She paused, then smiled. “You’ll soon be ascending to High Immortal as well. My royal father once gifted me a spiritual pearl. It greatly aids cultivation. I’ll have someone bring it to you another day.”
Mei Xian replied properly and humbly, “I am grateful for your kindness, Celestial Lady. But I have rendered no service to the Northern Immortal Realm. I do not dare accept such a generous gift.”
Lu Yao smiled and said, “What is there to fear? Though we’re not of the same tribe, you’ve always handled matters with care, sparing him no small amount of worry. That’s already a form of support to me—I ought to be the one thanking you.”
Mei Xian was silent for a moment before saying, “Since the Celestial Lady only wishes the best for the Divine Lord, there’s something this lesser immortal doesn’t know whether she ought to say.”
Lu Yao looked at her. “Speak freely.”
Mei Xian met her eyes. “The Divine Lord defied fate and paid a bitter price all in the hope of making amends to Xiao Cha, to help her return to the path of immortality. But what happened to your brother only deepened the misunderstanding between them. He must now be even more burdened with guilt. He surely doesn’t want any further complications. Celestial Lady, you’ve known him for many years—you should understand how he handles things. If even I can see it, how could he not? Why give him cause for disappointment?”
With that, she lowered her head and bowed. “This lesser immortal takes her leave.”
* * *
Morning.
On the slope below, camellias quietly bloomed. Their green branches stood tall and full of life. Pity they would soon be uprooted. She had only come for a last glance before leaving—only to stumble upon such a charming scene. Unable to resist, Hong Ning reached out to pluck a branch.
“If you like them so much, why not speak on their behalf?” a hand reached out, brushing aside the blossoms. “You do love playing dumb.”
Startled, Hong Ning straightened. “You didn’t go to Zhangzhou?”
Glancing at the bundle on her shoulder, Duan Fei said, “I’ll go later. Leaving now? I’ll walk you out.”
Hong Ning laughed. “Forget it. I’ve eaten your food, lived under your roof—and now I’m to be personally escorted out? That’s quite the treatment…” She suddenly broke off mid-sentence.
After just one night, there seemed to be faint black mist coiling between his brows!
A chill ran through Hong Ning. She narrowed her eyes and examined him more closely, then blanched. “Have you come across anyone… unusual lately?”
Duan Fei raised an eyebrow. “Do you count?”
“This isn’t a joke.” Hong Ning seized his wrist to check his pulse. “There’s demonic energy on you.”
Duan Fei calmly pulled his hand back. “That’s not possible.”
But Hong Ning trusted her senses. “Are you sure?”
Duan Fei replied solemnly, “Absolutely.”
Hong Ning gave a cold laugh. “Some demons use beauty to deceive. Young Master Duan, don’t be so absorbed in your amorous pursuits that you end up losing your life over it.”
Duan Fei said, “And if I do, what does it have to do with you?”
Hong Ning didn’t answer. She turned and walked away.
“Staying to help me hunt the demon?” he called out behind her, chuckling.
“To collect your corpse.”
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