Chapter 2480 The Falling Flower’s Affection

Before Lin Xun even opened his eyes, a faint, elegant aroma, like the subtle scene of orchids, drifted into his nose. Unfortunately, instead of feeling soothed, his mood only worsened. He kept his eyes shut, pretending not to notice anything.

The next moment, he realized with dismay that the woman who had been giving him headaches had shamelessly sat down beside him.

“I’ve only heard of people covering their ears when stealing a bell, but I’ve never seen anyone pretend not to know by keeping their eyes shut.” A soft melodious voice sounded, carrying a hint of mockery.

Lin Xun sighed and finally opened his eyes. Turning to look at the fair, ethereal, and radiant face beside him, he said dryly, “This is called ‘out of sight, out of mind.’”

The beautiful woman in the azure robe, disguised as a man, was none other than Dugu Youran. She pursed her lips into a smile, revealing pearly white teeth as her eyes curved into crescents. “But your eyes are open now,” she pointed out.

“Which is why my mind is annoyed,” Lin Xun said flatly.

Dugu Youran raised an eyebrow. “That’s fine, as long as I’m happy.”

Lin Xun had no words. He shut his eyes again. He had left in such a rush earlier just to avoid this troublemaker Dugu Youran, but who would have thought that she had followed him all the way! Now that they were both aboard the Sun-Moon Shuttle, he had no means of escape.

However, Dugu Youran wasn’t the least affected by Lin Xun’s cold shoulder. She continued as if nothing had happened, “Last night, I used some of my connections to let the Zhu Clan know where I stand. So don’t worry, they won’t be coming after you again.”

Lin Xun was slightly startled but still kept his eyes closed and didn't respond. He wasn’t afraid of trouble, but he was afraid of endless trouble. Unfortunately, Dugu Youran...was simply a walking disaster, the source of trouble!

She muttered, “Ling Xuanzi, if you don’t open your eyes soon, I’m going to shout your identity to everyone here.”

Lin Xun’s eyes snapped open, his expression clearly displeased. He stared at the dazzling beauty beside him and said coldly, “Are you not worried that I might suppress you in a fit of rage?”

She leaned back, smacking her lips, “Oh no! You’re going to suppress me. Should I start screaming now?”

Lin Xun’s forehead twitched.

“Alright, I was just teasing you. Look how angry you are. Is that really necessary?” Dugu Youran said with a bright smile.

Just then, a surprised voice called out, “Youran, you’re here too.”

The smile on Dugu Youran’s face froze. Her slender and graceful figure stiffened. Then, the cheerful look on her face vanished.

Lin Xun almost burst out laughing.

Serves you right!

The person who had come was Peng Tianxiang. Lin Xun immediately stood up and greeted him warmly. “Brother Peng, welcome! Come, have a seat.”

Without hesitation, he gave up his spot.

Dugu Youran was about to stand up when Lin Xun gently pressed her shoulder and made her sit back down. “You two know each other. Since fate brought you together, you should sit and catch up properly.”

Peng Tianxiang shot Lin Xun a grateful look and sat down in the seat Lin Xun had just vacated, beaming, “What a coincidence! Brother Jin is here too! Perfect! Traveling together will keep the journey from feeling too lonely.”

Lin Xun chuckled and nodded repeatedly, then took the seat across from them. Looking at Dugu Youran, who now resembled a frost-wilted eggplant, he felt immensely satisfied.

Dugu Youran’s expression darkened, and after a moment, she gave a cold snort, “Is it really a coincidence? No one would believe that.”

Peng Tianxiang looked a little awkward, but he still said enthusiastically, “Youran, I also brought that pair of three-inch lotus fish, have a look.”

As he spoke, he took out a jade gourd and offered it to her.

Dugu Youran closed her eyes. “I’ve got a long journey ahead. I’d better rest. If there’s nothing important, please don’t disturb me.”

Peng Tianxiang put away the jade gourd. His gaze was gentle as he softly replied. “Then rest well. As long as I’m here, I won’t let anyone bother you.”

Lin Xun could tell that Dugu Youran seemed to be grinding her teeth... He nearly burst out laughing, and secretly gave Peng Tianxiang a thumbs up. The young man gave him a subtle smile, clearly encouraged and full of confidence.

“Brother Jin, I’ve done some asking around. We can take this Sun-Moon Shuttle straight to the Third Immortal Pass.” Peng Tianxiang said, turning back to Lin Xun. “This way, we can avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble and danger.”

𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Lin Xun was surprised. “How long will the journey take?”

“At least a month. Two at most.” Peng Tianxiang said after a moment of thought.

Lin Xun fell silent.

Does this mean I will have to put up with Dugu Youran for at least a month?

By this time, the treasure ship was buzzing with excitement. The Emperor-level cultivators aboard the so-called Sun-Moon Shuttle were all grinning with delight. To them, being able to avoid the perils and attacks on the road ahead was the best outcome they could hope for!

Peng Tianxiang, this noble descendant, was showered with endless praise and flattery. With the girl he adored sitting beside him, he practically radiated with joy. However, both Dugu Youran and Lin Xun appeared somewhat distracted, each weighed down by their own troubles.

Swoosh!

Before long, the Sun-Moon Shuttle transformed into a streak of light and soared through the skies. Just as Peng Tianxiang had said, the journey was calm and smooth, without a hint of danger along the way.

Clearly, Peng Tianxiang, a noble descendant of an Immortal Imperial Clan, had mobilized his clan’s influence behind the scenes to ensure this smooth journey.

......

A month later, they arrived at the third Immortal Heavenly Pass, Fengji City. As soon as they arrived, Lin Xun and Dugu Youran stepped off the Sun-Moon Shuttle and let out a sigh of relief.

“We’ve finally arrived.” Lin Xun said with a long breath.

Though the journey had been smooth, traveling alongside Dugu Youran made Lin Xun feel his head ache from time to time.

“Yes, we’re finally here.” Dugu Youran echoed, her voice tinged with weariness.

For her, the presence of Peng Tianxiang had made the trip feel endless. No matter how she rebuked, criticized, ridiculed, or mocked him... He remained unfazed. Instead, his affections only grew deeper and his attentiveness more persistent. It left her frustrated and exasperated.

“Haha, the lord of Fengji City is a senior of the He Clan and has a good relationship with my Peng Clan. Once we enter the city, I’ll arrange lodgings for both of you,” Peng Tianxiang said warmly.

“No need.” Lin Xun and Dugu Youran voiced in unison.

Peng Tianxiang was taken aback for a moment, then said boldly. “Please, don’t turn me down. It’s just a trivial matter, just leave it to me.”

However, Lin Xun did not want to continue traveling with Dugu Youran, so he said bluntly, “I’ve got other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave first. Brother Peng, just make sure Miss Youran is settled.”

With that, he left in a hurry.

Peng Tianxiang was visibly moved, his heart swelling with gratitude.

Brother Jin, Brother Jin, how could I not see that you’re helping me be alone with Youran?

You’re a true brother!

At that moment, Dugu Youran quickened her pace and headed straight toward the city gate.

“Youran, wait.” Peng Tianxiang quickly chased after her.

“Why are you still following me? Do you have any idea how much patience it took to tolerate you this whole journey?” Dugu Youran finally snapped, her gaze sharp with irritation.

Peng Tianxiang froze, flustered. “Youran, I only wanted to do something for you. My intentions are as clear as the sun and moon, the heaven and earth can attest to it. I have absolutely no hidden motives.”

Dugu Youran let out a long sigh.

This guy...is like a leech. He clearly plans to cling to me forever.

“Miss Youran! What a coincidence! I was just on my way to find you, who would have thought I’d run into you here?”

Just then, a silver-robed youth stepped out of the city gate. He was tall and handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes. Seeing Dugu Youran, he beamed in surprise. Peng Tianxiang’s expression immediately soured, a flicker of wariness in his eyes.

Dugu Youran rubbed her brow. Now she understood why Lin Xun saw her as a walking disaster. No matter where she went, there were always guys who clearly came prepared yet acted like it was all just a ‘coincidence.’ It was simply impossible to guard against them, and it was utterly exasperating!

For example, this silver-robed young man. There was no way his appearance was just a coincidence, right? Only a fool would believe that!

Not long after the silver-robed youth appeared, a hearty laugh echoed across the heavens, “So it really is you, Youran. I heard from Rong Xiangli that Zhu Lin had the audacity to disrespect you and offend your savior right in front of you. How outrageous! If I ever encounter anyone from the Zhu Clan again, I’ll be sure to demand justice on your behalf!”

From the sky descended a tall, striking figure clad in flowing white robes and a tall crown. Radiating heroic presence, he was like a dragon among men. His presence stirred a commotion at the city gate.

Peng Tianxing’s face darkened. The silver-robed youth frowned with hostility.

Despite that, the white-robed man paid them no mind. He landed gracefully and walked toward Dugu Youran with a warm smile. “Youran, allow me to protect you from now on. That way, people like Zhu Lin won’t be able to upset you again.”

That one sentence was extremely domineering, completely disregarding Zhu Lin! Clearly, this white-robed man came from an even more formidable background!

However, this was far from over. A moment later, another person came, a purple chariot rumbled through the clouds. Its rider was clad in golden armor like an emperor on patrol. He tore through the sky and landed gracefully.

Then came the clear cry of a crane. A handsome man in black was sitting astride a majestic crane, floating down from the sky. In an instant, the area outside Fengji City became crowded with powerful figures.

Unfortunately, Peng Tianxiang’s face looked as though he’d swallowed a fly.

“See? If you follow me, it’ll only bring a lot of trouble.” Dugu Youran sighed, feeling a tinge of sympathy for Peng Tianxiang.

Peng Tianxiang forced a smile, one more pitiful than a man in tears, and he said, “I don’t care.”

Those words drew a wave of hostile glares. Peng Tianxiang froze under their gazes, but he gritted his teeth and remained at Dugu Youran’s side without backing down an inch.

“Let’s go,” Dugu Youran said softly.

She felt a little bad. Although Peng Tianxiang had annoyed her endlessly, he had stayed by her side the whole way and she couldn’t help but feel a hint of appreciation. With that, she walked leisurely toward the city gate.

From beginning to end, she didn’t even spare a glance at the radiant figures who had come to greet her. Peng Tianxiang was overjoyed, grinning from ear to ear as he followed closely behind, completely unfazed by the murderous glares around him.

Instead, he felt deeply touched.

Miss Youran does care about me after all!