Seeing Dugu Yan's mood sink from hopeful anticipation into gloom and dejection, Ye Qifeng felt somewhat guilty.
He did not want to hurt her.
But under the present circumstances, Ye Qifeng could not respond to Dugu Yan's expectations.
After all, he could not remain in Heaven Dou City forever.
Matters at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well had been settled. He still had other things to do next and would soon leave Heaven Dou City. Moreover, for a very, very long time afterward, he would not set foot in Heaven Dou City again.
That time might be five years, or perhaps even longer.
Even if Ye Qifeng responded to Dugu Yan's feelings, he would not have the time or energy to keep her company afterward.
He could not possibly make the girl wait in vain, missing him across mountains and rivers.
Since that was the case, it was better not to begin this relationship at all.
After pondering for a moment, Ye Qifeng still felt it would be best to take this opportunity to dispel Dugu Yan's hopes.
So, he tactfully told Dugu Yan what he had once said to Huo Wu in Blazing City.
Fortunately, perhaps because they had not known each other for long.
Unlike Huo Wu back then, Dugu Yan's feelings for Ye Qifeng were not yet particularly deep. They had not reached the point where she would marry no one but him, unable to free herself.
Back in Blazing City, Huo Wu had spent at least a month with Ye Qifeng, and they had been together almost every day. She understood Ye Qifeng more deeply, and her affection for him was far stronger, almost carved into her bones.
Furthermore, Huo Wu's personality was more forthright and direct. Once she had confirmed her feelings, she would