Mrs. Zhang couldn't help but sigh softly, "Without evidence, there's no way to get Elder Feng to stand up for you. But we're not to be trifled with either, so we can't just let her bully us."
"Mother, I need to find Elder Mo again. There was no explanation for what happened last time. If he's willing to help, Feng Ninghe will surely die!"
Feng Tongtong placed her hope in Mo Zisang once more.
Mrs. Zhang did not refuse, nodding her head readily, "Then go and try. If you can persuade Elder Mo, that would indeed be good."
On the bustling street.
A carriage stopped in front of Willow Pavilion.
"Young Lady, we've arrived."
Chi Xia quickly jumped down from the carriage and helped Feng Ninghe out.
Having successfully obtained the imperial decree, Feng Ninghe exchanged a few simple pleasantries with Emperor Li and the Empress before leaving the palace.
Looking at Willow Pavilion before her, she stepped forward without hesitation.
"Miss Feng."
Su Xian spotted her at a glance and stepped forward to greet her.
Su Xian did not like the woman before her, but she couldn't reveal her true feelings. Her expression was as polite as always, revealing nothing.
She was indeed extraordinary to have lasted so long against Mo Zisang. Yet, no matter how she looked at it, she couldn't understand why this woman had earned the Sixth Master's special attention.
Feng Ninghe's gaze fell upon Su Xian. Her eyes, calm as still water, showed no ripple. She stated her purpose directly, "I'm here to see the Sixth Master."
"I'll go and report immediately."
Su Xian did not hesitate and quickly went to report.
The Sixth Master had given instructions that if Feng Ninghe came, she was to be reported immediately.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so swift in reporting.
In a room decorated in an ancient style.
When Su Hongxiu learned of Feng Ninghe's arrival, the corners of her mouth curved upwards involuntarily, her eyes hiding a hint of amusement. She quickly instructed Su Xian, "Let her in."
Su Xian subtly observed the emotional changes on the face of the person before her before responding, "Yes."
Led by Su Xian, Feng Ninghe stepped into the room.
The rich aroma of tea lingered in her nostrils, seeming to clear her mind and bring a sense of peace.
"You're here."
A man's voice spoke from behind a screen.
Though separated by the screen, one could feel the man's detached and elegant presence behind it.
His clear male voice seemed to have been waiting for a long time, and Feng Ninghe raised her eyebrows in slight surprise, "You knew I would come?"
Su Hongxiu stood up and walked out from behind the screen, gently fanning himself with a bone fan, his gaze falling unhurriedly on Feng Ninghe. "Our last meeting was too rushed, and we didn't have much time to chat. Today, we have time, so we can talk properly."
"Why did you help me?"
Feng Ninghe did not hesitate, speaking her mind directly.
Willow Pavilion was not a place for charity, so why would they help her without reason?
She didn't believe that this Sixth Master, who appeared harmless and exceptionally carefree, would help her for no reason.
Su Hongxiu's handsome face held a slight smile as he replied softly, "I was just passing by and happened to see injustice and decided to lend a hand."
Feng Ninghe instinctively observed the man before her.
He was dressed in a blue robe, his hair tied up high, his expression composed. His bright eyes sat above a prominent nose. He was the very picture of a refined and gentle young master.
It had to be admitted that Su Hongxiu was exceptionally handsome. Even if placed by the roadside, he could attract countless gazes.
"Sixth Master, no matter what, you helped me. Is there anything you desire? Perhaps I can assist you."
Feng Ninghe changed the subject, subtly probing Su Hongxiu's intentions.
Su Hongxiu sat down on a chair with great ease, fanning himself. "I don't help people for repayment. If you feel indebted, just consider it a favor. I don't desire anything right now. You have great talent, and it would be a pity to let you die like this. I saved you because I cherish talent."
If he had any ulterior motives, he could have revealed them at this opportunity.
This surprised Feng Ninghe somewhat.
She nodded, "Since that's the case, I won't say more. In the future, if you ever need help, Sixth Master, please don't hesitate to ask."
Su Hongxiu casually brewed two cups of tea and pushed one towards her. "A guest is a guest. This tea is different from the last batch. Try it and tell me how it tastes."
Feng Ninghe did not refuse, picking up the tea and savoring it.
The tea aroma was light and elegant, and the taste was mellow and fragrant.
She nodded with slight approval, "Compared to the last batch, both have their merits. You have quite a bit of good tea, Sixth Master."
Su Hongxiu smiled and said, his eyes curving slightly, "If you like it, I can send you some more. I have no shortage of tea. In fact, I should thank you for letting me win quite a bit of spirit stones."
Mentioning spirit stones, Feng Ninghe was slightly taken aback and looked at him with a hint of confusion, "What do you mean, Sixth Master?"
"In the Hundred Arena competition, many bet that you would lose. I bet one hundred thousand spirit stones that you would win, and those one hundred thousand spirit stones were eventually multiplied tenfold."
Su Hongxiu said unhurriedly, his gaze calmly shifting to her.
Someone had wagered a million spirit stones on Feng Ninghe, causing others to follow suit and bet their spirit stones.
Feng Ninghe couldn't hide her astonishment and met his gaze, "You actually bet on me to win?"
She thought no one in the entire Li Kingdom would bet on her to win.
After all, in the eyes of the world, she was an absolute cultivation waste who had no chance of winning the Hundred Arena competition.
Su Hongxiu casually picked up his teacup and drank, his eyes holding a hint of interest. "I didn't think you would lose. Even if you couldn't win, one hundred thousand spirit stones is nothing to Willow Pavilion."
Feng Ninghe, however, couldn't help but look at the man before her a few more times.
She had long heard that the Pavilion Master of Willow Pavilion was unpredictable. Now, seeing him, he was even more mysterious than she had imagined.
He sat quietly before her, yet she couldn't fathom his thoughts.
However, being on good terms with the Sixth Master could only be beneficial.
"Sixth Master, if there's anything you need my help with, please just say it. The feeling of owing someone a favor is not pleasant."
Feng Ninghe spoke her mind directly.
Su Hongxiu's smile deepened involuntarily, and his mood improved considerably. "Alright, but it's very possible that before you can repay my favor, you'll owe me another one."
Feng Ninghe chuckled softly, not paying it much mind.
Being at Willow Pavilion reminded her of her days of peaceful seclusion in Medicine Valley. She felt she could cast aside her worries and no longer dwell on conflicts.
Feng Ninghe did not stay long. After a brief conversation, they parted ways.
As she left Willow Pavilion, Su Xian handed her several small porcelain jars. "These are the teas Sixth Master is giving you. Each jar contains a different kind of tea."
Feng Ninghe did not refuse, readily accepting the tea and saying softly, "Then please convey my thanks to Sixth Master for me."
Su Xian nodded gently in understanding.
Although she didn't know why the Sixth Master treated this woman so unusually, as a member of Willow Pavilion, she had to maintain the required politeness.