A fierce gust of wind surged toward the back of his neck. Bai Yunfei gritted his teeth and channeled all his soul force into his legs. With a forceful stomp, the stone pavement beneath his feet shattered. His body blasted forward several feet in an explosive burst.
Seeing his grasp narrowly miss, Liu Cheng snorted coldly. His claw shifted into a palm strike, his right arm abruptly elongating as he slammed his palm into Bai Yunfei's back—Long Arm Fist!
"Cough!"
Blood sprayed from Bai Yunfei's mouth. His speed surged again, but only due to the force of the blow. He was flung over a dozen meters forward before collapsing onto the ground.
Liu Cheng's eyes gleamed with cold intent. Unwavering, he lunged forward to seize his target.
But just as he closed within three meters of Bai Yunfei, his expression twisted. He halted mid-step and leaped backward in retreat!
"Whoosh—Clang!"
A chilling glint shot from the darkness, slicing through the air. A three-foot sword embedded itself into the stone where Liu Cheng had stood moments earlier, its hilt trembling faintly.
Liu Cheng stood rigid, his gaze wary as he stared ahead.
"Who dares cause trouble within the territory of the Emerald Willow Sect?!" A crisp voice rang out. Several figures emerged from the shadows—all women in white robes adorned with fluttering green willow leaves. Under the dim moonlight, their movements seemed ethereal.
"Emerald Willow Sect…" Liu Cheng's pupils contracted, his expression darkening.
The group moved swiftly, reaching Bai Yunfei's side almost instantly. Two figures darted forward, helping him rise.
"You finally came…" Bai Yunfei wiped the blood from his lips, offering a weak smile to Qiu Lüliu and Chu Yuhe supporting him. Yet inwardly, he grumbled: Why do rescuers always arrive at the last possible moment? If they'd been earlier, I wouldn't have taken that final strike…
Chu Yuhe's large eyes shimmered with tears. "Brother Yunfei! Are you alright? Where are you hurt? Is it serious? Don't scare me like this!"
Bai Yunfei blinked, then chuckled softly. "I'm fine. Just minor injuries. Don't worry."
He turned to Qiu Lüliu, who watched him with concern. "Thank you, Lüliu."
"There's no need for formalities," Qiu Lüliu replied gently. "As Yuhe's sworn brother, the sect has agreed to aid you. This is Elder Mu Feng, our sect's elder. Our master sent her to assist."
Mu Feng glanced at Bai Yunfei with a slight nod before fixing her gaze on Liu Cheng. "So it's Elder Liu of the Frost Ice Sect. Instead of guarding your territory, you intrude upon Emerald Willow City and attack our guest. Explain yourself."
Liu Cheng's brow furrowed. After a pause, he clasped his hands. "Elder Mu, I meant no disrespect. This is a personal grudge. I was unaware of his ties to your sect—"
"A grudge?" Mu Feng cut him off mockingly. "Since when does a mid-stage Soul Spirit elder hunt a mere Soul Warrior? What personal grudge could justify this?"
"He… killed the son of our sect's Elder Zhang," Liu Cheng retorted stiffly.
"Oh? Where's your proof?" Mu Feng arched an eyebrow. "And why isn't Elder Zhang here himself?"
Liu Cheng fell silent, his jaw tightening. "So the Emerald Willow Sect shields him?"
"He is our guest," Mu Feng stated coldly. "Within this city, we protect those under our roof. If Elder Zhang wishes to confront him, let him come personally."
She gestured sharply. The group tightened around Bai Yunfei, supporting him as they retreated toward the city gates.
Liu Cheng's eyes flashed with fury, but under Mu Feng's unyielding gaze, he remained rooted.
After retrieving her sword, Mu Feng cast a disdainful look at Liu Cheng's followers. "Should you visit Emerald Willow City as a guest, we'll welcome you. But if you stir trouble here again…" Her voice hardened. "Remember—this isn't White Peak City."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and left.
Liu Cheng's face paled with suppressed rage. This isn't our domain. Clashing with the Emerald Willow Sect now would be reckless…
"Elder, what now?" a subordinate whispered.
"Monitor the sect," Liu Cheng hissed. "If Bai Yunfei leaves, alert me immediately. Inform the sect master of this failure. Until further orders, avoid confrontation."
As the group retreated, Liu Cheng seethed. Every plan unravels. Why hasn't the sect master arrived? Has something happened?
———
Unnoticed in the shadows, a cloaked figure emerged—Hong Yi. After a moment's contemplation, he vanished toward the western gates.
———
At the Emerald Willow Sect's gates, Bai Yunfei greeted Mu Wanqing and You Qingfeng, who awaited them. Shaking off support, he bowed despite his wounds. "Thank you. Without your aid, I'd be dead."
Mu Wanqing smiled faintly. "As Yuhe's brother, aiding you is natural. The Frost Ice Sect's arrogance demanded a response."
Bai Yunfei coughed, blood trickling anew.
"Enough talk," Chu Yuhe pleaded tearfully. "You need rest!"
Mu Wanqing's gaze shifted to Mu Feng, who explained, "We arrived as he was struck. There was no time—"
"Don't blame Elder Mu," Bai Yunfei interjected hoarsely. "My recklessness caused this. Might I… retire to heal?"
Mu Wanqing nodded. "Lüliu, Yuhe—take him to a guest chamber. Prepare medicines."
Once Bai Yunfei was led away, You Qingfeng turned to Mu Wanqing. "Was antagonizing the Frost Ice Sect wise?"
"If Bai Yunfei's potential bears fruit, it's worth the risk," she replied calmly. "We've merely drawn a line, not declared war. Should tensions rise, we'll reassess."
A disciple approached, interrupting them. "Sect Master, a visitor claims to have delivered a warning to Bai Yunfei earlier…"