With the enhancement of the "Swift Talisman," Bai Yun, now at the advanced Profound Master level, moved at a speed that was nearly unparalleled. Only those above the Profound Emperor realm might outpace him, but such individuals were rare.
As he approached the two "quest targets," Bai Yun accelerated further. With a powerful step, he shot upward like a cannonball. Ahead, two figures flying through the sky became visible. Without hesitation, Bai Yun charged toward them, each movement accompanied by the booming sound of air being torn apart.
The two men froze momentarily, halting their flight and readying themselves. "Who goes there? We are elders of the Fire Cloud Sect!" one of them declared, his voice stern.
Before the words fully left his mouth, Bai Yun suddenly split into two identical forms, both closing in rapidly. Each unleashed the "Profound Thunder Technique," radiating intense arcs of lightning.
The two elders quickly responded with their "Fire Cloud Fists," trying to fend off the attacks, but their hearts filled with dread. The battle raged from the heavens to the ground, lightning and flames wreaking havoc, incinerating countless plants and trees in their wake.
In the chaos, Bai Yun managed to force one of the elders back with a thunderous punch. Swiftly, he and his duplicate closed in on the other, forming a pincer attack. Overwhelmed by their speed and coordination, the second elder was unable to react in time.
Boom!
The elder who had been retreating tried to rush to his companion's aid, but he was already too late. His fellow was struck head-on by the twin thunder punches, his body sent flying dozens of meters as blood splattered in the air, his chest caving in from the impact.
With one foe defeated, Bai Yun turned his attention to the remaining elder. The disparity in speed was insurmountable. Despite his desperate resistance, the second elder met the same fate, struck down and lifeless.
Retrieving his duplicate, Bai Yun leaned against a tree, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. After a brief rest, he began making his way back to where Yin Mei and her daughter waited.
Yin Mei held her daughter tightly, staring dazedly in the direction where Bai Yun had disappeared. For someone like her, who had lost all means of security, an unconscious reliance on Bai Yun was beginning to take root in her heart.
This dependence, of course, was not born of love but rather the natural trust and hope that a drowning person places in their rescuer.
When she finally caught sight of Bai Yun's figure speeding toward her, a glimmer of relief and gratitude lit up her eyes. Her lips parted slightly, and she softly murmured, "You've returned."
The little girl, Yin Yue, beamed with delight at the sight of Bai Yun. "Xiao Bai! Did you scare off all the bad guys?" she asked eagerly.
Bai Yun was momentarily taken aback by Yin Mei's subtle change in demeanor. Then, with a faint smile, he replied, "Yes."
Although playful thoughts occasionally crossed his mind, Bai Yun wasn't someone who would act on them without consideration. He believed in letting things unfold naturally.
"Come on! Let me carry Xiao Yue," Bai Yun said as he stepped forward, extending his hands toward the little girl.
Yin Mei hesitated, her gaze shifting to her daughter.
"Yay! I want to ride on Xiao Bai's shoulders!" Yin Yue exclaimed. Perhaps it was the snacks, or maybe the fact that Bai Yun had saved their lives, but the little girl was already fond of him. Unlike her cautious mother, she had no reservations about trusting him.
"Alright." Yin Mei, her emotions a tangled web, chose not to object.
"Let's go!" Bai Yun cheerfully scooped Yin Yue up, placing her atop his shoulders. As they continued their journey, he distracted the girl with treats from his space storage, her laughter ringing out along the way.
When they neared the next town, Bai Yun suggested Yin Mei wear a veiled hat to conceal her extraordinary beauty. Once she agreed, they entered the town and promptly secured a spacious, luxuriously decorated carriage to hasten their travel to the imperial capital.
Inside the enclosed carriage, Yin Mei seemed slightly uneasy. Unlike their open-air travels before, the confined space brought a subtle tension. The two sat only a short distance apart. Bai Yun, noticing the faint blush on Yin Mei's cheeks, felt a flicker of distraction. However, he quickly pulled out a toy from his storage, entertaining Yin Yue with it and breaking the tension.
Listening to Yin Yue's cheerful laughter, Bai Yun couldn't help but marvel. She's truly breathtaking.
Back on Earth, Bai Yun had seen countless beautiful women—whether on TV or online. Yet not one of them came close to Yin Mei. Her features, her demeanor, and even her voice surpassed them all. Yin Mei's natural elegance and femininity were like a fragrant rose, subtly intoxicating.
Though Bai Yun had never been one to fixate on women, Yin Mei awakened a desire in him—a yearning to claim her as his own.
How ironic, he mused, I've barely begun, yet I've already lost to her charm.
"Xiao Bai! Xiao Bai!" Yin Yue's voice jolted Bai Yun from his reverie. He realized with some embarrassment that he had been staring at Yin Mei, lost in thought.
The two adults exchanged a silent, awkward glance.
Yin Mei sighed inwardly. She had felt the intensity of Bai Yun's gaze and the unspoken desire within it. Though she bore some goodwill toward him for saving her, it was purely out of gratitude, not romantic affection. After the betrayal she had suffered, she couldn't possibly entertain such thoughts so soon.
However, her current situation left her with no choice but to rely on Bai Yun. This dependence brought an undercurrent of fear, yet it also provided a sense of fragile security.
Sensing her unease, Bai Yun leaned forward slightly and whispered near her ear, "Yin Jie, you don't need to worry. I admit I find you enchanting, but I would never exploit your gratitude for my own gain."
Startled, Yin Mei instinctively leaned back, her face flushed. "Mmm," she murmured faintly, her heart a confusing mix of emotions.
Seeing her shy reaction, Bai Yun couldn't help but smile. He continued earnestly, "I swear to protect you and Yin Yue. I will never let harm come to either of you."
Yin Mei lowered her head, quietly murmuring an acknowledgment. Though she remained silent, a faint ripple of warmth spread through her heart.
Just as Bai Yun turned his attention back to Yin Yue, the little girl was already watching him intently. When he noticed her gaze, she stuck out her tongue playfully. "Caught you staring!" she teased with a giggle.
Chuckling, Bai Yun reached out to ruffle her chubby cheeks, prompting even more laughter.
Inside the carriage, Yin Mei finally allowed herself a moment of calm. Resting her head gently against the window frame, she smiled—a smile tinged with relief, gratitude, and a faint, undefined hope for the future.