A flurry of hurried footsteps rang out.
The Sword Maiden pushed open the door, walked over to sit opposite Xu Xingke, and glared at him.
Xu Xingke was eating intently and did not even look up.
"We're in big trouble now. Word has already spread," the Sword Maiden had no choice but to say.
"Word of what?"
Xu Xingke shoveled in a mouthful of food, asking as he ate.
"The Chaotic Spiritual Light said the Emperor Species is inside Shen Ye and could descend upon the human world at any moment. All the major factions know about it now," the Sword Maiden said.
"Oh."
"Oh, my ass! Everyone's panicking, and quite a few people have proposed disposing of Shen Ye," the Sword Maiden said irritably.
Xu Xingke looked up at her.
She met his gaze without flinching, as though asking him what they were supposed to do now.
"Hey," Xu Xingke said.
"What?" the Sword Maiden replied, focusing her attention.
"Pass the chili sauce," Xu Xingke said.
The Sword Maiden immediately deflated. She reached out and passed him the chili sauce from the edge of the table, muttering:
"That kid's only in his teens, and now everyone knows an insect has possessed him. How's he supposed to live after this?"
"You're worried about him," Xu Xingke said.
"Yes," the Sword Maiden admitted. "I haven't seen a newcomer wield a sword like that in years. I don't want someone like him to die so young-"
"Far too many humans have died in this era."
"That's why you sent him to me to become my student," Xu Xingke said with certainty.
The Sword Maiden patted her forehead, picked up the wine bottle, and filled Xu Xingke's cup before filling her own.
"A toast to you." She raised her cup.
"So many people