Chapter 106

Chapter 106: The Drama Begins

Yun Xi and Qin Tong Shuang exchanged a glance, excitement sparkling in their eyes at the prospect of witnessing a good show.

Mu Ning Zhu and Zhang Yan had also recognized the male cultivator from the ruined temple, and had their own suspicions regarding the two female cultivators at his side.

Yun Xi immediately sent a voice transmission to the two of them: “Senior Sister Mu, Zhang Yan, those two female cultivators are exactly the ones who chased that Fellow Daoist Zhou yesterday. The stunning one is Zuo Die’er, and the delicate-looking one beside her is her follower and companion, named Xiao Ya. Pay close attention to this Xiao Ya; I suspect she’s the reason behind Zuo Die’er’s pursuit of Fellow Daoist Zhou.”

Mu Ning Zhu and Zhang Yan discreetly glanced at the two female cultivators after hearing Yun Xi’s message, quickly confirming their identities and subtly nodding. Neither questioned Yun Xi’s insight; they fully trusted her instincts.

Yun Xi’s deductions were not baseless. First, it was clear from their clothing that Zuo Die’er’s wealth far exceeded Xiao Ya’s—her robes and accessories radiated spiritual power, obviously valuable treasures, though Yun Xi couldn’t yet determine their exact grade.

Second, the dynamic between the two clearly indicated that Xiao Ya was a follower, aiming for something valuable—likely cultivation resources. Yet Yun Xi suspected that Xiao Ya’s true motive was the male cultivator surnamed Zhou. The hidden affection in Xiao Ya’s occasional glances at him, though carefully concealed, hadn’t escaped Yun Xi’s spiritual sense.

The Famed Sword Sect was the strongest sect in the western region, its disciples all distinguished talents. Befriending someone from such a sect would naturally build invaluable connections. Fellow Daoist Zhou, a late-stage Foundation Establishment sword cultivator, possessed strength to fight above his level. Although Yun Xi didn’t know how he’d become injured, his wounds provided Zuo Die’er and Xiao Ya the perfect opportunity to approach him.

The idea of offering him healing pills likely originated from Xiao Ya herself. With that initial bond established, their continued presence around Fellow Daoist Zhou would seem natural.

Though all this was speculation, Yun Xi continued to monitor the trio with her spiritual sense, quietly gossiping with Qin Tong Shuang:

“Tong Shuang, we’re in for a good show now. Yesterday’s drama was left unfinished, but now on this flying ship, Fellow Daoist Zhou can’t hide. Things should become even livelier.”

Qin Tong Shuang maintained a calm expression, yet her eyes gleamed with curiosity: “I wonder how Fellow Daoist Zhou will respond.”

“We’ll find out soon enough.”

At this moment, Zhou Lang Chen appeared calm outwardly but inwardly felt irritated. He’d only teamed up temporarily to capture a third-order Glazed Beast cub, never expecting to pick up these persistent annoyances. Had he known earlier, he’d never have accepted Zuo Die’er’s healing pills.

Zuo Die’er spoke with an elegant smile: “Brother Zhou, what fate, for us to meet again aboard the same flying ship.”

Zhou Lang Chen merely nodded without any intention of conversing further.

Ming Ya quickly noticed Zhou Lang Chen’s impatience. She gently tugged Zuo Die’er’s sleeve and gave her a meaningful glance, before softly explaining, “Fellow Daoist Zhou, Senior Sister and I are merely traveling to visit our elder and happened to choose this flying ship because of the discounted price. Senior Sister sustained injuries fighting the Glazed Beast, making sword travel inconvenient. Please rest assured—we mean no offense or imposition.”

Hearing this, Zhou Lang Chen relaxed a little and replied indifferently, “I too boarded this ship due to my injuries. In that case, Fellow Daoist Zuo should focus on recovery. I shall also retire to meditate.”

After excusing himself politely, he swiftly left, giving Zuo Die’er no further chance to speak.

Only after watching Zhou Lang Chen disappear into his cabin did Zuo Die’er complain, “Xiao Ya, why did you pull me back just now? We lost a great chance to get closer to Brother Zhou!”

Ming Ya sighed inwardly, though she explained gently, “Die’er, you mustn’t rush these matters. Yesterday, you embarrassed Fellow Daoist Zhou somewhat in Chongming City. First, you must mend his impression of you.”

“What should we do next, then?”

“Fellow Daoist Zhou still needs healing. Let’s not disturb him these next two days. After disembarking, we can approach him again. I’ve already prepared an excuse—we’re both visiting the same elder. Fellow Daoist Zhou cannot refuse us then, can he?”

Zuo Die’er’s eyes lit up immediately, nodding eagerly and pulling Ming Ya back toward their cabin.

Yun Xi, overhearing this firsthand, immediately whispered excitedly to Qin Tong Shuang. At this time, the flying ship was full, lifting slowly from Chongming City into the skies.

Mu Ning Zhu and Zhang Yan, unable to avoid hearing their conversation, inadvertently listened in as well.

Mu Ning Zhu advised calmly, “That Xiao Ya is indeed calculating and cunning. She controls Zuo Die’er with ease. Such a person is dangerous; be careful you don’t fall into her traps.”

“Yes, Senior Sister (Senior Uncle).” All three responded in unison without hesitation.

The next three days passed smoothly, without even a flying beast to block their path. Disappointingly for Yun Xi, Zhou Lang Chen never appeared again on deck, meaning Zuo Die’er and Ming Ya kept hidden as well, robbing Yun Xi of her entertainment.

When the ship landed outside Twin Peaks City, Mu Ning Zhu’s group swiftly disembarked. Coincidentally, Zhou Lang Chen also hurriedly left the vessel, followed closely by Zuo Die’er and Ming Ya.

Once passengers had disembarked, the ship lifted off once more toward its next destination.

Yun Xi and the others paid their entry fee and entered Twin Peaks City.

This was a major cultivation city, renowned for the pair of Divine Transformation cultivators—twin siblings who had ascended together a thousand years ago. Cultivators from all over had flocked here since, making the city ever livelier.

Mu Ning Zhu again arranged for a day’s rest, choosing the reputable Twin Peaks Inn for accommodations, said to be owned by the city lord and thus extremely safe.

The inn’s waiter, exceptionally chatty and friendly, led them upstairs, remarking, “Seniors, your timing is excellent! Two superior rooms just became available this morning, otherwise you’d be stuck with inferior ones.”

Mu Ning Zhu casually inquired, “Is this inn always full due to its association with the city lord?”

The waiter laughed amiably, “Not at all, Senior. Visit any other inn in Twin Peaks City right now—they’re all fully booked!”

Yun Xi asked curiously, smiling, “Has something special happened recently?”

On their way to the inn, they’d noticed many cultivators gathering, including even a few Golden Core cultivators.

The waiter enthusiastically explained, “Indeed! The city lord’s estate is holding a grand Dao companion ceremony.”

“Oh? Who’s getting married?”

“Our city lord’s eldest young master, Li Cang Yuan!”

“I see! No wonder it’s so lively.”

“If Seniors aren’t in a hurry, stay a few extra days to witness the ceremony!”