Chapter 94: Must I really repay this with my body?

Xiang Nan truly felt relieved. Had it not been for Lone Wolf stepping in to save the day, he might have had to resort to the Taiji Diagram to break free.

It wasn’t that he feared attracting attention; rather, he worried that his spiritual power was insufficient.

The last time he faced the Fiery Cloud Demon God, he barely managed to wield the Taiji Diagram for less than a minute before his inner spiritual energy was completely depleted, nearly leaving him weak and on the verge of death.

That feeling was utterly dreadful!

Although his level had recently risen to Stage Two, Seven Stars, the spiritual aura at his brow still had to be gathered entirely through the Purification Chant.

Fortunately, ever since the last use of the Taiji Diagram, the spiritual energy in the world had suddenly become much more abundant, and it had not faded in the days since.

In just a few days, the aura at his forehead had indeed increased significantly compared to before.

But all this was preparation for the Lingxu Expedition; he could not afford to squander it carelessly.

Xiang Nan had a strong premonition that this Lingxu expedition would not be as simple as before.

With spiritual energy suddenly surging, magical artifacts emerging unexpectedly, the entire Jiuzhou, and perhaps the whole world, seemed to be stirring restlessly.

“Xiang Nan, when exactly did you get involved with the Blood Alliance?” Lone Wolf sheathed her Tang Dao and asked coolly.

Xiang Nan smiled wryly. Lone Wolf was just as sharp as ever—she could tell at a glance that these people belonged to the Blood Alliance.

“It’s that cursed video fault again. I really experienced firsthand the saying ‘an innocent man is suspected because he carries precious things.’ It’s not just the Blood Alliance; last time, the Hundred Flowers Alliance and the Shadow Clan all came knocking as well.”

He found a chair and sat down. The intense fiery waves he had just unleashed had drained a fair amount of his spiritual power.

In any case, this was his current situation. At the very least, he was a member of the Longyuan Army; Lone Wolf wouldn’t abandon him.

“Looks like I underestimated these underground factions. I’ll handle the video matter and try to minimize the trouble,” Lone Wolf said, her tone cold but sincere.

“Good thing everyone’s okay; it was just a false alarm,” Li Mu summarized from the side.

“Okay? We barely escaped with our lives!” Su Yao widened her eyes dramatically. “That demoness Alice was like some kind of creeping vine monster and even used poison. Yaya and I were passive because we were poisoned by her.”

“Poisoned?” Lone Wolf’s expression changed at the mention of poison. “But I don’t see any signs of poisoning on you.”

“That’s all thanks to Xiao Nan’s Resurrection Herb…” Su Yao blurted out.

“Yao Yao!” Xu Jiaya grabbed Su Yao’s arm, but it was already too late.

“Resurrection Herb? What’s that?” Lone Wolf’s eyes brightened, pressing for more information.

Su Yao glanced at Xu Jiaya, then at Xiang Nan, and fell silent.

“It’s not really a secret; Sister Lone Wolf is one of us,” Xiang Nan said with a smile. “I stumbled upon a kind of spiritual herb that can cure all diseases, even bring the dead back to life. Though, of course, it won’t work on those who are completely dead.”

“Cure all diseases, bring the dead back to life…” Lone Wolf repeated Xiang Nan’s words thoughtfully.

Li Mu, sensing Lone Wolf’s curiosity, eagerly asked, “Xiang Nan, are you sure that herb can really bring the dead back to life?”

Before Xiang Nan could answer, Li Xiang excitedly slapped his thigh. “Absolutely! I saw it with my own eyes. Su Yao and Xiao Ya were barely breathing, but the moment they swallowed the herb, they came back to life full of vigor. Such a miraculous medicine is truly a rare treasure!”

After speaking, Li Xiang turned to Xiang Nan. “Nan Ge, I used to think you were strong, but now I realize you’re a miracle—a divine miracle! My admiration for you flows like an endless river…”

“Enough already! Your acting is way over the top!” Xiang Nan said, face darkening. He was beginning to realize Li Xiang was not only a straightforward guy but also quite juvenile in his enthusiasm.

Turning to Lone Wolf, he said, “This fight worked up my appetite. Sister Lone Wolf, how about we move somewhere else? I’ll treat you all to some barbecue!”

Li Xiang jumped up excitedly. “Great! Let’s go get some skewers!”

But Lone Wolf looked straight at Xiang Nan. “I saved your lives. You’re not trying to brush me off with just a barbecue, are you?”

Huh??? What’s that supposed to mean???

Every time Lone Wolf gave him that look, cold sweat would break out on Xiang Nan’s back.

The first time, she drew a large amount of his blood; the second time, he signed a servitude contract. Surely the third time wouldn’t be...

“One meal won’t cut it, then two meals!” Xiang Nan replied casually.

“Two meals won’t do either!” Lone Wolf said firmly.

“Then what exactly do you want? Are you really asking me to pledge myself to you?” Xiang Nan slapped the table and stood up.

“Uh!!! No need for that. Just that Resurrection Herb of yours—I want one.” Saying so, Lone Wolf held out her delicate hand.

“Just that simple?” Xiang Nan was a bit frustrated.

“That’s it!”

“Heh, you should’ve said so earlier! You scared my little heart into thinking I’d have to pledge myself.” Xiang Nan smiled sheepishly, reaching into his space and pulling out a Resurrection Herb, handing it to Lone Wolf.

He took the opportunity to touch Lone Wolf’s hand. The rough calluses on her fingers tugged at his heart.

Xiang Nan frowned slightly. “Sister Lone Wolf, your hands are so pretty—it’s a pity not to take care of them!”

“Mind your own business!” Lone Wolf rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide a sweet smile.

With the Resurrection Herb, perhaps the poison in her would be neutralized. She could finally awaken!

Lone Wolf’s smile left Xiang Nan momentarily stunned.

He had always seen her with a cold, ice-like expression—the image of a soldier on the battlefield without passion or desire.

But that fleeting smile, though brief, was strikingly beautiful and deeply moving.

Looking closely, Lone Wolf was tall and statuesque with well-defined features. Were it not for her skin being rough and darkened from years of exposure to wind and sand, she would be a true beauty.

“Sister Lone Wolf, we’ve known each other for a while, but I don’t even know your real name,” Xiang Nan suddenly felt a desire to understand this woman better.

“My name is Leng Ruoshuang,” Lone Wolf replied, her mood buoyed by the herb.

“Wow! Leng... Leng Ruoshuang? As cold as ice and frost? Truly a name that suits the person!” Xiang Nan exclaimed, eyes wide.

Lone Wolf stored the herb away, wearing a look that said she didn’t see what the fuss was about.

“What a pity, really a pity!” Xiang Nan couldn’t help but shake his head.

“What are you muttering about? What pity?” Lone Wolf gave him a side glance.

“It’s a pity that such a handsome guy like me missed the chance to pledge myself to you. Sister Lone Wolf, you must be straight, no doubt about it!”

“Stop flattering yourself and think about your own situation. You’re about to go on the Lingxu expedition, right? I heard they’re allowing outside help this year. Many students are seeking extraordinary talents to strengthen their teams. How about...” Lone Wolf pondered.

“You want to join our group?” Xiang Nan’s face lit up, eager to add.

“Let Li Mu go with you into Lingxu,” Lone Wolf suggested, pointing at Li Mu nearby.

Li Mu was ready to step forward and accept the order.

“No need! Li Mu’s cultivation level is still too low,” Xiang Nan said with disdain.

“What? What’s wrong with my cultivation? Xiang Nan, we need to settle this properly. I’m Stage Two, Eight Stars, you know. My cultivation isn’t inferior to yours!” Li Mu’s pitiful expression made everyone burst out laughing.