As a fellow man, Yun Qing found men like Ye Tianchen easy to understand.
His female confidantes were sorted into ranks. Those of noble birth who could bring their sects' support naturally mattered more. Childhood acquaintances, innocent and gentle, naturally tugged more strongly at his youthful feelings. Those who could lend him a hand on the Great Dao would also be treated with care.
As for Red Ji, Yun Qing regretted leaving her there back then.
In Ye Tianchen's eyes, her origins were too lowly.
The elder sister of a servant in the Ye household, a maid herself-no matter how accomplished her arts of seduction became, she was merely a splash of alluring color at his side, dispensable, someone he could embrace or discard.
Soon, Yun Qing heard another name.
The Profound Serenity Sect. The biological father of Niu Niu-of Red Ji-that mighty cultivator of the Path of Heartlessness from the Profound Serenity Sect had come as well.
"Hahaha! My dear daughter, rest assured. Your father will surely purge the corruption from all the neighbors among whom I once lived in seclusion."
He must have been quite pleased that his "useless" daughter could unexpectedly create value for him, mustn't he?
Yun Qing now knew where Niu Niu's arts of seduction had come from.
"Ah."
A sigh escaped his throat, then drifted away into the foul heavenly wind.
Yun Qing turned and left.
There was no need to reveal himself. Ye Tianchen would soon break through the realm and ascend; they would meet again before long.
His Dao had begun to take shape.
On the elevated platform, Red Ji seemed to sense something and suddenly glanced beyond the crowd.
Naturally, she saw nothing. That spot was utterly empty.
Red Ji froze for a moment, an inexplicable emptiness opening in her heart.