Feng Tianlan’s expression was cold and stern. She looked impartial, just, and unfeeling. All this while, she had been so caught up with cultivation and handling Tu Xiang that she had neglected the Holy Pill City. From this day on, she vowed to keep a closer eye on the city, lest it became infiltrated by malicious evil-doers.
“Will you be dispatching someone else to supervise and manage the city?”
Feng Tianlan frowned. “I shall decide after I reach the Holy Pill City.”
Elder Chen stayed kneeling on all fours until Feng Tianlan left. Only then did he slowly get up and wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. He said, “Our Master may be young, but her capabilities and aura are not to be reckoned with. We can never compare.”
The moment Feng Tianlan stepped out of the Ruyi Trade House, Si Mobai popped out and grabbed her by her slim waist. He pushed off the ground slightly, then leaped into the air and headed toward Feng Manor.
Si Mobai wrapped up Feng Tianlan in his oversized cape and pressed her little face against his chest. The only sounds she could hear were the chilly winds howling and his thumping heartbeat. However, she could not see the outside world. All she knew was that they were leaping off roofs, traveling through the air.
The howls of the cold wind took her back to that dream. In the dream, she was also shielded in a man’s arms. She was draped in a cape that blocked the outside world from her sight but also protected her from being injured by the crying winds.
However, there was one big difference. In her dream, she could neither hear the man’s heartbeat nor make out his face. However, there was one constant thing—she was always protected.
“Si Mobai, did you send your men over to the Holy Pill City?” With both feet off the ground, Feng Tianlan had no choice but to grab his belt.
With Feng Tianlan in his arms, Si Mobai bounded from roof to roof, light and soundless as a ghostly spirit. “The enemy is too powerful. I don’t want you to be my Achilles heel. You are, at the same time, my armor and shield. We will fight together, side by side. I want to avoid a future where I have to do something against my wishes to protect you.”
“Against your wishes?”
“Like the rumors that spread in the city a few days back. You are the woman I love, and I want the whole world to hear that loud and clear.” Every time he thought about how that rumor had portrayed him, he could hardly suppress his disgust. Lan’er was the only woman in his heart. Whether they spoke truth or lies, he hoped that when people spoke of his partner, they would talk of Lan’er, and not any other woman.
Feng Tianlan’s heart jolted at his words. You are the woman I love, and I want the whole world to hear that loud and clear.
She thought about her previous life, where she and Jiang Ying had resorted to secrecy about their relationship. Jiang Ying had said that they needed to hide to preserve her honor and chaste reputation, and she’d believed him. She’d even thought that it was so sweet of him and that he’d done it thinking about her. However, looking back, he had made their love seem like an illicit affair. It was not to be declared aloud, doomed never to see the sunlight.
“We still have a long journey ahead. These bumps we are encountering now are merely jitterbugs. They are unworthy and insignificant. I hope that we will never have to do things against our will, believing them to be for the sake of the other party. I wish for there to be no misunderstandings or hurt between us.”
Si Mobai tightened his grip around Feng Tianlan’s slender frame and continued, “If I have to choose between the world and you, I choose you. I choose only to believe in you.”
Feng Tianlan’s heart trembled yet again. He must be the only man who could say things and move her heart so, right?
Si Mobai took in her silence but felt no anxiousness. She would be his. With enough patience and strength, he could eliminate all those who drooled over his treasure. She would only be his.
They soon reached the Heavenly Phoenix Court. Si Mobai gently put her down and said, “The past few days have been quite crazy. Have a good rest. Just leave the rest to me.”
“Si Mobai.” Feng Tianlan called out to stop Si Mobai, who was about to leave. She fixed her bright, piercing eyes on him, only to slightly shift her gaze. His peach flower eyes were too gentle. She began, “I…”
