Chapter 80 Big Brother! Little Brother!

Luo Hongyi's heartstrings were plucked violently. Her status was noble, her strength transcendent; ordinary treasures could never catch her eye, and no one had ever dared—or rather, she had never even considered the possibility—of accepting a gift from someone else. This ring, perhaps not particularly precious or rare in her eyes, was the first gift she had ever received... from a member of the opposite sex. Because of this, Xiao Ming had silently planted a seed named 'affection' deep within her heart.

'...The most important person?'

These words, as if carrying magic, echoed repeatedly in her mind. She recalled the undisguised fervor and sincerity in Xiao Ming's eyes when he had spoken them.

"He... truly sees me that way?" Luo Hongyi murmured to herself, a strange feeling welling up in her heart. There was panic, there was shyness, and it seemed there was also a hint of... smug satisfaction?

On the other side, Xiao Ming, who had dashed out of the Vice Sect Master's hall, wiped the fine sweat from his forehead. Today's gambit had truly been a mad dance on the edge of death!

The moment his Revered Master Luo Hongyi's palm descended behind him, his soul had nearly flown out of his body.

"Whew... Fortune truly is found in danger; the ancients did not deceive me!" A slight smile lifted the corner of Xiao Ming's mouth. With a wave of his hand, a ring similar to the previous one appeared in his palm. He put it on directly, feeling utterly at ease. After all, his Revered Master had ultimately accepted that ring. Her dripping blood onto it was merely a matter of time.

"Next, it's time to attend to proper business." Xiao Ming gathered his thoughts, his gaze turning toward Holy Son Peak. Since he had taken on the matter of the Yu Family, he naturally couldn't handle it carelessly. Now, as the Saint, how could he travel without proper pomp and ceremony?

His figure flickered, transforming into a streak of dark light. Moments later, he returned to Holy Son Peak.

In a side hall adjacent to the main hall, Mo Qingzhu had already tidied up. The moment Xiao Ming stepped inside, he was greeted by a wave of fresh, elegant fragrance. The originally somewhat cold and austere side hall had been meticulously arranged by Mo Qingzhu. The windows were spotless, sheer curtains hung lightly, and several spiritual plants were interspersed, emitting a faint, delicate fragrance and vibrant vitality. Exquisite tea sets and an incense burner were placed on the table. The overall atmosphere was warm, elegant, and perfectly matched Mo Qingzhu's outwardly cold, inwardly warm, and gentle-as-water temperament.

Mo Qingzhu was hanging up the last dress. Hearing footsteps, she turned and saw Xiao Ming. A gentle smile immediately bloomed on her face as she quickly approached. "Saint, you've returned." She naturally brushed off some non-existent dust from Xiao Ming's shoulder, her movements intimate.

"Mm, you've arranged it well. It suits your temperament perfectly." Xiao Ming looked around, nodding in satisfaction. Then his expression turned serious as he told her about the Yu Family matter before speaking clearly, "Qingzhu, make some preparations. Accomp me out of the Sect."

A flicker of surprise, but more of secret delight, passed through Mo Qingzhu's beautiful eyes. "Saint, you're taking Qingzhu with you?"

"Naturally." Xiao Ming reached out, pulling her slender waist close, and said with a roguish grin, "The journey to the Yu Family is long and the travel tedious. How could I go without someone to attend to me?"

Understanding dawned in Mo Qingzhu's heart. She quickly assented, "Yes, Saint! Qingzhu will go prepare immediately!" She slowly pried away the large hand that was misbehaving on her jade-like thigh and ran off, her face slightly flushed.

Watching her somewhat flustered retreating figure, Xiao Ming chuckled inwardly before continuing, "Qingzhu, you go pack. I'll arrange for the accompanying personnel. For this trip, we must not diminish this Saint's dignity."

Temporarily leaving Holy Son Peak, Xiao Ming directly sought out a nearby Sect Elder in charge of external affairs who was at the Early Stage of Soul Transformation—Li Feng. Although Elder Li was not a figure of substantial power, after a brief conversation, Xiao Ming had already confirmed that this person had solid cultivation and handled matters with tact. He would be more than sufficient to serve as a respectable front.

"Elder Li, you must already be aware of the matter concerning the borderland Yu Family," Xiao Ming said with an imperious look, his tone flat yet brooking no doubt. "This Saint intends to personally go and handle it. Assemble a team of elite Disciples to accompany us. Oh... and arrange the Saint's ceremonial procession as well. Be at the foot of my Holy Son Peak in about half an hour."

Seeing it was the newly appointed Saint, Elder Li did not dare to be negligent. Rumors said the new Saint was ruthless and deeply favored by the Vice Sect Master and Peak Master Luo. He hurriedly bowed and accepted the order. "Rest assured, Saint. This subordinate will go immediately and ensure everything is properly arranged!"

Half an hour later, the vast open area before Holy Son Peak was lined with people and mounts in solemn formation.

Xiao Ming arrived at a leisurely pace with Mo Qingzhu, who looked even more radiantly beautiful today. She wore a simple-styled, moon-white cross-collar ruqun dress, overlaid with a floor-length, water-blue gown embroidered with subtle patterns. A light, flowing shawl casually draped over her arm, one end trailing to the ground. This attire accentuated her tall, graceful figure, dignified yet ethereal. Standing quietly beside Xiao Ming, she was like an elegant orchid in a secluded valley, pure and peerlessly beautiful. Her presence instantly attracted the gazes of nearly all the male cultivators present.

But Xiao Ming paid no attention to this. Why should he care? No matter how she dressed, only he would get to experience it!

As soon as he appeared, his gaze went directly to the center of the square, where a massive and ferocious-looking carriage stood—the eight desolations nether carriage! The carriage was forged entirely from ten-thousand-year Netherworld Iron, pitch black as ink, carved with countless ferocious demonic patterns that exuded a heart-palpitating pressure. Pulling it were eight monstrous beasts resembling giant tigers, but with demonic wings on their backs and bodies wreathed in black Death Qi. These Ghost Tigers were as large as small hills, their mouths filled with interlocking sharp teeth emitting low roars, their savage aura palpable. Restrained by thick Dark Iron chains, they pawed the ground restlessly.

Elder Li personally led the team, standing at the head of a hundred elite Disciples above the Golden Core Stage, waiting in formation. In addition, there were some young scions from Families or affiliated forces attached to the Heavenly Demon Sect who had also been arranged to accompany them. What made Xiao Ming find it even more interesting was that among them, he spotted a familiar figure. However, given their respective statuses, he certainly didn't go up to greet him first.

However, that person seemed to have also spotted Xiao Ming—or more accurately, Mo Qingzhu behind him. Then he jogged over, walking straight up to the two of them before saying with a face full of joy, "Qingzhu! Saint!"

Lu Ming, his face a mix of joy and unease, ran over from not far away. A few young men in luxurious attire followed beside him, apparently his friends and also scions of the affiliated forces on this trip.

Lu Ming quickly came close. First, he paid a respectful bow to Xiao Ming, then looked at Mo Qingzhu with an apologetic and hopeful gaze, saying cautiously, "Qingzhu, you came too? I... I know I was wrong before, I was a scoundrel, bewitched by that enchantress... But my feelings..." He was referring, of course, to the incident where he had been caught by Mo Qingzhu in a compromising situation with a notorious female cultivator. But before he could finish, Mo Qingzhu coldly interrupted him.

Seeing Lu Ming, Mo Qingzhu's previously beautiful mood instantly soured. A deep disgust and disappointment flashed in her eyes as she said in an icy tone, "Lu Ming, I don't want to see you these days. Don't bother me!"

The smile on Lu Ming's face froze completely, turning utterly awkward and dejected. He opened his mouth but didn't know how to defend himself. He was indeed in the wrong regarding that matter.

Mo Qingzhu, however, looked completely unconcerned. After speaking, she turned sideways toward Xiao Ming, her face once again adorned with that faint, alluring smile, and said softly, "Saint, Qingzhu will go wait in the carriage now!"

Xiao Ming nodded, having taken in the whole scene. He felt disdain inwardly, but his expression remained calm and indifferent.

Seeing Xiao Ming's nod, Mo Qingzhu then obediently walked straight toward the imposing eight desolations nether carriage without even glancing at Lu Ming.

After Mo Qingzhu entered the carriage, Xiao Ming finally looked at Lu Ming, who wore a crestfallen expression and seemed to want to speak but hesitated. With a half-smile, Xiao Ming said, "Brother Lu... *cough*... It seems Qingzhu is truly quite angry this time!"

Hearing this, Lu Ming seemed to grasp a lifeline. He quickly stepped closer, lowered his voice, and said with full grievance and remorse, "Saint! You must help me! Last time you said you'd put in a good word for me, but... but Qingzhu, she..." He didn't finish, but the implication was clear.

Xiao Ming chuckled inwardly but wore an understanding expression on his face. He patted Lu Ming's shoulder and said earnestly in a low voice, "Brother Lu, don't be anxious. Qingzhu is furious right now. The more you crowd her, the more she'll resent it."

He paused, then continued hisDeceive, "Hold back for now, don't annoy her further. Let her calm down for a few days. Once her anger subsides a bit, this Saint will find a suitable opportunity to put in a few good words for you. Then she might slowly forgive you!"

Lu Ming nodded repeatedly at Xiao Ming's "heart-to-heart" analysis, finding it very reasonable. He said tearfully, grateful, "The Saint's words are like gold and jade! I understand now! I'll leave it entirely to the Saint's arrangements! I... I'll keep quiet these days and definitely not annoy Qingzhu anymore!"

Seeing how well he was playing along, Xiao Ming thought approvingly, 'This little brother... I accept him!'

He decided to add more fuel to the fire. Leaning slightly forward, he reached out and straightened Lu Ming's already neat collar, then said with a solemn face, "Brother Lu, to tell you the truth, the reason I brought Qingzhu out this time... it was all for you! I did it to help her feel happier, to forget that matter sooner, all to help you..."

Upon hearing this, Lu Ming was instantly moved to the core, tears and snot flowing freely, his emotions overflowing. He actually grabbed Xiao Ming's hand, his tone sincere and resolute, "Brother Xiao, from now on, you are my sworn brother, my own big brother! In the future, if there's anything you need this little brother for, just say the word. I, Lu Ming, will not refuse!"

Seeing Lu Ming's utterly grateful and tearful appearance, Xiao Ming knew his goal was achieved. He quickly withdrew his hand, changed the subject, and said with an awkward laugh, "Alright, Lu... little brother, big brother remembers! *Ahem*, and who might these gentlemen be..."

With Lu Ming's introduction, Xiao Ming exchanged a few casual pleasantries with the remaining men. Seeing the time had come, he nodded to Elder Li. He also boarded the carriage, ready to depart!

"ROAR——!"

The eight Netherworld Ghost Tigers let out earth-shaking roars in unison, the Death Qi around them intensifying as they lifted the massive Nether Carriage slowly into the air. Elder Li and the hundred elite Disciples rose on their flying lights, guarding the flanks. Lu Ming and the others hurriedly followed the procession, though he was busy telling his friends beside him about his "brotherly bond" with the Saint!