237 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Lin Yuxue pleaded softly, admittedly a bit afraid her martial aunt would scold her. However, she was overthinking it. Ran Fanyin didn’t respond to Lin Yuxue. She bypassed her, walking up to Ning Songwu, and looked down at the vacant-eyed, delicate girl before her. The girl raised her head and looked at her without any discernible emotion, as if gazing at an inanimate object. Ran Fanyin was somewhat taken aback. She felt she had seen such an indifferent gaze before, fleeting images flashed through her mind, yet she couldn’t recall them. Suppressing her doubts, Ran Fanyin spoke lightly, “What’s your name?” “Ning Songwu.” Ran Fanyin looked indifferent to Ning Songwu’s cold tone and continued, “Are you willing to come with me to Cangjun Mountain?” Ning Songwu had never left Bailu Village. She didn’t know that Cangjun Mountain was the most prominent sect in the cultivation world, nor did she know that the figure standing before her was Ran Fanyin, the foremost combatant in the cultivation world who terrified countless demon clans. At this moment, Ning Songwu’s thoughts were quite simple. She thought that since she survived, she should strive to live well, and to live well, she must eat her fill. She reflected seriously for a moment and then looked up at the cold woman. “If I go with you, will I be able to eat my fill?” Ran Fanyin was somewhat astonished. She hadn’t expected that this seemingly indifferent girl had such a simple wish. However, the surprise only lasted a moment, and Ran Fanyin’s voice remained cold, “Yes.” As if making a resolute decision, Ning Songwu extended her hand, “Then I’ll go with you.” Ran Fanyin looked at the outstretched hand of the girl, noticing the scars on the back, likely caused by an animal’s claws. She didn’t understand the reason behind Ning Songwu’s gesture. Suddenly, Ning Songwu retracted her hand, “Sorry, my mother used to lead me by the hand when we walked. I meant no offense.” Ran Fanyin responded indifferently, “It’s nothing,” and then she soared into the sky on her sword. Lin Yuxue approached Ning Songwu, patted her shoulder, and smiled, “Little junior sister, you’ll go with me.” Saying this, Lin Yuxue summoned her sword, took Ning Songwu by the hand, and leaped onto it. “The flight speed might be a bit fast. If you’re scared, close your eyes.” Ning Songwu shook her head, “Immortal Teacher, I’m fine.” “No need to be so formal, just call me senior sister. We’re leaving, hold on tight!” Throughout the journey, Lin Yuxue introduced Ning Songwu to Cangjun Mountain and Ran Fanyin. When discussing the sect and Ran Fanyin, she always spoke with palpable pride. “Don’t be scared of Martial Aunt, she’s just a bit cold. She’s really nice.” These words weren’t very convincing, especially since Lin Yuxue herself was quite afraid of Ran Fanyin. Though Ran Fanyin hadn’t actually done anything, she was just naturally intimidating. Ning Songwu glanced at Lin Yuxue, her eyes showing distrust, but she didn’t point it out. Glancing ahead at Ran Fanyin’s azure figure, Ning Songwu’s eyes reflected confusion. She felt as though Ran Fanyin was waiting for them. Moreover, given the high speed of sword flight, logically, the wind should be fierce, yet Ning Songwu didn’t feel anything. She looked up at Lin Yuxue, “Did the Immortal Teacher cast a spell? It seems like the wind has stopped.” Reminded by Ning Songwu, Lin Yuxue realized this issue. Glancing at her martial aunt flying ahead, she understood, “I didn’t cast any spell. This should be Martial Aunt’s doing.” Lin Yuxue’s expression appeared genuine, but Ning Songwu, having lost all hope in life, felt no gratitude. Their conversation reached Ran Fanyin’s ears, making her feel a bit uneasy. “Yuxue, no more chatting.” Hearing her martial aunt call her again, Lin Yuxue became visibly tense, “Yes, Martial Aunt!” Ning Songwu paid no heed to these matters and closed her eyes to rest. Ran Fanyin glanced back, her brows furrowing with a hint of confusion. For some reason, she kept sensing a faint aura of demonic energy from Ning Songwu, which was the real reason she agreed to bring Ning Songwu along. Temporarily setting aside her doubts, Ran Fanyin decided to keep Ning Songwu close for careful observation. Chapter 93: Embrace~ The human race doesn’t possess just one celestial sect like Cangjun Mountain, but other sects also follow its lead. With the demon race not yet eradicated, the various sects are united in their efforts. Recently, Cangjun Mountain received a plea for help from the Northern Lishui Sect, reporting that a sinister mist had occupied their jurisdiction. All disciples sent to investigate, including a Nascent Soul stage elder, had gone missing without a trace. Given Lishui Sect’s limited strength, they sought aid from Cangjun Mountain. Cangjun Mountain would naturally not stand by. Upon receiving the request, Ceng Ran immediately sent his two disciples to the Northern territories to address the issue. Unexpectedly, Ran Fanyin also got involved and even brought along her burdensome disciple. Although Ceng Ran was puzzled, he was in no position to question his senior sister’s decisions. Thus, Ning Songwu, a person with no cultivation, was forcibly taken to the Northern territories. Besides Ran Fanyin, Lin Yuxue and Luo Sheng accompanied Ning Songwu. They were Ceng Ran’s disciples. Upon reaching Lishui Sect, they didn’t linger and followed the sect’s guiding elder to Wanjia Village, enveloped in the sinister mist. “Immortal, it’s here.” Ran Fanyin had concealed her appearance and weapon, hence the guiding elder addressed her as "Immortal" rather than "Revered One." There was no need for the guiding elder’s reminder as Ran Fanyin already sensed it. Below them, between two mountain peaks, a dense, dark mist loomed. Ning Songwu was riding on the same flying sword as Ran Fanyin. Peeking from behind her, she sniffed the air and caught a whiff of blood. Luo Sheng, always maintaining a serious demeanor, frowned and asked Ran Fanyin for permission, “Martial Aunt, may I explore first?” The guiding elder cautioned, “Immortal, please be careful. This mist is strange, sudden entry is unwise.” “Exactly, senior sister. Your cultivation is only at the Golden Core stage. It’s too risky to go alone.” Lin Yuxue also voiced her concern. Luo Sheng seemed slightly resentful, glaring at Lin Yuxue, “I understand, then junior sister, come with me. Two Golden Cores should suffice.”