Fairy, I'm going to control you tightly!

"Xiao Jingxi!"

The man strode closer, calling out loudly, his voice clear and distinct.

Ji Nanbei blinked.

Hmm? Is it a fellow disciple whom Xiao Jingxi knows?

That makes sense. If they weren't familiar with each other, how many people in the Immortal Spirit Sword Sect would call Xiao Jingxi by his full name like that?

It seems this child isn't completely friendless after all.

however……

This person is Bai Jie's older sister, Bai Xiaomeng.

Upon hearing that her younger sister had been "bullied" by Xiao Jingxi to the point of tears, and having always disliked Xiao Jingxi's aloof and arrogant demeanor, she immediately decided to confront him.

However, by the time she finished her seclusion, Ji Nanbei and his group had already left the sect.

Originally, this matter might have ended there, since Bai Xiaomeng wouldn't have left the sect specifically to cause trouble for someone without a reason.

But just then, a request for help was sent to the Immortal Spirit Sword Sect.

Yes, it is the very document submitted by the disciple who carried out the commission.

Upon learning that Xiao Jingxi was there, Bai Xiaomeng immediately set off to come over without saying a word.

At this moment, the two finally met on the street.

Bai Xiaomeng spotted Xiao Jingxi at a glance and immediately strode forward aggressively, ready to launch an attack.

Such a full-name address is unusual among sect disciples and often carries a provocative connotation.

"Xiao Jingxi!"

"Hello there! Here, have a candied hawthorn skewer."

However, to Bai Xiaomeng's surprise, just as she was about to launch her attack and before she could even open her mouth to question him, "Xiao Jingxi" suddenly stepped forward and affectionately took her hand.

While greeting her in a familiar tone, he shoved a string of freshly bought candied hawthorns, still coated with glistening sugar, into her hand without saying a word.

Bai Xiaomeng: ? ? ?

I came here to cause you trouble! What's with you giving me a string of candied hawthorns?!

Bai Xiaomeng was completely taken aback by Ji Nanbei's unexpected response and froze on the spot for a moment.

At this moment, however, Ji Nanbei's mind was racing:

Xiao Jingxi, why didn't you tell me beforehand that your friend was coming over?

Oh no, I don't even know the other person's name, and I can't ask them directly. Am I going to be exposed now?

Ha, how could I, Ji Nanbei, be stumped by such a trivial matter?

You're underestimating me. Do you think I've never experienced something like this before?

In my past life, I was the kind of social butterfly who could remain calm and collected even if I bumped into classmates on the street whose names I didn't know!

Well, in short, you can't go wrong by taking the initiative to approach and strike up a conversation!

So Ji Nanbei put on a friendly smile, naturally took the other person's hand, and while chatting warmly, stuffed another string of candied hawthorns into his hand.

As for Xiao Jingxi himself...

Xiao Jingxi wasn't deliberately keeping it from Ji Nanbei; she was simply stunned by Ji Nanbei's actions, causing her thoughts to freeze and her mind to completely "crash."

She doesn't have any friends at all!

But Ji Nanbei was completely unaware of this and continued his "social terrorist"-like actions.

Bai Xiaomeng was stunned for a while before she could barely come to her senses.

This guy actually tried to get away with this by using such a fawning and weak tactic!

Did you think I'd let you off the hook just because you handed me a skewer of candied hawthorns?

I don't think about it!

Just as she was about to regroup and launch another attack, she suddenly sensed a change in the aura emanating from "Xiao Jingxi," who was standing right next to her!

The peaceful and even somewhat friendly feeling vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp and imposing aura, like a drawn sword!

"Be careful!"

With a low shout, Bai Xiaomeng felt herself being suddenly pulled by the other party.

Her feet were already unsteady due to her fluctuating emotions, and with this pull, she involuntarily lurched forward and fell right into the other person's arms.

A refreshing and pleasant fragrance wafts over, not overpowering, yet deeply soothing.

At the same time, her body was gently embraced by a pair of arms.

Bai Xiaomeng's cheeks flushed bright red instantly.

Just as she was about to break free and lash out, she heard a sharp whooshing sound in her ear.

Bai Xiaomeng turned around abruptly at the sound, only to find that there was a demon corpse behind her at some point.

That demon was actually at the Golden Core stage and seemed to be extremely good at concealing its aura, managing to get so close without her noticing.

Bai Xiaomeng's gaze then fell on Xiao Jingxi's other hand.

In that hand, she held only a bamboo skewer for a candied hawthorn, with only one fruit left.

She... just used this to instantly kill that Golden Core demon beast!?

"If you want to touch her, you'll have to get past me first."

A cold voice rang in my ears, its tone calm and even.

But at this moment, Bai Xiaomeng found that this cold voice sounded surprisingly pleasant!

My goodness, that's just too cool!

The hero-saves-the-damsel-in-distress trope may be old-fashioned, but it is often the most effective.

Bai Xiaomeng had to admit that her heartstrings had been deeply touched.

She's so cool!

She's like the fairy goddess of my dreams!!!

Ji Nanbei (controlling Xiao Jingxi's body) felt a little strange: Why is the person in his arms not moving or speaking?

Could it be...?

Yes, he must have been extremely frightened and terrified!

That makes sense. After all, even a direct disciple of a prestigious sect might be new to the cultivation world and suddenly encounter a close-range ambush by a demon. It's normal to feel scared when caught off guard.

To show his thoughtfulness and care as a "good friend," Ji Nanbei naturally raised his hand and gently stroked the soft, long hair of the girl in his arms.

Pat your head, don't be afraid.

"It's alright now, don't be afraid. I've slain that demon, and nothing can harm you anymore."

While gently comforting him, Ji Nanbei continued to stroke the other person's hair with tender movements.

Bai Xiaomeng: !!!

How does she manage to be both so heroic and so gentle and considerate?

Is this what it feels like to fall in love?

At this moment, Bai Xiaomeng had completely forgotten why she had come here in the first place.

until……

"elder sister?"

A familiar voice rang out, filled with disbelief and astonishment.

It was Bai Jie.

She was originally patrolling Luoling City to check for any remaining demons who might be hiding there, and she rushed over as soon as she heard the commotion.

Then... she saw this scene before her eyes—her own sister, who was always arrogant and haughty, was actually embracing the Sword Immortal senior sister tightly!?

Impossible! Absolutely impossible!

My sister has always had a bad impression of the Sword Immortal Senior Sister, and even had some complaints about her. How could such a thing happen!

However, the closer she got, the stronger Bai Jie's sense of unease became.

That figure nestled in the arms of the sword-wielding senior sister, looking exceptionally... petite and dependent (?), definitely looked like her own sister.

In Bai Jie's memory, her older sister had always been flamboyant, proud, and looked down on everyone. She had never been so timid, shy, and dependent on others.

Bai Jie's eyes widened, and she called out "Sister" in disbelief.