Early the next morning, Yang Kai gently knocked at the doors of the Contribution Hall.
After a moment, the doors swung open and Xia Ningshang slipped out, a small bundle slung over her shoulder packed with all manner of things.
"You're here, Junior Brother," Xia Ningshang greeted softly.
"Mm." Yang Kai nodded. "Where's Manager Meng?"
"He had a sudden relapse of an old ailment yesterday, so he has to stay behind to recuperate. He can't come." As she spoke, her eyes flickered restlessly, those dense rows of eyelashes fluttering like fans.
Yang Kai studied her with suspicion. A trace of panic flashed through Xia Ningshang's gaze.
"Should we wait for him then?" Yang Kai had his suspicions but chose not to press the issue.
"No need. I know where it is. Besides, time is running short, and Master said not to wait for him." Seeing that Yang Kai wasn't going to dig deeper, Xia Ningshang breathed a sigh of relief.
"Alright then." Yang Kai hesitated briefly, but agreed.
"I'm sorry to trouble you this time, Junior Brother." Xia Ningshang let out a long breath.
"Don't mention it, Senior Sister." Yang Kai smiled faintly.
The two of them set off lightly from Lingxiao Pavilion.
In a side room of the Contribution Hall, Meng Wuya was slumped over the table, snoring away. On the table sat several plates of delicate dishes and a few jugs of fine wine—clearly, Manager Meng had been savoring food and drink before dozing off.
These dishes had all been prepared by Xia Ningshang's own hands, with the sole exception that she had added a few special ingredients. Seasonings crafted from the essence of her Medicine Spirit Sacred Physique were something not even a master of Meng Wuya's caliber could resist.
This sleep would last at least several days!
Meng Wuya had been shrewd his entire life, yet never imagined he would stumble in his old age and be undone by his own precious disciple. Truly, one moment of carelessness could lead to eternal regret—a great ship capsized in a shallow ditch.
By the time Meng Wuya came to his senses, everything would already be settled.
Yang Kai and Xia Ningshang arrived in Wumei Town, purchased two horses, and stocked up on daily supplies before galloping off into the distance.
While shopping, Yang Kai also made some inquiries about their destination. According to Xia Ningshang, it was roughly ten days' travel from Wumei Town, situated deep within the Black Wind Mountain Range. The road was long, but all things considered, they had plenty of time.
Not long after the two departed from Lingxiao Pavilion, the news reached Xie Hongchen's ears.
Ever since he had witnessed Su Yan and Yang Kai's intimacy in the Forest Prison that day, Xie Hongchen had drowned his sorrows in alcohol for several days, mired in gloom and frustration. He had finally pulled himself together yesterday. Once his mind cleared and he thought things over, he concluded that what he had seen that day was not what it had appeared to be.
He knew Su Yan's character better than anyone. With her pride and strength, how could she possibly fall for a mere Yang Kai at only the third level of the Kaiyuan Realm? Besides, the two of them had barely interacted before that—they were practically strangers.
Only then did Xie Hongchen realize that Su Yan and Yang Kai had simply been putting on an act that day. In the heat of jealousy and rage, his blood had rushed to his head, leaving him no time to consider whether it was real or fake.
But now that he had figured it out, Xie Hongchen's spirits soared. Yesterday he had gone to see Su Yan again to declare his feelings, suave and elegant, the madness and loss of composure from that day nowhere in evidence.
Though Su Yan had ultimately thrown him out once more, the knot in his heart had instantly loosened.
As long as no other man had claimed Su Yan, she would one day be his! Xie Hongchen was brimming with confidence—he was, after all, the most outstanding male disciple of Lingxiao Pavilion, and Su Yan was the most outstanding female disciple. Their union was something the elders would surely be pleased to see.
This morning, Xie Hongchen had once again prepared himself with care, intending to visit Su Yan at the Black Wind Market shortly.
Just as he was about to leave, a Law Enforcement Hall disciple suddenly rushed in, his face bright with excitement. "Senior Brother Xie! Yang Kai just left Lingxiao Pavilion!"
Xie Hongchen's eyes lit up. "He left alone?"
"No. He left with a disciple from the Dark Hall named Xia Ningshang," the man replied.
"Xia Ningshang!" Xie Hongchen narrowed his eyes. "I know her. Her strength is on par with mine, yet she's not a Core Disciple. That woman has always been strange!"
"Where did they go?" Xie Hongchen thought for a moment, and a trace of madness surged in his eyes. Heavens had truly smiled upon him—that trash had actually left Lingxiao Pavilion at a time like this. If he could be killed outside the sect, wouldn't that perfectly vent the hatred in his heart?
"I don't know their destination, but it looks like they're heading far, because they bought two horses in Wumei Town!"
"Far away?" Xie Hongchen raised an eyebrow. "Good, good, good. Wonderful."
He said "good" several times in succession, then suddenly turned his head, his expression turning savage. "Go find a few trustworthy brothers—at least Separation-Union Realm in strength—to come with me on a trip."