Liu Qingyang’s expression was a sight to behold—a shifting kaleidoscope of embarrassed realization, the absurdity of a misunderstanding between allies, and deep, brooding worry.
“It’s over, it’s all over...” he muttered under his breath, subconsciously rubbing his hands together. “If the old man... if the old man finds out...”
He felt his future growing darker the more he thought about it, already imagining his father’s explosive rage and Senior Brother Lu’s icy glares.
He was the biological son of the Water Moon Sect leader!
To put it lightly, his behavior was a case of poor judgment and wavering conviction; to put it harshly, it was practically colluding with and aiding the enemy!
As Zhu Yinxi watched Liu Qingyang looking like he was mourning his own parents, the slight trace of apology he felt for accidentally trapping the boy in the array faded a little.
He cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence, and spoke in a calm tone. “Junior Brother Liu, there is no need to worry excessively. This matter was purely a coincidence; neither side intended for it to happen. Furthermore, you were helping your peers, which is a virtuous act. How could there be any fault in that?”
His words were dignified and high-sounding, simultaneously soothing Liu Qingyang and reaffirming the righteousness of mutual aid among peers, effectively wrapping Liu Qingyang’s actions in a protective shell of morality.
Jiang Yifan also chimed in at the right moment, his voice steady. “Junior Brother Liu, rest assured. We are all grateful for your assistance and would never do anything to put you in a difficult position.”
Feng Qingping added softly, “Junior Brother Liu’s warm-heartedness is truly admirable. The situation in the secret realm is currently complex. Personal safety should be the priority; do not overthink the rest.”
Li Nanzhu finally managed to stop laughing and leaned over to pat Liu Qingyang on the shoulder, giving him a mischievous wink. “Oh, Qingyang, stop moping! You can’t go back now anyway, so why not just stick with us? Don’t worry, we’ll look after you! We’ll make sure you don’t get the short end of the stick!”
Duan Xianxing also chimed in boisterously, “Exactly! Since you’re already here, you might as well join the crew! We’ll share the fortunes and face the hardships together!”
Their words were half-joking and half-serious, but they only made Liu Qingyang more conflicted, caught between laughter and tears.
He knew they were joking, of course, but his current situation really was like being stuck on the back of a tiger.
Leave on his own?
Setting aside whether he could even find Senior Brother Lu and the others, how would he explain himself even if he did?
Follow the Five Elements Dao Sect? Wouldn’t that be the same as confirming his ‘defection’?
Seeing Liu Qingyang’s hesitation, Ling Suxin suddenly spoke, her voice cold yet laced with a touch of insight. “Junior Brother Liu, if you depart now and encounter the Shenmu Sect or another sect’s team, it would be difficult for you to handle them on your own. It would be better to stay for the time being. Once Junior Brother Feng’s condition has stabilized or a safer opportunity arises, it won't be too late to make other plans.”
She had hit the nail on the head—Liu Qingyang was alone, and his situation was far from safe.
Staying with the Five Elements Dao Sect group meant he would at least have someone to watch his back.
Hearing this, Liu Qingyang looked at the unconscious but stable Feng Weilan, then at the group who, despite being rivals in the competition, truly harbored no ill will toward him. When he considered the risks of being alone, a battle raged within him.
In truth, he really wanted to stay.
From his experiences in the Forest of Demonic Beasts, he knew that following Li Nanzhu and Zhu Yinxi meant that although they frequently ran into all sorts of danger, they always managed to turn calamity into a blessing in the end, and the rewards were always bountiful.
Just look at them now; everyone had a flag. Following them, even if he only got the leftovers, would be far better than wandering aimlessly by himself.
But... he didn’t dare!
He was the biological son of Liu Changhe, the leader of the Water Moon Sect!
Outside the secret realm, who knew how many eyes were currently fixed on every move the Five Elements Dao Sect made?
If he really stayed and became ‘complicit’ with the Five Elements Dao Sect, wouldn't that confirm to the outside world that the Water Moon Sect had an unusually close relationship with them?
Where would his father put his face? How could the Water Moon Sect maintain its neutrality in front of the other sects?
When the time came, it wouldn't just be a matter of his father skinning him alive; the pressure from within the sect alone would be enough to break him.
He couldn't afford to wear the hat of a traitor.
At this thought, the struggle on Liu Qingyang’s face deepened. Ultimately, he shook his head with great difficulty, his voice filled with apology and helplessness. “Thank you for your kindness, Senior Brothers and Sisters... I... I still cannot stay.”
“I am, after all, a disciple of the Water Moon Sect. If I travel with all of you, I fear it will invite criticism and bring trouble to my sect. I... I’ll find a way to search for Senior Brother Lu and the others on my own.”
As he spoke, his eyes were filled with reluctance and regret; clearly, this decision was agonizing for him as well.
The members of the Five Elements Dao Sect were a bit disappointed by his answer, but they could all understand his concerns.
Zhu Yinxi nodded and said in a heavy voice, “Qingyang, your considerations are thorough, and we understand. In that case, we will not force you to stay. Please, be careful.”
Feng Qingping and Ling Suxin also nodded slightly in understanding.
Duan Xianxing sighed and patted Liu Qingyang’s shoulder. “Hah, what a shame... Take care of yourself then, kid!”
Li Nanzhu watched Liu Qingyang’s conflicted expression—clearly wanting to stay but feeling forced to leave—and her eyes darted around. Suddenly, a flash of cunning crossed her gaze.
At the very moment Liu Qingyang cupped his fists to bid farewell, Li Nanzhu moved without the slightest warning.
Her figure was like a bolt of lightning as she pressed her fingers together like a blade, sending a fierce streak of sword qi straight toward Liu Qingyang’s chest!
This move was fast as lightning and performed at such a close distance that there was no time to react!
“Little Junior Sister!”
“Junior Sister Li!”
Jiang Yifan, Zhu Yinxi, and the others were all shocked, their cries slipping out as they never expected Li Nanzhu to suddenly attack!
Liu Qingyang was scared out of his wits; he never imagined Li Nanzhu would strike him.
In his haste, he only had time to instinctively condense a meager amount of spiritual energy to protect his chest, his eyes wide with horror and confusion!
He didn't understand at all why Li Nanzhu would suddenly turn on him!
However, in the instant before that fierce sword qi touched his body, he keenly sensed that while the sword qi appeared ferocious, it lacked even a hint of killing intent!
Bang!
A dull thud echoed as Liu Qingyang was sent flying by the seemingly powerful force, his back slamming hard against the rocky wall of the cave, shaking loose a few fragments of stone.
But he immediately felt that the moment the force made contact with his body, it had abruptly become extremely gentle, as if he were being wrapped in a soft current of water that dissipated the majority of the impact.
Aside from his back feeling a bit numb from the collision and his blood-qi churning slightly, he hadn't suffered any actual harm!
“This...” Liu Qingyang leaned against the rock wall with a dazed expression, completely failing to process what had just happened.
It was then that he saw Li Nanzhu give him a quick wink, a nearly imperceptible smile curling at the corner of her mouth.
The tacit understanding they had developed back in the Forest of Demonic Beasts allowed him to realize Li Nanzhu’s intention in an instant!
“Ow! My chest... it hurts so much!”
Liu Qingyang immediately went into full actor mode. His face contorted in an instant, showing a look of extreme agony as he clutched his chest and let out an exaggerated scream.
Rate on N.U.
