Chapter 133: It Didn't Take This Long Last Time!

Everyone in the room wore an expression of utter disbelief. Only Gu Xian’er remained exceptionally calm. Having spent the previous night curled up in a corner witnessing everything firsthand, she had already processed and accepted the reality of the situation.

When she had arrived at the scene, all she saw were flashes of light—*whoosh! chua! shiu!*—and then the people were gone, leaving behind only two lingering afterimages. Even seasoned third-rank masters were left dumbstruck by a battle of such caliber. Even now, they looked at Eleven with eyes filled with awe.

However, the story told by Li Yunji was an entirely different version. Without a moment’s hesitation, he claimed all the credit for himself. The sequence of events remained the same, but he had replaced the protagonist with himself. He spoke with such passion and eloquence that even Yun Tian could not detect anything amiss. After listening to Li Yunji’s extravagant account, the doubts in everyone’s hearts only grew deeper.

"But, my Prince, I perceive your strength to be merely fourth-rank," Gong Qingfeng noted, having probed Li Yunji with his spiritual sense seven or eight times before reaching that conclusion.

"The Dean is unaware," Li Yunji said, rising slowly with his hands behind his back, perfectly embodying the demeanor of an aloof master. "My victory over Mu Nanqing was actually quite fortuitous. If not for the heavenly lightning tribulation, I’m afraid I would have been helpless against him!"

The crowd eyed Li Yunji with skepticism. Had the celestial phenomena last night not been so bizarre—and had there not truly been several thick, heavy bolts of heavenly lightning—they would not have believed a single word.

Gong Qingfeng remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "That is excellent, truly excellent. I assume Your Highness has had a taxing night. Since the crisis has been averted, please, get some rest." With that, he led the others out.

Seeing everyone leave, Gu Xian’er hopped down from the windowsill and sat beside Li Yunji.

"That was quite a tall tale," Gu Xian’er said with a wicked grin. "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I might have actually believed your nonsense."

*The nerve of this woman, tracking me?!* Li Yunji cursed inwardly. He then forced a fake smile. "Immortal Doctor Gu, I said that only to protect myself."

"No wonder..." Gu Xian’er mused for a moment, blinking her eyes before chuckling softly. "Last night, after you struck Dongfang Yi, the aura emanating from Eleven surged suddenly. I suspect Eleven only unleashes her full strength when she senses killing intent directed at you, right?"

Li Yunji froze, surprised by Gu Xian’er’s sharp intuition. But then, he reminded himself that she was an old woman of seventy or eighty; such insight was perhaps not so surprising. Seeing his expression, Gu Xian’er knew she had guessed correctly. Resting her chin on one hand, she continued, "Rest assured, my Prince. I will not tell anyone this secret."

Li Yunji smiled. "My thanks, Miss." Gu Xian’er’s smile deepened as she leaned closer to him.

"My Prince, now that the matter is resolved, do you remember what you promised me?"

Li Yunji’s expression stiffened. *Good grief, we just finished this; couldn't you wait a couple of days before bringing it up?*

"I do, but is it so urgent?" Li Yunji asked with an awkward laugh.

"Not necessarily urgent," Gu Xian’er replied calmly, "I am merely reminding you." She rose slowly, and whether intentional or not, her fragrant hair brushed against Li Yunji’s ear. "I’ll take Dongfang Yi with me now." She conjured a rope of green true energy from her fingertips, binding the unconscious Dongfang Yi on the floor. "After I wipe his memory, I will return him to his bedchamber exactly as he was. In the meantime, you should focus on resolving Miss Qingmeng’s condition. Given her current state, she won’t last long without proper treatment."

With those words, Gu Xian’er walked out, closing the door behind her. Li Yunji let out a long sigh, feeling as if he had been spared. Composing himself, he moved to the bedside. Under Gu Xian’er’s care, Su Qingmeng’s condition had not worsened, and her breathing was currently stable. Li Yunji watched her silently, feeling an indescribable, complex emotion. During their time together, Su Qingmeng seemed to have shed the persona of a strong, independent woman in his presence. Many times, Li Yunji had been able to touch the softness of her heart. This contrast stirred a protective instinct within him.

"Cold..." Su Qingmeng murmured softly.

Li Yunji quickly pulled the quilt up higher and turned to close the window. The peak of He Mountain was high, and the winds were much sharper than at the base. Su Qingmeng’s frail frame could not withstand such frigid gusts. Having done this, he returned to her side. Seeing her pale complexion, he couldn't help but frown. He took off his outer robe and draped it over her. Watching her as he sat by the bed, he eventually drifted off to sleep.

...

"So cold..." Li Yunji slept until dusk, only to be awakened by Su Qingmeng’s soft moans. He let out a light sigh and took her small hand in his.

"I’m so cold..."

It was the same scenario as before. Although Gu Xian’er had told him the method to treat the backlash of true energy, Li Yunji still hesitated. It felt like taking advantage of someone’s vulnerability. After all, such things required mutual consent.

*What the hell is the time for hesitation now!* Li Yunji thought, recalling Gu Xian’er’s parting words. If he didn't "take advantage of the situation," Su Qingmeng would be done for. With that thought, he let out a long breath.

"I’m telling you, I’m doing this to save you!" he whispered. "If you turn around and refuse to acknowledge this later, don't blame me for being ruthless. After all, I’m a fourth-rank master now, and I have a sword spirit protecting me—you can’t beat me."

After muttering to himself for a quarter of an hour, Li Yunji finally steeled his resolve. He sat gently on the edge of the bed, took a deep breath, and kissed Su Qingmeng’s crimson lips.

So soft.

Su Qingmeng seemed to respond, her slender, snow-white arms wrapping around Li Yunji’s neck. The two of them understood each other without a word.

On the roof, Eleven was as usual, her hands clasped behind her head, a blade of dogtail grass between her teeth. Hearing the movements from the room below, she wore a look of satisfaction. Suddenly, Gu Xian’er appeared, landing beside Eleven and lying down.

"Why are you here?" Eleven asked, curious. "Aren't you jealous?"

Gu Xian’er rolled her eyes at Eleven. "Do I look like the type of woman to be that petty?"

Eleven couldn't help but marvel, giving her a thumbs-up. "You have a generous heart, Miss!"

"That I do!" Gu Xian’er beamed. "I’m not after the affections of your master."

*Listen to that, now that’s a good woman!*

The two didn't listen for long before Yun Tian also curiously flew onto the roof. "What are you all doing?"

No sooner had he spoken than a strange sound drifted from the room below. Yun Tian’s face turned bright red in an instant. "You—you—you! Have you no shame?!"

The two women chuckled, teasing Yun Tian for being inexperienced. After hesitating for a long while, Yun Tian finally chose a spot to lie down and joined in the listening. Gradually, more and more people gathered on the roof...

Two hours later, Gu Xian’er began to look displeased. "I recall he didn't last this long last time!"