”Chapter 21: Master Said a Man Offering a Woman a Drink Must Have Ulterior Motives“

Chen Qingyan nodded and said, "Go ahead."

Although Lin Fengmian didn't understand why she was helping him, he still gave her a grateful glance.

With a serious expression, he said, "Since Senior Sister Liu believes my strength is inferior to Junior Brother Ji, I'm willing to challenge Junior Brother Ji to a duel. If I lose, I'll voluntarily give up my spot."

Chen Qingyan was slightly surprised by his words, but then she turned to Liu Mei and asked, "Senior Sister Liu, what do you think?"

Liu Mei frowned slightly and looked at the other three women for their opinions. "What do you all think?"

Xia Yunxi quickly raised her hands in support. "I think we should give him a chance."

Wang Yanan and Mo Ruyu seemed hesitant but gave a neutral response. "We're fine either way."

Liu Mei snorted coldly but eventually nodded. "Alright, let's go with what you said."

Ji Chenbo, who thought his spot was secure, was now furious that Lin Fengmian might steal it. He glared at Lin Fengmian, thinking, *This guy must have some sort of deal with Senior Sister Chen and Senior Sister Xia, otherwise why would they support him?*

With a dark look, Ji Chenbo sneered, "Lin Fengmian, you're no match for me. I advise you not to embarrass yourself."

But Lin Fengmian shook his head. "Sorry, Junior Brother Ji, but I'm determined to take this spot."

Ji Chenbo scoffed, "Then don't blame me for being rude!"

The two of them stood in the arena, and Liu Mei smiled slightly. "Begin the duel!"

Ji Chenbo, knowing Lin Fengmian's fighting style, kept his distance and began casting fireball spells from afar.

Lin Fengmian frowned. He wasn't skilled at using the elemental spells of the five elements, as his mixed spiritual roots made it too energy-intensive to master them. Forced to dodge the incoming fireballs, he found himself constantly on the move, unable to get close to Ji Chenbo.

Ji Chenbo relaxed and laughed. "I thought you were stronger than this, Lin Fengmian!"

A cold glint flashed in Lin Fengmian's eyes as he began to adjust to the speed of the fireballs and dashed toward Ji Chenbo.

As Lin Fengmian got closer, Ji Chenbo began to panic, retreating rapidly. With a grimace, he yelled, "You forced me! Flame Boulder Technique!"

A massive fireball rolled out, barreling toward Lin Fengmian. The heat was intense, and if Lin Fengmian got hit, he'd be seriously injured or worse.

On the stone platform, Chen Qingyan and the others watched intently, ready to intervene if necessary.

Lin Fengmian didn't dodge. Instead, he faced the fireball head-on, drawing his sword swiftly. A gleam of sword light sliced through the air, splitting the fireball in two.

Chen Qingyan's eyes sparkled with surprise, watching Lin Fengmian's remarkable skill.

With his wooden sword now resting against Ji Chenbo's neck, Lin Fengmian's expression was cold and composed.

Ji Chenbo was terrified, sweat pouring down his face. His eyes were filled with reluctance as he started forming hand seals, intent on continuing the fight.

But Lin Fengmian pressed the sword down harder, his voice icy. "Junior Brother Ji, I advise you not to move. Otherwise, I won't be so kind."

Ji Chenbo's face contorted with frustration, but he eventually conceded. "Senior Brother Lin, your skills are superior. I admit defeat."

Only then did Lin Fengmian sheathe his sword, cupping his hands with a smile. "Thank you for the lesson."

Chen Qingyan smiled slightly and turned to Liu Mei. "Senior Sister Liu?"

With all eyes on her, Liu Mei couldn't go back on her word. She gave Lin Fengmian a meaningful glance.

"Lin Fengmian, you've proven your skill. The spot is yours," she said with a faint smile.

Lin Fengmian bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Senior Sister!"

Liu Mei chuckled. "No need to thank me, you earned it with your own skill."

She looked at Lin Fengmian and the other four winners. "Tomorrow morning, the five of you will meet at the base of Hongluan Peak. We'll make the necessary preparations before heading down the mountain."

The five of them responded in unison, while the rest of the disciples looked at Lin Fengmian with envy, wishing they could be in his place.

Lin Fengmian was ecstatic. He was finally going to leave the Hehuan Sect.

On the platform, Xia Yunxi smiled sweetly at Lin Fengmian's excitement.

Lin Fengmian nodded slightly in return.

That night, his jade pendant began to glow faintly. Lin Fengmian had finally figured out its patterns. The pendant didn't activate at fixed times; instead, it would light up once it had fully charged. If not activated, it would store energy for use the next night.

The pendant took three days to recharge after being fully drained before it could be used again.

To activate it, both users had to willingly respond. If either resisted, they couldn't enter the shared space.

Previously, neither Lin Fengmian nor Luo Xue had resisted because they were unaware of the pendant's mechanism. Now that they knew, they agreed to only use it when convenient, to avoid disturbing each other.

Lin Fengmian held the pendant, responding to its call and waiting for Luo Xue's answer.

On the other side, Luo Xue looked at her glowing pendant with some surprise. *He's contacting me?*

Without hesitation, she answered the call and reentered the shared space, where she found Lin Fengmian smiling brightly.

Seeing how happy he was, Luo Xue asked curiously, "What's got you in such a good mood?"

Lin Fengmian could barely contain his joy. "I found a way to go down the mountain with them. I might get a chance to escape along the way."

Luo Xue's eyes lit up. "That's great news! What's your plan?"

"What else can I do? I'll look for a chance to escape from this den of devils," Lin Fengmian said with a wry smile.

Then, he looked at Luo Xue with eager anticipation. "Do you have any techniques I can use for self-defense? You know, for running away?"

Luo Xue laughed. "It's funny you should ask. I happened to learn a few basic sword techniques just for you today."

"That's amazing!" Lin Fengmian was thrilled.

"Watch closely," Luo Xue said as she demonstrated a set of straightforward sword moves. Though simple for her, they were profound in Lin Fengmian's eyes.

Unlike the complex techniques she'd taught him before, Lin Fengmian picked these up quickly.

He looked at Luo Xue with deep gratitude. "Luo Xianzi, I owe you a great deal this time."

Luo Xue smiled. "I haven't really done much for you. You figured out the solution yourself. But since you're so thankful, I'll graciously accept your thanks."

Lin Fengmian gazed at her thoughtfully. "If only we lived in the same place, then you could visit me directly. I'd definitely treat you to some drinks."

Luo Xue's eyes twinkled as she chuckled. "Drinks? My master always said that if a man offers a woman a drink, he must have ulterior motives."

Lin Fengmian laughed awkwardly. "I'm just trying to thank you!"