Qiao Ranran immediately tugged at Pei Ling's sleeve. "No more investigating. We'll just wait quietly." She shot Yan Qingsui a look. "You behave too, and focus on recovering. When Sword Venerable Jinglin arrives, how are you going to explain yourself looking like that?"
Yan Qingsui's expression tightened. He had gone out, lost Tao Doudou, and come back covered in injuries. He could already imagine how the old man would look at him. Without another word, he sat down on the spot, swallowed an Elixir, and began regulating his breathing.
This was the Heavenly Evolution Sword Sect's Spirit Ship, so Yan Qingsui had every reason to stay aboard. But with Qiao Ranran and Pei Ling still there, the looks directed at them grew distinctly pointed. After all, even fellow disciples were rivals when it came to the Azure Dragon Divine Sword, let alone Cultivators from other sects.
Meanwhile, the Feng Family's Spirit Ship drew close to the Heavenly Evolution Sword Sect's. Feng Changdong stood at the bow and cupped his hands. "Miss Qiao, Daoist Pei, might you come over for a talk?"
Qiao Ranran turned to look at Feng Changdong. Now that he was closer, she could see a familiar glimmer in his cool gaze. It belonged to the Enchanting Demon's innate ability, as though it were surging through his Bloodline. He had actually failed to suppress it.
Qiao Ranran smiled. "Daoist Feng, you're in good health, and the Feng Family has experts aplenty. I doubt we have much to discuss."
Feng Changdong's gaze shifted, as if a violent storm lay hidden within it. "But I have something to say to you, Miss Qiao."
Qiao Ranran edged behind Pei Ling, as though wary of Feng Changdong. "But I don't want to hear it."
Her complete trust in Pei Ling, set against