"This junior begs forgiveness for his lack of proper conduct. My name is Mo Cheng, I am a succeeding disciple of the Sword Bearer's Division. I've come to check up on my friend, Outer Sect Disciple, Li Meirong." Following the introduction, Mo Cheng straightened his back, his sharp black eyes meeting Bai Qingyue's own golden ones.

A muscle twitched involuntarily at the corner of Bai Qingyue's eye as Mo Cheng uttered his wife's name so familiarly.

Bai Qingyue looked down his nose at the bright-eyed youth. "I am Senior Zhu Qingyue, the son of the Bestiary Coalition's grandmaster, as well as the martial arts instructor for this division's disciples."

Despite the air of arrogance emitted by the instructor, Mo Cheng didn't back down. He projected his own pride, a trait bred from his fine upbringing and a path of unhindered excellence.

As the staring contest wore on, Mo Cheng waited for Zhu Qingyue to further explain himself, but the man seemed to measure his words with gold! 'That's all well and good, but what are you even doing here?!'

"Li Meirong is properly cared for. There is nothing for you to concern yourself about when it comes to her. Do not come here again uninvited." Bai Qingyue finally announced at length as he stepped back and moved to push the door closed.

When Mo Cheng thought he'd gain answers to his unvoiced questions, he was dismissed instead!

Mo Cheng had not been prepared to receive such a cold reception. He had always been cherished by all the leading authorities in the sect. Seeing he was about to be left out cold by this senior, he swiftly moved to place one foot inside the door, effectively blocking it from shutting.

"I heard Li Meirong went to the Thousand Beasts forest and was nearly killed there. Later on, she was put on trial not once, but twice. I just want to check on her, she's quite dear to me." Mo Cheng sincerely explained himself to the instructor.

'Dear to him?' Bai Qingyue's expression darkened.

Crack

A sudden crunching noise could be heard as Bai Qingyue spitefully imbued the sole of his foot with a surge of profound qi and stomped on Mo Cheng's intruding shoe, breaking the boy's toes.

"Ahhh!!!" Mo Cheng hissed in pain, limping as he floundered backwards.

Bai Qingyue's molten eyes gleamed as half of his form was hidden behind the door. The corners of his mouth tilted slightly upwards in a mocking smile. "If you wish to die a dog's death, try stepping in here again. I shall endeavour to accommodate you.

Mo Cheng wordlessly glared at Zhu Qingyue, gnashing his teeth in resentment. He knew he couldn't oppose the man with his current level of strength. A small tap of this man's foot was enough to break his own bones. He dreaded to find out the full extent of the martial arts instructor's power.

He obviously couldn't fight back, but he could at least demand an answer. "What are you doing in my friend's house? Who is Li Meirong to you?!"

"What I do is none of your business. Li Meirong is mine. If you come here again, I will kill you." Bai Qingyue calmly answered and proceeded to slam the door shut in Mo Cheng's face.