239 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

The vow was indeed ruthless, but what Ning Songwu did not know was that Chen Siting had the ability to see through people's hearts. She didn’t consume Ning Songwu directly because there was a hidden power within Ning Songwu that even Chen Siting feared. Just like now, as Chen Siting approached slightly, she felt her soul struggling to stay intact, as if it was ready to disperse. She swiftly backed away, laughing, “I believe you.” Ning Songwu felt cold sweat breaking out from within. She dared not make any more rash inquiries, only praying that someone would come quickly to rescue her, while another voice echoed swiftly in her mind, clamoring for death. Amidst her jumbled thoughts, Ning Songwu suddenly smelled a familiar, cold fragrance, bringing her instant calmness. This was Ran Fanyin’s scent. Sure enough, in the next second, a blade of sword light shot straight towards Chen Siting. Chen Siting had not anticipated anyone breaking through her enchantment to find this place. The sword light was swift and formidable, leaving her hurriedly raising a dark fan to block it. Ran Fanyin scooped up the stunned Ning Songwu, lightly asking, “Are you alright?” Ning Songwu snapped back to her senses. Despite her intense dislike for Ran Fanyin, she couldn’t deny the relief she felt at her arrival. After calming herself, Ning Songwu shook her head, indicating she was unharmed. Ran Fanyin set her down and said faintly, “Watch closely.” With that, she wielded her sword towards Chen Siting. Ran Fanyin’s sword matched her attire—cyan blade and silver-white hilt, named Qingshuang. Chen Siting’s face paled, “The Qingshuang Sword! You’re Ran Fanyin!” Ran Fanyin did not respond, only increasing the ferocity of her attacks. Chen Siting, now unwilling to continue the fight, swept her dark fan, enveloping the area in black mist before disappearing into it. Ran Fanyin did not become frustrated at stabbing empty air. She understood there was an array here. While she didn’t grasp arrays, she knew that all arrays had a breaking point. She drove Qingshuang downwards, and immediately, the surrounding darkness began to crack, revealing slivers of light. Just as she was about to exert more force to break the array, a pained groan from behind startled her. Ning Songwu lay curled on the ground, blood trickling from the corners of her mouth. Chen Siting’s triumphant voice echoed from all directions. “Respected Qingshuang, you may continue, but let me kindly remind you, breaking this array forcefully will cost your disciple’s life, haha.” Ran Fanyin helped the writhing Ning Songwu up to inspect her injuries. Rarely showing anger, she hissed, “Despicable demon.” “Deserving of your title as the respected Qingshuang, such a pity that today, you’re brought down by me, a mere demon. How about we make a deal?” “Speak.” “You spare my life today, and I will spare your disciple’s. What do you say?” “Alright.” Taken aback by Ran Fanyin’s quick assent, Chen Siting paused before bursting into laughter, “Haha, I didn’t expect the respected one to care so much for her.” To show her sincerity, Ran Fanyin retracted Qingshuang and made an oath. Letting down her guard, the demon lifted the control over Ning Songwu, who instantly relaxed, fainting in Ran Fanyin’s arms. The dense mist around them dispersed, as did the black fog. Ran Fanyin once again saw the light and the unchanged scenery of Wanjia Village. This demon’s attack targeted the heart. Those moments were illusions, but they struck deeply at the soul. Ning Songwu lay in Ran Fanyin’s embrace, no bloodstains on her mouth, still trapped in a nightmare. The other three accompanying them were all lying on the ground, also lost in slumber. Ran Fanyin placed Ning Songwu to the side, then set up a protection spell. Once finished, she soared off in pursuit of the escaping demon. ### Chapter 94: Lantern Light Ning Songwu lay on the grass, feeling the breeze. She squinted, thinking that Lin Yuxue’s wine was indeed good, with its fragrance wafting around her nose in the breeze. “Tsk! I’m the only one on this peak anyway. It’s alright even if I get drunk.” Humming a little tune, Ning Songwu carried the wine towards her small courtyard. There were two rooms in the courtyard; the one on the right belonged to Ning Songwu, and the one on the left belonged to Ran Fanyin. Ran Fanyin had been in seclusion for several days but hadn’t developed a habit of closing the door, as she was used to being alone. Besides, there was nothing of concern in that room. Passing by her door, Ning Songwu noticed a portrait of a man on the wall opposite. Lin Yuxue had mentioned that this was Ran Fanyin’s master, who had died four hundred years ago. The man in the portrait exuded a gentle air with a faint smile, easily earning goodwill. It puzzled Ning Songwu how such a person could have trained someone as cold-faced as Ran Fanyin. After a few glances, she lost interest and took large strides back to her room, eagerly unsealing the wine jar. Immediately, the fragrance of the wine filled the room, making her feel slightly intoxicated just by breathing. Feeling her face starting to burn, Ning Songwu began to suspect Lin Yuxue of lying. This definitely seemed like strong liquor. However, with Ran Fanyin absent, no one would witness her making a fool of herself. Ning Songwu poured a small cup and carefully filled it, then drank it in one gulp. Contrary to expectations, the wine was sweet, with a rich fruit aroma and a refreshing coolness as it went down, easing her fatigue and making her feel lighter. “Seems like peach flavor. Who knew Senior Sister Lin had such skills,” she mused. Unable to resist, she drank a few more cups. Seeing no adverse effects on herself, Ning Songwu found it hard to stop, leaving the jar half-empty. Despite all the wine she drank, she felt an emptiness in her stomach, wondering where all the liquid had gone. Carefully resealing the jar, she temporarily forgave Lin Yuxue, the love-struck fool. It was already evening by then. Through the window, Ning Songwu saw the orange-yellow sun seeming close, stretching lazily. She sprawled on her bed, resting her hands behind her head. For some reason, she felt increasingly hot. Touching her cheek with a hand, she was startled by how hot it was. Sweating profusely, her consciousness gradually dulled. It must be the delayed effect of the alcohol. Lin Yuxue, you traitor! This was Ning Songwu's last thought before passing out.