Fairy, you call this repaying a debt of gratitude?

Shen Wei's heart skipped a beat, and his gaze immediately fell on the wooden window.

At this moment, a black figure was hanging upside down on the roof tiles, his clothes fluttering in the wind.

Shen Wei turned to look at Ji Lingyuan, his eyes seeming to say, "Your people?"

Ji Lingyuan met his gaze, a sly smile curving her lips, and nodded slightly.

His eyes seemed to say, "My helpers have arrived; you'd better surrender now."

The person was dressed in tight black clothes, with a light veil covering her face. She had a slender and graceful figure, and even though her face was not clearly visible, her graceful figure alone made it clear that she was a woman.

Shen Wei's gaze returned to the window, closely observing the man's every move.

The woman in black seemed to be secretly observing the situation inside the room, but after only a moment of silence, she no longer hesitated.

Her figure suddenly shifted, and she passed through the wooden window, appearing in the room like a ghost, the dagger in her hand gleaming faintly.

Seeing that the newcomer was hostile, Shen Wei's eyes darkened. Without thinking, he quickly drew his long sword.

He then decisively slashed his sword in the direction of that person. As the sword energy surged, the pear wood table, brocade screen, and other furnishings in the room were all shattered by the sword energy.

However, the woman in black moved with uncanny speed, easily dodging the attack with a flash.

Shen Wei's eyes darkened, and he raised his sword to strike again. But just as the sword was about to touch the woman in black, her figure vanished silently like ink disappearing into water, leaving no trace.

The next moment, it suddenly reappeared in another corner.

He then closed in with lightning speed, his dagger aimed directly at Shen Wei's throat, each move aimed at a vital point, all desperate killing blows.

Shen Wei snorted coldly, lightly tapped his toes, and changed his sword technique from hard to soft. He had been roaming the martial world for many years and had experienced countless life-and-death battles, which had honed his sword skills to a high level.

He used his longsword to firmly restrain the dagger, preventing it from getting any closer. After a few rounds, Shen Wei had already seen through his opponent's true nature.

This person's movements are unpredictable, and he excels at concealment and surprise attacks, but his cultivation level is ultimately inferior to his.

After a prolonged battle, the opponent gradually showed signs of impatience, and the flaws in their moves became increasingly apparent.

Just as Shen Wei was about to finish the battle with a single sword strike and subdue her, the woman in black suddenly unleashed a surge of powerful true energy.

The next second, she moved swiftly and gracefully, like a ghost, and in an instant she was in front of Ji Lingyuan.

But when her gaze swept over Ji Lingyuan and she saw the spirit rope wrapped around her, her brows furrowed involuntarily:

"Is it a spirit-locking rope?"

"Yes, Xiaoyue, do you have a way to solve this?"

"No." The woman in black, called Xiaoyue, replied crisply without the slightest hesitation, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes.

This spirit-locking rope is specifically designed to counter a cultivator's spiritual power. Once entangled, unless there is a specific method to untangle it, even those with profound cultivation will find it difficult to break free.

Shen Wei was secretly shocked; this person's movement technique was truly extraordinary.

Before he knew it, the person was already in front of Ji Lingyuan.

Fortunately, the Spirit-Locking Rope could not only lock spiritual power, but also restrict the target's movements. No matter how good her agility was, she was unable to escape with Ji Lingyuan.

As soon as the woman in black finished speaking, she felt a chill down her spine. She turned around abruptly and saw Shen Wei already approaching with his sword, the blade carrying a chilling killing intent. He was already within arm's reach and was about to strike.

Without a second thought, she leaped upwards, transforming into a black shadow once more, and vanished silently from the room, avoiding the fatal blow.

The next second, she appeared behind Ye Qingci, her dagger pressed hard against Ye Qingci's neck, and she spoke in a deep voice.

"Release the young master, or I will kill her!"

Although there was no fear in Ye Qingci's eyes, a faint worry inevitably arose in his heart. In his heart, she was probably not as important as the white-haired girl who was so deeply involved with him.

But Shen Wei compromised very quickly. He slowly sheathed his longsword and said solemnly:

"Don't touch her, I will release your young master."

Before he finished speaking, he slowly walked up to Ji Lingyuan and began to untie the spirit-locking rope that was wrapped around her.

His hands continued moving, but Shen Wei suddenly spoke:

"Have you gotten used to staying in...the sect these past few years?"

"I'm not used to it at all without you."

Shen Wei paused, a hint of guilt flashing in his eyes.

"That……"

"But I can never come back to you unless you come with me."

Shen Wei shook his head: "You know, that's unlikely."

"Someday...it will."

As soon as he finished speaking, the spirit-locking rope loosened.

Shen Wei touched her smooth white hair.

"Promise me you'll take good care of yourself from now on, okay?"

"Hmph... You haven't asked about me at all these years, what are you pretending for now..."

Ji Lingyuan retorted stubbornly, but her words already carried a hint of bitterness.

"It was my fault."

Shen Wei did not argue, but simply admitted his mistake in a low voice.

He knew in his heart that he was indeed wrong about some things.

"you......"

He didn't say anything more, but gently helped Ji Lingyuan up and then gently pushed her over.

The moment Ji Lingyuan was pushed over, she turned to look at him, her lips parted, but she said nothing.

The woman in black instantly pulled him into her arms, then silently slipped out the window and disappeared into the deep night.

After the room fell silent, Ye Qingci straightened her expression and walked over to Shen Wei, who looked somewhat dejected.

"It's my fault... otherwise you wouldn't be in such a difficult position."

"It's my fault. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have been taken hostage by her and put in such a dangerous situation."

Shen Wei paused, then added, "Could we stay in Qingyun City a few more days?"

Looking at Shen Wei's complicated expression and considering their previous conversation, Ye Qingci knew that this was a sign that he was worried about the girl.

Seeing the weariness and dejection in Shen Wei's eyes, she couldn't bear to refuse.

"Is it because of that girl from earlier?"

Shen Wei didn't hide anything and nodded slightly.

"Then let's do as you wish."

"The purpose of spiritual practice is to seek a clear and enlightened mind."

As she finished speaking, she sighed softly, a distant melancholy flashing in her eyes, as if recalling long-forgotten events, and murmured softly, "I failed to achieve a clear understanding of the Dao."

Shen Wei was slightly taken aback, her words echoing in his ears, and a sense of familiarity suddenly arose in his heart.

Ten years ago, she did the same, gently and patiently teaching him when he was young, her tone full of patience and indulgence.

He gently shook his head, clearing his mind of the jumbled thoughts, ultimately settling into a sincere thank you:

"Thank you for your understanding, fairy."

This series of twists and turns, though seemingly lengthy, actually took less than an hour.

The night was still deep outside, and Ye Qingci returned to her bed with a heavy heart.

Shen Wei, however, was not sleepy at all. His gaze swept over the mess in the room, and he felt somewhat relieved.

Fortunately, the Moon Gazing Pavilion has a special soundproof array to protect the privacy of its guests, completely isolating any noise inside. Otherwise, such a fierce fight would have attracted the attention of the Qingyun City government officials, causing unnecessary trouble.

He slumped against the cold wall, recalling Wen Jingxing's words from yesterday about the crisis in Qingyun City and the unusual movements of the Demonic Sect. A decision had already been made in his heart:

"Today, I will go to the city lord's mansion to find out the truth."