Cao Ying's Despair

Fenyan Valley lay beneath a bright sky, as peaceful as ever. Even Tang Zhen, who had been anxious only days ago, had gradually settled his restless heart. Every day, he sat quietly in the main hall with Ancestor Huoyun, drinking tea and waiting. Ancestor Huoyun chatted warmly with Tang Huo'er beside him about everyday family matters. From the relationship between grandfather and granddaughter, it was clear that compared to Tang Zhen, Ancestor Huoyun cared far more about Tang Huo'er. Perhaps that was what they called a grandparent's special affection.

Gu Qinghan held her teacup, her gaze shifting slightly toward the Back Mountain as her brows drew together.

It had been nearly two weeks already. Were Xiao Yan and the others still not done?

Gu Qinghan had been terribly idle these past few days. Aside from Tang Huo'er inviting her to spar at the training grounds every day, she truly had nothing else to do. Moreover, Tang Huo'er was merely a peak Dou Zong. Calling it a sparring match was generous—Gu Qinghan was more of a practice partner. One could imagine just how bored she was.

To put it plainly, when sparring with Tang Huo'er, Gu Qinghan could not even be bothered to draw her blade, much less use Instant of No Boundaries. A peak Dou Zun and a peak Dou Zong were simply not on the same level. Gu Qinghan could stand there and let Tang Huo'er attack, and Tang Huo'er still would not be able to break through her defenses. It made Gu Qinghan feel like she was playing house with a child.

Yet Tang Huo'er herself never grew tired of it. It was clear that she had a combative nature, something rather rare among women.

Rumble—!

Suddenly, thunder that sounded like a beast's roar rolled endlessly above the