CHAPTER 312: CHAPTER 209: SO YOU WANT TO SECRETLY STEAL MY CORNER, HUH?

That person must be the old crone, Xiuxiu, from before. The other two are clearly outsiders, Wen Zhixing thought, his mind extraordinarily nimble as his gaze flickered forward. This means Murong Fenghua is likely looking for me because of these two...

In just an instant, he sensed something from Murong Fenghua’s agitated expression. With his comprehension enhanced, his mind was indeed exceptionally sharp.

The next moment, Wen Zhixing suddenly considered a possibility. Wait! Could Murong Fenghua be planning to use me as a human shield?

His eyes narrowed slightly. It’s entirely possible. Just now, Murong Fenghua looked at me as if she’d seen a savior. The likelihood of being used as a human shield is extremely high.

Acting as a human shield is a surefire way to offend people, Wen Zhixing thought, frowning inwardly. He had no wish to antagonize others. This was the Hundred Tribulations Holy Land, after all. Everyone here either possessed a prominent identity or exceptional talent. Currently, Wen Zhixing couldn’t afford to provoke most of them.

Is it because of him? Wen Zhixing thought, subtly raising his head again to cast an unobtrusive glance at Li Juncheng. He was the only other man present. It’s most likely him.

Li Juncheng wore a crescent-white robe adorned with Gold Thread Dragon Patterns. Its cuffs and collar were made of exquisite cloud brocade. He had handsome features and an ethereal presence. Even standing modestly behind Qinglian Fairy, he exuded the proud demeanor of a nobleman—neither servile nor arrogant. Even Wen Zhixing couldn’t help but admire him after a single glance. Worthy of being a disciple of the Hundred Tribulations Holy Land. Truly extraordinary.

Li Juncheng seemed to sense Wen Zhixing’s gaze and politely smiled back, his demeanor appearing even more exceptional.

Such bearing... he must be a scion of some major power, Wen Zhixing mused.

Wen Zhixing had indeed guessed most of it correctly. Murong Fenghua did intend to use him as a human shield. This wasn’t a deliberate act to target Wen Zhixing, but rather stemmed from the inexplicable connection between them; she instinctively wanted to rely on him.

However, Wen Zhixing would never have imagined that his guess about *who* she needed a shield against was wrong. The key person this time wasn’t Li Juncheng, but Qinglian Fairy, who was clinging to Murong Fenghua’s side.

Wen Zhixing was a normal person; such a thought wouldn’t occur to him. After all, girls tend to do everything together, even going to the restroom. Murong Fenghua and Qinglian Fairy being so close and affectionate doesn’t seem strange at all.

Naturally, Wen Zhixing began to ponder how to deal with Li Juncheng...

"Fenghua, this person is...?" Qinglian Fairy’s elegant brows furrowed slightly as she looked at Wen Zhixing, who had suddenly appeared. How could a man be in Murong Fenghua’s residence?

"He is my good friend, Wen Zhixing." A sincere smile finally appeared on Murong Fenghua’s usually reserved face. As she spoke, she waved her small hand at Wen Zhixing, who wasn’t far off. The joy in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Oh, a good friend?" Hearing these words, Qinglian Fairy tensed slightly. This is the first time I’ve heard Fenghua mention a male friend. Her previously somewhat hazy eyes suddenly sharpened. Same-sex friends, I can accept. But a male friend? Our relationship ends here.

"Yes, Mr. Wen is someone I befriended in Youzhou. He accompanied me to Zhongzhou this time," Murong Fenghua nodded, her expression growing even warmer. Inside, however, she was anxious. Wen Zhixing, what are you still standing there for? Hurry up and come over!

However, the more enthusiastic Murong Fenghua acted, the more alarmed Wen Zhixing became. He didn’t dare take a step forward.

"A friend from Youzhou?" Qinglian Fairy also offered a warm smile, but her gaze fixed on Wen Zhixing and didn’t waver. You little rascal... trying to poach Fenghua from me, are you?

Wen Zhixing hadn’t paid much attention to Qinglian Fairy before this. Suddenly, his body instinctively recoiled, as if sensing danger.

"Hm?" Wen Zhixing looked up and met Qinglian Fairy’s piercing gaze.

[Warning: Danger.]

[This person is looking at you with disgust. Do not approach!]

[Danger! This person harbors murderous intent toward you!]

[Run!]

Even without these panel prompts, Wen Zhixing had already sensed something was wrong. He had been wary of Li Juncheng the whole time. So, what’s with this Female Cultivator now?

"Huh?" Wen Zhixing was puzzled.

Seeing Wen Zhixing actually dare to meet her gaze, Qinglian Fairy’s eyes narrowed. Challenging me? If Murong Fenghua weren’t here, I’d kill him without a second thought. I’ll slaughter you.

[Danger!]

[Danger!]

[Danger!]

Wen Zhixing’s heart trembled. Is this woman insane? Does she really want to kill me? Why would Qinglian Fairy want to kill me the moment she sees me? What happened? Isn’t this the Hundred Tribulations Holy Land, a place for cultivation? Why are the people here so aggressive, wanting to kill someone after just one look? Good grief! Even the people from Wonderous Palace are more pleasant than her.

Could it be that she’s on Li Juncheng’s side, and that’s why she’s hostile towards me...? Wen Zhixing’s mind raced again. No, that doesn’t seem quite right. Something is still odd.

"Wen... Mr. Wen, why aren’t you coming over yet?" Murong Fenghua called out again when she saw Wen Zhixing still standing rooted to the spot.