Chapter 216 - 197: Who Asked for Your Praise, Stinky Senior Brother...

All Yu Yunwei saw was the boy before her raise his long saber and swing.

A blood-red Evil Qi surged from the boy’s Tang Cross Saber, as thick as a roaring tide. Yet this "blood-red tide" condensed into a razor-thin, crimson sheet that sliced across the giant snake’s neck.

By the time the Spirit-Collecting Blade was sheathed, the massive snake head had dropped to the ground, its body still twitching uncontrollably.

The snake blood that had been jetting toward the boy was blocked by the Sword Qi, splattering just before his feet.

Yu Yunwei stared blankly at the scene before her.

Yu Yunwei had known Xiao Mo was strong—strong enough to kill Cultivators two entire Realms above his own.

But this was a Rock Python!

Even a Golden Core Realm Cultivator would struggle against its tough hide.

’But for my Senior Brother, it was still just one simple strike...’

In her heart, she was beginning to wonder if there was anything he couldn’t cut down.

She couldn’t even imagine how terrifying he would be once he entered the Upper Three Realms!

’Is he even human?’

Just as Yu Yunwei was lost in her daze, Xiao Mo turned and glanced at her.

As far as Yu Yunwei was concerned, her Senior Brother’s gaze was as cold and indifferent as ever. There was no difference at all.

But for some reason, that very indifference gave her an indescribable sense of security.

’He often raps my knuckles and makes me do things I don’t want to.’

’But it feels like as long as he’s by my side, I don’t have to be afraid of anything.’

Xiao Mo gripped his scabbard and tapped it against her petrified calves.

The stone enveloping Yu Yunwei’s legs instantly cracked and fell apart.

"What are you staring at?" Xiao Mo asked coolly, looking at Yu Yunwei.

"I..." Yu Yunwei swallowed. She wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come out.

"It’s getting late. Time to go back to the Sect."

Xiao Mo turned and started down the mountain path.

"Wait... ah..."

But just as Yu Yunwei took a step to follow, her legs gave out and she collapsed onto the ground.

Xiao Mo turned around, looked at Yu Yunwei sitting on the ground, and said calmly, "What’s wrong?"

Yu Yunwei’s eyes grew misty. Biting her lip, she snapped, "My legs... they’re weak..."

"..."

Xiao Mo looked somewhat exasperated, but he still walked over and crouched down with his back to her. "Get on. I’ll carry you."

Yu Yunwei looked at Xiao Mo’s back, hesitated for a moment, but finally pushed herself up from her knees and placed her hands on his shoulders.

Xiao Mo looped his arms under the backs of her knees and lifted her onto his back.

"Wait..."

Just as Xiao Mo started down the mountain, Yu Yunwei called out.

Xiao Mo: "What is it now?"

"The Red Moon Fruit!" Yu Yunwei slapped Xiao Mo’s shoulder. "That’s good stuff! I almost died for it."

"..."

After Xiao Mo picked the seven Red Moon Fruits, he carried Yu Yunwei down the mountain.

Yu Yunwei leaned against Xiao Mo’s back. In one hand, she held a translucent, blood-red Red Moon Fruit, examining it closely. Every so often, she would turn to look at Xiao Mo’s profile.

Several times, Yu Yunwei wanted to say something, but she hesitated each time.

But in the end, Yu Yunwei gathered her courage. "S-Senior Brother... why did you come?"

"To stand guard for you," Xiao Mo said, then elaborated, "The Magical Beasts on Black Cloud Mountain are only Sixth Grade. There was no need for the Blood Demon to come. I was sufficient."

"So, you mean you were watching us the whole time?"

Yu Yunwei’s face turned a little pale.

’Then, all those people I killed...’

Xiao Mo glanced at Yu Yunwei, instantly reading her mind. "They tried to kill you first. You did nothing wrong. I won’t punish you."

"Oh."

Hearing Xiao Mo’s words, Yu Yunwei let out a soft "oh" and breathed a sigh of relief.

The sun was setting, casting a soft, golden glow over the mountain wilds.

Xiao Mo’s footsteps made a RUSTLING sound on the fallen leaves.

The long mountain path snaked downwards, and the pine trees on both sides cast long, slanted shadows.

A warmth floated in the air, and the outlines of the distant mountains softened.

The mountain breeze occasionally blew past, carrying the faint scent of dry grass and pine needles. The foxtail grass swayed slightly, its tassels glinting under the setting sun.

Watching her Senior Brother’s vigilant expression as he scanned their surroundings, Yu Yunwei pursed her lips and said with a touch of feigned pride:

"I was going to eat this Red Moon Main Fruit myself, but you saved me. And you’re about to reach the Dragon Gate Realm. I don’t want to owe you anything, so I’m giving this to you."

"I don’t need it," Xiao Mo flatly refused. "I have no need for such things to reach the Dragon Gate Realm. Over-relying on external items for a Realm Breakthrough only leads to an unstable foundation. You need to understand that before you consider eating it. Got it?"

"..." Yu Yunwei ground her teeth. "I! GOT! IT!"

"Suit yourself!" Yu Yunwei muttered, putting the Red Moon Fruit into her Storage Pouch.

Xiao Mo ignored her and continued on his way.

The sun gradually sank toward the mountain ridge. The light grew gentler, like a thin veil covering them. The sky was dyed a faint orange-red, and the edges of the wispy clouds shone with fine golden threads.

Before long, Yu Yunwei rested her head on his shoulder. At times she would blink, watching him, and at others she would lower her head, seemingly lost in thought.

’The girl seems a little off today.’

"Senior Brother..."

After a long silence, Yu Yunwei spoke again.

"If you have something to say, say it."

"You... why did you save me?" Yu Yunwei asked nervously.

"What do you mean?"

"Don’t you hate me, Senior Brother?" Yu Yunwei pouted. "Besides, if I died, you’d be Master’s only disciple! All of his attention would be on you!"

"First," Xiao Mo answered honestly, "I’ve never thought about whether I like or dislike you. For me, there is only ’disappointed’ and ’not disappointed’."

"Second, I couldn’t care less about being the Blood Demon’s sole disciple."

"So, are you very disappointed in me?" Yu Yunwei asked again.

Xiao Mo gave her a cool glance. "Why are you asking something so obvious?"

"You!" Yu Yunwei was so angry her shoulders heaved, and her legs swung back and forth. "I don’t want you to carry me anymore! Put me down!"

"Really?" Xiao Mo asked.

"I..." Yu Yunwei was instantly speechless.

’Because she knew if she said "yes," he really would put her down...’

"However..."

Just as Yu Yunwei was cursing ’That jerk of a Senior Brother!’ a dozen times in her mind, Xiao Mo slowly spoke.

"You actually did well on this mission."

"Good work."

"..."

Yu Yunwei stared blankly at her jerk of a Senior Brother.

’A warm feeling slowly washed over her heart.’

’It was as sweet as a child getting a piece of candy.’

"Who needed your praise."

Yu Yunwei turned her head away, but her small hand unconsciously tightened its grip on his clothes. Her shimmering eyes held a stubborn glint.

"Stupid Senior Brother..."