Bai Niannian, the youngest daughter of the Bai family, was doted upon and cherished from childhood, always the center of attention.
The elder sons of the Bai family would undoubtedly protect her with all their might.
Feng Xing pondered for a moment before speaking, "Master, let her come along. She has connections in Jinling and is safer there than with us. More people might even be helpful."
Bai Niannian's cultivation was low, and she wouldn't be much help in combat. However, her brothers were in the sect, and she might prove useful at a critical moment.
Bai Niannian nodded eagerly, her delicate face etched with a hint of seriousness. Her clear voice, slightly hurried, emerged from her lips, "Ah Xing is right. Letting me come along can be helpful."
Seeing the two of them in perfect accord, Feng Ninghe relented, "Fine, if that's the case, then let her come. Rest well, and we'll depart for Jinling in two days."
Bai Niannian's face broke into a radiant smile, as bright and pure as a blooming flower. "Okay!"
Shi Wan's maids had already prepared rooms for the two of them.
Watching their retreating figures, Feng Ninghe spoke towards the shadows, "You can come down now."
She tilted her head slightly, looking up at the tall, slender figure standing on the eaves.
The man arrived with the sun behind him, its light illuminating the golden mask he wore.
Even standing there casually, he exuded an aura of power, aloof and noble.
Ever since she entered the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, Si Jianye had left the carriage and found a vantage point to watch the show.
Si Jianye disdained wasting time on the trivial affairs of ordinary people.
Yet, for some reason, when it came to Feng Ninghe, he found himself wanting to watch more.
Si Jianye descended from the eaves with ease, his feet touching the ground. Beneath the mask, his eyes were unfathomably deep.
Feng Ninghe met his gaze, her voice calm and gentle, "I've already asked the servants to prepare a good meal. You can leave afterward. Please take care of Xin Xin for me for a while. I'll find her once I've dealt with these troublesome matters."
It was inconvenient to bring Xin Xin to Jinling.
She could barely protect herself; she absolutely could not let Xin Xin be in danger.
She failed to notice a subtle glint in Si Jianye's eyes.
The man, wearing a mask, his expression unreadable, spoke in a low, calm voice, "This seat will take good care of Xin Xin."
"Eldest Miss!"
Suddenly, Chi Xia arrived in a hurry.
Upon seeing the extra figure in the courtyard, a clear look of surprise flashed in her eyes.
In a moment, Chi Xia composed herself, lowered her gaze, and quickly reported, "Eldest Miss, Sixth Master has arrived and is waiting outside the mansion."
The familiar name surprised Feng Ninghe slightly. "Did he say anything else?"
After all, she still owed Sixth Master a favor.
Chi Xia shook her head vigorously, indicating she didn't know. "Sixth Master said nothing, only that he wished to see you."
Feng Ninghe hesitated no longer and quickly said, "A guest is a guest. Please invite him in."
Si Jianye and Su Hongxiu were old acquaintances, so there was no need to deliberately avoid each other.
"Are you very familiar with him?"
Si Jianye raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharpening beneath the mask.
Feng Ninghe calmly raised her eyes and glanced at the man before her, shaking her head openly. "We've only met a few times."
Her simple words instantly soothed Si Jianye's restless heart. He lowered his gaze slightly and fell silent.
Led by a maid, Su Hongxiu proceeded swiftly towards Shi Wan.
His arrival was also immediately conveyed to the elders of the Feng family.
The Second Elder took a sip of his tea, his expression slightly somber. "Sixth Master's influence is vast. Even the major sects in Jinling show him respect. Being on good terms with Sixth Master can only be beneficial."
In the entire Li Kingdom, few could claim friendship with Sixth Master.
Even the highly esteemed Emperor of Li might not be able to easily summon Sixth Master.
The Third Elder, as if struck by a thought, quickly interjected, "Sixth Master is on good terms with Eldest Miss. He can offer assistance at a crucial moment."
The First Elder nodded with approval, speaking calmly, "Ning'er is determined to go to Jinling. This journey is fraught with peril, and we elders cannot stand idly by. She is a rare genius, and the Feng family must do its part to help her."
The Second Elder, as if a thought had occurred to him, pondered for a moment. "First Elder, do you mean to give her the family's heirloom treasure?"
The First Elder sighed, a hint of emotion in his eyes. "Indeed. With the family heirloom, her chances of survival will be greater. It is rare for our Feng family to have such a gifted daughter, and we must protect her."
The elders of the Feng family had placed all their hopes on Feng Ninghe.
Shi Wan.
Two figures were seated in the pavilion.
Su Hongxiu also arrived before Feng Ninghe at the first opportunity. Upon seeing Si Jianye, he raised his eyebrows in slight surprise. "I didn't expect the King of Hell to be here as well."
Si Jianye slowly raised his eyes, his indifferent gaze devoid of any emotion. "This seat also did not expect to see you here."
He had not intended to stay long, but upon learning that Su Hongxiu was also coming, he immediately changed his mind.
He wanted to see what Su Hongxiu's purpose was for this visit.
Feng Ninghe rose gracefully and invited Su Hongxiu to sit. "Sixth Master, I happen to have good wine and food prepared. Please join us for a meal."
Su Hongxiu did not refuse and sat down readily, picking up a cup of wine and drinking.
The wine was clear and fragrant, rich and mellow on the palate.
Su Hongxiu nodded with satisfaction. "The taste is good. It's fine wine."
Si Jianye's gaze fixed on him, and he spoke first, "I presume you are not here today just for a cup of wine. May I ask the reason for your visit?"
Su Hongxiu seemed to find it amusing, a meaningful smile appearing on his pleasant face. "Miss Feng has not yet asked, and yet King of Hell is impatient."
Feng Ninghe did not wish to see the two of them in a confrontation. She spoke up, "This is the Feng family. A guest is a guest. Let's all get along today."
Su Hongxiu smiled charmingly, his eyes filled with the breeze and the moon. His green robe accentuated his noble and languid demeanor.
"Miss Feng is right. I am certainly willing to get along. As for others, I cannot say."
As he spoke, his well-defined fingers leisurely fanned himself, his posture relaxed.
Su Hongxiu's words were clearly pointed.
Si Jianye grunted softly, his cold eyes flashing. "Tell me the purpose of your visit."
This was also what Feng Ninghe wanted to know. She probed slightly, "Sixth Master, could it be that you know about the recent events in the Li Kingdom and have come specifically?"
Facing the question, Su Hongxiu readily admitted, "That's right. The matter of Di Wenbin has caused quite a stir. I want to know the whole story and how you intend to handle it."
Feng Ninghe did not hesitate and briefly explained the situation, deliberately omitting the matter of Di Wenbin's residual soul.
Her next task was to go to Jinling and bring Elder Xu's head back to Medicine Valley intact.