"With the Sword Venerable here, I'm naturally at ease."
Yan Qingsui clicked his tongue. "It's because of Pei Ling, isn't it?"
"Of course. Doudou has the Sword Venerable and you, but Pei Ling only has me!" Qiao Ranran said as though it were obvious, making Yan Qingsui's teeth ache. "Besides, Venerable Muhua and Elder Jiang are here too. Something's wrong with Jiang Miaomiao, so keep an eye on her. You can ask Venerable Muhua for help if you need to."
"Go on, then." Yan Qingsui waved a hand. "I'll keep watch here. Is there anything you need me to help with?"
"Help?" That reminded Qiao Ranran of something. "There was another reason I came to the South Sea. A little friend of mine is by the sea, and I meant to visit, but things got in the way. Could you go see how it's doing for me?"
She handed Yan Qingsui a Storage Bag. "These are gifts for it. Tell it that once things settle down, I'll definitely come visit."
Yan Qingsui weighed the Storage Bag in his hand. "You have a friend here? Why haven't I heard about them? Who is it? Do I know them?"
Qiao Ranran's eyes curved with a smile as she said with utter sincerity, "This friend is a little sea turtle. A Black Jade Turtle youngling."
Yan Qingsui: "..."
Since they had decided to return to the Profound Heart Sect early, Pei Ling put away his Spirit Boat once it was out of sight. Then he wrapped an arm around Qiao Ranran, tore open space, and returned straight to the sect's mountain.
Perhaps Pei Ling was distracted. He usually made a point of avoiding people so he wouldn't frighten anyone, but this time he appeared right in front of Zhou Lukang.
Zhou Lukang stared