This seemingly absurd reason plunged the atmosphere into a somber mood.

“It’s raining now, so lightning is normal.” Bai Xiuzhi smiled good-naturedly at Du Jun, seemingly trying to help him out of a tight spot. His handsome appearance really didn’t seem to have anything to do with the ordinary white dress. So far, this was the second handsome man Cheng Shuang had seen in her short twelve years.

The first one is definitely Brother Du Jun!

"Brother Bai, you're so handsome!" the little girl exclaimed shamelessly, glancing almost imperceptibly at Bai Sha out of the corner of her eye. Sure enough, Bai Sha's brows furrowed again.

She first frowned when Bai Xiuzhi came to Du Jun's rescue.

Since they met, Bai Sha has maintained a calm expression, exuding an air of nonchalance, even her sarcastic tone is languid and leisurely, giving off the air of a superior person.

Cheng Shuang wasn't trying to compete with Bai Sha; she was just desperately lacking clues and didn't want to let go of even the slightest hint.

Bai Xiuzhi was embarrassed by such a direct compliment. His fair face flushed slightly, and he looked shy, just like a clean and pure campus heartthrob. Lianrong couldn't help but take a second look.

Du Jun is handsome and refined, but his expression is too cold, which inevitably makes people feel a little distant. Only when he interacts with Cheng Shuang does he become more real, showing both childlike innocence and gentleness, creating an unexpected and adorable contrast.

Such a cold and aloof personality, unlike that of a domineering CEO, naturally makes him less attractive than Bai Xiuzhi, a handsome and adorable young man.

If it weren't for her boyfriend beside her, Han Meimei probably would have paid attention too. At this moment, she and Lianrong were whispering to each other, and the topic was definitely the kind that men and children were not allowed to listen to.

Cheng Shuang puffed out her cheeks and snorted, "Women are all big pigs!"

To the girl's relief, just as Sun Han had expected, the requirement to check her documents was relaxed, and the procedures were completed quickly.

Bai Xiuzhi and He Fang'er were supposed to lead the group to the accommodation area, but Bai Sha took over the task. Li Lei praised her in a silly way, "Vice Dean Bai, I didn't expect you to do such a small thing yourself. You really can't judge a book by its cover! You seem quite aloof, but you are very considerate to your subordinates."

He Fang'er was slightly taken aback and unconsciously looked at Bai Xiuzhi.

Bai Xiuzhi immediately lowered his gaze, his smile faint.

Bai Sha ignored Li Lei's clumsy flattery and even left the pavilion with a disgruntled flick of her sleeve, forgetting her white umbrella behind her. Only when the drizzling rain began to hit her head did she come to her senses and turn back. Then, her small but shrewd eyes widened, and she shouted, "What are you doing!"

Cheng Shuang, who had lingered next to the white umbrella, innocently raised her hands and pouted as if she had been frightened. "Vice Dean Bai, I just liked your umbrella and wanted to look at it more. I didn't touch it, really. Brother Bai can vouch for me!"

Bai Xiuzhi, with his eyelids half-closed, actually spoke up for Cheng Shuang, "The little girl really didn't touch your umbrella, please don't worry!"

Although the tone was gentle, a closer listen revealed a hint of coldness.

The little girl gave Bai Xiuzhi a grateful smile, then timidly shrank behind Du Jun and Sun Han, her lowered eyes concealing the shock in her heart.

Of course, it wasn't because Bai Xiuzhi helped her out. She could tell that part of the reason Bai Xiuzhi spoke up was because of Bai Sha. As for whether the two were sulking or had a minor disagreement, she didn't know at the moment. She was just using this opportunity to get rid of Bai Sha's anger about her getting close to the white umbrella.

Dragon's Flame: Oh ho, Green Tea Cheng is online!!

Baby Bear: Come here, let me teach you some fighting skills! I'll show you what it means to be a boxing bear online!

Sangsangwei: Chucky doll, come and have some melon seeds!

Luo An: ...

The talismans on the umbrella are recorded in the Tianxuan Chronicle. Because they are too complicated, they are beyond the reach of beginners, which left a deep impression on the little girl.

Those are talismans specifically designed to ward off evil spirits.

If this is indeed a cultivation instance that transcends Han Meimei's native city, and most of the instance's inhabitants have learned about events outside the instance, thus giving rise to another small world, it's not surprising that the Academy of Sciences is aware of their identities.

After all, the little Zhu Jun in Twin Villages can awaken their consciousness and know that they are trapped in a constantly refreshing world. It is only natural that the cultivators who defy the heavens can see through the secrets of heaven and find a way to survive.

But are there really cultivators here?

If they really exist, why should Bai Sha be afraid of ghosts and monsters?

At this moment, Bai Sha didn't care much about the little girl who had angered her. She pursed her lips and looked deeply at Bai Xiuzhi. Without saying anything more, she picked up her umbrella and prepared to walk out.

“Your clothes are wet. It’s our duty to help the visitor check in, as He Fang’er and I will do it together,” Bai Xiuzhi suddenly said, pausing for a moment. “You can go back and change your clothes.”

A flicker of joy flashed across Bai Sha's expressionless eyes, while He Fang'er remained a bystander, head bowed, neither listening nor watching. Only after Bai Xiuzhi said, "Let's go," did she slowly follow behind him, braving the rain as they left the pavilion.

Since their clothes were already wet, Cheng Shuang and the others didn't care about getting wet any longer and stepped onto the narrow path on the ridge.

Along the way, Lianrong tried to get some information out of Bai Xiuzhi, but to her surprise, the seemingly gentle man was even more shrewd than Bai Sha. He knew what he could say and how to say what he couldn't just laugh it off, leaving Lianrong helpless and frustrated.

Finally, she gave Cheng Shuang a meaningful look.

The girl isn't stupid. If Bai Xiuzhi were easy to deal with, Bai Sha wouldn't have had such a drastic emotional outburst because of him. It's clear that Bai Xiuzhi is quite good at making people angry.

If the two sides confront each other, what valuable clues can be left behind besides wasting time and breath?

As they approached the nearest little house, Lianrong anxiously winked at Cheng Shuang, only to be slapped on the shoulder by her grandfather. "Watch where you're going!"

The ridge is wider than the narrow path, and two people can walk side by side without any problem. Because the path is slippery due to the rain, people hold hands or hold onto each other's clothes. Although there are buildings of varying heights on the side of the mountain, there are still gaps between the mountain and the buildings. You won't fall down, but if you twist your ankle, you'll be in serious trouble.

However, their actions were truly eye-catching.

With a sweet smile but few words, He Fang'er looked back more than once and saw the little girl trailing behind the two men, her arms linked with theirs. Raindrops pattered on her delicate and pretty face, but she showed no dissatisfaction or coquettishness. Instead, when she met He Fang'er's gaze, she would return the look with a sweet smile.

Unconsciously, her smile became more sincere. But in a moment of carelessness, she slipped and her body tilted towards the gap between the mountain and the building.

Bai Xiuzhi gently reminded her, "Be careful!" and directly reached out his arm to stop He Fang'er.

But He Fang'er reacted extremely. Her face, which had been calm even when she twisted her ankle, turned deathly pale as if she had seen the most terrifying scene. She actually pushed Bai Xiuzhi, who had kindly helped her, away forcefully.

The two people fell awkwardly to either side, while a pair of icy, unbearable gazes shot towards them from afar.