Chapter 70: Farewell and Reunion

Although Zhang Ning could not fathom why Meng Meng was suddenly behaving this way, her actions unmistakably revealed the true identity of that young master Meng—Meng Xinglei, the one known as "Sword Pointing to the Firmament." As children of the Immortal Lord Meng, Meng Xinglei, in contrast to his well-protected sister Meng Meng, had made a name for himself early in the realm of Tianqing. In his twenties, he had already entered the Earth Ranking, becoming a figure revered by the younger generation.

Ah, that must have been what Fourth Senior Brother meant when he mentioned another matter that was not urgent—surely he referred to Miss Meng. Since the elders had likely intervened in Meng Meng's affairs, it was probably already settled, and what followed was merely youthful squabbling, hardly something to worry about.

Zhang Ning, for his part, looked at Meng Xinglei with a glint in his eyes, feeling as though he was meeting a true protagonist. This man, famed for traversing the world in white with a sword at his side, had mastered the Void-Splitting Sword Technique and was said to practice soul arts. It was rumored that when he fought, he would often attach his very spirit to his sword, making his swordsmanship all the more devastating, unstoppable, capable of shattering all magic.

At present, it seemed that aside from suppressing him with sheer cultivation, there was no way to withstand Meng Xinglei's sword. His upright and forthright nature only added to his reputation. The martial artists of Tianqing unanimously believed in his bright future; the Meng family's own windborne intelligence network, the Listening Pavilion, had given him the title "Sword Pointing to the Firmament"—a self-praise that seemed utterly unabashed, making Zhang Ning feel as if he was gaining new insight.

Just then Meng Xinglei spoke: "My younger sister has benefited much from the care of the Fifth Highness; this time, I have come to take her home. In the future, I shall certainly visit the Grand Heaven Demon Sect to express my gratitude in person."

Hearing Meng Xinglei so formally address him as "Highness" was the height of courtesy, yet Fourth Senior Brother only nodded solemnly and replied, "Very well." The atmosphere was growing a bit tense, so Zhang Ning quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "Young Master Meng, you are too polite; it was nothing but a trifling effort. On the contrary, it was I who received Miss Meng’s lifesaving help after the beast tide, so it should be I who offers thanks. I have long heard of the Immortal Lord Meng’s renown—one day, I ought to pay my respects at your residence."

Perhaps Zhang Ning's words surprised Meng Xinglei, for he paused for a moment before resuming his natural, friendly manner. The mood between them grew more relaxed and congenial.

Zhang Ning thus gained a first impression of Meng Xinglei’s character. His own subordinate, Su Ye, was gentle, measured, and perceptive—so much so that Zhang Ning once believed all young scions of noble families must be that way, and that the protagonists of lighthearted tales were unrealistic. But Meng Xinglei was open, generous, and seemed more like a wandering knight than a pampered aristocrat.

Zhang Ning and Meng Xinglei conversed for about the length of a meal. During this time, Fourth Senior Brother Han Zhifei did not utter a single word, and Meng Meng, who stood nearby, remained sullen and refused to look Zhang Ning in the eye. At last, when the topic turned from mutual praise to the pillars of their respective families—their masters and fathers—Meng Meng could no longer contain herself. She abruptly stepped between her brother and Zhang Ning, saying irritably, “Alright, alright, haven’t you talked enough? Brother, let’s go.”

Though her words were addressed to her brother, her glare was fixed on Zhang Ning, sharp as a blade and heavy with warning.

Zhang Ning could not help but laugh, wondering if he was overthinking it, for Meng Meng’s action felt almost like staking a claim. Did she think he would steal away her brother? Her behavior was sudden, and her warning gaze ill-timed, making the atmosphere instantly awkward. Han Zhifei frowned and moved a couple of steps closer to Zhang Ning.

Meng Xinglei responded swiftly, saying, “My sister was discourteous. But as it grows late, we siblings shall take our leave. Please forgive any impropriety.” Even under the blazing sun, his expression remained sincere and forthright.

Zhang Ning, of course, would not take offense at a young girl; he replied calmly, “Safe travels, Young Master Meng, Miss Meng. Take care on the road.”

Han Zhifei merely nodded in agreement.

The Meng siblings showed no intention of landing their flying artifact. Instead, Meng Xinglei drew a sword, and the two of them stepped upon it, slowly rising into the air. As they departed, Meng Meng turned back, giving Zhang Ning a complicated look before finally saying, “Thank you, Young Master Zhang, for saving my life.” Without waiting for a reply, she urged her brother onward, and in moments they were gone.

Zhang Ning swallowed the words he’d meant to say. Staring up at the cloudless sky, already empty of their figures, he felt an unexpected sense of loss.

Han Zhifei kept him company in silence for a moment before suddenly saying, “If you’re interested in the Spirit Plant Sect, we can go and have a look.”

Zhang Ning was immediately distracted. “That sounds great!”

He was genuinely interested; after all, a sect that produced tentacled monstrosities under the guidance of Senior Brother was bound to be unusual. Who knew what surprises might await? Besides, it would be nice to wander the realm with his senior brother—for since arriving in Tianqing, Zhang Ning had never truly traveled or gained experience. To visit another world and not explore its customs and people would be a great pity.

Perhaps his excitement showed too plainly, for Han Zhifei added, “If your interests are similar to Senior Brother’s, the Internal Affairs Hall can provide many things. Didn’t they already send you a ‘cat-eared girl’?”

When Han Zhifei mentioned the “cat-eared girl,” his pronunciation was rather awkward, as if he were stumbling over the words. After a moment, Zhang Ning suddenly realized—of the hundreds of subordinates given to him by the Internal Affairs Hall, each had unique gifts. Since that feathered woman named Xia truly had wings, then the half-cat named Ye must indeed be a cat-eared girl! What was I thinking at the time? Why did I only pay attention to their abilities? Now that I’ve sent them all away on assignments, it’ll be difficult to recall them!

Half an hour later.

Having seen the Meng siblings off and happily made plans with Fourth Senior Brother for the journey ahead, Zhang Ning returned to his room. After composing himself, he summoned Tang Dao. (It was said that of all his subordinates, only Tang Dao remained by his side, which is why he called for him alone.)

“Greetings, Your Highness!”

Tang Dao, upon entering, did not kneel, but his demeanor was perfectly balanced between familiarity and respect.

Seeing Tang Dao again—a person he’d met upon arriving in Tianqing—Zhang Ning was filled with emotion. In truth, he had met Tang Dao far less often than Yu Zhong or Su Ye. The live broadcasts had required endless planning, so he’d grown much closer with those two. Tang Dao, on the other hand, was different.

Zhang Ning had heard many rumors about Tang Dao, knowing him to be a ruthless, dominant overlord. With his appearance as a scholarly man in his thirties, Zhang Ning always felt there was a layer of distance between them. Yet now, in this moment of uncertainty, it was still Tang Dao who stood at his side.