What annoyed Wei Changsheng the most was Mingyi bringing this up. In the past, Mingyi would consider their feelings and distribute credit equally, often even praising him, saying he contributed greatly to the team.
But ever since she betrayed the city, she had shown no mercy in her words, as if all their victories over the years were solely her doing.
Just a woman—what could she have accomplished without their support all these years?
Wei Changsheng was so furious he wanted to strike, but the moment he raised his hand, a surge of black Essence Power coiled around them, binding the group together and hurling them out the gate.
The force was brutal, leaving no room for courtesy.
Mingxin rolled to the ground, scrambled up, and immediately shouted at the neighboring room, "Ji Bozhai, what the hell is your problem?!"
Already in a foul mood from sleeping in separate rooms, Bo Zhai's expression darkened further at the sight of such a nuisance. "Get lost."
"You—" Mingxin, still fuming, tried to charge forward but was yanked back by Wei Changsheng.
"Have you forgotten what Lord Shan said before we left?" he whispered.
There was no doubt they were no match for Ji Bozhai, and picking a fight here would gain them nothing. Dealing with him at the Six Cities Tournament would be far easier.
Suppressing his anger, Mingxin let himself be dragged away, glancing back resentfully with every step.
Mingyi closed the door and tapped on the shared wall in thanks. However, the man next door responded by kicking the wall with clear frustration.
A faint smirk tugged at her lips as she pretended not to hear and continued arranging the bedding.
The Six Cities Tournament tested more than just Essence Power—survival skills were also crucial. On the very first day at the inn, an attempted poisoning incident occurred. Though unsuccessful, it put all the teams from the major cities on high alert.
Bozhai, however, remained carefree, climbing onto the rooftop at midnight to drink with Zheng Tiao.
The old Zheng Tiao would never have done such a thing—he still had training to complete, and alcohol was a distraction. But for some reason, when Bozhai handed him the wine jar, he took it without hesitation and downed a large gulp.
A massive moon dominated half the night sky. Bozhai glanced at him and snorted. "Who’s caught your heart?"
Zheng Tiao frowned. "No one."
"Only a lovesick fool would gulp down bitter-tail wine without flinching," Bozhai said dismissively. "Never thought I’d see the day you’d be tangled in romance."
"I’m not tangled in anything. I’m just annoyed," Zheng Tiao snapped. "Women are fragile, like delicate flowers that bruise too easily. They can’t even take care of themselves—why must they meddle with me?"
"If you truly had no feelings, no amount of meddling would bother you." Bozhai clapped him on the shoulder. "I’ve seen more women than you’ve eaten meals. Don’t try to hide it from me."
Feelings?
Zheng Tiao gazed at the enormous moon and sighed softly.
Miss Xiuyun was beautiful, talented in Essence Power, and even trained alongside him. It was impossible for him not to feel something for a woman like that. But she was too delicate—she couldn’t last three moves in a sparring match, and the slightest misstep left her legs covered in bruises, which unsettled him.
He had no desire for marriage or children—having someone to worry about would only slow his fists. Yet Xiuyun wanted it. She said becoming his wife would be the greatest happiness.
Others had said similar things before, but hearing it from her lips left Zheng Tiao unusually agitated, unsure how to respond.
Downing another mouthful of wine, Zheng Tiao lowered his eyes. "Flying Blossom City hasn’t broken into the Upper Three Cities in a long time."
Bozhai chuckled. "Star Yearn City’s drought has been even longer."Glaring at him, Zheng Tiao said, "With you in Star Yearn City now, there's always a chance. But Flying Blossom City is different—I don't have many more competitions left to participate in."
"Before I retire, I want to lead Flying Blossom City into the Upper Three Cities at least once. I don't want a lifetime of cultivation to end without even reclaiming a spot in the Upper Three Cities."
With such lingering regrets, he couldn't afford to indulge in romantic distractions.
Ji Bozhai understood, sipping his wine before suddenly remarking, "Our goals align. Perhaps we could walk part of this path together."
Zheng Tiao was taken aback, his expression darkening as he grasped the implication. "I want to do this cleanly—"
"I'm not suggesting we collude to cheat," Bozhai interrupted with a scoff. "But this year's competition is fierce, and underhanded tactics are inevitable. There may come a time when cooperation is necessary."
Zheng Tiao pondered this for a long moment before finally saying, "All I know is I want to earn our place in the Upper Three Cities fairly."
"Fine, fine, fair and square," Bozhai nodded indulgently, though he couldn't suppress a chuckle. "You're even more stubborn than Mingyi."
At the mention of Mingyi, Zheng Tiao asked, "How is she? Xiuyun misses her terribly—cries whenever she remembers her."
"She's doing well," Bozhai replied, squinting at the moon. "There's just some unfinished business with Sunspire City. Once that's settled, she'll be free."
"Free?" Zheng Tiao shook his head. "You don't understand her as well as I do. Ming Xian was born with the world in her heart—she'll never truly be free."
Bozhai frowned, wanting to argue but lacking conviction, and could only sigh deeply.
Zheng Tiao couldn't resist side-eyeing him. "Did love troubles bring you here to drink too?"
"Nothing in this world can trouble me," Bozhai retorted. "I'm just waiting for someone."
Waiting on a rooftop? Zheng Tiao thought he was insane—until, moments later, someone carrying freshly purchased soft iron appeared on the distant street.
Sky-blue robes brushed against the cobblestones as Mingyi glanced up at the moon, her gaze landing on Bozhai perched atop the roof.
Though far apart, she inexplicably caught the mirth in his eyes, as if saying: Finally, you're back.
Her heart skipped, and she quickly lowered her head—only to shoot him another glare.
What kind of idiot lounges on rooftops instead of cultivating at this hour?
Baffled by her glare yet amused, Bozhai turned to Zheng Tiao. "See how captivating she is when she's angry?"
Zheng Tiao only ever saw Mingyi's strength, never her allure. As she disappeared into the inn, he casually asked, "Why is she less warm toward you now?"
"That's because you're a brute who doesn't understand romance," Bozhai snorted, setting his wine jar on the roof ridge. "She clearly holds me closer to heart now."
The old Mingyi had been somewhat disingenuous. Now, though she didn't always smile at him, she shielded him unconditionally and trusted him without question.
Bozhai treasured this—except for one lingering dissatisfaction: Mingyi was too clear-headed now. Even in moments of passion, her eyes retained an impenetrable barrier he couldn't cross.
No man disliked composed, rational women. But he knew too well—such women would never lose themselves for him, never walk through fire for him.He would have to put in more effort to truly win the beauty's heart.