Now!
Lu Ren had entered seclusion, Dao Rhyme swirling around him.
Sensing an approaching presence, he emerged from the Reincarnation Ancient Pagoda.
The hall doors opened softly, and a figure in dark robes stepped inside. It was Xing Canglan.
Starlight flowed around her like a river of stars draped over her shoulders. As her icy eyes opened and closed, ancient frozen stars seemed to rise and sink within them.
"What is it?"
Lu Ren's voice was calm, his gaze unfathomable.
Xing Canglan bit her lower lip. A slight tremor entered her cool voice. "I heard you obtained quite a few high-grade Battle Marks in Chu Shanhe's cave dwelling. Could you... spare me a few?"
"No."
Lu Ren shook his head, his gaze as still as an ancient well.
"I gave every Battle Mark I obtained to Gu Qiyuan and Long Xiaoman!"
Lu Ren said evenly, "Besides, you have a Five-Marked Battle Body. Those Battle Marks would be of little use to you."
"Long Xiaoman said you're hiding Sixth-Grade and Seventh-Grade Battle Marks!"
Xing Canglan stared straight at Lu Ren, her gaze flashing like lightning.
"That brat was talking nonsense!"
Surprise flickered through Lu Ren's eyes before he regained his composure.
"I wouldn't take them for nothing. I have treasures to trade!"
Xing Canglan curled her fingers into a fist, urgency creeping into her voice.
"I truly don't have any!"
Lu Ren's answer was firm as a blade striking iron.
"Hmph!"
Xing Canglan's lovely face turned icy. Flushed with embarrassment and anger, she stamped her foot. Fierce starlight swept from her dark robes as she turned into a dazzling streak and vanished from the palace, leaving only a swirl of cold air behind.
"Why did she get so angry out of embarrassment? I didn't offend her."
Lu Ren found it strange.