Calculating the agreed time, Shi Chun called on Xiang Laner to set off together on the Wind Scale.

This time, Wu Jinliang was not brought along, as they needed someone to guard the hostage.

Another consideration was not knowing whether Mulan Qingqing would set any traps; Wu Jinliang was not strong enough, but Xiang Laner was quite proficient.

As the two flew away, someone couldn't help but say through gritted teeth, "What's the name of that scoundrel who insulted our junior sister?"

The question struck a chord with everyone, and even under the light of the Sandalwood Gold, it was clear that the junior sister was truly beautiful.

No one mentioned anything in front of Xiang Laner, for fear of upsetting her. In fact, they all had heard the specifics from Chu Jingtang earlier—it was a matter of disgrace followed by a narrow escape.

Such a beautiful woman had encountered such a great calamity, truly a matter of resentment.

Wu Jinliang immediately responded, "Bai Shuchuan. Sheng Province's number-one sect, a disciple from Jieyun Mountain."

Hearing it was the number-one sect from Sheng Province, the righteously indignant crowd instantly became much calmer. They now dared not flaunt the banner of Xuan State, having to hide at the sight of its people and horses.

Someone else continued angrily, "That beast will get his retribution!"

The meeting place, Shi Chun and his companion did not land at the original site of conflict, but shifted the location a bit, to the top of a mountain situated between two others.

Because Mulan Qingqing had already arrived on the opposite mountain peak.

Before landing, Shi Chun had activated his superpower in his right eye, scanning his surroundings, and found to his surprise that the other party had come alone—truly a case of being skilled and brave.

Under the clear moonlight, people on both mountaintops stared at each other from a distance.

Suddenly, with a swift motion, Mulan Qingqing leaped, crossing the gap between the mountains, and landed lightly before them.

She first examined Xiang Laner. She had long heard Wu Jinliang's pitiful cries about a poor and exquisite junior sister and had also heard from Hu Yan that the person had been found. Now seeing her, she was still momentarily captivated, and even as a woman, she had to secretly acknowledge her beauty.

However, her attention soon focused on Shi Chun.

The first time Bian Weikang brought him to meet her, she hadn't paid any attention to him and hadn't really inspected him closely. Now she observed him carefully and even took out a Sandal Gold Illumination.

There was no helping it; their backs were to the moon, and the lighting was poor, indeed making it hard to see clearly.

She couldn't afford to have suffered such a loss at their hands and still not be able to make out their faces upon a second encounter.

Her initial impression was just that Wang Sheng and the others were dark-skinned and lean, with Gao Qiang, the tall fellow with thick eyebrows and big eyes carrying a large knife, leaving the most impression. As for Wang Sheng himself, apart from being dark, she had little memory of him.

Moreover, having seen so many handsome and powerful men by her side, a mere figure from a low-level sect could hardly pique her interest.

Under the illumination of the Sandal Gold Flame Energy, she found her memory hadn't failed her; the skin was still dark as she remembered.

Looking past the prejudice of skin color, one could see it was actually a handsome face with character, but it wasn't exceptionally attractive, certainly not as handsome as her fellow disciples, yet it held a unique charm, a melding of features and temperament that exuded undeniable determination.

Beneath the poor lighting of the stars and moon, the impression was especially strong, as if he naturally possessed an aura of traversing through the darkness, adorned with stars. He didn't resemble a cheerful gentleman, rather, he possessed an inherently darker character showing an isolated pride, yet behind him appeared an innate starry sky.

Upon closer observation and feeling, a vision of a ferocious animal suddenly flashed across her mind—an animal howling at the moon.

And so, with careful observation, she suddenly remembered something: she seemed to vaguely recall when she first met Wang Sheng and the others, Guan Wen mentioned Wang Sheng and his companion were formidable fighters. Guan Wen had specifically claimed both for his service.

At the time, she and her fellow disciples didn't take it seriously, but now they were shocked to realize they'd possibly overlooked a crucial piece of information. They already knew Wang Sheng and his companion were extraordinary fighters, yet due to their own arrogance, they had forgotten it.

Ah, she suddenly realized that the clothing on the man before her didn't fit. She was certain it wasn't the same outfit he used to wear, or else she would have remembered.

Shi Chun was also sizing up this woman, for a second time. He'd been deeply impressed upon their first encounter.

Seeing her again, he had to admit once more that she was indeed very attractive. Compared to Xiang Laner's beauty, this woman seemed more 'real', a cold and frosty beauty, while Xiang Laner's charms were more varied.

He had seen Xiang Laner's many types of beauty: sometimes pitiful, sometimes seductive, sometimes cold and frosty, different in front of strangers, different in front of Bian Weikang, and yet different in front of them—quite the actress, truly multifaceted.

He wondered if this was because of the inherently wickedness of the Demon Path or because she had been trained in a brothel from a young age.

"Mulan Qingqing, we meet again," she finally broke the silence.

Shi Chun responded, "I never thought we'd meet again in this manner."

Xiang Laner's gaze flickered. They had met before?

She was wondering just how many good deeds those two had managed to do after breaking away from the group, it seemed they even found the time to go into seclusion.

Mulan Qingqing, "I must admit, we underestimated you."

Shi Chun, "So this is why you disregard human life and try to silence us?"

Mulan Qingqing, "Both you and I are clear that it was actually your idea, or should I say it was you who incited, to dispatch people to Moon Sea to look for Guan Wen."

Xiang Laner immediately turned her head to look at Shi Chun, surprised in her heart. Had this fellow been plotting all along?

Shi Chun furrowed his brow, seemingly perplexed, and retorted, "I incited it? Who said that?"

Mulan Qingqing, "When Yan Ji requested troops from me, he personally communicated to me that it was your doing."

Shi Chun chuckled coldly and shook his head, "I don't know if you are slinging mud or if Yan Ji really said that. If it's true, then Yan Ji truly deserved to die. He blatantly disregarded others' lives and still sought a fig leaf for his actions. I can tell you very responsibly that I have never given Yan Ji any advice, I have no dealings with him, and our relationship wasn't close enough to offer that kind of advice. I couldn't possibly have given him that idea, and it's unlikely he would have listened to me.

I only admit to one thing, Yan Ji was originally unwilling to enter Moon Sea, but let's say I forced him in.

The reason was that he forced me into Moon Sea to lead the way for those troops. Since Guan Wen had already encountered danger, I dared not go in again. He kept pressing, so I dragged him along. If he didn't enter, I wouldn't either. Only if he went in would I consider it. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to guarantee that once inside, I could keep quiet about others.

To some extent, I admit Yan Ji's death is related to me, but I really didn't offer him any advice. Believe it or not, that is the truth."

He would never admit to having given that kind of advice.

This was absolutely something he had to clear himself of, otherwise, it would lead to doubts about his subsequent statements. Had he been plotting all along and what was he trying to do?

His response, instead, rendered Mulan Qingqing speechless because she believed him, thinking the idea truly could have been Yan Ji's own.

Several disciples had a good impression of her, and she knew it. To avoid leaving a bad impression in front of her, finding someone else as an excuse or a scapegoat was entirely possible.

Besides, Wang Sheng had already boldly admitted to killing Yan Ji in front of her; was there any need to dodge this unverifiable gossip?

As a result, her perception of those disciples worsened. They messed things up, did bad things, and were despicable. She didn't know what to say.

On the other hand, it was quite unlucky for Wang Sheng's side to come across Su Yuan Sect, being forced to such a situation; it was no wonder he had to fight back desperately.

So, as for who was right and who was wrong, she didn't want to discuss it anymore. To talk about being in the wrong was disgraceful and shameful. She quickly changed the subject, "Let's not beat around the bush. Since you're willing to talk, that means you don't want things to end badly. Tell me, what do you want?"

Shi Chun, "Let's keep it straightforward. I know what you want, nothing more than to protect the reputation of Su Yuan Sect. As for what I want, you can probably guess. After all, I am a disciple of Youxia Mountain, and if there is even a glimmer of hope for survival, I have to consider the future of Youxia Mountain. It is my responsibility as a Youxia Mountain disciple."

His words touched the heart.

Xiang Laner's mouth curled slightly as she turned her head to look at her senior brother. Her eyes, rarely so wide and round, flitted with a thousand chills.

If she didn't know the truth, even she would have believed his words.

So why wouldn't Mulan Qingqing believe them?

With a straight-to-the-point question and after confirming the answer, Mulan Qingqing sighed with relief inside. Good, if that was the case, then it was worth coming here and worth continuing the conversation.

On the surface, she remained as cold as an icy snow lotus, "At Hu Yan's side, people from eleven sects have fled. Don't you dare say it has nothing to do with you, don't you dare claim they were unaware."

Shi Chun nodded, "Indeed, they all know the good deeds of Su Yuan Sect, and the people are on my side. I hope you can understand, to protect my life, I had no choice."

Mulan Qingqing, "When so many people know, with all the loose talk, how can the reputation of Su Yuan Sect still be protected?"

Shi Chun, "Knowing is one thing, but it also depends on the situation. No disrespect, but I dare make a scene, would they?

Mulan Qingqing's eyebrows lifted slightly, watching his words and behavior. Truth be told, what he said was accurate and completely aligned with her assessment; he truly was different from people from other sects. Su Yuan Sect could not find a person like him among their ranks.

Regarding the man before her, she was slightly curious, and even more curious about Youxia Mountain.

Shi Chun continued without pause, "As long as things can be resolved peacefully, they wouldn't dare speak out once they leave. Their sects wouldn't dare either. You should be well aware of the deterrent power of Su Yuan Sect over them. Once the matter blows over, with no evidence or witnesses, who would dare spread rumors? Do they really think Su Yuan Sect is for show?

Of course, this is all predicated on the incident actually being over and truly without evidence or witnesses. But think about Hu Yan, don't you feel they know too much? If they ever step forward as witnesses, it would be hard to explain the missing people from Yuanjian Palace."

Mulan Qingqing, "Once the incident is over, other sects wouldn't dare speak up, and neither would Yuanjian Palace. I think you just want an excuse to doom them."

Shi Chun, "Since you know, why state the obvious? That's right, if they dare backstab me, they must face the consequences of my vengeance. It's already a matter of life and death; there's no need for politeness. I have set my sights on Hu Yan's head; you can refuse to give it if you dare!

And your junior, Chao Zhilin—I won't give him a way out either. Not negotiable!

This is the cost Su Yuan Sect must pay. My life was fought for. How could I just let you take it easily?"

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