Rejecting a beauty

Ye Li hailed a taxi and headed towards Taibai Tower. Despite the nightly activities of wandering spirits, Taibai Tower had managed to avoid any disasters and was still operating normally. However, after the recent calamity in Jiangcheng, few people had the leisure to dine out, resulting in a day of dismal business for Taibai Tower with only a few occupied tables.

Ye Li walked into the restaurant and scanned the surroundings, quickly spotting Wen Qing in a corner.

"Wen Team Leader, long time no see," Ye Li greeted her with a smile.

"Ye Li!? It's been ages, and you've become even more handsome," Wen Qing exclaimed happily as she stood up upon seeing him.

They exchanged pleasantries and sat down.

"Let me introduce you. This is my good friend, Ye Xirou," Wen Qing said, pointing towards a casually dressed but still stunningly beautiful woman.

Ye Xirou nodded politely towards Ye Li, curiously assessing him. She wondered why she couldn't sense any spiritual energy fluctuations within him. Could it be that Wen Qing had deceived her?

Having spent the past few days together, Ye Xirou had gained some understanding of Wen Qing's character. She was carefree and somewhat careless, much like the type of person who would enjoy pulling pranks and deceiving others.

"Don't underestimate Xirou. She's also an extraordinary individual," Wen Qing said with a cheerful smile.

Ye Li smiled but remained silent. From the very beginning, he had sensed the surging spiritual energy within the girl, resembling a raging river, albeit slightly weaker than the Shuten-doji.

He wouldn't believe it even if someone beat him to death and claimed she wasn't an extraordinary individual.

"Aren't there many topics to discuss among extraordinary individuals? Why aren't you two saying anything?" Wen Qing asked curiously, noticing the cooling atmosphere.

Her words only intensified the silence between the two.

Ye Xirou felt that Wen Qing had been deceived. It was obvious that this person in front of her couldn't even sense a trace of spiritual energy. He was clearly an ordinary person.

On the other hand, Ye Li felt a strong disdain. Who among the extraordinary individuals in this world could compare to him? Topics? What topics?

"Tch, you two are really boring and introverted," Wen Qing pouted, wearing a dissatisfied expression.

She then called out loudly, "Bring out the dishes! Bring them out!"

Soon, a variety of exquisite dishes were brought to the table.

"Xirou, eat more. These are all specialties of Jiangcheng," Wen Qing said as she piled many dishes into Ye Xirou's bowl.

"Miss Ye, you're not from Jiangcheng?" Ye Li suddenly spoke up, inquiring.

"Yes, I'm from the Imperial Capital," Ye Xirou replied without any intention of concealing her origins. As the young lady of the Ye family, she despised being secretive.

"I came to Jiangcheng this time mainly to recruit the Sword Immortal. It's such a waste for a powerful individual like him to stay in Jiangcheng. The Imperial Capital is the center of Huaxia, where powerful individuals gather. Only by going to a place like that can the Sword Immortal unleash his full potential."

"Even the Imperial Capital has sent people? It seems this matter has been too conspicuous," Ye Li mused, stroking his chin.

"Li Sword Saint is a great hero of Jiangcheng, Xirou, you can't take him away," Wen Qing said cheerfully.

Ye Xirou remained noncommittal.

"Well, once Li Sword Saint hears my conditions, he might agree," she said cunningly.

"That's impossible," Ye Li replied flatly as he took a bite of his food.

"Hmm? Why are you so certain, Mr. Ye? Could it be that you know Li Sword Saint?" Ye Xirou glanced at him suspiciously. Although she had said those words, she hadn't actually compared Ye Li to Li Sword Saint. One was an unparalleled swordsman, and the other was a powerless mortal. There was no comparison.

"If I told you I am Li Sword Saint, would you believe it?" Ye Li shrugged, his expression indifferent.

"Mr. Ye, that joke isn't funny," Ye Xirou laughed awkwardly.

"You see, my name has 'Li' in it, and Li Sword Saint's name also has 'Li.' Don't we look alike?" Ye Li continued, but this time Ye Xirou didn't say anything more. She simply smiled quietly and ignored him.

Seeing her reaction, Ye Li felt relieved. It seemed that she wouldn't suspect him in the short term.

Ye Li silently finished his meal while Ye Xirou and Wen Qing engaged in intermittent conversation. They had only known each other for a few days, so their relationship wasn't particularly close. They only chatted about mundane topics in daily life.

Time passed slowly, and over an hour went by.

"Ye Li, can you accompany me to Tianwang Elementary School?" Wen Qing suddenly spoke up.

"..." Wen Qing's sudden request almost made Ye Li spray the food from his mouth.

"I knew it, this guy has an ulterior motive," Ye Li silently complained.

Since their school days, Wen Qing had always been a clever mischief-maker, quite devious. He had played tricks on the majority of students in their class, and even the teachers were not spared.

Fortunately, Wen Qing knew how to handle things appropriately. Coupled with her personal excellence and charismatic personality, she didn't make others dislike her. On the contrary, she had good popularity among her classmates.

"Um, well, uh..." Ye Li stammered.

The eerie aura within Tianwang Elementary School could be sensed from miles away. It was a place where powerful evil spirits resided, and it would be troublesome to go there. Ye Li didn't feel like going, especially with Wen Qing, a mere mortal. It would be even more troublesome.

"Ye Li, I know you're amazing. Just help me out, okay? Xirou is also coming with us this time. Can you bear to see us two weak girls trapped in a haunted place?" Wen Qing pouted and acted cute.

Ye Li rolled his eyes at her words. Seduction wouldn't work on him.

"Wen Qing, since Mr. Ye doesn't want to go, you don't have to force him," Ye Xirou said, feeling disappointed. This so-called powerful anomaly turned out to be a powerless mortal. She had hoped that she might find some clues about Li Sword Saint through this, but it seemed meaningless now. However, since they had come, it was necessary to take a look at this haunted place in Tianwang Elementary School. After all, if such a place was left unattended for a long time, who knew what kind of disaster might arise in the future.

"Let's go, Wen Qing," Ye Xirou said as she wiped her mouth after finishing the meal and prepared to leave.

"Uh... alright," Wen Qing replied somewhat dejectedly as she glanced at Ye Li, who was eating his meal in silence.

"I'll go settle the bill. You can take your time eating," she said before leaving with Ye Xirou.

Ye Li watched the two figures leave, his face calm. With Ye Xirou, an A-level powerhouse, their lives would be safe. As for others, he couldn't guarantee anything. After finishing his meal, he took a taxi back home. These two little girls, with their courage and talent, would experience some hardships, which might be a good thing for them.

Little did Ye Li know that their actions this time nearly brought disaster to the entire Jiangcheng and even affected several nearby cities...

Meanwhile, the two had arrived at the entrance of Tianwang Elementary School.

"Such a strong ghostly aura!" Ye Xirou said with a serious expression as she looked at the dilapidated school building.

It seemed that she had underestimated Tianwang Elementary School.

At the same time, she glanced curiously at Wen Qing beside her. How could she have such good luck? She went in and managed to come out unscathed?