Qi Ling watched the two figures leaving with a smile, glanced at the clear lake, and sighed: "Ah, such beautiful scenery, too bad I have no one to share it with~"...
Two days later at Three Pristine Peak.
The weather was fair, with white clouds floating in the sky, revealing a hint of clarity in the blue. Su Chen and the group of seven stood at the entrance of the square, took one last look at the senior brothers practicing swordplay, and embarked on their training journey.
Among the seven, Su Chen, Huo Yunxin, and Qi Ling were the top three selected from the competition. Leng Han and Long Fei were substitutes. To make the journey easier, Bai Yun also accompanied the two young girls.
Two carriages sped along the road at the foot of Three Pure Ones Mountain, kicking up dust, and soon disappeared without a trace.
"Once outside, don’t meddle in other people’s business, understand? Follow my instructions in all matters."
Chang Zhichun spoke again, tirelessly reminding them.
"Senior Brother, this is the third time you’ve said that."
The dozing Long Fei suddenly opened his eyes and lazily commented.
Chang Zhichun glared at him, "I’m just thinking of you guys. This is what Master emphasized repeatedly..."
"Senior Brother, this is the fourth time now."
Su Chen also said with a smile, which immediately earned him a flick on the head from Chang Zhichun, "You brat, why are you learning to be slick like Long Fei, you little rascal!"
Long Fei was immediately displeased, "Senior Brother, don’t blame everything on me. Su Chen has always been ; it has nothing to do with me."
Su Chen grinned at him, and Chang Zhichun laughed, "You two brats are getting along quite well together~ Huh, Leng Han, what’s that expression on your face?"
Leng Han looked as if nothing had happened and said flatly, "I’m fine."
"That deadpan face, always looks like someone owes you money, sigh."
Long Fei shifted his target.
Leng Han shot him a fierce glance, but Long Fei became even more brazen, "By the way, Leng Han, when are you going to pay back the money you lost to me in the last competition?"
The carriage traveled for a day before finally stopping at a bustling small town.
Seeing the seven people get off the carriage, the inn’s attendant was very excited, running over while bowing and smiling, "You can tell at a glance that you are distinguished guests from the big city, may I ask if you wish to stay overnight or dine?"
"We’re here to eat, why speak so formally."
Long Fei yawned, speaking boldly.
The attendant’s face stiffened but quickly resumed a smiling expression, "Yes, yes, yes, the young master is right, dining, dining!"
The group exchanged smiles and followed the attendant into a fairly tastefully decorated inn. Since it was noon, the inn was crowded with diners, who suddenly fell silent upon seeing so many young people arrive, including three beautiful young women.
Su Chen carefully observed the inn, noticing a central counter with tables and chairs lined along both sides. Strangely, the guests in the inn all appeared burly, broad-shouldered, and dressed in various styles, with different weapons laid on the tables, creating a strange and sinister atmosphere.
Nearly all eyes were on the seven of them, and not only Su Chen but even the typically carefree Long Fei felt a bit of pressure, "Ha... haha, seems like we’re the focus?"
He laughed awkwardly in a low voice.
Enduring the immense pressure, Chang Zhichun led the group to a table against the wall.
Su Chen looked back and saw, in the left corner, a mysterious man in a black cloak with a veil over his face, quietly sipping tea, indifferent to the outside world.
The sword on the table? Su Chen noticed it had an unusually curved, snake-like blade, exuding an eerie and sinister aura.
"That little girl has a really lovely face, big, sparkling eyes, enchanting!"
Inside the inn, a big man with a bare chest, carrying a wolf-toothed club, laughed.
"That girl in the red dress isn’t bad either, skin so tender, I really want to feel it!"
A gaunt man also leered shamelessly.
"Ha ha, you really are a toad wanting to eat swan meat, take a look at yourself! Flat nose, flat face, donkey-like!"
"Oh, and you’re so handsome? Aren’t you just like a black bear, strong-limbed, simple-minded, a bumpkin!"
The gaunt man retorted with a grimace.
The once quiet surroundings erupted with laughter again, and then everyone returned to their own conversations, the inn buzzing like a boiling pot...
"What would you like to order?"
The attendant asked with a beaming smile.
"Bring out all your signature dishes, young master here wants to try them all today."
Long Fei suddenly stood up, excitedly declaring. Next to him, Leng Han gave him a look and coolly pulled him back to his seat.
"Leng Han, why are you pulling me? I haven’t finished speaking."
"Keep a low profile outside, or you’ll attract attention."
Leng Han looked straight ahead.
"Alright, I’ll be quiet, you guys order."
Long Fei said a bit sulkily.
Qi Ling giggled, which immediately caused Huo Yunxin to frown discontentedly, her face growing cooler.
Chang Zhichun casually ordered a few dishes, then everyone just looked at each other without saying a word.
"Why is everyone so silent? That’s not like you at all."
A long silence ensued.
Then, Qi Ling smiled and looked at Su Chen, saying to Chang Zhichun, "Senior Brother, why don’t you sing a song for us to liven things up."
At least someone spoke up, but what was said made everyone secretly laugh.
Su Chen struggled to suppress his laughter as he looked at Qi Ling, then at Chang Zhichun, whose face was slightly flushed. Just as he was about to burst out laughing, Long Fei beat him to it, his laughter instantly drawing the attention of everyone in the inn!