Li Hua offered a noncommittal shrug, her expression revealing nothing. "An artifact I was blessed to acquire during my travels," she replied, noting how Mei Lin barely registered her response. Behind her placid expression, Li Hua chuckled inwardly at the woman's transparent intentions and complete ignorance of the spiritual barrier now surrounding them.
Mei Lin turned her full attention back to Mo Xing, a coy smile playing at her lips. "I may have misjudged you, Junior Brother. You're clearly far more powerful than you let others believe." The admission carried the unmistakable undertone of someone reopening possibilities she had prematurely closed.
Mo Xing maintained his forward gaze, deliberately withholding the charming response Mei Lin clearly expected. His sudden shift to cool indifference created a palpable tension that only heightened when the senior disciple attempted a more direct approach.
