Nangong Xiyun drew her sword, not to harm anyone, but to make Su Luo go through the motions. After all, it wouldn't be fair if only Situ Ye was left injured.
"Today, you can go back."
"Thank you for your care during these days, Nangong Sect Master."
Honestly, Little Yu had helped him avoid some physical pain, but if Nangong Xiyun hadn't agreed, he would have been beaten anyway.
Gratitude was fine, but to repay her? That was out of the question. With Su Luo's status, he wasn't expected to return the favor. Besides, it seemed Nangong Xiyun didn't need his repayment anyway.
"So, you have nothing to offer?"
"An offering? This…"
Su Luo searched himself but found nothing of value. In this life, he had his diaries, so he hadn't collected any particularly precious items. Anything he had on him would seem meager when presented to someone like Nangong Xiyun.
"Then consider it owed. Pay me back when the opportunity arises."
"Sure, no problem."
Su Luo agreed readily, though he doubted there would be a next time.
Nangong Xiyun nodded and left, as Little Yu had just arrived.
However, she didn't leave completely—just stood in a corner.
"Su Luo, are you leaving?"
"Yes."
Little Yu glanced at Nangong Xiyun.
Nangong Xiyun understood and turned away.
Little Yu…
If possible, she hoped Nangong Xiyun would give them some space.
But it seemed that wasn't happening.
"Su Luo, how long will you stay in Medicine King Valley?"
"A bit longer."
"Can I visit you?"
"No, you're too conspicuous."
If the Heavenly Demon Sect saw them together, it could lead to accusations of collusion.
Little Yu felt a bit sad. These days with Su Luo had felt like old times. The separation hadn't made them feel distant, and she really didn't want to part with him.
Su Luo whispered softly in her ear, "But we can meet in secret."
Little Yu's face lit up instantly. "Okay."
At that moment, Nangong Xiyun said, "It's about time. Let's go."
...
Members of the Seven Stars Sword Sect and the Heavenly Demon Sect arrived at the Misty Pavilion, a place arranged by the Valley Master of Medicine King Valley.
The Valley Master personally attended, aiming to mediate the exchange of hostages and prevent any tricks from either side.
He appeared as an ordinary old man, with white hair, brows, and beard, but his spirit was strong.
"You can proceed with the exchange now."
Lin Xuan returned to the Seven Stars Sword Sect, while Su Luo and Situ Ye returned to the Heavenly Demon Sect.
There were no surprises. If something went wrong at this point, it would be seen as provoking Medicine King Valley, especially since the Valley Master was personally overseeing the event.
"Valley Master, do you still remember me, Situ Ye?"
As soon as he returned to the Heavenly Demon Sect, Situ Ye regained his usual confidence, though his swollen face somewhat detracted from it.
"Of course, you are one of the Heavenly Demon Seven Sons, young and already at the Golden Core stage. Your spear techniques are unparalleled, and you will surely achieve great things in the future."
Hearing the Valley Master's praise, Situ Ye's face glowed with pride. Not only was he renowned in the Heavenly Demon Sect, but his reputation also extended here. Among the young people present, who could match him?
Thinking of this, the frustration of the past ten days suddenly disappeared.
But revenge was still on the agenda. Lin Xuan, one day I will make you taste the suffering I endured these days.
He directed his anger at Lin Xuan because he saw Lin Xuan hadn't suffered at all.
Why wouldn't his subordinates do their job properly? It made Situ Ye feel very unbalanced.
There was also the fact that others were too powerful to mess with.
Revenge on Nangong Xiyun? That would have to wait a few centuries until his cultivation improved.
Yin Youming? Same deal.
Su Luo was also infuriating, but there was something eerie about his treasures. He couldn't figure him out.
In Situ Ye's eyes, Su Luo had been riding on his treasures all along. Whether it was the previous thunder, staying fresh for fifteen days, or even earlier when he withstood the Demon Lord's pressure, it all seemed linked to his treasures.
Before understanding them, Situ Ye chose to bide his time.
As for Lin Xuan, although skilled, he fell within an acceptable range.
"If there's nothing more, disperse." The Valley Master didn't have much time to waste on this matter; he had a difficult medical case to handle.
"Final warning: don't cause trouble in Medicine King Valley, or you won't be spared."
The Valley Master said this confidently, then left.
After the exchange, Nangong Xiyun had already departed to retrieve Yun, who wasn't present. Xiao Pa was delaying, so she had to hurry.
Lin Xuan and the others also left, simply avoiding the Heavenly Demon Sect members, fearing they might lose control and attack.
By the way, Liao Duci's poison had been fully neutralized. If nothing else came up, he might leave soon too.
Situ Ye also left, still needing to deal with the residual poison effects. Being forced to delay for fifteen days was troubling, and he felt rather unlucky.
He had come full of excitement to heal his poison-tainted body, only for this whole incident to ruin his mood.
Leaving Su Luo and Xiao Pa behind.
Su Luo pinched Xiao Pa's cheek: "Where's your master?"
Xiao Pa meowed, feeling wronged. Her master wasn't there, so why bully the cat? Besides, Su Luo had just seen her master, though the latter wouldn't let her disclose the information.
"Stop meowing, speak human language."
Xiao Pa shot a look of disdain at Su Luo. Cats didn't speak human language.
"Coming, coming, coming! Sorry for being late." Yun hurried over, immediately admitting her fault.
"You know you're late, huh? You know how embarrassing it was to only have Xiao Pa greet me?"
Lin Xuan had a whole retinue of Seven Stars Sword Sect disciples, and Situ Ye had a group of subordinates. Only Su Luo was greeted by Xiao Pa, lacking any sort of grandeur.
In truth, Su Luo didn't care much, just wondering why Yun wasn't there.
"Sorry, I made the Demon Child lose face. Next time, I'll prepare a grand welcoming with drums and gongs."
"Do you think there'll be a next time? Are you wishing for my demise so you can take my place?"
"No such thing."
"So, where were you just now?"
"I was preparing a feast to welcome you back."
"That's not a valid excuse for not greeting me."
A feast couldn't be done after the greeting, or at least half-prepared to stop and welcome.
"Demon Child, please forgive me. It wasn't intentional."
Yun rubbed Su Luo's shoulders, trying to appease him.
"Fine, I forgive you."
"I knew the Demon Child was the best." Yun continued, "By the way, how have you been these past few days? Did you get hurt anywhere? Let me check."
"Stop that, I'm fine." Su Luo swatted her hand away.
"No, I have to see."
...
"Yun, why are you acting so affectionate?"
"It’s been more than ten days since we last saw each other. I really missed our Demon Child."