Chapter 1168: You're Not Even Pretty

Ling Feng was completely worn out by Murong Zining's persistence. He had no choice but to make things perfectly clear to her before finally checking into a nearby inn with Tuoba Yan.

Murong Zining stood rooted to the spot, her fists clenched tightly as her cheeks burned with humiliation.

That cursed misunderstanding had caused her to offend this young genius.

What frustrated her even more was that Ling Feng seemed entirely unmoved by her beauty. There was not even a trace of pity or tenderness in his eyes.

Was this man made of steel?

"

Hmph!

I, Murong Zining, have repeatedly lowered myself to speak to him, yet he dares to treat me like this!"

Grinding her teeth, she drew a deep breath until the anger on her face gradually faded. "But still, he chose not to kill Murong Huang. That means things can still be mended.

Hmph,

you brat, I refuse to believe you won't one day fall at my feet!"

"Remember this. One day, you'll be the one begging me!

Hmph!

"

With that, Murong Zining shot a fierce glare in the direction Ling Feng had gone, then turned with graceful steps and made her way back to the Hall of Heroes.

The Hall of Heroes was originally part of an imperial garden, far more luxurious than any inn. Unfortunately, Ling Feng would not be the one to enjoy it.

...

At Snow Sea Inn.

In the quiet room, Tuoba Yan turned toward Ling Feng, biting her lip before speaking softly. "Hey, Ling Feng, Murong Zining is from Tianhuang City. Aren't you afraid that by rejecting her like this, you'll be offending the entire city?"

"It doesn't matter," Ling Feng shrugged. "I already hold a token. As the Venerable of the Desolate Sea, they wouldn't shut me out over something so trivial."

"That's true," Tuoba Yan said with a faint smile. "Still, you're quite cold-hearted. She's been chasing after you, and you won't even give her a chance."

"

Hehe

, that kind of woman..."

Ling Feng tightened his fists. The image of another woman he despised most flashed through his mind, and his tone turned cold. "Murong Zining may look pure and noble, but her heart is full of schemes. I'm not that easy to fool."

Tuoba Yan gave him a sidelong glance, amused. "And how would you know? Since when do you understand women at all?"

"The prettier the woman, the better she lies." A trace of weariness crossed Ling Feng's eyes as he gave a wry smile. "Forget it. She's not worth the thought. In any case, she's not to be trusted. She won't try to provoke me again if she's smart. In fact, she might try to win me over instead, perhaps sharing some useful information. That would work in my favor."

Tuoba Yan nodded, then suddenly narrowed her eyes at him. "For the record, I've never lied to you."

Ling Feng laughed. "You're different. You're not even pretty!"

"You're asking for it!"

Tuoba Yan glared at him, raising a fist and pretending to hit him.

"Hey, I was just kidding." Ling Feng raised his hands in surrender, quickly changing the subject. "We've been traveling nonstop. Let's rest for the next two days and recover our strength before the test."

Tuoba Yan nodded. "

Mhmm

. From what I saw of the Soul-Locking Bridge's formation, the Illusion Heart Queen's test will likely involve spiritual consciousness. That should be your time to shine."

"Whatever the trial may be, I'm determined to obtain the Hourglass of Time."

After a moment's thought, Ling Feng pulled out the Azure Jade Scale Serpent, smirking. "You didn't lie to me this time,

hehe.

I'll give you a chance to come with us into the Sea of Miracles."

"Thank you, Young Hero! Thank you!"

The Azure Jade Scale Serpent bowed repeatedly, overjoyed that Ling Feng was finally willing to bring it along.

"But there's a condition."

𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Ling Feng grabbed the serpent by the neck and grinned. "You'll form a master-servant pact with Yan'er and serve her from now on."

Tuoba Yan's strength was not weak, but her focus on spiritual cultivation meant her body was far less durable than most martial practitioners of her level. If someone managed to get close to her, she would be at a serious disadvantage. The serpent, a half-step demon emperor, would greatly improve her safety at her side.

"

Uh...

" The Azure Jade Scale Serpent hesitated. "Young Hero, I am at least a half-step demon emperor, after all!"

"The Despicable Donkey is a full demon emperor," Ling Feng replied coldly, tightening his grip. "If you don't agree, fine. I've heard snake gall is a great tonic."

"I agree!"

The Azure Jade Scale Serpent immediately gave in. Survival was more important. Becoming a spirit pet was far better than getting slaughtered for its gall or turned into someone's soul-bound spirit.

...

At Jian Chen's Family Estate, Jian Chen's father, Jian Xibai, was consumed by grief and fury. Holding Jian Chen's lifeless body in his arms, he wept before his own father.

Jian Xibai's father was none other than Jian Liang, the Second Elder of Illusory Heaven Island.

"Father, that's everything that happened!"

Kneeling before Jian Liang, Jian Xibai spoke through gritted teeth. "That brat named Ling Feng killed Chen'er in public, relying on the Grand Elder's protection. He completely disregarded our family!"

"Outrageous!"

Rage burned in Jian Liang's eyes. Jian Chen had been his favorite grandson, and he had poured countless resources into his training, only for the boy to die so young. The shock nearly made the elder faint from anger.

"Father, this must have been the Grand Elder's plot to suppress our bloodline. That's why he brought in that brat, to make sure our Jian family loses its place on Illusory Heaven Island!"

Jian Xibai said through gritted teeth

Jian Liang slammed his palm onto the table, shattering it into powder. "He wouldn't dare! This blood debt will be repaid in full. Both the old fox Grand Elder and that brat Ling Feng will die!"