After putting away Old Man Yingshan's body, Liuli and the others returned to where the Flying Boat was docked. There, Xiao Yi Xian was already standing silently by the ship's side, waiting for them.
Looking at Xiao Yi Xian's somewhat lonely figure, Liuli nudged Xiao Yan beside her and asked, "Xiao Yan, have you noticed that Xiao Yi Xian seems a little different?"
Xiao Yan glanced at the white-haired beauty from afar and gave a bitter smile. "I know..."
Liuli raised her brows in surprise, pursed her lips in a smile, and nudged Xiao Yan's arm again as she teased, "Then you can't avoid it. You have to face these feelings! I think Xiao Yi Xian is quite nice. Besides, you already have so many confidantes—taking one more as a wife won't matter!"
"Cough, cough..." Xiao Yan coughed awkwardly, about to say something. But when he saw the complete lack of amusement in Liuli's eyes, a chill ran down his spine. He quickly changed his words at the last moment. "How could that be? We're just... friends!"
"Hmph! I don't believe you!" Liuli shot him a look, took Zi Yan's hand, and strode ahead, leaving Xiao Yan with only her graceful back.
Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and shook his head helplessly before quickly following after them.
After Old Ghost of Earthly Demons failed to stop them with his group, they encountered no further obstacles along the way. Their journey went smoothly, and in less than three days, the Flying Boat slowly arrived at the Inner Academy's entrance before descending onto the small plaza under everyone's watchful eyes.
Xiao Li, who had been waiting for a long time, hurried forward the moment the group stepped off the Flying Boat. Throwing an arm around Xiao Yan's shoulders, he laughed heartily.