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In the faint morning light, Ye Lingling finished her breakfast, tidied her clothes, and then carried Xiao Wu towards the guest room.
The little rabbit squirmed restlessly in her arms, its red eyes constantly darting around, clearly eager to see Tang San again.
Although she had treated Tang San's injuries last night, as the mistress of Ye Mansion, the proper courtesies still needed to be observed.
She specifically instructed a maid to prepare nourishing medicinal cuisine and came to visit him personally.
As they passed through the corridor, the morning dew had not yet dissipated.
Xiao Wu suddenly perked up her ears, her three-lobed nose constantly twitching—she had already caught a whiff of that familiar scent.
Ye Lingling felt the small body in her arms suddenly tense, and she couldn't help but lighten her steps.
The faint fragrance of begonia drifted in the morning breeze with her movements.
The maid, holding a carved food box, quietly followed behind Ye Lingling.
The morning light filtered through the corridor's vines, casting mottled shadows on the bluestone slabs.
"How is the injured person?" Ye Lingling asked softly, her fingertips unconsciously stroking Xiao Wu's fur.
The maid replied in a hushed voice, "After Miss treated him last night, Madam Tang Yuehua stayed by his side, feeding him blood-replenishing soup.
He woke up this morning, but…" She paused, "He still refuses to speak and has been staring blankly at a piece of wood in his hand."
Xiao Wu suddenly trembled in Ye Lingling's arms, her red eyes misting over.
Ye Lingling gently patted her back to comfort her.
"Hmm," Ye Lingling responded thoughtfully, her gaze falling on the restless Xiao Wu in her arms.
She mused inwardly, if Tang San recognized this rabbit as Xiao Wu, that would be truly troublesome.
Her fingertips unconsciously stroked Xiao Wu's fur, and Ye Lingling ultimately decided to bring her along.
Based on yesterday's diagnosis and Tang San's blank stare at the wooden piece after waking, he must have concluded that Xiao Wu had died—this perception, conversely, became the best cover for now.
The morning breeze brushed through the wind chimes under the corridor, producing a crisp sound.
Ye Lingling took a deep breath.
She looked down at Xiao Wu, who was so tense her ears were perked up, and softly said, "You should know what to do, right?"
Turning the last corner of the corridor, the guest room door was already in sight.
Xiao Wu's body suddenly trembled violently, her red eyes fixed on that door, her paws unconsciously gripping Ye Lingling's sleeve.
In the faint morning light, the two people and one rabbit arrived at the guest room door.
Xiao Wu's red eyes gleamed with complex emotions in the morning light, a mix of worry for Tang San's injuries and an undeniable anticipation of their impending reunion.
The maid stepped forward and gently knocked on the carved wooden door; the crisp sound echoed in the corridor.
Soon, the door gently opened, and Tang Yuehua's haggard yet still elegant face appeared in the doorway.
There were faint dark circles under her eyes, indicating a sleepless night.
"Lingling, you're here." Tang Yuehua stepped aside to make way, her gaze pausing slightly when it swept over the little white rabbit in Ye Lingling's arms, but she said nothing more.
The morning breeze swept through the hall, bringing the fragrance of begonias from the courtyard and rustling Xiao Wu's snowy white fur.
The little rabbit stirred restlessly in Ye Lingling's arm, her red eyes peering through the gap, eagerly searching for that familiar figure.
"Madam Tang Yuehua, is the injured person feeling better?" Ye Lingling asked softly, the Xiao Wu in her arms unconsciously tensing her body.
Tang Yuehua stepped aside, her brows etched with an unresolvable worry: "He's awake, but he's been staring blankly at that piece of wood."
She lowered her voice, "I didn't dare say too much, fearing I might agitate him."
Ye Lingling nodded understandingly, motioning for the maid to present the food box: "I brought you breakfast; I'll go check on the situation again."
She gently stroked Xiao Wu's fur, subtly comforting the restless little rabbit.
Tang Yuehua nodded slightly and led Ye Lingling to the bedside.
The morning light filtered through the gauze curtain, dappling the bed—Tang San was leaning against the headboard, his pale fingers tightly clutching the blood-stained wooden shard, his hollow gaze seemingly piercing through the objects before him, looking towards some distant, unreachable place.
Xiao Wu suddenly trembled violently in Ye Lingling's arms, her red eyes instantly misting over.
She instinctively wanted to pounce, but Ye Lingling subtly held her back.
Tang Yuehua looked at her nephew with concern, and softly said, "He's been like this ever since he woke up."
Her voice was filled with heartache and helplessness.
That dark red piece of wood appeared particularly stark in the morning light, as if silently recounting a heartbreaking story.
Just as Ye Lingling slowly approached, Tang San's hollow eyes suddenly sharpened, his gaze like a sharp arrow shooting towards the little white rabbit in her arms.
His pupils abruptly constricted, and his cracked lips trembled as he uttered two words: "Xiao Wu…"
Ye Lingling's heart skipped a beat, and she looked down at Xiao Wu in her arms.
But the little rabbit merely tilted its head, its red eyes full of bewilderment, and even snuggled further into her arm, perfectly mimicking a startled, ordinary pet.
Only Ye Lingling could feel the small body trembling slightly beneath her palm.
Xiao Wu knew better than anyone—if she revealed even a hint of a flaw now, she might forever lose the chance to visit Tang San.
She suppressed the urge to pounce on her beloved, forcing herself to appear utterly bewildered and ignorant, with only the claws hidden beneath her fur digging deeply into Ye Lingling's sleeve.
Tang Yuehua looked at her nephew in confusion: "Little San?"
Tang San's eyes gradually dimmed, and he shook his head self-mockingly: "I was mistaken."
His fingers clutching the wooden piece tightened even more, his knuckles turning a pale blue.
In the morning light, faint new cracks were visible on the edge of the blood-stained wooden shard.
Ye Lingling calmly stroked the white rabbit in her arms, "This is a pet Yan Yan caught in Sunset Forest a few days ago and gave to me for amusement."
She gently tapped Xiao Wu's ear, "However, it does bear some resemblance to Miss Xiao Wu's Spirit."
Tang San's tense expression gradually relaxed.
He quietly released his mental force to probe, and indeed, he didn't detect any spirit power fluctuations on the rabbit, nor could he sense any familiar aura.
"Yes… how could it be Xiao Wu…" Tang San lowered his head, gazing at the broken wooden piece in his hand, his voice hoarse as if abraded by sandpaper.
His fingertips unconsciously caressed the dark red bloodstains on the wood, a treasure he had fought desperately to protect but failed.
Xiao Wu remained as quiet as a true doll in Ye Lingling's arms, with only the slight trembling of her ear tips betraying the turmoil within her.
"Sect Master Tang appears to be out of danger," Ye Lingling's voice was as soft as the wind, "There are many people who care about you waiting, so don't let your loved ones worry."
Tang San looked up at Ye Lingling, his gaze finally settling on the little white rabbit in her arms.
His Adam's apple bobbed, his voice hoarse: "Thank you, Miss Ye, for your healing grace.
However…" He paused, a flicker of pleading in his eyes, "I wonder if you would be willing to part with this rabbit?
Whatever conditions Miss Ye names, Tang San will not refuse."
Although reason told him this couldn't be Xiao Wu, those identical ruby-like eyes and that familiar demeanor made it impossible for him to look away.
It was as if owning this rabbit could slightly fill the bleeding void in his heart.
Xiao Wu froze in Ye Lingling's arms, her red eyes fixed on Tang San's slightly emaciated face.
Ye Lingling felt her sleeve being unconsciously clutched by paws, and she soothed the restless little rabbit.
Ye Lingling gently shook her head, her fingertips tenderly stroking Xiao Wu's fur: "Sect Master Tang, you overstate it.
This was a gift from Yan Yan, and Lingling truly cannot part with it."
Her gaze was gentle as she looked at Tang San, her voice as melodious as a clear spring: "However, if Sect Master is interested, you might consider looking for a similar one in Sunset Forest.
Entrusting your thoughts to a pet is not a bad way to heal a wounded heart."
The light in Tang San's eyes gradually dimmed.
He lowered his head, looking at the blood-stained wooden piece in his hand, his voice hoarse: "Thank you for your guidance, Miss Ye."
His slender fingers unconsciously caressed the edge of the wooden shard, as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.
Xiao Wu remained motionless in Ye Lingling's arms, but her red eyes were always fixed on Tang San.
The morning light filtered through the window screen, bathing the scene in a soft glow.
Ye Lingling felt her sleeve being gently tugged by paws, knowing this was Xiao Wu's silent way of thanking her for her thoughtfulness.
Tang Yuehua stepped forward at the opportune moment, taking the medicinal meal from the maid's hand: "Little San, have some breakfast first."
Her gentle voice broke the momentary silence.
Tang San then came back to his senses, forcing a smile that was more heartbreaking than a cry.
Ye Lingling, at the appropriate time, carried Xiao Wu out of the inner room and quietly exchanged pleasantries with Tang Yuehua in the outer hall.
She deliberately slowed her speech, gaining more time for Xiao Wu to gaze at Tang San.
Xiao Wu quietly curled up in Ye Lingling's arm, her fluffy head gently resting on her slender arm.
From this angle, her ruby-like eyes could just peer through the half-open door, catching sight of the lonely figure on the bed in the inner room.
Tang San remained in that posture, his slender fingers unconsciously caressing the wooden piece.
The morning light filtered through the gauze curtain, casting a soft outline on his pale profile, yet it couldn't dispel the sorrow etched between his brows.
While conversing with Tang Yuehua, Ye Lingling subtly adjusted the angle of her embrace.
Xiao Wu's ears twitched slightly, taking in every word of the conversation regarding Tang San's current state.
Their conversation concealed the almost imperceptible gasps of the little rabbit.
Meanwhile, Feng Xiao's figure reappeared on the streets of Heaven Dou City.
After leaving Ye Mansion earlier, he had gone straight to Sunset Forest to visit Dugu Yan.
However, he unexpectedly received news from Dugu Bo—with the assistance of the Blue Silver King, Dugu Yan had already entered a state of secluded cultivation.
A playful smile played on Feng Xiao's lips, his fingertips gently stroking the jade pendant at his waist.
He naturally understood that under Dugu Bo's coercion and inducements, the Blue Silver King had clearly submitted and had begun his transaction with Dugu Bo.
Helpless, Feng Xiao had no choice but to return to Heaven Dou and head to Qian Renxue's location.
Now that he had reached the Spirit Douluo realm, he clearly realized that conventional cultivation would be difficult to advance further.
Although the spirit power within his body continued to accumulate, it was like gradually cooling hot cocoa, becoming increasingly sluggish; even with strenuous exertion, it was difficult to stir up any ripples.
This increasingly stagnant state of spirit power finally made Feng Xiao understand why high-level Spirit Masters often no longer relied on meditation for cultivation.
Before condensing the almost solidified spirit power within the body into a Spirit core, the meridians and qi sea were like containers filled with mercury, unable to hold even a fraction of new energy.
And the life level of a Spirit Master would forever be confined to the Titled Douluo level, unable to advance further.
Feng Xiao walked alone on the central avenue bathed in the evening sun, his fingertips unconsciously caressing the jade pendant at his waist, his thoughts drifting among the myriad possibilities of Spirit core condensation.
Currently, the inner core within his body had already replaced the function of a Spirit core.
What kind of effect would it have if he were to condense his first Spirit core?
Suddenly, a tall figure cut off his path, and a shadow silently appeared on the bluestone road.
When he looked up, he saw that the person was completely unfamiliar, but he had seen this attire quite often.
The disciple bowed slightly, his sleeve falling to reveal a section of inner lining embroidered with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile pattern, his posture respectful yet not subservient, his voice as warm as jade: "Marquis, the Sect Master requests your presence."
Feng Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly, pulling himself from his contemplation, his gaze falling on this uninvited guest.
He raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint, almost imperceptible curve on his lips: "Oh? Sect Master Ning wishes to see only me?"
"Precisely." The disciple bowed again, "The Sect Master said that if Marquis is at leisure, he would like you to accompany this humble one for a discussion now."
Feng Xiao's lips curved upwards slightly, a playful glint flashing in his eyes.
His fingertips gently tapped the jade pendant at his waist, the crisp sound particularly clear on the quiet street.
Recalling his recent actions, he understood in his heart—Ning Fengzhi, that old fox, had probably caught a whiff of something.
"Interesting." Feng Xiao chuckled softly, his gaze deep as he looked at the disciple, "What if I say I won't go?"
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School disciple's expression remained unchanged; he merely bowed slightly, his voice still respectful, but with an undeniable implication: "The Sect Master has stated that if Marquis refuses, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will fully support Crown Prince Xue Beng's ascension to the East Palace."
The night wind brushed past, lifting Feng Xiao's clothes.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes, then he returned to his usual lazy and composed demeanor.
"Oh?" Feng Xiao raised an eyebrow slightly, a playful ripple appearing in his eyes.
This private invitation, avoiding Qian Renxue's ears, clearly indicated something secretive to discuss.
Feng Xiao's knuckles gently tapped the jade pendant at his waist.
He was confident that Qian Renxue's identity had not yet been exposed, but Ning Fengzhi's action was deeply meaningful—the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had likely already branded him with the mark of Spirit Hall in his heart.
If he refused…
Feng Xiao's lips curved into a half-smile.
Ning Fengzhi was clearly telling him: if he chose to refuse communication, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would absolutely not support a puppet Crown Prince controlled by Spirit Hall.
Feng Xiao's fingertips gently caressed the jade pendant at his waist, a playful glint flashing in his eyes: "Lead the way."
His tone was gentle, yet carried an undeniable authority.
At this moment, his spirit power circulated within him, his eighty-third level spirit power surging endlessly through his meridians.
Although there was still a gap compared to the Sword and Bone Douluo, after fusing Xiao Wu's hundred-thousand-year spirit ring and Spirit Bone, he was confident that even if he fell into a difficult situation, he could retreat safely by relying on Teleportation and the Paragon Golden Body ability.
The disciple respectfully stepped aside and made a "please" gesture towards the street corner.
A gilded carriage stood quietly in the twilight, four pure white horses waiting patiently, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School emblem on the carriage shaft gleaming faintly in the sunlight.
"Very well prepared," Feng Xiao's lips curved slightly, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
"Marquis, you jest." The disciple bowed slightly, the cloud patterns subtly embroidered on his cuffs appearing and disappearing with his movement, "The Sect Master specifically instructed us not to neglect honored guests."
Feng Xiao lightly brushed his robes with his fingertips and calmly stepped onto the gilded carriage.
As the carriage's beaded curtain chimed softly, a faint scent of ambergris wafted in.
The driver on the shaft gently shook the reins, and the four white horses simultaneously raised their heads and neighed, setting off slowly with synchronized steps.
The gilded carriage rolled over the heavy bluestone roads of Heaven Dou City, gradually fading into the twilight.
The street scenery along the way flowed through the gaps in the beaded curtain, and Feng Xiao leaned casually on the brocade cushion, his fingertips idly tapping the window lattice.
As the carriage passed through the city gate, the guards at the gate all saluted, the clinking of their gilded armor crisp and pleasant to the ear.
Before long, the carriage had already driven onto the official road leading to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
The ancient pines on both sides of the road rustled in the breeze, and occasionally a few pine needles fell onto the carriage roof, making faint sounds.
Feng Xiao looked at the faintly visible glazed pagoda spire in the distance, a thoughtful expression flashing in his eyes.