Chapter 780 Night Talk

The moonlight poured down like a ribbon, its clear glow spilling over the pale purple gauze curtains of the pavilion and casting dappled shadows on the stone tables and benches. The night breeze carried the coolness of the mountain grass and trees, bringing a refreshing and invigorating coolness.

Several people sat around chatting in the pavilion, and the atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious and pleasant. With Ya Fei, a social butterfly, there was no worry about the conversation getting awkward.

With a charming smile, she effortlessly steered the conversation, sometimes discussing interesting anecdotes from the Central Plains business world, and other times chatting about fresh stories from the cultivation world. Her words were gentle yet witty, always managing to precisely capture everyone's interest.

Qinglin listened with a smile, Xiaoyixian nodded with a gentle smile, and Yunyun and Nalan Yanran occasionally chimed in to agree. Their laughter drifted away with the evening breeze, creating a sense of leisure in the chilly night.

"I never imagined that Yun Yunhe and Sister Yanran had actually encountered such a dangerous situation before, being kidnapped by those sinister people from the Soul Palace!" Ya Fei frowned slightly, her tone filled with genuine fear, and gently shook her head. "Fortunately, Young Master Xiao Ling rescued them in time, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable, and they would have suffered a lot."

She paused slightly, her eyes darting around, then covered her lips and chuckled softly. Her laughter was as clear as a silver bell, tinged with a hint of self-deprecation.
"It's quite a coincidence, though. Despite being out in the public eye and navigating the business world of Zhongzhou all these years, I've never been targeted by those persistent guys. It seems that in the eyes of the Soul Hall, we lowly businessmen are ultimately not worth their time and effort."

Ya Fei's half-self-deprecating joke created a subtle ripple in the atmosphere of the pavilion.

Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran, master and apprentice, exchanged a glance, their eyes flashing with complex emotions, a mixture of lingering fear from their near-death experience and a faint envy of Ya Fei's peaceful life.

Yun Yun was the first to regain her senses, a slightly bitter smile playing on her lips as she gently shook her head.
"Ya Fei, you are being far too modest. In terms of contributions to the Starfall Pavilion, my master and I are far inferior to you. The massive profits you bring to the pavilion every year are worlds apart from the meager gains we make from carrying out missions. Our meager income is nothing compared to what we earn."

Nalan Yanran, standing to the side, quickly nodded in agreement, her clear eyes filled with approval. To be honest, having experienced the terrifying ordeal of being abducted by the Soul Palace, they were indeed somewhat envious of Ya Fei's peaceful and uneventful life.

However, this envy only passed quietly in their hearts and was not spoken aloud. They knew that they did not have the keen business sense of Ya Fei, and they also understood that in the Dou Qi Continent where strength was respected and the strong were supreme, who would not want to hold the power to destroy the world and who would not want to climb to the peak of the cultivation world?
Compared to a stable business path, their most persistent desire is to pursue greater personal strength.

"The situation in Zhongzhou will only become more turbulent, and the minions of the Soul Palace will become more and more unscrupulous, and their methods will inevitably become more insidious."

Xiao Ling took a sip of tea, the warm liquid smoothing his throat, but his gaze, tinged with seriousness, fell upon Consort Ya. His tone was steady and resolute.
"You've been managing the Starfall Pavilion's businesses for years, so you must keep a close eye on the Soul Palace's movements in the future and never let your guard down. Given your current importance to the Starfall Pavilion, I will request the Pavilion Master to assign you a Dou Zun-level puppet as your bodyguard. With such a trump card, you can be better protected and avoid encountering Yun Yun and Yan Ran in the same dangerous situation as before."

"Then Consort Ya will thank Young Master Xiao Ling in advance." Upon hearing this, a hint of unexpected joy flashed in Consort Ya's eyes, and a warm current seemed to surge within her heart. Her previously composed and dignified expression unconsciously gained a touch of genuine warmth. She bowed slightly, her tone respectful yet unable to conceal her emotion.

"I am deeply grateful for your concern, young master. In the future, when I am handling affairs outside, I will pay extra attention to the movements of the Soul Palace and live up to your and the Starfall Pavilion's trust."

She skillfully concealed the turbulent emotions in her eyes, maintaining her usual dignified and proper demeanor. However, the slight upturn of her lips ultimately revealed a hint of joy at being cherished by Xiao Ling.

Xiao Ling did not pay close attention to the subtle changes in Ya Fei's words and expression. He mentioned this matter purely out of practical consideration. The benefits that Ya Fei has created for Xingyun Pavilion deserve this level of security.

Moreover, she was someone he had brought to the Starfall Pavilion from the Northwest Continent years ago. Although she volunteered to come to the Central Continent to broaden her horizons and develop her own abilities, they had a good relationship back in the Jia Ma Empire.

For Xiao Ling, such help was nothing more than a small favor, and he naturally wouldn't hesitate to offer it.

Furthermore, the Starfall Pavilion possesses an incredibly profound foundation, with a considerable number of Dou Zun-level puppets sealed within. The pill lightning that Xiao Ling and Yao Chen attracted when they were refining pills was not wasted. Using one of these puppets to protect Ya Fei is merely a drop in the ocean and not worth mentioning at all.

Thinking of this, Xiao Ling changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over Yun Yun, Nalan Yanran, and Ya Fei, and he made a suggestion in a somewhat casual tone:
"By the way, I plan to return to the Northwest Continent later. There are still some unfinished matters there that I need to personally handle. If you are planning to go back and take a look, you might as well come with me. With me accompanying you and escorting you, we can use our spatial powers to travel together. This will save you a lot of trouble and greatly shorten the journey. It will be much more convenient than you returning on your own."

As soon as the words fell, the idle chatter in the pavilion instantly ceased. The evening breeze, carrying the chill of the grass and trees, swept past the gauze curtains, creating a soft rustling sound. Yun Yun, Nalan Yanran, and Ya Fei were all slightly taken aback, and a genuine stirring of interest flashed across their clear eyes.

Since I followed Xiao Ling on the journey to Zhongzhou and settled in Xingyun Pavilion, several years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Over the years, they have each worked diligently and steadily, navigating the formidable Central Plains step by step. They have finally shed their former naiveté, gained a firm foothold, and established their own foundation.

But the Northwest Continent was ultimately where their dreams began, their homeland that bore the marks of their youth and growth. The streets and alleys of the Jia Ma Empire, the voices and smiles of relatives and friends—even after many years, even though their cultivation and knowledge had changed drastically since they left, that deep-seated longing remained, as if it were a vine tightly entwined around their hearts.

The three women exchanged a knowing glance, their initial excitement transforming into unspoken certainty.

Over the years, they had considered returning to the Northwest Continent, but the Central Continent and the Northwest were thousands of miles apart. Even if they could travel by using a space wormhole, it would take a lot of time to go back and forth. Not to mention that the journey was fraught with danger, and with their strength, traveling alone would inevitably be filled with fear.

It was these concerns that caused the idea of ​​returning home to be postponed time and time again.

Now that Xiao Ling had offered to travel with them, it undoubtedly solved their immediate problem. Ya Fei was the first to recover, her eyes sparkling with laughter, her tone filled with joy and earnestness.

“Since Young Master Xiao Ling is so kind, the three of us would be more than happy to accept! If it is convenient for you, please take us with you. With you by our side, we can avoid the hassle of traveling and have peace of mind. We would not want to miss such a rare opportunity.”

"In that case, you should get ready as soon as possible." Xiao Ling smiled faintly, his tone casual yet undeniably firm. "I will be waiting for you at the Lingyue Peak gate tomorrow at noon. We will depart on time. If you are late, I will not linger."

"Of course, Young Master Xiao Ling, please rest assured." Consort Ya immediately agreed with a smile, her eyes full of joy.
"This trip back is merely to visit relatives and friends, so there's no need for much delay, and there's nothing complicated to prepare. It certainly won't interfere with our journey." Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran nodded in agreement, their eyes brimming with anticipation for home, and softly replied.
"We'll take care of everything tonight, and we'll be there on time tomorrow."

Having finalized their trip back to the Northwest Continent, the group chatted idly under the moonlight for a while, their conversation ranging from the current situation in the Central Plains to memories of the old Gama Empire. Their laughter gradually faded away in the chilly night breeze.

As night deepened, Ya Fei rose first and bowed slightly to Xiao Ling and the other two: "It's getting late, so we'll take our leave now. We still have a long journey ahead tomorrow, so we need to use the remaining time to pack up and also collect some rare treasures from Zhongzhou to bring back to the Jia Ma Empire to share with our relatives and friends. It'll be a keepsake."

Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran also stood up and echoed her. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they left along the bluestone path.

The pale purple gauze curtains swayed gently in the evening breeze. Only Xiao Ling, Xiao Yixian, and Qing Lin remained in the pavilion. Moonlight shone on the stone table, casting a tranquil glow.

Little Fairy Doctor withdrew her gaze from the three women's receding figures, turned to look at Xiao Ling, a sly smile flashing in her eyes, her tone teasing and playful.

"I didn't realize that our young master Xiao Ling's charm is still as strong as ever."

She tapped the stone table lightly with her fingertips, her smile carrying a deeper meaning.

"Just now, Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran, that master and apprentice pair, spoke to you so gently and reservedly, yet the unusual emotions hidden in their eyes could not escape my notice. And Ya Fei, although she concealed it very well, the glint in her eyes when she looked at you was not just ordinary respect."

As soon as she finished speaking, Little Fairy Doctor deliberately dragged out her words, clicking her tongue twice.

"In my opinion, if you just beckoned with your finger, these three beauties would all fall for you. What's more, they are master and disciple. Not everyone can have such a situation."

When Little Fairy Doctor teased her like this, Qinglin couldn't help but nod repeatedly, her clear eyes full of agreement.

With their current cultivation levels, she and Little Fairy Doctor had long since developed a keen perception of people's hearts. The emotions that the three women deliberately concealed in their conversations and the strangeness that they could not hide in their eyes could be easily seen with just a little attention.

Moreover, such scenes were commonplace for them. Over the years, they had followed Xiao Ling on his adventures across the Central Continent, witnessing countless extraordinary people and events. The number of women who harbored feelings for Xiao Ling and secretly sent him flirtatious glances was too numerous to count, so it was no longer surprising.

Faced with Little Fairy Doctor's teasing, Xiao Ling merely curled the corners of his lips casually, a mischievous smile flashing in his eyes, and retorted with an air of self-righteous arrogance.
"What do you mean by 'charm undiminished'? My charm is clearly growing stronger every day, surpassing even that of the past!"

He tapped the stone table lightly with his fingertips, a hint of amusement in his expression: "To put it bluntly, given my current circumstances, it's only natural for people to develop feelings for me after spending time with me, unless they have a deep-seated grudge against me. Besides, if I didn't have some real skills and extraordinary abilities, how could I have kept you two confidantes by my side all this time?"

This wasn't Xiao Ling boasting. Looking at the entire Dou Qi Continent, Xiao Ling's talent was heaven-defying, and his cultivation had already reached the ranks of top experts. Coupled with his handsome and extraordinary appearance, he was truly a unique existence on the Dou Qi Continent.

It would be a strange thing if someone with such strength, talent, and good looks didn't attract the attention of the opposite sex.

Seeing Xiao Ling acting so arrogant and unserious again, Little Fairy Doctor couldn't help but roll her eyes, but there was a hint of helpless amusement hidden in her eyes.

Only in front of his closest confidants would Xiao Ling shed the composed and aloof demeanor he displayed when facing outsiders, revealing his true, unrestrained nature. Such an expression would likely leave even the powerful figures in Zhongzhou who revered him speechless with astonishment.

She gave a soft hum, her tone carrying a hint of mischievous probing.
"Since you are well aware of your irresistible charm, and the feelings of Yun Yun and the other two for you are obvious, what are you planning to do next? With your ability to even 'seduce' your own junior sister, I'm afraid these three beauties will be ruined by you sooner or later."

"Xian'er, don't talk nonsense!" Xiao Ling quickly waved his hand and retorted seriously, "What do you mean I stole my own junior sister? Qingluan and I are in love and it's consensual. I didn't force her in the slightest!"

His tone shifted slightly, the mischievousness in his eyes fading, and his voice became indifferent: "As for Yunyun and the others, let things take their natural course. Feelings are something that can't be forced, and no one can predict what will happen next."

After a pause, Xiao Ling suddenly reached out and pulled Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin into his arms.

With the soft, fragrant flesh of the two women in his arms, he looked down at their shy yet smiling faces, his eyes filled with tenderness, his tone carrying an undeniable certainty.
"No matter what, you two will always be the most special and important people in my heart. In this life, I will definitely walk hand in hand with you, conquer the Dou Qi Continent together, until we reach the peak, never to be separated!"

Nestled in Xiao Ling's warm embrace, listening to his heartfelt words, the two women felt a warm current spread from the depths of their hearts, instantly enveloping their entire bodies. Their gazes towards Xiao Ling softened even more, their eyes brimming with unwavering affection and tenderness.

For them, the greatest blessing in their lives was meeting Xiao Ling. He pulled them out of the abyss, which led to their current situation, which was previously unimaginable.

Xiao Ling's image has long been deeply imprinted in the softest corner of their hearts, becoming the most solid support and the warmest light in each other's lives.

Inside the pavilion, the gentle moonlight bathed the three figures embracing in a halo of sanctity. A light evening breeze carried the fragrance of grass and trees, and also the anticipation of a future together. (End of Chapter)