281: Night Without Worry's Departure

Night fell, and the courtyard of Yunlai Inn was brightly lit.

The door creaked open, and Tao Yuanyi and Cold Peach Blossom walked in side by side, their faces carrying uncontrollable joy.

"Junior Brother Qin, we're back!" Tao Yuanyi's voice was filled with excitement.

Everyone immediately gathered around, and Xia Ya asked impatiently, "How did it go? What rank?"

Cold Peach Blossom revealed a rare smile and said softly, "First."

"That's great!" Xiao Chun clapped and cheered.

Tao Yuanyi took out an exquisite red jade box from his robe, identical to the one previously gifted by Yan Di. Opening the lid, inside was impressively another sun crystal stone, golden light swirling as the ultimate Yang Qi filled the air.

"This..." Qin Feng was stunned.

Tao Yuanyi explained, "We won the championship of the Forging Competition. According to the rules, we could make a reasonable request to the City Lord's Manor. Young Master Yan Lie originally intended to recruit us, but we proposed that we only wanted one sun crystal stone, and he agreed."

He paused and added, "However, Young Master Yan Lie also said he hopes we can stay in Juyan City for a few more days, as he wants to discuss cooperation matters in depth with us. From what I can see, his intentions seem to go beyond just recruiting Artifact Refiners."

Qin Feng took the crystal, feeling the majestic ultimate Yang power within, and was overjoyed. One crystal was already enough for Little Fire to evolve; now with two, the little fellow's growth speed would increase significantly.

"Thank you for your hard work, Senior Brother Tao and Senior Sister Leng," Qin Feng said solemnly.

Tao Yuanyi waved his hand, "It was our duty. Oh, right, this is the competition reward—an Earth Rank Medium Grade soft armor, the 'Fire Cloud Armor,' which comes with fire resistance and a slight healing effect. There's also a prize of one hundred thousand gold coins."

He handed the soft armor and money bag to Qin Feng, but Qin Feng pushed them back. "Senior Brother Tao, keep this soft armor for yourself, or give it to Senior Sister Leng. Keep the gold coins for yourself to use as travel expenses."

"But..."

"It's settled," Qin Feng said unquestioningly.

While everyone was rejoicing, Ye Wuyou suddenly stood up and spoke with a calm expression, "Everyone, I have something to say."

The room fell silent instantly.

Ye Wuyou looked around at everyone and said slowly, "Now that you've obtained the crystal, I won't be going to the Imperial City with you."

As soon as she said this, everyone was stunned.

Ji Ruxue was the first to react and said urgently, "Senior Sister, you..."

Ye Wuyou waved her hand, interrupting her, "Ruxue, you know my temperament. The Imperial City is fine, but there are too many rules and restrictions. I prefer to be free and pursue my own opportunities."

She looked at Qin Feng, "Young Master Qin, thank you for looking after me during this time. It has been an honor to know you all. But in the end, I must walk my own path."

Qin Feng was silent for a moment before asking, "What are your plans next, Senior Sister Ye?"

"To search for the treasure of the 'One-Eyed Master Thief'," a hint of yearning flashed in Ye Wuyou's eyes. "Rumor has it that during his lifetime, that master thief stole from all over the world, collecting countless rare treasures, and finally buried the treasure somewhere in the Northern Territory. I want to try my luck."

She paused and smiled, "Of course, if you ever need anything in the future, you can find me at the 'Hidden Fragrance Teahouse' in 'Wind Whisper City' in the Northern Territory. I have a contact point there."

The atmosphere became somewhat sorrowful.

Having traveled this far together, although they hadn't known each other for long, they had experienced life and death together and were already comrades-in-arms. Now, faced with a sudden parting, it was hard to let go.

Xiao Chun was the first to step forward, taking out several jade bottles from her robe. "Senior Sister Ye, these are Medicinal Pills I've refined—Healing Pills, Antidote Pills, and 'Wind-Walking Pills' that can briefly increase speed. You must be careful being out on your own."

Ye Wuyou took them and patted Xiao Chun's head, "Thank you, little sister Xiao Chun."

Xia Ya scratched his head and pulled a small bronze mirror from his Storage Pouch. "I picked this up during a previous adventure. It seems to be a defensive Magic Treasure. Although its rank isn't high, it's very portable. Keep it for protection, Senior Sister Ye."

Tao Yuanyi and Cold Peach Blossom exchanged a look, and Cold Peach Blossom took out a pair of exquisite daggers from her robe. "These are two Earth Rank Low Grade daggers I forged during this competition, the 'Cold Moon Twin Blades,' they are light and sharp, suitable for assassination and surprise attacks. Miss Ye, if you don't mind, please accept them."

Ye Wuyou took the daggers; they were cold to the touch with a faint glint, truly High Grade. A flash of emotion crossed her eyes, "I will remember the kindness of Great Master Tao and Senior Sister Leng."

Finally, Ji Ruxue stepped forward. She didn't say anything, but simply hugged Ye Wuyou tightly.

The two former assassins shed all their disguises at this moment, leaving only a sisterly bond.

"Senior Sister, take care," Ji Ruxue's voice was a bit choked.

"You too," Ye Wuyou lightly patted her back. "Stay with Young Master Qin and live well."

After a long while, the two finally separated.

Qin Feng took out a parchment map from his storage space. "Senior Sister Ye, this is information on Yin Demon Sect strongholds I obtained from the Blood-Filled Tower. It marks several places where treasures might be hidden. While it might not be entirely accurate, it may be useful to you."

Ye Wuyou took the map and gave Qin Feng a deep look. "Young Master Qin, you are someone worthy of trust. I am at ease with Ruxue following you."

Ye Wuyou said no more, cupping her hands in a salute to everyone. "The green mountains do not change, and the clear waters flow forever. Everyone, until we meet again."

"Until we meet again!" everyone responded in unison.

Ye Wuyou turned around, her figure merging into the night, soon disappearing from sight.

The room remained silent for a long time.

Xia Ya sighed, "Now that Senior Sister Ye is gone, it really feels a bit strange."

Xiao Chun's eyes were slightly red. "I hope everything goes smoothly for Senior Sister Ye."

Qin Feng composed himself and looked at everyone. "All good things must come to an end. Senior Sister Ye has her own path to walk, and we should continue our journey as well."

He took out the newly obtained sun crystal stone and said to Little Fire, who was lying on the table, "Little fellow, come, it's time to eat."

Little Fire was already impatient; he pounced and hugged the crystal, letting out 'wuwu' cries of joy.

This time, Qin Feng didn't let him absorb it slowly. Instead, he used his True Essence to shatter the crystal, turning it into pure ultimate Yang Qi and guiding Little Fire to absorb it all.

Majestic energy flooded into Little Fire's body. The little fellow's body began to glow, the reddish-gold patterns grew brighter, and his size expanded at a rate visible to the naked eye.

"Wuwu—Roar!"

A low beast roar came from Little Fire's mouth; it was no longer the previous immature whimpering but carried a hint of majesty.

As the light dissipated, everyone was stunned by the sight of the little fellow before them.

Little Fire, who was originally only the size of a palm, had now grown to half a meter tall. His reddish-gold fur was soft and smooth, a flame-shaped golden pattern appeared on his forehead, and his eyes had become more agile and spirited. Most notably...

More crucially, his aura was at the Early Stage Martial King! Moreover, his Foundation was solid and his True Essence was thick, far beyond what ordinary Yao Beasts could compare to!

"This... this is Little Fire?" Xia Ya was dumbfounded.

Little Fire seemed very satisfied with his changes. He first rubbed against Qin Feng's leg, then turned and pounced on Xiao Chun, sticking out his tongue and licking her face with a 'slurp.'

"Ah!" Xiao Chun giggled from the licking. "Little Fire, stop it!"

Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but laugh.

The sadness brought by the parting was diluted significantly by Little Fire's growth.

Qin Feng observed Little Fire closely and found that in addition to his original fire-attribute True Essence, there was an extra force of ultimate Yang and strength within him—the essence of the sun crystal stone. These two forces had perfectly fused, causing a certain evolution in Little Fire's Bloodline.

"It seems Little Fire's potential is even greater than we imagined," Qin Feng said with relief.

With Little Fire's growth, the strength of their team was steadily improving.

Although the road ahead might still be treacherous, at least they now had more confidence to face it.