"Regarding the matter between Miss Xun'er and Young Master Gu Fei, I should refrain from interfering!"
Hearing Xun'er's soft muttering, Ling Ying, who was standing nearby, hesitated for a moment before deciding not to respond. Although he felt that Gu Fei might not have such intentions and that everything was just a coincidence, he chose to remain silent.
Xun'er, not needing Ling Ying's agreement, gazed into the distance, pondering for a while, with a slight frown on her elegant face.
After a moment, Xun'er sighed and said, "Whether Gu Fei intentionally or unintentionally acquired the Seven Magical Green Spirit Saliva, I can't ask him for it." She understood that even if she did ask, Gu Fei might not give it to her, so she wouldn't bother to humiliate herself.
This meant she might have to return to her clan and rely on the Gu Clan's resources to obtain the medicine needed to restore soul power. "Since he has already taken it, we can only search elsewhere!"
On the mountaintop, the wind howled, lifting her long hair. The stray locks fluttering in the wind disturbed her thoughts, causing Xun'er to sigh softly before turning to leave.
---
Meanwhile, in the skies above the border of the Jia Ma Empire, a shadow shrouded in eerie black mist suddenly paused, frowning. "This aura... it seems to be from the Gu Clan. To think there are so many of them in this small corner of the Jia Ma Empire... It seems I shouldn't act rashly this time. I must avoid alerting the Gu Clan; it's better to bide my time and act later!" The shadow murmured, the surrounding black mist obscuring its figure.
A flicker in its pitch-black eyes sent a shiver down one's spine. Even with Gu Fei's current peak Dou Ancestor strength, he might not last a single round against this person. This individual was, after all, a true high-ranking member of the Hun Clan, who had come to the Jia Ma Empire for a clan mission.
However, before entering the Jia Ma Empire, he sensed a rather formidable aura that made even him wary. Moreover, he originally intended to sneak into the empire to complete his mission. If he really entered, there was no guarantee he could leave unscathed. With a trace of venomous resentment flashing across his brow, he reluctantly abandoned his plan, paused in the air for a moment, then pretended to pass by, swiftly leaving without daring to glance back toward the Jia Ma Empire.
Shortly after the Hun Clan expert left, a white-robed elder suddenly appeared in the sky where he had lingered. This elder's aura was unfathomable, with a gleam of sharpness in his murky eyes. Soon after he arrived, another elder appeared beside him.
"A Hun Clan member!"
"Was he just passing by, or did he come here with a specific purpose?"
As they spoke, both frowned deeply. These two elders were sent by the Gu Clan to protect Gu Fei and Xun'er. When Gu Fei and Xun'er had quietly left one after the other, the Gu Clan's higher-ups had, of course, noticed. They understood that Gu Fei was determined to go on his journey, so they did not stop him, even hoping he would find his opportunities. After all, life in the Gu Realm was far too stable. Without pressure, where would the motivation come from?
However, given that Gu Fei was the most outstanding genius of the Gu Clan, the higher-ups were naturally concerned about his safety during his journey. The elder's power was indeed terrifying; his ability to conceal his aura far surpassed Gu Fei's. Even Gu Fei had never noticed that he had been followed to the Jia Ma Empire.
"Forget it. Since Young Master Gu Fei is about to leave this small empire, as long as there is no threat to him, it has nothing to do with us!" After a moment, one of the elders shook his head and slowly faded away.
---
In the Jia Ma Royal Palace, within a grand hall...
"Master Gu Fei, please, teach me something! I truly admire you!" A snow-white hand grasped Gu Fei's sleeve, persistently pleading in a coquettish voice. The owner of the voice was a girl dressed in a purple robe embroidered with silver patterns. Her delicate features, cultivated by royal upbringing, exuded an innate noble air.
She seemed not to be very old, always wearing a faint smile on her face, which added a touch of elegance and tranquility to her demeanor. However, when she pestered Gu Fei to teach her alchemy, the seemingly demure girl's bright eyes would flash with a mischievous smile, indicating that she was not as quiet as she appeared.
"Taking on a disciple is impossible, but I do have a scroll of notes written by a seventh-grade alchemist..." Feeling somewhat helpless at this lively girl's persistent requests, Gu Fei shook his head and extended his hand, pulling out a scroll.
"Is this really a seventh-grade alchemist's notes?"
Yu Er feels happy, Emotion Value +50
The young princess's eyes curved into crescents, full of delight. "Thank you, Young Master Gu Fei!" She playfully smiled, took the notes handed to her by Gu Fei, and turned to leave. Her purple robe fluttered like a butterfly, accompanied by her light laughter.
"This little rascal!"
Gu Fei shook his head with a helpless smile.
Then, he straightened up, gazing into the distant sky, a faint light flickering in his eyes. At that moment, he had already decided to leave the Jia Ma Empire. After all, there was nothing left here to make him stay. His only desire was to grow stronger. He had already made up his mind about his next destination while still in the Jia Ma Royal Palace.
He planned to go to Jia Nan Academy to claim the Fallen Heart Flame.
As he was about to leave the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, the empire was once again stirred.
Today, Yun Yun, dressed in a rare light-colored long dress, appeared softer and less aloof than when they first met. Her cold eyes silently watched Gu Fei. She knew that she could not keep this eagle by her side. The burden on her shoulders was too heavy for her to set everything aside and follow him. So, all Yun Yun could do was cherish each encounter.
"Safe travels!"
Yun Yun's lips curved into a gentle smile. Gu Fei looked at her for a moment, then suddenly opened his arms. "I'm leaving. Don't you want to give me a hug?"
Yun Yun feels hesitant and delighted, Emotion Value +100
Yun Yun froze, her mind going blank for a moment. The tall young man smiled as he gently embraced the woman in front of him, politely keeping his hands on her shoulders. He whispered in her ear, "You didn't resist, so I'll take that as consent?"
Yun Yun feels shy, Emotion Value +100
Yun Yun was completely stunned, her expression unchanged, but her rapidly increasing heartbeat and the blush spreading across her cheeks betrayed her inner turmoil. Gu Fei slowly released her and said, "If fate allows, we may meet again. Perhaps when you've laid down your burdens, you'll have time to find me..."
Yun Yun feels reluctant, Emotion Value +100
Yun Yun was still somewhat dazed, but the others had already stepped forward, one by one, to bid farewell to Gu Fei. "Young Master Gu Fei, you're always welcome in the capital!" Jia Xing Tian laughed heartily.
Hai Bodong, not one for words, simply nodded to Gu Fei and said, "Until we meet again."
Nalan Jie approached with a smile and said, "Young Master Gu Fei, if you ever need help, don't hesitate to call on this old man!"
Nalan Jie feels grateful, Emotion Value +30
Hearing Nalan Jie's promise, Gu Fei couldn't help but feel a bit amused.
Nalan Yanran stood behind Nalan Jie, her gaze lingering on Gu Fei. The usually bright and cheerful girl now had a hint of inexplicable reluctance in her eyes.
Nalan Yanran feels reluctant, Emotion Value +80
Nearby, Ya Fei smiled and waved, her thoughts unreadable.
"Everyone, we'll be off then!" After helping Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin onto the back of the Lion King, Gu Fei turned and said, "Safe travels!"
(TL/n: From now on I'll refer to her as 'Xiao Yi Xian' instead of 'Little Fairy Doctor'.)
Without further delay, he waved his hand and commanded the Lion King to head toward their next destination.