CHAPTER 194: CHAPTER 152: COME ON! LET’S SEE IF I CAN FINISH YOU OFF!

Ning Shan still harbored a doubtful attitude towards Wen Zhixing’s words.

After all, problems with the Sea of Sense were no trivial matter. To repair it was virtually impossible for the average person.

But I still have to try. What if it really works...

"Wang, you’re back..."

Just then, a figure inside the house seemed to hear the noise and hurriedly came out to greet them with joy.

"Hmm?"

Upon seeing the newcomer, Ning Shan paused, her eyebrows slightly furrowing.

Why is there still someone here?

"Eh..."

Xiao Rou was also startled to see that it was Ning Shan, but she quickly recovered and hurriedly bowed, "Xiao Rou greets Ning."

"So it’s Junior Sister Xiao Rou."

Ning Shan also recognized the person and immediately smiled, lightly bowing in return.

Xiao Rou was Si Nanyan’s personal servant girl. This status, in some ways, was even higher than that of most disciples of the Wonderous Palace. Naturally, she couldn’t be taken lightly.

But now, Xiao Rou’s presence here was quite intriguing.

"Ning, please come in."

Xiao Rou, with a slight bow and an apologetic smile, ushered Ning Shan into the house. She naturally guessed that Ning Shan was here for "Wang Shouzhen." Her attire was obviously carefully chosen. But she, a servant girl, could not be overly talkative.

"Junior Sister Xiao Rou, has Wang not returned yet?"

As Ning Shan stepped into the house, her beautiful eyes began to slowly sweep around. Speckled moonlight entered through the carved latticed windows. The originally humble room now had many new additions.

The first thing that caught the eye upon entering was the illuminated screen. The screen, thin as gauze, bore exquisitely delicate paintings, full of charm. Below the auspicious clouds carried by the heavenly phoenix, an immortal maiden was washing silk in the Heaven Pool. An immortal crane approached with flowers in its beak, creating a scene of a celestial realm.

"Eh..."

Ning Shan was surprised, and her radiant eyes flickered slightly.

Behind the screen, the hard stone bed that had been there before had disappeared, replaced by a soft bed covered in red silk brocade. The surrounding walls, which were slightly damaged, had been repaired. They were even embellished with white jade stone carvings. Although the changes weren’t luxurious, the room no longer appeared as shabby as before.

"Xiao Rou, did you arrange all this?" Ning Shan looked back and asked.

The room was filled with a faint fragrance, which was refreshing to the senses. It must have been some kind of incense that had been lit.

"Replying to Ning, the palace master ordered me to serve Wang well, so I took the initiative to redecorate the place," Xiao Rou replied respectfully, her head slightly bowed. Her voice was clear, like a silver bell.

"Not bad."

Ning Shan slowly nodded, her eyes showing appreciation.

Strange. I’ve never seen Si Nanyan treat anyone this well before. Even towards Wen Zhixing in the past, she used strong measures. Most crucially, Si Nanyan is actually allowing this "Wang Shouzhen" to move freely. Isn’t she afraid that "Wang Shouzhen" might run away? Just who is this "Wang Shouzhen"? This person really does seem quite extraordinary.

"Ning, please have some tea."

Xiao Rou, standing by the side, deftly brewed a pot of tea.

It was only then that Ning Shan noticed something odd about Xiao Rou. How should I describe it? It’s a combination of weakness and satisfaction. Her complexion was pale, yet there was an unnatural blush on her face. Her eyes were exceptionally spirited.

What’s going on here? This condition seems somewhat wrong.

"Junior Sister Xiao Rou, are you feeling unwell?" Ning Shan asked with a frown.

Xiao Rou’s hands paused at the question, and she then slowly shook her head. Unwell? There really isn’t anything bothering me. Or rather... I’m quite comfortable. It’s just the aftereffects of taking the Wonderous Soul-devouring Pill. However, these symptoms aren’t severe. After all, my cultivation isn’t weak; I’m a cultivator of the Mysterious Might Realm. If I only consumed a small quantity of the Wonderous Soul-devouring Pill, it wouldn’t cause any serious problems.

"If there’s no problem... that’s good..."

Ning Shan, seeing this, chose not to ask further. She had her suspicions about what had happened between Xiao Rou and that "Wang Shouzhen."

Is it due to exhaustion? Ning Shan silently furrowed her brows. I’m a bit confused, but I’ll just have to wait for him to return to see the situation for myself.

...

Time ticked by, second by second, yet Wen Zhixing had not shown any sign of return. The tea on the table had long since grown cold. Ning Shan’s face became colder and colder.

I don’t understand Wen Zhixing’s intentions. He called me here, only to be a no-show. Is he playing a game with me?

"Ning, if you have any messages... I can pass them on for you..." Xiao Rou, seeing this, also spoke up softly and thoughtfully.

"It’s alright, I can continue to wait." Ning Shan put down her teacup and shook her head.

I don’t believe it. That "Wang Shouzhen" dares to stand me up.

Xiao Rou nodded and said no more.

The wait lasted several more hours. But even as daylight broke, Wen Zhixing had not returned.

"Ning... it’s dawn..." Xiao Rou stood silently by the side and spoke. She too was somewhat speechless.

If Ning doesn’t leave, I can’t rest. I’ve effectively worked overtime all night. Originally, I could have been sleeping.

"I know, let’s continue waiting."

Ning Shan’s expression was blank, but she had crushed the teacup in her hand to powder.

Wang Shouzhen, you really dared to make a fool of me!

"Yes... Ning..."

Xiao Rou stood by the side, inwardly lamenting. Working overtime is truly a hard life.

「Meanwhile.」

Wen Zhixing was still in the Refining Artifact Hall. He had completely forgotten about Ning Shan and was totally engrossed in comprehending the refining path.