C18 Tomorrow We will Set Off!

Master Feeng Huo was always one for a lively scene, with a particular fondness for crowded places.

Given that their identities needed to remain under wraps for the time being, they had no choice but to take the upper route.

They soon reached the Flame Tower, which was essentially an inn, with Master Feeng Huo residing on the top floor.

Instead of ascending from the lower levels, they opted to approach from the rooftop.

As they made their entrance, Master Feeng Huo sensed an anomaly and rushed out, eyeing Han Yi and Bai Yuezhan with caution.

Upon laying eyes on Murong Yunxi, however, Master Feeng Huo's tension melted away, replaced by a look of exasperation.

"Yunxi, next time give me a heads-up before you drop in, will you? You nearly gave me a heart attack with this surprise visit," he chided.

Approaching Bai Yuezhan, he gave him a thorough once-over and remarked, "Kid, you've still got that love flower poison in your system. What's with the hasty exit? Don't you realize it could worsen?"

After a brief pause, he added gravely, "If that poison intensifies, you're done for."

He couldn't fathom the recklessness of youth – on death's doorstep, yet still bouncing around carelessly.

Bai Yuezhan remained silent, merely pressing his lips together.

Han Yi respectfully gestured with a fist-in-palm salute and addressed Master Feeng Huo, "I am a disciple of the Azure Mist Sect, and I have come to respectfully request Master Feeng Huo's return to the sect."

Master Feeng Huo, clearly annoyed, dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. "Do I seem like the type to just follow orders? You're asking me to go back to the Azure Mist Sect?"

He then turned to make his way into his room, but Murong Yunxi leaped in front of him, blocking his path.

Confronted with Murong Yunxi's determination, Master Feeng Huo let out a resigned sigh, his face a portrait of reluctant acceptance.

He wasn't ready to leave just yet; he truly had no desire to return to the Azure Mist Sect.

After all, the sect was always the same few faces, and he had his fill of them. The last thing he wanted was to go back and endure that monotony.

Before Feeng Huo could utter a word, Murong Yunxi turned to Han Yi and declared, "He's with me. Show him the respect he deserves."

Feeng Huo's brow furrowed in confusion at her words.

What did she mean by 'her man'? Was it in the sense he was thinking?

Murong Yunxi's frankness had Han Yi blushing, his face awash with embarrassment.

Feeng Huo, seeing Han Yi's reaction, had no more doubts about what was going on.

A look of astonishment spread across Feeng Huo's face as he surveyed Murong Yunxi, then gave Han Yi an appraising look, his expression one of distaste.

He strode over to Murong Yunxi's side, stopping to give her a look that mixed disappointment with frustration.

"Yunxi, with your looks, you could have anyone. Why settle for a mere peak Spirit Apprentice? His cultivation level isn't even as high as this weakling's," he said, gesturing to someone else.

Feeng Huo stroked his chin thoughtfully, then nodded to himself.

"He's quite handsome, but his cultivation is lacking. We'll see how it goes. If it doesn't work out, we can always replace him. I know plenty of eligible young masters with impressive cultivation levels."

Han Yi's mouth twitched, unsure of how to respond.

Was Feeng Huo really advising Murong Yunxi to look for someone else right in front of him?

His cultivation might be modest, but he wasn't that inadequate, was he?

Han Yi bowed his head, speaking with gravity, "Please be assured, Master Feeng Huo. I will diligently pursue my cultivation to catch up with Yunxi."

Master Feeng Huo nodded, smiling at Han Yi. "I like your attitude. But remember, I'll be watching you closely. If you ever mistreat Yunxi, I won't hesitate to deal with you!"

He then turned to Murong Yunxi.

"When do we set out, Yunxi?"

Clearly, the usual pleas wouldn't bring Master Feeng Huo back; this approach was the only way to move him.

Murong Yunxi glanced at Bai Yuezhan and replied, "Bai Yuezhan will join us on our journey, but we'll need your intervention with Patriarch Bai."

At her words, Feeng Huo's expression grew solemn.

Truth be told, he had been researching the Flower of Love Poison for years and had only recently made a breakthrough. It was fitting, then, for Bai Yuezhan to accompany them.

Moreover, Yunxi herself has spoken. How could he possibly refuse?

Master Feng Huo placed his hand on Bai Yuezhan's arm and gave it a pat, saying, "Alright, I'll visit your place tomorrow. But I can't promise your grandfather will agree."

Patriarch Bai was known for his distinctive personality and his deep affection for Bai Yuezhan.

He wasn't entirely confident.

Bai Yuezhan clearly understood Feng Huo's reservations.

He raised his hands and bowed with a fist-in-palm salute.

"Thank you, Master Feng Huo!"

Once they wrapped up their business here, they would depart.

Following their departure, Master Feng Huo emerged from the Flame Tower.

He pulled out a small vial and cracked a smile, his face alight with excitement.

He had crafted the Soul Chasing Pill, and while speaking earlier, he had dusted Han Yi with its powder. No matter where Han Yi went, he could follow the scent.

He was curious to find out which family Han Yi came from.

Upon reaching the Han family's estate, he found it in turmoil. The Han family members were all out searching for Han Loong and Han Hu.

Seeing it was the Han family made Feng Huo's brow furrow even more.

Having lived in Nine-light City for so long, he was well-acquainted with the Han family.

He knew of Han Loong, the eldest son, Han Hu, the second, and Han Yi, the third.

He had met Han Loong and Han Hu but had never encountered Han Yi.

That left only one possibility: Han Yi was the third son of the Han family.

Though Han Yi was part of the Azure Mist Sect and seldom returned, he was still the Han family's third son. If Yunxi were to face any mistreatment here...

No, he would have to discuss this with the old sect master upon his return.

...

The following day, as Han Yi and Murong Yunxi emerged, the Han family was still in search, yet without a trace of Han Loong and Han Hu.

Han Yi assessed the situation outside and was about to head back when Jiu Tian intercepted him.

Han Yi furrowed his brow at Jiu Tian and inquired, "What's the matter? Did my father send you?"

Jiu Tian nodded in affirmation.

"Third Young Master, the family head requests your presence," he said, his gaze shifting towards Murong Yunxi with a hint of embarrassment. "The Patriarch has specified that you are to come alone."

Han Yi acknowledged with a hum, turning to Murong Yunxi and murmuring, "Stay here for me; I'll return shortly."

"Make it quick," she replied.

After Murong Yunxi entered, Han Yi departed, with Jiu Tian trailing behind him.

Upon reaching the hall, he found the three senior elders, including Han Yuming, seated before him, all wearing looks of concern.

The recent disappearance of Han Loong and Han Hu had left them visibly distressed.

With the inter-family competition just days away, the pressure was mounting. Each of the three major families was poised to showcase their most accomplished disciples.

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