Chapter 549 - 209: Two People and a Bird

The next day.

The group set off for Cyan Lotus Mountain.

Cyan Lotus Mountain is located in the central region of the South Demon territory, several thousand miles from Sun and Moon Mountain.

Even with full sword flight, it would take a whole day.

Departing in the morning, it wasn’t until sunset that they managed to cover half the journey.

The talented disciples of Zhenyang Sect were somewhat weary, with only Qin Gengyun sitting on the Phoenix, looking quite at ease.

He didn’t have to use spiritual power to control his sword; he simply sat there while the Phoenix flew, not only effortlessly but also a bit bored.

The others were envious, and Zhou Ling’Er couldn’t resist approaching him:

"Senior Brother He, my spiritual power is almost depleted. Can I ride with you for a while?"

Qin Gengyun apologetically replied, "Junior Sister Zhou, sorry, Xiaoque’Er is shy and doesn’t like others riding her."

Zhou Ling’Er pouted and persistently coaxed the Phoenix, "Pretty bird, you’re so beautiful, can I ride you for a bit?"

The Phoenix flapped its wings, almost knocking her off her sword.

Zhou Ling’Er hurriedly dodged, looking annoyed, and muttered under her breath:

"Senior Brother He is so unromantic!"

Xu Caihe flew to her side and whispered, "Ling’Er, on this journey, Senior Brother He indeed hasn’t allowed anyone to ride with him."

Zhou Ling’Er thought so too and suddenly felt cheerful.

Look, even Senior Sister Ye and Junior Sister Ruo haven’t managed to ride Senior Brother He’s bird. It seems I’m on the same level as them!

After many hours of sword flight, several disciples were fatigued. Su Xin suggested they land on a mountain for a short rest.

Qin Gengyun approached Qiu Zhihe and softly asked, "Are you tired?"

Qiu Zhihe shook her head. Qin Gengyun took out roasted demonic beast meat and a water bag, handing them to her. Qiu Zhihe accepted.

The surrounding female disciples glanced over, their expressions complex.

At this moment, Jian Yue approached, handing him a strip of meat, her cool face showing a gentle expression:

"Junior Brother He, you should eat some too."

Qin Gengyun looked up at her and helplessly said:

"Senior Sister Ye, what are you doing?"

Jian Yue’s eyes flashed with mischief, her voice growing even more tender:

"Junior Brother He, you worked hard last night, eat more meat."

Immediately, all the male disciples looked over, their eyes full of envy and jealousy.

Chun Ningzhi stared dumbstruck at the gentle demeanor Junior Sister Ye showed towards another man, feeling a pang in his heart.

"Senior Brother Chun, I made this especially for you, try it."

A soft and tender voice came from beside him, as Lin Qingchou offered him a delicate pastry.

Chun Ningzhi ignored her and walked away.

Lin Qingchou bit her lip, letting the sympathetic gazes around her fall, lowering her head as a coldness flashed in her eyes.

After a brief rest, the group resumed their journey. When Qiu Zhihe was about to control her sword, Qin Gengyun suddenly held her back:

"Junior Sister Ruo, would you like to ride the Phoenix with me?"

Everyone looked over. Qiu Zhihe gazed at him with a slightly annoyed expression.

Husband, why are you so conspicuous?

Qin Gengyun smiled.

Everyone knows about He Zhiqiu and Ruo Mei’s relationship, so why should we hide our affection in public?

Qiu Zhihe couldn’t resist his intense gaze and had to lower her head, softly agreeing.

Zhou Ling’Er’s eyes widened instantly, "What’s going on? Didn’t Senior Brother He say that the Phoenix Bird Beast doesn’t allow others to ride it?"

Xu Caihe also widened her eyes, curiously watching Qiu Zhihe approach the Phoenix.

"Won’t Junior Sister Ruo get kicked off?"

Surprisingly, the proud Phoenix bent its legs and lowered its body, allowing Qiu Zhihe to easily sit on its back.

Qin Gengyun sat behind Qiu Zhihe, and with a soft call, the Phoenix Bird Beast spread its wings and soared into the sky.

Zhou Ling’Er: "..."

Xu Caihe: "..."

"Hahaha, let’s see who reaches Cyan Lotus Mountain first!"

Little Hammer laughed heartily, jumped on his Hammer, and shot up, chasing after the Phoenix.

The three soon flew side by side. Little Hammer said to Qiu Zhihe:

"Hey, when we reach Cyan Lotus Mountain, let’s have a good fight, dare you?"

Little Hammer knew Qiu Zhihe was Xia Qinglian, so he wouldn’t miss the chance to challenge his old rival again.

Qin Gengyun’s eyes glinted as he said to her, "You are one of the Three Great Immortals, why lower yourself to have magical combat with Junior Sister Ruo?"

"What do you know!"

Little Hammer glared at Qin Gengyun but quieted down immediately at Qiu Zhihe’s glance, snorting back:

"Anyway, you can’t escape our fight!"

He flew ahead grumpily.

Behind Qiu Zhihe, Qin Gengyun wrapped his arms around her slender waist, his voice gentle yet sudden:

"Wifey, I forgot to ask you if you seem to know Su Hongling?"

Qiu Zhihe replied calmly, "Back when Cyan Lotus Sect often clashed with the Three Great Sects, I injured Su Hongling once while she was wounded by Xia Qinglian, luckily defeating her by half a move, so she has held a grudge ever since."

"Oh, is that really so?"

Qin Gengyun tightened his grip, causing Qiu Zhihe’s cheeks to blush, and she exclaimed in embarrassment:

"Husband, don’t let others see!"

Qin Gengyun rested his lips on her neck, his masculine breath stirring her delicate skin, turning her fair complexion to a rosy hue.

"Wifey, are you hiding something from me?"

Qiu Zhihe’s body felt weak, her face flushed:

"Hu—Husband, there are people below us!"

She meant the Celestial Phoenix Maiden beneath them, reminding Qin Gengyun that he was sitting atop a person, not a bird.

He coughed, and slightly loosened his grip.

The Celestial Phoenix Maiden beneath them had her golden plumage nearly turning red, filled with embarrassment and anger.

Can’t you two restrain yourselves?

Do you not see me as a person?!

Suddenly, a slender, fair hand appeared in front of her, holding a fragrant piece of roasted demonic beast meat.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Startled, the Celestial Phoenix Maiden lifted her bird head and looked at Qiu Zhihe, even a bird face could show disbelief.

This is the infamous Xia Qinglian, who slayed countless lives, cold and ruthless!

But here, she’s being so kind to me?

Qiu Zhihe’s voice cooled: "Don’t want it?"

"Coo."

Instinctively, the Phoenix called out and carefully took the meat from Qiu Zhihe’s hand into its mouth.

Upon tasting it, the Phoenix found it quite delicious.

It couldn’t help but speak, "Th—Thank you."

Qiu Zhihe said nothing, waiting for her to finish chewing before Qin Gengyun took out a water bag, ready to feed the Celestial Phoenix Maiden a drink, only for Qiu Zhihe to grab it and offer it herself.

She cast Qin Gengyun a glare.

You want to feed another woman in front of me?

Qin Gengyun flashed an uneasy smile, thinking it was his wife who fed first.

Below, the Celestial Phoenix Maiden didn’t notice the couple’s subtle exchanges; she only saw Xia Qinglian hand the water after the meat, stirring a hard-to-describe feeling in her heart.

It seems the Demon Sect Saintess Xia Qinglian isn’t as cold-hearted as the rumors say?

She opened her bird mouth, and Qiu Zhihe poured water gently into it, the collaboration meticulous, not a drop spilled.

After drinking the water, inexplicably, the Celestial Phoenix Maiden’s face felt warm.

Sister, this man treats me well, and so does his wife.