Outside Moon-Soothing Tower.
Song Wen reluctantly bid Qiluo farewell, then turned and disappeared into the bustling crowd.
Qiluo held the communication jade slip she had just exchanged with Song Wen. Watching his receding back, a cold smile gradually curled across her lips.
"A mere Nascent Soul Cultivator dares to speak to this fairy as an equal. For now, you still have some use, so I shall spare you. Once you have no more value, I will certainly take your..."
Qiluo suddenly thought of something, and her eyes lowered.
"No, he is still somewhat useful. Among all the people this fairy has encountered, none seem to be stronger than him. Perhaps I should spare his life and keep him penned up."
No one knew what Qiluo was recalling, but a strange smile slowly appeared on her face.
Meanwhile.
After leaving Moon-Soothing Tower, Song Wen made his way through the streets and alleys of Cloud-Hidden City. Once he was certain no one was following him, he left the city and headed toward the Withered Marsh.
He had originally intended to return directly to Wu Yuan Island, but after some thought, he made a detour to Ye Bing's Ice-Crystal Island.
When he arrived outside Ice-Crystal Island, the white mist shrouding the island blocked his path.
He took out Ye Bing's communication jade slip and was about to send her a message when the white mist before him suddenly churned, revealing a passage about ten feet high.
"Gou Jun, please enter." Ye Bing's voice came from within, as cool and detached as ever.
Song Wen passed through the passage and arrived above the island's edge. He saw Ye Bing seated in a pavilion at the island's center, a faint trace of worry lingering between her brows.
Yet he did not immediately fly toward the