The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor Chapter 1848 - 1845: Kindness

"What did you just say?"

Ye Xuan inquired casually.

Tong Shishi was startled for a moment and quickly waved her hands, responding, "No, nothing."

It turned out he hadn't taken her words seriously at all.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Tong Shishi's face, but she soon regained her composure and softly stated, "Master Ye, actually, regarding that incident back then, I've always wanted to apologize to you in person. I was too reckless and ignorant at the time. I hope you won't hold it against me."

Previously, Ye Xuan had intended to kill Qin, the Hall Master of the Flowing Fire Dan Sect, who had wronged his grandfather. Tong Shishi, also a member of the Flowing Fire Dan Sect, had spoken against Ye Xuan.

Ye Xuan had retorted that she was raised on naivety.

At that time, Tong Shishi hadn't understood his meaning.

Later, she came to realize the truth.

However, she hadn't had another chance to meet Ye Xuan. Even when they last encountered each other at the Immortal King Valley, she hadn't managed to speak to him before Ye Xuan departed.

Now, seizing this rare opportunity, Tong Shishi was determined not to let it slip by, and thus, she offered her sincere apology to Ye Xuan.

Ye Xuan offered a slight smile, unbothered by the past.

At the very least, Tong Shishi wasn't entirely beyond hope.

"Having a kind heart is a good trait; just ensure it doesn't lead you into trouble,"

Ye Xuan advised gently.

Tong Shishi beamed, replying, "It won't."

Ye Xuan chuckled, offering no further words.

Relieved by Ye Xuan's absolution, Tong Shishi felt a significant weight lift from her heart. She became noticeably more at ease and spirited, happily engaging Ye Xuan in conversation about amusing events from bygone years.

The two progressed at a comfortable pace, neither rushing nor dawdling, as if enjoying a leisurely walk through the mountains.

They were nearing Wan’an City, with only the Evil Dragon Mountain to traverse and the Qingshui River to cross before their arrival.

Had they chosen to utilize sky-controlling flight, they could have reached their destination in an instant.

Yet, neither felt inclined to fly.

Tong Shishi cherished this tranquil moment.

As for Ye Xuan, he simply wished to revisit the innocent joys of his childhood.

During his youth, he frequently visited these locales with Sister Yuxuan, Brother Hao, and his sister Ling’er for recreation. Back then, the Ye Family stood as the preeminent clan in Wan’an City, commanding respect and deterring any provocation. The four siblings lived lives free from worry.

A sense of unease in proximity to one's ancestral home?

No, only an overwhelming wave of cherished memories.

The pair hopped across large stones, navigating a small stream.

"Master Ye, the medicinal herbs cultivated by your family are flourishing magnificently; they are now the finest in all of Yun Country. A considerable quantity of herbs currently utilized within the Immortal King Valley are sourced from your family's cultivation."

As they drew closer to Wan’an City, Tong Shishi found herself unable to refrain from broaching this subject.

As an Alchemist, Tong Shishi possessed a deep passion for exploring diverse alchemy techniques, and the bedrock of these techniques inherently demanded an ample supply of spiritual medicine.

"Are the spiritual medicines you procure being dispatched back to the Immortal King Valley, or are you refining them yourself to provide for those impoverished cultivators?"

Ye Xuan inquired calmly.

Tong Shishi responded with a touch of embarrassment, "In truth, both. However, the spiritual medicines I provide to those cultivators are all acquired using my personal Spirit Stones. I do not utilize the Valley's resources for that purpose."

Ye Xuan smiled faintly and asked, "Are you acquainted with all those cultivators?"

Tong Shishi nodded affirmatively, "Naturally. I am friends with them as well."

Ye Xuan softly uttered an "Oh" and gestured towards the mountainside of Evil Dragon Mountain, remarking quietly, "Perhaps some of your friends are situated there currently."

Tong Shishi looked up but discerned nothing, inquiring with budding curiosity, "What purpose brings them here?"

Ye Xuan offered an indifferent smile, withholding direct details, and continued his ascent towards Evil Dragon Mountain, softly stating, "You shall soon discover."

Witnessing this, Tong Shishi felt an inexplicable surge of nervousness, particularly recalling Ye Xuan's earlier words.

Could it be a planned ambush?

Ye Xuan, perceptive of Tong Shishi's shift in emotion, couldn't help but smile inwardly, recognizing that this young Alchemist had indeed matured somewhat over the years, displaying a far greater sensibility than before.

No longer as naive as in the past.

At this very moment.

Upon the slopes of Evil Dragon Mountain, a group of a dozen individuals lay in quiet anticipation.

"Why are those two taking so long?"

A tall, powerfully built man voiced his impatience.

"Given her usual pace, the young lady should have arrived by now."

The others also began to exhibit signs of restlessness.

However, the lean young man leading the group maintained a composed demeanor, stating calmly, "What is the need for anxiety? They are already approaching."

A short while later.

The others detected the approach of two distinct presences.

Yet, after the duration it takes for a stick of incense to fully burn, they realized the two presences were still advancing at a leisurely pace, having only covered half the distance to the mountainside!

"Blast it, they are moving far too slowly!"

The burly man couldn't suppress his exasperation.

Even the slender young leader began to show his irritation this time. He rose from the shadows and stated coldly, "No more delays, we shall make the first move."

"Alright!"

Upon hearing this, the faces of the others lit up with excitement.

Under the guidance of the slender young leader, the group descended the mountain with confidence.

Before long, their path crossed with Ye Xuan and Tong Shishi, who were on their ascent.

Observing their leisurely climb, the impatient group became quite agitated.

"Tong Shishi, it's no wonder you're taking so long, caught up in sweet nothings!"

The tall man's eyes flashed with malice as he spoke with a cold tone.

"It's you?"

Tong Shishi was taken aback by the sight of this group. She recognized them as some of the impoverished rogue cultivators she had previously aided.

In a flash of realization, Tong Shishi's expression hardened as she thought, "What is it you want? Is this how you show gratitude for kindness?"

The tall man smirked, "And what do you think?"

The others joined in with wicked grins.

Tong Shishi's complexion turned ashen, yet she maintained a surprising composure. She declared coldly, "You are no match for me. Leave now, and I shall overlook this encounter."

Beside her, Ye Xuan inwardly sighed, perceiving her kindness as a potential weakness.

"Hahaha, since we are already here, we won't be leaving so readily!"

The tall man let out a laugh, and then, his aura erupted forth mockingly. "Furthermore, Miss Tong, you are mistaken. Our cultivation is not inferior to yours."

Immediately, everyone revealed their auras, all at the Heavenly Human Realm!

Meanwhile, Tong Shishi had only just entered the Unity Realm.

A full Great Realm difference!

"You..."

Tong Shishi's face paled, and it quickly dawned on her. "Who are you people?"

The tall man grinned, preparing to taunt the young woman.

However, catching sight of his leader's icy gaze, he promptly silenced himself.

The leader of this contingent was, of course, the slender young man whose aura remained concealed.

He regarded Tong Shishi with a calm demeanor, softly stating, "Miss Tong, you possess a kind heart. We are merely after your wealth. Kindly leave all your Spirit Stones behind, and we shall permit you to depart."

Tong Shishi's face grew even paler as she stared at the slender young man, her voice sharp with accusation, "Li Zhao, have you no humanity left?"