Chapter 120: Moon Halo, Dew-Kissed Foundations; Curtains Peep, Walls Listen

“Perhaps you should hold off on engaging me in a battle of words for now; it wouldn’t do to neglect the lady who’s been watching you all this time,” Ye Wangchen said suddenly, casting a cold smile toward the shadows nearby. Then, gathering all his true energy into the palm of his hand, he unleashed a fierce, blinding light in an instant, striking sharply toward the darkness. The force of his true energy shot out like a lightning bolt—so fast it was astonishing—without hesitation, it aimed straight at that shadow.

They had expected this seemingly fierce palm strike to throw the surroundings into chaos, but what surprised them was the nature of the energy released. Although it looked powerful and hard to resist, it flowed as gently as water, harming not a single blade of grass or leaf, but rushing directly toward its target.

Yu Shang was alarmed, fearing this reckless strike might harm that person. Hastily, he released a wave of true energy to intercept the attack, yet he was too late to prevent the confrontation between the two.

Before Yu Shang’s energy arrived, the figure lurking in the shadows had already counterattacked. She somehow summoned water, shaping the seemingly fragile liquid along the path of the true energy. In that instant, the water transformed into countless sharp blades, mercilessly striking at the two men, intent on ending their lives. Fortunately, they remained calm under pressure, quickly erecting protective barriers and dodging aside; otherwise, they would have truly become spirits under this woman’s hand.

However, when they evaded the assault and looked back, the shadow had vanished without a trace. Yu Shang felt a pang of disappointment—after all, he had not seen the woman’s true face. Yet she had come here repeatedly; what was her purpose? Was it for him, or for some rare treasure hidden within the Yanlan Academy? Though uncertain of her true motives, Yu Shang sensed her deep-seated resentment, as if she wished to scatter his soul to the winds.

“You look rather downcast now. Has this fleeting encounter with the woman affected you so deeply? If you’re really so reluctant to let her go, why not chase after her and ask directly? I doubt she could have gone far in such a short time,” Ye Wangchen said with a light laugh, glancing at the somewhat forlorn Yu Shang beside him. Sometimes, he really couldn’t understand this man—among all his different personas, which one was the real Yu Shang?

“You saw it too—her cultivation level was certainly no less than ours, and without knowing her true background, how could it be easy to catch her?” Yu Shang confessed candidly before Ye Wangchen, no longer hiding his true feelings. But it was a one-sided hope; what could he do? Perhaps missing her was not a regret but simply fate’s way, for there was no longer any bond between them.

“Don’t you want to see her true face? What if she really is the one you long for? Actually, the true energy I released just now was special—any trace of her presence would reveal itself to the caster. If we hurry, we might still find her. But if we delay further, once the energy fades, even I won’t be able to track her,” Ye Wangchen said calmly.

It seemed an exciting scene was about to unfold. Ye Wangchen was growing eager to see how Yu Shang would react upon seeing the woman in his heart—would he be harsh and stern, or gentle and kind? Honestly, he could never read Yu Shang’s mind; it was like facing the vast sky—you never know if rain or wind will follow. Yu Shang’s heart was utterly unpredictable.

“Then why didn’t you say so earlier and waste time with all that nonsense? Hurry and go after her! If you delay any longer, you’ll really lose her,” Yu Shang snapped, feeling no gratitude toward Ye Wangchen’s words, rather a sudden urge to strangle him. This guy was clearly toying with him, only revealing the truth now. But since he needed Ye Wangchen’s help, he swallowed his anger for the moment; he would find a way to deal with this scoundrel later in the arena.

“It’s you who never expressed your feelings clearly, making me think you didn’t care at all! But don’t worry, she won’t escape from our grasp tonight—you’ll see your dream girl,” Ye Wangchen laughed heartily, clearly amused. As expected, Yu Shang was just as obsessed as he was, perhaps even more so. This made it all the easier to deal with him completely.

“You didn’t say a word like this back at the arena. Why the sudden flood of nonsense tonight? Hurry up!” Yu Shang shouted quietly, unable to endure Ye Wangchen’s slow-paced teasing. He was surprised to find that Ye Wangchen was also somewhat unreal. However, despite their inner thoughts, both revealed their true feelings outwardly.

Seeing Yu Shang so anxious, Ye Wangchen smiled and fell silent. He then stepped forward a few paces, plucked a tender green leaf, and, holding it in one hand, traced a circle in the air with the other. Suddenly, he thrust his true energy into the leaf. Then, with a flourish, he tossed it into the air. Strangely, the leaf seemed to come alive, slowly drifting forward, leading their way.

Yu Shang immediately understood Ye Wangchen’s intention and pursued without hesitation. Watching Yu Shang’s back, Ye Wangchen smiled and nodded, then quickened his pace to follow. After an unknown time leaving the Yanlan Academy, they arrived at a dense forest. The air was thick with spiritual energy but permeated with an icy chill. Clearly, this was no ordinary place but fraught with danger. Not far ahead, a river shimmered with an eerie blue glow.

The leaf drifted onward but slowly descended as they reached the riverbank, indicating the person they sought was near the water. Yu Shang and Ye Wangchen exchanged a knowing glance and nodded silently. They cautiously approached the river, not daring to make a sound, fearing any noise might scare away their target.

At last, by the river’s center, they saw a woman soaking in the water, her back turned toward them.

Her long hair flowed gently across the water’s surface, like a lotus of ink floating atop the waves—exquisitely beautiful. Her skin was translucent and tender, like white jade, captivating and pure as a spring, inviting endless admiration. Though her face remained hidden, a woman of such graceful form must surely be a stunning beauty. At least for now, both Yu Shang and Ye Wangchen were spellbound by her presence.

Even just the sight of her pale, moist back was enough to steal one’s soul, causing them to forget the simple rule of “do not look upon what should not be seen.” Suddenly, the woman raised her hand, tracing lightly across the water’s surface. Droplets rose swiftly into the air, darting toward the uninvited guests.

This time, the two men had learned their lesson. While dodging the attack, their eyes never left the woman, afraid she might vanish as before.

The woman pointed a finger, and the clothes on the riverbank flew into her hand. With a sudden movement, she stood gracefully and slipped into her garments with elegant speed, revealing nothing yet evoking much imagination. After dressing, she turned around, this time wearing a veil over her face, causing Yu Shang and Ye Wangchen to sigh in disappointment.

“Who are you, and why did you barge into my domain without so much as a greeting? Don’t you know the meaning of ‘do not look upon what should not be seen’? Such rude behavior, spying brazenly on a woman bathing—how can I allow such pests to remain in this world?” Though her face was concealed, the anger radiating from her fierce eyes and clenched delicate fists was unmistakable. It was clear she wished to eliminate them both.

“I think the one lacking manners is you. You repeatedly trespass into Yanlan Academy at night and strike us when we’re unprepared. What exactly are you trying to do?” Ye Wangchen said, noticing the leaf on the ground flickering faintly with light. He was certain the woman they sought was nearby. Yet, scanning the surroundings, only this woman was present. Could she be the one they were so desperate to find?

“Stop slandering me! From daybreak until nightfall, I have never left this river’s center. How could I have intruded on Yanlan Academy at night or harmed you?” the woman retorted sharply, her eyes blazing with fury. Judging by her reaction, she was not lying. With the leaf as evidence and no one else around, this mysterious woman had to be the one.

“Indeed, it was our oversight to intrude into your territory. And failing to avoid you while you bathed was our fault. But we came here chasing someone who dared trespass into the forbidden zone. Please forgive us—we’ll leave at once!” Yu Shang sensed this woman was not the one they sought. Rather than stirring trouble, it was better to depart quietly. If fate permitted, he would meet the real woman another day.

“You wanted to see her so badly just now, yet now she appears before you and you want to leave without a word?” Ye Wangchen whispered incredulously. That would make all their efforts pointless! He truly couldn’t understand Yu Shang’s mind—just moments ago, he was eager, now he shrank back. Yu Shang was truly an enigma.

“She’s not the one in my heart, nor the woman we saw before. Moreover, her strength is formidable; a direct clash would likely end in mutual destruction. It’s better to leave for now. If fate isn’t meant to bring me to that woman, then forcing it won’t help,” Yu Shang replied quietly, watching the woman warily, fearing she might strike suddenly.

“But the leaf on the ground keeps flashing. The woman we seek must be nearby. Are you really willing to give up such a perfect chance empty-handed?” Ye Wangchen persisted. His approach differed entirely from Yu Shang’s. If something was within reach, he would stop at nothing to claim it. Yet Yu Shang could look upon what he longed for and let it go calmly.

“If that woman were nearby, this one would know. The only possibility is that she’s helping the other escape. In that case, it’s better to return the favor and let them go. Don’t forget the competition is coming soon—do you want us damaged and unable to fight properly?” Yu Shang was exasperated by Ye Wangchen’s stubbornness. How could his mind not bend a little?

“Have you had enough discussion? I don’t know what wicked schemes you’re conspiring, but your disrespect earlier requires explanation. Otherwise, don’t blame me if you don’t see tomorrow’s sun!” The woman, though appearing delicate and charming, was actually formidable. Her casual strike earlier revealed her cultivation and resolve were no less than theirs.