Chapter 25

The two stood side by side, intimately close. Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

All the cultivators present gasped inwardly, their eyes burning with fervor, wishing they could clap and cheer, and then immediately send a telepathic message to their friends, inviting them to come and witness the spectacle.

This is Chu Jiye, the head of the Chu family!

Xie Qianjing smiled, but ignored everyone, his gaze fixed on Sheng Ningyu. Chu Jiye, watching from the side, was furious, but also wary of this man's unknown origins, and coldly signaled to his retainers behind him not to make any rash moves.

He had been the head of the family for forty years. Although he looked young, he was no longer the clueless and capricious boy he once was.

Despite this rationality, there was still a sense of dissatisfaction in my heart.

Crimson blood slowly filled his eyes. Chu Jiye gripped the edge of the Yin-Yang Mirror tightly. After a moment, he barely managed to suppress the murderous intent in his heart.

Do not act rashly, do not offend.

Sister Ningyu won't like it.

She had always liked him because he was obedient and well-behaved.

"The person beside you... Sister Ningyu, who is he?" Chu Jiye clenched his right hand, his fingers twitching uncontrollably. He uttered the words one by one to calm his tone, but when he spoke the next sentence, he still couldn't suppress the overwhelming jealousy within him.

In an instant, all eyes turned back to Sheng Ningyu. The onlookers had already speculated about the relationship between the two from the inside out, and now they looked at Sheng Ningyu with even more fervent excitement, and even a little... admiration.

Good heavens, even the head of the Chu family dared to start something and then abandon it. Whoever this disciple of Yunwang Palace is, he is quite a character!

Sheng Ningyu: "."

Even though she had some nostalgia for the past before, seeing Chu Chang'an's persistent pestering now, Sheng Ningyu was only annoyed.

She was so annoyed that she even found it somewhat funny.

Why is she putting on such a deeply emotional and painful act at this moment? Who is she trying to impress?

However, just as Sheng Ningyu raised the corners of her mouth, the hand covering her wrist loosened for a moment, as if it had lost its strength, trembling slightly, and the cool body temperature seemed to drift away for a moment.

Like a lotus in a pond, it can be deterred by the slightest breeze.

Sheng Ningyu glanced to the side and caught a glimpse of the man's fair and jade-like profile.

no.

What is he thinking about now?

Suddenly, Sheng Ningyu recalled the question Xie Qianjing had asked her before they parted.

Will it?

The moment the warmth left his wrist, Sheng Ningyu simply grabbed his hand in return, their palms pressed together, their body heat mingling. Sheng Ningyu then slipped her fingers one by one between his fingers.

“Patriarch Chu, you have really mistaken me for someone else. I am a disciple of Yunwang Palace, not the ‘Ningyu’ you speak of, and I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Sheng Ningyu held Xie Qianjing's hand and said decisively, "As for the person beside me... just as he said, he is my betrothed by my elders. We have known each other since we were young and have a deep affection for each other. There is no one else besides him. If we have offended anyone just now, I hope Patriarch Chu will forgive us."

We met when we were young and have a very close relationship.

There was no one else besides them.

Xie Qianjing's eyelashes trembled, a faint blush crept up under her eyes, but the corners of her mouth turned up even more.

He let Sheng Ningyu hold his hand, and to onlookers, the two seemed even more affectionate.

Their fingers were intertwined, a sight that was glaringly obvious.

Chu Jiye's jealousy burned ever brighter. He didn't even want to confirm whether the person in front of him was really his Ningyu sister. His spiritual power gathered around him uncontrollably.

He only wants to do one thing right now.

Just as Chu Jiye's murderous intent arose, Sheng Ningyu on the other side already sensed it. At the same time, the aura beside her suddenly became chaotic for a moment. Sheng Ningyu immediately remembered the grudge between Xie Qianjing and the Chu family, narrowed her eyes, and flashed to block Xie Qianjing's path.

"Don't worry." She didn't turn her head, but her voice gently lingered in Xie Qianjing's ear.

Xie Qianjing lowered his brows, his eyelashes fluttered, and finally looked up at Sheng Ningyu's back with a smile: "...Okay."

It's as if he only cares about this one person in the whole world.

Seeing his reaction, Chu Jiye's anger flared even more, while Sheng Ningyu sensed the murderous intent and her expression grew even colder.

That's all.

She wrapped a jade belt of spiritual herbs around her wrist several times to cover her wound, and with the blessing of Xiang Bieyun's blood bracelet, she now had a bit of spiritual power.

A sound of something cutting through the air rang out!

A magical artifact appeared directly in front of everyone. It resembled a lingzhi mushroom, was as long as an adult's arm, and was entirely black. In an instant, it covered all the disciples of Yunwang Palace.

Joke, a poisonous mushroom.

Isn't this Yuan Bushu's natal magic weapon?

Sheng Ningyu relaxed and clenched her fists tightly. Xie Qianjing seemed to sense something, turned his head, and saw Sheng Ningyu raising an eyebrow and smiling at him, her expression full of amusement.

Sure enough, a voice came the next second.

He fell to the ground with a somber expression.

He took the Lingzhi inkstone from him, his sleeves and robes still fluttering, and strode forward.

"Qingyi Academy forbids private magic duels. Those who violate this order must copy the academy's rules five hundred times. Those who violate this order will be expelled from the academy and never allowed to enter again."

As he spoke, beams of light emanated from the Lingzhi Ink Jade Brush and gradually coalesced into rules and regulations for the academy, forcing the Chu family members to retreat step by step.

Holding the Yin-Yang Mirror, Chu Jiye stood among the Chu family retainers, his spiritual power and imposing presence in no way inferior.

Upon seeing Yuan Bushu, his expression hardened, and he said with a hint of sarcasm, "Palace Master Yuan, it's been years since we last met. Have you forgotten that I am no longer a disciple of the academy and have no need for your discipline?"

It's not that I can't beat them, so I won't forgive them.

Chu Jiye simply didn't want to make a move.

Qingyi Academy.

Chu Jiye caught a glimpse of those four words and suddenly realized what was happening.

Yuan Bushu said solemnly, "Since you are no longer a disciple of the academy, I wonder why Patriarch Chu has come today? As far as I know, although Qingyi Academy invited members of the Chu family, it did not invite Patriarch Chu to give a lecture."

Therefore, when the academy was established, Feng Xiaosheng didn't even intend to invite the Chu family; he just made a perfunctory gesture. However, he didn't expect that the Chu family would actually agree and send a disciple.

Chu Jiye: "I don't need to explain why I'm here. But Yunwang Palace has been inexplicably closed for half a month... Ha, was it your brother who sent the message? So cautious, I wonder if there's some secret hidden in the palace that's not convenient for anyone to see?"

Before Yuan Bushu could even speak, Yuan Shuhe, whose name had been called, looked up at Chu Jiye with a hint of surprise: "The reason Yunwang Palace is closed is naturally because my father and elder brother are passing on secret manuals and teaching secret techniques. Should such a thing be announced to the whole world?"

Yao Youling, standing next to him, was instantly distracted: "Huh? The Chu family wants to steal the secret manuals of my Yunwang Palace?"

The Chu family members were extremely proud of their lineage and could not tolerate such slander from others, so they were instantly outraged.

"What nonsense are you spouting!"

"Boy, stop spouting nonsense!"

"How could we allow such despicable people to tarnish the century-old reputation of the Chu family!"

Chu Jiye: "..."

His face darkened completely: "Enough." Chu Jiye stared intently in Sheng Ningyu's direction and said, "Palace Master Yuan, I only have one question for you."

"no."

Before he could ask, Yuan Bushu spoke coldly, "She is a member of my wife's clan and is still young, so her age doesn't match the person you're looking for. Her identity and background are all recorded in the case file, and her spiritual power and aptitude have also been recorded in the academy. That's all I have to say. If Patriarch Chu doesn't believe me, you can go and ask Young Master Feng."

Upon hearing this, those who had been eagerly anticipating the show were immediately disappointed and lost interest.

As everyone knows, the current master of Yunwang Palace was originally upright and incorruptible, fair in nature, and never bothered to spread rumors.

Since he said so, it's probably pretty much true.

"As for the man beside her..."

He paused for a moment.

He felt that the cultivator standing next to Fellow Daoist Wang looked somewhat familiar, but recalling Feng Xiaosheng's words in the transmission mirror, Yuan Bushu still said, "This fellow Daoist is the son of an elder friend of Young Master Feng's clan, and my father is also acquainted with him." Upon hearing this, all his doubts seemed to vanish.

But Chu Jiye still didn't believe it.

Even if one's appearance can change, how can one explain swordsmanship? What coincidence could there be in the world?

He had calmed down from his sudden joy. Chu Jiye knew that Yuan Bushu would not allow him to investigate the cultivation of the Yunwang Palace disciples without permission, so he had to find another way.

"Since the former Palace Master has said so, then I will not pursue this matter any further."

Chu Jiye spoke, but although he spoke in a high-sounding manner, he did not look at anyone and stopped a few steps in front of Sheng Ningyu.

What do you want to do later?

A slight tug came from her fingers. Sheng Ningyu turned her head and saw Xie Qianjing smiling at her, smoothing her hair as he said with a grin, "I'm quite familiar with the layout of the academy, Young Master Feng. After we're done tidying up, I'll show you around the academy, shall I?"

They completely disregarded Chu Jiye.

Chu Jiye's face turned ashen in an instant.

Sheng Ningyu didn't care about these things; since Xie Qianjing had asked, she was willing to agree.

"Okay, whatever you say."

She wasn't one to enjoy watching people argue, always finding those pointless quarrels rather dull. But when Xie Qianjing was involved, Sheng Ningyu felt something different.

That seems interesting.

After the Chu family left, Yuan Bushu walked up to Xie Qianjing and said, "Thank you, fellow Daoist."

Xie Qianjing nodded: "Former Palace Master."

“My father told me this.” Yuan Bushu paused for a moment, looking at him holding Sheng Ningyu’s hand, but didn’t say anything more. He turned around and said, “Fellow Daoist has some connection with my Yuan family. Just now, I heard Young Master Feng say that after you entered the academy, you were not with my Yunwang disciples for a long time. If anyone makes things difficult for you, Fellow Daoist can make things easier for you.”

This means he is allowed to use his own name.

Xie Qianjing raised the corners of his mouth slightly: "Thank you for your trouble, Palace Master Yuan."

Yuan Bushu wasn't one to waste words. He glanced again at Xie Qianjing and Sheng Ningyu's sleeves pressed together, and his brows furrowed slightly involuntarily.

Well, he's not someone he knows well, so he shouldn't interfere too much.

Yuan Bushu turned around and stood in front of everyone in the blink of an eye.

"Qingyi Academy is a once-in-a-century grand event."

As he spoke, the surroundings suddenly became shrouded in mist, and the path beneath his feet became blurred.

"Within the academy, there are three thousand great paths. Sects stand in great numbers, and there are countless geniuses. Do not be arrogant about your own path, nor look down on the paths of others."

"My God! It's not just shrinking the distance, look down there! Why is it suddenly snowing?!"

Yao Youling mustered her courage and asked, "Palace Master, may I ask where we are going?"

Originally, I did not forgive: "The scenery of the four seasons".

"Four Seasons Scenery? Is this where we live?"

The guiding disciple of the academy smiled and replied, "Yes. This is one of the magnificent scenes of the former Qingyi Academy that our Young Master Feng painstakingly recreated."

Almost the instant the words were spoken, the wind and clouds beneath their feet changed.

Exclamations arose from all around, and Sheng Ningyu paused slightly, looking down at her feet.

In just a moment, with the step she took, the biting winter snow vanished, a spring breeze caressed her face, birds sang in the mountain stream, and the view suddenly opened up.

"This place is one of the four seasonal scenes of Qingyi Academy, called 'Spring Breeze,' and in the future, it will also be the residence of the Yunwang Palace members."

The waterfall cascades down three thousand feet, with emerald-green streams flowing on both sides, blooming flowers, and the beginnings of spring.

Without further ado, Yuan Bushu raised his hand, and servants from the academy guided the disciples of Yunwang Palace to their lodgings.

As he passed Xie Qianjing, Yuan Bushu lowered his eyes, looked at their clasped hands, pursed his thin lips, and finally said, "Fellow Daoist Xie, within the academy, cultivation should be the primary focus."

Xie Qianjing responded gently, "What the former Palace Master said makes sense."

Even so, she still didn't let go of his hand.

Yuan Buqi: "..."

That old-fashioned little thing.

Xie Qianjing glanced sideways, but didn't say much, just smiled and said, "Okay, I'll wait for you."

Sheng Ningyu blinked.

Hmm, Xie Qianjing seems unusually easy to talk to today?

...

Chu Jiye did not leave immediately.

The Chu family members were assigned to "Autumn Scenery," but Chu Jiye did not move into Shuiyingfang with them.

He dismissed all his retainers and went alone to the main hall of Qingyi Academy.

"May the Chu family patriarch be well."

Chu Jiye said indifferently, "Noisy."

The Phoenix Clan guards' faces suddenly turned deathly pale.

The remaining guards immediately surrounded them, their eyes wary. The leader bowed and said, "It is our duty to protect the safety of the academy. Why should Patriarch Chu be angry?"

...the academy.

She's here now.

Chu Jiye's icy expression softened slightly, and he spoke less coldly: "The Chu family has no intention of engaging in a major conflict with the Phoenix Clan." He withdrew his spiritual power and said, "Inform your young lord that I have important business to discuss with her."

Feng Xiaosheng's true form may not be here, but she had just communicated with Yuan Bushu, so at least she left behind a fragment of her spirit.

Chu Jiye didn't have to wait long. In just a moment, with a clear phoenix cry, a red light appeared out of thin air and then fell to the ground, splashing up white feathers. The white feathers quickly outlined a human figure upwards.

The newcomer was none other than Feng Xiaosheng, the young lord of the Phoenix Clan.

No matter how fearsome the title of "Chu Family Head" may be, or how far-reaching the names of the various clans of the East Sea may be, so much so that no cultivator would dare to act rashly upon hearing it, in front of the Phoenix Clan, they are nothing more than that.

May the Phoenix Clan enjoy eternal glory and shine for ten thousand years.

As one of the few people in the cultivation world who possesses the authentic bloodline of the ancient gods, this Young Master Feng is showered with love and favor. He wields great power within the clan and, at a young age, surpasses his elder brother to become the next clan leader of the Phoenix Clan.

In his early years at the academy, what Chu Jiye hated most was Feng Xiaosheng's haughty gaze. Even after becoming the head of the family, he kept to himself and the Feng clan.

Unexpectedly, the next time they met was at the Qingyi Academy.

Chu Jiye couldn't help but feel a bit of the absurdity of the unexpected twist of fate. He twitched the corner of his mouth and secretly became wary: "Young Master Feng."

The woman nodded slightly. She was still dressed in the same flamboyant and elaborate red dress as she had been a hundred years ago, which made her look even more sharp and arrogant. However, as she stepped out of the light feathers, her long, trailing robe gradually became visible.

All were white feathers and plain white.

"Master Chu, it's been many years. I hope you've been well."

To Chu Jiye's surprise, many years later, Feng Xiaosheng, who had become the young master of the Phoenix Clan, showed no trace of his domineering and spoiled nature from his childhood. Even after being so offended by him, he remained unmoved and sat firmly in his high position.

It truly lived up to the saying that he "restrained his temper," and it seems that he has indeed "understood the cause of the orchid."

Feng Xiaosheng waved away the servants on both sides, slowly sat down at the head of the table, and said unhurriedly, "I wonder what urgent matter it is that the Chu family head is in such a hurry, even at the cost of injuring my clansmen in Qingyi Academy?"

She sat upright in the high center, looking down at everyone, but her expression was calm, revealing no trace of joy or anger.

Chu Jiye: "The Chu family will take responsibility for the injuries of those guards. Young Master, you should have already heard about what happened outside the academy. Aren't you curious?"

Feng Xiaosheng remained unmoved: "Not curious."

Chu Jiye said coldly, "Even if it's related to Sword Master Mingyue, Young Master doesn't care?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Xiaosheng's expression remained unchanged. He simply chuckled and said politely, "Patriarch, you jest."

"Although I am far away in Zhuyue City, I have heard about the grand schemes of the Chu family head of the East Sea. Just because of a prophecy that is hard to tell whether it is true or false, he has set out to search for sword cultivators all over the fourteen continents, and now he has even come to my Qingyi Academy... In this world, no one understands the word 'care' better than the Chu family head."

"I just wonder how much of this concern Sheng Jianzun knew when she was alive? She's a very honest person, so even knowing just a little bit would probably have been enough to move her."

Feng Xiaosheng was extremely bored. He raised his hand and conjured a wisp of light, intending to send his clone back to his Moon Chasing City.

These words were truly grating to hear, and Chu Jiye's pupils blazed with fire. His deepest fears were stirred up again, and he suppressed his voice, repeating over and over, "She's not dead... The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion said, 'A hundred years pass in the blink of an eye, and the bright moon will soon rise,' she's not dead!"

As Feng Xiaosheng was about to step into the radiant feathers, he suddenly turned around, and his phoenix eyes, which had been calm and unwavering from beginning to end, finally shed their feigned arrogance at this moment.

Ningyu, Sheng Ningyu.

For a long time, no one dared to mention this name in front of her, but Feng Xiaosheng never forgot it for a moment.

Her pupils dilated suddenly. At that moment, Chu Jiye's voice grew farther and farther away, while those memories, like stars in the night sky, flickered before her eyes in an instant.

She walked hand in hand with her through the forty-nine steps of Qingyi Academy, she stood shoulder to shoulder with her through the array-filled secret realms, she and she were scolded for playing around in class, she and she were young and impetuous, defiant and always wanted to meddle in other people's business and do good deeds...

She and her.

Year after year, we will never forget.

A gentle breeze blows across the vast land, carrying a long, lingering dream. Every piece of land on the fourteen continents, every word of laughter and anger in the mortal world, bears the traces of their past.

When the Qingyi Academy was rebuilt, the sound of every brick being laid was Feng Xiaosheng expressing her longing.

No one in the world misses Sheng Ningyu more than Feng Xiaosheng.

With a loud "bang," phoenix feathers suddenly appeared!

The pure spiritual power belonging to the Phoenix Clan suddenly exploded in the hall, showing no mercy whatsoever, and was an attack designed to kill!

Chu Jiye was no ordinary person either. He immediately summoned the Yin-Yang Mirror to block in front of him and dodged, but he was still half a step too slow and looked a little embarrassed.

Chu Jiye was never one to be bullied. He raised his hand and retaliated just as mercilessly, his face grim as he asked, "Why did you suddenly attack, Young Master?"

Hearing the commotion, the guards at the gate immediately gathered around. Feng Xiaosheng, holding the Hundred Feathers Fan, gently fanned the guards, shielding them from the undeserved disaster.

But in the blink of an eye, she transformed back into the perfect Young Master Feng.

"There's nothing wrong here. I just had a pleasant conversation with Patriarch Chu. You may all leave."

The guards replied in unison, "Yes, sir."

Feng Xiaosheng watched their departing figures, but said, "How Patriarch Chu behaves in the Chu family's territory is none of my business, nor do I want to."

"But don't bring that disgusting stuff to my sight."

Feng Xiaosheng's gaze finally fell back on Chu Jiye, but it was no longer indifferent; only a chilling aura remained.

She knew that Chu Jiye had been searching for someone similar to Sheng Ningyu.

substitute.

Who in this world is worthy to be her substitute?

With a gaze as bloodthirsty and ruthless as a beast's, Feng Xiaosheng said, word by word, "If there is a next time, I will kill you every time I see you."

The one who speaks now is not Feng Shaojun, the perfect heir of the Phoenix Clan, but Feng Xiaosheng.

He is Feng Xiaosheng, an old friend of the Bright Moon Sword Master.

However, upon seeing this, Chu Jiye showed no fear whatsoever; instead, he laughed.

He raised his eyes and spoke as Feng Xiaosheng turned around again.

"Since Young Master does not believe me, may I represent the Chu family and teach at the academy?"

Using this self-designation clearly indicates an attempt to intimidate others.

But what Feng Xiaosheng fears least is using his power to intimidate others.

She raised the corners of her mouth, about to speak, when she heard Chu Jiye say something.

"Three months from now, I wish to go to the academy to teach talismans."

Talismans?

The Chu family's talismans are renowned for their power. With the frequent emergence of puppet obstacles, using talismans is indeed a simple and quick method.

It's just unclear which type of teacher Chu Jiye is willing to teach.

If the stakes are too low, Feng Xiaosheng will naturally not allow it.

If the stakes are too high...

Feng Xiaosheng narrowed his eyes. Given the Chu family's tendency to act without seeking personal gain, this could only mean that Chu Jiye had grand ambitions.

A thousand thoughts raced through her mind, but Feng Xiaosheng remained unmoved on the surface. She withdrew her warning gaze and calmly asked, "I wonder what kind of talismans Patriarch Chu intends to teach?"

Chu Jiye originally wanted to open up the stakes and directly mention all the talismans of the Chu family, but in an instant, a few secret thoughts arose in his mind.

If that person really is Sister Ningyu, the fewer people who know about this, the better.

Chu Jiye also restrained his tone, restoring his usual indifference: "I have heard that the puppet barrier is spreading more and more, and Zhuyue City is also having a headache about it. Why don't I, as the head of the family, personally teach the disciples of Qingyi Academy how to draw soul-scattering talismans? This will not only benefit the world, but also give these disciples more confidence when they undergo trials in the future."

Feng Xiaosheng stopped walking away.

She turned around, wearing an impeccable smile: "It's not convenient here, please come into the inner hall for a detailed discussion, Patriarch Chu."

...

Whether by coincidence or intentional on the part of the old man, Sheng Ningyu and Ji Qingwu ended up living very close to each other.

The room is divided into two ends with a partition in the middle, so the two sides do not interfere with each other on a normal day.

Little Ji Qingwu was overjoyed: "Sister Mingyue, come quickly!"

The last time she came, she stayed at Xia Shijing's Tianjiao Pavilion.

Sheng Ningyu entered the dormitory with a sense of nostalgia for returning to this place, and then fell silent.

"Sister Mingyue, aren't you going to tidy up your things?" Ji Qingwu pointed to her bed. "If you don't know where to start, why don't you make the bed first?"

Yes, making the bed.

The basic necessities of life for ordinary people have not yet left them.

Not only have some disciples not yet practiced fasting, but many disciples still need to rest.

Within the Qingyi Academy, apart from daily necessities, there would be no one to serve you.

Sheng Ningyu doesn't know how to decorate a room, let alone make a bed.

She had almost forgotten who had arranged her things at the academy last time... Hmm, it seemed to be her second senior brother. Since she was little, her second senior brother had helped her with many chores.

Even though Rong Que wasn't much older than her, she felt like a child who had been raised by him.

Knock knock knock.

"Hey, have you guys packed your things yet?"

Yao Youling leaned against the door, grinning and calling out loudly, "Is this all there is? I don't think it'll take long. Want to go out for a stroll?"

The young girl, Ji Qingwu, was clearly very interested. She ran out of the room, then turned back. In another room, Sheng Ningyu poked her head out and waved her hand: "You guys go ahead. I'm a little tired and plan to rest for a while."

The two recalled what had just happened, and their eyes immediately turned to sympathy: "Then, Fellow Daoist Mingyue, please rest well. We'll take our leave first."

After seeing the two off, Sheng Ningyu breathed a sigh of relief.

She wasn't really curious about Qingyi Academy. Although it was said to be reopened after a century of selection, judging from the "Four Seasons Scenery" she had just seen, the layouts were all pretty much the same, simply "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Heaven and Water Gathering Intention, Full Sun Bringing Pride," with each character representing a different residence and scene.

Moreover... Sheng Ningyu was afraid of losing face.

Now that Ji Qingwu is not here, she can finally take the time to figure out how to decorate the room properly.

"Knock knock knock"

A familiar knocking sound came from the door.

Sheng Ningyu assumed it was Ji Qingwu returning, so she casually used her spiritual power to open the door. A few seconds later, she looked up in surprise at the person who had arrived at the door.

It is Xie Qianjing.

He was dressed in white, tall and slender, as cold and sharp as frost and snow, but under the vibrant spring, when his clothes fluttered, he seemed like a handful of fresh snow melting away.

Sheng Ningyu raised an eyebrow and teased, "Young Master Xie, did you come here specifically to help me tidy up my room? Very well, very well, then I'll leave it to you."

Xie Qianjing smiled and said, "Okay."

Sheng Ningyu: "Okay... huh?"

no?

He simply used his spiritual power to sweep through the room and started helping her tidy up her things.

Sheng Ningyu was stunned for a moment, her mind a little blank.

She watched as the objects floated in the air and then returned to their perfect positions. Surrounded by the other person's spiritual energy, she felt unusually at a loss.

"Xie Qianjing." Sheng Ningyu sat at the table, eating the pills she had swiped from Yuan Daojun, and said in a subtle tone, "You don't actually want to be my Daoist partner, do you?"

Xie Qianjing's fingers were still wrapped with wisps of spiritual energy. He glanced at her briefly, his smile fading slightly, and asked in a low voice, "Is that not allowed?"

Sheng Ningyu's heart skipped a beat, and she looked up seriously and said, "This is not a question of whether it's possible or not. I don't even know who you are."

"I am Xie Qianjing."

Sheng Ningyu shook her head: "You are Xie Qianjing, and then what?"

"The former patriarch of Yunwang Palace said you are the son of an old friend, and this time, Feng Shaojun, the head of Qingyi Academy, is treating you differently. As for the Chu family, you said you have a grudge against them, but judging from today, the head of the Chu family, Chu Jiye, does not seem to recognize you."

She swallowed the pill in her mouth, stared at Xie Qianjing for a moment, and then a casual smile appeared on her face, as if she were just asking casually, "Xie Qianjing, who exactly are you?"

Xie Qianjing released the spiritual power in his palm: "My name is real, my entanglement with the Chu family is real, I have never lied to you."

Sheng Ningyu remained silent for a moment, then chuckled softly: "You've never lied to me?"

Suddenly, she channeled her spiritual power, leaped up, and landed beside Xie Qianjing, abruptly grabbing his hand.

The hands that were once swirling with countless spiritual energies were now icy cold, as if they had been soaked in ice and snow.

Sheng Ningyu gripped his wrist, then took his hand and brought it to her eyes. She lowered her head, sniffed it, and chuckled.

"Alright, since you haven't lied to me, now tell me, where does the fragrance on you come from?"

The warmth of her lips lingered as they brushed against her fingers.

The pain suddenly intensified, and the long-dormant voice of the inner demon echoed in my ears.

Do you really think that a mere old promise can bind me?

Xie Qianjing's eyelashes trembled, and he smiled, "It's a gift from a former comrade, so I won't say more."

Sheng Ningyu sneered: "Ha."

If she weren't in a position to reveal the truth about the incense at this moment, she would have already thrown the gift from Madam Xiang in front of him.

Xie Qianjing chuckled softly, took her hand in return, and asked with a glimmer of affection in his eyes, "Fellow Daoist Sheng, do you dare to say that you have nothing to hide?"

The sound of things crashing to the ground followed one after another; it turned out that the house had been tidied up while they were talking and arguing.

It was these hands that she had held that had straightened it.

Sheng Ningyu couldn't help but take a few more glances.

Its shape is slender and beautiful, with distinct joints, like a lotus flower or bodhi seed in water, untouched by the world.

Not only is his spiritual power profound and unpredictable, but he can also help her organize her things.

Where did she offend such a powerful figure in the past?

Sheng Ningyu pondered for a moment, unconsciously squeezing Xie Qianjing's hand repeatedly until the other party frowned slightly and reminded her, "Fellow Daoist Sheng, could you please let go of my hand?"

Sheng Ningyu: "..."

Do you dare to say it?

[Dare you tell me? Xie Qianjing, your true purpose is nothing more than...]

I want to kill you.

The inner demonic voice that had been swirling in my ears stopped for a moment.

Sheng Ningyu: "..."

Is this a case of not even bothering to pretend anymore?

Although she had suspected it for a while, she remained silent for a moment, too lazy to even ask the stupid question, "Do you know who I am?"

The worst-case scenario has come true.

Xie Qianjing not only had a grudge against her, but he also guessed her identity from the very beginning.

Facing the slanting sunlight and weeping willows outside, Sheng Ningyu let out a long, leisurely sigh.

Xie Qianjing asked, "Why does Fellow Daoist Sheng sigh?"

"I just miss the time when we first met." Sheng Ningyu sighed again, her tone incredibly sincere. "Back then, we were wary of each other, hiding things from one another, and being insincere. How wonderful that was."

Xie Qianjing's lips remained curved, but his eyes were tinged with a light amber color: "So, Fellow Daoist Sheng, you are completely unguarded towards me right now, with only sincerity remaining?"

There was not a trace of murderous intent.

Sheng Ningyu blinked, her expression returning to its usual nonchalant one, and said casually, "I have always been sincere towards you."

She didn't give Xie Qianjing a chance to respond. She let go of his hand, took a few quick steps out of the dormitory, and went into the courtyard. Then she turned around and looked at Xie Qianjing behind her, saying casually, "Set up a sound-blocking array."

Before Xie Qianjing could answer, she asked, "Is the scar between your eyebrows a mark from my sword?"

Xie Qianjing put down his hands that were setting up the formation and followed behind Sheng Ningyu. Upon hearing this, he turned his head and said, "Yes."

"When we first met in Mitian Realm, were you truly being chased and had no other choice?"

Xie Qianjing stepped into the light and shadow, and seemed to curl the corners of his mouth: "Yes, and no."

He did indeed manipulate those cultivators into staging a play, but the act of cutting off flesh and eating blood definitely happened.

Truth and falsehood are mixed; one cannot believe everything.

Sheng Ningyu had her own plans.

She came to the center of the courtyard because it was a crowded place.

Having many people talking has its disadvantages, but it also has its advantages.

If Xie Qianjing were to make a move, even with the sound-blocking array, he would be immediately detected, since Yuan Bushu was not far away.

Surprisingly, Xie Qianjing, who kept saying he wanted to kill her, didn't react at all.

As her thoughts raced through her mind, Sheng Ningyu looked at the person in front of her, whose white robes were as light as clouds, and a bold guess popped into her head.

She took a few steps forward and leaned closer to Xie Qianjing, like a couple of lovers embracing each other.

Xie Qianjing lowered his eyes, his facial expression obscured by the light and shadow, which made his features appear even more gentle, and the red mark between his brows even more alluring.

He said, "I want to kill you. Aren't you afraid, being so close to me?"

Sheng Ningyu straightened up and suddenly smiled.

"Killing me wouldn't be difficult. But you'd better wait, because you might not even need to lift a finger; plenty of people want to kill me."

Xie Qianjing paused slightly, turned his head, and asked softly, "Who?"

Sheng Ningyu shrugged and said casually, "There are many, like that Patriarch Chu today... Hmm, speaking of which, did you want to kill me because I offended you? Offended you badly?"

Before Xie Qianjing could answer, Sheng Ningyu pointed to her head and sighed.

When she spoke again, her voice was deep and somewhat lonely: "To be honest, after I woke up, I found that I had forgotten many things. If I have really offended you, I will apologize to you first. Give me some time, and after I finish what I need to do, I will come back to atone for my sins, okay?"

His figure was desolate, and his tone was pitiful.

Even though I know it's fake, I still want to forgive her.

A dark glint seemed to rise in Xie Qianjing's eyes, yet he curved his lips into a smile. His long eyelashes, illuminated by the sunlight, cast a shadow that obscured his thoughts, leaving only a vague tenderness.

“Alright,” he said. “I can wait until you remember. But there’s one thing you must remember.”

Sheng Ningyu looked up and saw Xie Qianjing smile at her with arched eyebrows, a red mark between his brows highlighting his snow-white skin and elegant demeanor.

Sheng Ningyu's heart skipped a beat.

When Xie Qianjing said "I want to kill you" just now, she was unmoved and not afraid. But now that he said "You can't die," Sheng Ningyu's heart was stirred by these four words, and she felt a little scared and even a little heartache.

That's so strange.

He wouldn't say who he was, but she always found out.

She patted Xie Qianjing on the shoulder and walked back contentedly: "Alright, let's rest for today. Tomorrow, before classes start, I'll ask you to come find me again, and we can stroll around the academy together, how about that?"

Xie Qianjing wasn't annoyed and let her make the arrangements: "Okay."

Sheng Ningyu: "...Don't always go along with me."

Xie Qianjing's gaze remained clear and gentle: "Why not?"

Sheng Ningyu turned around, tilted her head and smiled, her hair, tied up with a cloth strip at the back of her head, swaying back and forth: "I'm the best at pushing my luck." She placed one hand on Xie Qianjing's shoulder and waved a finger in front of him with the other, "You can't kill me like this."

Xie Qianjing raised his hand and twirled the end of her hair, chuckling softly, "Is that so?"

Almost the next second, a murderous intent surged from his body, without any concealment!

Sheng Ningyu: "!"

How can someone suddenly develop murderous intent in a second?!

She immediately channeled her spiritual power and slipped away faster than a rabbit, only managing to shout "See you tomorrow!" before returning to her room and slamming the door shut.

However, the moment the door closed, the panic on Sheng Ningyu's face vanished completely, and a smile gradually crept onto her lips.

Returning home late, Ji Qingwu asked curiously, "Sister Mingyue, why are you so happy? Did something good happen?"

Sheng Ningyu leaned against the soft, silver-threaded couch, humming a tune that was completely off-key, folding the letter kites for Madam Xiang and Old Man Yuan, and jokingly said, "Some good thing has happened. After all, my fiancé is in poor health, and I was prepared to never see him again. I didn't expect that he would actually work hard to get into the academy for my sake."

Ji Qingwu said with simple envy, "That's really nice."

That's right.

Sheng Ningyu watched the letter kite flutter and disappear into the air, thinking that given Xie Qianjing's momentum in dealing with Chu Chang'an today, her safety was now even more assured.

Moreover, since Xie Qianjing truly has a grudge against the Chu family, she can use him in the matter of stealing the spiritual bone from Chu Chang'an.

Sheng Ningyu wasn't worried at all.

For no other reason than...

It's all because Sheng Ningyu killed someone.

It's fake.

He might hate her, but he didn't want to kill her at all, much less let her die.

Sheng Ningyu narrowed her eyes.

If that's the case, then her plan can be even bolder.

...

Inside the city of Zhuyue.

Feng Xiaosheng rubbed his temples.

She is the daughter of Feng Shiwen, the deceased elder brother of Feng Xiaosheng's clan.

Feng Xiaosheng and this elder brother were very different in age and naturally not very familiar with each other, but after Feng Shiwen left, Feng Xiaosheng took good care of his daughter.

For one reason only.

Feng Shiwen was killed by Sheng Ningyu.

“Your going to the academy to handle those miscellaneous matters is also helping me.”

Feng Xiaosheng concealed his change in expression and admonished, "Recently, all the major sects and families have sent their disciples here, and there are also rosters and spiritual power records. Every checkpoint needs to be guarded. You must do your best and not be lazy."

Feng Pianpian lowered her head, looking somewhat dejected, and said, "I'll listen to my aunt."

Young and impetuous, they always want to do something earth-shattering and hate these trivial matters the most.

I remember she was like that back then; she never brought everything with her when she went out.

Recalling those events, Feng Xiaosheng couldn't help but smile, and added, "The affairs of the academy are complicated, and I am also carrying heavy responsibilities at the moment. Your handling of the affairs of the academy is both a form of training and an assistance to me."

Upon hearing this, Feng Pianpian's eyes lit up, and she left with her errand boy, completely satisfied.

The steward assisting her chuckled, “Young Master is getting more and more adept at coaxing these juniors. I often hear them privately praising how well Young Master handles things.”

Feng Xiaosheng smiled faintly: "There's nothing particularly appropriate about it."

The words she used to coax people were nothing more than... a clumsy imitation.

Feng Xiaosheng could no longer look at the desk in her hands. She stood up and stood in the corridor, lost in thought for a long time. When she looked up again, the steward had already left, and a man wearing a silver mask walked to her side.

He released his spiritual power, causing the branches to sway and petals to fall. When he spoke, his voice was not as moving as the beautiful scenery, but rather somewhat awkward: "If you wish, you can go to the academy."

Without hesitation, Feng Xiaosheng said, "The Moon Chasing City cannot be short of people."

The man replied matter-of-factly, "In Moon Chasing City, I am here."

Feng Xiaosheng finally turned around.

This person's name is Feng Qingxing, and it was she who chose the name.

At that time, Feng Xiaosheng had not given up searching for Sheng Ningyu. She went to the Crying Jade Ruins, but instead of finding Sheng Ningyu, she found someone else.

The Phoenix Clan is a long-lived race, a divine race born of nobility, and they have never known the meaning of compassion. But at that time, Feng Xiaosheng, under the astonished gazes of everyone, took the initiative to speak.

"Take him back."

Feng Xiaosheng thought, if there really is destiny, if there really is cause and effect in heaven...

She hoped that if Sheng Ningyu were to appear one day, someone would be there to help her.

So Feng Xiaosheng took this person home, gave him a name, helped him recover, and put a mask on him. Together with him, they gradually gained control of the Phoenix Clan, renamed Silver Bamboo City "Chasing the Moon City," and gradually purged the wicked and distributed alms.

Even now, Feng Xiaosheng still doesn't understand compassion.

She felt that she was just clumsily imitating Sheng Ningyu's past behavior.

No one could talk to her about her, no one dared to talk about her in front of her.

But she really missed her.

Feng Xiaosheng tugged at the corners of his mouth, a self-deprecating smile on his face. His throat was extremely sore, and it took him a moment to let out a hoarse voice.

"Do you know? A while ago, I focused a wisp of my mind and took a look at the academy from afar."

That man surnamed Xie truly lived up to his reputation as someone who dared to seek cooperation with her. The barrier he set up around himself was incredibly powerful. Even Feng Xiaosheng couldn't hear his voice or see his face clearly. She could only see the actions of the Yunwang Palace female disciple and Xie Qianjing from afar.

"I think that bastard Chu Jiye has probably finally gone blind."

Feng Xiaosheng shook her head, leaned on Feng Qingxing's shoulder, closed her eyes slightly, and repeated the words with a weary yet determined air.

The flowers fell and swirled, but no one bothered to use the tip of their sword to pluck one, just to give it to her as a joke.

That being said, Feng Xiaosheng knew.

After she has dealt with all the matters in Zhuyue City and her mind has calmed down, she will eventually go to the academy in person.

There's even a one in ten thousand chance.

"Can you come see me..." The sunlight was too dazzling, and Feng Xiaosheng's eyes were a little sore. She covered her face with her hand and murmured softly, "We haven't finished arguing yet, Sheng Jiuzhong."

How dare you carry me like this, dying and vanishing without a trace?

-----------------------

Author's Note: Feng Xiaosheng only loves Sheng Ningyu! It's *only* her! (Just kidding!)

They are very, very good friends, and there will be more storylines about "Moon City" to come.

And 12,000 words!!!

I'm so awesome!!!

Praise me! (Starfish rolls around repeatedly)