Faced with Lü Shaoqing's response, Fang Xiao found herself at a loss for words.
But she had not intended to pursue the topic any further. She brought it up only as a means of testing the waters.
Seeing Lü Shaoqing respond in such a nonchalant manner, she felt that pressing further might arouse his suspicions.
She knew that Lü Shaoqing was sharp, and saying too much could lead him to suspect something, which would not be beneficial for her.
Realizing that it was time to leave, Fang Xiao said, "In that case, I won't disturb you any longer, Young Master Lü."
"I'll take my leave now."
Lü Shaoqing casually waved his hand, "Take care."
After saying her goodbyes, Fang Xiao turned and left.
But as she reached the outside, she suddenly felt a strong fluctuation of energy coming from a distance.
"Haha, Second Senior Brother, just you wait—I've made it out!"
Fang Xiao's pupils contracted.
"Is that… sword intent?"
She stood there, stunned, staring in the direction where the wave had emerged.
Although the energy quickly faded, Fang Xiao was certain she hadn't sensed it incorrectly—it was indeed sword intent.
For a long while, Fang Xiao stood staring, muttering to herself, "That voice… it's Little Sister Xiao Yi's."
"Could it be that she really has comprehended sword intent?"
"But how… how is that possible?"
"She managed to comprehend sword intent in just one month?"
Fang Xiao felt herself on the brink of collapse.
It seemed as though her worldview was being turned upside down.
Just one month ago, Xiao Yi was still working at her restaurant.
During that time, they had gradually become close, even addressing each other as sisters.
She had also learned about Xiao Yi's strength—late-stage Qi Refining, having just broken through to the eighth level.
Moreover, she hadn't yet comprehended sword intent.
Fang Xiao knew all this because Xiao Yi had confided in her.
Furthermore, Xiao Yi had mentioned that her two senior brothers planned to help her comprehend sword intent within two months, and then advance to the Foundation Establishment stage.
Back then, Fang Xiao had been shocked.
Was that even possible?
She had even thought that it was all just a joke.
Later, when Lü Shaoqing took Xiao Yi away, he casually mentioned that it was indeed a joke.
Fang Xiao had felt relieved.
So it really was just a joke.
But now, looking at the situation—it clearly wasn't as simple as that.
Fang Xiao felt overwhelmed, as if her world was collapsing around her.
They had actually done it. Not within two months, but just one month—and Xiao Yi had already comprehended sword intent.
Fang Xiao felt as though she was either living in a world gone mad, or she was just out of touch with the times.
Was she really so out of sync with the world?
Was sword intent now so common that anyone could comprehend it easily?
She stared at the gate of Tianyu Peak behind her, feeling an intense urge to rush in and investigate the truth, to ask what secret they possessed that could allow people to easily grasp sword intent.
Fang Xiao didn't even know how she managed to make it back to her restaurant.
The scene she had just witnessed was so shocking that she still hadn't fully recovered.
It was simply too overwhelming.
Comprehending sword intent just like that—could it be that Xiao Yi was also an extraordinary genius?
This meant that all three direct disciples of Tianyu Peak had comprehended sword intent.
What kind of talent level was this?
At that moment, someone outside called out, "Miss, someone is here to see you."
"Who?"
Fang Xiao responded, then waved her hand, "Just tell them I'm not in the mood today, send them away."
What she had witnessed today was too overwhelming, and she felt like she needed time to process it. She had no desire to meet with anyone.
But then, a familiar voice sounded from outside.
"Is my dear cousin really not willing to see me?"
A tall, beautiful figure appeared at the doorway.
Upon hearing the voice and seeing the person, Fang Xiao's face lit up with delight.
"Yu'er? What brings you here?"
The visitor was none other than Xia Yu, the chief disciple of Shuangyue Valley.
"Come in, come in."
Fang Xiao quickly ushered Xia Yu and Bian Rourou inside, then shut the door.
"Yu'er, what brings you here?"
Xia Yu's mother belonged to a branch of the Fang family, and after Xia Yu became the chief disciple of Shuangyue Valley, the Fang family naturally worked hard to establish this connection.
Xia Yu and Fang Xiao were of similar age, and through various encounters, they had grown close.
Their relationship had become increasingly intimate.
It was precisely because of Xia Yu's influence that Fang Xiao was able to establish her restaurant in Lingxiao City, giving her the opportunity to make a comeback within her family.
"We've been here for quite some time," Xia Yu's voice was calm and soothing, like a gentle breeze.
"But we've been occupied with various matters, so we haven't had the chance to visit you, Sister Xiao."
Her voice was so calming that it made anyone feel at peace—a result of the cultivation technique she practiced.
Fang Xiao said, "If you ever need anything while you're here, just let me know. Otherwise, I'd feel like you're treating me like an outsider."
Xia Yu smiled gently, "Not at all. In fact, I'm here today because I need your assistance."
Fang Xiao's curiosity was piqued.
She sat down across from Xia Yu and asked, "What could possibly trouble the chief disciple of Shuangyue Valley?"
Xia Yu was a leading figure of the younger generation of Shuangyue Valley, just like Ji Yan and Zhang Conglong from other prominent sects.
With Shuangyue Valley's wealth and influence, its disciples were often considered little rich ladies.
Many cultivators dreamed of marrying a disciple from Shuangyue Valley, as it was akin to acquiring a treasury.
For Xia Yu to seek help, it must have been an extremely challenging matter.
Xia Yu explained, "It's like this: I've discovered a secret realm nearby."
"My junior sister and I planned to explore it."
"However, it's vast and contains many dangers. We can't explore it all with just the two of us."
"With our fellow sect members too far to arrive in time, we have no choice but to seek assistance here in Xiaoyao City."
A secret realm was different from a pocket dimension or small world that could exist for an extended period.
If left unopened, it might remain indefinitely.
But once activated, the spiritual energy within would gradually deplete, and when it was gone, the realm would vanish entirely.
It was like a spiritual egg—once cracked, it would eventually become rotten.
Bian Rourou added, "The secret realm has already been opened. According to Senior Sister's calculations, we have about a month before the spiritual energy inside completely dissipates."
"There's something important for Senior Sister in there, so we need additional help."
Xia Yu asked, "Sister Xiao, do you know anyone who could assist us?"
"You should know some people in Lingxiao City, right?"
Fang Xiao inquired, "What are the requirements for these candidates, Yu'er?"
Bian Rourou said, "We need around three or four people."
"As for their strength..."
Xia Yu continued, "They must be at least at the Foundation Establishment stage. We can't have anyone too weak."
Xia Yu herself was at the eighth level of the Core Formation stage, and she didn't expect to find someone at her level, but finding a few people at the Foundation Establishment stage would be sufficient.
Secret realms had various dangers, and if someone was too weak, they would only become a liability.
Fang Xiao, hearing this, smiled. "In that case, I could join you."
Her strength was at the seventh level of the Foundation Establishment stage, not too weak.
Xia Yu smiled warmly and affirmed, "I came here specifically to ask for your help, Sister Xiao."
"Of course, I wouldn't leave you out."
"Sister Xiao, if you could recommend one or two more people, that would be perfect."
Fang Xiao nodded, then began to think about who might fit Xia Yu's requirements.
For some reason, Lü Shaoqing's image suddenly popped into her mind.
She hesitated. "Well, there is one person, but I'm not sure if he's suitable."