Xu Yi's four-winged blood horse did not possess a particularly pure bloodline, reaching only the Nascent Soul early stage cultivation upon reaching adulthood.
Legend had it that four-winged blood horses with top-tier bloodlines could rival Tribulation Crossing cultivators when mature, leaping a thousand miles in a single stride.
However, even with its impure bloodline, crossing a stream was an effortless feat for this four-winged blood horse.
It reared its head high, its four hooves gathering strength for a powerful stomp, and its body soared into the air.
In a flash.
It carried the two of them to the other side of the stream.
"Good!"
Xu Yi cheered loudly, affectionately stroking its mane.
Encouraged, the four-winged blood horse felt the wind beneath its hooves, galloping wildly.
Thump-thump! Thump-thump!
The thunderous sound echoed through the mountains and forests, soon attracting the attention of others.
"Where did these lovebirds come from, looking to die?"
A burly cultivator, his upper body bare, looked in the direction of the sound and quickly spotted the two on the horse, spitting on the ground with disdain.
Making such a commotion in this place was simply asking for trouble.
"Brother Zhang, your words are not entirely accurate. The demonic beasts they ride are extraordinary, and their strength should not be underestimated."
A companion beside the burly man refuted.
The man called Brother Zhang took a closer look and indeed noticed something amiss. His initial contempt gradually subsided.
They were currently in the outer reaches of the Myriad Demon Ridge, where cultivators were mostly at the Golden Core or Nascent Soul stages. They might not even be able to defeat the opponents' mounts, let alone fight the riders themselves.
Brother Zhang mentally chided himself for his carelessness, having made the grave mistake of judging by appearance.
His companion suddenly let out a light chuckle and said to him, "Look quickly, someone fearless is going."
Upon seeing this, Brother Zhang's eyes revealed a schadenfreude.
On the other side.
Xu Yi also sensed approaching presences and, with a thought, the admonishment ruler fell into her hand.
"Kill!"
A fierce shout.
Three streaks of spirit light of different colors slashed towards Xu Yi and the other person.
Xu Yi's eyes flashed. Grasping the admonishment ruler, she raised her hand and slashed out three ruler marks, colliding with the spirit lights.
Simultaneously, the four-winged blood horse vigorously flapped its wings, its spiritual power surging to form several sharp wind blades that rained down relentlessly.
Boom boom boom!
Tree trunks snapped, fallen leaves scattered, and surging waves of energy filled the heavens and earth, causing even Brother Zhang and his companion, who were watching from afar, to retreat several steps, startled by the commotion.
"That woman is at least at the Nascent Soul late stage."
Many fine bloodstains appeared on Brother Zhang's bare upper body, but he paid them no mind, instead stating to his companion with a solemn expression.
His companion remained silent, but his expression also revealed a look of apprehension.
He had clearly seen that only the female cultivator and her mount had made the attack; the man behind her had not yet made a move.
He had a premonition that the man was the greatest threat.
As the dust settled, the four-winged blood horse, without needing Xu Yi's command, carried her in pursuit of the three injured individuals who were fleeing.
The speed of the four-winged blood horse was fully displayed at this moment.
Only after Xu Yi had collected the items from the third storage pouch did she belatedly realize how exceptionally silent Lu Zaiye was today.
"Lu Zaiye?"
"...Yes, I'm here."
Xu Yi twisted her body, carefully observing Lu Zaiye.
Lu Zaiye lowered his eyelids slightly, avoiding Xu Yi's gaze, his mind in turmoil.
He didn't understand why Xu Yi had suddenly turned to look at him.
This made him feel very uncomfortable.
"Are you angry?"
Xu Yi suddenly asked.
Lu Zaiye stiffened and shook his head slightly, "No."
He wasn't angry. He knew that Xu Yi's actions were all well-intentioned; he simply didn't know how to face her.
Xu Yi stared at Lu Zaiye's expression, trying to discern if what he said was true.
As she watched, she was suddenly drawn to his long and thick eyelashes and impulsively said, "Your eyelashes are so long."
As the words left her mouth.
Both Xu Yi and Lu Zaiye showed expressions of shock.
Xu Yi abruptly turned away, covering her face and letting out a silent scream.
She, she, what was she saying!
It was over. Wouldn't Little Lu misunderstand her!
Would he think of her, his grand-disciple-master, as being old and immodest, speaking flirtatiously and disgracing the sect's reputation!
Ahhh!
Her lifelong reputation!
Lu Zaiye's mind went blank for a brief moment.
If anyone else dared to utter such disrespectful words in his presence, he would definitely make them understand the meaning of speaking rashly.
But the one speaking was Xu Yi, the Grand-Disciple-Master of the Xuanji Sect.
He was utterly helpless.
His mind restless, he suddenly glimpsed a blush of crimson. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the Little Grand-Disciple-Master's ears had somehow turned bright red.
Lu Zaiye's heart grew even more unsettled.
For a long time, the two fell into a profound silence.
Finally, Xu Yi, having calmed down, was the first to break the deadlock.
"Ahem, Lu Zaiye, I apologize. What I just said was unintentional; please don't take it to heart."
"Disciple understands."
Upon receiving Lu Zaiye's reply, Xu Yi's mood immediately brightened.
This matter was an accident to begin with, and coupled with the fact that she and Lu Zaiye had been spending time together day and night, she knew that he was not a gossipy person. Therefore, only the two of them knew about this.
As time passed, this matter would soon be forgotten, leaving no trace behind.
Why should she trouble herself unnecessarily?
Xu Yi patted the four-winged blood horse, and it immediately stomped its hooves, beginning to gallop through the mountains and forests once more.
...
"Junior Sister Yin, rest assured, I will definitely help you find Senior Brother Xiong."
Outside the Beast Taming Sect, Zhou Cheng saw Yin Li looking dejected and patted his chest, promising Yin Li.
Yin Li forced a smile and said, "Thank you," her inner frustration growing even more intense.
She hadn't expected the elders to have Zhou Cheng accompany her to the Myriad Demon Ridge.
She wasn't unaware of their intentions, but she held no affection for Zhou Cheng. In fact, his pestering annoyed her.
During their last mission, she felt she had made her feelings sufficiently clear, but whether Zhou Cheng was feigning ignorance or simply hadn't grasped her intentions, he had shown no inclination to retreat.
Thinking about spending more time with him, her expression grew increasingly cold.
Zhou Cheng took in Yin Li's expression, maintaining his gentle smile.
Yin Li disliked him.
He was, of course, aware of this.
But what did that matter?
He also had no interest in the proud Yin Li. However, she was the Sect Leader's most cherished disciple, and if he wanted to become the next Sect Leader, he had to gain the Sect Leader's support.
Therefore, Yin Li was his for the taking.
He eagerly anticipated the moment he became Sect Leader and saw the proud daughter of heaven, Yin Li, groveling at his feet. It would surely be amusing.
A flicker of distortion passed across Zhou Cheng's gentle face.
"Prepare to depart."
"Yes, Elder."
Yin Li and Zhou Cheng put aside their respective thoughts and replied in unison.
Accompanying them was an elder in the Spirit Severing stage, True Master Chi Yu, who was entrusted by the Sect Leader to find Xiong Zhuangzhuang who was out on a mission, and also to protect Yin Li and Zhou Cheng.
The three bowed towards the mountain gate outside the Beast Taming Sect and then set off towards the Myriad Demon Ridge.