The red sun hung high in the sky. Dressed in brand-new clothes, Zhang Xiaohua walked out of the small courtyard with Four Unlike Huanhuan in one hand and the Prajna Heavy Sword in the other.
Meng stood outside the courtyard, smiling.
Seeing her, Zhang Xiaohua could not help but laugh. "We already said goodbye yesterday, didn't we? I told you there was no need to see me off. I'm only going out for a stroll. By the Cult Master's grace, I'm merely going to find someone to lend a hand. There's no danger involved."
Meng tilted her head, her brows drawing together slightly. "I don't know why, but I just can't bear to part with you. I still wanted to see you off."
Zhang Xiaohua looked around nervously. "Wouldn't this... be a little too conspicuous? Won't it make the other senior sisters of Mocu Palace jealous?"
At Zhang Xiaohua's exaggerated expression, Meng nearly doubled over laughing again. Covering her mouth, she said, "Li... Xiaoyao, who do you think you are? Which senior sister would ever fancy you? Stop feeling so good about yourself!"
Zhang Xiaohua rubbed his flat nose and said solemnly, "I didn't mean they'd be jealous of you. They'd simply be jealous of the marriage ordained for us by Heaven!"
Meng pursed her lips in a smile. "All right, stop spouting nonsense. Though this trip to Huanxu should not be especially dangerous, if you can earn some merit, it will prove two things. First, that the Cult Master has a good eye and that you are a competent Protector disciple. Second, that you are making up for your crimes through meritorious service. The greater your achievement, the lighter Hui Chun Valley's punishment will be. Valley Master Nie has even given you his daughter—how can you bring calamity upon