Mo Qingxue had just bought some pretty decent Lingcai and Lingdan from Starsea Long Street, planning to visit Lin Dongming.
She hadn’t expected to see Bai Zhiqing before she even spotted Lin Dongming at his cave residence.
***
She’s quite good-looking, a bit petite, and has a nice figure—must be Bai Zhiqing.
***
Knowing this was Han Xiangjun’s rival in love, Mo Qingxue didn’t show any overt hostility.
“Dare I ask who this Shimei is?”
“Tianjian Peak’s Bai Zhiqing. And this Shijie?”
Bai Zhiqing kept her tone polite, at least for now.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”
“I am Mo Qingxue of Wenxin Tianzong.”
Mo Qingxue nodded slightly.
“Oh? I’ve heard much about you.”
Bai Zhiqing did know about the Tianjiao of Wenxin Tianzong. After all, they would occasionally visit the sect for exchanges.
“You flatter me.”
Mo Qingxue shook her head.
“It’s just an empty reputation.”
She lifted the gift in her hand.
“A few days ago, I fought alongside Junior Brother Lin against the Demonic Path and received much help from him. Today, I came to express my gratitude. But it seems Junior Brother Lin isn’t in his cave residence right now.”
In reality, Lin Dongming spent most of his time running errands for different clients. The time he actually spent in his cave was devoted to cultivation. Finding him wasn’t that easy.
Moreover, as his clients’ favorability increased recently, not only had Bai Zhiqing shared her secret cultivation base with him, but Yun Shuying had also let Lin Dongming use her Gathering Spirit Array. Because of this, the time he spent in his own cave had decreased even more.
“No worries.”
Bai Zhiqing grinned.
“If Mo Shijie has something to discuss, Shimei can take care of it. I often cultivate with Senior Brother Lin.”
“Oh?”
Mo Qingxue wasn’t in a rush to decline.
“I wonder what kind of relationship Bai Shimei and Junior Brother Lin have?”
Unlike Han Xiangjun, the little fox wasn’t so easily flustered.
“Nothing special. Just Senior Brother and Shimei who interact a bit more often, that’s all.”
“I see.”
Mo Qingxue nodded with satisfaction.
“Then let’s not trouble Bai Shimei. I’ll be staying at the Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect for a few days. I’ll eventually run into Junior Brother Lin.”
“Oh?”
Bai Zhiqing also looked at Mo Qingxue with interest.
“Mo Shijie’s question—could it be you have feelings for Senior Brother Lin?”
“Not at all.”
Mo Qingxue would never reveal her hand so easily.
“I’m just helping a certain Shimei ask. As for who that Shimei is… forgive me, Shijie can’t divulge. I’m still hoping she’ll treat me to a meal.”
“Fine.”
Bai Zhiqing didn’t press.
“Looks like Senior Brother Lin is quite popular. I should ask him about this when I get the chance.”
***
Seems I’ve caused Junior Brother Lin quite a bit of trouble.
***
Mo Qingxue could immediately tell this kind of questioning wouldn’t be gentle.
As long as it’s not a smiling face with hidden daggers, it’s fine.
***
Still, compared to Xiangjun, this Bai Shimei is much more cunning.
If it came to a solo fight, Xiangjun definitely wouldn’t be her match.
***
Pure, upright, and tsundere—when combined, Han Xiangjun basically had all the traits of a classic loser heroine. All that was missing were twin tails.
***
As the two pondered their next move, a third presence made itself known.
“……Song Shijie?”
Bai Zhiqing looked to the side in confusion.
A tall, graceful girl had been standing there for who knows how long.
“Bai Shimei, what a coincidence.”
Song Yumian nodded slightly to Bai Zhiqing, then cupped her hands toward Mo Qingxue.
“Mo Daoyou, what a coincidence.”
“It seems Junior Brother Lin really is popular. Even just wandering near his cave, you’ll spot several beautiful Shijie and Shimei.”
“If you say so, isn’t Song Daoyou also a beautiful Shijie wandering near Junior Brother Lin’s cave?”
“According to your own words, does that mean you’re interested in Junior Brother Lin too?”
Mo Qingxue naturally recognized Song Yumian.
Although the latter’s fame was mostly limited within the Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect, thanks to having Han Xiangjun as a close friend, Mo Qingxue’s understanding of the sect wasn’t superficial.
Song Yumian squinted at Mo Qingxue and smiled.
“That’s right.”
“Junior Brother Lin is so fun—I’m interested in him.”
Bai Zhiqing immediately raised an eyebrow at this.
Fun?
In what way?
What did you play?
“Isn’t Mo Daoyou the same?”
Song Yumian countered, eyes narrowed.
“I just came to thank Lin Daoyou for helping me.”
Mo Qingxue replied calmly.
“A peach thrown to me—I return it with a plum.”
“Is that so?”
Song Yumian smiled.
“For the chief of Wenxin Tianzong to travel all the way to the Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect over some insignificant matter—just to return a favor—your sect must be very particular about etiquette.”
If Wenxin Tianzong truly cared that much about manners, they’d spend all day exchanging pleasantries and never get anything done.
Mo Qingxue’s eyes widened slightly.
How did this woman know?
In fact, Song Yumian didn’t know.
She simply thought that if it were something important, it would have been brought up when the two sects met a few days ago.
If there was any follow-up, they’d probably send some errand disciples, not have Mo Qingxue personally come over. After all, the time of Wenxin Tianzong’s chief was valuable.
Therefore, most likely, Mo Qingxue had another purpose for coming.
So Song Yumian decided to bluff.
She hadn’t expected it to actually work.
***
The Cangzhou Trial is about to begin, yet instead of cultivating, she came looking for Junior Brother Lin.
Is this girl also a love-struck fool?
***
Song Yumian couldn’t help but worry about the future of Wenxin Tianzong.
***
“Not to that extent.”
“This trip is for important matters—I just can’t say more.”
Mo Qingxue tried to save face, but it was no use—her awkward expression said everything.
Meanwhile, Bai Zhiqing, who’d been silently observing the exchange, felt Song Yumian was truly formidable.
Mo Qingxue clearly wasn’t simple, yet even she got tricked so easily.
***
If possible, it’s best not to make an enemy of Song Shijie.
***
In her heart, Bai Zhiqing mentally labeled Song Yumian as someone not to be trifled with.
In any sect, the chief was never a pushover.
Either you’re like Yuan Jianyi—exceptionally talented and capable of crushing your peers with strength.
Or you’re like Mo Qingxue—just slightly stronger than others, but outstanding in all aspects, polishing yourself into an all-rounder.
“Then, what business does Song Shijie have with Senior Brother Lin?”
Bai Zhiqing felt she’d seen enough of their silent battle and decided to end it with some small talk.
“Me?”
Song Yumian chuckled.
“Nothing important.”
“I just brought some information about the Forbidden Land Trial of Cangzhou for Junior Brother Lin.”
“Looks like Junior Brother Lin really isn’t simple, to have so many people gather around him.”
A familiar voice rang out, carrying a chilling sword intent.