Chapter 155

Everyone had left. The few remaining men exchanged glances, reluctantly preparing to depart. After all, they weren’t yet capable of offending such a formidable expert.

“We take our leave.”

“Hey. You, the bearded one. Stay behind.” Just as they turned to go, the Snow Demon Sage suddenly spoke, his words directed at the man who had started the trouble.

The man froze, his expression shifting abruptly. His sole remaining companion also paled, instantly alert. Meanwhile, the pair from Lingyang Sect—a man and a woman—watched him with schadenfreude, their eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

After all, the Snow Demon Sage’s tone earlier had been anything but friendly, carrying a hint of suppressed anger. Now, by singling him out, it was impossible not to assume the worst.

“May I ask what guidance the venerable elder seeks?” Before the man could respond, his companion stepped forward, shielding him behind her back. She bowed respectfully, though her vigilance was unmistakable.

“May I ask what guidance the senior has for us?” Before the man could speak, his companion stepped forward, subtly shielding him behind. Bowing his hands respectfully, he spoke with unmistakable vigilance, like a predator poised to defend its prey.

Only then did everyone turn their gaze to this unassuming, ordinary-looking man. At this moment, though his face was ordinary and his frame lean, his eyes held a sharp, piercing light. His very aura radiated a keen intensity.

The burly man hastily pressed down on his shoulder, seemingly to calm him, yet also as if fearing a real fight might break out.

Old Man Bai Feng observed the two. Suddenly, a flicker of something unusual passed through his eyes. Then, stroking his white beard, he smiled faintly. “No need to be nervous. I merely wish to ask him a few questions. If you’re uneasy, you may both stay here. Come inside to speak.”

The two exchanged puzzled glances, then frowned, cautiously approaching.

The curtain had already been lifted. Xiao Wu stood expressionless to one side, holding it open.

Though only a narrow gap was exposed, it allowed them to clearly see the figures inside.

The elders sat toward the innermost part of the room. Thus, what they saw directly opposite them were Shangguan Ye and Murong Qiufeng.

Upon seeing these two, the group couldn’t help but pause in surprise. The striking contrast of black and white was already eye-catching, but both possessed exceptionally striking features. Murong Qiufeng, in particular, possessed such a graceful and handsome appearance that even women might envy or become infatuated with him. Yet, he carried no trace of effeminacy. Combined with their inherent charisma—one refined and serene, the other cold and intimidating—

A shadow flickered in the eyes of the man beside her. He then bowed his hands. “In that case, we shall take our leave.” With that, he seized the woman’s arm and led her away. Though she initially resisted, she could offer little struggle and was simply carried off.

Shangguan Ye raised an eyebrow, snorted coldly, and narrowed his eyes slightly. He leaned closer to Murong Qiufeng. With a hint of jealousy, he tugged at his hair and murmured, “Sweetheart, don’t smile at others so casually. Do you realize how many misunderstandings that causes? You just completely stole that girl’s heart.”

Murong Qiufeng had been observing the two men. Hearing this, his lips twitched. He turned his head, glaring at him weakly and frowned. “How do you know it wasn’t you who stole it?”

Shangguan Ye’s lips curved into a sinister smile. “Well, that’d be ideal.”

Murong Qiufeng’s eyebrows shot up. His voice grew husky. “Oh? So it’s okay for you to seduce her?”

“Ahem. Sweetheart, you misunderstand. What I meant was… if it were me, I could crush her heart without a second thought. But… heh. Your jealous look is adorable. Come. Here’s a reward.” With that, he pinched his chin and pressed his lips to his.

Murong Qiufeng hadn’t expected him to be so brazen in public. Caught off guard, he was kissed squarely. Instantly flushed crimson with rising fury, he raised his hand to push his face away. “You…”

“Hey, you two. Don’t forget there are elders and children here. Isn’t this blatant flirting a bit much? Besides, you seem to have startled them.” The Snow Demon Sage said with a smile, gesturing toward the two men outside who had gone completely stiff.

Xiao Wu’s face was also bright red. He kept his head bowed. Only Ah Si remained as expressionless as a wooden stump.

Murong Qiufeng’s face flushed scarlet. He wanted to sink into the ground. But being the easygoing sort, he didn’t know how to react. With so many people present, he couldn’t afford to lose face. He simply turned his head away, saying nothing, burying his head like an ostrich.

Shangguan Ye, in an exceptionally good mood, turned to look at the dazed pair. His smile faded as he narrowed his eyes slightly, sizing them up. A flicker of something unusual passed through his gaze.

Old Man Bai Feng spoke first. “You two youngsters. Are you also heading to join the siege against the Immortal Sword Sect?”

The previously dazed pair snapped to attention, taking a few cautious steps back. The frail youth shot a complicated glance at Murong Qiufeng, who kept his head bowed, then shifted his gaze to Shangguan Ye, whose expression had turned icy. He frowned slightly. “Assault is putting it too strongly. We’re just going to join the fun.”

“Oh, just spectating, huh? Then which side are you rooting for? Looks like with that old Sword Saint gone, you youngsters’ve lost your bearings. For a major sect, you’re hiding like rats afraid of the light.” The Snow Demon Sage raised an eyebrow, speaking lazily.

Hearing this, the expressions of the two men shifted. Their faces darkened, eyes flashing with suppressed anger. The frail man in front pressed his lips tightly together, stifling his rage as he respectfully inquired, “Elder, what brings you here? Could it be you’ve also come for the Immortal Sword Sect?”

Mourning Autumn Feng could easily discern the meaning behind Snow Demon Venerable’s words. Startled, he turned to face the pair. He’d sensed a familiar aura about them from the start. Now, prompted by the Snow Demon Sage’s words, could it truly be…?

“Quite right, quite right. We’ve heard the Immortal Sword Sect has been quite lively lately. With nothing better to do, we thought we’d go see the show. Any suggestions, lads?” the Snow Demon Sage continued.

The anger of the two men was nearly beyond containment.

The burly man shielded behind finally spoke first. “We thought you were some venerable martial arts elder or righteous ally. Turns out you’re just another rabble like the rest. Since you’ve seen through us, there’s no need to hide. Yes, we are disciples of the Immortal Sword Sect. So what? But let’s be clear: don’t expect to get any information out of us. If you want to fight, fight. Stop all this nonsense.” With that, he drew the sword that had remained unsheathed the entire time, his posture tense and ready for battle. The frail young man made no attempt to stop him, instead drawing a soft sword from his waist.

Observing the swords in their hands and the way they gripped them, Murong Qiufeng instantly recognized them. A flicker of excitement lit his eyes. Indeed, they were disciples of the Immortal Sword Sect. The innate cultivation techniques practiced by its formal disciples were identical. That explained why their aura and presence had felt so familiar to him earlier.

The Snow Demon Sage suddenly clicked his tongue twice and sighed. “That old Sword Saint sure has an eye for disciples. Good lad. He’s got character. Just a bit too impulsive.”