Perilous Waters

"Why are you back?" Wang Yue asked with a look of surprise.

A few days ago, she had personally escorted Mu Qingyi to Rong City and only quietly withdrew on the morning of Mu Qingyi's wedding day. She thought everything was foolproof, but something had still gone wrong.

Speaking of which, that day she had even made a guest appearance at the Yihong Pavilion under the alias Taohong, thoroughly exhausting a certain young man surnamed Wei—an absolutely delightful experience.

"Why did the sect leader return?" Protector Yang instinctively glanced at An Yi, her expression somewhat peculiar.

This guy was impressive!

Single-handedly taking on the Tianxuan Sect!

First defeating Tianxuan Sect's leader, Gu Chengde, then overpowering the Tianxuan Sword Formation—his strength was downright terrifying.

But even so, that didn’t mean he could have his way with both master and disciple.

Protector Yang's expression grew increasingly odd as she watched An Yi holding Shen Muxuan's hand.

An Yi could only sigh helplessly—this was a secret that couldn’t be spoken aloud.

The matter of kidnapping the wrong bride was known only to heaven, earth, himself, and Wei Xiang.

No third person could ever find out.

Shen Muxuan clung to An Yi's arm, smiling brightly. "Let’s go. I want to see my master."

No matter what, she was just happy she wouldn’t have to part with Mu Qingyi.

The architecture of the Qingyuan Pavilion was quite unique.

A series of pavilions dotted the rolling mountains, appearing and disappearing amidst the mist—a truly distinctive sight.

The pavilion where Sect Leader Mu Qingyi resided was no exception, still adorned with festive decorations.

The maid, Xiao Mei, stood on a stool, her face full of resentment as she untied the red silk ribbons.

Once done, she climbed down and spotted Shen Muxuan, her expression immediately brightening. "Muxuan! You’ve finally come out. The way you were before really worried everyone."

Shen Muxuan stammered, "I-I’m fine."

"Elder Wang, Protector Yang."

Xiao Mei bowed to Wang Yue and Protector Yang, but when she saw An Yi, she snorted coldly.

This bastard An Yi had kidnapped the bride, galloped off into the sunset with the sect leader, and left her behind.

She had only been brought back this morning.

Originally, she had hoped to weave a tender love story with the dashing Young Master Gu, but this guy had ruined everything!

"Please, come in!" Xiao Mei quickly said.

The group entered the sect leader’s chambers.

"You’ve arrived," Mu Qingyi said softly as she stood.

Hearing her voice, Shen Muxuan’s dull eyes widened with joy. "Master!"

"I’m here."

Mu Qingyi replied with gentle affection.

Shen Muxuan threw herself into Mu Qingyi’s arms, sobbing quietly. "I thought you were really getting married."

Mu Qingyi glanced at An Yi, her expression resigned.

If not for this guy, she might have actually gone through with it.

"Don’t worry. I’ll never abandon you," Mu Qingyi murmured, stroking Shen Muxuan’s hair.

"Oh, Master, An Yi is here too," Shen Muxuan added shyly.

Mu Qingyi turned to An Yi and said simply, "Welcome to the Immortal Sect."

"Thanks," An Yi replied.

Shen Muxuan looked puzzled.

Was this really how the two of them should greet each other?

She had expected a fight.

With Xiao Mei’s help, Shen Muxuan stepped outside.

Once alone with Wang Yue and Protector Yang, Mu Qingyi’s expression darkened. "What’s the situation outside?"

Wang Yue sighed. "A scout at the early Void Realm tried to sneak in, but I killed him. Some ugly old bastard actually tried to grope me."

Hearing this, An Yi gave Wang Yue a surprised look.

This woman was actually at the late Void Realm!

Mu Qingyi nodded. "Congratulations on your breakthrough, Senior Sister Wang."

Wang Yue covered her mouth with a coquettish laugh. "Hehe, sorry, Junior Sister Mu. I’ve surpassed you. You’ve always been more talented than me—if you’d just learned some dual cultivation techniques, you’d be even stronger. You’re just too stubborn."

"Shameless," Protector Yang muttered under her breath.

Wang Yue’s face immediately turned cold. "Oh? The old virgin who’s never touched a man in her life dares to talk?"

"You promiscuous slut! Want to fight?"

"At least I’ve tasted men. Unlike some dried-up old maid!"

"Disgraceful!"

"Bring it on! You think I’m scared of a mid-Void Realm?"

Mu Qingyi rubbed her temples. "Enough, both of you."

Though both belonged to Qingyuan Pavilion, their philosophies couldn’t be more different.

One indulged in pleasure, the other saw men as beasts—their constant clashes were inevitable.

Wang Yue tossed her hair with a huff.

Protector Yang crossed her arms, her pretty face icy.

"It seems outsiders are eyeing our Qingyuan Pavilion," Mu Qingyi said coldly.

Previously, with the Grand Elder guarding the sect and Mu Qingyi’s peak Void Realm strength, few in the Immortal Sect dared to cause trouble.

But now that the Grand Elder had passed, some were growing restless.

Qingyuan Pavilion was famous throughout the sect for its beauties, coveted by countless men.

But that wasn’t the real reason.

It was the location.

This place held a spiritual vein.

Land nourished by spiritual veins was always a treasure fiercely contested by martial artists.

Though it was a secret, some still knew.

These intruders were likely after the vein.

Mu Qingyi glanced at An Yi, her composure steadying.

"From now on, tighten security!"

"Yes!"

Wang Yue and Protector Yang withdrew.

Only An Yi and Mu Qingyi remained in the room.

"We should keep our distance for now. I’m worried about Muxuan..." Mu Qingyi said softly.

Though Shen Muxuan had always wanted to bring them together, as her master, Mu Qingyi couldn’t overcome her own reservations.

Seeing her solemn expression, An Yi could only nod. "Alright."

Mu Qingyi smiled gently. "Thank you for understanding."

"Qingyi, do you know where I can find extreme yang treasures?" An Yi asked after a moment of thought.

According to traditional medicine, he needed to suppress Shen Muxuan’s cold energy first.

Mu Qingyi seemed to understand his intent but hesitated. "There is one place... but it’s too dangerous."

As the sun set, Shen Muxuan held An Yi’s hand, her lips curled in a constant smile.

"See that? That’s the tallest mountain in Qingyuan Pavilion, where the Grand Elder used to cultivate. Master never let us go there before."

"Yeah, I see it."

An Yi chuckled.

Because where Shen Muxuan was pointing was just a ravine.

At a mountain spring, Shen Muxuan carefully crouched and dipped her fingers into the crystal-clear water.

"There’s a river here. Upstream, there’s a small stone pool with excellent water—they say it nourishes the skin. At night, many sisters come here to bathe."

An Yi raised an eyebrow, memorizing the location.

Yes, this place needed strict surveillance.

"Muxuan, it’s getting dark."

An Yi gripped Shen Muxuan’s arm, his eyes cold as he glanced toward the rustling trees in the distance.

Some fools really had a death wish.

Shen Muxuan blinked. "So soon?"

"Come on. I’ll carry you."

"No need, I can walk."

Ignoring her protest, An Yi hoisted her onto his back. Flames coiled around his legs as he soared into the sky.

Shen Muxuan gasped at the rush of wind. "Are we flying?"

An Yi grinned. "Yep!"

She clung to him tightly, giggling. "An Yi is amazing. No one compares!"