Looking at the familiar faces before her, Feng Ninghe's heart warmed. "Masters, please rest assured, I will return safely. However, due to the long journey, I may not be able to return to the First Sect for a while."
Her departure was set, with no definite return date.
She still had many matters to attend to, and it was uncertain if she would ever be able to return to the First Sect.
Feng Yi gently patted her shoulder, his eyes filled with unspoken meaning.
Feng Ninghe had not been with the First Sect for long, but to its members, she had already become an indispensable part of it.
"Huh? Are we missing someone?"
Xiao Zhao suddenly remembered something and looked around. "Didn't Sixth Master say he was traveling with us? Where is he?"
For Xiao Zhao, more people meant more liveliness.
Sixth Master's presence didn't affect him much; it was good to go to the Medicine Valley together, and they could look out for each other on the way.
Feng Ninghe's attention was also drawn by Xiao Zhao's remark.
She turned her gaze around.
Everyone else was present, but Sixth Master was nowhere to be seen.
Si Jianye calmly observed the crowd before him and spoke unhurriedly, "Sixth Master of the Willow Face Sect suddenly had some urgent matters to attend to. He rushed to the Willow Face Sect overnight and is very busy, unable to come."
This explanation was both logical and reasonable.
Feng Ninghe showed a look of understanding. "Since that's the case, we shouldn't disturb him. We'll meet again in the martial world if fate allows."
The Xuanzhou Continent was neither vast nor small; they would have opportunities to meet again in the future.
As for the favor she owed Su Hongxiu, she had already repaid it in the snowy wilderness of the secret realm.
If she hadn't allowed the people from the Willow Face Sect to enter the wooden house, who knew how many sect disciples would have perished there.
Although she didn't owe Su Hongxiu a favor, she recognized him as a righteous person and considered him a friend.
Gongyi Yuan, who had been silent, moved his lips and spoke, "Ninghe, the First Sect will always be your strongest support. If you ever need anything, just let us know, and the First Sect will assist you immediately."
Feng Ninghe met Gongyi Yuan's gaze openly, her eyes pausing for a moment before she nodded heavily.
She finally understood why so many cultivators yearned to join a sect.
It was because a sect was like a second home, capable of protecting its disciples in times of need.
Meanwhile, in an elegant room.
Su Hongxiu lay passed out on the table.
A half-empty bottle of drunken brew sat on the table.
*
At the entrance of the First Sect.
Two figures stood quietly at the gate.
Di Wenbin held a wedding invitation, looking up at the towering mountain before him, a hint of emotion on his face. "Although my past grievances with Feng Ninghe have been settled, I still feel a sense of indebtedness towards her."
In the past, he had trusted Feng Qingcheng too much.
This led him to repeatedly target Feng Ninghe. Yet, this woman had been willing to help him at a critical moment. He wouldn't have been so kind as to offer assistance in her place.
Understanding his inner turmoil, Mei Ziling gently took his hand, her gaze falling upon him, her eyes filled with comfort.
"Wenbin, I haven't interacted much with Feng Ninghe, but I can see that she is not someone who dwells on trivial matters. What you consider important might be insignificant in her eyes."
Mei Ziling comforted him softly, her expression turning contemplative.
Even though she had repeatedly clashed with Feng Ninghe, the latter never seemed to mind.
How could someone with such a broad mind care about such insignificant things?
That woman's growth was too rapid, so fast that they couldn't compare, only admire her from afar.
Di Wenbin put away the invitation in his hand and took two steps forward. "Let's go. Regardless of how Feng Ninghe treats us, at least we must deliver our well wishes."
They had only taken a few steps when the grand doors of the First Sect slowly creaked open with a muffled sound.
Several figures emerged from within.
Mei Ziling noticed something and quickly exclaimed, "Wenbin, look quickly, they're all coming out."
Di Wenbin's gaze also fell upon Feng Ninghe immediately.
The woman, dressed in white, walked forward slowly, her cool eyes carrying a hint of aloofness.
Feng Ninghe was like the crescent moon in the sky, unattainable.
"Isn't that Di Wenbin?" Bai Niannian noticed the two people not far ahead.
When her gaze landed on Mei Ziling, she instinctively raised her delicate eyebrows, a hint of displeasure in her eyes. "Mei Ziling is here too. What are they doing here?"
Although Mei Ziling had also been kept in the dark and didn't know the truth, the things she had done were enough to make people detest her.
As for Di Wenbin, she was equally displeased.
Seeing two people she disliked standing together, Bai Niannian couldn't help but mutter, "These two are truly a perfect match, fitting for each other."
"Miss Feng."
Di Wenbin strode forward, his gaze falling directly on Feng Ninghe. "Who says your grievances with the Immortal Sect are settled, but I still want to thank you."
Di Yang had already expressed his gratitude, giving Feng Ninghe a precious sect treasure, showing his sincerity.
But for Di Wenbin, the life-saving grace was unforgettable.
Especially since Feng Ninghe could let go of all past grudges and rescue him from his dire situation.
Feng Ninghe looked at Di Wenbin before her unhurriedly, her expression as calm as ever. "If you want to thank me, then thank me. I can't stop you."
Di Wenbin handed over the invitation he had held for a long time. "Ziling and I are getting married soon. This is an invitation. You can come if you have time."
"Getting married?"
Bai Niannian's eyes lit up instantly. She eagerly leaned forward, her eyes shining with brilliance as she stared at the invitation.
To her, these two, despite having eyes, couldn't discern right from wrong and couldn't see the truth, causing them a lot of trouble.
These two were truly a match made in heaven.
It would be good for these two blind people to get married quickly.
Feng Ninghe casually opened the invitation.
The red invitation was exquisitely crafted, with the characters written in a flamboyant calligraphy, indicating the wedding date.
Mei Ziling's expression was solemn as she looked at Feng Ninghe earnestly. "Miss Feng, we would be deeply honored if you could attend our wedding banquet. If you are unwilling, then we lack the fortune."
After experiencing various events, Mei Ziling had become more open-minded.
Now, the people of Jinling held Feng Ninghe in extremely high regard, and countless people wished to curry favor with her.
To the world, she not only possessed profound cultivation and exceptional talent but also a beauty that could topple cities.
Feng Ninghe had no interest in these social niceties. No matter how valuable the treasures cultivators brought, she rejected them all and paid them no mind.
If Feng Ninghe could attend the wedding, Mei Ziling would feel immensely honored.
Feng Ninghe casually put away the invitation and calmly looked at the woman before her. "I have received your well wishes. However, I am about to leave Jinling now and will not be able to return for some time. It's uncertain whether I can make it to your wedding."