Chapter 61: For One, Forsake the World

As soon as these words were spoken, Hong Qigong’s face darkened, like the bottom of a pot. He reached out and knocked on Yun Zhonghe’s head.

“If you dare use my skills to commit evil in the martial world, tarnish my reputation, I’ll personally take your life,” he warned.

Yun Zhonghe rubbed his head, smiling sheepishly, yet inwardly unconcerned. With his current abilities, he might not defeat Hong Qigong, but the old beggar couldn’t do much to him either.

Seeing Yun Zhonghe remain silent, Hong Qigong knew he was plotting something and cautioned, “The Beggar Clan’s disciples are everywhere. However skilled you are, it won’t save you.”

Yun Zhonghe’s eyes flickered. How could he forget? Hong Qigong was the former leader of the Beggar Clan, revered across the martial world. If he truly wanted to kill him, it would be as easy as squashing an ant.

Yun Zhonghe put away his mischievous thoughts and solemnly vowed, “Rest assured, I will never disgrace your name, Elder Hong.”

Hong Qigong nodded in satisfaction, casting a proud glance at Yun Zhonghe. “Little rascal, I’ve eaten more meals than you’ve eaten salt. You think I can’t handle you?”

Yun Zhonghe could only respond with a bitter smile.

Just as Hong Qigong was about to give further instructions, a sound came from afar. Yun Zhonghe turned and saw Azhi practicing the technique Hong Qigong had taught her—the Joyful Wanderer Palm. Her movements were light and graceful, as if a beauty was dancing, pleasing to the eye.

Hong Qigong watched her, his brows furrowed, and said in a low voice, “That girl acts impulsively. You must guide her well, lest she commit an irreparable mistake.”

Yun Zhonghe nodded in agreement. Azhi seemed obedient now, but only in his presence. She might restrain herself a little for him, but a leopard cannot change its spots.

“It’s good you understand. The old beggar will take his leave,” Hong Qigong said, and with a burst of energy, vanished from Yun Zhonghe’s sight in a few leaps.

Azhi, hearing the commotion, stopped her practice and looked toward Yun Zhonghe, her face blossoming into a sweet smile. She rushed into his arms.

Breathing in the intoxicating fragrance of her hair, Yun Zhonghe closed his eyes, savoring the moment, his arms wrapped tightly around Azhi’s slender waist.

At this instant, love was irrelevant. He simply enjoyed the tranquility.

The next morning.

As sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling Yun Zhonghe with golden spots, he slowly opened his eyes. The warmth enveloped him, and a rich smile curled his lips.

Just then, Azhi stirred in his arms. Looking down, he saw her clinging to him like an octopus, her delicate face pressed against his chest, a glimmer of drool at the corner of her mouth.

Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help but laugh. Who would have thought the notorious Azhi would have such an unseemly sleeping posture—and drool to boot.

“So adorable,” he murmured with a smile, gently pinching her cheek.

“Mm!” Azhi murmured in her sleep.

Yun Zhonghe inwardly cursed, scanning his surroundings as if a guilty child caught in the act.

As Azhi was about to awaken, Yun Zhonghe quickly closed his eyes and regulated his breathing to avoid being exposed.

Azhi, half-awake, opened her eyes, gazing sleepily at Yun Zhonghe. Seeing him apparently still asleep, her face bloomed with a breathtaking smile.

She watched him intently, extending a slender finger to trace the bridge of his nose, as if admiring a rare treasure. She wanted to engrave his visage in her heart.

When her finger brushed his lips, Yun Zhonghe could no longer endure. He seized Azhi’s hand in his own, his voice low and tightly restrained.

“Azhi, stop teasing,” he said.

Azhi sensed something amiss and hurriedly sat up. Yun Zhonghe, embarrassed, rubbed his nose and stood, turning to her. “It’s about time. We should each set out on our own.”

“Hmph!” Azhi’s expression chilled instantly.

Yun Zhonghe failed to notice his words had upset her. He straightened his clothes and walked away without a backward glance.

After a few steps, Azhi’s voice, full of grievance and sorrow, sounded behind him. “Do you really dislike spending a little more time with me?”

Yun Zhonghe stopped in his tracks, paused a moment, and turned back, looking at Azhi with an ingratiating smile.

He approached her and explained softly, “My dear Azhi, you misunderstand. I just want to solve matters quickly so I can return to your side sooner.”

“Really?!” Azhi’s mood brightened instantly.

Yun Zhonghe sighed inwardly. Amazing—her mood changes faster than flipping a page.

He reached out, stroking her head affectionately. “Of course it’s true. The moment we parted, I already started missing you uncontrollably.”

“Smooth talker,” Azhi scolded playfully.

But the smile on her face wouldn’t fade, her eyes curving like crescents.

“Alright, I really must go,” Yun Zhonghe gazed lovingly at Azhi, tucking her loose strands behind her ear.

“Wait for me at the Star Sect, and when I see you again, I hope the Star Sect will be renewed.”

“Mhm.” Azhi closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of Yun Zhonghe’s palm on her cheek.

“Don’t worry, for your sake in the martial world, I’ll be more cautious from now on.”

Yun Zhonghe remained silent. He hadn’t mentioned his conversation with Hong Qigong, yet Azhi was perceptive enough to sense it. Was this a woman’s intuition?

“There’s no need to be overly cautious. Whoever needs killing, don’t let them escape.”

He feared Azhi might become too hesitant and suffer harm, which he did not wish to see.

Yun Zhonghe believed in the rule of the strong. At the martial conference, he’d shown overwhelming power—who would dare utter nonsense before him now? None! If anyone did, he could simply crush them like insects.

Seeing Yun Zhonghe’s anxiousness, Azhi laughed softly. “Don’t worry, I’m not easy to bully.”

“If it comes to fighting, I won’t hesitate.”

Yun Zhonghe was reassured, stepping forward to embrace Azhi gently. “You must protect yourself. If anything happens to you, I’ll make the whole world pay!”

Azhi closed her eyes, leaning against his chest. Hearing that her man would overturn the world for her, her heart brimmed with love.

In a voice only she could hear, she murmured, “If that day truly comes, I might even look forward to it.”