Xiao Ruoching clenched her fists tightly, gazing at South City from the window lattice, her eyes like starlight on a vast lake, flickering in and out of sight.

A moment later, she tapped on the wall and spoke to the adjacent room, "Junior Sister, we've arrived at South City."

Mo Li opened her eyes and slid her longsword into its scabbard. She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Are you... ready?"

The door to the confinement chamber opened.

The two women walked out at the same time. They glanced at Eighth Uncle, who was waving at them from not far away, and then exchanged a look.

Over the past few days, the two had talked a great deal. It wasn't just about Su Bei, but also about their plans for the future.

"Will the turmoil in the South Country still happen?" Xiao Ruoching bit her lower lip, her gaze seeking Mo Li's opinion.

Mo Li shook her head.

There were far too many differences between this life and the last. They were like butterflies on the other side of the ocean, whose flapping wings subtly influenced countless outcomes.

"Whether it happens or not, I'm going to reveal my feelings to him. I don't want to wait any longer."

"And there's no way to wait any longer."

...

Mo Li hesitated, then reached out to pat Xiao Ruoching on the shoulder before straightening her sash.

The sun had not yet fully set. Figures in moon-white robes, carrying longswords, moved like the wind.

A clear look of surprise flashed in Xiao Ruoching's eyes. In this life, the two of them had never shared such an intimate gesture.

Just as Mo Li was about to say something, a sneering laugh suddenly came from behind them, "This Junior Brother greets you, Senior Sisters."

"I wonder how the two Senior Sisters found their stay in the confinement room?"

...

Mo Fan strode out of the confinement room, hands clasped behind his head, his long, disheveled hair draped over the shoulders of his hemp garment. His eyes, full of profound meaning, rested on the two women. Behind him, the portly disciple followed with a deferential air.

During his days in confinement, he had already inscribed another sacred mark onto the Sacred Bone. Furthermore, thanks to this breakthrough, his cultivation had successfully advanced to the Mid Stage Golden Core.

Mo Fan was confident. Although his current cultivation level wasn't the highest, he was definitely the strongest among this intake of Sword Sect disciples.

"I wonder how Senior Sister Mo Li is preparing for her duel with this Junior Brother?"

"Your Junior Brother is quite looking forward to it, you know."

Mo Fan's lips curved into a smile as he unabashedly scrutinized Mo Li.

However, as his words faded, Mo Li's silver eyes showed no flicker of change. Her silver hair danced in the air, and without turning her head, she continued her conversation with Xiao Ruoching.

Seeing this, the smile on Mo Fan's face vanished bit by bit, eventually replaced by an endless, chilling coldness.

This woman before him hadn't answered him, and she couldn't even be bothered to glance in his direction?

Contempt?

Was he so beneath her notice?

Mo Fan's fists clenched tightly, his teeth gritted, his eyes filled with resentment.

Then, fueled by the humiliation and anger welling up inside him, he slammed his fist hard onto the nearby railing.

THUD—

The loud sound made all the Sword Sect disciples look towards Mo Fan. They exchanged bewildered glances and began to murmur amongst themselves,

"What's wrong with Senior Brother Mo Fan? Why is he so furious right after coming out?"

"It seems Senior Brother Mo Fan spoke to Senior Sister Mo Li, and she ignored him. That's probably why he's angry..."

"Senior Sister Mo Li's actions might seem a bit rude, but considering her personality, it's actually quite normal. It would be strange if she suddenly paid attention to Senior Brother Mo Fan..."

"Senior Sister Mo Li is a Direct Disciple, after all. I wonder who will win this duel..."

"Even if Senior Brother Mo Fan is really strong, it's unlikely he could reach a level where he could defeat Senior Sister Mo Li in such a short time..."

Hearing the undisguised chatter around him, Mo Fan took a deep breath, averted his gaze, and headed towards Dan Wuque, who was not far off, forcing himself to remain calm.

Only, as he passed by Mo Li's side, he said softly, "Senior Sister Mo Li, one day your arrogance will lead you to make an irreparable mistake."

"I, Mo Fan, will remember this."

...

After speaking, he didn't look back and followed the crowd.

With his head lowered, no one could see the savage glint hidden in his eyes.

I, Mo Fan, will show all of you who the true genius disciple of the Sword Sect is.

Mo Li? Just a stepping stone. How could any of you possibly predict my, Mo Fan's, future?

He rubbed his large hands together vigorously, already impatient to witness the moment Mo Li would fall beneath his sword.

"Then, I will let everyone know that the Sword Sect has me, Mo Fan!"

"One person is enough."

...

Xiao Ruoching watched Mo Fan's retreating figure. She moved with light, graceful steps, her jade-like fingers toying with her sword hilt. Turning back to Mo Li, she said softly, "You're just going to let him go on like this?"

"That fellow is quite a troublemaker."

Mo Li didn't look at him and said lightly, "He's just a clown."

"Or do you think I'll lose?"

Xiao Ruoching looked at Mo Li and sighed. Her personality was still the same, but as their relationship had gradually improved, she felt she should still give her a reminder, "That Mo Fan... I'm afraid he has already cultivated to the Mid Stage Golden Core. He'll be very troublesome."