Nan Wan’s eyes glimmered with an idea. The winner of the third trial would be chosen by the citizens of Strange City. If I get close to Hua Hong, her influence alone could sway the people in my favor. He put on a polite smile and was just about to speak when Wu Zhao, as if guessing his intentions, stepped forward and interrupted.
“The banquet in the royal palace awaits you all. Please, come with me.” Wu Zhao bowed slightly.
Mu Jiu stretched and yawned. “Alright, lead the way! I could use some good food and drink. This has been exhausting!”
Bei Chen gave a slight nod. “Thank you.”
Seeing that the immortal and demon disciples agreed to attend the banquet, Wu Zhao turned to Hua Hong. “Your Highness…”
“She stole my chickens, so I’m following her around. Wherever she goes, I go. This business about being a princess of Strange City has nothing to do with me.” Hua Da Tie yawned and shot a glance at Bai Shuo. “You coming to the palace?”
Still in a daze, Bai Shuo, realizing everyone was looking at her, hurriedly answered, “Yes, yes, I’ll go.”
Wu Zhao’s face twitched but said nothing further as he led the group down the mountain path. Bai Shuo lingered at the back, nudging Hua Da Tie’s side. “Your Hig… I mean, Hua… Look, can we drop the whole ‘chicken-stealing’ thing? I wasn’t the only one eating them…” She threw a look at her apprentice ahead. “He ate most of it; go bug him.”
Hua Da Tie’s painted face stiffened, but she didn’t argue, only giving Bai Shuo a lazy side glance before resuming her tall and aloof demeanor.
Sensing she’d hit a nerve, Bai Shuo sidled up to Chong Zhao, whispering, “A-Zhao, be cautious in the palace.”
Chong Zhao frowned, aware that Bai Shuo never spoke carelessly. “Why?”
Bai Shuo briefly recounted her encounter with the strange creature. “This city harbors something sinister. The fact that the King of Strange City is oblivious worries me. I feel uneasy.”
Chong Zhao’s face grew serious; he hadn’t realized others had encountered similar beings that night.
“Once we’re inside, don’t stray from my side.”
Seeing his grim expression, Bai Shuo nodded absentmindedly, her mind preoccupied with another matter. “Mm-hmm,” she murmured.
Chong Zhao glanced sharply at Fan Yue. “Who exactly is he?”
“Who are you talking about? Oh!” Bai Shuo snapped back to attention, startled. In her distraction, she tripped on a rock, almost stumbling. Chong Zhao reached out to steady her, but someone was faster.
The young man held her arm securely, guiding her away from Chong Zhao with a firm grip. “Master, be careful.”
His voice was calm and deep, his focus entirely on Bai Shuo.
“Thank goodness! Mumu, you’re the best!” Bai Shuo patted his head, grinning.
Chong Zhao’s gaze tightened as he watched the two, then he turned and walked away.
“A-Zhao…” Bai Shuo, remembering his earlier question, turned, but she saw only his retreating, silent figure. Oh no, A-Zhao’s bound to be angry! I can’t keep Fan Yue’s identity a secret anymore. Panicking, she tried to go after him, but someone held her hand firmly.
She turned back and found herself staring into the young man’s eyes—no longer innocent, but with a hint of the playful sharpness she remembered from the Lord of Hao Yue. A chill ran through her as she whispered, “Mumu?”
“Yes, Master? What’s wrong?” Fan Yue’s expression was one of pure innocence.
Bai Shuo rubbed her eyes, and the youth tilted his head, looking at her with an almost childlike curiosity.
Thank the heavens, her apprentice was still there! Knowing the temperament of the mighty demon, if his memories had truly returned, a slap would’ve ended her life, never mind calling her “Master!”
She exhaled in relief, feeling a strange, unacknowledged warmth. Perhaps it wasn’t just because she’d kept her life… but maybe because he was still Mumu—her apprentice.
“Well, you two,” came the blacksmith’s sudden voice, “the others are already gone. Hurry up, or you’ll be left drinking the northwest wind.” [Note: “Drinking the northwest wind” means being left with nothing.]
Bai Shuo, suddenly aware of the heat on her face, pulled her hand from Fan Yue’s grasp and darted down the path.
The youth chuckled, scratched his head, and followed her at a leisurely pace.
“That creature barely lasted three moves against you last night, the spiritual barrier here doesn’t affect you, and even Rong Xian’s Golden Core couldn’t harm you. She’s just a half-immortal—how could she be your master?” Hua Hong, chewing on a wild reed she’d picked up, didn’t move her lips as her voice sounded in Fan Yue’s ear.
Fan Yue’s steps faltered, though he gave no sign of acknowledgment.
“Aren’t you even a little curious about who you really are? Perhaps I could help,” Hua Hong offered, raising an eyebrow when he stayed silent.
“No need. No matter who you are, don’t go near her.” The youth’s eyes turned icy as he looked at Hua Hong. “If I could kill Rong Xian, you wouldn’t stand a chance either.”
With that, Fan Yue turned and walked away, leaving Hua Hong gazing wordlessly at the sky.
My dear Lord, how unjust! I’m just your loyal little lapdog! she thought with mock distress.
She sighed dramatically, then suddenly smirked, eyes gleaming mischievously as she watched his departing figure.
Well, since you insist on keeping your memory suppressed, calling her ‘Master’ and acting like a lovesick puppy, I’ll just sit back and enjoy the show when you finally remember everything.
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