She stared into his eyes for a few seconds, searching for something, before shaking her head.
"I apologize, it's nothing, Senior" she sighed, her voice softening slightly.
Fang Xuan raised his eyebrows, puzzled by her unusual behavior. He couldn't understand why she was acting so out of character.
'Maybe she likes me because she thinks I'm a powerful expert,'
It wasn't an impossible idea—women often gravitated toward powerful men.
If that was the case, he felt let down. It was disappointing to see how easily she had let her guard down.
'So she's just like the rest,' he thought bitterly.
How could he have fallen for someone so easy and superficial?
She wasn't special—just another shallow woman hiding behind her beautiful face.
The two of them continued walking toward the other end of the town, where her house was located.
Halfway there, Fang Xuan decided to start a conversation.
"I heard there was someone who stood out during the ceremony aside from you,"
He kept his tone neutral, making sure to stay in character and avoid raising any suspicion.
If he revealed his true identity, she'd probably think he was a madman, and he'd end up blowing his cover.
Worse, there was a chance he was already a wanted man.
Letting that slip would only create more problems for him, and he couldn't afford any unwanted attention right now.
"Dong Huiqing?" Her brows furrowed, clearly displeased.
"Why do you want to know, Senior? Are you interested in taking him in as a student?"
"I'm just curious,"
"He already left for another sect in Fengxi," she said, her tone tinged with irritation.
His heart sank, and clenched his fists in frustration.
'I need to calm down... I can't let her be suspicious of me, "
For now, he decided to use this fake identity to gather more information.
Dong Huiqing might be gone, but his friends should still be around.
Since they often hung out in groups, it was likely they were all involved in whatever crime they committed.
'I will kill each and everyone of you...'
"Senior?" Ma Lifen's voice broke through his dark thoughts, bringing him back to reality.
"Lead the way," he responded.
"Yes, Senior,"
They continued on their way, and as they entered a narrow pathway, the number of lanterns dwindled.
The path grew quieter, with only the occasional sound of the wind.
'This isn't the way to her house.'
He had never been to her home before, but he knew its general location.
'Maybe this is a shortcut?'
They might be taking a different route, so he decided to remain silent until—
"Where are you leading me?" He finally broke the silence, his voice low and suspicious.