A coughing sound, faint but urgent, echoed from the side. Lu Xueqi and her companions turned to see Tian Buyi, seated on the stone steps, his face contorted with a pained expression, coughing continuously.
Lu Xueqi furrowed her brows, her eyes revealing a hint of concern. Given Tian Buyi’s profound cultivation, he should have been impervious to such minor ailments. Clearly, something grave must have befallen him.
As Lu Xueqi pondered in silence, Xiao Huan quietly approached.
Tian Buyi, somewhat surprised, looked up at Xiao Huan. She smiled and said, “Elder… thank you for saving me, my grandfather, and the Daoist a few days ago.”
A faint smile appeared on Tian Buyi’s weary face. “It was a small matter, not worth mentioning. But this place is ominous, not suitable for prolonged stay. If there’s nothing else, it’s best to leave quickly.”
Zhou Yixian, nodding vigorously, chimed in, “Yes, yes, he’s right. Xiao Huan, let’s go!”
Xiao Huan gave her grandfather a sidelong glance before turning back to Tian Buyi. “Elder, are you alright? Do you need any help?”
Tian Buyi shook his head. “I’m fine. You two should leave. If that person returns, you might not be as lucky next time.”
As he spoke, a shadow of blackness briefly crossed his face, and he began to cough again, his voice rougher than before.
The lone demon, standing off to one side, watched Tian Buyi intently, observing every move. His masked face betrayed only a thoughtful gaze.
Xiao Huan, urged by her grandfather and seeing no way to assist, bid Tian Buyi farewell and left with Zhou Yixian and the stray Daoist.
After a few steps, she glanced back at the demon, noticing something peculiar. She asked her grandfather, “Grandfather, why does that man look exactly like… my former master?”
Zhou Yixian, confused, responded, “What master… eh?” He then squinted at the demon, pondered for a moment, and said, “There are many strange people in this world. It’s possible some dress like your former master. Don’t mind him, let’s go!”
Xiao Huan followed, but couldn’t help glancing back at the demon, who remained motionless, his eyes fixed on Tian Buyi.
Soon, Zhou Yixian, Xiao Huan, and the stray Daoist departed, leaving the abandoned shrine even more desolate. Tian Buyi and Lu Xueqi’s attention now turned to the mysterious figure in black.
Tian Buyi asked, “Do you have business here?”
The demon remained silent, his gaze shifting between Tian Buyi and Lu Xueqi. Finally, after a long pause, he floated backward, merging silently into the night.
The cold night wind blew, and the abandoned shrine fell into an eerie silence. Lu Xueqi felt a sudden sense of unease.
Tian Buyi looked up at the sky, deep in thought.
Unsure why he was lost in thought, Lu Xueqi hesitated to disturb him. After a while, she asked, “Uncle Tian, are you alright?”
Tian Buyi, still coughing, finally stopped and waved her off, indicating he was fine.
Lu Xueqi suggested, “Uncle Tian, we’re not far from Azure Ethereal Conclave. Let’s return and consult the elders.”
Tian Buyi’s brows furrowed. “While I was away, how are things on Dazhu Peak and with your Master Su Ru?”
Lu Xueqi reassured him, “Everything is well, but everyone was worried about your whereabouts.”
Tian Buyi smiled, though it held a hint of bitterness. “When I went to Tiantong Peak, I discovered that Daoxuan was indeed possessed. We fought, but his power was undiminished. In the end, I was captured and brought here.”
Lu Xueqi, sensing a dark aura around him, asked, “Is that the demonic spell that injured you?”
Tian Buyi nodded, then sighed, “I had prepared to awaken Daoxuan, or at least fight to the death if necessary. But his power was still formidable. I don’t know why he didn’t kill me, but instead, imprisoned me here.”
Lu Xueqi, noting his pale face, asked, “Are you injured?”
Tian Buyi replied, “Being confined in a coffin for days is not good for one’s complexion.”
Lu Xueqi frowned, feeling a deeper sense of unease. “Uncle Tian, what do you plan to do now?”
Tian Buyi explained, “Daoxuan’s behavior is unpredictable. He left yesterday, but may return soon. I suggest you return to the Conclave and inform Shu Ru and Master Shui Yue.”
Lu Xueqi hesitated, “But if he returns tonight…”
Tian Buyi smiled. “A true warrior never backs down. I will stand firm.”
Lu Xueqi, deeply moved, stood beside him. “Uncle Tian, you need to rest. I’ll watch over you tonight.”
Tian Buyi, surprised, nodded approvingly. “Well said. True courage.”
Lu Xueqi helped him sit down, and the two closed their eyes, meditating. As she sensed the surroundings, she noticed that her spiritual awareness could not penetrate Tian Buyi.
Suddenly, Tian Buyi spoke, “Xueqi…”
She opened her eyes. “Uncle Tian, call me Xueqi.”
Tian Buyi, his eyes holding a meaningful gleam, continued, “Xueqi. Tell me, did you know my unworthy seventh disciple?”
Lu Xueqi, startled, felt her cheeks flush. “Yes, Uncle Tian. Why do you ask?”
Tian Buyi, impassive, said, “I heard you’ve been close to him, even refusing a marriage proposal because of him.”
Lu Xueqi, blushing, stammered, “I… I didn’t like him, so I refused.”
Tian Buyi cut in, “Do you love him?”
Lu Xueqi, her heart pounding, looked him in the eye and said, “Yes!”
Tian Buyi laughed, genuinely pleased. “Good! I’ll take care of your matters once this is over.”
Lu Xueqi, flustered but grateful, smiled. “Thank you, Uncle Tian.”
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