In Jing Wuyan's room, Qin Yi and Yun Mengyao were enjoying the feast spread across the table.

Jing Wuyan muttered, "Why are you eating in my room?"

The food was clearly delivered to Qin Yi's room, but then moved to his room, which left him puzzled.

Yun Mengyao looked up, "Because the food has a strong smell, and it doesn't disperse quickly after eating."

Jing Wuyan: "..."

It sounded quite reasonable, but wasn't his room susceptible to lingering smells too?

"Brother Qin?"

Qin Yi looked at him.

"What about the meal cost?"

Qin Yi was surprised, "Meal cost?"

Jing Wuyan cautiously said, "For this table, it's two gold coins."

Qin Yi chuckled, "You're suggesting I should give you the two gold coins, right?"

Jing Wuyan eagerly nodded.

Qin Yi was smiling too, "I'll owe it for now."

"When will you repay?"

"When I have money."

Jing Wuyan wanted to ask when he would have money, but ultimately didn't when Qin Yi's gaze became dangerous.

Yun Mengyao laughed, "Let me tell you, this guy is stingy. Asking him for money is almost akin to asking for his life."

Qin Yi rolled his eyes, "As if I treat you poorly."

"You stole my money."

Qin Yi: "..."

Jing Wuyan was speechless, not expecting Qin Yi to have such a shady past.

"Brother Qin, just now, I heard people downstairs saying that Qi Refiners across Southern Middle State are searching for you both. We should rest early and leave before dawn."

Yun Mengyao said, "With how we look now, who would recognize us?"

"Uh... to be honest, Brother Qin is difficult to recognize, but you're easily identifiable."

"Why? I've already disguised myself."

"No matter how you change, your beauty is too dazzling."

Yun Mengyao paused, then burst into laughter, "Sweet talker. Be honest, are you trying to court me with your efforts?"

Jing Wuyan was startled and hurriedly waved his hand, "No, absolutely not."

Yun Mengyao became upset, "Why? Am I unworthy of you?"

"That's not it, it's just that you're older than me, and I can't accept an older woman-younger man relationship; it makes me look like a kept man."

Yun Mengyao was so angry that she almost overturned the table, if Qin Yi hadn't held it down.

"Little brat, I'm only a few years older than you—is that considered old? Clearly, you haven't experienced the harshness of society. If you keep saying I'm old, do you believe I'll find a two-hundred-year-old crone for you?"

Jing Wuyan turned pale with fright and repeatedly begged for mercy.

"Brother Qin, Fairy Yun, enjoy your meal. I'm going out to gather some news."

Jing Wuyan made a quick escape.

"Little rascal, lucky you ran fast," Yun Mengyao said indignantly.

Qin Yi's eyes flickered slightly, "He didn't leave because he's afraid of you, but because he has something to do."

"What does he have to do?"

Qin Yi shook his head but spread his Divine Thought, encompassing the entire tavern.

Jing Wuyan left Qin Yi's room and went directly to the end of the corridor, where he glanced back warily. Then, he knocked on a room door.

The door opened.

Jing Wuyan stepped inside.

Inside the room were four people, each with sharp eyes, evidently not lacking in cultivation.

"Young Master."

The four of them bowed in greeting.

Jing Wuyan walked over and sat in a chair, gesturing for them to sit. "No need for formalities, please sit."

Once the four were seated, Jing Wuyan said, "Speak."

One of them respectfully reported, "Young Master, news has come in from our people. For safety's sake, your next destination should be Haoyue City. The City Lord of Haoyue City, Li Ran, had a son killed due to a conflict with a Sword Sect disciple. Although the Sword Sect provided generous compensation, they protected the killer.

This matter seems settled, but in Li Ran's mind, it isn't over. Outwardly, he seems to comply with the Sword Sect, but his actions are contrary to their orders. Recently, with the Execution Order from the Sword Sect, Li Ran merely posted a token notice at the city gates."

"Li Ran?" Jing Wuyan looked thoughtful, "Is he someone we can win over?"

"Our people are seeking opportunities for contact but haven't found the right ones yet. But rest assured, Young Master; Haoyue City is the safest route."

Jing Wuyan nodded slightly, "Try to win over Li Ran; the enemy's enemy is a friend, and with each ally, our strength grows."

"Yes."

"Young Master, Qin Yi is extremely dangerous. Please be cautious around him."

Jing Wuyan nodded slightly, "I mean no harm to him; it's his cultivation that interests me. Even if he knows, he won't do anything."

"Do not underestimate him, Young Master. He overturned the Sword Sect Branch, his skills and courage are frightening. Be careful."

Jing Wuyan nodded, "Understood. First, I'll lead him to Sin City, inform the others to start gathering there."

"Yes."

Jing Wuyan's once clear gaze suddenly darkened, his handsome face becoming grim, "Sword Sect, if I don't destroy you, I swear not to be human."

But soon, his gaze softened again, "I wonder how Xiaoxi is? This time, I must save her."

"Young Master, the Sword Sect's roots run deep. Despite our numbers, the success rate of a rescue is low. Give us some time, and I will gather more people against Sword Sect."

Jing Wuyan shook his head slightly, "There's no time; I can't wait to find out what's happening with Xiaoxi. Qin Yi is my greatest asset, heaven-sent for my cause. With him, we're stronger than an army."

"Young Master, but will Qin Yi help?"

"As long as he's willing, whatever the cost, I will agree."

...

...

Back in Jing Wuyan's room.

Qin Yi and Yun Mengyao had eaten to their hearts' content.

Yun Mengyao touched her cheeks, "I feel like I've gained weight recently."

"Hmm, time to celebrate the New Year."

"What do you mean?"

Qin Yi laughed, "In my hometown, there's a tradition where people raise a pig at the start of the year, and when it's fattened by the New Year, they slaughter it for meat."

Yun Mengyao understood; Qin Yi was teasing her for being a pig.

"You've gained weight too."

"Really?" Qin Yi chuckled, "When a man gains weight, it's called prosperity; it gives a boss vibe."

Yun Mengyao looked disdainful and was about to mock Qin Yi when Jing Wuyan returned.

"Wow, you guys are amazing, you finished all the food."

Qin Yi smiled, saying nothing.

Yun Mengyao said, "You've been away so long, what news did you gather? Let's hear it."

Jing Wuyan replied, "What I've gathered is that Qi Refiners across Southern Middle State are looking for you. I've charted a safe route to Sin City. Tomorrow, we first go to…"

"Haoyue City," Qin Yi said calmly.