"You're obviously fine," she said, trying to maintain her composure. Then, softening despite herself, she added, "And...I didn't a get a chance to tell you earlier but...thank you. For everything. For saving my brother, and for settling things with Old Tang."
"Of course." His smile curved like the edge of a well-honed blade. "Services rendered always come with a price."
Li Hua squared her shoulders, meeting his gaze directly. "Is that why you're here, then? To collect what you believe I owe you?" The challenge in her voice was unmistakable.
"Not yet." Mo Xing's response was soft but weighted with intention. Each syllable seemed to brush against her skin like phantom fingers, raising goosebumps in their wake. "When that time comes, believe me, you'll know."
"Then what purpose brings the great Mo Xing to this humble sect?" The words emerged with more bite than she intended, her composure fracturing under his steady gaze.
His answer came without hesitation: "I missed you."
