When He Wanyu woke up, He Shiwen and two others were by her side, not retreating an inch. Hu Ji quickly came upon hearing the commotion, his every word filled with concern.

As usual, He Wanyu was being playful with He Shiwen and the others, while Hu Ji stood by, occasionally complaining for attention.

Life was quite pleasant like this.

Over the next two days, Fan Zhi was busy leading troops against Feng Lin’s army, and the battles left many wounded. He Wanyu found herself overwhelmed with work in the medical camp.

With the help of Bai Tan and Xu Shaoqing, He Wanyu could handle things more easily.

Hu Ji, once he recovered from his injuries, was dragged off by Yuexia Yu Shu to do heavy labor. Whenever he wasn’t occupied with urgent matters, he would visit He Wanyu in the medical camp.

Due to Bai Tan’s presence, Yuexia Yu Shu would also come around frequently. As the commander, Fan Zhi naturally had to visit the wounded as well.

Gradually, He Wanyu encountered these people more and more often, greeting them briefly before hurrying off to her tasks.

One day, while He Wanyu was sifting through piles of corpses for any survivors, she suddenly noticed an ominous shadow in the distant sky, it wasn’t normal at all.

After some deliberation, He Wanyu decided to investigate.

At the center of the battlefield, the stench of blood was overwhelming, making it hard to breathe as though her nose were clogged with gore. The place was filled with an oppressive aura, almost suffocating He Wanyu. Overhead, the sky was dark and the deathly aura from the corpses was slowly gathering, drifting towards a single point.

Despite her discomfort, He Wanyu moved forward to investigate.

Behind a rocky wall, a humanoid air mass sat cross-legged, absorbing the deathly aura that filled the sky. He Wanyu widened her eyes in disbelief. She drew the only sword she carried, named Shujiu, and cautiously approached the elusive figure.

Just as she was about to strike, the humanoid air mass seemed to sense her presence and instantly vanished.

He Wanyu was alarmed, scanning her surroundings like a startled bird upon hearing any noise.

She abruptly turned around and found a pair of hollow eyes inches from her face. Startled, she instinctively retreated and then launched a counter-attack.

The humanoid air mass recoiled, and He Wanyu finally noticed that the mass only had a pair of eyes and no other facial features.

He Wanyu struggled to swallow her food. Hu Ji noticed Jin Fengqi’s scrutinizing gaze and immediately stepped in front of He Wanyu.

“Jin Fengqi, if you have something to say, just say it. Why are you staring at her like that?”

Hu Ji’s actions made Jin Fengqi suspicious. “Hu Ji, why are you protecting her like this? Do you fancy her? Didn’t you claim you would marry no one but Chu Yue? When she passed, you swore you’d remain single for life. Seems like a man’s words can’t be trusted.”

Jin Fengqi’s words drew everyone’s attention to He Wanyu.

Hu Ji’s devotion to Chu Yue was well-known. When the news of Chu Yue’s death reached them, three men nearly died from heartbreak.

One was Su Fengyao, another was Fan Zhi, and the third was Hu Ji. Their love for Chu Yue ran so deep that if Bai Tan hadn’t informed them that Chu Yue had given birth to Fan Qiujin and Su Xinwu, they might have truly followed her in death.

The atmosphere became tense, and Jin Fengqi’s reminder filled Fan Zhi’s mind with suspicion.

Hu Ji would call He Wanyu “little darling,” a term he had only ever used for Chu Yue. His behavior towards He Wanyu seemed excessively familiar, almost sincere. If Hu Ji was using He Wanyu as a substitute for Chu Yue, it didn’t make sense as He Wanyu was nothing like Chu Yue. Could it be that Hu Ji had genuinely moved on and fallen in love with someone else?

Fan Zhi was utterly perplexed.

The hollow eyes studied He Wanyu for a moment before suddenly widening in rage, as if it wanted to devour her. It let out a series of low growls, almost as though it were trying to speak.

The humanoid air mass swiftly lunged at He Wanyu. She pushed off the ground and flipped backward, narrowly dodging the attack.

The humanoid air mass wasn’t done yet. It reached out, gathering the surrounding deathly aura and hurling the concentrated mass towards He Wanyu. She swung her sword to defend herself but was still injured in the process.

Blood seeped from He Wanyu’s arm, and to her surprise, the humanoid air mass recoiled painfully at the touch of her blood.

He Wanyu suddenly remembered that she was a medicinal person, whose blood could repel evil spirits and malevolent forces.

“Miss He!” Su Fengyao arrived just in time to see the strange creature before He Wanyu. He threw a punch at it, only to realize he couldn’t land a blow on its nearly transparent form.

He Wanyu quickly pulled him back. “It’s useless. I have a plan.”

She then used her sword to slice open her palm, letting her blood flow and sprinkled it onto the humanoid figure.

The air mass seemed enraged and with a single strike, sent the two crashing against a hollow mountainside. They fell into a deep cave as the air mass promptly cast a barrier, trapping them inside.

He Wanyu slowly regained consciousness, the dim light of the cave revealing a familiar silhouette that gradually became clear.

“Feng Qian…” she murmured, crawling to her feet, her head spinning as if she were in a dream.

As she recovered her senses, He Wanyu realized they were inside a pitch-black cave. It was likely already night outside.

Looking up, she saw Su Fengyao standing straight before her, his face filled with deep confusion. His gaze was so intense it seemed to penetrate her very soul.

Feeling guilty, He Wanyu lowered her head, praying that he hadn’t heard her whisper Feng Qian’s name.

“Young Master Su, what are you staring at?”

He Wanyu decided to take the initiative.

Su Fengyao lowered his lashes, as if something secretive had vanished from his eyes.

“Nothing. Come, have something to eat.”

Su Fengyao sat back down and picked up a roasted bun from the rack, beginning to eat.

He Wanyu slightly raised her eyes and followed his fair hand to his strikingly handsome face. She stood up slowly, never taking her gaze off him.

When she reached his side, Su Fengyao handed her a bun.

He Wanyu paused for a moment, then took the relatively clean bun and sat obediently next to him, nibbling on it.

Her gaze kept darting to his face, intentionally or unintentionally.

“How is it possible that this face is still so beautiful after all these years?” He Wanyu silently grumbled to herself.

Sensing her gaze, Su Fengyao’s lips curved slightly. When their eyes met, He Wanyu realized she had been caught. She quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing with a soft pink that betrayed her wandering thoughts.

“Do you think I’m good-looking?”

Su Fengyao’s sudden question left He Wanyu stunned. She looked at his expectant eyes and, after a moment, gave a sheepish smile. “Yes, very good-looking!” She couldn’t help but give a thumbs-up.

Su Fengyao turned away in silence, but the smile on his lips became more pronounced. The flickering firelight reflected in his clear eyes, resembling stars falling into them.

“Someone once told me I was good-looking too.”

He Wanyu paused and glanced at him, his face illuminated by the firelight. She asked in a calm tone, “Was it your beloved wife?”

Su Fengyao lowered his long lashes, seemingly recalling a pleasant memory. His voice softened. “Yes, she loved my face the most. I never paid much attention to my appearance and always wore a shabby Taoist robe, keeping my hair tied up. No matter how much she coaxed or pleaded, I never let it down. Eventually, I pretended not to care about anything she did. My indifference wore down her enthusiasm, and she stopped revolving around me.”

A flash of loss and guilt crossed Su Fengyao’s face.

He Wanyu let out a sarcastic laugh and asked, “How does it feel to bury someone who loved you so deeply with your own hands?”

Su Fengyao pressed his lips tightly, a tear glistening in his eye as his throat constricted with a bitter sorrow that left him speechless.

He didn’t reply or look up.

He Wanyu’s cold laughter filled the air, her heart surging again with resentment and anger.

Su Fengyao, if you had shown me even a hint of affection back then, I would have stayed by your side without hesitation. But what did you do? Despite all my efforts, my sacrifices, my willingness to be utterly broken for you, you never said you loved me. Now I’m dead, and you put on this act, but who are you fooling?

He Wanyu sniffled, feeling uncomfortable and unwilling to stay near him. She used the excuse of checking the cave entrance to get away.

Once she was out of sight, Su Fengyao dared to lift his tear-filled eyes and gaze at her.

He Wanyu reached the cave entrance and let out a deep breath, trying to calm her turbulent emotions. She stretched out her hand towards the entrance.

As expected, an invisible barrier blocked the way out. They were trapped.

With no other option, He Wanyu turned back.

“Any ideas?” He Wanyu asked, looking at the silent, downcast Su Fengyao.

Su Fengyao composed himself and lifted his head, his face returning to its usual calm demeanor. “I’ve tried. For now, there’s no way out. Let’s rest and see what tomorrow brings.”

Accepting the situation, He Wanyu found a spot to lean against and closed her eyes.

In truth, He Wanyu wasn’t the least bit tired; she just didn’t want to see his face any longer.

Sensing He Wanyu’s deliberate distance, Su Fengyao moved further away, leaning against the stone wall. He turned his head to cast a pitiful glance at the supposedly sleeping He Wanyu.

Although He Wanyu had her eyes closed, she could feel the intensity of his gaze. She uneasily turned over, showing him only her back.

Seeing this, Su Fengyao seemed even more dejected. He shifted backward further, trying to distance himself from her.

The next day.

Shuiyang and Shi Zhao sensed the otherworldly forces and rushed to the scene overnight. The battlefield was filled with resentment, and the demonic wind howled, making the deity duo in their coarse linen garments aware that something was off.

“Such a strong demonic aura—could a demon have entered the Mortal Realm?” Shi Zhao raised an eyebrow.

“This isn’t our jurisdiction,” he continued. “We should find that person.”

Shuiyang responded with a begrudging smile. “How many times have we overstepped our bounds already? Besides, I’m still wanted by the Heavenly Realm.”

Shi Zhao chuckled, enjoying Shuiyang’s frustration, only to be chased around.

Inadvertently, Shi Zhao noticed the barrier. “Stop, stop! Look over there!”

Shuiyang followed the direction Shi Zhao pointed. The two deities exchanged a glance, and with a wave of their hands, the barrier vanished. Inside the cave, He Wanyu and Su Fengyao lay sleeping on opposite sides, creating a strangely harmonious atmosphere.

Shuiyang gently patted Shi Zhao. “Maybe we shouldn’t disturb them?”

Shi Zhao nodded in agreement, and the two deities turned and disappeared.

Outside the cave, a falcon’s screech pierced through the winds of the valley, startling He Wanyu and Su Fengyao awake. They immediately rushed out to investigate, realizing the barrier was gone.

Up in the blue sky, falcons circled in formation. As hunters, who would be their prey?

Su Fengyao felt a surge of urgency. “This is bad! They’re planning an air raid. We need to hurry back!”

He swiftly wrapped an arm around He Wanyu’s waist, his feet light and fast as they sped towards Ning Town.

This was Su Fengyao’s renowned martial art—Cloud Veil.

He Wanyu glanced sideways at Su Fengyao’s profile. Despite all her hatred and resentment, looking at his face still stirred emotions within her. The anger she felt melted away, unable to take hold.

As they neared Ning Town, the falcons above readied themselves for attack. The town guards, recognizing Su Fengyao, promptly opened the gates. As they crossed the threshold, He Wanyu wordlessly leaped onto the high platform. Almost simultaneously, the thunderous sound of drums and Su Fengyao’s loud command echoed.

“Air raid incoming! All troops, prepare for battle!”

The military camp erupted in activity. Fan Zhi and others, hearing the commotion, quickly emerged from their tents to investigate.

The falcons let out piercing cries that shattered the sky, filling the air with an immediate sense of battle urgency. Footsteps pounded closer beneath Ning City’s walls, causing the ground to tremble.

From the city wall’s vantage point, soldiers saw a massive wave of people approaching. They instantly readied for combat, while He Wanyu struck the warning drum with unwavering determination.

The falcons, following precise formation, glided away, prompting He Wanyu to halt the drumming. The distant footsteps also ceased, leaving an almost surreal stillness.

Standing on the city wall, He Wanyu keenly observed the surroundings.

Suddenly, the sky darkened as thousands of arrows launched towards them. He Wanyu’s eyes widened as the arrows rapidly approached.

She roared, “Prepare for battle! Defend yourselves!”

Soldiers on the wall raised their shields to block the incoming barrage, but some were too slow and fell to the rain of arrows.

He Wanyu continued to issue commands, steadying the troops’ morale.

After the initial rain of arrows, Feng Lin’s soldiers charged ahead, using ladders to scale the walls, intent on breaking through the gates.

Despite the counterattacks of rolling stones and crossbow bolts, Feng Lin’s forces managed to breach the city wall.

He Wanyu, wielding Shujiu, deftly moved through the multitude of soldiers.

Fan Zhi quickly rallied the troops, and Su Fengyao arrived just as He Shiwen anxiously inquired, “Where is my junior sister?”

“On the city wall,” Su Fengyao replied. As soon as he finished speaking, a bloodied soldier ran up to report, “General, Feng Lin’s army is attacking the city!”

He Shiwen didn’t hesitate, rushing towards the gate with the troops following behind to provide support.

At the city gate, He Wanyu swiftly killed dozens of enemies. Her light red robes blossomed into bloodstained flowers, and her cold, fierce gaze resembled that of a wild beast.

When He Shiwen and others arrived, he drew his sword and with a powerful sweep, sent several enemies flying.

“Wanyu, catch the sword!”

He Shiwen tossed the Clear Moon Sword to He Wanyu. Now wielding dual swords, He Wanyu glanced at He Shiwen, her resolve ignited.

The strength she drew wasn’t just from the swords in her hands but from the support of her Senior brothers and sisters. They were here, and He Wanyu’s fear vanished.

He Yi, positioned at the highest point, shot an arrow that precisely felled a soldier behind He Qing’an.

He Qing’an smiled up at He Yi in appreciation.

Su Fengyao executed the Shadowless Fist, generating a forceful wave that tore through the ground, ripping some enemy soldiers apart.

He Wanyu retreated, bumping into He Shiwen and He Qing’an. The three looked at each other, battered and bloodied, and laughed at their own appearances.

They encouraged each other, their auras turning deadly as they turned back to fight.

Seeing this, Feng Lin launched another air raid.

Arrows rained down, worsening the situation.

“Fall back!” Fan Zhi shouted.

Unable to retreat in time, the casualties were heavy.

He Wanyu took an arrow for He Shiwen, fortunately only grazing her shoulder. Now both her arms were symmetrically wounded.

He Shiwen was instantly enraged. “He Wanyu!”

He Wanyu grinned, trying to appease him with a mischievous yet endearing look.

Feng Lin’s attack abruptly halted. Fan Zhi, puzzled, looked into the distance. A massive Roc soared elegantly through the sky, its proud and piercing cries resonating powerfully. Atop its back stood a striking woman in blue.

The woman was tall, and every movement she made exuded confidence and pride. She drew her bow, her sharp eyes locking on her target. As she released the bowstring, the arrow sped like lightning, killing Feng Lin’s commander and piercing through the military flag.

The woman shouted, “Attack!”

Behind her, a vast swarm of Rocs swooped down. Archers on the birds’ backs rapidly fired arrows, turning the tide of battle in an instant.

“Jin Fengqi!” He Wanyu’s tense nerves finally relaxed.

In terms of martial prowess, aside from the once-famous Xiyan Sect founded by Chu Yue, none could rival Sky Overlord Sect of Jing’an City, which had recently risen to fame, now renowned as the second most powerful sect in the land.

The sect specialized in aerial combat, unmatched in archery, and boasted thousands of trained Rocs. In the air, they held the advantage.

Jin Fengqi was now the undisputed leader of Sky Overlord Sect.

He Wanyu recalled the first time Chu Yue met Jin Fengqi; she had been a fledgling girl, but her fiery spirit and toughness were very much like Chu Yue’s.

——

“What’s your name?”

“Chu Yue.”

“Demoness!”

Chu Yue chuckled softly. “The world calls me that. Do you think I’m a demoness?”

Jin Fengqi raised her chin, boldly and sincerely replying, “I don’t think you are. I, Jin Fengqi, want to be your friend.”

Jin Fengqi extended her hand. Chu Yue was taken aback, then burst into laughter. They clasped hands and became friends.

——

He Wanyu looked up. The spirited woman riding the Roc had gained maturity, but everything else remained unchanged.

The situation turned in their favor. Fan Zhi seized the opportunity, ordering a full-scale offensive. This battle was a victory for Long Xia.

The soldiers cheered in celebration. Hu Ji was the first to reach He Wanyu, checking for any injuries.

He Wanyu was already being scolded by He Shiwen. With Hu Ji joining in, she sighed. Being loved too much could be burdensome!

He Wanyu sweet-talked her way around both of them, finally calming their tempers, with He Qing’an providing cover. At last, He Shiwen and Hu Ji settled down.

Su Fengyao had been watching He Wanyu, observing her act spoiled and playful, just like a carefree little girl. Chu Yue had once tried to garner his attention and affection as well, but he had consistently refused her, treating her with a detachment that eventually made her stop trying.

Back then, Chu Yue probably just wanted someone to dote on her, turning her into a carefree child too.

What Chu Yue never got, He Wanyu found with He Shiwen.

A bitter smile tugged at Su Fengyao’s lips. His eyes were filled with loneliness and regret.

In the sky, the Rocs of Sky Overlord Sect formed a neat formation. Jin Fengqi dismounted from her Roc and landed before Fan Zhi.

“Long time no see.”

Fan Zhi teased her intentionally, “Many thanks, Leader Jin. Without you, our army would have suffered greatly.”

Jin Fengqi punched him hard on the shoulder. “Leader Jin, Leader Jin—am I nameless to you? Miss a few days of sparring, and you’re asking for a beating, aren’t you?”

Yuexia Yu Shu rushed over to greet her, “Fengqi! What brings you here?”

“Are you kidding? If I hadn’t come, you’d all be dead!”

Yuexia Yu Shu scratched his head and laughed sheepishly.

“Since you’re here, why not stay a bit and lend us a hand? We’re short on people; Sky Overlord Sect can help out, right?”

“In your dreams! Sky Overlord Sect doesn’t meddle in Imperial Court matters. If it weren’t for hearing that Ning Town was under Fan Zhi’s command, I wouldn’t have come.”

“All you ever think about is Fan Zhi, what about us? Don’t you care how we’re doing?” Su Fengyao strolled over nonchalantly, casually rubbing his nose.

Jin Fengqi glared at him fiercely. “Lazy bum! Just seeing you annoys me. Why aren’t you back at Yanri Sect doing your duty as their leader? What are you doing here?”

Su Fengyao retorted, “If you can come, why can’t I? Besides, I didn’t even want to be the leader. Weren’t you and a few others the ones who pushed me into it back then?”

Back then, an internal conflict at Yanri Sect happened to coincide with Su Fengyao and a few others’ arrival. They decisively helped the Old Sect Leader reclaim his position. Gravely injured and knowing his time was short, the Old Sect Leader passed the leadership to Feng Qian. Feng Qian declined, and the Old Sect Leader said it was fine, entrusting him with the Sect Leader’s Token until he found a more suitable leader.

In the end, Feng Qian had no choice but to assume the leadership due to the unified sects’ raid on Xiyan Sect, leading Yanri Sect to stand with Xiyan Sect.

The leadership eventually fell to Su Fengyao.

Over the years, Su Fengyao’s time at Yanri Sect had been leisurely and carefree, far from the responsibilities of a true leader, with most duties handled by his Deputy Leader, Pang Hang.

“Shameless,” Jin Fengqi’s evaluation of Su Fengyao was spot-on.

In the evening, during the celebration banquet, everyone gathered joyously, and He Wanyu and her group were seated at Fan Zhi’s table.

He Wanyu had injured her hand and arm. He Shiwen spoiled her to the extreme—he insisted on feeding her himself. All the meat went to her; if He Shiwen didn’t have enough, He Qing’an would offer his portion. In any case, her two Senior brothers were entirely focused on her.

In her mind, He Wanyu thought, “It’s just an arm injury, not like my hand is broken.”

Despite her thoughts, He Wanyu’s face radiated happiness and contentment.

Hu Ji also joined in, personally peeling grapes and feeding them to He Wanyu. She gave him a sideways glance, as if to complain.

“You know I’m full, why keep feeding me?”

Her cheeks puffed up, her big, bright eyes blinking, looking utterly adorable.

Su Fengyao stared at He Wanyu, finding it hard to suppress a smile.

Jin Fengqi was about to ask about the relationship between Hu Ji and the girl when she turned and saw Su Fengyao gazing intently at He Wanyu, his smile never leaving his face.

Frustrated, Jin Fengqi slammed her hand on the table, immediately drawing everyone’s attention.

Realizing her discourtesy, Jin Fengqi straightened up and adjusted her clothes, then walked directly to the still-chewing He Wanyu.

Seated there, He Wanyu looked up with her big, round, shimmering eyes, gazing at Jin Fengqi.

With her mouth full and her speech garbled, she asked, “Is there something you need, Miss Jin?”

Jin Fengqi examined He Wanyu closely. She was just a pure, innocent girl, markedly different from Chu Yue. The comparison was like night and day.