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Chapter 45

The woman who shouted at Lian Ren and Shao Ling's direction ran so fast to the point that she infused spiritual qi in her ankle to immediately approach to Shao Ling's direction. She abruptly hugged him, as if she had finally met the one she lost in the midst of her regrets and grief. Shao Ling was about to push her away, but he noticed her hand that was holding him, slightly shaking in touch.

Shao Ling stared at the beauty of the woman. She was still wearing her white and pink clothing but now covered in pure white think outer layer robe. Her face seemed like a refined jade, skin slightly burnt beige, and the callouses and cuts on her once slender and smooth hands from the hardwork of training. The woman who was so young and responsible still live up to her reputation, and it was none other than Yin Meng, the Mount Hua Peak Master's direct disciple.

Shao Ling stared at her for a while, then opened his mouth to speak as he patted her head.

Yin Meng responded with a cracked smile, as if she would cry and break down on any moment.

Shao Ling said as he wandered his eyes to find the Mount Hua Peak Master.

Yin Meng lingered her gaze at the jade amulet on her waist belt for a while before answering to Shao Ling's question as her lips slightly trembled,

Shao Ling's left hand twitched. He finally now realized why Yin Meng now looks dignified and postured. Maybe after the Mount Hua Peak Master died, she, as his direct disciple, inherited the position of the Peak Master and bore all the responsibilities not just on her peak but also for the people.

Yin Meng's bright expression came back when she suddenly remembered something,

Shao Ling was bewildered,

Yin Meng frowned and averted her gaze, she gripped her left elbow tightly and pursed his lips in anger. Eventually, she heaved a heavy breath and closed her eyes to calm herself down.

Shao Ling rested his hand on Yin Meng shoulder, the woman responded with an astounded expression. At the same time, a vivid image of the Mount Hua Peak Master materialized behind Shao Ling as she stared at him, it was as if her Shizun was consoling her that it would all be okay. Yin Meng bit her lip tightly to restrain her tears and nodded a few more times. She let out a childish whimper and clenched her fist.

Shao Ling said in a soft voice, wearing a gentle smile on his face.

Yin Meng replied in a trembling voice.

"Shizun." Shao Ling shifted his gaze at Lian Ren and arched his brows,

All of a sudden, the tip of a blade was pointed at Lian Ren's throat. Shao Ling was about to grab and break the sword when he realized that the sword was Yin Meng's. Shao Ling was conflicted but at the same time, he had to save Lian Ren. Shao Ling had no choice but to grab the edge of the blade with his fingers infused with spiritual qi and throw it sidewards. The sword spun and penetrated the wooden wall of a house. Lian Ren was still shocked from what happened, he glanced at Yin Meng who was looking at his direction with eyes full of loath and bloodlust. Because of Yin Meng's emotion, the barrier started to act up. The mix of black and red color started to change into gold, a sign that someone with bloodlust was inside the barrier.

The people inside knew the sign of the gold barrier, they started to panic and ran around the town. Some cultivators in unsheathed swords tried to calm the people down but it was futile. Lian Ren was still trying to figure out why Yin Meng suddenly attacked him when Yin Meng inhaled then exhaled to control her emotions. As she tried to calm herself down, the golden color of the barrier started to fade and turn back into the usual black and red color. The people around the town was still processing the scene, while some of them finally calmed down and continued what they're doing.

Lian Ren and Shao Ling glanced at each other, trying to find answers from one another but no words reached out to both of them. Their attention redirected on Yin Meng when she suddenly spoke in a low but sharp tone, Huh???

The sword that was penetrated on the wooden wall came back to Yin Meng as it heeded her call. Her spiritual qi was starting to overflow from the tip of her fingers down to the end point of the sword. Her sword pointed once again on Lian Ren's direction.

What...... What the heck is happening?! Lian Ren screamed inside of his mind as he watched Yin Meng shouted detestable words on her mouth. Shao Ling glanced at the people from behind who began to notice their presence. Some elderly who were knitting peeked from their windows, children stopped playing and glanced on their direction and men who are busy with their work paused and stared.

Shao Ling sighed and closed his eyes. Before the situation got even more worse, he gently grabbed Yin Meng's hand that was gripping tightly on the sword and spoke,

Yin Meng glanced at him roughly,

Shao Ling pleaded with a convincing tone.

It seems that Yin Meng was finally persuaded by his words. She hesitantly lowered her sword, her sharp eyes still glaring at Lian Ren's direction as she spoke, Yin Meng started walking, leaving the two of them behind. Lian Ren was hesitant to follow her but seeing that Shao Ling started following from behind, he just scratched his head and followed along.

Lian Ren called out to him.

Shao Ling responded.

Shao Ling replied with a nod.

Shao Ling replied. Lian Ren waited for more of his explanation but he saw Shao Ling staring at the people who were staring back at them, their faces were somehow astonished but suspenseful at the same time, making it look creepy and suspicious. Shao Ling said in a low voice.

Lian Ren knitted his brows. The two of them followed behind Yin Meng without saying anything. The Mount Hua Peak was still as beautiful as ever. The town was created below its peak to provide home for the refugees but the Peak is still on the top of the mountain. The three of them climbed on the ten thousand stairs without feeling thirsty of tired, went past the Mount Hua Peak main hall until they arrived at a forest of spring blossom trees. The pink petals of the spring blossom gracefully flew downwards the bright green grass on the ground. Deep in the spring blossom woods, they spotted an average sized pavilion made of rosewood. It's dark pink that's close to blood red color seems a bit out of place to the pinkish spring blossom trees. At the same time, the pavilion looks beautiful and refined.

Yin Meng entered the white gate of the pavilion, the two followed along behind. A single tall spring blossom tree was planted inside with a water fountain of fish sculpture was built beside a beautiful and natural pond. Yin Meng opened the door and turned around, " She gave another glare at Lian Ren's direction and continued to speak,

As they entered the pavilion, a barrier was created outside. Shao Ling glanced at Yin Meng who was chanting martial techniques as she fully created the barrier outside. Yin Meng noticed Shao Ling's apologetic expression and slightly smiled, She glared once again at Lian Ren who just averted his gaze and pursed his lips.

Shao Ling sighed and started his explanation. Yin Meng responded with a bewildered expression. She replied with a frown.

Lian Ren spoke with an annoyed expression.

Yin Meng scowled and replied,

Lian Ren replied, his veins popping out on his forehead as he forced a smile and gritted his teeth.

Yin Meng scorned and replied in a rough voice,

Lian Ren was about to unsheathe his sword but he immediately fixed his posture when he heard Shao Ling's warning tone. Shao Ling glanced at Yin Meng and spoke,

Yin Meng didn't replied. She stared at the two of them with her brows deeply knitted, as if she's trying her best to believe Shao Ling's words but hesitation still remain in her mind. Shao Ling sighed,

Yin Meng pointed at Lian Ren and tilted her head,

Lian Ren blurted with a dumbfounded expression.

Yin Meng replied.

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It's pretty hard to get a free time to update my stories. I apologize for that, guys. Midterm started and i was busy studying and there so much activities and tasks to do. I'm really sorry! (⁠;⁠ŏ⁠﹏⁠ŏ⁠) I swear i'll try my best to update again! Bye bye!

R u n n o x

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