So it's an old silver coin, that settles it.

Bai Piaopiao's eyes revealed concern. After speaking, she immediately channeled her divine sense into the Jade Tablet, then glanced at Yi Feng, realizing she had let her urgency show. She quickly explained.

"Yi Feng, I don’t blame you. It’s just that you’ve offended this person, and now you’re in grave danger…"

Her tone was urgent yet gentle.

Yi Feng could tell Bai Piaopiao was genuinely worried about him, not just upset over that pretty-faced man. Seeing her so anxious, his curiosity grew.

"Is it really that dangerous?"

Bai Piaopiao nodded solemnly.

"This man is named Gu Qingcheng. He attained enlightenment through chess, is cunning by nature, and ruthless in his methods. He reached the Saint Realm thousands of years ago, and his cultivation is unfathomably profound. Born into an ancient clan, his talent is extraordinary, and his background is beyond compare. If not for his dissolute lifestyle, his cultivation would likely be even stronger."

"Even though Gu Qingcheng is infamous for wasting his potential, he remains one of the few geniuses of the last several millennia. His power is terrifying—even some elders admit they pale in comparison, often lamenting his wasted talent. Aside from Su Jie, no Saint awakened in the last ten thousand years can rival him."

Yi Feng was stunned.

Who would’ve thought that pretty-faced man was so strong—almost on par with the Sword Saint himself? But then again, without such capability, he wouldn’t dare act so arrogantly, putting on airs even in a Saint’s residence and earning Bai Piaopiao’s deference. No amount of makeup could achieve that.

If he’s really this formidable, then he’s the perfect candidate! Seems like provoking him wasn’t in vain—life’s hope is rekindled.

Bai Piaopiao continued, "A thousand years ago, it was rumored that a newly ascended Saint, renowned for her beauty, rejected Gu Qingcheng’s repeated advances. Enraged, he stormed her abode. Even with three other Saints aiding her, the four combined couldn’t last ten moves against him…"

"Had Su Jie not intervened by chance, the situation would have spiraled out of control."

"The strange thing is, that new Saint was never seen again afterward. Privately, it’s whispered that she perished, her Dao extinguished—yet no one knows the details, and no evidence links Gu Qingcheng to her demise…"

Yi Feng’s heart stirred with growing excitement.

This pretty-faced man is even stronger than expected! To crush four Saints single-handedly, only relenting when Su Jie stepped in—and still managing to eliminate that beautiful new Saint afterward!

His strength is fearsome, his methods ruthless—truly no ordinary man. Especially that unyielding, domineering nature: if he can’t get what he wants openly, he’ll resort to underhanded means. Once he holds a grudge, death is inevitable.

As expected, pretty-faced men are seldom good—like opera villains, the ones with white-painted faces are always the scoundrels. Pick any, and they’re infamous traitors.

A real veteran of misdeeds, a seasoned schemer.

Once targeted by such a villain, death is certain—even Saints aren’t spared, let alone a half-Saint like him. Truly the ideal candidate for suicide!

Perfect!

The more Yi Feng listened, the more engrossed he became, his excitement surging. Finally, a worthy adversary! This time, the chances of a successful suicide have skyrocketed!

I wonder if the previous provocation was enough—should I stoke the flames further?

Yi Feng fell into deep thought.

Seeing his sudden silence, Bai Piaopiao grew uneasy, assuming he was frightened. After a brief hesitation, she spoke again to reassure him.

"Yi Feng, you needn’t worry too much. I’ve already sent a message to Gu Qingcheng—he wouldn’t dare act recklessly. As long as you stay in my abode, you’ll be safe."

"If necessary… you could even reside here permanently…"

Her voice trailed off, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Though she knew Gu Qingcheng was immensely powerful and treacherous, she had her own means to protect Yi Feng within her abode, unafraid of any retaliation.

Given Gu Qingcheng’s notoriety, this was a necessary compromise. Even if word spread later, no one would fault them—surely Yi Feng would agree.

Yet after speaking, Bai Piaopiao felt a flutter of shyness, as if she’d revealed too much. Her eyes wavered, unsure how to continue persuading him.

A brief silence settled, thick with unspoken tension.

Yi Feng was deeply moved.

Despite knowing Gu Qingcheng’s ruthlessness, Bai Piaopiao repeatedly shielded him, even offering him permanent refuge. Adversity reveals true feelings—those words couldn’t be truer. Now he truly understood Bai Piaopiao: this woman was loyalty incarnate.

A friend willing to risk her life for him!

But that pretty-faced man was a repeat offender, now setting his sights on Bai Piaopiao. How could Yi Feng stand idly by? Hiding behind a woman to save his own skin? Unthinkable!

This isn’t about seeking death—it’s about a man’s pride!

Yi Feng slammed the table and stood.

"Hmph!"

"So what if his cultivation is formidable? A man so vile deserves death! If I cower now, I’m no true man!"

"Though we’ve only met once, I see his sinister intentions. You’ve treated me with such sincerity—how could I hide behind you? If I did, how could I ever face you again?"

His righteous fury rang with conviction!

Bai Piaopiao was speechless.

Her eyes widened as she took in his resolute expression, realizing no words would sway him. Her heart trembled at the sight.

Countless arguments lodged in her throat, unspoken.

To emphasize the stakes, she had laid bare Gu Qingcheng’s might, even sharing secrets among Saints. Yi Feng surely understood the danger now.

Faced with such a ruthless figure, most would flee. Even if Yi Feng chose to bide his time, she wouldn’t blame him—she’d still protect him. To her, that was the wisest choice, the natural response.

Yet never could she have imagined…

Against a foe even Saints feared, Yi Feng—a mere half-Saint—showed no trace of fear. Instead, he vowed to stand up for her!

From his unwavering resolve, Bai Piaopiao sensed absolute devotion—a bond unbroken by life or death, a man’s pride unshaken even in the face of destruction.

To defy the heavens for a woman’s sake—that was a true man’s spirit.

The world teemed with so-called geniuses and prodigies, yet even Saints tread carefully around Gu Qingcheng. Who else could match Yi Feng’s fearless courage?

For her, he was willing to risk everything!

Bai Piaopiao’s clear eyes misted. No more words were needed. She simply gazed at Yi Feng, etching this moment into her heart. A thousand unspoken emotions condensed into a soft murmur.

"Mm…"

Seeing Bai Piaopiao convinced, Yi Feng finally relaxed and sat back down. His throat dry from speaking, he drained a cup of tea in one gulp, savoring the exhilaration and anticipation.

"This tea is excellent. You’re too kind to me. Let’s not dwell on such grim matters—more tea, more tea."

Her feelings laid bare, Bai Piaopiao’s cheeks warmed. She poured tea with gentle grace, sitting in quiet companionship. Amid the gathering storm, their pavilion seemed a world apart.

Eyes met.

A single glance, worth ten thousand years.

Bai Piaopiao smiled radiantly, her heart secretly resolved. No matter how many perils the future held, she would stand firm to shield this man who had stepped forward for her—ensuring not a single harm would befall him.

The clear tea slipped past her lips, leaving a lingering fragrance between her teeth...