Chapter 155: Shadow Blade Sect Joins Hands With Beasts

Shi Feiyan's eyebrows shot up. "An expedition? Just the two of us? But Patriarch, I've just broken through to the Nascent Soul Realm. How much help could I possibly be?"

"Your experience isn't an issue," Wang Li countered. "There are certain formations and talismans that require the spiritual energy of a Nascent Soul cultivator to activate. Your newly formed Nascent Soul will be sufficient. Besides," he added, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice, "your swordsmanship is more refined than you think. Even seasoned Nascent Soul experts should find it troublesome."

Shi Feiyan felt a surge of warmth at his words. She hadn't realized he held such a high opinion of her skills. A sense of pride bubbled within her. "Very well, Patriarch," she agreed readily, "I accept your proposal. Exploring this world sounds infinitely more appealing than remaining confined within these camp walls."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Wang Li's eyes. "Excellent," he said, a touch too quickly. "There's another reason I propose this expedition, Feiyan. We seek the Devil Sect members, and, specifically, Ye Fan."

Shi Feiyan's eyes hardened at the mention of her nemesis. "Ye Fan," she hissed, the venom in her voice unmistakable. "Of course, Patriarch. I would be more than willing to assist you in finding that wretched man. He deserves to pay for his crimes."

United by a shared goal, they made their departure from the combined camp under the scorching afternoon sun. Shi Feiyan's secluded residence, on the outskirts of the camp, provided the perfect opportunity for a discreet exit. With a silent nod of acknowledgement, they launched themselves into the sky, aiming northwest towards a vast, unexplored forest.

As they flew, Shi Feiyan couldn't help but steal a glance at the enigmatic figure beside her.

Wang Li and Shi Feiyan traversed the desolate landscape, the northwest wind whipping their robes. They encountered a variety of ferocious beasts along their journey – hulking Rock Apes with fists like boulders, Razorwing Falcons with razor-sharp talons, and even a lumbering, fire-breathing Earth Salamander. Each encounter provided Wang Li with a chance to showcase his formidable skills.

He dispatched the beasts with swift, decisive strikes, denying Shi Feiyan the opportunity to participate.

"Why aren't you letting me fight?" Shi Feiyan finally inquired, a hint of frustration in her voice.

"Every beast you kill adds another mark to your 'kill count,'" Wang Li explained patiently. "Although you have reached the Nascent Soul Realm, a high kill count would attract unwanted attention and would be dangerous for you. Some of those devil sects value these tallies and might send assassins after you. It would be best to keep yours minimal."

Shi Feiyan's lips curved into a soft smile. It warmed her heart that Wang Li considered her safety so meticulously. "Thank you, Patriarch," she murmured, a newfound sense of respect blossoming for this enigmatic cultivator.

A flicker of curiosity arose. "Speaking of beasts, wouldn't you like to capture one for your family? A powerful mount or maybe a guardian for your Wang family in the Three Peaks Alliance?"

Wang Li stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Indeed," he admitted, "a powerful beast would be an asset. However, I haven't encountered one with the specific bloodline I seek."

A warmth bloomed in Shi Feiyan's chest at his words. Grateful, she nodded and extended her hand. As soon as Wang Li clasped it, a jolt of energy surged through her. It felt familiar yet foreign, warm and invigorating. It was Yang Attribute energy, flowing from him into her.

"What's this?" she gasped, momentarily distracted.

"It will help stabilize your energy," Wang Li explained, his voice a low murmur. However, a mischievous glint flickered in his eyes that Shi Feiyan missed in her flustered state.

As they soared towards the Emerald Sea Palace and Azure Peak Sect camp, the Yang Attribute energy coursed through Shi Feiyan's body, feeling like a warm current. But it did more than just stabilize her energy. It stirred something deep within her, a tingling sensation that quickly heated to a simmering desire.

Recognizing the unwelcome change, Shi Feiyan flushed crimson. She clamped down on her desires, determined not to succumb to them under such precarious circumstances. However, a small, betraying moan escaped her lips as a particularly intense wave of Yang Attribute energy washed over her.

Wang Li, privy to her internal struggles due to his connection with the energy, smirked silently. He knew this wasn't the time to exploit her vulnerability, but the sight of Shi Feiyan battling her own desires did little to dampen his amusement. He would bide his time.

Several hours later, they arrived at the outskirts of the Emerald Sea Palace and Azure Peak Sect camp. With a gentle squeeze of her hand, Wang Li signaled they had reached a safe distance.

"You can return now," he said, his voice low and smooth. "The fluctuations in your energy have subsided considerably."

Shi Feiyan, still flushed and slightly disoriented, whispered out, "Thank you, Patriarch Wang."

Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, a mixture of emotions swirling within her: gratitude, frustration, and a burgeoning desire she couldn't quite comprehend.

However, before she could voice any of them, Wang Li leaned in, his warm breath whispering against her ear.

"It was an absolute pleasure, Feiyan," he murmured, his voice a husky whisper. "Traveling with such a beautiful woman."

His touch lingered for a fleeting moment, his hand brushing against her midriff and sending a jolt of pleasure through her. Before she could react further, he darted away, leaving her breathless and bewildered.

A low moan escaped Shi Feiyan's lips, a mixture of frustration and a burgeoning desire she could no longer suppress. He was a master of manipulation, she realized, playing her like a well-tuned instrument.

However, as much as she wanted to be angry, a strange sense of excitement filled her. Wang Li was a mystery, a powerful cultivator with a playful side. And for the first time in years, Shi Feiyan found herself yearning for something beyond cultivation – a dangerous, exhilarating gamble on a man who was both enigmatic and intoxicating.