Chapter 108 - Chapter 108: Riding on the Clouds? Shili Pavilion!

Later that night—Ning Caichen, in a hilarious case of mistaken identity, thought Fu Qingfeng was Nie Xiaoqian and chased after her. Just like in the original tale, the events unfolded comically yet fatefully. During the chase, a token accidentally fell from Ning Caichen's robes. It was a keepsake given to him by the real Zhuge Liang.What happened next could only be described as a comedy of errors and a stroke of destiny.Everyone around, including Zhiqiu Yiye—who had originally looked down on Ning Caichen—was completely awestruck. They genuinely believed that Ning Caichen was the legendary Mr. Wolong himself!Even Zhiqiu Yiye, who had openly shown contempt earlier, started treating Ning Caichen with a level of reverence normally reserved for sages. It was a sudden shift, from disdain to admiration, all based on a token and a few mistaken words.At the same time, as if straight out of a drama script, something Ning Caichen had said to Fu Qingfeng was taken far too seriously. His ambiguous statements were misinterpreted by the Fu sisters, Zhiqiu Yiye, and the other chivalrous heroes. They collectively jumped to the conclusion that "Mr. Wolong" was hinting that Fu Qingfeng and Fu Yuechi's father—held captive—would be passing by Shili Pavilion the next day.That same morning, at dawn, Leo had just completed a full night of cultivation on the roof of Zhengqi Villa."Brother Leo!"A delicate voice rang out. Before Leo could respond, a graceful figure leapt up onto the roof beside him.It was Fu Yuechi.She had activated the Fantasy Version: Sage Mode. Although the spiritual energy within her was minimal, it had significantly improved her physical capabilities. She could now leap to rooftops without using stairs or ladders—a sign that her training was beginning to bear fruit.Fu Yuechi landed gently beside him, her face glowing with the morning sun. Her cheeks were slightly pink, either from the chill of dawn or... something else."Brother Leo, that Ning Caichen from last night... he's actually the legendary Mr. Wolong. He said that my father will be passing through Shili Pavilion today, while being escorted in chains," she said, not waiting for Leo to ask anything.From the tone in her voice and the look in her eyes, it was obvious—she had come to say goodbye.There was a quiet sadness in her beautiful eyes. A lingering reluctance.But before she could turn away, Leo responded."I'll go with you."His words were calm and resolute, slicing through the early morning haze like a blade.Fu Yuechi froze in place. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and her lips trembled slightly."Brother Leo... you…"A smile of joy lit up her entire face, turning her earlier melancholy into pure emotion.However, Leo continued with his characteristic calm."I still lack a considerable amount of merit before I can ascend to heaven. Didn't you say your father was a loyal minister of your nation? If that's the case, rescuing him should earn me significant merit."He stated it plainly, without flourish. He wasn't going because of her—but for merit.Fu Yuechi's expression faltered. Her lips puckered into a small pout.Still, she couldn't hide her happiness. Even if his reason wasn't for her, she could still be near him a little longer."When are we leaving?" Leo asked without a hint of romantic flourish. No sweet words, no emotional consolation. Just direct action.Fu Yuechi's smile returned, sweet and sincere."My sister said we'll depart right after breakfast."She hesitated, then revealed something behind her back. She raised her hands toward Leo—clutched in them were two piping-hot baked buns."I thought you might be hungry."Leo glanced at her expressionlessly and looked away."I told you. I don't need to eat."Before she could reply, Leo suddenly coughed lightly. Then, under her stunned gaze, he leapt into the air.In an instant, he had left the rooftop.He landed gracefully near Zhiqiu Yiye, Fu Qingfeng, Ning Caichen, and the others, who were all enjoying breakfast outside Zhengqi Villa.Their chopsticks froze mid-air. Every single one of them was stunned.Leo stood tall, calm, his hands folded in front of him."I'll go with you."Before anyone could even process his sudden appearance, he had declared his intent."Really?!" cried out several martial artists almost in unison.A buzz of excitement followed."With an immortal like Brother Leo joining us, there's no way our mission to rescue Master Fu will fail!""Absolutely, this is the best news!"Fu Qingfeng stood and bowed politely to Leo."Brother Leo, thank you so much for being willing to help.""There's no need to thank me. I'm only doing it for the merit," Leo responded, his tone as steady as ever.Zhiqiu Yiye suddenly laughed in realization."Ah! So that's why you're helping! I was wondering... why would someone at the level of Earthly Immortal care about a mortal affair? It's because merit is what you're lacking!"He nodded to himself, clearly impressed.And indeed, everyone around them began to understand. Leo, who was at the threshold of becoming a true immortal, needed only one last push—heavenly merit. And what better way than saving a righteous official?Zhiqiu Yiye couldn't help but feel envious.To be so close to immortality...Soon, Fu Yuechi joined them on the ground, holding the now-cold buns. Leo, of course, showed no interest in them. Sighing, Fu Yuechi had no choice but to eat them herself.Once breakfast was done, everyone mounted their horses, ready to gallop toward Shili Pavilion.Fu Yuechi rode up beside Leo, cheeks a little flushed."Brother Leo, can you ride a horse? Or… maybe…"She trailed off, her words soft and hesitant. Clearly, she was hoping he'd ride with her.The nearby martial artists all grinned knowingly, their eyes flickering with amusement and warmth.Fu Qingfeng watched from a short distance and sighed.She could only feel sorry for her younger sister.After all, Leo wasn't from their world. He was on a different path, one that no ordinary person could walk beside.The more affection her sister gave now, the more it would hurt later.Still, Fu Qingfeng couldn't blame her. A man like Leo—handsome, powerful, aloof, with an aura of mystery—was like a drug. Irresistible to any woman.Even she, who had a marriage contract, had felt it."What am I thinking?" she muttered, shaking her head violently to clear her mind of such forbidden thoughts.Then she called out:"Yuechi, hurry up and catch up!"Spurring her horse forward, she took the lead."Yes, sister!" Fu Yuechi answered brightly.She turned back toward Leo—just in time to see him cough again and take off into the sky.Effortlessly, Leo soared into the air like a swallow in flight, his figure rapidly shrinking in the distance as he followed the path Fu Qingfeng had taken.After all, he had no idea where Shili Pavilion was.Fu Yuechi, stunned, could only watch in awe from the saddle."Bro... Brother Leo…"A group of martial heroes behind her all stared, mouths agape.Zhiqiu Yiye was the first to speak, eyes wide in admiration."I can only burrow through the ground... and Brother Leo is already flying into the clouds?""He truly deserves the title of Earthly Immortal!"Everyone nodded, unable to hide the amazement in their eyes.