Though he stood in a bustling marketplace, Ding Songyan felt his surroundings grow unusually quiet. His eyes held only that peerless beauty, an orchid blooming in a secluded valley:
My dear little sister, stop fooling around. Hurry up and lower the mesh of your Veil Hat. If someone sees you, won't your whereabouts as the Sage-Slaying Path Sect Master be exposed?
How will you hatch your plots in the Flame Capital then?
It's one thing if you're not afraid, but if anyone sees you looking at me like that, I couldn't wash myself clean even if I jumped into a great river.
Ah, what was bound to come has finally come-and at a time and place like this...
My only option now is to draw my sword against her and shout for help. Only then can I restore my spotless reputation as a young hero of the righteous path.
As thoughts flashed through Ding Songyan's mind, he suddenly felt an invisible force press against the heavenly gate atop his head, trying to open it.
It stirred many unpleasant memories and reminded him of the late Master Yan.
Instinctively, he was about to concentrate his spiritual intent and circulate the Being-and-Nonbeing Myriad Forms Qi to resist, but then he saw Ji Hanyi's expression at the second-floor window: a smile that was not quite a smile.
Ding Songyan's heart sank. He understood what his little sister Qingyan meant:
Just try refusing.
Ah, circumstances are stronger than people... Once I've confirmed Twelfth Madam's cultivation realm, come find me in the Cheap Wine Shop's Rear Courtyard if you dare! Ding Songyan slowly exhaled and abandoned his resistance, allowing a cool sensation to fall into his sea of consciousness.
At the same time, Ji Hanyi nodded in satisfaction and lowered the white mesh, concealing her