"Master, your disciple will take her leave..."
Saintess Qingyi rose, bowed to her master, and turned to leave the cave abode.
She walked back along the mountain path, thinking about Chen Shan accepting the challenge, and before she knew it, she had reached the courtyard.
"Junior Sister Qingyi."
A familiar voice came from ahead.
Saintess Qingyi raised her head and saw the Azure Dragon Holy Son standing in the middle of the path, his hands behind his back, watching her with a somber gaze.
"Oh, Senior Brother Azure Dragon."
Saintess Qingyi greeted him indifferently without slowing her steps.
"Junior Sister Qingyi, my challenge to Chen Shan is a matter between two men."
The Azure Dragon Holy Son blocked her path, his tone brooking little argument as he said gravely, "I hope you won't interfere too much."
Won't interfere too much?
Saintess Qingyi stopped and glanced at him. The corners of her mouth lifted into the faintest hint of a smile. "As long as you're happy, Senior Brother."
She walked around the Azure Dragon Holy Son and continued on.
Watching her retreating figure, the Azure Dragon Holy Son could not shake the feeling that her words carried a trace of delight at his misfortune.
He shook his head, cast the thought from his mind, and followed her with long strides.
They entered the courtyard, one behind the other.
Saintess Qingyi did not return to her room. Instead, she walked straight to the door of the eastern wing and knocked.
"Fellow Daoist Chen Shan, are you there?"
"Yes."
The door opened from within, revealing Chen Changming standing in the doorway, looking calmly at her and the Azure Dragon Holy Son.
He had already read something in Saintess Qingyi's eyes.
Saintess Qingyi glanced at the Azure Dragon Holy Son, then looked back at