The problem with sects was that they were full of people and people loved drama. By noon
Everyone in Qingyun Sect knew.
"Peak Master brought a mortal back."
"He has no spiritual root."
"He lives on Qingyun Peak."
"…What?"
Which meant trouble arrived. His name was Zhao Ming {Inner disciple}. Talented, arrogant, and annoying. He blocked Luo Qingyan's path.
"You."
Luo Qingyan looked behind him.
"…Me?"
"Yes. You."
Zhao Ming sneered.
"I heard you owe Master a debt."
"I prefer the term 'financially misunderstood.'"
Laughter rippled through the courtyard as Zhao Ming's expression darkened.
"…A mortal dares speak like this?"
Luo Qingyan sighed.
"I'm having a long week. Can we schedule this conflict for later?"
"No."
"…Of course not." Luo Qingyan rolled his eyes in frustration.
A sword flashed.
Before Luo Qingyan could react, the golden thread burned. Zhao Ming froze mid-strike. His sword would not move forward.
"…What?!"
The air shifted.
Shen Wuyou stood in front of Zhao Ming
Zhao Ming dropped to one knee instantly.
"Master!"
But Shen Wuyou did not look at him; he looked at Luo Qingyan.
"…Are you harmed?"
"…Emotionally, yes…Physically…Not yet."
Shen Wuyou turned. His gaze fell on Zhao Ming cold.
"…Leave."
Zhao Ming swallowed.
"…But Master, he"
"…Leave."
No anger. No raised voice. Just authority.
Zhao Ming left immediately. The courtyard fell silent. Luo Qingyan looked at Shen Wuyou.
"…Do you always show up like this?"
"…When necessary."
"…I feel protected." Luo Qingyan said mockingly
"…Good."
Luo Qingyan blinked.
"…That was almost… nice."
Shen Wuyou turned away.
"…Do not wander alone."
"…You're worried about me?"
"…You are my responsibility."
"…That sounds less romantic."
No response.
Luo Qingyan smiled because the golden thread was warmer than ever and he was beginning to understand this debt…Was never meant to be repaid.