Chapter 784: Chapter 781: Leaving Without Saying Goodbye
After a brief moment of shock, the Immortal Envoys saw Bai Xiaoxuan’s tearful and panicked face, and quickly changed to a smiling demeanor, then rushed to comfort the little girl as if coaxing a child.
Only Xu Ming and Chen Zhenfang remained unmoved, exchanging glances before the latter spoke: "Did you tell her to carefully study the disciplinary rules?"
"Nothing escapes the watchful eyes of Senior Sister!" Xu Ming blushed slightly in embarrassment and said, "You know, it’s a routine procedure that every new disciple must go through."
Chen Zhenfang simply shook her head without saying anything, but Xu Ming understood that this rule did not apply to Bai Xiaoxuan.
After a moment, Xu Ming gestured for the frightened Bai Xiaoxuan to come over and asked calmly, "You said you were looking for me earlier, what is it?" A hint of authority subtly permeated his voice.
Others might greet Bai Xiaoxuan warmly with a smile, showing enthusiasm and friendliness, but as a master, Xu Ming could not. The dignity of being a master must be upheld; otherwise, it would not be good for anyone.
Upon hearing Xu Ming’s question, Bai Xiaoxuan quickly replied, "Master, something terrible has happened! Sister Miaohan and Sister Dantong are planning to duel!"
"A duel?!"
The Immortal Envoys frowned, then exchanged glances, ultimately resting their gaze on Xu Ming’s face, as she was the mentor of both.
Xu Ming, however, was unsurprised: "Those two have been competing since childhood, neither willing to yield to the other; let them be!"
"This time, it might not be as simple!"
A voice suddenly came from outside the door, prompting everyone to turn their heads, only to see Deng Shulan, who rarely attended high-level meetings.
Deng Shulan stepped inside indifferently, the wooden doors closing behind her, and said directly, "In this wager, Sun Miaohan has put forth her Celestial Immortal’s Tears, while Ji Dantong has offered her sword."
Xu Ming raised an eyebrow: "Dantong’s sword? Is it the one Senior Sister just forged for her?"
"You’re focusing on the wrong thing," Deng Shulan clearly did not want to discuss this, and instead said, "Though the sword is valuable, it’s nothing compared to Celestial Immortal’s Tears."
Xu Ming nodded discreetly. Such treasures granted by the sect symbolize not just power but also status and honor; using them as casual bets is indeed inappropriate.
Thinking of this, Xu Ming’s expression changed and turned to Bai Xiaoxuan: "Go fetch those two for me."
However, before Bai Xiaoxuan could react, Deng Shulan waved a sleeve, "No need! Bringing them over now won’t help."
"What do you mean by that?!" Xu Ming frowned. Clearly, stopping this would cut the drama short before it escalates, but could it be...
Indeed, Deng Shulan just said calmly: "On my way here, I heard many people discussing this matter already. Those two girls are not oblivious, having spread the news far and wide!"
Upon hearing this, Xu Ming’s frown deepened; if that’s the case, it is rather tricky. Organizing it now seems imprudent, yet letting it develop freely isn’t suitable either, prompting him to turn his attention to Chen Zhenfang.
Focus shifted to Chen Zhenfang, who didn’t seem bothered, simply said: "Since that’s the case, let them compete; it’s a good chance to boost the disciples’ competitive spirit!"
With Chen Zhenfang’s decision, no one spoke further, so they peacefully awaited the result of the duel the following week.
——
Meanwhile, upon returning to the villa, Xiao Tian and Lin Bingxuan found only Ghost Face in the underground lab.
With no sign of Melinda, Lin Bingxuan asked, "Why are you alone?"
Ghost Face smiled wryly, pulling a note from a drawer and handing it to Lin Bingxuan.
Xiao Tian curiously moved closer, only to see elegantly sharp handwriting that left both stunned, their expressions growing solemn.
The note was undoubtedly from Melinda, explaining she realized where that familiar feeling originated and discovered the next key to unlocking the Five Elements Crystal; she left to seek it, telling them not to worry.
However, Melinda sounded nonchalant and departed decisively; Xiao Tian and Lin Bingxuan couldn’t help but worry. What was the next key she mentioned?
Where did she go to find it?!
With mounting confusion, they set the note aside, both looking worried. Lin Bingxuan asked, "Did she inform you before leaving?"
"Do you think she would inform me?"
Ghost Face retorted, adding, "If she dares act alone, with confidence in her knowledge to unlock the next key, she must have her reasons!"
Seeing the two deep in thought and brooding, Ghost Face quickly shifted the topic to avoid endless questions from Xiao Tian: "How did your trip to the Northern Border go, smoothly?"
Lin Bingxuan sighed, replying, "Though there were some twists, overall we accomplished the mission!"
While speaking, she produced another half of a pendant from her backpack and handed it to Ghost Face.
Taking the pendant from Lin Bingxuan, Ghost Face scrutinized it under the overhead light, excitedly saying, "Yes, this is it. With this pendant, the Five Elements Crystal can be preliminarily unlocked!"
Ghost Face asked Xiao Tian, "Since part of the pendant’s energy is within your blood, we need your blood to merge the two pendants’ energies. Are you able to do so now?"
Xiao Tian, keeping a stern face, nodded affirmatively, then extended his hand with his dagger.
In many respects, while Melinda’s sudden departure and actions without notice made Xiao Tian less angry than Lin Bingxuan’s past unilateral decisions.
It wasn’t that Xiao Tian cared for Melinda less than Lin Bingxuan, but experiencing past events taught him that waiting and worrying is hard no matter whom it concerns.
Melinda ventured out; she’s not a child. Surely, she understood the risks and consequences involved, so there must be a reason she proceeded.
Yet, understanding doesn’t mean doing nothing; regardless, Xiao Tian must find out where she went.
Ghost Face, not wanting to delay, signaled Lin Bingxuan to hold the pendant while he nicked Xiao Tian’s finger, letting crimson drops fall onto the pendant.
