"Big words, young man... but hahaha! Good, good—very good! That's what I'd expect from my disciple!" Xiao Lingyun's laughter roared like thunder breaking through the heavens, shaking leaves from the nearby trees. But it didn't last long. The booming laughter quickly turned into a violent coughing fit, his hand clutching his hip as a sharp pain surged through his aging bones.
Wen Ran glanced at him, unconvinced. "You should rest somewhere and focus on recovering. Don't push yourself too hard before you return to the sect."
Then he turned to the snowy figure hopping beside him, his expression turning sour. "I'll head to the hidden village alone… and you can take Xiao Mo with you."
His voice dripped with annoyance, as if the idea of dragging that persistent ball of fur along was more unbearable than facing an immortal beast. His intent was clear—he wanted to dump the little troublemaker on his master so she wouldn't get in his way while he explored in peace.
