128: Xiaochun's changes

The next day, when Qin Feng saw Xiaochun again, even with his steady Heart-Nature, he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

In just one night, Xiaochun seemed to have undergone several years of growth. Her originally somewhat childish face had completely matured, her features were exquisite and beautiful, her skin was moist with a healthy glow, and her figure had stretched out, standing tall and graceful, like a bright young girl in her prime. Most striking were her large eyes; the innocent ignorance of the past hadn't completely vanished, but it had settled into an indescribable spiritual elegance and clarity, as if she could see through people's hearts. Her internal Qi was restrained; if one didn't deliberately investigate, they would only think she was an ordinary Martial Master. This was precisely the manifestation of the initial mastery of the Myriad Medicine Body—returning to simplicity.

"Brother Qin Feng!" Seeing Qin Feng, Xiaochun immediately skipped over excitedly. Her voice was still crisp, but it had lost some of its childishness and gained a bit of a young girl's tenderness. "Look! Isn't it magical? I was meditating last night and broke through without even realizing it, and then... then I became like this!" She tugged at her sleeves, which were noticeably too short, feeling a bit embarrassed yet curious.

Qin Feng looked into her eyes, which remained as clear as ever, and felt a slight stir in his heart. He asked tentatively, "Xiaochun, do you remember... on the day we were returning, did anything special happen on the boat? For example, did we save someone?"

Xiaochun tilted her head, trying hard to remember, then shook her head blankly. "Something special? No... I only remember we defeated the Japanese pirates, then took the boat back. On the way... on the way, it seems I was too tired and fainted once? I woke up in my room, and then I felt my body was especially light, and Cultivating became much faster."

Her memory had indeed been cleanly wiped away, leaving only some vague, rationalizable fragments.

'It seems that existence does not want her to know of her presence, to avoid bringing disaster.' Qin Feng understood, but a question also arose: 'Then why wasn't my memory completely wiped? Is it because of the System?'

Just as this thought arose, that cold, mechanical voice rang out in his mind again:

[Ding. Yes. The opponent attempted to erase memories related to the Host. However, the System has backed up that segment of memory and solidified it deep within the Host's consciousness; it cannot be completely cleared by external forces. Therefore...]

"Holy crap!" Qin Feng couldn't help but complain in his mind. "System, is it only when it involves that Blue-Clad Woman that you actively come out to say something? What exactly is her background? I'm really curious!"

[The Host's current strength is too weak. Knowing her true identity and Karma brings a hundred harms and not a single benefit. This world is far beyond the Host's imagination. Elevating your strength as quickly as possible is the Righteous Path.]

After leaving this warning, the System fell silent again. No matter how Qin Feng called out in his mind, it no longer responded.

"Brother Qin Feng? What's wrong? Why are you spacing out?" Xiaochun waved her hand in front of his eyes.

Qin Feng snapped back to reality, suppressed the shock and curiosity in his heart, and smiled. "It's nothing. Let's go. I'll take you out for a stroll, buy some well-fitting new clothes, and get something good to eat."

"Okay, okay!" Xiaochun immediately became happy, temporarily tossing the confusion about her bodily changes to the back of her mind.

West Lake City was as prosperous and noisy as ever. Qin Feng led Xiaochun through the bustling streets, picking out well-fitting dresses for her and buying many exquisite pastries and snacks. Xiaochun was like a bird out of a cage, her face overflowing with a bright smile. That youthful and brilliant aura caused passersby to frequently glance her way.

However, this rare moment of lighthearted pleasure was soon broken by uninvited guests.

At the entrance of a silk shop, they ran head-on into Bai Kong and his guard, Uncle Fu, who were also out for a stroll.

Bai Kong's expression was still somewhat gloomy; clearly, yesterday's defeat weighed heavily on him. When he saw Qin Feng, a flicker of resentment immediately flashed in his eyes. But the next second, his gaze was firmly captured by Xiaochun at Qin Feng's side.

At this moment, Xiaochun had changed into a new light green dress, which complemented her snow-white skin and slender figure. She was holding a stick of candied haws, eating small bites with a bit of sugar staining the corner of her mouth. That pure, flawless, and vibrant temperament was entirely different from ordinary women, like a mountain spring or forest dew, instantly striking Bai Kong's heart.

A strong sense of amazement and possessiveness flashed in Bai Kong's eyes. He completely ignored Qin Feng and strode up to Xiaochun, striking what he considered his most dashing pose, and said loudly, "Young lady, I am the eldest legitimate son of the Imperial Capital's Bai family, Bai Kong. May I know your name? Could we be friends?"

Xiaochun was startled by his sudden action and subconsciously took half a step back, hiding behind Qin Feng. She furrowed her delicate brows and said bluntly, "You're crazy! Who wants to be friends with you! Brother Feng, let's go!"

She pulled on Qin Feng's sleeve, intending to leave.

When had Bai Kong ever received such a direct rejection and insult? Especially in public! The smile on his face instantly froze, then turned into shame-induced rage. He glared at Qin Feng, the fire of anger in his eyes growing even stronger. "It's you again! Qin Feng! It's one thing for you to oppose me at every turn, but now you even dare to instigate this woman to humiliate me?"

Qin Feng shielded Xiaochun behind him and looked at the exasperated Bai Kong with a calm face and an indifferent tone. "Young Master Bai, please show some self-respect. Xiaochun does not wish to associate with you. Please move aside."

"Detestable!" Bai Kong's fists clenched, his Half-Step Martial King aura faintly stirring. Behind him, Uncle Fu also took a slight step forward, his aura faintly locking onto Qin Feng.

The pedestrians on the street sensed the tense, sword-drawn atmosphere and scattered, watching from a distance.

Qin Feng's eyes turned slightly cold. Although the ink plum sword was not unsheathed, the Sword Heart within him already hummed softly, and an invisible sharp aura began to spread. He did not want to clash with Bai Kong here, but if the other party insisted on being difficult, he would never back down.

Just as the tension reached its peak, a cold voice came from outside the crowd:

"Bai Kong! What kind of nonsense are you up to now!"