Finally, after Xiao Ruoching finished grooming herself, Su Bei led his two unruly disciples and the Sword Maiden toward the familiar courtyard, carrying a large box of preserves.
An hour later, Su Bei and his group arrived at the courtyard.
Key Smoke's eyes scanned Su Bei's three disciples before fixating on the box of preserves in his hand.
Su Bei smiled and quickly handed it over, saying, "Saintess, this is a special treat I brought for you! Please accept it."
Key Smoke wanted to observe the traditional virtue of the Twenty-One Provinces by politely refusing a few times. However, she worried Su Bei might actually retract his offer, so she snatched the box of preserves. Her eyes narrowed into slits as she said cheerfully, "Elder Su, there was no need to bring anything! Please, have a seat."
At that moment, another figure emerged from behind. Su Bei's face lit up with pleasant surprise when he saw the handsome, flawless face, and he exclaimed, "Brother Ji!"
However, he still felt something was off. Why is the Eastern Emperor always with the Saintess? Could it be? He gasped, startled by his own thoughts.
Ji Nanjue looked at Su Bei with a smile and waved in greeting.
Watching this, Key Smoke's eyes narrowed further. Her gaze shifted back and forth between the two, pondering. It seems Su Bei is unaware of Ji Nanjue's true identity. But why the warmth? Could it be?
"Oh, Saintess! I've got a little something else here that might pique your interest!" Su Bei, clearly unnerved by Key Smoke's scrutinizing gaze, quickly took a bag of popping candy from his storage ring and handed it to her.
Key Smoke's eyes lit up. She had never seen this kind of candy before. The packaging was exquisite, and a delicate red string hung from it. It looked ordinary, but it shimmered with a unique Spiritual Energy.
She took the popping candy with a look of contentment and casually held the red string in her hand, "You're too kind, Elder Su!"
Su Bei stared, dumbfounded, as Key Smoke clutched the 'Red Thread of Fate.' His heart skipped a beat. He vaguely sensed an inexplicable connection forming with the noble woman before him. Damn it! How did I end up giving her both things?! Nothing weird is going to happen... right?
"Are you Elder Su's disciples?"
Handing the Elder's Token to Su Bei, Key Smoke finally addressed the matter at hand, looking at Xiao Ruoching and the others. She stated calmly, "This opportunity was originally a reward for your master for breaking the mystical stone. However, Elder Su has passed this opportunity on to you all. For the next few hours, I will provide guidance on your cultivation. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me!"
Her plain words caused a stir in the hearts of the three disciples. They had thought their master had received this opportunity for some unknown reason, only now realizing it was originally meant for him!
Xiao Ruoching's eyes twinkled with complex emotions as she clenched her delicate fist. This is the second time. Master, how can I ever repay you?
"Master, your disciple refuses!"
A cold voice rang out. Su Bei looked in surprise at the silver-haired disciple.
Mo Li glanced at Su Bei, then spoke calmly to the Saintess.