**Chapter 385: Locked in the Little Black Room**
Then, Hu Shang began to savor her milk tea.
“Wow~~~ It’s icy and sweet!” Hu Shang’s big, sparkling eyes were full of surprise. “So delicious! Let this little fox guzzle it all down!”
Even though it’s the trendy drink of the moment, milk tea isn’t exactly a new invention, right?
It’s quite amusing that Hu Shang would be so taken aback by it.
But I heard the Northern Continent is resource-poor, so it might be true they rarely have yummy food or drinks.
Because, you know, it’s full of demon folks, and they’re a bit behind the times.
“Is it still to your liking?”
“Mm! What a great experience, I’m totally satisfied!”
Hu Shang gave her answer without hesitation, her smile sweeter than the milk tea in her hand.
Seeing her so happy, Yun Zhonghe relaxed, forgetting about the atmosphere around them.
Hu Shang was so unabashed in expressing her emotions; she was simply radiant.
By the time they left the drink shop, it was already dusk.
The warm, golden-orange sunset spilled over the streets, lighting up the road like a thin veil of gossamer.
“I didn’t even realize it was this late.”
Looking at the darkening sky, Little Fox felt a hint of melancholy, always thinking the good times go by so fast.
She turned to Yun Zhonghe: “Thank you, Yun Ge. Even though you still have to compete in the tournament, you still made time to hang out with me.”
Yun Zhonghe touched his nose, a faint smile curving up his lips. “It’s nothing. Besides, while cultivation is important, having a balance of work and play is essential in our practice. More importantly, hanging out with you, Little Hu, is a rare kind of practice, too.”
“Heehee.” Hu Shang giggled delightedly.
Before they knew it, the time to part ways had come, and Hu Shang felt a strong sense of reluctance wash over her. She wished they could stay together a little longer.
Thinking this, Hu Shang’s ears drooped, and she sniffled, looking at Yun Zhonghe with puppy eyes.
“Yun Ge, can I call you Ah He from now on?”
Yun Zhonghe chuckled. “Of course, Little Hu.”
He thought that calling him that was quite endearing.
When the young man smiled, the aloof aura around him disappeared instantly.
Like a lone cloud descending to earth, the vague melancholia evaporated, replaced by a warm smile that was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds.
Hu Shang felt dizzy looking at him.
She thought Yun Zhonghe looked exceptionally good when he smiled.
It’s not like he didn’t look good normally. He was always a refined and handsome young man, but right now, he felt more real.
Then, Hu Chou Miss witnessed a scene that left her with deadpan eyes:
Oh, the princess ran up.
Oh, they’re hugging!
Oh, they pulled apart!
When can I leave?
Hu Chou Miss peeked back and sensed the already heavy atmosphere behind her becoming even more sinister because of the princess’s recent antics.
Oh Princess, if you don’t hurry up, it might just be too late.
“Let’s hang out again after the tournament, Yun Ge~”
Yun Zhonghe waved his hand. “Yeah, see you next time.”
……
The time spent with Hu Shang was bliss for Yun Zhonghe.
It was like she glittered; no matter when or where, she energized everyone around her with encouragement and strength.
With her company, the fatigue accumulated from hard training seemed to vanish without a trace.
Yun Zhonghe felt like he was recharged, full of energy!
On the way back to the sect, Yun Zhonghe’s steps became lighter than ever, as if he had sprouted wings, every step a joyful rhythm.
His face radiated genuine smiles, a deep sense of satisfaction emanating from within.
However, just as he was about to step into the territory of the Xuantian Sect, a chilling aura swept over him, causing a shiver to run down his spine.
A cold wind seemed to whip up from behind, tossing his golden hair into a wild dance.
Yun Zhonghe’s heart raced as he turned around, but after a quick glance, aside from the swaying tree shadows and still air, there was no one there.
“Hehe, scaring myself.”
Suppressing his nerves, Yun Zhonghe chuckled lightly, turned back, and continued down the stone steps leading to the sect.
Just as he was about to take another step, something rushed toward him faster than he could blink, and before he could react, everything went black. He was knocked unconscious, his consciousness abruptly cut off.
“Oh~ As expected of Jiu’er, that agility and speed, we can’t compare at all.”
“Jiu’er, how do you hide your presence so splendidly?”
In the depths of his fading consciousness, Yun Zhonghe thought he heard people gossiping.
However, by that time, he couldn’t make out anyone’s face, only silently regretting his carelessness for being ambushed so successfully…
……
【Master…】
【Master!】
In the dark chaos of his mind, he vaguely heard the soft calls of Xue Yunjian.
With each call, Yun Zhonghe finally broke free from the deep nightmares, groggily blinking his heavy eyelids.
But it was so dark. It felt like… he was blindfolded, unable to see anything.
So strange, he couldn’t move; it felt like his hands and feet were tightly bound.
【Xue Yunjian! Xue Yunjian! What’s going on with me?】
Yun Zhonghe sent a call to Xue Yunjian, hoping she would appear to assist him.
But the only reply he got back was Xue Yunjian’s helpless sigh: 【Master, might as well fend for yourself, you’re probably in for some trouble now.】
【Huh? What’s happening?】
【They’re really angry right now!】
They? Who are they?
Although Yun Zhonghe was puzzled, he had a hunch of what was happening, and an ominous premonition lingered in his heart.
“Oh my, it looks like someone has woken up.”
A familiar voice echoed in his ears, laced with teasing.
Before Yun Zhonghe could respond, in the next moment, the blindfold was violently yanked away, revealing a circle of beautiful girls tightly surrounding him.
They were all old acquaintances, but at this moment, each one wore a sly grin, their eyes sparkling with meaning. They stood before Yun Zhonghe like a flock of crows surrounding a lamb marked for slaughter, a flush of excitement and anticipation on their faces.
“Eh?”
Yun Zhonghe was momentarily taken aback as he scanned the sudden formation, gulping down some air.
Leading the group was Tao Jiu’er, with Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu standing beside her. On the right were Su Xiaoxiao, Su Xinghe, and Xia Linglong, each of them poised in an inexplicable manner, their eyes sparkling with exhilaration… and he couldn’t help but notice Qing Luan, huddling in the corner, shivering.
