Chapter 145

Murong Qiufeng watched the two of them, his expression tense. “You two…”

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry. You should step outside and wait for a moment.” Shangguan Ye turned his head, gently stroking his soft hair with a reassuring smile.

“But…”

“Qiu Feng, don’t worry. I just have a few questions for the prince. I won’t eat him.” Yun Tian watched Shangguan Ye treat Murong Qiu Feng with such tenderness, his expression complex. It bore no resemblance to the ruthless, merciless master of the Heavenly Slaughter Pavilion described in rumors. His heart sank even further. He wished Shangguan Ye’s feelings for Murong Qiu Feng were fake, or merely a passing fancy.

Otherwise, given Xiao Feng’s nature, once she made up her mind, the Pavilion Master would truly have no hope.

In the end, Murong Qiu Feng and the others left, leaving the room for the two to speak.

Their so-called conversation was actually brief, lasting barely half an incense stick’s time. Murong Qiu Feng, unaware of their discussion, paced nervously outside.

She feared Yun Tian’s opposition, yet dreaded Shangguan Ye lashing out at him in anger.

When the door finally opened, Murong Qiufeng rushed forward in two strides, nearly throwing herself into Shangguan Ye’s arms as he opened it.

Shangguan Ye took the opportunity without hesitation, smiling broadly as he pulled her into a warm embrace.

“You… finished talking?” Murong Qiufeng glanced at Shangguan Ye’s cheerful smile, then at Yun Tian on the bed, massaging his temples with a gloomy expression. Thankfully, no violence had erupted.

Yun Tian watched Murong Qiufeng’s arm begin to pull away. He could only sigh. “Xiao Feng, since you’ve made your decision, I can’t really say anything. This is your own lifelong commitment. But I still hope you can see clearly and understand your own heart. Don’t let yourself be led by others in a moment of confusion. Your elder brother also hopes you find happiness.”

Murong Qiufeng exhaled in relief, feeling a bit touched. Her nose stung slightly. “Brother Yun, although I can’t absolutely guarantee I’ll be happy forever right now. But at least now, I’m clear and understand. And I will strive for it.”

Shangguan Ye chuckled, pinching her nose playfully. “Sweetheart, are you implying you don’t trust me or have faith in me?”

“Of course not. But life is unpredictable. Things always change,” Murong Qiufeng gently removed his hand, her expression serious. She had always been rational. His decision to be with Shangguan Ye wasn’t made on a whim. He’d thought it through thoroughly.

Shangguan Ye paused, then smiled wryly. He kissed the corner of his lips. “Alright. Let time be our judge. I welcome your test. A lifetime’s worth.”

Murong Qiufeng flushed and pushed him away.

Yun Tian cleared his throat, interrupting Shangguan Ye’s unrestrained boasting. “Alright. Since that’s settled, let’s discuss the matter at hand. Regarding those who ambushed me, I cannot confirm if they were from Central Plains. However…”

“However what?”

“During our confrontation, I noticed peculiarities in their martial arts and internal energy. Take the one who struck my chest, for instance. His internal energy didn’t flow along the meridians to the dantian like ordinary practitioners. Instead, it seemed to flow against the grain. Moreover, his energy wasn’t concentrated in the dantian either. It appeared to gather solely in his meridians and limbs. Perhaps because of this, the force behind their attacks was several times stronger than usual, and their physical strength was immense. This method of cultivation is truly peculiar.”

Shangguan Ye narrowed his eyes slightly and nodded. This explained how those guards had been torn apart. “But such power must have its drawbacks, right?”

“Indeed. I don’t know how they cultivate it, but such perverse methods will inevitably lead to one outcome: internal energy backlash. If I’m not mistaken, the one carrying the mother bug is likely helping them control their cultivation.”

“Clearly, more than one person practices this technique. They might be part of an organization. Knowing one member’s martial arts makes things easier. Cultivating the Nine Netherworld Cold Poison Palm—whether genuine or not—requires several stringent conditions. We can start our investigation there.”

After discussing with Shangguan Ye, Murong Qiufeng decided to first search the place where her senior brother hid things for clues. He wasn’t worried the items would fall into those people’s hands. His senior brother was more meticulous than anyone. When hiding things, unless he explicitly pointed them out or gave hints, no one could find them. Only a few people close to them knew some of his senior brother’s subtle cues.

“I’ll go with you,” Shangguan Ye immediately offered.

Murong Qiufeng refused outright this time. “No. I’m sorry, Ye. I can’t reveal my senior brother’s hiding methods to anyone outside Mufeng Tower. Not even you.”

Shangguan Ye didn’t seem upset this time. He merely smiled knowingly, then gently pinched his chin. “I understand. Everyone has their own stance. That’s your principle. Just like you—if your senior brother asked you for the secrets of the Heavenly Slaughter Pavilion, would you tell him?”

“Of course not…” Murong Qiufeng answered without hesitation.

Shangguan Ye smiled happily. “Right. Alright then. Be careful. Remember how to contact the Shadow Guards. If anything goes wrong, don’t try to handle it alone. Get the item and come back immediately.”

“Yes. I’ll be careful.” Murong Qiufeng nodded solemnly.

Shangguan Ye still felt uneasy. “Wait a moment. Have Huan disguise you. And bring extra antidotes. Just to be safe.”

Shangguan Ye hesitated, still uneasy. “Wait. Have Huan alter your appearance first. And take extra antidotes. Better safe than sorry.”

Seeing his cautiousness, Murong Qiufeng felt both touched and exasperated. She leaned in and kissed his lips lightly. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’ll be back soon.”

Shangguan Ye froze momentarily at the unexpected kiss. By the time he snapped back to reality, she was already gone. He touched his lips helplessly, yet his eyes held a deep, lingering smile as he watched her departing figure.

“Ahem. Master. The young master has already left. Are you truly not going to send someone to protect him in secret?” Youxiang cleared her throat, reminding the man still lost in reverie.

Shangguan Ye raised an eyebrow. “No need. However… Huan. Make arrangements. Create a diversion. Distract those people.”

“Understood.” Huan gave a seductive smile before pulling Ranyang away.

Youxiang relaxed. She knew her master wouldn’t let the young master venture out alone without a plan.

Perhaps it was Murong Qiufeng’s sheer luck, or perhaps Huan’s diversionary tactic was flawless. Combined with the aid of his fine steed, the journey proceeded smoothly. Once he successfully retrieved the item, without even checking its contents, he immediately turned back. The entire journey took less than half a day.

Shangguan Ye only breathed a slight sigh of relief upon seeing him return safely.

What he obtained was a hollow bamboo tube as thick as a flute. Inside, he pulled out a blue satin ribbon and a small scroll.