176 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

As they walked through the corridor inside the cave, Ran Fanyin tightened his grip on Ning Songwu's hand and pulled her to a stop. Ning Songwu halted, puzzled, and asked, "Master, what's the matter…" Ran Fanyin shook his head in silence, leaning against the cave wall. He glanced up at Ning Songwu and said softly: "Kiss me." Ning Songwu was taken aback. She gazed at Ran Fanyin, who had his head slightly lowered. The dim light in the cave outlined the gentle curves of his profile – his smooth forehead, elegant nose, and tea-colored light brown eyes looking down at the ground. His appealing ears had a faint reddish tint. "Master…" Ning Songwu bit her lip and smiled. "How about we save the kiss for when we're back in the room tonight, okay?" Ran Fanyin gave her a calm look without replying, simply holding her gaze for a prolonged moment, which began to unsettle her. Suddenly, he took a step forward, his cold fingers resting on her neck. Leaning in, he brushed a soft, fleeting kiss against her lips, like a snowflake falling between them, cool and tender. Ning Songwu held his waist, smiling gently, without saying a word. She reciprocated by gently nibbling on his lips, then lightly licking them, and pulled him into a tender embrace, holding him tightly. Chapter 69: Vigilance When Ran Fanyin and his group returned to Hua Xu Realm, the sky was completely dark. On the cleared snowy ground outside the cave, Cang Min, Cen Ran, and Helan Mianmian were already seated at a large table. However, unlike usual, Cen Ran and Helan Mianmian were not sitting together; there was a person’s space between them. Helan Mianmian, who had been sulking, immediately brightened up upon seeing Lin Yuxue at the front of the group. She cheerfully called out, "Sister Lin Yuxue, where have you been? Why did it take so long?" After greeting the others, Ning Songwu bypassed the table to help Thin Snow serve the dishes. Ran Fanyin found a seat and sat down. Lin Yuxue smiled at Helan Mianmian and sat next to her. "We were discussing some important matters, things you wouldn't be interested in." "If you say I'm not interested, then I guess I wouldn't be interested." Helan Mianmian smiled obediently, her dimples deepening adorably. Lin Yuxue patted her head. "You little trickster, why are you smiling at me like that again? What do you want to play with?" "Nothing… I just feel close to you, sister, and wanted to chat more with you." Helan Mianmian wrinkled her nose, her round, long-lashed eyes blinking. Suddenly, Cen Ran stood up in silence and walked into the Hua Xu Realm cave. Noticing the movement, Helan Mianmian turned her head, quietly watching Cen Ran's departing figure. Holding a dish, Ning Songwu intercepted Cen Ran with a puzzled expression. "Senior Sister, aren't you eating?" "…I'm not hungry. I should tell you, there aren’t enough rooms in Hua Xu Realm, so I’ll head to a guest room in Kunlun. I'll find you tomorrow when I have time." Cen Ran forced a smile, her brows lowered, then turned to leave. Ning Songwu held her back. "Senior Sister, at least have some food! And will you be going alone? Why not wait for Helan Mianmian?" "She doesn't need me to wait." Cen Ran frowned, closing her eyes. "I've been running back and forth from Northern Punishment Kunlun for your matters these days, and haven't had a proper rest. I'm a bit tired." "My apologies, Senior Sister. You should go rest in the guest room then." Uncertain of what had caused another rift between Helan Mianmian and Cen Ran, Ning Songwu could only let Cen Ran go rest. After seeing her off, Ning Songwu brought the last dish to the table. Ran Fanyin glanced at Ning Songwu, and she understood his silent cue. She smiled slightly and sat next to him. Picking up his chopsticks, Ran Fanyin looked around the table and asked calmly, "Where is Cen Ran?" "Senior Sister said she's tired and went back to the guest room to rest." Ning Songwu glanced at Helan Mianmian. Helan Mianmian kept her head down, eating in silence. Cang Min counted on his fingers. "Hua Xu Realm hasn’t been this crowded in a hundred years. Fortunately, there’s an extra guest room, but it only has one bed. Honorable Master, would you be willing to share it with this little girl, Helan Mianmian?" "Do you think I’m that delicate?" Lin Yuxue smiled warmly. "We’re all from the martial world, and sharing a room with Helan Mianmian is no issue for me." "Mm..." Helan Mianmian, her mouth full of food, vaguely agreed. Ning Songwu placed some food in Ran Fanyin’s bowl and pursed her lips, seemingly understanding why Cen Ran was upset. After the meal, Ning Songwu said to Ran Fanyin, "I’m going to check on Senior Sister. The medicine is heated up on the stove. Please drink it and wait for me to come back before you sleep." Ran Fanyin nodded and watched her leave. Lin Yuxue, Ran Fanyin, and Ning Songwu had traveled by carriage for three days before entering Zhongyuan through Guanmen. Luanhuagu was positioned to the south of Zhongyuan, requiring more travel to reach. Their food supplies were nearly exhausted, so they decided to rest in a prosperous city named Zhongyang. Since they planned to travel leisurely, staying a day or two in this lively city seemed appropriate. It was Ning Songwu's first time seeing such a vibrant scene, and she was captivated by the colorful sights outside. As soon as the carriage stopped at the inn, her eagerness to explore was evident. Ran Fanyin's eyes curved with a smile, but he simply continued sipping his tea in silence. Lin Yuxue, speaking with the innkeeper at the counter, said, "…please prepare some good meals and clean a few upper rooms." "Certainly, Miss. How many rooms do you require?" The innkeeper's abacus clacked rhythmically. Lin Yuxue glanced at Ran Fanyin, who was sipping tea, and Ning Songwu, who was looking around excitedly. "Three rooms." "Right away. Please, have a seat, Miss." "No rush. By the way, are there any interesting activities in Zhongyang city lately? Perhaps a lantern festival or similar events? We’re just passing through and would like some entertainment..."