"I'm leaving, but what about you? After reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, you'll have to go to Red Luan Peak!" Lin Fengmian asked seriously.
"I was going to break through the Foundation Establishment stage eventually anyway. As long as I can help you, it's all worth it..." Summer Yunxi's voice grew quieter and quieter until it faded completely. She lowered her head, as if she had done something wrong.
Lin Fengmian pulled her into his embrace, feeling a mix of emotions. "You're too foolish. I'm not worth it. I'm not as good as you think!"
Summer Yunxi obediently leaned against his chest and whispered, "You are worth it, Senior Brother. You've always been good to me."
Lin Fengmian looked at the girl in his arms, feeling bitter. "There are many people in this world better than me. One day, you'll meet someone better..."
Summer Yunxi smiled radiantly, replying, "But I've only met you. My heart can only hold you."
Lin Fengmian couldn't help but laugh bitterly, and he kissed her passionately. Summer Yunxi responded with equal emotion. After a moment of intimacy, she whispered shyly, "Senior Brother, why don't you take me? I'm still... clean."
Lin Fengmian, seeing her blushing face, playfully tapped her nose and laughed, "Aren't you afraid of being bitten by mosquitoes and snakes?"
Her face turned even redder, and she whispered, "I'm afraid, but I'm more afraid of missing this chance, that later it might not be you anymore."
Lowering her head, she muttered sadly, "Senior Brother, are you... rejecting me?"
Lin Fengmian pulled her close and said gently, "Of course not. I just don't want to have dual cultivation with you under these circumstances."
"You may not be afraid of getting bitten, but I am. Let's just take a walk."
Summer Yunxi nodded obediently, allowing him to lead her through the forest.
As they walked, her face remained flushed as she whispered, "We can't go this way."
Seeing Lin Fengmian's puzzled look, she explained bashfully, "I hear Senior Sister Wang's voice ahead."
Lin Fengmian listened closely and realized it was indeed Wang Yanan's voice, faint and rhythmic, filled with emotion. He couldn't help but laugh, "Who would've thought that our usually dignified Senior Sister Wang could be so bold in private?"
Summer Yunxi was deeply embarrassed, and then suddenly, she exclaimed, "Senior Brother, there's light coming from your chest!"
Lin Fengmian noticed that his jade pendant was emitting a faint glow, seemingly trying to pull him into that mysterious space.
Could it be Luo Xue calling him?
Given the situation, Lin Fengmian didn't dare respond to the jade pendant. It was his biggest secret, and if anyone discovered it, he wouldn't be able to explain himself.
As he ignored the pendant's call, it flickered a few more times before dimming completely.
With a smile, he teased, "You must have imagined it. There's no light."
Summer Yunxi, still confused, muttered to herself, wondering if she'd really seen it wrong.
Meanwhile, in the other world, Luo Xue stared at the now-silent pendant, frowning. Could something have happened to him?
He had mentioned going out with those temptresses from the Hehuan Sect. Could it be that they had drained him dry?
Growing worried, she quickly went to find the Qionghua Elder.
"Master, I wish to go on a journey," Luo Xue lied.
Qionghua Elder frowned. "Where do you wish to go?"
"I want to visit the Eastern Wilderness. I feel there is a great opportunity awaiting me there," Luo Xue said, fabricating her reason.
The Qionghua Elder pondered this. For cultivators, opportunities were often mysterious and unpredictable, especially for someone as talented as Luo Xue. Her intuition couldn't be taken lightly.
After a long pause, the elder finally nodded. "If that's the case, I'll have Tingyu accompany you."
Luo Xue knew that refusing her master would mean losing the chance to leave, so she agreed.
Moreover, with Senior Sister Tingyu accompanying her, even if the Hehuan Sect had strong cultivators, they wouldn't stand a chance against the two of them.
The next day, Lin Fengmian and the others flew for half a day until they spotted a black city in the distance.
It was hard to imagine that, in the middle of these desolate mountains, not only were there people, but there was also a small city like this.
Seeing the city, Liu Mei smiled slightly and said, "That's Dongluo City, one of the few settlements in the Eastern Wang Mountains."
"We'll fly straight into the city. Remember to maintain your composure and avoid mentioning anything related to the Hehuan Sect."
"Yes, Senior Sister!" Everyone responded in unison.
The city dwellers were busy with their daily activities when someone looked up and shouted in amazement, "Look, immortals!"
"It really is! And there are immortal maidens descending from the sky."
As Lin Fengmian and the group floated down elegantly, stepping lightly on their flying artifacts, the townspeople stared in awe.
Soon, the city guards rushed over, bowing respectfully. "Greetings, esteemed immortal masters. May I ask where you are from and if there's anything we can assist you with?"
Liu Mei, now appearing serious and distant, asked calmly, "We are disciples of the Yushu Sect, passing through. Is your city lord available?"
"Yes, he is. Would the immortal masters like to meet him?" the guard leader asked eagerly.
"Indeed. Please take us to him," Liu Mei said with a faint smile.
"I will take you to the city lord's mansion immediately. He will be overjoyed to meet you. This way, please."
The guard led the group, sending another to inform the city lord in advance.
As they walked, Lin Fengmian couldn't help but notice how serious and composed Liu Mei appeared. He smirked slightly. *Truly a woman of many faces.*
They were soon led into the grand and imposing city lord's mansion, which left them all in awe.
The city lord of Dongluo City was a middle-aged man in his fifties, with a large belly and so much fat that his eyes were nearly hidden. He waddled forward with a smile, bowing deeply.
"I am Zhou Hongfu, the lord of this city. It is an honor to host such esteemed guests."
His beady eyes sparkled when he saw the beautiful Liu Mei and the other women, his excitement barely concealed.
Liu Mei remained poised, smiling as she returned the greeting. "Thank you for your hospitality. I am Liu Mei, and these are my fellow disciples."
As she introduced everyone, Zhou Hongfu nodded enthusiastically, though it was unclear if he actually remembered any names. He quickly invited them inside, eager to please.
Once they were seated, Zhou Hongfu, still unable to tear his gaze from Liu Mei and the others, asked eagerly, "What brings such celestial beings to my humble city?"
"We are here on orders from our elders to seek out those with a predestined fate for immortality. We passed through your city and thought we would stop by. Could you perhaps assist us in this matter?" Liu Mei asked, her expression sincere.
The city lord's eyes lit up, and he asked eagerly, "A destined fate for immortality? Immortal maiden, do you think I have such a fate?"