Moreover, throughout the journey, he had been quite attentive towards her... almost like another Hou Xibai.

Shi Feixuan wasn’t really in the mood for romance, but considering he had indeed helped her before, her attitude softened somewhat.

"For martial artists, a little wind and waves are nothing to fear."

"You think so..." Lang Liqing stepped forward, curling his lips in a smile, "but I feel heartache."

That remark was rather reckless.

Shi Feixuan frowned slightly, and said flatly, "If your heart aches, it’s either a persistent illness or you’ve been sleeping poorly, possibly leading to a heart attack... it should be taken seriously."

That tone, that cadence, that content...

Why does it all feel somewhat familiar?

Moreover, beneath that serious demeanor, there’s a hint of shrewdness.

—— Heartache? If you’re sick, you need a cure.

Lang Liqing was originally considered quite handsome, but upon hearing this, his expression changed slightly, yet he still smiled: "Immortal Shi really has been influenced by Teacher after spending so much time with him, hasn’t she?"

"Not necessarily... Teacher is an exceptional person, so naturally Feixuan has much to learn from him. If it’s someone else, no matter how long they spend together, they’d remain adversaries."

For instance, Wanwan.

Those two have known each other since they were little, fighting even before their periods started.

As they grew up, they’ve crossed paths countless times.

Yet neither managed to learn anything similar from the other.

Lang Liqing squinted, and said: "Immortal Shi is also exceptional... I, too, hope to gain something beneficial from you~~"

The tone was rather ambiguous and playful.

If it were any other day, Shi Feixuan might have gotten annoyed, not allowing such a flirtatious person to tease her, but today... she turned her charming face, glanced at Lang Liqing, and said: "I never knew Miss Wanwan had such feelings for Feixuan."

A cornered dog might jump the wall; even an honest person could turn sly after being teased too much.

Unable to outwit Sui Yi, and no match for Natasha with her raunchy expertise, but against an elf girl like Wanwan who’s strong in appearance but weak inside, Shi Feixuan felt confident.

Besides, it was a feeling.

A feeling... of battle readiness.

Lang Liqing fell silent, suddenly lifting her brows, swiping her palm across her face, pulling off a human skin mask, revealing the charming smile of the Demon Sect’s Enchantress: "Could it be, had you known earlier you would’ve yielded to me? I just realized Immortal Shi likes this sort of thing~ No wonder you won’t give those young talents pursuing you a chance."

This was both teasing Shi Feixuan and boasting.

What are those young talents compared to me, the Demon Sect’s Wanwan!

After Natasha’s nearly unrivaled audacity, Shi Feixuan was already immune to Wanwan’s shamelessness, she thought seriously and said: "I’m afraid not."

"Hmm?"

"Only by comparison can there be a gap... Feixuan probably won’t forsake the better for the worse."

"...."

Wanwan simply chuckled, I know who you’re talking about, it’s Sui Yi, isn’t it! So what if it’s her!

I simply can’t compare!

"Feixuan seems more confident than ever... are you sure I’m not your match today?"

"Right now, there isn’t a teacher by your side."

Wanwan flashed a mesmerizing smile, while Shi Feixuan remained calm.

"Previously, An Long deliberately used words to scatter us apart... giving you an opportunity to strike."

"You’ve just realized? It’s too late."

"Not necessarily... Teacher already told me three days ago that Lang Liqing is Wanwan..."

Thus....

Swish!

Half the people on the boat drew their swords!

Demon Sect’s members.

But on the other side, another boat approached.

Cihang Calming Studio’s members.

SO!

Fight?

Perish together?

The vast river... Shi Feixuan remained composed, Wanwan’s smile unchanged, eventually... the two boats passed by each other.

After Shi Feixuan leaped onto that boat, its bow turned, calling to Wanwan from afar: "Now that Dongying has come knocking, I’m afraid even the Demon Sect can’t remain hidden."

Wanwan was noncommittal: "That depends on whether your Cihang Calming Studio stirs up anything crafty."

No more words were exchanged as the two boats quickly sailed towards Luoyang.

Meanwhile on the other side...

Seemingly distant, but actually in the bustling capital, amidst the picturesque scenery, there was a hand extending from a pavilion in the three-story tall structure, with a carrier pigeon landing on the fingertips.

Opening the letter.

The page was densely filled, with a final sentence.

—— Not dead, the person has left the Western Regions.

"I’ve returned after all...."

The paper burned mysteriously into butterflies, dancing and disappearing into the air...

Meanwhile, much farther away... well, it was already another world fragment.

Also a pavilion, but located in the most remote mountains and towering peaks.

Standing precariously atop a pyramid-shaped black mountain, appearing quite abruptly eerie.

Inside a room.... wisps of black smoke gathered, entering the half-awake Wu Jue’s body....

Eyes open, Wu Jue’s hands spiraled, revealing three fragments within the black air...

She watched, her face slowly forming an expression where there had been none....

It was... a complex expression not easily shared with others.

It was uncertain how long had passed.

Fingers explored a bit... the Cangwu aura dissipated further, finally turning into powder.

And this powder wasn’t any other substance, but a kind of...

"Flour.....?"

Wu Jue was silent.

For quite a while.

Boom!

The entire room’s contents turned to dust.

"Damned woman!!! I’m not done with you!"

Thud!

Zhuang Ziliu was just healing when he suddenly coughed up blood.

Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he looked bitter: "This Master’s temperament is truly too volatile, not a good thing... "

That woman was toyed with by Sui Yi again?

Probably she’s utterly exasperated now.

Pity him...

The Song Clan has been subject to speculation and probing from all sorts during these times, with numerous martial artists already starting to talk, causing unrest and silence within the clan. Though no one has dared to offend directly, they all know this is the calm before the storm.

Until the day before the decisive battle at Shu Road Lingyun Pavilion, a distinguished guest arrived. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)