The Difference Is Clear

A cold light flashed, and the sword tip pressed against Li Xuanxiao's throat.

One inch further, and it would pierce that vulnerable spot.

Su Wan's face was flushed with shame and anger.

"It would be great if you could be this tough when facing Jiang Luoshui."

Li Xuanxiao said calmly.

Su Wan said in a deep voice, "Is that the same thing? Speak! Why did you place a twin Image Stone in my cave dwelling?"

Li Xuanxiao shrugged, "Isn't the reason obvious?"

"You..."

Su Wan's originally fair and jade-like face was tinged with a captivating blush, like peach blossoms blooming in early spring.

This made her already pretty face appear even more delicate, alluring, and charming.

Unfortunately, Li Xuanxiao was a man who didn't understand romance. His gaze was straight ahead, and his breathing wasn't even slightly disturbed.

Su Wan felt that her relationship with this junior disciple of hers was usually quite good, but she never would have imagined that he would have such thoughts about her.

She hadn't noticed anything before.

He had even placed an Image Stone in her cave dwelling for as long as five years.

She hadn't detected it at all.

"I naturally foresaw this day. Ever since Senior Sister brought Jiang Luoshui back to the sect, I warned Senior Sister not to casually bring people back to the sect.

Within a few years, I discovered Jiang Luoshui's wicked intentions, saying one thing and doing another, putting on a different face in front of others than behind their backs!

So, as a precaution, I resorted to this method."

"Are you trying to fool a ghost!" Su Wan said coldly.

If it were anyone else, upon learning that someone had installed a twin Image Stone in her cave dwelling, monitoring her every move for five years.

And most likely having seen her naked body.

Su Wan would have already killed the person with her sword.

However, he had stepped forward at the critical moment and testified for her.

This was the reason for Su Wan's internal conflict.

Li Xuanxiao remained unhurried, confident that he could subdue Su Wan.

Even with her sword currently at his neck.

Li Xuanxiao appeared to have weak cultivation because he wanted others to perceive him as having average abilities.

Although he didn't have a cheat or was not a child of destiny.

But with his unwavering pursuit of cultivation and his understanding of the Path of Ruthlessness, among the younger generation, Li Xuanxiao truly didn't believe he was weaker than anyone in Shushan.

Of course, except for Senior Disciple Xue Yun.

That guy was purely a freak.

An ancient prodigy, but unfortunately, he was a love-struck fool.

A hint of surprise flickered in Su Wan's eyes. She hadn't expected Li Xuanxiao to remain so calm, with no disturbance in his breathing, even at this point.

He was even righteously explaining his reasons to her.

"I can swear, a Great Dao oath," Li Xuanxiao said. "Before this, I never spied on even a single scene of Senior Sister Su Wan in her cave dwelling. I did all this only to prevent Jiang Luoshui from framing Senior Sister."

Seeing how earnestly he spoke, even willing to use a Great Dao oath, Su Wan couldn't help but believe him a little.

"You... why did you do this?"

"What?"

"Why did you help me?"

"We are from the same sect, we help each other. Helping you is helping Shushan, and it's also helping myself."

Su Wan's expression shifted slightly. "Is that all?"

"That's all. Also, I must remind Senior Sister that in the future, when you encounter such matters, don't just give people a cold shoulder.

Not everyone will believe you through your silent explanations. You need to argue your case, explain clearly even if there's only a sliver of a chance.

Otherwise, what happened today will happen again."

Su Wan lowered her sword.

Li Xuanxiao smiled faintly. "Senior Sister, I hope you will be more careful in the future."

"Today's incident... thank you."

"You're welcome."

"And no more setting up twin Image Stones in my cave dwelling!"

"Understood."

Su Wan left the thatched hut.

Ling Xuanxiao shook his head with a smile.

"Fourth Senior Sister, Senior Brother Murong is not quite what you imagine. Be careful."

"..."

On the way out of Silver Sword Peak, Su Wan's mind was in turmoil.

Did Ling Xuanxiao... like me?

Yes, if he didn't like me, why would he do all this for me?

He had been planning this for five years.

No, even earlier, back when I brought Jiang Luoshui back to the sect.

Ling Xuanxiao had warned me then, but I hadn't paid much attention.

Now that I think about it...

But from all the signs before, I couldn't see any indication that Ling Xuanxiao had feelings for me.

Ling Xuanxiao was known throughout the sect as the most diligent junior disciple.

He spent his days cultivating and nothing else.

Later, he saved the Great Xia Kingdom's princess, Zhao Lu, and she became his junior sister.

Everyone in the sect said Ling Xuanxiao had the advantage of proximity and had struck gold.

But for two years, their relationship was purely that of senior and junior disciples.

Even Zhao Lu, a stunning beauty, couldn't sway Ling Xuanxiao.

Of course, I'm not less attractive than Zhao Lu.

Ling Xuanxiao secretly loves me and protects me from afar...

This reason is perfectly logical!!

And based on the evidence I have now, that's exactly what's happening.

Thinking of this, Su Wan's cheeks flushed.

What a devoted young man. Even though he knew I had a close relationship with Senior Brother Murong.

He still protected me from the shadows, content as long as I was safe.

Su Wan couldn't help but imagine Ling Xuanxiao letting out a pained roar at the moon in the dead of night.

That was the sound of his longing for me, a secret no one knew.

And during the day, Junior Disciple Ling Xuanxiao would pretend nothing was wrong and continue his diligent cultivation.

His hard work in cultivation was probably to protect me too...

Thinking of this, Su Wan felt tears welling up.

Just then, a graceful figure blocked Su Wan's path.

Murong Mo was dressed in a snow-white robe, his sleeves fluttering. A faint smile graced his handsome face, like a gentle spring breeze, bringing warmth and comfort.

His smile exuded a calm confidence, yet seemed to hold boundless tenderness and kindness.

His eyes were as bright as stars, deep and captivating. When his gaze shifted, it felt as if he could see into the most hidden corners of one's heart.

Usually, when Murong Mo smiled, Su Wan's heart would flutter.

But at this moment, Su Wan looked at Murong Mo with a blank expression.

"Junior Sister, you didn't go looking for Junior Disciple Ling Xuanxiao, did you? You didn't do anything to him, did you?"

"No, he protected me. I just went to thank him. I didn't expect him to be the one to speak up for me at that critical moment."

Su Wan had lost her usual gentleness.

"Junior Sister, are you angry with me? That I didn't speak up for you then? You... how can you have such a childish thought? I'm very unhappy."

Su Wan took a deep breath, remembering what Ling Xuanxiao had said to her before she left.

She sized up the man before her.

Compared to Ling Xuanxiao, their treatment of her was worlds apart.

One had schemed meticulously to ensure her safety.

The other remained silent when she was being slandered!

The difference was stark.