"Young Master!"

In just the brief moment of conversation, Peng Ru sensed the presence of Wang Junze and came running, eyes full of joy, throwing herself into Wang Junze's arms, crying mournfully.

With a soft jade in his embrace, Wang Junze was somewhat taken aback.

Wait, young lady, do you really not see yourself as an outsider?

But sensing Peng Ru's excitement and agitation, Wang Junze couldn't bring himself to push her away. He simply smiled wryly, gently patting Peng Ru's back to soothe her emotions. Once Peng Ru calmed down, Wang Junze softly said, "There, there. Look at me, I'm just fine, right? I promised to come to get you. This young master always keeps his word."

"Mm!"

Nodding vigorously, Peng Ru emerged from Wang Junze's embrace, only then realizing her shyness, responding with a flushed face.

After comforting Peng Ru, Wang Junze didn't linger. After bidding farewell to the Mirage Dragon, he rode the Netherworld Flying Ship towards Netherworld City overnight.

Along the way, Peng Ru chirped questions about the Dragon Palace, and while Wang Junze withheld some details, he roughly narrated the events. As they talked throughout the journey, they reached Netherworld City by daylight.

Merely with Wang Junze's return, the entire Netherworld City was abuzz with excitement.

Wang Junze hadn't even returned home yet when he was stopped by soldiers of Netherworld Mansion.

"Young Master Ye, Lord Dugu requests your presence!"

"..."

Although Wang Junze knew that Dugu Feng's influence in Netherworld City wasn't small, the fact that she sought him out so quickly upon his arrival in the city showed her eagerness.

But thinking it over, it wasn't all that surprising.

This time he monopolized all the Other Shore Flowers, and Dugu Feng was likely waiting to advance through them. In such a situation, his delayed return must have made her anxious.

Smiling, Wang Junze waved to Peng Ru and instructed, "Hand me the Other Shore Flowers. You head back first and remember to bring everyone else back from the inn."

"Yes, Young Master!"

Peng Ru suddenly remembered that the Other Shore Flowers were with her, quickly handing them over to Wang Junze with a bow.

Compared to before, the soldiers of Netherworld Mansion treated Wang Junze with much more respect.

It couldn't be helped; with Jiao Yang's return, news of the contest for the Other Shore Flowers had already spread like wildfire. With such terrifying achievements, who would dare underestimate him by any measure?

A moment later, Wang Junze stepped into the Netherworld Mansion.

This was also his first time entering the Netherworld Mansion. The estate was large but heavily guarded, with soldiers patrolling everywhere. Moreover, Wang Junze could feel that the Netherworld Mansion was clearly equipped with extremely powerful arrays; once activated, it would be difficult for anyone below the Saint Realm to escape unscathed.

This made Wang Junze silently quell the slight killing intent in his heart.

At least within the Netherworld Mansion, he absolutely had no opportunity to kill Dugu Feng.

"Young Master Ye, please!"

A maid with delicate features came forward to escort Wang Junze into the living room.

"Subordinate pays respects to Lord Dugu!"

Slightly bowing, Wang Junze adopted a humble posture and greeted first.

"Rise!"

Dugu Feng's voice sounded a bit languid, compared to the last time she met Wang Junze, with less sharpness and more warmth.

Clearly, this atmosphere was deliberately cultivated by Dugu Feng, as a gesture of goodwill towards Wang Junze.

Holding the Other Shore Flower with both hands, Wang Junze presented it in front of Dugu Feng, answering in a deep voice, "I have fulfilled the mission! I hope you accept this token of my sincerity."

"Very good!"

With a satisfied nod, Dugu Feng reached out her jade hand, lightly pinching the Other Shore Flower and placing it in her palm, speaking warmly, "From today onwards, you are one of mine."

"I heard you killed Chen Ling. Rest assured, I will handle this matter for you."

"Thank you, my lord!"

With a hint of joy on his face, Wang Junze bowed again.

"Don't rush to thank me just yet."

The tone suddenly turned cold as Dugu Feng continued, "Previously, regarding your grudge with Jiao Yang, I won't concern myself, but from now on, you two must work together for me. If another incident like the contest for the Other Shore Flowers happens again, don't blame me for holding both of you accountable!"

Although Wang Junze brought back the Other Shore Flowers, the whole matter could have been handled more perfectly.

If he wasn't reprimanded, Wang Junze would just continue to openly and secretly fight with Jiao Yang in the future, only causing trouble. However, given Wang Junze's displayed strength and potential, Dugu Feng valued him greatly, hence she didn't fully side with Jiao Yang.

"Subordinate understands!"

Wang Junze understood Dugu Feng's intentions clearly and naturally wouldn't contradict her, agreeing immediately.

"Enough, regardless, by bringing back the Other Shore Flowers this time, you have indeed made a contribution. I shall reward merit duly; tell me, what do you desire?"

Waving her hand, Dugu Feng's demeanor softened once again as she asked casually.

Feeling a slight stir within, Wang Junze pondered for a moment before slowly speaking, "I would like to ask for a person from the lord."

"Who do you want?"

Eyebrows slightly raised, Dugu Feng inquired calmly.

"Ji Liuyun!"

Having come this far, Wang Junze naturally wouldn't hem and haw, directly raising his head to look at Ji Liuyun, answering in a deep voice.

"Oh?"

With an amused expression, Dugu Feng leisurely asked, "Are you referring to the disciple of the Profound Moon Sword Sect? What do you want with her?"

Pondering quickly, Wang Junze also couldn't quite fathom Dugu Feng's intentions, testing the waters as he spoke, "To be honest, my lord, I don't have any other hobbies, I'm fond of beauties, and I've long heard that Ji Liuyun is an exceptional beauty, and also a True Disciple of the Profound Moon Sword Sect. I just wanted to have a taste. I hope you may grant this wish."

"Is that so?"

Dugu Feng replied ambiguously, saying, "There's nothing wrong with liking beautiful women. I can decide to grant you ten women who are just as beautiful as Ji Liuyun. How about that?"

"..."

With a slightly embarrassed expression, Wang Junze pretended to be at a loss for words, smiling wryly with cupped fists in salutation.

"Enough, do you think I don't know your little schemes?"

With a sneer, Dugu Feng mocked disdainfully, "Do you really think Jiao Yang dares to hide things from me?"

"Ji Liuyun is tied to a secret place. I still have significant use for her, so I can't give her to you!"

Pausing briefly, Dugu Feng continued, "However, as long as you work wholeheartedly for me, when I seek that opportunity in the future, I will naturally take you with me, and you will benefit greatly."

"As for Ji Liuyun, once she's served her purpose, I can grant her to you!"

"As I said, as long as you serve loyally, I am not a stingy person."

As she spoke, a hint of killing intent flashed in Dugu Feng's eyes, her voice turning cold, "However, if you dare to play these little tricks in front of me again, do you really think I can't kill you?"

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