After Mu Wanqing left, Bai Yunfei and the two girls gradually eased into conversation.
Autumn Greenwillow chatted about various interesting happenings within Cui Liu City. Chu Yuhe softly 'reported' on her life since joining the Cui Liu Sect. Bai Yunfei, in turn, briefly recounted his experiences from the time they parted ways until his arrival here.
Naturally, he omitted the details he couldn't disclose. Yet, even the edited version had both girls gasping in surprise and alarm, especially Chu Yuhe. When she heard about Bai Yunfei being ambushed in Gujing Town, fleeing for three consecutive days, only to be caught by Zhang Zhenshan, her small face flushed crimson with anxiety. Upon learning he managed to escape after a fierce struggle, the little girl's expression brightened with immense relief and joy, making both Bai Yunfei and Autumn Greenwillow chuckle despite themselves.
They talked until noon when someone came to inform them it was time for the midday meal. The conversation halted then. Mu Wanqing was notably absent during the meal; Autumn Greenwillow explained that the sect's elders dined elsewhere.
In the afternoon, Bai Yunfei was given a tour of the Cui Liu Sect's estate by the two girls. They strolled, talked, and laughed, thoroughly enjoying each other's company.
Bai Yunfei glanced up at the sky. It was nearly evening. He stopped walking and addressed the girls beside him. "Greenwillow, Yuhe... I should be heading back now."
"Ah? You're leaving already?" Autumn Greenwillow asked, a hint of regret in her voice. Chu Yuhe, standing beside her, also wore a look of reluctance.
Bai Yunfei smiled gently. "Yes. I have some other matters to attend to. I'll likely be leaving Cui Liu City tomorrow, or perhaps the day after. Before I go, I will come to bid you both farewell." He turned his gaze to Chu Yuhe, who was looking at him with wide, expectant eyes. He gave a soft chuckle. "When I come, I'll bring a gift for you, Yuhe mei mei. I hope you'll like it."
Chu Yuhe blinked, then beamed with delight. "Really? What kind of gift?"
"Heh, you'll find out when the time comes," Bai Yunfei replied mysteriously.
Lifting his head again, he spotted two figures walking side by side towards them. A closer look brought a note of surprise. "Hmm? Isn't that Sect Master Mu? Perfect timing. I can bid her farewell before I leave."
The three approached Mu Wanqing, who had also noticed them. As they drew near, Bai Yunfei discreetly observed the man beside her – a man who appeared to be in his early thirties. He stood tall and straight, with handsome features. What was particularly striking was the aura of cultured refinement combined with a deep sense of mature stability; he was someone who inspired immediate goodwill.
This must be You Qingfeng from the Five Elements Wood Sect, Bai Yunfei thought to himself.
Mu Wanqing nodded slightly to Bai Yunfei first, then beckoned to Chu Yuhe. "Yuhe, come here. Pay your respects to Senior Uncle You."
Chu Yuhe always felt shy around strangers. Obediently, she stepped in front of Mu Wanqing and bowed respectfully towards the man. "Yuhe pays her respects to Senior Uncle You..." she murmured softly.
"Hehe, so this is the little girl you mentioned?" You Qingfeng nodded at Chu Yuhe, his tone amiable, his voice naturally warm and inviting. "Good, good. Obedient and sensible. A fine talent too. Very promising."
Autumn Greenwillow also stepped forward to offer a respectful bow before retreating to stand quietly to the side.
Bai Yunfei's eyes met You Qingfeng's smiling gaze. He returned the nod politely, then clasped his hands towards Mu Wanqing. "Sect Master Mu, this junior still has matters to attend to and can no longer impose. I came specifically to take my leave."
"Oh? Young Hero Bai is departing already?" Mu Wanqing acknowledged. "Very well, I won't detain you. Should you require any assistance while you remain within the city, please do not hesitate to come to the Cui Liu Sect. Since you are now Yuhe's adoptive elder brother, our sect will naturally do its utmost to help."
"In that case, this junior offers sincere thanks," Bai Yunfei said gratefully. "I shall return to bid farewell properly before leaving Cui Liu City."
...
Watching Bai Yunfei walk towards the exit, escorted by the two girls, Mu Wanqing's smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.
"Wanqing," You Qingfeng spoke up, retracting his gaze from Bai Yunfei's departing figure. A trace of confusion colored his voice. "Is he the youth you mentioned, connected to the Fortune's Wheel Sect? I observed his strength is merely mid-stage Soul Warrior. He doesn't seem particularly remarkable..."
Mu Wanqing shook her head. "Qingfeng, don't underestimate him. Setting aside his current strength for a moment, the mere fact that he received instruction from Senior Ge Yiyun is enough to prove he is no ordinary junior. Moreover," she added, lowering her voice slightly, "I heard from Greenwillow that when she first encountered him, he possessed a spear – a soul weapon that was at least Human-tier high-grade, possibly even Earth-tier! And consider this: he killed the son of the Ice Sect elder, Zhang Zhenshan. Despite the Zhang family's exhaustive search and pursuit, he managed to reach Cui Liu City safely. That alone speaks volumes about his capabilities."
"Oh? There was all that?" You Qingfeng showed genuine surprise. "You didn't mention these details before. In that case... he certainly merits your assistance. Bestowing favors upon such a person while his strength is still developing... if he truly achieves greatness in the future, it would be a significant boon for the Cui Liu Sect."
...
Bai Yunfei walked alone down the road back to the city, head lowered, brows slightly furrowed as if deep in thought.
Regardless of her reasons, the Cui Liu Sect Master's willingness to help me is only beneficial. No harm in it! Even though I've decided to leave immediately, I can't shake this feeling that something's not quite right...
I absolutely must not have any further entanglement with the Loong Family of Cui Liu City. The best-case scenario now is that Zhang Zhenshan mobilized substantial forces to search for me, but didn't deploy the entire Ice Sect network. After all, he's just an elder. Even if the Loong Family is connected to the Ice Sect, they might not have received any information about me...
Staying here any longer only increases the danger! I've already delayed for two days; I can't linger further! I'll head back now, explain things clearly to Meng'er, and leave tomorrow!
The thought of Liu Meng brought a wave of helplessness. Was she still 'angry' with him? And then, the realization that he would be leaving tomorrow summoned an inexplicable pang of reluctance...
These tangled thoughts churned in his mind, leaving him feeling unsettled. In this complex state of mind, he slowly entered the city and made his way towards the place Liu Meng had mentioned she was staying.
Arriving at the inn, however, he couldn't find her. Disappointment washed over him. She must have gone out to clear her head, he thought. There was nothing for it; he resolved to return early the next morning.
As Bai Yunfei approached the inn where he himself was staying, he was surprised to find someone waiting anxiously by the entrance – it was Xiao Ning!
The moment Xiao Ning spotted Bai Yunfei, her eyes lit up. She rushed towards him frantically. Only then did Bai Yunfei clearly see the tears streaking her face and the look of utter desperation in her eyes.
"Young Master Yunfei! It's terrible!" Xiao Ning cried out, her voice trembling with panic. "The Young Mistress has been taken by the Loong Family people!!"