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Facing Bi Zhu Po Po’s interrogation, Zhu Bi Qiong’s composure shattered. “No, disciple wouldn’t dare! But…”

“No buts,” Bi Zhu Po Po interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. “You may withdraw. This matter ends here.”

Zhu Bi Qiong opened her mouth, intending to speak further, but a gentle force propelled her out the door.

She stood foolishly at the entrance for a time, before finally swaying and walking down from the bamboo building.

Within the building, Bi Zhu Po Po’s brow furrowed slightly. “Hai Zong Ming has always remained aloof regarding Hu Shao Meng. His sudden pursuit of this matter must have a hidden cause. Does Hu Shao Meng possess some secret?”

“Yet, it matters little.” Bi Zhu Po Po shook her head. “Whatever secret drives Hai Zong Ming to distraction, as long as he attempts to slay Jiang Wang, the State of Qi will never forgive him. The only prerequisite is… the State of Qi must be aware. And this, fundamentally, requires no action from me…”

She turned her head, gazing towards the window. The window was tightly shut, naturally concealing the sky outside.

Recalling Zhu Bi Qiong’s innocent and carefree demeanor, she finally let out a sigh.

“Were you still alive, Su Yao, Po Po would not have made such a choice.”

“No, Po Po did nothing. If Bi Qiong were slightly more discerning, the situation might yet be salvaged.”

“Yes, I know she is pure of heart. I admit, I know how she will choose.”

“If Hai Zong Ming meets with misfortune, Po Po is one step closer to that position. You, being so understanding, surely comprehend, right?”

“Hu Shao Meng transformed you into someone utterly reviled. It is only fitting that he and his master accompany you to the grave.”

“Ah, Su Yao. You are gone, and the effort I poured into you is wasted. You should not begrudge me.”

Having finished her murmuring, she finally found inner peace and calmly settled into the chair Zhu Bi Qiong had just vacated.

“I absolutely cannot stand by and watch Jiang Wang face peril.” This was the clearest thought in Zhu Bi Qiong’s heart.

If, due to her inaction, Jiang Wang suffered harm, she would never forgive herself in this lifetime.

Yet, with her strength, attempting to sway Hai Zong Ming, a true power elder of the Diao Hai Lou, was an utterly impossible feat.

“What should I do?”

Zhu Bi Qiong walked aimlessly, unsure of where she was going or what she should do.

All along, she had relied on her sister for everything. But her sister was gone.

Countless times she had come to the realization that her sister was no longer there. Each such “reminder” in life brought her immense difficulty.

During her time in Qing Yang Town, she had been relatively at ease. Neither Xiao Xiao nor Xiang Wang had ever caused her any pressure.

Zhu Bi Qiong shook her head, casting aside thoughts unhelpful to the present situation.

In this matter, her only reliance was Bi Zhu Po Po, but Bi Zhu Po Po had clearly stated she would not intervene.

What to do?

At this moment, she suddenly recalled Bi Zhu Po Po’s words: “The people of Qi Country will not allow Hai Zong Ming to harm him.”

As long as Jiang Wang was made aware of Hai Zong Ming’s killing intent, as long as the mighty cultivators of Qi Country made conscious preparations, even if Hai Zong Ming was powerful, he would surely be unable to harm Jiang Wang, right? After all, that was the State of Qi, the overlord of the East Domain…

Thus, the most crucial task now was to notify Jiang Wang, to make him aware of Hai Zong Ming’s murderous intentions, and to prompt him to make early defenses.

After contemplation, Zhu Bi Qiong thought of Jiang Wang’s friend currently on Xuan Yue Island.

Zhu Bi Qiong’s footsteps hurried towards the Zhi Yun Tea House. She was familiar with every blade of grass and every tree on Xuan Yue Island. In the vicinity of where Xu Xiang Qian, Zhao Wu Yan, and the others had previously conversed, this was the only tea house that could be considered “elegant.”

Fortunately, when she arrived at the tea house, Xu Xiang Qian and the others had not yet left.

She was unsure what means he had employed, but the Zi Shu girl, who had previously appeared highly displeased with him, was now chatting happily, occasionally breaking into laughter at his teasing. In contrast, that Zhao Wu Yan remained placid and distant, maintaining a considerable remove.

“It’s a good thing you haven’t left!” Zhu Bi Qiong rushed over with some excitement.

“Uh… may I inquire as to the young lady’s identity?”

Xu Xiang Qian conducted himself with great gentleness and elegance. In the presence of strangers, he rarely lacked propriety.

Zhu Bi Qiong glanced left and right. The tea house was clearly not a suitable place for conversation. She grabbed Xu Xiang Qian’s arm and pulled him towards the outside. “Let’s go outside to talk.”

Xu Xiang Qian’s hand shook once, breaking free from her grasp. He retreated a step, his peripheral vision catching Zhao Wu Yan’s expression. He spoke with feigned reserve, “Young lady, please show some self-respect. This Xu is not a frivolous person.”

Zhu Bi Qiong was momentarily stunned. “Neither am I!”

She instantly grew indignant. “I have something to tell you! Let’s go outside, it’s very urgent!”

Xu Xiang Qian remained unhurried. “If you have something to say, speak here. This Xu has always acted with uprightness and frankness. There is nothing that cannot be said openly!”

Zhu Bi Qiong was about to open her mouth when she suddenly realized the need for confidentiality in this matter. Furthermore, this high-foreheaded individual clearly lacked understanding. She glared at him angrily, turned, and walked towards the outside.

Xu Xiang Qian paid her no mind, directly reseating himself at the tea table. He shook his head and laughed. “The Buddha Gate speaks of the flesh body as merely a stinking skin bag, not without reason. It is too cumbersome, always encountering these troubling matters… Ah!”

He let out a long sigh. “However, the women of the near-sea islands are indeed somewhat overly enthusiastic and bold.”

Zhao Wu Yan’s eyes widened slightly. Upon hearing his words, she merely said, “Viewing the flesh body as a stinking skin bag is held only by a single branch within the Buddha Gate. The mainstream Buddha Gate, in fact, views the flesh body as a boat traversing the bitter sea.”

“Senior Sister possesses profound knowledge!”

Just at this moment, Zhu Bi Qiong’s voice transmission reached his ear: “Jiang Wang is in danger!”

Xu Xiang Qian had just uttered a word of praise, the flattery not yet fully articulated, when he instantly stood up. Without a word of farewell, he vanished from the tea house.

Zi Shu was stunned for a moment. “He…?”

Zhao Wu Yan, however, smiled and waved to the waiter to settle the bill. “Perhaps the women of the near-sea islands are truly too enthusiastic.”

Xu Xiang Qian chased after Zhu Bi Qiong, following her retreating figure as she turned into a small alley.

His previously languid demeanor was now restrained, his expression abnormally serious. “Who are you? What of Jiang Wang?”

“Don’t worry about who I am first,” Zhu Bi Qiong urged. “You said you and Jiang Wang are like brothers. You should have a way to contact him immediately, right? He’s in great danger now! There’s a peak Outer Building Realm expert who wants to kill him!”

“Who wants to kill him?” Xu Xiang Qian’s brows furrowed tightly.

“A true power elder of the Diao Hai Lou, Hai Zong Ming! Quick, don’t delay! You must contact Jiang Wang immediately!”

Countless questions flooded Xu Xiang Qian’s mind, but he knew this was not the time to ask them.

“I can’t contact him right now…”

Zhu Bi Qiong became greatly agitated. “Aren’t you two the so-called ‘Twin Proud Ones of Catch Horse Mountain’? Aren’t you like brothers? All of you are just deceiving girls, aren’t you?”

“Don’t rush, don’t rush,” Xu Xiang Qian hastily stopped her shouting. “I have a way. I know someone who can contact Lin Zi immediately. Jiang Wang is definitely in Lin Zi now.”

“Who?”

“Li Feng Yao!”

Xu Xiang Qian rubbed his hands together. “However, she is currently on Ice Phoenix Island. Recently, the islands controlled by the Diao Hai Lou and the islands controlled by Qi Country haven’t been very peaceful. I need to find a way to quickly get over there.”

“I have a way!” Zhu Bi Qiong didn’t hesitate. “Follow me.”

At this moment, Jiang Wang was unaware of the distant malice and goodwill.

Feeling that he had resolved all matters in the East Domain, a sense of relief washed over him, and his longing for An An became even more difficult to suppress.

How much taller had An An grown by now? Had she studied well? How was her martial arts practice…

Was she living happily in the Ling Xiao Cabinet?

With such longing in his heart,

After leaving Xing Yue Plain, he traveled at a leisurely pace, finally stepping into the territory of the State of Zheng just as the sky darkened.