I don't talk about love with my Martial Sister

Chapter 120

Various doubts from the past resurfaced, and Shang Can felt that the underlying intricacies were far deeper than she had imagined.

Someone knew about Yun Duan's constitution and deliberately aimed to expose it in the arena of the debate conference, surrounded by the ghost clan—choosing to do so at a time when Yun Duan's spiritual energy was obstructed; such an act was malicious beyond any doubt.

Thinking back, Shang Can felt a chill run down her spine. If she hadn't been present at that moment, it was uncertain how long it would have taken for the cultivators who lost their spiritual power to break the confinement barrier. Qing Yu's rescue would be of little use in that situation. The ghost clan outside the arena watched with predatory eyes, while Yun Duan was injured and revealed to be the flawless immortal body; even the surrounding cultivators could not be entirely trusted as allies. After all, the flawless immortal body was like a walking divine medicine to the cultivators.

If she hadn't mixed in with the debate conference for the Dao Heart Lotus, Yun Duan might have...

Even with Chu Ming and Qing Yu's disciples protecting Yun Duan, she would still have been in an exceedingly perilous situation.

The person behind this must not have wanted Yun Duan to leave the Outer Heavens alive.

The mild confusion she initially felt about the Outer Heavens turned into sharp animosity due to this lingering dread. After Qin Yi, Shang Can once again ignited a chilling killing intent but was temporarily unsure who to direct it towards, so she simply locked onto the entire Outer Heavens. Although Shang Can had an urge to confront them immediately, she ultimately suppressed her fury and, after returning home, told Yun Duan all her thoughts, seeking her partner's permission to allow her to venture into the Outer Heavens.

However, Yun Duan did not react as strongly; she merely pressed her lips together, reached for Shang Can's clothing, and urged her to sit down, saying softly, "...I've thought about what you've said. But now that so much time has passed, hastily provoking the Outer Heavens wouldn't be wise..."

As she spoke, she averted her gaze slightly, pausing before continuing, "Whoever is scheming behind the scenes hasn't acted against me in years; perhaps... perhaps they have given up. I believe going to the Outer Heavens isn't that urgent..."

Even though Shang Can usually listened to Yun Duan, she couldn't help but furrow her brows tightly and shake her head, "We have to go there first. It doesn't mean we have to fight immediately, but since we know someone wants to harm you, we must uncover the truth and find a way to resolve it as soon as possible. The enemy lurks in the shadows, and delaying even a moment is like having a thorn in one's throat."

Seeing that Yun Duan still wanted to say something, Shang Can took hold of her hand, staring into her inky eyes, and asked, "If the roles were reversed, and I was being targeted by unknown assailants—Yun Duan, would you be able to do what you're saying now, be content with the status quo, and not pursue the matter further?"

"..."

Shang Can felt a tightening in her hand; Yun Duan had unconsciously grasped it tighter. She didn't continue speaking, simply watching Yun Duan, whose emotions were turbulent and complex. Her expression changed several times before settling into an unspoken anxiety and vulnerability, like ice crystals falling on her fingertips.

Yun Duan didn't answer, nor did Shang Can press her. The two fell into a moment of silence.

The silence was broken by the sound of flapping wings. Shang Can's ears perked up, and she looked up to see a familiar round bird flapping its wings vigorously toward them. The tense atmosphere was disrupted, and Shang Can was uncertain whether to be grateful for Chu Ming's spirit bird. Nevertheless, she raised her hand to catch it, and the spirit bird landed steadily on her arm with a soft coo, making her arm sway slightly under its weight.