Proud Sword Soaring Clouds

"Who’s missing? Brother, it’s a beautiful morning. Don’t talk nonsense. He probably just went out for an early walk," a disciple from an unranked clan, who had been drinking at their table the day before, said casually. "The rain was heavy yesterday, but the Qin Family’s hospitality is truly excellent! I slept like a log!"

"That’s right, young man. The Qin Family is a famous, major clan. You think they can’t even guarantee our safety? Stop being so paranoid. He probably just got up early and went for a stroll!"

A few others who had been drinking at their table also smiled and tried to comfort the young man. But the terror on his face only grew more intense. Seeing that no one believed him, he muttered to himself, "Sigh... I knew you wouldn’t believe me. Never mind. The Qin Family’s island is massive, so maybe he really did just go for a walk..." As he spoke, an unprecedented solemnity settled over the thirty-something man’s normally flippant features, washing some of that levity away.

Ling Xiao and Song Mingyue exchanged a glance, but neither of them said a word.

A large crowd of people discussed the storm that had raged for most of the night. They all remarked on the differences between the island and the mainland—how the weather seemed so fickle. One moment it could be calm and sunny, and the next, dark clouds could roll in, fierce winds could rise, and a torrential downpour could ensue.

These several hundred people from scattered, lesser-known clans and sects had been grouped together. Although their accommodations and food were decent, their treatment was, on the whole, a far cry from that of the third-tier and higher clans!

Fortunately, those from these minor sects and families were used to it. Though some might occasionally grumble in protest, no one was truly angered by the situation. In fact, most of them thought it was perfectly fine, feeling it was freer and less restrictive.

Ling Xiao and Song Mingyue, of course, thought this was excellent.

After a hearty breakfast, Ling Xiao and Song Mingyue secretly followed the young man from earlier. Although they had both concealed their auras, their steps were heavy. As a Tier Six Demon Swordsmen, the young man had naturally sensed that someone was following him long ago. He casually walked into a small garden, and seeing that no one was around, the young man said with some displeasure, "You two have been following me this whole time. What can I do for you?"

Ling Xiao currently looked handsome and elegant, but his speech had a wild, unrestrained air. "My friend," he began, "I heard what you said earlier, and I got the feeling you didn’t tell the whole story. As for last night, my wife and I... we were up a little late..." He finished with a knowing smile.

Song Mingyue’s face turned red, and she shot Ling Xiao a harsh glare with her enchanting eyes. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, yet those same eyes glistened alluringly.

The young man had a rather wild and reckless streak himself, so Ling Xiao’s words were to his liking. He glanced at the gorgeous, enchanting woman by Ling Xiao’s side and thought, ’If I had a beauty like that with me, I’d stay up late too. I might not even sleep at all!’

At this thought, a knowing smile spread across his face, and his guard lowered slightly. Still, he shook his head and said, "It’s nothing, haha. You two look unfamiliar, so I guess you weren’t eating at the tavern yesterday. The fellow sitting next to me was a First Rank Demon Sword Master! He was even two years younger than me. We really hit it off last night and decided to share a room—it had two beds. We stayed up talking for half the night. When I woke up this morning, he was just gone. I was disoriented and panicked, so I ended up shouting. My apologies for making a scene."

As the young man spoke, his eyes flickered, a clear sign he wasn’t telling the truth.

Since the man was unwilling to speak, they couldn’t very well force him. Ling Xiao smiled. "My name is Xiao Ling, and this is my wife, Xiaoyue. May I ask your name, brother?"

The young man seemed to have a good impression of Ling Xiao as well. He smiled and replied, "I am Han River, from a small sect, the Cold Swan Sect. Heh, please don’t laugh."

"Not at all. We all come from similar stock. Small sects have their own advantages. I find you quite remarkable, Brother Han. You’re certainly no worse than those arrogant disciples from the big, powerful clans. In fact, you’re probably even stronger!"

Although he knew perfectly well that Ling Xiao was flattering him, pleasant words were always nice to hear. It’s like the old saying: you can’t hit a smiling face.

"You’re far too kind, Brother Xiao! I’m really just average!" Despite his words, the pride on Han River’s face was plain to see, and his fondness for Ling Xiao grew.

He led Ling Xiao and his companion into the small garden. The Qin Family’s wealth and power were astonishing, with gardens like this one scattered throughout the city. All sorts of tall, rare trees and plants grew within. Beautiful birds were CHIRPING in the branches, while insects and butterflies flitted among the gorgeous flowers. A stream trickled past the flowerbeds, its water filled with various kinds of fish. It was the sort of lovely scenery you couldn’t help but fall for at first glance.

However, Ling Xiao only glanced casually at the flowers and plants before looking up at the tall trees. They were lush and verdant, bursting with life as bright sunlight streamed down through the thick canopy of leaves.

Song Mingyue frowned slightly, her delicate brows knitting together as she glanced at Ling Xiao. "There was a huge storm last night, so how can this garden be completely untouched? That’s a little too perfect, isn’t it? Not a single leaf has fallen?"