Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1583 - 964: Belated Gift

Among the array of contenders vying for her attention, only Mu Yunye's cultivation prowess rivaled that of Situ Ye. However, even Situ Ye, with his considerable strength, was utterly outmatched, unable to withstand even a single strike from that young man.

Could it be that the Taixuan Sect's foundation had grown so formidable that a disciple from the lowest tier of the Taixuan Nine Classics now possessed such exceptional skill and imposing aura?

Baili An's gaze swept over the assembled suitors, instilling a palpable fear that chilled them to the bone.

"Ji... Young Master Ji, your actions... causing our young lady to become inebriated so quickly, surely that is not in accordance with proper etiquette...?"

Qin Lou, the loyal steward, observed the palpable fury radiating from Fang You and found himself in a state of considerable unease.

This was meant to be a banquet for matchmaking, a grand occasion where esteemed immortals from various regions could showcase their divine talents and abilities.

Yet, how could one brazenly approach, embrace, and then openly kiss the young lady, a noble daughter of Shifang City, right in front of her own father?

Such an act was not only disgraceful but also demonstrated a complete lack of respect for Shifang City itself!

In response to Steward Qin Lou's hesitant inquiry, Baili An nonchalantly raised his eyes and cast a brief glance in his direction.

With a cultivated smile, he replied, "What Steward Qin says is entirely correct; I confess to being rather impolite. Since Miss Fang finds herself unable to hold her liquor, allow me to make amends by taking her outside for some fresh air to help her regain her senses."

Without affording Qin Lou, the steward, the opportunity to voice any objection, Baili An acted immediately. He then scooped up the flushed and dazed Fang Geyu, carrying her away from the ongoing festivities.

Ning Feiyan, observing Baili An's retreating figure, couldn't resist a playful remark directed at Yin Baishuang:

"The one he truly loves is right here, yet he walks away with another girl, leaving you all alone. How is it that you don't appear heartbroken in the slightest?"

Yin Baishuang responded with a calm demeanor, "Do you take me for a fool? It's quite evident that Miss Fang is behaving most unusually at this moment, likely due to some troublesome 'influence' affecting her internally. In such a situation, if Baili An were to involve me in dealing with that troublesome entity, it would indeed be excessively inconsiderate. Therefore, I see no reason to foolishly interfere."

Ning Feiyan, resting her chin thoughtfully in her hand, looked at Yin Baishuang with keen interest and inquired, "Did you truly take a Heart Demon Oath? How is it that you appear so much more at ease and unburdened than even those reclusive Immortals who seem detached from worldly affairs?"

Yin Baishuang offered a gentle smile, choosing to remain silent.

Meanwhile, at the banquet, Fang You's countenance had darkened considerably, nearing a state of grim despair.

It became apparent that the event could no longer proceed as planned.

He promptly dismissed all the assembled guests and summoned Steward Qin Lou, his voice imbued with a low, cold intensity: "Thoroughly investigate this Ji Xinnian. A mere disciple newly inducted into the Taixuan Nine Classics simply could not possess such formidable capabilities."

Qin Lou's expression turned grave as he asked, "City Lord, do you perhaps suspect that he is secretly in league with Jiushijiu?"

The mere mention of Jiushijiu caused Fang You's eyes to flicker with an unspoken apprehension, his deeply lined face becoming as serious and unyielding as a marble statue.

After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke, his voice measured: "I may not fully comprehend why that insatiably bloodthirsty creature was not eliminated in the past. However, I strongly sense that her current actions, stirring up such immense chaos within Shifang City, are likely aimed at the Ten Directions Sword. We must maintain the utmost vigilance."

"But Miss Fang..."

Fang You interjected, his tone firm, "While it is paramount to preserve the bloodline of Shifang at this critical juncture, as Geyu's father, I still hold onto the hope that her lifelong journey can be intertwined with less intrigue, under more favorable circumstances. I am acutely aware that such a notion is exceedingly naive, as there is truly no perfect solution in this world. Nevertheless, even so, I absolutely cannot permit individuals with malicious intentions to approach my daughter so freely."

A chilling aura of murderous intent gradually emanated from Fang You's cold gaze: "Investigate without fail! If there is anything suspicious about that young man, or if he has indeed had contact with that monstrous entity, Jiushijiu, after arriving in the city, then... he must not be permitted to remain!"

Qin Lou felt a profound chill permeate his heart and silently acknowledged the order.

Deep within the courtyard, where the vibrant Begonia blossoms stood proudly, thousands of flowers resembling brocade hydrangeas adorned with a delicate frost unfurled, radiating a faint coolness beneath the ethereal moonlight. The stark, withered plum trees, rigid and unyielding, stood frozen amidst the clear, icy dew of the night.

Baili An moved with the grace of the wind, his steps light as he tapped the tip of a plum tree, sending a rustle of snow cascading down. He paused momentarily atop the glazed eaves, bathed in the cold moonlight, his arms encircling the feverishly warm 'Fang Geyu'.

The biting wind and snow kissed her face, gradually helping to dispel her intoxication. 'Fang Geyu', rousing herself, lifted her head and caught sight of Baili An's sharply defined chin. Her brows knit together in a tight frown, and with a surge of effort, she pushed him away, struggling to regain her footing.

The wind atop the eaves whipped fiercely, scattering her disheveled dark hair, while her white fox fur cloak billowed dramatically in the frigid air. The girl's slender and lightweight form was faintly discernible within the darkness, her gaze gradually sharpening as a dense, swirling fog suddenly began to manifest. Within this eerie mist, two golden eyes appeared, akin to divine fires burning with a cold, mysterious intensity.

Baili An stood composedly on the edge of the eaves, sensing an intense, deathly aura, akin to the rasp of a blade on dried blood, rapidly approaching him.

A pale, slender hand emerged from the mist and moonlight, gripping Baili An’s throat with an unnerving chill and effortlessly hoisting him upwards.

A slight frown creased Baili An’s brow, yet he offered no resistance.

He gazed down at the golden eyes visible amidst the swirling snow and fog, his own dark eyes, as black as ink, holding an unfathomable depth.

The voice of ’Fang Geyu’, utterly devoid of emotion, carried on the wind: "I recognize your aura, Master of the Bronze Gate."