Chapter 116: Identity Exposed

As they emerged together from the Nascent Gorge, all eyes at the exit turned toward them. Especially those of the four elders guarding the gorge, for it had only been open a day, and few illusionists dared to venture out so soon.

But when they saw the severely wounded girl cradled in Feng Jun’s arm, realization dawned.

Shen Duo’s grave injury instilled a newfound caution toward the Nascent Gorge among many.

Linghu Yu stood upon Benyi’s broad back, subtly signaling in one direction before guiding them to Normans City’s finest medical clinic.

Shen Duo’s wounds were swiftly brought under control. Only after confirming her condition was stable did Linghu Yu and Ji Qingxue take their leave, leaving behind the address where they would stay in Normans City.

Within the clinic’s ward remained only Shen Duo and Feng Jun’s companions.

After the healer treated her wounds, Shen Duo, exhausted, drifted into sleep. Nearby, Chen Boguang helped the injured Huren wait patiently.

Feng Jun turned to them, leaving Lou Jingbai and Benyi to tend to Shen Duo in the room. He invited Chen Boguang and the others outside for a word.

The clinic corridor was deserted and hushed.

From his storage pouch, Feng Jun withdrew a third of a Dragon Scale Herb, placing it before Chen Boguang. The usually taciturn and cold man spoke sparingly, “This is for you.”

Chen Boguang stared in surprise at the faintly glowing spiritual herb in Feng Jun’s hand, shaking his head repeatedly. “We cannot accept this. We have done nothing to deserve it. Moreover, such a precious treasure will only attract covetous eyes. It is better for you to keep it.”

Feng Jun regarded Chen Boguang’s sincere gaze but did not insist. He took back the Dragon Scale Herb. In truth, he felt neither Chen Boguang nor Huren had the right to receive it. Shen Duo had previously decreed that all spoils found by their team were to be shared equally. Now, Feng Jun was merely upholding that rule on her behalf.

Casting a cold glance at Chen Boguang and Huren, he said no more and turned to return to the ward.

Feng Jun’s aloof and proud nature was well-known. Born into one of the four great families and cultivated from youth as one of the continent’s top powers, he simply disliked speaking, which caused his proud demeanor to be overlooked.

Meanwhile, Chen Boguang sensed that this formidable young man was far less approachable than Shen Duo.

Though apprehensive, Chen Boguang was unwilling to lose this chance.

Swallowing hard, he mustered courage and called out loudly, “Sir, please wait!”

Feng Jun’s long strides halted, and he turned his head, his icy gaze signaling them to speak.

“Sir, I wish to know your future plans?” Chen Boguang, in decades of life, had never humbled himself to speak so meekly before.

“Unknown.” Feng Jun’s simple answer reflected his displeasure. Shen Duo was still unconscious, and no plans had been made. He could not inform Chen Boguang. The lowly man before him seemed intent on clinging to Shen Duo, which irritated Feng Jun inexplicably.

Chen Boguang was speechless; Feng Jun’s attitude was like a thousand miles of distance.

“Then could you leave your lodging address? We owe much to Shen Duo for her care in the Nascent Gorge. Once she awakens, I hope to thank her personally!” Chen Boguang’s words left him drenched in cold sweat.

Feng Jun furrowed his brow but finally coldly gave an address. Without lingering further, he reentered the ward, closing the door behind him, cutting off Chen Boguang and Huren.

Chen Boguang, supporting the injured Huren, flinched at the door’s closing and sighed before hurrying away.

It was not until evening that Shen Duo slowly stirred awake. Perhaps due to the holy radiant energy within her, her recovery was rapid. Upon opening her eyes, she was surprised to find her pain lessened by half and that she could walk without difficulty.

The moment she opened her eyes, she sensed a burning, anxious gaze upon her.

She smiled warmly, meeting it, “Feng Jun, I’m fine now.”

Seeing Shen Duo’s peaceful smile softened Feng Jun’s normally frozen expression considerably. He nodded ever so slightly.

Lou Jingbai, now transformed into a mimic form, curled up beside Shen Duo’s pillow. After a disdainful snort at their expressions, he straightened and spoke earnestly, “Xiao Duo, after what happened in the Nascent Gorge today, we must be cautious! You need a plan ahead. Shen Taixing will not let this go easily, and Linghu Yu and Ji Qingxue—we cannot be sure they are truly trustworthy!”

The group barely caught their breath before facing this harsh reality.

Though Linghu Yu appeared to stand with them, they knew nothing of the forces behind him. Moreover, many had seen them exiting the gorge to seek treatment.

If the Shen family training team sought to publicize their acquisition of the Dragon Scale Herb, countless scattered masters and illusionists would soon target them.

Shen Duo was no fool; neither her nor Feng Jun’s identities could remain hidden long.

If Shen Taixing discovered her true identity and reported it to the Shen family’s main city, who knew what punishments awaited? The unresolved matter in Luo City still loomed.

Shen Duo suddenly realized this trip to the Nascent Gorge had been terribly unprofitable.

In just one day, she and Feng Jun had been exposed publicly. Who could say how many schemes awaited them?

Yet none of this was the most urgent concern. The key issue now was that her longsword was damaged. She needed to find a suitable weapon as swiftly as possible.

That sword was a sacred illusionary instrument gifted by an elder—the keepsake from Lei Hang. She never expected it would break in the Nascent Gorge, and the loss truly pained her.

“Feng Jun, once my wounds heal, we must leave Normans immediately. Many have likely set their sights on us by now,” Shen Duo squinted.

Feng Jun’s long brows creased, “Our identities cannot be concealed.”

Lou Jingbai wagged his fluffy tail, displeased, “You should return to the Feng family. Don’t stick with me and Xiao Duo.”

Hearing this, Feng Jun remained silent but looked at Shen Duo with even greater resolve. Anyone could see the firm determination in his eyes.

Shen Duo shot Lou Jingbai a sharp glance, then turned gently to Feng Jun, “I’m still weak. Rest a while longer. Once I’m awake, accompany me to buy a longsword. After we return to the inn, we’ll plan our next steps.”

Feng Jun silently tucked the blanket around her. Watching Shen Duo close her tired eyes and sink into sleep, he sat by her bedside in meditation, awaiting her awakening.

Yet before Shen Duo could awaken, an uninvited visitor arrived.

Linghu Yu and his group knocked and entered the ward.

Feng Jun’s gaze turned icy, wishing he could obliterate Linghu Yu’s spiritual illusionary energy on the spot.

Linghu Yu smiled kindly. “Young Feng Jun, you seem quite hostile toward me?”

Feng Jun’s narrow, deep eyes narrowed further. Linghu Yu called him by name! He had discovered his identity so quickly!

“You know who I am?” Feng Jun’s voice was cold and edged with menace.

“I didn’t during the Nascent Gorge, but I do now,” Linghu Yu said calmly, as if soothing a sulking child.

Feng Jun’s eyes instinctively glanced toward the sleeping girl in the bed.

Linghu Yu smiled again. “Shen Duo—direct descendant of the Shen family.”

“You…” Feng Jun felt a pang in his heart. He had expected Linghu Yu to send someone to investigate their identities, but not that they would uncover it so swiftly and accurately.

“Feng Jun, rest assured, we bear no ill will toward either you or Shen Duo,” Linghu Yu, a natural diplomat, spoke with such sincerity it was hard to dislike him.

Faced with such a shrewd adversary, Feng Jun shed his usual lethargy. His cold eyes sharpened like blades, and he spoke more than usual, “What exactly is your purpose? Neither Xiao Duo nor I will allow you to manipulate us!”

“Won’t you invite us in for a talk?” Linghu Yu raised an eyebrow, glancing inside the ward.

Feng Jun stepped aside, allowing Linghu Yu and his men inside. Linghu Yu casually set up a sturdy defensive formation within.

He scanned the small single ward. A fiery red, petite fox lay by the girl’s pillow, its slender eyes vigilantly watching them. A majestic silver wolf stood ready on the floor. Linghu Yu noticed the girl’s fingers twitch.

He smiled gently, “Has Shen Duo’s condition improved?”

Lou Jingbai’s displeased voice answered, “Human, I did not invite you to visit. Xiao Duo’s affairs are none of your concern. Leave at once!”

Linghu Yu paid no mind to Lou Jingbai’s irritation. As if at home, he took a chair and sat, crossing his legs leisurely.

His appearance was that of a handsome middle-aged gentleman, his elegant demeanor disarming.

He looked around at those present, raising an eyebrow, growing more curious about Shen Duo.

Why would a swordsman be accompanied by divine beasts and high-level sacred illusionary beasts? He clearly saw that Shen Duo could not even absorb spiritual illusion energy. Why would such proud bloodlines, like a five-tailed fire fox, willingly accompany a swordsman girl? And why was Feng Jun—the continent’s top prodigy illusionist and proud direct heir of the Feng family—together with Shen Duo? Shen Duo was a direct branch of the Shen family, yet possessed such extraordinary swordsman talent?

So many mysteries. For the first time, Linghu Yu found himself unable to quell his curiosity, eager to uncover it all.

Linghu Yu chuckled shortly, “Sir, you must understand, we mean no harm. We are all intelligent people. After this afternoon’s battle in the Nascent Gorge, you must know your situation is dire. Since we could easily discover your identities, the four great families and other forces can do the same.”

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