295: Traveling with Pei Xi

The setting sun dipped below the horizon, dyeing the western suburbs of the capital a warm orange-red.

Li Shengyuan and Zixuan lingered intimately within the Archives until the twilight deepened, only then reluctantly parting ways.

He did not return to the Li Residence but went straight out of the capital to the agreed location in the western suburbs.

A graceful figure was already waiting beneath an ancient tree; it was Pei Shuyun.

She had changed into a set of practical, close-fitting attire, covered by a plain cloak, losing some of her usual seductive elegance but gaining an air of competence and mystery.

The golden afterglow outlined her slender silhouette. Watching Li Shengyuan approach through the twilight, a bright smile blossomed on her face.

"Are all the farewells over?" she teased, though her eyes showed concern.

Li Shengyuan smiled faintly and nodded, his gaze sweeping over her outfit:

"It seems you are ready."

"Naturally. I brought the news, and I am more familiar with the situation in the Western Regions than you are."

Pei Shuyun stepped forward and naturally linked her arm through Li Shengyuan's, her tone carrying an undeniable certainty, "Taking me along is better than you stumbling around like a headless fly by yourself."

"If I receive new information from the Pei Family or other channels along the way, I can inform you immediately, allowing us to adjust the plan at any time."

Li Shengyuan did not object.

He knew Pei Shuyun's intelligence and methods well, and understood that her knowledge of the Western Regions, and even the internal workings of the Demonic Sect, far surpassed his own.

She also possessed a third-rank cultivation, which, although not extremely strong, was enough not to drag him down.

Having her accompany him was indeed a great help.

Moreover, after the honesty of last night and the entrustment of today, their relationship had grown even closer.

Li Shengyuan had a thought, and from his storage artifact, he retrieved a boat-shaped flying artifact several zhang long.

The entire artifact was streamlined, emitting a faint bronze sheen, its surface inscribed with intricate runes, making it appear ancient yet nimble.

This was precisely the small flying artifact, the “azure cloud boat,” he had “borrowed” from the Imperial Observatory.

It was extremely fast and inconspicuous, capable of perfectly concealing its aura, making it ideal for long-distance travel while remaining hidden.

"We need to keep a low profile on this trip, so we won't take the 'sky abyss'," Li Shengyuan explained, making an inviting gesture.

Pei Shuyun's eyes lit up. She examined the exquisite flying boat with interest, then smilingly tightened her grip on Li Shengyuan's arm and lightly leaped onto the flying boat with him.

The cabin space was small but comfortably arranged, enough for them to live a life for two inside.

The azure cloud boat silently ascended, transforming into an almost imperceptible streak of light, speeding toward the western horizon, quickly leaving the bustling capital far behind.

Inside the cabin, Pei Shuyun sat close to Li Shengyuan, practically leaning half her weight against him.

She turned her head, her beautiful eyes exceptionally bright under the soft light of the cabin, watching Li Shengyuan's profile with a hint of cunning and possessive delight.

"From now on..." she drew out her words, her voice soft and alluring, "At least until we reach the Western Regions, you... belong only to me."

She gently shook Li Shengyuan's arm, her tone laced with a touch of smugness: "Those confidantes of yours, whether it's Auntie Shen of the Shen Family, Princess Pingyang, or even the Empress Senior Sister, and those master and disciple from Yuehua Palace..."

"Oh, Palace Master Yue is an exception, though; I heard you two spent a year alone in the Extreme North Wasteland. But as for the others, I'm afraid they won't get this chance to be alone with you thousands of miles away, like me, right?"

Her words carried obvious jealousy and slight boasting, yet they also revealed a rare, charming naivety, like that of an ordinary woman.

Hearing this, Li Shengyuan could only shake his head and smile helplessly. He reached out and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer into his embrace without saying anything further.

He knew that any explanation at this moment would be superfluous; it was better to enjoy this rare tranquility and companionship before heading into danger.

Pei Shuyun leaned contentedly on his shoulder, gazing at the sea of clouds rushing past outside the cabin, and the sky, which was darkening faster than their speed, a smile playing on her lips.

The azure cloud boat broke through the clouds, its speed increasing, rapidly advancing toward the mysterious, dangerous, and crucially important Western Regions Demon Kingdom...