Jun Xiaoyao's scheme had already been set in motion.

Next, it would depend on Long Aotian's performance.

Jun Xiaoyao also believed that Long Aotian would not disappoint him. After all, he had some understanding of such "Destined Protagonists." Their personality, conduct, and methods—Jun Xiaoyao had a rough estimate of them all.

If his guess was right, it wouldn't be long before Bai Meier came crying to him. At that time, he would have enough leverage to toy with Long Aotian at will.

Meanwhile, several days later—about six or seven—Bai Meier finally sensed Long Aotian's presence. A hint of longing appeared in her eyes.

Although Long Aotian's previous behavior had been excessive, he was still the person Bai Meier liked most, and she was willing to give him another chance.

As for Jun Xiaoyao, he was indeed exceptional, someone who would be any woman's perfect dream lover. But Bai Meier wasn't about to turn around and fancy him just because he saved her once.

A hundred li ahead of Bai Meier lay a hazy killing formation, its ancient patterns spread everywhere. Clearly, it was the remains of a broken killing formation. Standing in midair before these ruins was none other than Long Aotian.

With furrowed brows, he was pondering the dragon bloodline aura within the remnants of the formation.

"Who is trapped inside? Is this a chance encounter meant for me?" Long Aotian weighed his options internally.

As a Destined Protagonist, Long Aotian had immeasurably many opportunities. Even spending a single Source Stone on a booth could lead him to discover a seemingly broken greatsword, which would turn out to be the legendary Dragon Soul Blade. After arriving in the Ancient Immortal World, he had encountered an endless stream of opportunities. Because of these, his cultivation soared all the way to the late stage of the True God Realm, and he was quite satisfied with his power.

Nonetheless, Long Aotian wasn't foolish. He would only act if he was confident. If not, he would rather wait and explore another time. Although this killing formation was incomplete, it remained extremely dangerous. Even Long Aotian could suffer heavy injuries if he acted carelessly, so he was weighing the potential risks and rewards.

"Aotian Brother…"

A soft, bewitching voice came from behind him. Hearing it, Long Aotian's lips curved into a faint smile. It was just as he expected—his charm was unmatched. Even if Bai Meier had been momentarily hurt, in the end she would still submit to his allure. When it came to conquering women, Long Aotian was very confident in himself.

"Meier, I'm glad you're finally back. I've been worried about you all this time." Long Aotian wore a smile, feigning deep affection.

Yet, for some reason, Bai Meier did not feel the same stirrings of emotion she once did upon seeing Long Aotian behave this way. Perhaps she still harbored resentment that he hadn't come looking for her, or maybe his appeal simply wasn't as strong as before. After all, Bai Meier once believed Long Aotian was the most perfect man in the world—but now, she had seen someone even more perfect. Unconsciously, Jun Xiaoyao had raised her standards to the highest level. By comparison, Long Aotian simply didn't dazzle the way he used to.

Bai Meier spoke with a tone of grievance, "Aotian Brother, you say you missed me, yet you never came to look for me these past days."

Her words left Long Aotian feeling a little awkward. He had been busy pursuing his own opportunities and had no time to seek her out.

"I was caught up in something," he explained somewhat sheepishly.

"That's right. Meanwhile, I was trapped in an illusory array, and Aotian Brother didn't even show a hint of concern," Bai Meier said in a sorrowful tone.

"What? You were trapped in an illusory array?" Long Aotian asked, surprised.

"Yes. If not for someone stepping in to save me, you might never see me again," she said.

"Who saved you?" Long Aotian's brow tightened. Although he and Bai Meier had no substantial relationship, deep in his heart, he considered her part of his harem—if not his primary consort, then a secondary wife. The thought of another man rescuing her set him on edge.

"You'd never guess who it was," Bai Meier answered honestly. "It was the Divine Child of the Jun Family."

"What?" Long Aotian's mind went blank. "You're saying it was that Jun Xiaoyao who saved you?" He moved instantly closer to Bai Meier, staring intently at her.

She withdrew a couple of steps, a trace of fear flashing in her peach-blossom eyes. Yet she summoned her courage to say, "Yes, Young Master Jun rescued me from the illusory array."

"Did he do anything to you, or make any demands?" Long Aotian pressed. He wouldn't let it go if Jun Xiaoyao had tried anything with Bai Meier.

Bai Meier's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't expected Long Aotian to be so narrow-minded. "Young Master Jun was honorable and didn't exploit his rescue in any way or demand my repayment," she said coolly.

"Hmph. Even if that's so, he must have had ulterior motives." At least Long Aotian could rest a little easier knowing nothing had happened between Jun Xiaoyao and her, though he still felt a thorn in his side. By nature, he was cautious—one could say suspicious. Unbidden, a thought crept into his mind: Could Bai Meier already have been won over by Jun Xiaoyao? Was she sent back to spy on him and secretly pass information along? It wasn't impossible.

"Meier, why would Jun Xiaoyao save you, and then you return here… Could it be…" Long Aotian trailed off, unsure how to phrase it.

Bai Meier's face lost its color. She and Jun Xiaoyao had nothing between them, and yet Long Aotian still doubted her. "Aotian Brother, do you really suspect me? If I were in league with Young Master Jun, would I be so open about all of this?" she demanded, pale with hurt.

She was being sincere, laying everything out plainly. Yet Long Aotian didn't trust her. It was heartbreaking.

"Sorry, that was my fault," Long Aotian said, realizing he was in the wrong. "But you have to understand, Jun Xiaoyao and I are sworn enemies."

Even then, he couldn't help but feel lingering doubt. He would certainly keep an eye on Bai Meier in secret. Long Aotian had no desire to experience a downfall at the hands of a woman.

"Where is that Jun Xiaoyao? Take me to him," he said, golden dragon eyes flashing coldly. One way or another, if he could just rid himself of Jun Xiaoyao, these issues would vanish.

"Aotian Brother," Bai Meier said earnestly, "let me give you a piece of advice: focus on increasing your own power first. Otherwise, you might not be a match for Young Master Jun."

Long Aotian's eyes twitched at her words. A woman he considered part of his harem was now telling him he might not measure up to Jun Xiaoyao? That was absolutely intolerable to any man!

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