This is a crucial moment, we cannot afford to relax

As time passed day by day, the world remained peaceful and tranquil, and before anyone realized it, the weekend had arrived.

These days, the warriors who had been on high alert were all mentally and physically exhausted.

They had mustered every ounce of their concentration, eager to face the impending attacks of the Night.

Yet, Night seemed to have vanished without a trace, no longer making any moves.

Gradually, everyone's inner tension began to ease.

In a coffee shop.

Gu Yan sipped his flavorful coffee, while across from him sat Bai Jun, whose eyes were bloodshot.

As the person in charge of Jianghai and the head of the local branch of the martial arts department, Bai Jun hadn't had much sleep these days.

His superiors had put immense pressure on him, demanding that he determine the authenticity of Night's resurrection as quickly as possible.

Only when they were certain that Night had indeed reappeared would they approve the plan to deal with Night.

Bai Jun looked at the well-rested Gu Yan, the young master of the Leng Family, feeling a deep sense of melancholy.

Ah... why doesn't this guy seem worried at all about Night? How on earth does he manage to sleep so soundly?

He sighed and said, "Gu Yan, Night has been silent for so long, as if it had never existed. What do you think is going on?"

These days, he had issued orders to strengthen defenses and increase patrols, all in preparation for the sudden appearance of Night's members.

Other martial arts factions had also volunteered to join in.

But... the pivotal figure hadn't shown up, which should have been a good thing. Yet...

Bai Jun feared this was the calm before the storm.

Gu Yan took another sip of his coffee and said lazily, "Bai Jun, I thought you called us out this early to discuss something important. Turns out it's just about this..."

Bai Jun's eye twitched, and he covered his face, "Gu Yan, I'm begging you to take this seriously! This matter is highly serious!"

"Alright, alright~ Then let me share my thoughts."

Gu Yan set down his coffee, leaned comfortably back into the sofa, and got serious, "This is a critical moment, and we absolutely cannot let our guard down."

"Night's sudden appearance is no accident; it must be part of a well-thought-out plan."

"First, they killed the King of Hell Palace's leader, making everyone believe that the Night King had returned for revenge."

"That attracted most of the warriors into the secular world."

"Then, when the warriors arrived, Night's members began their killing spree, leaving behind clues."

"This strategy forced the warriors to stay in Jianghai."

"So, the key point is, according to the previous war council."

"Those chosen by the dagger caused so many warriors to pour into the secular world, with the purpose of devouring their souls for cultivation."

"And now... these people have suddenly stopped their actions, not because they have disappeared or are too afraid to act."

"But... they are waiting for the right moment!"

Bai Jun listened with a mix of shock and realization. He seemed to grasp an important point, his eyes widening in surprise as he exclaimed, "You mean... Night is waiting for us to let our guard down?"

Seeing that Bai Jun finally understood, Gu Yan nodded, "Exactly."

"When we relax our vigilance, we will fall right into Night's trap!"

"The moment we lower our guard, Night's members will strike!"

Bai Jun found Gu Yan's reasoning increasingly convincing. He nodded and exclaimed with joy, "So, we can't relax; instead, we need to strengthen our defenses even more, ensuring 24-hour operation!"

"Yes, I'll also inform the other sects about this, making sure they stay alert and don't slack off!"

Gu Yan smiled faintly, "Bai Jun, with you in charge of Jianghai, I feel at ease."

Bai Jun didn't catch the underlying message in Gu Yan's words, merely marveling, "Gu Yan, your insights are truly unique. If it weren't for you, we might not have figured out that the dagger is looking for a successor."

"Anyway, after this is over, I will definitely fight for a reward for you."

Gu Yan shook his head, "Rewards don't matter to me. I’m just concerned about the world."

Bai Jun nodded, deeply impressed by Gu Yan's heroic spirit.

This was a man worthy of respect!

Just then.

"Brother-in-law~! Do you want some cake?"

At the counter, Leng Ling'er, who had been brought along for the weekend, waved at Gu Yan.

Standing beside her were Ning Qian on the left and Bai Qionglan on the right, while Shangguan Miaoyin stood not far away.

Gu Yan glanced over, feeling a bit strange.

It seemed like Ning Qian was standing a little too close to Leng Ling'er.

Gu Yan casually replied, "No, and you should eat less sugar; you'll get fat!"

Leng Ling'er immediately puffed up in anger, "You jerk, Brother-in-law!"

She then pulled her two best friends to look at the cakes.

Meanwhile, Ning Qian leaned even closer to Leng Ling'er.

Huh?

Gu Yan rubbed his eyes, confirming he wasn't mistaken. Ning Qian's body was indeed pressed against Leng Ling'er.

Moreover, when she noticed Gu Yan looking at her, she panicked as if caught in the act of doing something wrong and quickly moved away.

Gu Yan slowly raised an eyebrow.

What... is going on here?

Is Ning Qian... developing feelings for Leng Ling'er?

This... this...

Gu Yan felt a bit absurd. After all, Ning Qian was originally one of Xiao Lin's harem in the original story.

But now... what?

Wait, Bai Qionglan was also supposed to be Xiao Lin's harem in the original story, but now she seemed to be interested in Leng Ling'er.

And now, Ning Qian also seems to have feelings for Leng Ling'er.

Could it be...?

Could it be that at the end of all this, all of Xiao Lin's harem ends up belonging to Leng Ling'er?

Gu Yan thought about it and fell silent.

But soon.

He chuckled and shook his head.

What nonsense.

Leng Ling'er, just who does she think she is? How could her destiny possibly surpass Xiao Lin's?