Chapter 244

Chapter 244: A Special Method to Soothe

“Then where can I find this book?”

“Hmm… I don’t know!” Hong Fei replied, looking troubled. “I only heard Ming Ye mention it briefly. I don’t know its exact location or purpose. But from his tone, it might be connected to the Divine Realm. Perhaps it’s there.”

“The Divine Realm…” You You frowned. That complicated things—she knew nothing about that place.

Still, having a clue was better than nothing. After thanking Hong Fei, she headed toward the Second Peak.

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You You entered Feng Rong’s courtyard but found no one inside. She realized she hadn’t seen him since their return to the Zhen Yan Sect days ago.

Remembering his habits, she walked to the Phoenix Tree in the yard. Though the tree appeared empty, its hollow trunk lay open. A shimmering tail feather dangled from the dark hole, glowing conspicuously.

Hiding again?

She sighed and tapped the trunk. “Feng Rong? Are you in there?”

The tail feather twitched. Moments later, a sulky voice echoed from the hole. “Oh, so you finally came!”

“…” She felt like a child caught sneaking home past curfew.

“What’s wrong? Why hide here again?” She knocked again. “Are you sick? Come out so I can check.”

“Hmph!” A sharper snort followed, the feather bristling. “Yes, I’m sick! My chest hurts, my head spins, and I want to bite someone!” Especially a certain heartless person.

“Ah!” You You froze, then blurted, “Maybe… drink more hot water?”

“…” Silence. Then the feather puffed up violently. “You drink hot water! Your whole family can drink hot water! Is this your grand apology after ignoring me for half a month?!”

Half a month? You You’s stomach dropped. She’d forgotten—Feng Rong had been furious about her Contract with Hong Fei but held back in the Immortal Realm. She’d promised to explain later, but after returning, sect duties and rescuing the celestial maiden had pushed it from her mind.

“Right, that…” Guilt crept into her voice. She floated up to the hole, patting the exposed feather. “I’ve been swamped. Come out, and we’ll talk properly.”

“No!” The feather flared. “You promised no more Followers! How could you break your word so soon?”

“It was an emergency!” She stroked the feather faster. “Hong Fei was nearly soul scattering. Should I have let her die? And the Seventh Heavenly Layer needs management—we can’t stay in the Immortal Realm forever. Those female immortals rely on us.”

“You care about them! About Hong Fei! About the realm!” The voice cracked. “But not about me!”

“That’s not true!” She sighed. “I told Hong Fei the Contract was only to save her. She understands. I’m keeping my promise to you—no emotional ties. Besides, she’s a woman. Why worry?”

“That’s not the point!” Red light flashed as Feng Rong burst from the hole, seizing her arms. His crimson eyes burned with fury. “Do you forget what happened last time you formed a Contract? What if it happens again? What if you—” His grip trembled. “Next time you play hero, think of yourself first!”

“…” Realization struck—he feared a repeat of when their Contract left her unconscious.

“If anything happened to you—” Rage morphed into something darker. “I’d raze the entire Immortal Realm!”

“No destroying realms!” she snapped.

Feng Rong stilled. The fury faded, replaced by raw hurt. His eyes reddened further.

Her chest tightened. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have made you worry. Last time was a fluke—see? I’m fine now.”

“…” He glared silently, radiating wounded pride.

Guilt gnawed at her. She’d broken her word and delayed explaining. No wonder he’d hidden for days.

“Forgive me. It won’t happen again.” She laced her fingers through his, but he remained stiff.

“Tell me how to fix this.” When he didn’t respond, she leaned forward and brushed her lips against his pouting ones. “Like this?”

“…”