Li Xie dropped a harsh threat in a low, deep voice, a fluffy tail sweeping beneath him.
Yet, when a certain image suddenly flashed through his mind, he trembled uncontrollably.
Yuan Shu... she loved touching his tail the most.
Last night... this very tail had wrapped around her waist without any barrier.
Li Xie massaged his forehead, taking a few deep breaths to suppress the sudden restlessness in his heart.
He stood up, quickly changed into a new set of clothes, and stepped out of the pocket realm.
He would have to take his time planning what to do about Yuan Shu later; right now, the most important thing was to go out and check the situation.
So much time had passed, and he wondered how things were faring over at the Luoxian Sect.
Had his people been discovered?
...
When Yuan Shu woke up, a whole night had passed, and the cave was completely silent.
She glanced at Zhai Shuo beside her. Finding him fast asleep, she carefully slipped out of his embrace and walked softly toward the cave entrance.
Behind her, Zhai Shuo opened his eyes. From an angle Yuan Shu couldn't see, he watched her leave, while his hand resting on his knee couldn't help but rub his fingers together.
His fingertips seemed to still hold the warmth of Yuan Shu's waist.
Last night, Yuan Shu had slept lying on top of him.
So relaxed, so trusting!
As for him, he hadn't slept a wink all night. His gaze had lingered on Yuan Shu's beautiful little face over and over again.
He looked at her carefully, tracing her features bit by bit, as if to brand that face into his memory.
Second Martial Brother.
The call of his Third Martial Brother, Long Yunhui, came from behind. Zhai Shuo turned his head and saw him looking over with a somewhat complex expression.
Hmm?
Ahem, Second Martial Brother, you... you haven't actually fallen for Seventh Martial Sister, have you?
Long Yunhui covered his mouth and coughed awkwardly, then walked over to Zhai Shuo and sat down on the ground.
If he hadn't been staring at Zhai Shuo's expression just now, seeing the obsession in his eyes and the way he rubbed his fingertips together...
He truly would have found it hard to believe that Second Martial Brother Zhai Shuo could like Seventh Martial Sister!
But thinking of Seventh Martial Sister's beautiful, fair little face, which was indeed stunningly gorgeous, liking her seemed only natural.
Zhai Shuo didn't speak; he merely gave him a faint glance, his eyes seeming to say, What does it have to do with you?
Wait, could this guy also like Seventh Martial Sister?
As soon as the thought arose, Zhai Shuo's gaze toward Long Yunhui took on a hint of hostility.
Yuan Shu was so beautiful and had saved Long Yunhui; it wasn't impossible for him to fall for her too, right?
Do you like her too? Zhai Shuo frowned, and his blurted words nearly made Long Yunhui spit out a mouthful of water.
No, nothing of the sort! I already have someone I love. I only have platonic feelings for Seventh Martial Sister!
Long Yunhui hurriedly waved his hands to explain.
Hearing this, Zhai Shuo finally withdrew the hostility from his eyes. Good.
Second Martial Brother, I came over to remind you that Seventh Martial Sister has been on the mountain for almost ten years, yet she still hasn't broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage.
If Seventh Martial Sister still hasn't reached Foundation Establishment by next month's Sect Competition, I'm afraid she will be expelled from the Luoxian Sect according to the sect rules.
Long Yunhui only spoke up to remind him because they were both core disciples of the same peak.
After all, Yuan Shu was his martial sister too. If there was a chance to help her, he would be more than willing.
Sure enough, Zhai Shuo's expression changed the moment he heard this.
Are you serious?
How could it be fake? If you don't believe me, you can ask around. It's written clearly in the sect rules.
If Second Martial Brother wants to pursue a relationship with Seventh Martial Sister, you'll probably have to find a way to help her. Otherwise... if she really gets kicked out of the Luoxian Sect next month, none of us will ever see her again.
Zhai Shuo frowned slightly. Over the years, he had rarely been in the sect, so he truly didn't know about this specific rule.
For a core disciple of a peak to be expelled from the sect, what a massive blow that would be!
Especially... since that person was Yuan Shu!
Zhai Shuo thought of Yuan Shu's innocent and bright face. She clearly had such a huge secret hidden in her heart, yet she hadn't said a word.
Instead, she had found an opportunity to rescue them from the demons and had taken meticulous care of them.
I understand. I will figure something out, Zhai Shuo said, his eyes darkening with deep thought.
In his mind, he was already calculating what pills and spiritual plants he should prepare to help Yuan Shu.
No matter his underlying motives, he absolutely could not let her be expelled from the Luoxian Sect!
...
Meanwhile, in the forest, Yuan Shu was hiding under a dense pine tree, cautiously observing the small hillside ahead.
She had checked this area two days ago and found that demons were stationed in that direction.
So, she had come specifically today to check on the situation.
However, it seemed the demons had already left. She searched for quite a while but couldn't find anyone.
Senior Martial Sister Yuan? A sudden exclamation came from behind her.
Yuan Shu spun around and saw a familiar group.
The one who called her was Qi An'an, but the leader of the group was none other than Yin Ruobai, whom Yuan Shu hadn't seen for many days!
The last time she saw him was when they had been completely honest and laid bare with each other in that small cave.
Afterward, he had business down the mountain and had Qi An'an deliver an exquisitely crafted set of Moon Soul Ice Crystal hair ornaments to her.
A few days ago, she heard that he had advanced in his cultivation and had seemingly gone into seclusion.
And now... he was out of seclusion?
Yuan Shu's gaze fell involuntarily on Yin Ruobai.
His handsome, tall figure still carried that extraordinary aura. Standing at the front of the crowd, he was like a bright moon, stealing all the radiance around him.
No matter how many times one looked up, he would definitely be the first person to catch the eye!
Seemingly a bit embarrassed by Yuan Shu's direct stare, Yin Ruobai lowered his head slightly and led the martial brothers behind him forward.
Junior Martial Sister Yuan, it has been a long time.
It really had been a long time. Her Hehuan Divine Tree was already missing his supreme Gold Spiritual Root dearly!
Yuan Shu blinked, concealing the eagerness in her eyes, and asked in a surprised tone, Senior Martial Brother Yin, Junior Martial Sister Qi, why... why are you all here?
We should be the ones asking you that, right? Qi An'an trotted forward, grabbed Yuan Shu's hand, and looked her up and down.
Are you okay? Demons have been appearing in this area. Several of our martial brothers were injured by them earlier!
To the side, Yin Ruobai also cast a worried glance her way.
He remembered Yuan Shu saying that she didn't want others to know about their relationship.
In front of so many martial brothers, he couldn't directly tell Yuan Shu how much he missed her.
He could only use his eyes, carefully studying her facial features.
Yuan Shu quickly shook her head. I'm fine. It's a long story. I came here with my peak's senior martial brothers to scout the Demon Forest Shelter, but we encountered some unexpected trouble along the way.
Oh right, my two senior martial brothers from my peak are in the cave just ahead. Could I trouble you senior brothers to help bring them back?
The fact that people from Lingyun Peak were here, led personally by Yin Ruobai, meant that specific news about the demons had already reached the Luoxian Sect.
The sect had already taken action!
With the Lingyun Peak disciples to escort them, Zhai Shuo and Long Yunhui would naturally be able to leave that cave.
Yin Ruobai's gaze had been fixed on Yuan Shu's face the entire time. Hearing this, he directly ordered Qi An'an to take some people to find Long Yunhui and Zhai Shuo.
Eldest Martial Brother, what about you?
