"Uh... alright," Sun Ningxiang replied, amused and exasperated. She glanced at Yang Jing and gave him a warm, familiar smile, the corners of her eyes tilting up slightly in greeting.

"Senior Sister Ning Xiang," Yang Jing quickly responded with a nod.

Sun Ningxiang gave a small smile, then turned and headed for the kitchen, basket in hand. The hem of her skirt brushed against the bluestone pavers, leaving a faint, clean scent of soap in her wake.

Once she was a good distance away, Yang Jing turned to Sun Yong and asked quizzically, "Master, did you need me for something?"

Sun Yong picked up an empty teacup from the table, rubbing it as he spoke slowly. "A disciple from the Po Mountain Martial Arts Hall is here. They said they have some questions for you. Have you had any run-ins with them recently? Do you know what this could be about?"

Yang Jing’s brow furrowed. He thought for a moment before shaking his head. "I’m not sure, Master. Aside from my match with Shen Lie during the training ground trials, I haven’t had any other contact with anyone from the Po Mountain Martial Arts Hall."

Sun Yong grunted. He tapped a finger against the rim of the cup, then suddenly looked up at Yang Jing, his gaze as placid as a deep pond. "Then tell me, are you connected to Shen Lie’s death in any way?"

"What?"

Yang Jing froze. He instinctively sat up straighter, his heart pounding as if it had been struck. A sudden chill ran through him.

’He never imagined his master would ask such a thing. He’d been so careful, so clean, leaving no trace behind. Had he slipped up somewhere?’

He suppressed the panic rising in his chest and quickly shook his head, his voice laced with the perfect amount of shock and innocence. "Master, why would you ask such a question? How could I possibly be involved in Shen Lie’s death? I only heard he was dead this morning from the other disciples. I could hardly believe it myself."

Sun Yong observed him. The shock in Yang Jing’s eyes didn’t look feigned, and his innocent expression made it seem as if he were genuinely stumped by the question. He gave a slow nod.

In truth, he had never really suspected Yang Jing.

For one, the disciple had a steady temperament and wasn’t the type to act rashly or cause trouble. Moreover, he had no long-standing feud with Shen Lie.

For another, Shen Lie was an expert, a Peak of Dark Energy Martial Artist. While Yang Jing was no weakling, it would be impossible for him to win so easily in a real fight, let alone emerge completely unscathed.

"Good, as long as you’re not involved," Sun Yong said coolly. "When the people from the Po Mountain Martial Arts Hall get here, just answer whatever they ask truthfully. No need to be nervous."

"Yes, Master. I understand," Yang Jing quickly replied.

But the hand resting on his knee quietly clenched into a fist.

That momentary interrogation just now had truly made him break out in a cold sweat.

’It seems this is far more complicated than I thought. I’ll have to be even more cautious from now on.’

As they were speaking, the sound of footsteps approached from outside the courtyard.

The servant disciple from before led Zhou Ling through the Moon Gate at a brisk pace.

He led her to the door of the main house, bowed, and announced, "Hall Master, I’ve brought Zhou Ling from the Po Mountain Martial Arts Hall."

"Alright," Sun Yong nodded. "Come in."

The servant disciple showed Zhou Ling in, then immediately turned and left.

The inner courtyard was the Hall Master’s private place for meditation, governed by strict rules. Ordinary disciples were forbidden from entering without permission.

He had only been allowed inside today because he was escorting a guest. He felt the very air in the courtyard was heavier than anywhere else, and every extra moment spent there made his skin crawl. He didn’t dare linger for an instant.

Zhou Ling took a deep breath, straightened her robes, and stepped into the hall. Upon seeing Sun Yong in the seat of honor, she immediately performed a deep bow, her posture extremely deferential. "This junior, Zhou Ling, greets Elder Sun," she said respectfully.

As she spoke, she placed an exquisite lacquered box on the table beside her. "A small token of my respect," she said with a smile. "These are pastries from the Furui Shop in the Inner City. They’re rather tasty, so I bought them especially for you, Elder Sun."

She had gone out of her way to buy the pastries. The treats from Furui Shop were famous throughout Yuhe County and quite expensive—a clear gesture of goodwill toward Sun Yong.

Sun Yong didn’t even lift his gaze. He just made a soft sound deep in his throat and gestured with his hand. "Sit."

Only then did Zhou Ling dare to straighten up. She sat in the chair opposite Yang Jing, her back ramrod straight, not daring to show the slightest bit of laxity.

She stole a glance at Sun Yong. The Veteran Martial Artist’s face was calm and unreadable, betraying no hint of his mood. This only made her feel more self-conscious.

A Huajin Martial Artist was an incredibly influential figure to begin with. On top of that, her master, Wang Kui, had specifically warned her not to get on Sun Yong’s bad side.

Just then, Sun Ningxiang entered with a tray. On it sat three celadon teacups, wisps of steam rising from them and filling the air with the fragrant aroma of tea.

She still wore the same moon-white dress, and her steps were light and graceful. A gentle smile played on her lips.

With a soft smile and a nod to Zhou Ling, she gently placed the first cup of tea in front of Sun Yong.

Next, she walked to Zhou Ling’s side and offered her another cup.

Seeing this, Zhou Ling quickly stood up and took it with both hands, thanking her repeatedly.

Seeing Sun Ningxiang’s graceful temperament and elegant bearing, Zhou Ling had already guessed who she was and naturally didn’t dare be presumptuous.

Finally, Sun Ningxiang came to Yang Jing and handed him the remaining cup. A gentle smile touched her eyes. "For you, Junior Brother."

"Thank you, Senior Sister."

Yang Jing stood to accept it as well. As his fingers brushed against the warm porcelain and the tea’s delicate fragrance filled his senses, the tension from Sun Yong’s interrogation began to melt away.

Sun Ningxiang set down the tray and gave a faint smile. "I’ll leave you to talk."

With that, she quietly backed out of the room, gently lowering the door curtain behind her.

Zhou Ling lifted the teacup and took a gentle sip.

She immediately set the cup down, a genuine smile spreading across her face as she praised it effusively. "Excellent tea! Truly excellent! The flavor is so pure and smooth... it’s leagues better than the tea at our Martial Arts Hall. Elder Sun is truly a connoisseur."