Seeing Lan Yunwei leave, Zhu Qilue hurriedly followed.

"Why are you following me?" Lan Yunwei asked coldly without turning her head.

"Is Miss Lan heading back to Wenyu City?" Zhu Qilue wasn't intimidated by Lan Yunwei's tone.

"It's none of your business."

"Doesn't Miss Lan want to know if Lin Fan is dead or alive?"

Lan Yunwei suddenly stopped but still faced away from Zhu Qilue.

She breathed heavily, her body trembling slightly.

She wanted to know!

Of course, she wanted to know!

She wanted to know Lin Fan's fate right now!

But…

She didn't understand why her mind was filled with Lin Fan, unable to let go, constantly thinking of him.

He was clearly a crude guy; why couldn't she forget about him?

Maybe it was the unique feeling he carried that drew her in irresistibly.

She couldn't pinpoint the moment that made her heart skip a beat, it just happened involuntarily.

Even though she continually reminded herself that she was the Water Clan's heiress and couldn't fall for such a lowly ant!

But it was to no avail.

The more she reminded herself to forget, the harder it was to do so; "Lin Fan" was etched deeply in her mind.

There's a saying: women love bad boys.

But Mu Feichen was also relentless, yet Lan Yunwei felt no attraction, even finding him repulsive.

With Lin Fan, it was entirely different; the badness was enticing, making her want to get close.

Yet.

He was just an ant!

An ant from the Sumeru Continent!

Lan Yunwei sighed deeply, slowly turning around, her gaze like an ancient icy pool.

Cold!

Bone-chilling cold!

Zhu Qilue couldn't help but shiver.

"Whether he's dead or alive, what does it have to do with me? Please go back, Master Zhu. I'm heading to Wenyu City, and any outsiders approaching there will be killed; you're no exception."

Lan Yunwei said lightly, her face emotionless.

For a moment.

Zhu Qilue was also stunned, unsure if Lan Yunwei was speaking her mind or.

He opened his mouth but didn't know what to say.

Just as Lan Yunwei turned to leave, he suddenly saw a flash of loss and helplessness in her eyes.

Like a maiden with a troubled heart, wanting to express her feelings but restrained by societal norms.

Zhu Qilue's eyes suddenly brightened!

"Miss Lan..."

He was about to follow, but a maid blocked his path.

"Master Zhu, don't be unreasonable. The lady has warned you; if you follow, it'll be the Water Clan's territory. No outsider has ever left alive; cherish your life."

Zhu Qilue frowned; he had disliked this maid from the start. She seemed to support Lan Yunwei, calling her 'Miss' respectfully.

But in reality, she opposed everything Lan Yunwei did, hindering her actions.

Just a mere maid, who gave her the courage and ability!

It seems this maid is more than just a maid; perhaps she was planted by someone to watch over Lan Yunwei.

Which means.

This maid is one of the obstacles preventing Lan Yunwei from confronting her own feelings, becoming a shackle on Lan Yunwei.

To rescue Lin Fan, Lan Yunwei must express her true thoughts!

Otherwise, he wouldn't even have the chance to approach Wenyu City.

Yet the maid was like a cage confining Lan Yunwei.

If that's the case.

Then break the cage!

Zhu Qilue's eyes twitched maliciously, deciding to act, a flash of cold gleam in his eyes.

Bang!

He punched the maid in the abdomen, sending her flying hundreds of meters, tracing a parabola in the air, then crashing to the ground, reduced to nothing but rubble.

Lan Yunwei was shocked, eyes wide.

"Master Zhu... what are you..."

"Miss Lan, this maid was really troublesome. It's her presence that prevented you from expressing your true feelings. I could tell you're worried about Lin Fan, concerned about whether he's alive or dead. Though I don't understand this entirely, since you care about Lin Fan and are the only one able to enter Wenyu City, I had to offend you; my apologies."

"..."

"Please forgive me for this crude method, but I'm at least the Fire Clan's master; a mere maid dared to block my path, not knowing the limits! Even I, Zhu Qilue, have a temper."

"Master Zhu, I..."

"To save Lin Fan, I had no choice but to take this risky measure. Please, Miss, take me to Wenyu City."

Zhu Qilue spoke solemnly, seriously, without a trace of a smile.

Lan Yunwei stared at Zhu Qilue, then turned to the lifeless maid, torn with conflict.

At times silent, at times shaking her head lightly, at times anxious, at times pale.

"Miss Lan, there's no time! If Lin Fan has indeed been taken by Tian Lu, even if he wasn't dead earlier, he's now perilously close to death..."

"But..."

"If you keep hesitating, you might regret it for life."

Zhu Qilue was not just exaggerating.

Lin Fan's life was uncertain.

Now taken by Tian Lu, without knowing where, increasing the danger.

If Lin Fan wakes up, it's manageable; if not.

The consequences would be unimaginable!

To revive the Fire Clan, Lin Fan's help was indispensable, but now Lin Fan's life hanged by a thread; how could he remain passive.

Rescuing Lin Fan is equivalent to rescuing himself.

He hadn't acted earlier knowing he lacked the power to rescue Lin Fan; Lan Yunwei's help was crucial for Lin Fan's survival.

Yet now, Lan Yunwei was indecisive, how could he not worry!

Damn it!

Any more delay might...

Zhu Qilue thought of the worst outcome, unconsciously clenching his fist, his body shaking with anger.

But he also knew clearly.

Even having dealt with the maid, Lan Yunwei still struggled to face her feelings.

Conflicted!

Helpless!

Resigned!

After all, her status was lofty while Lin Fan was lowly.

By reason, they couldn't possibly have an outcome.

But fate intervened.

Bringing Lan Yunwei and Lin Fan together.

Zhu Qilue took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, calming down. He looked at Lan Yunwei, seeing her fiddling with her fingers, anxious, unable to decide.

"Miss Lan, Tian Lu's expression was very strange just now." He said abruptly.

"Strange?" Lan Yunwei was puzzled by his sudden remark and paused.

"Yes, very strange; his expression wasn't as if seeking revenge, but purposely leaving Lin Fan alive."

"Huh? He… why would he? If not for revenge, what does he want?"

"Perhaps, I suspect, to meet someone."