**Chapter 145: Old Friends?**
The swirling black clouds over Cangzhou City finally dissipated, and the clear sunlight poured down, restoring peace once more.
Yun Zhonghe and the others caught up with the lord’s mansion, and after meeting their parents, they all smiled brightly.
“Master, I’m back!”
Mu Jixue was the first to report her safe return to her master. Master Youyue nodded. Her cold expression made it hard to read her emotions, but she was probably happy this time.
Thirty-five floors! Better than when she was young.
“Father, Mother, I’m back!”
Yun Zhonghe respectfully greeted his parents, who had finally relaxed from their earlier tension, their faces beaming with pride.
You could practically see the golden light radiating from their faces. Who would have thought the Yun family would produce such an outstanding heir? How could they not be proud?
Only Lin Zhongyu suddenly felt a bit awkward, as if she had no family at all.
But just then, Yun Zhonghe pulled her over.
As a thoughtful guy with yellow hair, how could he not notice the female lead’s loneliness? Filling her heart’s void at this moment would surely score him some major points!
Yun Zhonghe definitely wasn’t going to let this golden opportunity slip by.
“Miss Zhongyu, the Yun residence is your home too.”
We’re best friends! My parents are your parents—no need to be polite!
At that moment, Lin Zhongyu’s eyes trembled, her eyes slightly watery, but her heart felt warm.
“Uncle, Aunt…”
She called out to them sweetly like a little daughter-in-law, shyly standing beside Yun Zhonghe with her head bowed.
This made Yun Zhongtian and Mrs. Chen beam with happiness.
Yun Zhonghe was also overjoyed; this way, they could be as close as siblings!
No! They had to be closer than real siblings!
“Congratulations to the head of the Yun family and Mrs. Chen. You truly raised a prodigy.”
Just then, Mo Xiangsi glided in with an air of grace.
Along for the ride were the ever-flustered Transformation God and the elder of the Divine Tower.
The people in the hall hurried to bow.
The position of the acting alliance leader was very prestigious.
Mo Xiangsi waved her hand dismissively. “Everyone here is just familiar faces; no outsiders.”
Then her gaze fell back on Yun Zhonghe. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
Yun Zhonghe: ?
It appeared Mo Xiangsi realized she misspoke, cleared her throat, and quickly corrected herself, “Ahem, just that you remind me of an old friend… Oh, never mind! By the way, we can talk about what really happened in the tower now, right?”
Yun Zhonghe grinned; sure enough, Mo Xiangsi knew everything.
Since everyone here was family, he had no qualms sharing the complete truth.
Including how all three of them had gained initial understanding ahead of time and how they cooperated to figure out the secret to breaking through against Xia Wudi, with Yun Zhonghe successfully using Xia Wudi’s sword techniques to get through.
As for the Divine Tower issue, Yun Zhonghe admitted it was he who initiated the sneakiness.
The tower-guarding elder shot him an eye, but before he could say anything, Yun Zhonghe bowed and said, “Thank you for your guidance. This time, we gained immensely—thanks to your reminder!”
If it weren’t for the elder advising them not to focus on how many challenges they faced but rather on what they could gain, Yun Zhonghe and the others wouldn’t have grown so much.
Thanks a bunch!
What a great guy!
The tower-guarding elder’s heart was stuck in his throat.
I just reminded you; passing the challenge wasn’t the goal—but getting benefits was! I never said to go crazy on the wool!
He had advised plenty of previous challengers, but how many actually paid attention?
Who would’ve guessed that Yun Zhonghe and his crew would take it so seriously?
Way too seriously!
They nearly broke the tower!
At this moment, Yun Zhonghe and the others were completely oblivious to the trouble they almost caused; they thought the Myriad Path Divine Tower was designed for sneaky grabs!
Little did they know how weak the tower really was.
Of course, he didn’t dare voice that; if he did, that elder would probably choke again.
Three people soloed the thirty-five floors and even learned legendary Xia Wudi’s sword technique, defeating the real deal!
When this achievement reached everyone’s ears in the lord’s mansion, except for Mo Xiangsi, everyone else was thoroughly shaken.
However, it was Master Qin who first burst out in joy.
Hahaha! I knew it; this kid is absolutely extraordinary!
Yun Zhonghe not only had strong power and impressive comprehension but also a sharp ability to read people. Even without hints, he quickly understood the situation and cooperated seamlessly, fooling countless Transformation Gods.
Now, Xuantian Sect had struck gold!
At this moment, Master Qin looked at Yun Zhonghe with an affectionate gaze, especially since this child bore a resemblance to his younger sister… Oh wait, no! His younger brother! His heart swelled with empathy.
He always thought Yun Zhonghe was clever since childhood, a rare talent indeed!
It seemed he had to think of a way to nurture him and fulfill his old wishes… Oh no, I mean, help the Xuantian Sect gain a pillar of support!
And not just Yun Zhonghe; Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu were also outstanding disciples. Now that Mu Jixue was already Master Youyue’s disciple, she was well taken care of. Lin Zhongyu, however, needed some careful planning.
Master Qin had it all figured out; the sect had several old-timers ardently wanting disciples, and it was the perfect opportunity to arrange a personal connection for Lin Zhongyu under an elder.
This was going to be a massive leap for everyone involved!
Yun Zhonghe and his crew had no idea their futures had already been quietly planned out by the sect master.
After some time immersed in parental encouragement and praises, Mo Xiangsi prepared to leave, prompting everyone to rush forward to bid her farewell.
“By the way, regarding what happened in the Myriad Path Divine Tower, I hope you can keep it confidential. Externally, the Immortal Alliance will only claim you three reached the thirtieth floor, and the jump to the thirty-fifth was due to a malfunction. Is that acceptable?”
Before leaving, Mo Xiangsi glanced back with a smile, her eyes sparkling and her voice as sweet as honey.
Yun Zhonghe clasped his hands in thanks. “Thank you, Acting Alliance Leader! This is just what I wanted.”
Yun Zhonghe had always wanted to keep a low profile, and now that the Immortal Alliance was backing him, he felt reassured.
Mo Xiangsi’s gaze lingered on Yun Zhonghe, and she suddenly smiled knowingly. “You’re still so humble.”
Yun Zhonghe: ?
This was the second odd comment Mo Xiangsi made, as if they had some previous connection.
The first time, he could chalk it up to a misunderstanding, but this second comment made him wonder if she was saying it on purpose.
In that moment, he felt an odd sensation, as if some buried memory deep in his soul was about to be triggered.
At this moment, Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu were getting anxious.
Despite being a bit scatterbrained, Mu Jixue wasn’t completely devoid of wits; faced with such overwhelming power and status, she knew better than to act out.
But she couldn’t help but feel fidgety, itching to scratch an itch.
The two girls’ reactions certainly didn’t escape Mo Xiangsi’s notice. A playful glimmer sparkled in her eyes, and after a moment of contemplation, she lightly teased Yun Zhonghe, “We’ll meet again.”
With that, Mo Xiangsi turned and floated away, her figure graceful and enchanting.
“Hey, why don’t you tell him that actually, he…”
Not long after Mo Xiangsi left, her spirit detected a hint of spiritual energy.
Mo Xiangsi smiled faintly, taking her time to weave a story. “No rush; there will be more opportunities. Now’s not the time.”
Besides… it wouldn’t be long; they would meet again soon.
She just hoped Yun Zhonghe would grow stronger quickly while she still had the chance to do something.
…
Yun Zhonghe couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, as if he had met Mo Xiangsi somewhere before.
But logically, that couldn’t be right. Since his rebirth, he had always been a native of Cangzhou—how could he possibly know someone like Mo Xiangsi?
Could it be… that what she said just now wasn’t directed at him?
Very possible! Maybe he misunderstood, and those words were meant for Mu Jixue instead.
After all, the three of them were standing together.
As a yellow-haired guy, he had a strong sense of self-awareness. Things like past lives or “forgotten childhood friends finding each other years later to discover one is now the acting alliance leader” were the kinds of things that only protagonists get to enjoy.
Definitely had nothing to do with him!
Suddenly, Yun Zhonghe felt liberated; the clouds of doubt in his mind dispersed.
Just then, Mu Jixue tugged at him, pulling him aside.
“How long are you going to keep staring at the sky?!”
Mu Jixue seemed a bit frantic, leaving Yun Zhonghe baffled. Why was this white-haired loli in such a hurry?
But Yun Zhonghe quickly caught on.
She must have taken a liking to Mo Xiangsi and suspected Yun Zhonghe might have feelings for her as well!
Sigh, did she really not trust him that much? He would never touch any woman belonging to Huang Aotian; instead, he would play matchmaker!
But seeing the worried quiver in Mu Jixue’s eyes, Yun Zhonghe knew he had to say something to ease her sensitive little heart.
Gently, he placed his hand on Mu Jixue’s head. “Don’t worry; I won’t care about others. You’re what matters to me.”
What can I say? We are best buddies, thick as thieves!
Hearing this, Mu Jixue was momentarily stunned, her face turning bright red.
She shot Yun Zhonghe an indignant glare, her cheeks flushed, revealing a cute little fang. “Y… you, what nonsense are you spouting?!!!”
Mu Jixue was no longer the naive girl of the past; she was someone who could take in what he said without resisting, even if it might lead somewhere more ambiguous.
She easily accepted Yun Zhonghe’s words, especially when there was potential ambiguity; it made her very wobbly, wondering what he truly meant.
Of course, logically, she understood that Yun Zhonghe was likely spouting nonsense again, but what if…
What if he really did see her in a different light?
But, but, if she jumped in, wouldn’t he just mock her later: “Oh, I only see you as a friend; how could you take it seriously?”
And then deliver a classic “Awww, how cute!” mockery.
She’d rather just disappear than face that!
Mu Jixue’s small brain was already overheating from the torrent of information Yun Zhonghe was pouring in; she was practically short-circuiting, emitting confused “mm-mm-mmm…” sounds.
Seeing Mu Jixue’s blushing, flustered, yet cute demeanor, Yun Zhonghe was left perplexed.
What? Did I say something wrong?
However, just as he was about to extend his hand for some friendly banter, Mu Jixue swatted it away with a fierce “Dummy! Dummy! Dummy! You’re such a dummy, Yun Zhonghe, you yellow-haired idiot!”
I swear I won’t be the first to speak up!
Absolutely!
Having said that, Mu Jixue flashed her sharp teeth and bit down on Yun Zhonghe’s arm!
Yun Zhonghe was internally screaming!
Wait, you’re really biting! Before, I thought you just flashed those fangs to scare me, but you’re genuinely gonna bite me?!
“Aaaah! Jixue, calm down! Let go!”
Lin Zhongyu rushed in, trying to pry them apart.
Actually, Mu Jixue wasn’t biting hard, and given the small conflict earlier between the two best friends, it was all normal. A little fight and venting were fine, as long as nothing too crazy came out of it.
Fortunately, Mu Jixue was soon pulled away by Lin Zhongyu.
“Haha, they have a great relationship!”
“Yeah, such good chemistry~”
However, Yun Zhonghe’s parents were secretly delighted by the sight, snickering away.
Yun Zhonghe: ?
Dad, Mom, what made you think we have a great relationship?
Or do you two also bite each other to express love?
Seriously!
Once Mu Jixue let go, Yun Zhonghe caught a whiff of the spot she’d bitten…
Huh? No foul odor; it actually smells quite nice!
