Ji Roufeng was obviously here to find Xu Lingjun.
However, considering that there was no substantial connection between them, it seemed quite inappropriate for her to suddenly visit him without any reason.
So she specifically brought Li Lei along.
How good their relationship was, others might not know, but she certainly did.
If it hadn't been for Li Lei, how could she have easily obtained so much information about Xu Lingjun?
When someone casually sells another person's information, either they are enemies, or their relationship is so close that they don't need to worry about these formalities.
However, when Xu Lingjun invited the three of them in and saw Wang Qingya, wearing an apron and slippers, busy in the house...
There was still a slight melancholy in Ji Roufeng's eyes.
The relationship between Wang Qingya and Xu Lingjun was not something they announced recklessly...
But ever since Xu Lingjun bumped into Ji Roufeng back then, her young girl's heart had been in turmoil. At that time, she genuinely hadn't held back with her strength. Thinking she, a martial artist of the True Transformation Realm, was knocked over by someone who wasn't even a martial artist.
This was simply impossible, yet this impossible event just happened.
This could only be described as fate...
Sadly, they were fated but not destined to be together.
The heavy barriers of our sect, the engagement set since childhood, and such seemingly coincidental breakthroughs... Yes... It has the flavor of a romantic novel's protagonists.
"I came to apologize to you."
After sitting down, Ji Roufeng softly said, "Earlier, I asked Li Lei to see if you were willing to join the Sun and Moon Bright Sect, but then I suddenly backed out, which seemed like I was messing with you, but I honestly didn't mean it. Now that we're about to return to the sect, if I don't apologize to you for this, I will feel uneasy even in my dreams."
"What? But I didn't..."
Xu Lingjun only got halfway through his sentence.
His foot under the coffee table was stepped on.
Opposite him, Li Lei was full of smiles, but his eyes clearly conveyed...
"Dad, save me!"
He could see those four words.
"Ah, but I didn't blame you."
Xu Lingjun smoothly changed his words.
He remembered now, Li Lei had mentioned this to him, but those days, though he went to class, his main focus was on reaping benefits from Zhou Qing, and he hadn't actually attended class, so Li Lei naturally didn't have the chance to tell him about this.
But now it seemed, he probably agreed rashly to Ji Roufeng's request.
If she knew he never actually handled it, Ji Roufeng might not give him a kind face upon returning to the sect.
Did she ever want to invite me to join the Sun and Moon Bright Sect?
Xu Lingjun looked at Ji Roufeng with a slightly peculiar expression... It always felt like she had some ulterior motives with him...
But I'm poor and penniless, no money, except possibly my extraordinarily handsome appearance, I have no other merits.
She, a noble sect disciple, couldn't be so superficial. What could she possibly want from me?
Ji Roufeng said earnestly, "No, I know how excessive I've been. I know that joining a sect is something that seems unattainable for an ordinary person. I gave you hope and then took it away... if I don't apologize personally, I would be burdened with guilt."
Girl, you are overdramatic.
Xu Lingjun could only chuckle awkwardly in response.
Wang Qingya had a slight smile in her eyes, serving them tea and water in between, exuding the demeanor of a lady of the house, not showing any of the cold and aloof pride of a mentor at school.
Zhou Qing, on the other hand, wore a nostalgic smile.
As if recalling something, he sipped his water, entering a watching-the-show mode.
And listening to Ji Roufeng's subsequent words, Xu Lingjun understood that after Wang Jian's death, Ji Roufeng reported the matter to the sect.
Evidently, Guo Xu likely sought assistance from Ji Roufeng and her group.
The demon beast was strong, yet not overwhelmingly so; it was just extraordinarily stealthy and cunning, which had prevented its capture so far.
If Ji Roufeng and her peers could intervene, they should be able to capture the demon beast more swiftly!
Ji Roufeng consulted the sect about the matter.
The sect's response was that the Imperial Government would handle it; such a trivial matter didn't warrant our intervention. Bringing the disciples back was the priority, especially since they wouldn't be recruiting merely five new disciples. The Sun and Moon Bright Sect had cast a wide net and recruited countless disciples from various schools.
When the initiation ceremony begins, if these five haven't arrived, they might feel neglected.
We must not allow new disciples to harbor any ill feelings.
Ji Roufeng gently said, "I know you're good friends, so I came to let you gather one last time. Once Li Lei enters the sect, he might not be able to descend the mountain for a while."
"Thank you, Miss Ji."
Xu Lingjun looked at Li Lei and asked, "You leave in three days?"
Li Lei nodded, seriously saying, "Don't worry, Old Xu, I know how much I owe you this time. We've been friends for years, no need to rush repaying attentions."
Xu Lingjun smiled, replying, "Our relationship doesn't need such words. I'll contact Old Guo shortly and we can have one last get-together among the three of us."
He gave Guo Zheng a call.
Regrettably...
Though Guo Zheng wanted to join, the news of a demon beast lurking in Qingzhou City had already spread, leading to a city-wide lockdown, and Guo Xu absolutely forbade him from leaving.
The group had a delightful meal at the Xu family residence.
Having tasted Wang Qingya's cooking, the melancholy in Ji Roufeng's eyes deepened.
Apart from my martial arts, I have been utterly outclassed.
After dinner... Xu Lingjun saw them out.
The streets had become much quieter, as the residents were clearly aware of the demon beast's presence and dared not venture outside lightly.
Zhou Qing reassured, "Rest assured, the Armed Police Department has issued an order to eliminate the demon beast within three days. Although Qingzhou City lacks a large army, it has ample police force."
Xu Lingjun nodded in acknowledgement.
Seeing the group off.
Returning home...
Wang Qingya tidied up the dining table, intently advising Xu Lingjun, "Don't leave the house these days, understand?"
"Mm, I understand. It's only a demon beast after all. No matter how well it hides, it can't escape a thorough search. Sister Yaya, you don't need to worry."
Wang Qingya nodded.
Indeed... it's just a demon beast. As long as it doesn't harm people, it's fine, but once it hurts someone, its urge would intensify, and it wouldn't hold out long.
Not fearing its attack on people, but fearing it won't attack.
Qingzhou City is now fully locked down; once it appears, it can't escape.
By the next evening...
The night was deep.
The once lively streets were deserted, with all the bustling shops now closed.
Only street lamps cast strands of cold light, stretching and thinning the shadow of a solitary passerby.
The person hurried along, seemingly rushing home, with their heavy footsteps echoing as if another was walking the same path.
They continuously glanced around as they walked, a look of deep unease on their face.
Suddenly...
In a shadow beyond the streetlight's reach...
A black whip-like shadow emerged from the smooth wall, leaping forcefully and trailing a series of afterimages beneath the light... rushing straight at the figure.
"As expected of a beast, you've fallen for it!!!"
From afar, a sudden shout arose.
The speed was tremendous.
Yuan Tianqing, the Deputy Director of the Armed Police Department, shouted, swiftly crossing rooftops, charging forward... seeing the person flee in panic, evading the demon beast's first attack, but unable to dodge the second.
"Lin Tao, get back!"
Yuan Tianqing, a expert of the True Transformation Realm, unleashed a palm strike with substantial True Qi.
With a booming sound.
The dark shadow, under immense force, sprang back, crashing heavily to the ground... yet tried to flee back the way it came after shaking off the initial blow at breakneck speed.
"Don't let it escape!"
"Kill it!"
someone shouted urgently.
Some were left gaping in shock, exclaiming, "It's the Bone Splitting Lizard!"
"""