Yin Li said there was no need for Xiong Zhuangzhuang to intervene, and in the end, she didn't let him. She handled the situation herself, beating Junior Brother Fei until he cried and begged, tears streaming down his face.
As Junior Brother Fei left, he covered his face with his sleeve, hiding his bruised and swollen face, afraid of being seen.
After parting ways with Yin Li and the others, Xiong Zhuangzhuang returned to his residence and immediately took out his sound-transmitting disk to request leave from a teacher at Kunlun Academy.
It was rare for his sect to assign him a mission, and he had no reason to refuse. Moreover, after listening to Yin Li's explanation, he genuinely harbored suspicions about the Saintess Cult.
If they were involved with the demon race…
Xiong Zhuangzhuang snorted coldly, his jaw tightening abruptly, his knuckles cracking as he clenched his fists.
Buzz—
A faint vibration interrupted Xiong Zhuangzhuang's thoughts. He looked down at the sound-transmitting disk, and the coldness in his eyes vanished without a trace. A wide smile spread across his lips.
"Xiao Yu, you're out of seclusion."
"Mhm, mhm."
Yu Xiao Yu's slightly shy voice echoed from the sound-transmitting disk.
Xiong Zhuangzhuang scratched the back of his head, giggling foolishly.
On the other end, Yu Xiao Yu, hearing Xiong Zhuangzhuang only laugh and say nothing, didn't know what else to say and simply smiled with pursed lips.
Although they had never met, they felt an incredibly close connection at that moment, so close that they could hear each other's shallow breaths.
"Xiao Yu, I originally returned to the sect to attend my junior sister's engagement banquet, but I received a mission today, so I won't be able to return to Kunlun for some time."
After an unknown period, Xiong Zhuangzhuang finally remembered to share his current situation with Yu Xiao Yu.
"I understand," Yu Xiao Yu replied softly, then added with concern, "When you're out traveling, you must be careful and not act rashly."
"Alright, I will."
Xiong Zhuangzhuang agreed loudly. He opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but struggled to find a suitable topic. Somehow, his thoughts drifted to Xu Yi.
"Xiao Yu, Xu Yi has been gone for so long. Have you heard any news from her side?"
"Not yet. She hasn't replied to the messages I sent before either."
"Did Xu Yi and Bai Shan Mo conspire together? The moment they reached Shenzhou, they cut off contact with us, making us worry for no reason."
Whenever Xiong Zhuangzhuang mentioned Xu Yi, he felt a surge of annoyance.
For a full thirty years, there had been no news. If Lu Zai Ye hadn't repeatedly assured them that Xu Yi was safe, Xiong Zhuangzhuang and Bei Xing Han would have already rushed to Shenzhou to find her, even if it meant digging three feet underground.
Using Xu Yi as a topic, Xiong Zhuangzhuang chatted with Yu Xiao Yu for a few more minutes before reluctantly ending the communication.
Yin Li's engagement banquet was in three days. As Yin Li's senior brother and the young master of the Beast Taming Sect, he had many matters to attend to personally.
Senior Brother Cui, who was engaged to Yin Li, was from the neighboring Sword Controlling Sect and was their senior disciple.
The two met by chance during an outdoor training expedition, subsequently developing feelings for each other. After informing their respective sects, the engagement was arranged.
Although the Sword Controlling Sect was not on par with the Five Great Sects, it was still renowned across the Nine Continents, considered a sacred ground by many sword cultivators.
The alliance between the two sects was a union of strength.
Especially at such a sensitive time, having an additional ally meant a greater possibility of stability amidst future turmoil.
Therefore, shortly after discussions, both sects decided to formalize the engagement, with the timing of the formal wedding ceremony left to the wishes of the disciples themselves.
The engagement banquet three days later proceeded smoothly.
The Beast Taming Sect and the Sword Controlling Sect did not publicize the event extensively. However, nearby sects and aristocratic families had their own channels for gathering information. On this day, they arrived with valuable gifts to offer their congratulations.
As guests, and having anticipated such an event, the Beast Taming Sect politely welcomed the congratulating guests and settled them appropriately.
In front of the Beast Taming Sect's Grand Hall.
"Senior Brother Xiong, hahahaha."
"Junior Brother Cui, hahahaha."
Xiong Zhuangzhuang, beaming with joy, extended his palm and heartily clapped the handsome man in front of him on the shoulder, saying, "Junior Brother Cui, I never expected you to capture Junior Sister Yin's heart. Well done, boy."
The muffled slapping sounds caused the numerous young disciples behind the handsome man to click their tongues.
Those slaps carried considerable weight. Senior Brother Cui's shoulders must be swollen by now.
However, when they looked closer, they found Senior Brother Cui still smiling as if nothing had happened, appearing proud and not showing any signs of pain. They couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
It was no wonder Senior Brother Cui was the first disciple of their Sword Controlling Sect to be allied with the Beast Taming Sect through marriage; his endurance far surpassed that of ordinary people.
A satisfied glint flashed in Xiong Zhuangzhuang's eyes.
He had interacted with Junior Brother Cui several times before, and his impression of the man was quite good.
However, this concerned Junior Sister Yin's future, so Xiong Zhuangzhuang naturally had to be more cautious.
He continued to chat with Junior Brother Cui for a while, subtly and explicitly conveying the Beast Taming Sect's value for Yin Li, and again showcasing his formidable martial strength.
Only after Junior Brother Cui repeatedly assured him that he would treat Junior Sister Yin well did Xiong Zhuangzhuang allow Junior Brother Cui to leave.
Yin Li had dressed up specially for the occasion, looking exceptionally well-matched with the dashing and graceful Senior Brother Cui.
Watching the happy couple below, True Lord Chang Shou, seated at the head, and True Lord Cang Jian, the Sect Master of the Sword Controlling Sect, were all smiles.
After the engagement ceremony concluded, True Lord Chang Shou and True Lord Cang Jian departed first.
Xiong Zhuangzhuang, along with several elders from the sect, was responsible for hosting the guests who had come to attend the engagement banquet.
The engagement ceremony lasted little more than an hour, but the ensuing banquet spanned a full three days.
Upon seeing off the last guest, Xiong Zhuangzhuang, Yin Li, and two junior brothers were ready to depart.
"Senior Sister Yin, this is a gift I specifically selected for you. I wonder if you like it." Junior Brother Fei cautiously held out a box and approached Yin Li, quickly adding, "If you don't like it, I, I can prepare something else for you."
Although Xiong Zhuangzhuang hadn't intervened at the time, he had called Junior Brother Fei out after he had returned and thoroughly disciplined him.
After dealing with Junior Brother Fei, Xiong Zhuangzhuang had also broken down the reasoning for him, explaining it piece by piece.
In pain and regret, Junior Brother Fei had painstakingly chosen a gift, hoping to gain Yin Li's forgiveness.
Fearing that Yin Li was still angry with him, Junior Brother Fei dared not present the gift during the engagement banquet and could only finally speak up now.
Yin Li snorted softly, took the gift, glanced at it, and put it into her storage pouch. "I'll let you off this time. Thank you for your gift as well."
"How dare I accept Senior Sister's thanks. I wish Senior Sister Yin and Senior Brother Cui everlasting love and mutual respect."
Junior Brother Fei's previously drooping eyes finally lifted. He followed Yin Li, showering her with compliments.
Yin Li was not a petty person. Her anger had already dissipated after teaching the junior brother a lesson that day, and she quickly reconciled with him.
Seeing the harmonious group, Xiong Zhuangzhuang nodded with satisfaction. He led the three junior brothers and sisters to bid farewell to their master, received a few words of advice, and then the four of them left the Beast Taming Sect together, heading towards the Saintess Cult indicated on the jade slip.