He instinctively stepped back, only to bump into Ao Zhan.
Ao Zhan wore a complicated expression as well.
As his memories returned, he looked at Yun Qing, then at Yun Shuanghua, who stood trembling before him.
Feng Jiuxiao was far more direct than Ao Zhan. He looked at Yun Zui, the corners of his lips curling on his exquisite face, and teased, "How many times did you shout 'Big Sister Jiuxiao is mighty' just now?"
Yun Zui laughed awkwardly. "Well, Fellow Daoist Feng..."
Not only had she shouted it, she had shouted it especially loudly and excitedly, getting even more invested in the fight than Feng Jiuxiao himself.
Feng Jiuxiao said nothing. He merely watched Yun Zui, seemingly considering something. A moment later, he suddenly chuckled.
"How interesting. I'll take you as my little sister. Once things here are settled, come drink with me at the Phoenix Clan. My treat."
Yun Zui froze, then her eyes lit up. "Really?! I'll bring plenty of good wine when I come!"
Feng Jiuxiao nodded.
Listening from the side, Ao Zhan couldn't help laughing either. He patted Yun Shuanghua's shoulder and said heartily, "Chin up, little fellow."
Yun Shuanghua looked up at him with tearful eyes.
Ao Zhan took a small blood-colored vial from his robes and pressed it into his hand. "Here, take this. Raise your Dragonblood Thornbush well! Once the Azure Cloud List competition is over, come visit the Dragon Clan. I'll teach you a few of our secret arts."
Yun Shuanghua fumbled to accept it, then asked softly, his eyes red, "Th-thank you. Can I really come?"
Ao Zhan raised an eyebrow. "My word carries the weight of nine cauldrons!"
Dragonblood Thornbush cheered in delight; he already had deep ties to the Dragon Clan. A spark of surprise and joy flashed