Chapter 987: Chapter 984: The ’Vulnerability’ of Iron Fist Ji Wuyue
"It seems you’re not planning to accept my terms."
Luo Feng’s gaze moved to Yue Cheng, his expression indifferent, and he walked forward step by step.
"Senior Brother Ye!"
As Luo Feng’s gaze swept over him, Yue Cheng’s face changed dramatically, and speaking, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, looking extremely embarrassed. He turned to Ye Canglang and said:
"You and I are both disciples of the Sky Sword Pavilion. Are you just going to stand by and watch like this?"
Ye Canglang’s eyes flashed with a hint of disdain, and he snorted:
"This is a cruel world where strength is respected. You should have heard this truth on the first day you stepped into the Sky Sword Pavilion. You were inferior, which is why you ended up in such a predicament. Conversely, if Luo Feng were to lose to you today, the consequences wouldn’t be this simple. As your senior brother, I’ve done all I could. As for whether you choose to accept his terms, that’s your matter, and it has nothing to do with me."
Having said that, Ye Canglang stopped looking at Yue Cheng. To him, Luo Feng had the qualifications to talk to him on equal terms, while Yue Cheng did not.
At this moment, Luo Feng had already arrived in front of Yue Cheng. Seeing that he was silent and with Yuan Qi surging through him, Luo Feng was ready to give him an unforgettable lesson.
"Wait!"
Yue Cheng’s face turned pale, and he shouted, gritting his teeth and stiffly turning to Ji Wuyue to clasp his hands in apology:
"Junior Sister Ji, what happened earlier was my fault. I promise that I will never pester you again. Should I break this vow, I will be torn to pieces and die. The things in this storage ring are compensation from your senior brother."
Yue Cheng with an iron-blue face handed over a first-grade storage ring to Ji Wuyue.
From childhood to adulthood, this was the first time he had lost face like this. However, given the current situation, he had no choice. He understood the importance of life over dignity.
Ji Wuyue took the storage ring, her expression unchanged, and said:
"I hope you remember today’s words."
Ye Canglang glanced at Luo Feng and said, "Luo Feng, you need not worry. I, Ye Canglang, have always despised those who break their promises. If anyone dare violate this vow, I will be the first to not let them off."
Yue Cheng knew Ye Canglang’s words were directed at him. However, he had no intention of breaking his vow.
Having faced Luo Feng, he knew he was certainly inferior to Luo Feng and there was no need to risk his life over a woman.
The street fell into a brief silence; no one had expected the matter to end in this way, with Yue Cheng of Cloud Middle Sword bowing his head to someone. However, to everyone, it seemed only natural. Luo Feng’s strength made even Ye Canglang regard him seriously, whereas Yue Cheng was clearly no match for the two.
Luo Feng nodded slightly. Though Ye Canglang was somewhat arrogant, he was a righteous person.
"Until we meet again."
With a brief farewell, Luo Feng turned to Ji Wuyue and said, "Instructor, let’s leave here."
With that, Luo Feng turned and walked away.
Ye Canglang watched Luo Feng’s departing figure and raised his voice, saying:
"Luo Feng, I warn you; if you still possess today’s strength during the New Dragon List Tournament, you are bound to lose if you encounter me."
Luo Feng’s steps paused, and he glanced back at Ye Canglang, "I look forward to it."
In the crowd, two figures stood in a corner of the street, their eyes locked onto the departing Luo Feng.
"Unexpectedly, our Flowing Cloud Region has produced such a genius." A middle-aged martial artist with a claw scar on his brow breathed deeply.
A white-haired elder beside him nodded and sighed, "I once heard that the potential of this youth was astonishing, but I was somewhat skeptical. Upon seeing today, he is indeed more dazzling than the rumors. Unfortunately, such talent does not come from our Gu Family..."
"If this youth grows smoothly, the Luo Family of Panlong City will surely become the leader among the six great families of our Flowing Cloud Region, even renowned throughout the Canglang Dynasty," said the middle-aged martial artist.
The white-haired elder nodded silently, thoughtful, and made a decision: "We will not return to the family yet; instead, we’ll take a trip to Panlong City. If we can win over the Luo Family, as this youth grows, our Gu Family’s position among the six great families will also rise..."
On the street, Ji Wuyue walked beside Luo Feng, her beautiful eyes gazing at Luo Feng’s profile, somewhat entranced.
Although she had long expected Luo Feng to be strong, having gone through the recent events, she still felt a sense of awe.
A mere few moves defeated Yue Cheng, who was ranked around twentieth on the New Dragon List, and even Ye Canglang, who held the strength to threaten the top ten new dragons, acted deferentially toward Luo Feng. Such formidable strength; by comparison, her year-long effort of day and night cultivation seemed insignificant.
Luo Feng sensed Ji Wuyue’s gaze and smiled, "Instructor, what’s on your mind?"
Ji Wuyue came to her senses, her eyes slightly flustered before quickly calming down. Seeing a restaurant ahead, she said, "Luo Feng, let’s go eat there, my treat."
Earlier, Luo Feng had only eaten a little before Ji Wuyue and the others arrived, not having had his fill. He immediately agreed.
Moments later, the two reached the restaurant and ordered a booth by the window upstairs.
"Please take a seat, esteemed guests. Your dishes will be here shortly." The waiter wiped the table with a cloth and stepped back.
The two sat down, and Ji Wuyue’s beautiful eyes glanced at the street outside, then drew her gaze back to study Luo Feng, finally speaking:
"Luo Feng, since I entered the Golden Palace, it’s been a year since we last met, hasn’t it?"
Luo Feng did not notice Ji Wuyue’s emotional change, reminiscing about the past at Purple Sun School, and smiled:
"Hmm, I was just passing through here; I didn’t expect to have the good fortune of encountering you, Instructor."
"I didn’t expect it either."
Ji Wuyue’s red lips curved into a slight smile, "I remember a year ago, you were only up to my shoulder, and now in a year’s time, you are as tall as I am, and your cultivation has reached a level that I’m unable to attain; you’ve advanced to the late Spiritual Rotation Realm, eighth level."
Luo Feng laughed, "Instructor hasn’t changed much; still so beautiful."
Ji Wuyue’s pretty face flushed slightly, a hint of a smile appearing at her lips. She suddenly lowered her gaze, looking at the teacup in her hand, and pursed her lips:
"Luo Feng, you are now a disciple of the Linglong Hall; in terms of cultivation, I should call you Senior Brother, so you don’t need to call me Instructor anymore."
Luo Feng shook his head, "Once a teacher, always a teacher. I, Luo Feng, will never forget the kindness of your guidance back then."
"Do you really think so?"
Ji Wuyue looked at Luo Feng with surprise and then self-mockingly smiled.
"You don’t need to comfort me. At the Purple Sun Academy, I wasn’t able to guide you much; instead, it was you who gave me pills, helping me with my cultivation at the Golden Palace. Over the past year in the Golden Palace, I’ve come to realize a fact: effort does not always yield returns. This past year, I’ve trained day and night, exerting effort several times more than other senior brothers and sisters, yet the gap between us has only widened. Now you’ve reached the eighth level of the Spiritual Rotation Realm, while I’m still at the early stage of the fourth level. It seems I’m not suited for martial arts cultivation..."
By the end, Ji Wuyue’s voice had already started to tremble, and water from the teacup splashed onto the table.
These thoughts are the most vulnerable part of her heart, something she’s always kept hidden deep within her. But now, facing Luo Feng, she can no longer hide them; why this is, even she doesn’t understand.
Luo Feng reached out to steady Ji Wuyue’s trembling hands seriously and said:
"Instructor, I’m not comforting you. Back then, at Purple Sun Academy, when my cultivation stagnated and I was ridiculed by others, you always viewed me normally. This meant a lot to me. If it weren’t for this, there wouldn’t be today’s Luo Feng."
"Really?"
Ji Wuyue was very surprised by Luo Feng’s words. In her perspective, the two of them now belonged to different worlds.
Luo Feng nodded without hesitation, laughing, "Have I ever lied to you, Instructor? A thousand-story building starts from its foundation; my future achievements are inseparable from the guidance you gave me back then."
Ji Wuyue’s beautiful eyes glimmered, and she suddenly smiled:
"Having not seen you in a year, you’ve become quite glib, and you’ve become much bolder, daring to take advantage of me."
Luo Feng was taken aback, realizing he was still holding Ji Wuyue’s soft hands. He awkwardly smiled and reluctantly let go.
Seeing Luo Feng’s embarrassed expression made Ji Wuyue smile uncontrollably, and it felt like being back at Purple Sun Academy. Suddenly she said, "Luo Feng, thank you."
Luo Feng touched his nose, "I haven’t done anything."
Ji Wuyue smiled lightly, and Luo Feng’s earlier words had resolved the knot that had long existed in her heart. She had been too fixated on her lack of talent before, feeling confused about her future, but now she had found her own path.
A plum blossom may not be as splendid as a rose, yet it possesses its own distinct fragrance.
"Luo Feng, I’ll continue to cultivate in the Sky Sword Pavilion for one or two more years, then return to Purple Sun Academy," Ji Wuyue said, lifting her head.
Luo Feng raised his eyebrows, "What will you do back at Purple Sun Academy?"
Ji Wuyue smiled warmly, "I’ll go to be an instructor for the Silver Moon class; I think it suits me well."
Luo Feng was astonished but soon understood Ji Wuyue’s intentions and nodded, "That sounds good; you’ll be able to train a few disciples as outstanding as me. In the future, our Purple Sun Academy can be renowned across numerous lands."
"That sounds quite arrogant."
Ji Wuyue, in high spirits, laughed, "This isn’t Purple Sun Academy anymore; you shouldn’t call me Instructor here. Just use my name; otherwise, if other Linglong Hall disciples hear, I can’t bear the responsibility. Word has it that you are quite popular in Linglong Hall."
Luo Feng smiled lightly, without confirming or denying.
At this time, the waiter brought in their meal.
"Waiter, please bring a pot of good wine," Ji Wuyue said, stopping the waiter who was about to leave.
"Sure thing! Please wait a moment," the waiter replied and turned to leave.
Luo Feng recalled Ji Wuyue and Yue Cheng’s earlier conversation and asked, "Wuyue, didn’t you say you don’t drink?"
"I’m happy today; how can there be no wine?" Ji Wuyue blinked her eyes.
Luo Feng silently sighed, thinking that Ji Wuyue’s spontaneous nature hadn’t changed.
While they were eating, Ji Wuyue asked:
"Luo Feng, what brings you to Cloud Mountain City?"
"I need to visit Panlong City. In a couple of days, it’s the fourteenth birthday of a maid I know, and I’m planning to buy her a gift," Luo Feng replied bluntly.
Ji Wuyue smiled softly, "Being so serious about this, could it be that you like her?"
