“Anything else?”
White Zhiqing looked genuinely puzzled.
“Who was it?”
A scruffy cat leapt out from the shadows.
“You?”
Lin Dongming was a bit surprised. “How did it follow you all the way here?”
“This is your cat? And it even carries the bloodline of a Nine-Tailed Cat Demon?”
White Zhiqing hadn’t fully processed it yet, but the kitten had already jumped into her arms. She instinctively caught it as the little cat nestled its head against her ample chest, rubbing back and forth.
“Uh… sort of,” Lin Dongming replied lazily.
“But it seems to really like you.”
“But it’s not my cat, right? You should take it away.”
White Zhiqing looked a little embarrassed, but also a bit pleased.
—Back in my previous life, I knew most girls liked cats. Seems like even in this world, it’s the same.
Lin Dongming suddenly realized this was an opportunity. Though it wasn’t part of his plan.
So he reached out to take the cat. Sure enough, the kitten clung tightly to White Zhiqing, refusing to let go.
White Zhiqing’s expression was half enjoyment, half awkward. “This kid really is…”
“But it does seem to like you,” Lin Dongming thought for a moment.
“Could you watch it for a few days? In return, I can help you with something small.”
“Hmm… okay then.” White Zhiqing reluctantly agreed.
“Just remember to come pick it up soon. My cave dwelling is on the mountainside of Tianjian Peak. Anyone you ask will know where it is.”
“Thank you, Sister Bai.”
Lin Dongming smiled without revealing anything. “I have a feeling Duyuan Peak won’t just let this go. Should we ask Elder Tuoba to put pressure on them? Or maybe teach the real culprit a harsh lesson?”
White Zhiqing held the cat and looked at Lin Dongming.
“Thanks for the thought, Brother Lin. But Hong Xing is not only a direct disciple of Duyuan Peak, he’s also Elder Hong’s own son. His older brother, Hong Tu, is Duyuan Peak’s chief. If we cause trouble for them, it’ll only bring more trouble. As for Elder Tuoba… she probably won’t want to get involved.”
Lin Dongming paused, then quickly understood: Elder Tuoba and White Zhiqing clearly weren’t close.
—I originally thought she was just a pampered young lady, but apparently that’s not the case.
It seemed Elder Tuoba’s support for White Zhiqing was limited. At least, she was unwilling to stir up trouble with other forces within the Sect on her behalf.
—That explains why White Zhiqing’s swordsmanship is far fiercer than Han Xiangjun’s. Because she knows she has to rely on herself more. Those are the thorns she’s grown to protect herself.
“I understand,” Lin Dongming nodded. “I’ll handle it. Don’t worry.”
“Though I don’t know what you’re thinking, Brother Lin, I believe you’re not reckless.” White Zhiqing nodded in thanks, then soared away on her sword, leaving a streak of light behind.
“A rare clue from the little fox,” Lin Dongming thought as he decided to make another trip to Artifact Refining Peak.
He rose on his sword, flying over layer upon layer of trees.
The sky grew darker, a shallow ink hue spreading across the horizon and gradually engulfing the entire vault of heaven. Stars lit up one by one, like scattered lamps in the night. In this cultivation world without light pollution, the vast starry sky was often visible.
“What a beautiful sky.” Lin Dongming couldn’t help but sigh. He had been reincarnated into this world for decades now, but moments to truly appreciate the night were rare—he was usually too busy running around.
“Maybe once I reach the Conjunction Stage, I can finally enjoy life?”
Lin Dongming wasn’t sure. He only knew it would be better than now. But how many people in the cultivation world could truly reach Conjunction Stage?
A familiar streak of light flashed in the corner of his eye.
“This isn’t good.” Lin Dongming instantly concealed his presence and accelerated toward Artifact Refining Peak.
But it seemed useless. He had already been spotted. Just as he dismounted from his flying sword, before he could even dash forward, a young woman blocked his path.
“…What? Trying to run after seeing me?”
A flash of brilliant lightning appeared in front of Lin Dongming’s eyes.
The slender figure of a young woman emerged from the dazzling light, the gleaming lightning gradually gathering around the long sword on her back, clearly a priceless spiritual weapon.
The woman before him was none other than the Thunder Sword Fairy, Han Xiangjun—the same person who had earlier ordered Lin Dongming to leave.
“No, I just came to Artifact Refining Peak to buy something.” Lin Dongming dodged the question. After all, he couldn’t very well say, “Your father gave me 100,000 spirit stones to get out of your way.”
“Lies, at least make them believable.” Han Xiangjun frowned.
“You were seriously injured protecting me from trouble before, but didn’t I give you the spirit medicine?”
That day, when Han Xiangjun was harassed by admirers, Lin Dongming stepped in and got hurt on her behalf. So technically, it had started because of her.
Actually, it wasn’t that bad that this young lady had sent someone with spirit medicine—otherwise she wouldn’t have so many pursuers.
But… this constant need to appear superior, as if everyone around her owed her favors, was something Lin Dongming just couldn’t stand.
He gave Han Xiangjun a slightly speechless glance. In his previous life, he wouldn’t have bothered with such a spoiled young lady.
He smiled gently instead. “Thanks for the spirit medicine, Miss Han. I just thought being alone for a while would be better for your growth.”
Han Xiangjun was furious.
“You know how much I hate that babying tone!”
She drew her sword.
“You were simply tricked away by some other fox spirit.”
—Forget it. There probably won’t be any further dealings anyway.
Lin Dongming just smiled faintly.
“Let’s just say that’s the case.”
He stepped into the Protective Mountain Barrier of Artifact Refining Peak. A flash of lightning sliced at his back, but was blocked by the barrier.
Lin Dongming glanced sideways at the exploding lightning behind him and sighed helplessly. “Still such a bad temper. If I’d taken that sword without any defense, I’d probably be injured and recuperating again.”
“Miss Han, oh Miss Han, where in this world is there so much unconditional kindness?”
Lin Dongming shook his head, whispering softly.
With Han Xiangjun’s talent and aptitude, she had the chance to become an even more dazzling prodigy at this age.
Lin Dongming ignored Han Xiangjun and headed toward the Refining Hall atop the mountain.
Passing through the resting place of ancient spirit artifacts and swords, Lin Dongming knocked on the door of the Refining Hall. “Elder Tuoba, disciple Lin Dongming respectfully visits.”
“Come in.” Elder Tuoba’s voice was as calm as ever.
Elder Tuoba was still busy refining a spiritual weapon, but turned sideways to Lin Dongming. The latter didn’t mind and simply recounted the events of the day.
But obviously, Elder Tuoba didn’t care about the matter. “Youngsters bickering is harmless. As long as no bones are broken or tendons harmed, just let it be.”
“What if Hong Xing brings more people for revenge?”
Lin Dongming asked.
“Isn’t that what you’re here for?”
Elder Tuoba said dismissively.