Regarding the earth-shattering events that had occurred among the beast clans, Yun Qingxue, who had already left, was naturally completely unaware. She was being led by Mo Changxing as they hurried toward Luoyun Mountain in the northwest.
Luoyun Mountain and Chuxia Mountain were located at the southeastern and northwestern ends of the Xuanling Continent, respectively, separated by a vast distance. Even with the aid of wind-riding magic, it would take at least a full day to travel from Chuxia Mountain to Luoyun Mountain.
It was nearly noon.
Mo Changxing brought Yun Qingxue to a small town in human territory.
Though she had been human in her previous life, after her experience in Shanggu Town and now returning to human lands, Yun Qingxue no longer felt any sense of belonging to her former race. The events of the past had made it painfully clear to her that she was no longer human—here, she was an outsider.
“Little junior sister, you must be hungry. We still have some distance to cover before reaching Luoyun Mountain. Why don’t we rest for a while?” Mo Changxing suggested with a gentle, warm smile.
Yun Qingxue nodded. “Alright.”
After all the traveling, she was indeed hungry.
Mo Changxing chuckled and cast a spell to alter both his and Yun Qingxue’s appearances before leading her to a nearby tavern. As it was nearing noon, the place was naturally bustling with activity.
The two entered the tavern and found a seat by the window.
A waiter approached them eagerly. “What would you two like to order?”
Mo Changxing smiled warmly, his clear eyes glancing at Yun Qingxue before asking, “Little junior sister, what dishes would you like?”
“Just a couple of simple vegetarian dishes will do,” Yun Qingxue replied with a faint smile.
The waiter turned his gaze to Mo Changxing.
With a teasing grin, Mo Changxing said, “Don’t worry, little junior sister. Your senior brother can certainly afford to treat you to a proper meal!”
With that, he placed a silver ingot on the table and instructed the waiter, “Bring us one of each of your signature dishes.”
“Right away, honored guests!” The waiter took the silver with a delighted smile and hurried off.
While waiting for the food, Yun Qingxue took the opportunity to observe her surroundings.
The tavern wasn’t just a place for meals. She and Mo Changxing were seated on the second floor, and above them were two more levels that served as lodging rooms.
From their window, Yun Qingxue had a direct view of a nearby dock.
Willow branches draped like green ribbons along the shore, and a few small boats bobbed gently on the water. In the distance, mist shimmered over the rippling waves.
It was a lovely spot. A faint smile touched Yun Qingxue’s lips.
Mo Changxing watched her quietly. Even with her appearance altered by his magic, her innate grace still shone through. Her expression was soft and serene.
Since her return, she had been thrust into one difficult situation after another. It couldn’t have been easy for her.
Had it not been for *that person* and the ensuing crises, her life should have been one of boundless love and care.
A flicker of sorrow passed through Mo Changxing’s dark eyes. But at least now, he could finally take her to safety. The road ahead was long, but…
He could protect her now!!!
Yun Qingxue gazed absently out the window while Mo Changxing continued to watch her.
At some point, the noisy tavern began to grow quiet. Sensing the shift, both Yun Qingxue and Mo Changxing glanced around.
All the diners had inexplicably set down their chopsticks and risen to their feet, every single one of them facing the same direction—the staircase.
Yun Qingxue followed their gaze. *What’s happening over there?* she wondered. Then, clear footsteps echoed from the stairs—someone was coming up, and it sounded like more than one person.
For the entire tavern to fall silent and rise in unison, whoever was arriving must be someone of great importance.
Yun Qingxue frowned. Her encounter with Chen Qing in Shanggu Town had left her with little enthusiasm for meeting prominent human figures. She could only hope this wasn’t another person like him.
The footsteps grew closer, and a faint floral fragrance began to overpower the scent of food in the air.
“Little junior sister, wait here. I’ll step out for a moment.”
Mo Changxing stood up as he spoke. His eyes, usually bright as stars, darkened with an unreadable intensity as the footsteps approached.
“Mm,” Yun Qingxue acknowledged. Since everyone else was standing, she didn’t want to stand out and rose as well.
With a faint smile, Mo Changxing leaped gracefully out the window and vanished in the blink of an eye.
Almost simultaneously, the ascending figures reached the top of the stairs.
Yun Qingxue’s hands clenched into fists beneath her sleeves as she saw who it was.
*What kind of cursed fate is this?!* Why was it that both times she set foot in human lands, she ran into Chen Qing?!
“Greetings, Grand State Preceptor!” The diners all dropped to their knees in unison the moment Chen Qing appeared.
Yun Qingxue remained standing, instantly standing out like a sore thumb.
Chen Qing’s gaze locked onto her the moment he stepped onto the floor.
Feeling the sharpness of his stare, Yun Qingxue inwardly groaned. *Unbelievable luck!*
Footsteps sounded again as Chen Qing began walking toward her.
“Miss, kneel quickly to greet the Grand State Preceptor!” A man from the neighboring table whispered urgently, assuming she must be frozen in shock at encountering such an exalted figure.
Instead, Yun Qingxue smirked and deliberately took a step back, sitting back down in her seat. Though Mo Changxing had altered her appearance, the way Chen Qing was approaching made it clear—he had recognized her.
If he already knew who she was, what was the point of pretending?
The kneeling crowd was baffled, unanimously concluding the girl must have lost her senses. How else could a commoner dare to remain seated in the presence of the Grand State Preceptor, a figure revered like a celestial being?
In a few strides, Chen Qing reached her table. He stood there, his expression inscrutable as he studied her, then suddenly smiled. “Your Majesty, the Flower King. Long time no see.”
Yun Qingxue arched a brow and returned his gaze coolly. She had guessed right—Chen Qing had recognized her immediately.
Truth be told, with A’Dai safely back by her side, her burning desire to kill Chen Qing had faded somewhat.
But just because *her* murderous intent had lessened didn’t mean Chen Qing’s inexplicable hostility toward her had waned in the slightest!
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage