As Dan Wuque's words fell, everyone's gaze turned towards Dan Wulan, and Dan Wulan's body instantly stiffened.
Perhaps it was because the two were standing so close that, from the onlookers' perspective, nothing unusual could be seen—especially since everyone was still immersed in the tense atmosphere. Only Wenren Pingxin's brows furrowed slightly as she thoughtfully scanned back and forth between the two.
Dan Wuque blinked, stepped forward, and gently touched Dan Wulan's cheek.
It felt slightly warm, different from its usual cool softness.
"Little Sister, you must be injured!"
With that, she took out a Qi Blood Pill from her storage ring and stuffed it into Dan Wulan's mouth, muttering, "You're so grown up, yet you don't say anything when you're hurt? You only know how to tough it out by yourself...
"Why don't you move at all? Senior Brother, please step aside a little; my sister isn't feeling well."
Su Bei grinned sheepishly, his hand stiff behind Dan Wulan, as he tried to think of something to divert everyone's attention. Just at that moment, a voice came from the Ascension Platform:
"Buddha Gate versus Tianji Sect!"
Taking advantage of everyone's attention being turned towards the Ascension Platform, Su Bei retreated his hand from beneath the thin garment. Feigning a puzzled expression, he solemnly said, "This so-called Tianji Sect is truly remarkable!
"Last time, I lost ten silver, and when I asked them to divine its whereabouts, they found it right under Eldest Sister's pillow."
Seeing everyone turn to Wenren Pingxin with odd expressions, Su Bei couldn't help but feel a great sense of relief.
Wenren Pingxin: "..."
...
Finally, the preliminary round came to an end. Amidst the discussions of all the cultivators, each flew back to their respective residences.
Dan Wulan glanced at Su Bei. Her eyes were devoid of even a hint of shyness, and her expressionless face was perhaps her way of reproaching him for his actions just now?
Su Bei felt somewhat in the wrong and smiled awkwardly. However, the faintly cool and soft sensation on his hand didn't seem to have disappeared.
Throughout the journey, Dan Wuque kept her arm around Dan Wulan's shoulder. Despite the icy woman repeatedly emphasizing that her body was perfectly fine, Dan Wuque still didn't believe her. With a stubborn expression, she didn't loosen the grip of her small hand.
Back at the Sword Sect's residence, in his own small courtyard, Su Bei leaned back on his bed with his arms behind his head, gazing at the night sky.
The finals were not as rushed as the preliminary round. Only one match was held each day. The first round alone, held at the Sacred Land, would last for five days. This was likely to allow cultivators time to recover, as their bodies couldn't recuperate quickly after continuous battles.
At that moment, a knock came at the door. Su Bei knew who it was. He rolled over leisurely and said, "Come in."
Su Bei looked at Mo Li awkwardly. Given her previous difficult personality, it was impossible for her to say such words. Her actively seeking his guidance should have been a cause for universal celebration, but...
"As the saying goes, 'You can't get fat with one bite!'"
"The Sword Scripture is already an extremely profound and abstruse ultimate technique. Why are you, for no good reason, also delving into The Wilderness Scripture?"
"You possess the Sword Heart, Sword Bone, and Sword Body. Properly cultivating the Sword Scripture is your most urgent priority!"
After a cough, Su Bei said with an air of profound inscrutability.
Mo Li didn't say anything, merely nodded faintly, turned, and was about to leave.
"As your master, I am very pleased..."
Su Bei's calm voice came from behind her. Mo Li's steps faltered slightly for a moment, then she continued towards the door.
She still maintained her cool and aloof demeanor.
Su Bei watched Mo Li's departing figure, casually observing her silver hair from behind. In the moonlight, it seemed to shimmer with the luster of gilded phoenix feathers.
His heart skipped a beat. He sat upright, his gaze fixed blankly on the familiar ornamental hairpin until her figure completely exited the room and she closed the door.
"Phoenix Gilded," Su Bei muttered to himself.
His mind was a jumbled mess as he carefully recalled everything that had happened that night: the open window, the trail of water extending to the door...
Perhaps it's just... a coincidence?
Su Bei took a deep breath, his expression flickering, unable to make a decision.
He discovered, however, that his hands were indeed trembling.
An unknown amount of time passed. It was the dead of night, and everything around was exceptionally quiet.
Su Bei gritted his teeth, stood up, and headed towards Dan Wulan's courtyard.
Everything was deathly quiet. Su Bei tiptoed closer to Dan Wulan's room. Before he could even open the door to enter, he saw through the window: Dan Wulan was propping her head up with one hand, her white hair cascading down her side, revealing a fair, jade-like arm and shoulder, while her cool eyes were gazing at him.