massive flying ship was speeding through the sky.

The ship was several dozen feet in size, comparable in scale to a large passenger plane.

This left Qin Qi feeling amazed, "The cultivators in this Secret Realm have quite impressive skills. They’re not something the Martial Arts District can compare to."

"Such a large ship being used for flying—how much mana must that require?"

Seemingly noticing Qin Qi’s curiosity, Feng Xiaoxiao approached, "This is the Zaire Wind Ship, one of my magical treasures. It’s no problem for it to carry hundreds of people while flying."

"If we hurry, we’ll get to Holy Wood City in less than half an hour."

Qin Qi was highly impressed.

He responded, "City Lord Feng truly has remarkable abilities."

Feng Xiaoxiao looked like a young girl, but her speech seemed more mature and composed than his.

She smiled, "It’s nothing to boast about. You’ll understand once you reach the Core Formation Stage. Speaking of which, I’m curious, your relationship with Bai Qingrou isn’t that good, right?"

Qin Qi was slightly taken aback, "How did City Lord Feng perceive that?"

Feng Xiaoxiao chuckled, "What’s so difficult to judge about that? Bai Qingrou wanted to take both Huangmu Pills, but you snatched one. Her facial expression is deeply hidden, but it’s not hard to tell."

Qin Qi took a deep breath.

So that’s what a Core Formation Stage old monster is like. It seems you really can’t judge by appearances; she discerned his estranged relationship with Bai Qingrou so quickly.

Feng Xiaoxiao pursed her lips, "That old woman just wanted to take the two Huangmu Pills so she and her prized disciple could each have one!"

"Hmph, that Baiqing Residence, right, her talent is decent, but her character is too lacking. Bai Qingrou is just holding her dear!"

"If she got all the Huangmu Pills, I’d have to give you more benefits to work for me; she’s got it all planned out!"

Qin Qi smiled awkwardly, not responding.

Feng Xiaoxiao seemed like a chatterbox, not at all behaving like a Core Formation Stage master.

She took out a large bag of something like sunflower seeds from her storage bag, cracking them as she spoke, "I’m quite curious about one thing."

"Please, City Lord Feng!" Qin Qi opened.

Feng Xiaoxiao didn’t rush to ask but offered the seeds to Qin Qi, "Here, want some?"

Qin Qi scratched his head, "I think I’ll pass!"

"If you don’t want them, fine; these seeds are infused with spiritual energy. Eating one can enhance your cultivation, though not by much." Feng Xiaoxiao said.

Upon hearing this, Qin Qi immediately changed his tone, "Oh, City Lord Feng, I suddenly realized I do enjoy eating seeds!"

Feng Xiaoxiao smiled broadly and shared some seeds with Qin Qi.

Feng Xiaoxiao then asked, "That Bai Qingrou doesn’t seem to want to let you go at all, which is puzzling. This old woman is usually very shrewd and calculating!"

"If you didn’t have some special qualities, she wouldn’t be so reluctant to let you leave. I’m really curious about this!"

Qin Qi rubbed his nose, "Well, maybe because I have some special restraining effect on these Evil Demons!"

He could see now.

It was clear that Feng Xiaoxiao and Bai Qingrou didn’t get along either.

And Feng Xiaoxiao’s straightforward character made him feel a bit more at ease, overall making him feel more comfortable than when he was with Bai Qingrou.

Furthermore, a woman like Feng Xiaoxiao was someone he had never quite faced before.

However, he quickly suppressed that thought.

"No way, in this Secret Realm, where I’m unfamiliar with everything, I can’t just want to conquer everyone I meet!"

"Tsk!"

Feng Xiaoxiao didn’t seem to care, "Restraint against Evil Demons is indeed rare. But it’s not like such means are nonexistent in the Secret Realm. Looks like that old woman is so narrow-minded!"

"By the way, I heard you came from the Martial Arts District. But I remember it’s separated by an entire Demon Slaying Area to get here!"

"So how did you make it through?"

Qin Qi methodically explained the ins and outs of the situation to Feng Xiaoxiao.

Then said, "In summary, I fought my way through!"

Hearing Qin Qi’s story, Feng Xiaoxiao’s eyes widened, "What—you, you mean you crossed the entire Demon Slaying Area on your own with two tagalongs?"

Qin Qi quickly explained, "City Lord Feng, those two friends of mine were not burdens. They contributed significantly and helped a lot!"

"If two people can’t handle even one Evil Demon, what else would you call them but burdens!"

Feng Xiaoxiao took a deep breath, "Though such a matter is quite normal, are you really capable of such feats?"

"No, if you weren’t capable of that, Bai Qingrou wouldn’t have a reason to not want you to leave."

"Good lad, I didn’t expect you have such skills!"

Seeing Feng Xiaoxiao’s exaggerated reaction, Qin Qi scratched his head, not knowing how to respond.

Feng Xiaoxiao was surprised and delighted, giving Qin Qi a once-over, "Qin Qi, right? What do you think about me not returning you to Bai Qingrou?"

"After all, your relationship with Bai Qingrou isn’t great, so you wouldn’t mind this matter!"

"The problem lies with Bai Qingrou!"

As she spoke, she was already contemplating the idea of borrowing without returning.