Many things, once set in motion and unable to be stopped, no longer hold importance in their truth or falsehood.

Or perhaps when truth and falsehood cannot be discerned, their importance is secondary,, the ability to guide, or the ability to correct along the way, is what is most crucial,, it is the ultimate tool and vehicle for reaching the destination.

There is never smooth sailing in any endeavor.

Xiang Laner personally would refuse because of the lingering doubts about Shi Chun, but the forces behind her, the Demon Path, would not.

And thus, Xiang Laner had to comply.

Hearing footsteps approaching from behind, Shi Chun's thoughts were pulled away from the cursing below, and he turned around to see her, finding it somewhat strange to see her approaching him voluntarily in a public setting on Wukang Mountain.

In Wukang Mountain, this woman usually acted as if men and women should not make physical contact.

He vaguely realized something.

Xiang Laner stood next to him, looking down the mountain, and asked, "Why not have Wukang Mountain drive them away?"

Shi Chun scoffed, "It's not worth it. Let them curse. After they've finished, it won't matter."

Then, shifting the subject, she asked curiously, "Why have you come to care about me?"

Xiang Laner said calmly, "I want to know something."

Shi Chun was puzzled, "What?"

Xiang Laner asked, "When you initially fled from Zhaotian City, kidnapping me in the process, was it intentional when you touched and held me?"

This was an embarrassing question for her to ask, yet admittedly, he was the only man who had ever taken advantage of her in that manner; even Bian Weikang had never had such an opportunity, as she always found a way to avoid his advances.

Shi Chun was slightly confused. He had never mistreated anyone, but recalling the situation, he definitely had done both, although carrying someone for a long journey with his level of cultivation—how could he have managed without holding her? Was he supposed to tie her up and drag her behind?

Could he deny it? Thinking about how to define their relationship, he denied it, "I truly like you, but I wouldn't take advantage of you being vulnerable."

Xiang Laner, "You know my identity and the purpose of my coming to the mountain; it's not possible for me to abandon my mission just because of what you say."

Having said this, she turned and left.

Shi Chun was left slightly stunned, wondering. Was that an acceptance of his confession, or not?

But it seemed he might have breathed a sigh of relief, seeing a glimmer of hope.

He didn't know that the Demon Path was already interested in him; he could only believe that his approach from Xia Fuli's direction was effective.

Next, if he was to pursue Xiang Laner in the usual way someone in love would, he needed to understand things clearly.

So, he too left, following Xiang Laner.

Having reached her place, just as Xiang Laner opened the door and walked in, Shi Chun followed and embraced her from behind, kissing her neck—a simple and direct method of confirmation.

He didn't have to worry about Xiang Laner causing a stir in Wukang Mountain, given her background.

Xiang Laner was startled, aware that he had followed her to confirm their relationship, not expecting such an approach, she quickly struggled to push him away, warningly pointed at him to keep his distance, and angrily whispered, "Are you insane?"

Shi Chun, full of hope, exclaimed, "Don't mind Bian Weikang or the Demon Path, run away with me, let's flea far away."

Xiang Laner refused, "No, it's impossible!"

Shi Chun, "Do you really like Bian Weikang?"

Xiang Laner, "No."

Shi Chun, "Then could you accept me?"

Xiang Laner was about to instinctively say no, but as the words reached her lips, she changed her mind, "I don't know, I'm very confused right now. Could you leave Wukang Mountain first to let me think it over properly?"

Shi Chun stepped forward and took her hand, eyes gleaming, "Does that mean you actually have feelings for me?"

Xiang Laner tried to shake off his hand, hesitated a moment, then held back and shook her head, "Don't pressure me. I really don't know, I don't know what I feel for you. Could you just leave the mountain first, please?"

Shi Chun looked a bit anxious, "If I leave and you don't, what then? Am I supposed to just watch you marry Bian Weikang?"

Xiang Laner, "You know very well that my relationship with Bian Weikang is just for show; I can't easily marry an outsider. My man can only be from my line of the Demon Path—there's no other possibility because I can't betray my sect. You say you like me, so would you be willing to join my line of the Demon Path for me?"

Shi Chun's heart leapt with joy at her words and was about to agree eagerly, but then he held back. Not every demon cultivator carried the essence of the demonic flame, and here was one who was alone and off-guard.

What if she was just trying to trick him into leaving Wukang Mountain?

He asked, "If I join your Demon Path, will you leave Wukang Mountain with me?"

Xiang Laner, "First prove you truly like me, then we can talk. After you join, there might be a possibility, and I'll seriously consider it, otherwise my sect won't agree to my departure."

Shi Chun, "Being on the mountain doesn't hinder me from joining your Demon Path."

"I knew your so-called affection for me was just lip service," Xiang Laner snorted coldly, shaking his hand off and turning her back on him, fuming.

Shi Chun then pressed against her back and embraced her. "I just don't want to ruin everything."

Still? Xiang Laner struggled and scolded angrily, "Show some respect!"

This time, Shi Chun held on tightly, unless she used magic to forcefully break free.

Xiang Laner was poised and ready, sternly warning, "Let go, or don't blame me for being rude!"

Shi Chun whispered into her ear, "Just one last hug, and I will truly respect you from here on. If you don't allow it, I will never touch a finger of yours."

It was a test of her true feelings, not a joke.

If it really worked out because of the strategies discussed with Xia Fuli, and he could possibly move to bigger opportunities with this woman, there was no way he had the energy to keep playing this love game; it was nauseating. He needed to shield himself first and promise to respect her.

As long as she could lead him away, as long as that was certain, he would be sure to sabotage things, making it impossible for this woman to not leave Wukang Mountain.

Hearing this, the tense Xiang Laner gradually relaxed, letting the burning warmth of his chest envelop her, stirring some conflicting emotions in herself. She asked, "Ready to leave Wukang Mountain?"

Feeling her change in attitude, Shi Chun couldn't fully relax, still worried that she was only trying to lure him away.

Thinking it over, this situation seemed hopeless without action; he had to strike first, secure the big fish, and then scare this woman off the stage.

Thus, he caressed her soft, fragrant body and said, "Joining the Demon Path is no trivial matter. Let me think it over, give me ten days to decide. In ten days, whether I join the Demon Path or not, I will leave Wukang Mountain!"

Xiang Laner shivered slightly under his touch, trying to stabilize him, probably guessing his intentions, perhaps still concerned about what Xia Fuli had promised—that Wukang Mountain would help him get her.

With Xia Fuli involved, she knew delaying for another ten days wasn't a problem; keeping Bian Weikang detained for another ten days was also feasible. She immediately asked, "What if you break your promise after ten days?"

Shi Chun, "It's not about me breaking my promise; it's that Wukang Mountain won't allow me to stay indefinitely."

True, Xiang Laner thought, then said, "Fine, ten days it is. Let go of me now!"

Shi Chun opened his arms and slowly stepped back. The flushed and flustered Xiang Laner turned to face him, and Shi Chun pointed at her, "Remember, in this lifetime, you can only be mine, you're not allowed to be with any other man!"

With that, he turned and strode away.

Xiang Laner bit her lip secretly, her expression complicated, questioning herself, "Do I really have such allure?"

She believed in her allure to men, even if she doubted her own judgment, she had to trust the Demon Path's insight. If she didn't have that allure, they wouldn't have assigned her this task.

The problem was, having seen Shi Chun's actions, he was definitely a calm and rational person. His sudden show of affection and impulsiveness towards her felt odd.

"Father, you finally returned."

Inside the Sect's Forbidden Land, Bian Jixiong, who came daily to push open the stone door for a check, finally saw the white-robed elder return to the meditation cushion. He quickly walked forward and knelt to pay respects.

White-robed Bian Que asked, "Is everything alright within the Sect?"

Bian Jixiong, "Everything is normal for now. Father, what does the Royal Court say?"

Bian Que, "To eradicate the remnants of the Demon Path is, of course, strongly supported by the Royal Court. Their attitude is, better to kill wrongly than miss one!"

Bian Jixiong inhaled sharply, "This..."

He could imagine that scenario, fearing that quite a few Wukang Mountain disciples would be innocently implicated.

Bian Que, "They still respect our stance. I tried my best, and the Royal Court agreed. We can make the eradication plan. If there's no problem, the Royal Court's forces will cooperate with its execution!"

"Great!" Bian Jixiong clapped excitedly.

The ensuing planning was just a matter for the father and son, not something to be leaked to any outsiders...

Below the mountain at Feng Chi, an urgent meeting message was issued.

Xiang Laner immediately found an excuse to descend the mountain for the appointment. In the secret room, without her opening her mouth, she saw the distressed Feng Chi solemnly say, "There's been an incident, we have to abandon Wukang Mountain!"

Xiang Laner was taken aback, "After preparing for this long, why abandon it?"

Feng Chi's face showed pain, "We've been exposed. Wukang Mountain already knows our details; the Holy Master is furious and wants us to prepare to evacuate quickly."

Xiang Laner paled, "How could this happen?" She paused, asking, "Did someone leak information, Shi Chun?"

Feng Chi still displayed a pained look, "It's not related to Shi Chun. He practices the Demon Skill; how dare he leak information lightly? The issue is on our side. Before we went up the mountain, Wukang Mountain already knew; they just kept it hidden, trying to identify the moles we have within, truly cunning. 'Nightingale' must have been exposed by now."

Xiang Laner's heart raced, "Since we've been exposed, we might already be targeted; can we even escape?"

Feng Chi, "If we don't act, there's still hope. Once we move, they'll try to eliminate us, they're already setting the trap. We still have time to withdraw. After you go back, immediately contact 'Nightingale' and Shi Chun, especially Shi Chun. You must take him with you; the higher-ups require it.

Madam, you know the consequences if the mission fails, especially due to our own negligence. They regard Shi Chun highly; he is key to preserving your position as Holy Daughter. You staying safe will help me plead our case; otherwise, our fate will be severe. You must take him!"

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