NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22:
Chapter 22: Such a Small Mindset:
Everyone’s jaws nearly dropped to the ground in shock.
Lu Chen’s expression darkened, and he immediately turned his head away.
Meng Yu’s beautiful eyes… were practically spitting fire!
Before this, everyone had assumed that the love confession letter from the Azure Sun Sect had been some kind of calculated scheme.
But now, it turned out that the Holy Maiden Bai Ningruo had been completely willing?
Lu Chen hadn’t even said anything yet, and she was already so eager to protect him. This was truly beyond words!
“Bai Ningruo, I appreciate your kindness, but that won’t be necessary.”
Lu Chen politely declined.
Yet Bai Ningruo remained firm, and then she softly said something that landed in both Lu Chen’s and Meng Yu’s ears.
“By doing this, wouldn’t it make things easier for everyone?”
Meng Yu froze for a moment before suddenly realizing the meaning behind her words.
She had to admit, with Bai Ningruo stepping in, it did ease some of Senior Brother’s predicament.
Otherwise, if he had to fight his former sectmates, he would inevitably hesitate.
If he ended up accidentally injuring one of them, just dealing with Chi Lingxiao, Chu Tian, and the others’ endless criticism would be a headache for years.
But this approach… was a bit too aggressive.
Besides, the way Bai Ningruo looked at Senior Brother just now was clearly filled with affection.
Meng Yu found herself unable to say the word “thank you,” no matter how hard she tried.
Left with no choice, she could only cough awkwardly.
“As the Holy Maiden of the Azure Sun Sect, you truly have no shame!”
“Enough nonsense, Old Xu! If you have the guts, let’s have a one-on-one duel. Ten miles out, on Wind Ridge—we’ll settle this!”
Xu Qingshan was completely stunned.
He had only been trying to gain the upper hand with words. Who could have expected that this Holy Maiden would actually challenge him to a duel?
And she had even picked out a location!
If he truly followed through, his reputation would be in shambles.
With his cultivation level, he couldn’t even defeat Meng Yu, let alone the Holy Maiden of the Azure Sun Sect.
The only reason he had spoken so righteously about bringing Lu Chen back was because he relied on his status as an elder of the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect.
But this title meant nothing to the people of the Azure Sun Sect!
A thousand thoughts raced through Xu Qingshan’s mind in an instant.
Cough cough cough!
“Today, we came to invite Lu Chen back to the sect, not to fight. If you want to duel, we can arrange another time.”
“The deceased should be honored. I won’t argue with you here.”
Without waiting for anyone to respond, Xu Qingshan immediately waved his hand.
“We’re leaving!”
Meng Yu hadn’t even gotten a chance to speak before he turned around and left.
The disciples of the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect, still bewildered, followed behind him in a daze.
Meng Yu and Bai Ningruo simultaneously sheathed their swords.
“Bai Ningruo, thank you.”
Although there had been no real fight, Bai Ningruo’s presence had indeed resolved a major issue.
Lu Chen felt it was only right to express his gratitude.
Bai Ningruo turned her head and gave him an elegant smile.
“Lu Chen, there’s no need to be so formal between us, is there?”
Lu Chen was momentarily speechless.
Meng Yu: “….”
The three of them walked together.
Neither Meng Yu nor Bai Ningruo spoke, each lost in their own thoughts.
To break the awkward silence, Lu Chen suddenly asked, “Bai Ningruo, where exactly is this Wind Ridge, ten miles out?”
“I have no idea. I just made it up on the spot.”
Bai Ningruo responded casually, as if it was no big deal.
Meng Yu nearly choked on her own breath.
She had sounded so confident earlier… but it was all nonsense!
It was fake!
Yet, when she thought about it, Bai Ningruo had spoken with such conviction that she had even fooled the cunning old fox Xu Qingshan.
That kind of skill… was no joke!
Seeing how Bai Ningruo kept gazing at Lu Chen, Meng Yu bit her lip.
Senior Brother had already paid respects to his family and would be leaving Blacksmith Town soon.
Which meant she, too, had to leave.
But Bai Ningruo… showed no signs of leaving at all.
Suddenly, a wave of sadness washed over her.
Tears welled up in her eyes and spilled over her cheeks.
She tried not to make a sound, but her shoulders trembled.
This farewell… who knew when they would meet again?
And if they did, under what circumstances?
The sorrow came crashing down in an instant.
“There’s no such thing as a feast that never ends. Meng Yu, take care.”
Lu Chen had already noticed Meng Yu’s sorrow.
But some words had to be said.
Just as she had to leave, this was the best time for it.
Xu Qingshan had suffered humiliation at Bai Ningruo’s hands and would surely look for a way to restore his dignity.
Meng Yu was the most likely target.
If she was present in the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect, Xu Qingshan wouldn’t dare twist the facts too much.
But if she wasn’t… there was no telling what kind of rumors he would spread.
Meng Yu slowly lifted her head, her gaze filled with deep reluctance.
But in the end, she turned around.
“Senior Brother, you take care too. I will return first.”
“If anything happens, you must contact me. You mustn’t forget.”
No matter how many words she wanted to say, they would all lead to one thing—farewell.
Meng Yu spoke through her tears.
“Alright, aren’t you a grown woman? Still crying like this?”
“Aren’t you afraid of people gossiping?”
Bai Ningruo teased.
Meng Yu ignored her, instead snapping back.
“If anyone gossips, it’ll be because you spread it. Senior Brother would never laugh at me.”
She wasn’t about to show Bai Ningruo any kindness—especially not after how she had acted like she was the mistress of the house.
She had helped earlier, yes, but that was separate from everything else.
Meng Yu refused to lump the two together.
She felt completely indignant.
“Fine, I won’t stoop to a child’s level.”
Bai Ningruo smirked, unwilling to back down either.
In the end, Meng Yu left with great reluctance.
Lu Chen stopped walking and directly met Bai Ningruo’s gaze.
“Bai Ningruo, should we also part ways here?”
Bai Ningruo paused, then smiled charmingly.
“Lu Chen, I wasn’t joking earlier. I truly want you to join us.”
“The Azure Sun Sect?”
“Yes. Ever since I received the news, I’ve been searching for you. I’ve been traveling non-stop—my ankles are so sore.”
Lu Chen frowned slightly.
Traveling non-stop made her ankles sore?
What kind of logic was that?
Bai Ningruo wasn’t concerned with his reaction and continued.
“I came with a mission. This is extremely important—it concerns my future.”
“Compared to the Western Dynasty’s offer, the Azure Sun Sect’s conditions are about the same.”
“They’re willing to pay a hefty price, but ultimately, nothing compares to the deep connection we share.”
She wanted to continue, but Lu Chen immediately interrupted.
“Bai Ningruo, is there some misunderstanding between us?”
His question wasn’t without reason.
The Mystic Spirit Holy Sect and the Azure Sun Sect had always been mortal enemies.
Ever since their territories over the Demon Abyss were divided, the two sects had been at each other’s throats.
Even though they hadn’t waged full-scale war, constant provocations were the norm.
He and Bai Ningruo had fought countless times.
Lu Chen respected her bravery, but their supposed “deep connection” felt completely off.
Bai Ningruo lifted her head.
“No misunderstanding. The Mystic Spirit Holy Sect betrayed you. Come to our side!”
“I swear, if you join us, your enemies will be the Azure Sun Sect’s enemies!”
“We’ll make them pay in blood!”
“We’ll grow stronger together and seek the path of immortality!”
Lu Chen chuckled.
“Bai Ningruo, I wouldn’t join the Azure Sun Sect just for revenge.”
Bai Ningruo was even more confused.
Lu Chen gazed into the distance.
“If one’s heart is at peace, then the whole world is home.”
Bai Ningruo pondered his words and suddenly felt ashamed.
Lu Chen’s vision was far greater—how could one sect compare?
Her mindset… was too small.