Chapter 97: Joining Forces

“Can we still discuss cooperation properly?” Yun Zhonghe frowned and looked toward Dongfang Bubai.

“You want me to be your woman? That’s absolutely impossible!” The aura emanating from Dongfang Bubai grew increasingly terrifying, an overwhelming pressure crashing over them like a tidal wave.

Yun Zhonghe clenched his fists secretly. If it came to a fight, he knew he couldn’t take Dongfang Bubai down anytime soon.

“You’ve misunderstood. I’m simply looking for a bodyguard, nothing more,” Yun Zhonghe explained, but it had no effect. Dongfang Bubai would never buy such nonsense.

“Your martial skills are in no way inferior to mine. In the entire martial world, the number of people who can harm you can be counted on one hand,” she snorted coldly. “Isn’t your real intention to get close and take advantage?”

Presenting as a man, Dongfang Bubai had ample insight into male nature. Moreover, she was supremely confident in her appearance. A lecher like Yun Zhonghe would surely stop at nothing to possess her.

Most importantly, Yun Zhonghe’s martial prowess was superior to hers. If he intended to use tricks, even with her vigilance day and night, she could hardly guarantee there would be no lapses.

Seeing the guarded look in Dongfang Bubai’s eyes, Yun Zhonghe somewhat guessed her thoughts. His reputation was deeply ingrained in her mind; even if he revealed everything, she wouldn’t believe him.

The thought of having Yun Zhonghe eliminated forever flashed in his mind, but he immediately crushed it. How could he entertain such a dangerous idea?

“You know I’m skilled in divination, don’t you? Soon, a great calamity is fated to befall me. Only with a master like you protecting me can I turn misfortune into fortune!” Yun Zhonghe spoke earnestly.

Dongfang Bubai, experienced in judging people, could tell at a glance if someone lied. Yet, Yun Zhonghe showed no hint of deceit, and she found herself believing him a little.

Her imposing aura softened slightly. If Yun Zhonghe harbored no ulterior motives and could help her find her younger sister, Xiao Luo, perhaps she could agree.

Seeing this, Yun Zhonghe inwardly rejoiced—there was hope! On the surface, he dared not reveal the slightest change; Dongfang Bubai was sharp as a demon, and any flaw would arouse suspicion, jeopardizing the entire plan.

“Since you’ve foreseen this great calamity, why can’t you be more precise?”

“Heaven’s secrets cannot be revealed. This is the limit of what I can divine,” Yun Zhonghe replied helplessly, then resolutely added, “Rest assured, if I remain safe within a year, not only will I reveal your sister’s whereabouts, but I can also help you dominate the entire martial world.”

He had to admit, those latter conditions stirred Dongfang Bubai greatly. After all, her reason for disguising herself as a man and diligently practicing martial arts was to achieve supremacy over the martial world.

“Yun Zhonghe, I must admit, you are formidable!” Dongfang Bubai’s eyes gleamed with murderous intent. “Both your martial skill and intelligence are top-notch.”

“It's a pity such a person is too dangerous and should be eliminated sooner rather than later.”

With that, she swung her palm toward Yun Zhonghe.

He did not dodge but instead smiled warmly at Dongfang Bubai. “Miss Dongfang, may our cooperation be pleasant!”

As the words fell, a massive boulder behind Yun Zhonghe suddenly exploded. Throughout the entire process, his expression remained unreadable.

“If you dare call me that again, the next palm will strike your head!” Yun Zhonghe thought with amusement—whose head would it be?

Dongfang Bubai’s keen sixth sense detected the dark thought that had just flashed through Yun Zhonghe’s mind. Her eyes fixed on him with deadly glare.

She regretted boarding Yun Zhonghe’s ship now!

“Keep your filthy thoughts to yourself.”

Seeing Dongfang Bubai about to strike again, Yun Zhonghe quickly sidestepped.

A woman’s sixth sense was truly terrifying—she could sense it all.

“Now, can you tell me where my sister is?” Dongfang Bubai’s eyes briefly revealed a trace of anxiety for the first time.

Her gaze remained fixed on Yun Zhonghe’s every move. If he hesitated even slightly, she would attack without hesitation.

Even if years of plotting were wasted, Dongfang Bubai was determined to make Yun Zhonghe pay in blood.

Yun Zhonghe understood her concern but, as partners, he had to show sincerity.

“Your sister is doing well. She has joined the Mount Heng Sect under the tutelage of the nun Dingjing!”

Hearing that his sister had lived well all these years, Dongfang Bubai’s heart, which had been suspended for so long, finally settled.

Then, Yun Zhonghe witnessed a scene he would never forget in his life.

Dongfang Bubai set aside years of vengeance, her face breaking into a relieved smile.

It was a radiant smile that could brighten the entire world.

Yun Zhonghe was completely stunned.

Fortunately, he reacted quickly and averted his gaze before Dongfang Bubai noticed.

“Ahem,” he cleared his throat lightly and continued, “Your sister is the young apprentice Yilin of the Mount Heng Sect!”

Having learned of her sister’s whereabouts, Dongfang Bubai quickly calmed down and resumed her usual cold demeanor.

“Don’t you want to see her?” Yun Zhonghe asked, puzzled, doubting if he had misread her earlier.

That change was far too sudden.

Dongfang Bubai was in a surprisingly good mood as she looked at Yun Zhonghe and, unusually, explained, “Knowing she’s safe is enough.”

“There are too many enemies around me. Your sister might be in danger.”

Yun Zhonghe nodded silently and said, “Next, we should deal with Ren Woxing, right?”

Dongfang Bubai replied, “With our martial skills, capturing Ren Woxing won’t be difficult. Besides, his wife and daughter are in my hands.”

After some discussion, the two sped off toward Ren Woxing’s secluded retreat.

Inside a stone chamber,

Ren Woxing sat cross-legged upon a stone platform, eyes tightly shut.

His formidable internal energy radiated through his body, an invisible energy shield enveloping him.

“Subordinate Dongfang Bai requests an urgent audience with the sect leader!”

At the voice, Ren Woxing’s eyes snapped open sharply, a fierce light flashing across them.

His figure flickered and appeared just outside the door.

Dongfang Bai bowed his head in respect. “The seven sects have united to forcibly attack Black Wood Cliff, kidnapping the leader’s wife and daughter.”

Ren Woxing’s attention fixed entirely on the graceful figure beside Dongfang Bai.

Activating his energy-absorbing technique, he drew the figure into his arms, only to find her motionless, evoking overwhelming grief.

Seeing this, Dongfang Bai stepped back a few paces.

Boom!

A tremendous aura burst forth.

“I swear I will annihilate the seven sects!”

With that, Ren Woxing’s wolf-like gaze landed on Dongfang Bai. “You failed to protect my wife—you shall die too!”

In the next moment, a surging force exploded outward.

Dongfang Bai’s expression changed, and he leapt into the air.

Boom!

A massive stone shattered.

Whoosh!

At the instant they clashed, a flash of cold light streaked forth, aiming straight for Ren Woxing’s throat.