Song Meilin’s smile widened after seeing their reactions.

As an elder of White Moon Sect, she naturally felt proud.

Every disciple who returned after years away would still feel amazed by this sight.

The sect wasn’t merely a place to cultivate.

It was their home. She loved it when seeing the amazed looks of the guests.

Yang Qingxi’s crimson eyes quietly observed the magnificent scenery.

Then her gaze shifted toward Su Mo.

Rather accurately, toward his thoughts.

[This place is beautiful.]

[But those are definitely torii gates.]

[Why are there torii gates here?]

[There’s Chinese architecture, Japanese architecture, even some structures that resemble Himalayan monasteries.]

[What kind of cultural fusion happened in this world?]

[At this point, if someone suddenly tells me there’s a Viking village hidden somewhere, I wouldn’t even be surprised.]

Yang Qingxi almost smiled.

Only Su Mo would admire a majestic sect one moment, and the next second, begin questioning its architectural origins.

However, as she continued listening, his thoughts gradually changed.

[Still...]

[This really isn’t Earth.]

[No matter how familiar some things seem.]

[It’s still another world.]

The amusement in his thoughts slowly faded.

A trace of loneliness quietly appeared. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

It wasn’t particularly intense.

Just a fleeting emotion.

Yet Yang Qingxi still noticed it.

After all, she had been listening to his thoughts for a long time now.

Perhaps she understood him better than anyone else.

Without saying anything, she quietly walked closer.

Then, beneath the snowy mountain sky, she slipped her hand into his.

Their fingers intertwined naturally.

Su Mo paused slightly.

He lowered his head.

Yang Qingxi didn’t look at him.

Her expression remained calm as if she had done nothing unusual.

However, the faint redness on her ears betrayed her.

Su Mo looked at her for a moment.

Then smiled slightly.

He didn’t ask why.

Nor did he pull away.

Some things didn’t need explanations.

The warmth of her hand quietly dispersed the trace of loneliness lingering in his heart.

Beside them, Song Meilin continued introducing the sect enthusiastically.

"This path leads directly to the Outer Gate disciple area."

"The eastern section contains the medicinal gardens."

"The higher levels are where the elders reside."

Halfway through her explanation, she suddenly noticed the two walking side by side, completely ignoring her. Then she noticed their joined hands.

Song Meilin immediately understood. Her lips curved upward slightly.

Young people truly know how to enjoy their youth.

’It seems they really came here for travel.’

’Only this doesn’t seem like travelling the cultivation world for knowledge purposes, but more like a couple enjoying their honeymoon period.’

Fortunately, she was considerate enough not to expose them.

Instead, she pretended not to notice and continued acting as their guide.

Meanwhile, Yang Qingxi remained completely composed.

If one ignored the fact that her hand was still firmly holding Su Mo’s.

And that she showed absolutely no intention of letting go.

***

Sweet times don’t last long.

For Yang Qingxi, it ended even faster than she realised. She had just held Su Mo’s hand, and now they were already near the main gate.

Her mood soured as Su Mo released her hand unhurriedly.

"Welcome back, Elder Song!"

The disciples in black robes assigned to guard duty greeted Elder Song with tired expressions.

"Are these two with you?" One of them asked, pointing at Su Mo and Yang Qingxi.

Song Meilin nodded, "Yes, they are my guests. Just register them under my name."

"Alright."

"Did something happen in the sect while I was away?" Song Meilin asked. Although she was only away for a few hours, she didn’t get any reinforcements even after sending an emergency signal. Plus, the tired looks on the disciples made her sense that something was indeed wrong.

Just as expected, the disciple nodded heavily and answered truthfully.

"Hundreds of Pishachas invaded just a while ago. The Sect Master, Elders, and the inner disciples fought and repelled them."

"What?!" Song Meilin exclaimed in shock. In just the few hours she was away, a full-scale invasion happened back in the sect.

"From where did they invade?! Is anyone hurt?! Are those Pishachas still here?!"

"Calm down, Elder Song. They were indeed repelled because the sect master was leading the charge. I don’t know the details. The invasion happened from the other side. We have been ordered to guard this area. However, no Pishachas invaded from this side yet."

The disciple’s assurance didn’t make her calm down; instead, she was even more tense.

She hurriedly spoke, "I’ll go there and check myself. One of you, escort my guests to my courtyard."

"No problem, Elder Song." The disciple nodded.

As Song Meilin looked back at them.

"Su Mo, Qingxi, take your time and rest when you get there. My direct disciple should be there as well. If you need anything. Just ask her."

"No problem, you get busy with your work, Sister Song." Yang Qingxi spoke.

"I’ll be back soon."

With those words, Song Meilin rushed out.

Yang Qingxi formed a spiritual link with Su Mo and asked. ["Are we not following her?"]

["No need, knowing our strength, she didn’t ask us to follow means she didn’t want us to get involved."]

["Besides, didn’t you hear? The fight’s over. Even if we get there, we might not be able to take the Pishachas bodies since it’s their trophy. So, why bother with the trouble?"]

["You’re right."]

The chat ended as one of the disciples stepped forward with a smile.

"Hello, friends. You can call me Zhi Mo. Please follow me. I’ll take you to Elder Song’s courtyard."

Yang Qingxi nodded expressionlessly, while Su Mo stepped forward very familiarly, "Zhi Mo? I am Su Mo. We have similar names. Nice to meet you."

Zhi Mo didn’t care about the beautiful girl’s cold reaction, because he was used to similar reactions from the female disciples in the sect. Rather, this girl was more polite than them. At least she nodded back, acknowledging his presence.

Unlike when he is usually treated as air, no matter what he says.

He smiled at Su Mo and said, "Pleasure to meet you too."