Chapter 275: The Figure Holding a Steel Fork
"Elder Yanxiao, something seems… off about your expression."
The students, perplexed, exchanged glances as they observed Xiao Yan's unusual demeanor. Their elder, usually composed and enigmatic, now wore a peculiar smile after witnessing something in the fishing shop.
"It's nothing," Xiao Yan replied, his grin widening. He turned to the students and added, "Since everyone seems eager to fish, let's go have some fun."
As he spoke, Xiao Yan casually tossed a purple gold card onto the counter.
"Shopkeeper, prepare a set of fishing gear for everyone here. Budget? Five million gold coins."
The students cheered, their excitement palpable as they collected their gear and headed toward Spring Lake. But their enthusiasm soon turned into curiosity when Xiao Yan repeatedly reminded them to suppress their aura as they approached the lakeshore.
The Silver Haired Huntress
When the group arrived at a low lying area near the lake, they were greeted by an unexpected sight that left them in awe.
Beneath the deep blue night sky, a golden full moon bathed the endless expanse of Spring Lake in its radiant glow. The rippling water reflected countless silver fragments of moonlight, shimmering like scattered stars.
And there, by the water's edge, stood a tall, silver haired woman in a long silver robe. Her usual boots had been removed, revealing delicate, jade like feet glistening under the moonlight. Her figure, graceful yet strong, appeared ethereal, as if she were a goddess descended to earth.
The huntress clutched a sharp steel fork, her gaze fixed intently on the water. In one swift motion, she hurled the weapon with a surge of battle energy, the attached cord trailing behind it.
The lake erupted into a spray of water as the fork struck its target with a dull, meaty sound.
A smile, more dazzling than the moonlight, curved on her lips as she pulled the line with practiced ease. Moments later, a massive aquatic magical beast, nearly as large as a human, emerged from the water, writhing in protest as it was dragged ashore.
The huntress beamed at her impressive catch, her joy evident.
But before she could secure the fish, thunderous applause erupted from behind her.
Caught in the Act
"Well done!"
"Who would've thought that Junior Sister Han Yue was so skilled at spear fishing!"
Han Yue froze at the sound of clapping. Her first instinct was to remain on guard, but the familiar voices quickly set her at ease.
Still, her body stiffened as her gaze traveled toward the onlookers. The faces of her companions came into view, one by one. And then… Xiao Yan.
Her already flushed cheeks turned crimson as the realization struck her she had been caught in the act.
Unable to bear the embarrassment, Han Yue spun around and, without hesitation, jumped into the lake with a loud "splash!"
As the cool water enveloped her, she thought to herself, "I can't face anyone anymore!"
Before she could dive deeper, a firm yet gentle arm encircled her waist. Startled, Han Yue tensed, but a familiar voice reassured her.
"Don't worry, it's just me."
Xiao Yan's calm tone soothed her, and she relaxed as he used his battle energy to create an air pocket around them, evaporating the water from their clothes.
Although safe, Han Yue's embarrassment only deepened. She looked up at Xiao Yan, her crimson face reflecting the moonlight.
"Elder Yanxiao, earlier… I…" she stammered.
"No need to explain. I saw everything," Xiao Yan replied, his mischievous smile betraying his amusement.
A Memory Etched in Moonlight
Under the silvery glow of the moon, the image of the silver haired maiden holding a steel fork lingered in Xiao Yan's mind. He chuckled inwardly, the scene oddly reminiscent of a certain writer's poetic prose.
"You're terrible! So mean!" Han Yue pouted, flustered by his teasing grin.
Xiao Yan's expression softened. "Yue'er," he said suddenly, his tone serious.
Startled by his unexpected use of such an intimate address, Han Yue's heart skipped a beat. She glanced at him nervously, but she couldn't deny the faint joy she felt at his words.
"What is it?" she asked, her clear, bright eyes searching his.
"You look absolutely stunning while spear fishing strong and graceful," Xiao Yan declared with a sincere smile.
Han Yue's heart raced at his compliment, her emotions a whirlwind of embarrassment and delight.
"You…" she began, only to find herself speechless when Xiao Yan suddenly leaned closer, his arm tightening slightly around her waist.
On the Shore
Meanwhile, back on the lakeshore, Lin Xiuya and the others had set up their fishing rods, waiting for Xiao Yan and Han Yue to return.
"Strange, why is Elder Yanxiao taking so long to bring Han Yue back?" Lin Xiuya muttered, his brows furrowing.
"You don't get it, do you?" teased one of the female students, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Elder Yanxiao is probably having a 'heart to heart' talk with her."
"Does a 'heart to heart' take this long? We already agreed not to tease her about this," Lin Xiuya grumbled, scratching his head.
The others exchanged amused glances, their expressions betraying their thoughts.
"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Lin Xiuya demanded, puzzled.
"Lin Xiuya," Lin Yan finally said with a smirk. "You're still a virgin, aren't you?"
"Yes, so? What's that got to do with anything?" Lin Xiuya replied indignantly, unaware of the collective laughter his response elicited.
A Distant Threat
While Xiao Yan and Han Yue's relationship grew closer, far away in the depths of Spring God Ravine, a sinister energy churned violently.
The black, cloud like miasma boiled like water brought to a rolling boil. Moments later, a towering pillar of darkness shot skyward, its sheer force tainting everything in its path.
Plants blackened and twisted into grotesque forms, while nearby animals mutated into monstrous killing machines. Even the clouds above darkened ominously.
As the pillar of darkness faded, a swirling vortex replaced it, devouring the thick miasma from the ravine's depths. Once the miasma dissipated, a tall figure emerged.
Clad in a luxurious alchemist's robe, his face was unnaturally handsome yet radiated a terrifying aura.
It was none other than Han Feng, or what remained of him.
"This power… I've finally regained my strength as a demon general," Han Feng murmured, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "But will I ever return to the rank of demon king on this wretched continent?"
His expression darkened as he remembered the existence of an emperor level entity. "Only an emperor level being can challenge another emperor. I wonder… are any of the Demon Emperors from the old campaigns still alive in this world?"
For now, regaining more power took precedence. Han Feng turned to the two figures who had silently appeared behind him.
"Gold and Silver Generals!"
"At your command," the two replied in unison.
"Bring me more souls."
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