Now that he knew he couldn't afford to provoke her, he started pretending to be pitiful. Just watching it was enough to make anyone mad.
But Song Wanníng didn't look angry at all. Instead, her smile only grew brighter. "So it's you. Turns out it's Senior Wu from the Medicine King Sect. What's this, you came alone this time?" She even glanced left and right, as if searching for other helpers.
Wu Qingfeng's face flushed red instantly, clearly reminded of past humiliations. "Senior Song, don't make fun of me. I… I never really wanted to harm you. I was forced by the Ancestor. And I only pretended to agree to him. I was actually planning to find a place to hide. I had no intention of chasing you. Please, Senior, you must believe me!"
He knew how to bend and stretch. Back when he had been arrogant toward her, and now, he was equally respectful. To him, it didn't matter. Survival was what counted, and Song Wanníng's strength was undeniable.
"Oh?"
The smile on her lips faded as the flying artifact drifted closer to Wu Qingfeng. "Then tell me, how do you plan to settle this matter?"
Her voice was calm, but a trace of killing intent seeped through, making his breath catch. It felt as if a mountain was pressing down on him, crushing his chest. His body trembled uncontrollably.
"I… I was really going to run away and never return to the Medicine King Sect. Compared to dreams of ascending, I'd rather stay alive in this lifetime."
He quickly declared his loyalty again, raising his head to meet her gaze. "Senior, I beg you to spare me. Whatever orders you give, if it's within my ability, I'll do it. Just let me live. From the start, I only targeted you because of the Ancestor's command. It was never my intention…"
His words actually made her laugh. But she understood his fear. Nobody wanted to die, much less die for nothing. She looked straight into his eyes, her tone filled with meaning. "So you think saying a few words can erase everything you've done?"
His life wasn't worth much. Killing him meant little.
Better to make use of him. Her lips curved again, her mood lightening. As long as it made Mu Zixu suffer, letting Wu Qingfeng live didn't matter.
"This…"
His pupils trembled. He immediately realized what she meant. After a moment of hesitation, he hardened his resolve. "Senior, the Ancestor once discovered a Bodhi Tree in the Spirit Realm. But at the time, the tree was still too young to survive without its soil, so he couldn't take it.
One hundred years ago, he told me about it and ordered me to check if the tree was still there. I went, and I really did find it. By then, it had already matured, and it even bore Bodhi Fruits!
The Ancestor allowed me to take one fruit, then had me hide the tree with a formation. He instructed me to bring it when I ascended, claiming he had a way to replant it. I can tell you where the Bodhi Tree is, to prove my loyalty. Senior, please, overlook my past offense and let me live. I swear I'll never appear before you again!"
His words tumbled out in a rush, urgent yet sincere.
A Bodhi Tree was a priceless treasure. It could help cultivators comprehend the rules of the Heavenly Dao, pushing them closer to ascension. The fruits could boost cultivation, strengthen the Primordial Soul, and greatly aid cultivation. If word ever spread, it'd cause a bloodbath. She hadn't expected such an unexpected harvest.
A glimmer flashed in her eyes. She nodded. "Since you've shown sincerity, I'll let you go this time. But you still need to help me with something."
She leapt off the flying artifact, mischief flickering in her eyes.
"Mu Zixu's been wanting me dead, hasn't he? Then let's grant him his wish, so he'll stop obsessing over me. When I ascend, I'll give him a surprise. I'm sure he'll love it. Don't you agree?" She leaned down toward him, her smile playful and wicked.
Wu Qingfeng's heart sank. He shut his eyes in despair. When he opened them again, determination had replaced fear. Staying alive came first. Whether or not he ever ascended was another matter.
"Alright, I'll cooperate with you, Senior!"
He agreed without hesitation.
From this moment, he'd chosen her side. There was no going back.
"Get on. We'll deal with the rest once I've handled some things."
Satisfied, Song Wanníng returned to the flying artifact. Wu Qingfeng hurried to follow.
Their duo became a trio.
…
After a long journey, the three finally returned to the Southern Region, to the Gu Han Sect.
The sect master had been waiting for her. The moment he got word, he rushed to the gates to greet her personally. Leng Qingzhu had also been waiting. The instant she saw the flying artifact approach, she flew out.
"Senior Sister?!"
Liu Lanyi jumped up, eyes instantly reddening.
"Junior Sister!!"
Leng Qingzhu's eyes brimmed as she rushed forward.
The two women embraced tightly, too overjoyed to speak. Song Wanníng smiled warmly at the sight, her eyes gentle.
Luo Hantian clicked his tongue in amazement. He'd never seen her show such an expression before. Clearly, their bond was deep. But… wasn't that man from the Medicine King Sect?
Why was he with them too?
Luo Hantian's expression shifted. He knew full well about her conflict with the sect.
Once reunions were done, they entered the sect together.
Because Liu Lanyi was Leng Qingzhu's junior sister, and also talented, she became Ancestor Song Que's final disciple, making her Song Wanníng's Martial Uncle once again.
Meanwhile, she explained Wu Qingfeng's situation to Luo Hantian, winning his agreement.
"That old bastard Mu Zixu's always targeting you. If it's not this time, it'll be next time. Better to cut off his attention altogether. But are you sure you can fool him?"
Concern flickered across his face. Mu Zixu was a cultivator of the Immortal Realm, hardly someone easy to trick.
She understood his worry. A sly smile curved her lips. "Mu Zixu's full of confidence in himself, and even more in his pills. Otherwise he wouldn't have sent Wu Qingfeng to kill me. If I turn his own plan against him, he'll believe it."
When the time came, he'd only think she was even stronger.
After all, wasn't his arrogance to blame?