Chapter Eight: Drawing Swords, Tension Rising

“How dare you, you wretched woman, to behave so rudely! If I’d known you would be like this, I should have left you behind to fend for yourself!” Ning Qingqing, emboldened by borrowed authority, barked coldly. In truth, she was furtively observing Bai Shengyun’s reaction, hoping he might respond. Yet, her hopes were destined for disappointment.

Xie Yingying was also anticipating a chance to slip away, eager to seize any opportunity. But Bai Shengyun was hardly the type to be goaded by a few words from others. With that in mind, she found herself sighing over her turbulent fate, uncertain what lay ahead, but forced to compromise under the intimidating presence of this cold-faced killer.

Bai Shengyun cast a sidelong glance at Ning Qingqing, scoffing, “Drive properly. Don’t waste time.” He knew full well that Xie Yingying was itching to escape. The more she put on the act of a virtuous maiden, the more he was inclined to tease her. If she hoped to leave his side, she’d better abandon the thought early.

Ning Qingqing grudgingly glared at Xie Yingying and muttered in a low voice, “Witch, one day you’ll be executed as an example to others!” Xie Yingying rolled her eyes theatrically, grinning with a baring of teeth. “If you truly have the ability, I’d raise both hands and feet in support!” Even as Bai Shengyun used her as a tool, she remained so stubbornly loyal—a peculiar woman indeed.

She had to admit, Bai Shengyun was undeniably captivating. By the end, he would leave a trail of admirers, his conquests countless, more formidable than any heretic cultivator like herself.

Carefree, Xie Yingying made to climb back into the carriage. With no spare clothes to change into, she decided to make do for now. She saw no issue, but before she could enter, a barrier appeared, blocking her way.

“What’s this?” She arched her brow, her gaze questioning Bai Shengyun, seeking an explanation for this sudden display.

“You’re soaked. Are you planning to dirty the carriage?” Bai Shengyun replied with disgust, as if the words themselves were written across his face. The interior was spotless, gleaming like new, while Xie Yingying was drenched, water dripping from her hair.

She was instantly displeased, her tone mocking, “It’s not as if I meant to get wet. Besides, I have no other clothes—I’ll have to make do.” She nearly forgot that Bai Shengyun was riddled with quirks; a cleanliness obsession was hardly surprising.

Still, her annoyance grew. She had spent half the day in the river, nearly drowned before being hauled out, and now she was being nitpicked. Her pent-up frustration needed an outlet, and he had unwittingly provided one.

“If you won’t let me sit inside, where should I sit? Or do you want me to run alongside the carriage?” Bai Shengyun pointed outside with a casual gesture. “Sit up front. There’s plenty of space—even with you, it’s more than enough.” He indicated the spot beside Ning Qingqing, who was driving the carriage. The space was ample, but sitting out there, dripping wet and exposed to the wind, was hardly comfortable.

Xie Yingying snorted, lifted her skirts, and dropped herself onto the seat. “You really are full of problems!” Ning Qingqing’s nerves twitched violently at the sight, her expression sour. “You’re like a lingering ghost—how can you be so shameless?”

“Hmph, it was your Immortal Lord who told me to sit here. Want to drive me away?” Xie Yingying grinned, her expression irksome enough to tempt anyone to slap her. Ning Qingqing’s brows arched in fury, her teeth clenched audibly, eyes nearly bulging.

“You—”

“Mind your driving, don’t steer us into the river and drown your Immortal Lord.” Xie Yingying deliberately provoked Ning Qingqing, knowing the other could do nothing to her and relishing the mischief. If there was nothing else to do, she might as well amuse herself.

Outside the carriage, tension simmered between the two, while inside, Bai Shengyun sat with eyes closed, indifferent to their exchanges. Thus, three travelers, each with their own thoughts, wobbled along the road.

The scenery grew ever greener, and distant mountain ranges appeared, continuous and majestic, their peaks shrouded in mist—a hint of paradise on earth. Yet Xie Yingying’s mind was elsewhere, carefully surveying her surroundings, plotting her escape. Slipping away from Bai Shengyun would not be easy, but no matter how vigilant or guarded he was, there would always be a lapse.

Her situation had grown precarious, every move restricted. If she wished to leave, she would need a foolproof plan.

Ning Qingqing noticed Xie Yingying’s intent gaze and felt her rival even less worthy. “You look like you’ve never seen the world—what an embarrassment to the Immortal Lord!” At her words, Xie Yingying glanced at her, shaking her head. “I haven’t seen scenery like this before. What’s wrong with wanting to take a closer look?”

Ning Qingqing’s face twisted in disdain, her hands gripping the reins tightly. “Country bumpkin—you may have a pretty face, but it’s all for show!” Merely sharing space with Xie Yingying exhausted the last of her patience.

Why should someone as filthy as Xie Yingying catch Bai Shengyun’s eye? The thought of Xie Yingying’s origins made Ning Qingqing nauseous; she instinctively edged away, as if distance alone would keep her from being tainted.

Xie Yingying paid her no mind, still absorbed in the scenery. “I haven’t seen much of the world, nor have I seen the sights of your righteous sects. If I don’t take it all in now, wouldn’t this trip be wasted?”

“Incorrigible!” Ning Qingqing snapped, her words harsh. “You liar, you wicked woman!”

The carriage lurched as its wheels struck a stone lying in the road, the entire vehicle shuddering. Xie Yingying nearly toppled off, but managed to grab a post. Recovering, she kindly reminded, “Miss Ning, please steady the carriage. I’m tough, but you wouldn’t want the person inside to be jolted.”

“Mind your own business! Who do you think you are, to order me around?” Ning Qingqing retorted, glaring even more fiercely at Xie Yingying. If not for Bai Shengyun inside, she would have kicked Xie Yingying off, eager to send her far away.

Xie Yingying readjusted her seat, again examining the terrain. To make her escape sooner, she’d have to accelerate her plans.

Ning Qingqing was poised to launch another sneer, but Bai Shengyun suddenly released a wave of pressure from within the carriage, directed straight at her.

“Hmph!”

With a cold snort, beads of sweat broke out on Ning Qingqing’s forehead, struggling under the weight of his aura. She found herself unable to continue sparring with Xie Yingying.