Chapter 692: Provocation

Chapter 692: Provocation

If Lin Nuo was quick to escape, then Wu Zhao and his gang were even faster. While Lin Nuo was frantically running, he simply opened a portal and vanished without a trace.

The chaotic scene returned to normal, and the dominion of Spirit Waves began to weaken.

“He got away. He’s no ordinary believer,” Han Fairy gritted her teeth, thinking the situation had grown dire. Wu Zhao was a cunning old fox, and with his recent mastery of witchcraft, he was exceptionally tricky and troublesome. Back when he was at the Refining Demon Sect, she had attempted to hunt him down but gained no advantage.

“Well, at least now we know who’s causing the trouble. Let’s contact Shuqin first.”

Han Fairy possessed a Spirit Signal Ring to sense Liu Shuqin’s location.

However, she found that the Spirit Signal Ring was ineffective; something seemed to be wrong.

“What happened? Why isn’t it working? It was just fine a moment ago.”

She was extremely confused and worried. If they encountered mystical beasts, with Liu Shuqin’s battle experience and strength, she could handle it or at least retreat.

But if they encountered Wu Zhao, the consequences would be unimaginable—retreating would be difficult.

Could something have gone wrong?

With a sense of unease, she worried for Liu Shuqin’s safety. She needed to find her quickly to ease her mind.

Han Fairy first searched for Liu Shuqin’s whereabouts nearby, but instead ran into Master Cong.

When the two respected masters met, they exchanged pleasantries on the surface, but each harbored their own thoughts and suspicions.

“Ah, Master Cong! Fancy meeting you! What’s your current progress?”

“I have no leads yet; still investigating. What about you, Han Fairy?” Master Cong replied, his words veiling his thoughts. Even if he had made progress, he wouldn’t share it with Han Fairy.

After encountering two assassins, he found it suspicious and was keen on the clues but chose not to inform Han Fairy.

“Nothing yet; I’m also exploring,” Han Fairy deflected, unwilling to disclose the appearance of Wu Zhao.

“Now that the wind and snow have calmed and the Demon Qi has dissipated, it’s likely the source has either left or been eliminated. If we can’t find it soon, I will lead my disciples away from Ziyuan Mountain—no need to waste more time.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. The source is likely gone. If we can’t find it, let’s leave early. No need to prolong our delay.”

Han Fairy agreed with Master Cong’s views, but both were merely saying what they thought the other wished to hear, each hoping the other would leave soon and let them uncover the truth.

Unbeknownst to them, they were right; the source had truly departed, leaving Ziyuan Mountain.

……

Lin Nuo embraced both of his senior sisters as they left. They were light and not burdensome, allowing him to glide away like a gentle breeze.

Having moved far from Ziyuan Mountain, Qin Shili didn’t invoke any icy winds or let the Demon Qi leak out; everything was normal.

The two remained silent, being carried away by Lin Nuo until he eventually found a river surrounded by lush green grass, gracefully landing there.

This spot was devoid of outsiders, providing safety for a moment’s rest.

“Okay, you two can take a breather here for now.”

Lin Nuo released his arms, allowing them to step away.

Yet, they didn’t depart; they leaned against Lin Nuo, clearly dependent on him.

“We’re here now; give us a little space.”

Lin Nuo attempted to say, but they still showed no signs of leaving, clinging to him.

Qin Shili even wrapped around him, starting to kiss him.

This sudden action startled both Lin Nuo and Liu Shuqin, but Liu Shuqin wasted no time; she pulled Lin Nuo towards her. Their lips separated only because of her tugging.

Qin Shili frowned and pulled Lin Nuo back, resulting in Lin Nuo being tugged between the two.

“Let go, let go!”

What are you two doing, tugging on me? Don’t drag me into your tug-of-war!

Lin Nuo struggled, feeling like a rubber band; he couldn’t shake them off.

Unbeknownst to him, his own stamina was low, making it impossible to escape their grasp.

If I don’t die on the battlefield, I’ll be done in by you two!

They scrambled for possession, refusing to let go of Lin Nuo. He had no strength left to break free as they pulled him constantly. In their tussle, they failed to notice the protruding rock on the ground and tripped over it.

Down they went.

Bang!

The three fell, with Qin Shili clinging to Lin Nuo staunchly, not letting go for an instant, wanting to press as close as possible.

Liu Shuqin realized Qin Shili was more clingy than ever, wondering what she had gone through to become so reliant on Lin Nuo.

Perhaps it was because Lin Nuo had saved her just moments ago; beauties often develop affections for their heroes, especially since Qin Shili had harbored feelings for Lin Nuo for quite a while.

“Could you let me rest for a moment?”

“Liu Shuqin, you’re an outsider—please don’t interfere with our lives.”

Qin Shili began to scold Liu Shuqin, insisting that she had no responsibility. Her closeness to Lin Nuo was completely justified, especially after the three rounds of Harmony Technique practice; they were already intimate.

The embarrassment on Qin Shili and Lin Nuo’s faces was hard to conceal, even visible to Liu Shuqin.

Of course, even if she hadn’t seen, she’d know.

“Shili, you, me, and our junior martial brother are all from the same sect; we should be considered family. How have I become an outsider?”

“Isn’t it? You’re not one of us. You should return to the Xuanyun Sect.”

“Shili, I don’t understand what you mean. We are all from Xuanyun Sect; how am I different? Besides, even if I were different, it should be up to our junior brother to say so. He has the authority and credibility.”

Being labeled as an outsider by Qin Shili made Liu Shuqin a bit angry. She hadn’t done anything wrong; why was she being treated like an outsider?

“Can you two cut it out for a second?” Lin Nuo chimed in.

“You didn’t need to bring her here. You saved her, so you should’ve left her somewhere else; she can reunite with the Xuanyun Sect disciples,” Qin Shili coldly remarked.

“Indeed, I should have dropped you both off along the way and gone back to sleep.”

Lin Nuo retorted, feeling annoyed by the trouble these women caused while dragging along two extra people, which was giving him a headache.

“You two, let go. Otherwise, you won’t see me again in the future.”

Lin Nuo’s tone was a bit sharp. Wasn’t being pulled around by women a disgrace? Doesn’t the villain have any dignity?

Upon realizing Lin Nuo’s annoyed tone, Qin Shili understood the subtext and immediately let go. She knew when to be stubborn and when to yield.

Liu Shuqin also released her grip; provoking Lin Nuo when he was genuinely angry wouldn’t end well.

As Lin Nuo stood up, he found himself covered in grass and mud again.

Qin Shili reacted quickly, using her technique to create a swirling aura around Lin Nuo, making the dirt and debris on his clothes disappear in an instant.

This cleaning power was superb!

“All cleaned up; is it satisfactory?”

“Not bad.”

Lin Nuo glanced at his now clean clothes. It was impressive how this spirit technique worked—saving him the hassle of doing laundry.

“It’s my duty to serve you, my dear.”

Qin Shili said, her words a blatant provocation right in front of Liu Shuqin.