Mi Lu didn’t know what business this girl named Yang Rong had with him, so naturally, he wasn’t about to hop on the carriage with the coachman called Ah Jian without getting some answers.

After hesitating for a moment, Mi Lu was just about to question Ah Jian when suddenly a long whip sliced through the air toward them.

HuLü Yan’s whip snapped forward with tremendous force and murderous intent, striking at Ah Jian with almost eighty percent of his strength. However, Ah Jian had already anticipated HuLü Yan’s move. He sidestepped, leaving behind a mere shadow, easily evading the whip.

The tail of the whip hit the ground with a sharp snap before HuLü Yan retracted it in an instant. He then took a few quick strides, placing himself protectively in front of Mi Lu, shielding him like an eagle guarding its chick. His sharp, narrow eyes shone with a cold, wary light.

Ah Jian, who had retreated a few steps back, looked at the whip in HuLü Yan’s hand, surprised. “Isn’t this the Young Lord Ming’s…”

Halfway through, he suddenly noticed the many eyes watching them. Abruptly swallowing the rest of his words, Ah Jian twisted his lips into a cryptic smile.

Ah Jian spoke with a smirk, “Young man, you’re not that old, but you’ve got quite a temper on you.”

The coldness in HuLü Yan’s eyes almost became tangible. His face darkened as he spat out a single word, “Scram.”

“Young man, you misunderstand. My lady has no other intentions. She merely wishes to catch up with the young master,” Ah Jian said, his gaze slipping past HuLü Yan to settle on Mi Lu. “Young master, my lady asked about the lotus flowers in front of your residence. Are they still being tended to well?”

“Lotus flowers?” Mi Lu was stunned, a familiar face suddenly surfacing in his mind. He broke into a smile and asked eagerly, “Does your lady like pink?”

“Precisely.”

“So it’s her!” Mi Lu quickly stepped out from behind HuLü Yan and turned to Ah Jian. “It was our misunderstanding just now. Ah Jian, big brother, please, lead the way.”

Ah Jian gestured invitingly. “This way, young master.”

Mi Lu grabbed HuLü Yan’s hand, ready to follow. But HuLü Yan didn’t budge; instead, he tightened his grip on Mi Lu’s wrist, easily pulling him back.

Caught off guard, Mi Lu stumbled, landing right against HuLü Yan’s chest. HuLü Yan, without thinking, wrapped an arm around his waist.

Ah Jian turned, witnessing the scene. His expression shifted subtly, but he said nothing, standing aside in silence. Meanwhile, the surrounding crowd, there to enjoy the spectacle, couldn’t hold back their exclamations.

“They’re a couple, right? Right?”

“Definitely a couple!”

“I reckon that young man in white is quite handsome, maybe Yang Rong has taken a fancy to him and invited him on the carriage to chat. The young man in black, being his partner, naturally can’t let Ah Jian just take him away.”

“You sure it’s not Yang Rong trying to get some justice on behalf of Cen Xi?”

“Oh please, who’s Cen Xi to deserve such favor?”

“Speaking of, that young man in black is pretty good-looking too! I bet he’s the dominant one in the relationship.”

“No way! The guy in white seems more like the dominant one to me.”

Listening to their imaginative chatter, Mi Lu was absolutely dumbfounded. Now he understood why that silver-haired man could spread gossip so widely in just a few cups of tea’s time. People here sure loved gossip!

At least in the Capital City, people didn’t suspect two men to be a couple at first sight.

Flushing slightly, Mi Lu tried to break free from HuLü Yan’s embrace, but HuLü Yan’s grip was firm, pressing his fingers into Mi Lu’s side, leaving him unable to escape.

“Let go,” Mi Lu whispered, his cheeks aflame with embarrassment. Even when he’d glimpsed HuLü Yan’s, uh, spring dream content in the Peach Blossom Array, he hadn’t felt this mortified.

But HuLü Yan seemed unfazed by the surrounding whispers. His gaze remained icy and fixed on Ah Jian as he muttered, “Don’t go with him.”

Mi Lu’s cheeks grew hotter, and he had to lean in close to HuLü Yan’s ear, whispering his explanation, “The girl in the carriage, Yang Rong, might be someone I knew. Let’s go see. If she’s not, we can leave right after.”

HuLü Yan quickly looked down at Mi Lu’s face. Perhaps because of the closeness, he discreetly leaned back, averting his gaze.

“No.”

“…” Mi Lu was at a loss for words but tried another approach. “How about you wait here, and I’ll go check on my own?”

At this, HuLü Yan’s grip on his waist tightened, even his perfectly shaped eyebrows furrowing, yet his answer was still those two words: “No.”

Mi Lu paused, only to switch tactics. “Yang Rong is likely from the city of Qi. If we connect with her, it might be our ticket into the city.”

He barely finished speaking before HuLü Yan interrupted with his stubborn “No.”

“…”

HuLü Yan looked down at him. “Do you like her?”

“Huh?” Mi Lu was completely lost.

“Do you like that Yang Rong?” HuLü Yan asked, utterly serious.

“…”

Where did that even come from?!

Mi Lu realized HuLü Yan had some serious misconceptions about emotions. It seemed that to him, paying any extra attention to a member of the opposite sex equaled liking them—even if he didn’t know what that person looked like. This mindset was problematic!

But this wasn’t the time to fix it.

“I don’t like her. I don’t even know who she is, so how could I like her?” Mi Lu whispered, “I just want to see if she’s someone I know. If she is, we could ask for her help.”

Seeing HuLü Yan maintain his dark expression in silence, Mi Lu, both amused and exasperated, reached up to pinch HuLü Yan’s cheek gently. “You’re four years older now; how are you still so headstrong? Like a little kid.”

HuLü Yan stiffened, his whole body suddenly going rigid, as if Mi Lu’s fingers had an electric current. He quickly released Mi Lu’s hand and took a step back.

Mi Lu, puzzled, stared at HuLü Yan with his hands still raised midair.

HuLü Yan’s breathing was unsteady, his chest heaving as if he’d just gone through something intense. He looked at Mi Lu, then at the hand that had just touched his cheek.

The next moment, his face flushed visibly red.

Mi Lu wanted to go forward but hesitated, settling on asking from a distance, “Are you alright?”

HuLü Yan immediately shook his head frantically. After a moment, he managed to steady himself and squeezed out two words, “Let’s go.”

He put his whip away, tucked it into his pouch, and strode toward Ah Jian. “Lead the way,” he ordered coldly.

Ah Jian didn’t seem to mind HuLü Yan’s rudeness. With polite composure, he guided them onto the carriage.

Though the carriage looked modest, it was much roomier inside, thanks to a spatial formation. It was as spacious as a study, complete with a table, chairs, a low couch, a tea table, and a bookshelf.

Yang Rong ignored Cen Xi’s constant chatter in her ear, nervously holding a tea cup. When she heard footsteps approaching, she hastily set the cup down on the table and looked up, tense—

Only to meet a face as frosty as winter itself.

At that moment, Cen Xi, who had been complaining beside her, suddenly let out an angry shriek, “Lady Yang Rong, that’s him! He struck me across the face with his whip for no reason. If you hadn’t shown up, I’d be disfigured by now! Please, Lady Yang Rong, seek justice for me!”

As she spoke, tears welled up in Cen Xi’s eyes, and her nose reddened as she sobbed pitifully.

The young man with the icy expression frowned, clearly irritated by Cen Xi’s whining. His voice turned frigid as he said, “Did your face heal already? If you think it wasn’t enough, I can whip you again.”

“…” Cen Xi fell silent, frozen like a chicken whose neck had just been wrung.

Cen Xi discreetly tugged at Yang Rong’s skirt.

Yang Rong: “…”

She was momentarily startled but quickly shrank back into her chair like a frightened quail, pretending nothing had happened.

The young man surveyed her with an icy gaze, scrutinizing her from head to toe, and Yang Rong paled visibly under his cold stare.

Only when she saw out of the corner of her eye that Ah Jian was leading someone else into the carriage did she finally feel relieved. She stood up quickly and called out, “Ah Jian, did you bring him?”

“Yes, miss. Here he is.” Ah Jian stepped aside.

The fear that had been clouding Yang Rong’s face vanished instantly. She looked joyfully at Mi Lu. “Young master!”

At the same time, Mi Lu recognized her, exclaiming, “Ming Yue?”

Hearing the familiar name, Yang Rong choked up and nodded eagerly, like a pecking chick, “It’s me, your servant!”

Mi Lu was surprised and delighted. He had never expected to meet someone he knew in the Demon Realm, especially an old childhood friend.

After seven or eight years, Ming Yue—now known as Yang Rong—still looked much the same, but her aura was like a blossoming peony, exuding a mature elegance. If not for her unchanged face, Mi Lu might not have recognized her in her lavish attire and heavy makeup.

“Please, young master, have a seat!” Yang Rong invited him happily, offering him a seat and calling out to Ah Jian, “Ah Jian, bring tea for the young master.”

Ah Jian nodded, “Yes, miss.”

“Oh, by the way.” Yang Rong turned to Ah Jian. “You may not know, but this is the young master I’ve often mentioned—the one who grew up with me and always looked out for me.”

Ah Jian, standing by the table with the teapot in hand, smiled kindly, “I had my suspicions. If there’s anyone who could make the miss so happy, it’s surely the young master of the Mi family.”

Yang Rong shyly touched her face.

As Mi Lu took the seat offered by Yang Rong, he glanced back to see HuLü Yan still sulking at the door. He walked over and pulled HuLü Yan to sit beside him.

Yang Rong was evidently a little intimidated by HuLü Yan, choosing to sit across from Mi Lu instead of next to him.

As for Cen Xi, who had been crying and pleading for Yang Rong’s help, he was now bewilderedly ushered off the carriage by Ah Jian.

Although Ah Jian wasn’t outside to guide them, the horses seemed to know the way, pulling the carriage steadily forward.

In a short time, the carriage crossed the barrier and entered Qi City without any trouble.

After a long conversation, Mi Lu learned that after Ming Yue left the Mi family seven or eight years ago, she had been relentlessly pursued by the Wenren family, forcing her to flee the Capital City and hide for two years. In desperation, she had escaped to the Demon Realm.

The wilderness of the Demon Realm was teeming with fierce, bloodthirsty monsters, and as a beginner who had only just started cultivating, she was no match for them.

Fortunately, she met Yan Fu, the Star Moon Pavilion’s master, who took pity on her and, seeing her resemblance to his missing daughter, saved her and took her in.

Yang Rong had followed Yan Fu to Qi City and had since settled there.

The reason behind Yang Rong’s departure from the Mi family was still infuriating.

Yang Rong was the only daughter of Mi He Feng’s late subordinate, and because of her unique status, she had been given special treatment by the Mi family. From a young age, Mi He Feng and Gu Qiu arranged for her to care for Mi Lu’s daily needs.

Yang Rong took after her mother, who had died from childbirth, inheriting her beauty. Even as a young girl, her potential beauty was clear, which unfortunately caught the eye of the Wenren family’s young master, Wenren Xiao, when she was fourteen. From then on, she faced a series of unwanted advances.

Too young to know how to seek help, one day, when Wenren Xiao tried to force himself on her again, she impulsively used a dagger to slash his wrist.

The incident caused a stir, and even Wenren Zheng, the Wenren family’s head, who rarely made appearances, brought his son in person to demand accountability.

Naturally, the Mi family defended Yang Rong with all their power.

However, the Wenren family’s persistent schemes eventually forced the Mi family’s hand. To protect her, they had to secretly send her away.

Mi He Feng and Gu Qiu had carefully arranged a safe destination for her, but halfway through her journey, Yang Rong went missing, leaving behind no trace.

Meeting Yang Rong safe and well in the Demon Realm was a huge relief for Mi Lu.

Yang Rong, in turn, was well aware of the hardships Mi Lu had endured over the years. After hearing him briefly recount his life over the last four years, she felt as if a weight had been lifted from her heart.

Yang Rong asked, “What are your plans now?”

“To be honest, we’ve come to the Demon Realm to look for someone in Drunken City,” Mi Lu replied after a pause, “Do you know someone named Zhai Feng?”

“Zhai Feng?” Yang Rong tapped her chin thoughtfully. “If I’m not mistaken, Zhai Feng was a disciple of Tian Ming Mountain, expelled after committing a serious offense, wasn’t he?”

Mi Lu nodded. “Exactly.”

“But Zhai Feng was a disciple of a righteous sect. Why look for him in the Demon Realm?”

“Since Zhai Feng was expelled, I’ve heard nothing about him. With the righteous sects being so concerned about appearances, they would have kept an eye on him. I believe the only reason they haven’t heard from him is that he hasn’t shown himself—meaning he’s likely here in the Demon Realm.”

Mi Lu finished with a sheepish smile. “Of course, that’s just my speculation.”

Sitting beside him, HuLü Yan’s gaze remained fixed on Mi Lu.

Noticing Mi Lu smile at Yang Rong, HuLü Yan’s eyes darkened, and his mouth twisted downward noticeably.

Yang Rong, completely oblivious to HuLü Yan’s reaction, joined Mi Lu in laughter, unwittingly validating his words. “You’re right, young master. If they couldn’t find him on the righteous side, then taking a chance in the Demon Realm might just pay off.”

She then turned and instructed Ah Jian, “Ah Jian, help the young master keep an eye out for any news on Zhai Feng. Let us know immediately if anything turns up.”

Ah Jian, having been intently observing HuLü Yan, snapped to attention at Yang Rong’s command, bowing his head in acknowledgment.

After her instructions, Yang Rong turned back to Mi Lu. “Young master, you two are strangers in this land. Why don’t you stay with me at Star Moon Pavilion? The Pavilion Master is away on business, and based on past experience, he won’t be back for a year or two. While he’s gone, you’re welcome to make yourselves at home.”

Mi Lu, still worried about finding a place to stay, agreed readily to her offer.

The carriage passed through a bustling street filled with pedestrians. From outside, there were constant calls for Yang Rong, some even clambering onto the carriage, trying to peek in, only to be kicked off unceremoniously by Ah Jian, who was guarding the outside.

Inside, Yang Rong glanced at Mi Lu apologetically, “I hope you won’t mind, young master. People in the Demon Realm tend to act on impulse without much regard for others’ opinions, and their thinking can be rather strange.”

Mi Lu wholeheartedly agreed. “I noticed that too.”

“Oh, young master,” Yang Rong suddenly looked cautiously at HuLü Yan, who sat by Mi Lu’s side. “There are rumors in the Demon Realm that Young Master HuLü is married to Lady Wan. Is that true?”

Mi Lu: “…”

He looked over at HuLü Yan, whose face was a complex mix of emotions, straining to remain calm while his eyes betrayed a simmering anger.

Yang Rong, intimidated by HuLü Yan’s expression, shrank back slightly.

Worried HuLü Yan might react with his whip like he did with the silver-haired man, Mi Lu discreetly pressed his hand over HuLü Yan’s on his knee.

“It’s all nonsense,” Mi Lu answered on HuLü Yan’s behalf. “People in the Demon Realm sure do exaggerate.”

“Yes…” Yang Rong shrank back further, dabbing her forehead nervously with a handkerchief. “There are even worse rumors.”

Intrigued, Mi Lu asked, “Like what?”

Still shrinking into herself, Yang Rong said, “Some say that Young Master HuLü and Lady Wan have long been fond of each other, and that the match at the Thousands Serpent Pit was merely Lady Wan testing his loyalty.”

“…”

“Others say that not long after they married, Young Master HuLü moved on to someone else, leaving Lady Wan heartbroken and weeping alone.”

“…”

“Some even claim that Young Master HuLü and Lady Wan had a child…”

Mi Lu couldn’t take it any longer and interrupted her, “This is getting out of hand!”

Seeing HuLü Yan’s reaction, Yang Rong realized the rumors were completely baseless and smiled awkwardly, scratching her head. “This is just what I’ve heard from others. I haven’t spread a word of it myself.”

Mi Lu was astounded by the power of rumors, taking a moment to regain his composure before clearing his throat and calmly explaining, “None of it’s true. The only truth is that we passed through the Thousands Serpent Pit together. We didn’t even plan to get involved in Lady Wan’s affairs—it was purely by chance. Besides, HuLü Yan was only fourteen back then. He didn’t even know what romance was.”

Mi Lu wanted to add that HuLü Yan only understood such matters after meeting Lady Wan, but it sounded odd. Why would a grown man be so informed about HuLü Yan’s understanding of relationships?

Remembering the gossip he’d overheard at the tea stall, he chose to keep quiet.

Just as their conversation ended, the carriage stopped.

Outside, Ah Jian opened the door for them.

Mi Lu grabbed HuLü Yan’s hand, following Yang Rong out of the carriage. His gaze fell upon the Star Moon Pavilion’s grand entrance, exuding an air of sophistication and drawing numerous curious glances from passersby.

Stepping inside, they discovered a unique world within.

Thanks to formations, Star Moon Pavilion’s interior was much larger than it appeared from the outside. Here, in the Demon Realm’s bustling Qi City, the buildings had an ambiance akin to a water village. Winding corridors spanned ponds of various shapes, creating a moist, almost ethereal atmosphere.

On this parched land, Star Moon Pavilion was practically a hidden oasis.

Yang Rong had some matters to attend to, so she left Ah Jian in charge of arranging rooms for Mi Lu and HuLü Yan.

After bidding farewell to Yang Rong, Mi Lu and HuLü Yan followed Ah Jian down a seemingly endless, water-laden corridor, finally arriving at a quaint courtyard.

The courtyard was surrounded by ponds of various sizes, filled with lush green lotus leaves. It wasn’t yet lotus season, but the abundance of leaves nearly covered the entire surface.

Noticing Mi Lu’s gaze linger on the pond, Ah Jian explained with a smile, “The miss said that in the Mi family, she used to tend to the lotus pond outside your room as part of her duties. When early summer came, the blooming lotuses were truly a sight.”

“She still remembers that,” Mi Lu sighed. “I haven’t seen my family’s lotuses in four years now.”

“You’ll see them again someday,” Ah Jian assured him.

After showing Mi Lu to his room, Ah Jian led HuLü Yan to his own quarters.

At HuLü Yan’s door, Ah Jian reminded him, “The miss will be busy for a while and might not see you until later. If you need anything, just break the sound transmission talisman I’ve given you.”

Ah Jian handed him a few talismans.

HuLü Yan accepted them with a blank expression, “Understood.”

After a pause, Ah Jian added, “Young Master HuLü, I don’t know what kind of feelings you have for Young Master Mi, but I can see that you care deeply for him. And I want you to know that he is also the person our miss cherishes most dearly. Her love for him doesn’t conflict with your feelings for him.”