Chapter 1038: The Woman Who Doesn’t Go Away

“No, my full name is Cheng Nana. When Dongfang Wang invited me to join the Dongfang family, I wholeheartedly helped him. I believed in the future he promised, even while with Zifeng, I harbored ulterior motives.”

Dongfang Nana, seemingly aware of Ye Mo’s aversion, avoided his gaze. She whispered, “When Zifeng rescued me from Luo Yue, I understood his importance to me. I did many things in Luo Yue—things Zifeng knew about—yet he never blamed me. Without him, I have nothing. I…”

Ye Mo sighed. Zifeng, like himself, valued relationships deeply, yet possessed a keen sense of right and wrong. His love for Cheng Nana was…remarkable. He clearly knew her flaws, yet indulged her.

However, Ye Mo sensed Cheng Nana’s sincerity. His instincts were rarely wrong; her current devotion to Zifeng seemed genuine.

After a moment, Ye Mo asked, “How did you recognize me?”

He had altered his appearance and chi. Cheng Nana had seen him only once, and her power was weak then. How could she possibly identify him?

Dongfang Nana replied, “The moment you touched me, I saw the fury and pain in your eyes—the same look you gave Zifeng and me in Luo Yue. I’d never forget those eyes. I knew instantly it was Big Brother…”

So that was it. Dongfang Nana, Zifeng’s wife, had followed a nascent soul state cultivator as his…companion. With Zifeng gone, Ye Mo's fury and disappointment were understandable.

Seeing Ye Mo silent, Dongfang Nana said, “Big Brother, I want to leave Eternity Sea Sect and search for Zifeng with you.”

Ye Mo shook his head. “My current power prevents me from taking you. Remain at Eternity Sea Sect for now. As a core disciple, you're safe. And I hope what you said is true.”

“Yes,” Cheng Nana replied, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. She understood his honesty.

As if clarifying something, she added, “I went to the spirit rest tower with Wu Yu that day because my martial sister desired snow fur tea. I was procuring it for her; Wu Yu insisted on accompanying me.”

“I understand. I’m going to Truth Fall Palace. Stay at Eternity Sea Sect and cultivate. Whether I find Zifeng or not, I’ll inform you. First, tell me: where did you and Zifeng separate?” Ye Mo asked. Zifeng, being mortal, couldn't have traveled far.

“It was Shu Qiao City,” Cheng Nana confirmed. “I asked Eternity Sea Sect to search for him, but they claimed no success. I believed them, but now…I suspect they lied.”

She lacked spirit sense then, but cultivation had taught her its ease in locating ordinary people.

“Take this; contact me if needed,” Ye Mo offered his flying sword messenger.

He didn't provide a communication bead; South Peace State was vast, and his location unpredictable.

Cheng Nana accepted the sword, hesitating before saying, “Big Brother, beware of Wu Yu. He vowed to kill you at Truth Fall Palace…”

Ye Mo waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry. If I were easily killed, I wouldn't be here. Return now, and conceal our acquaintance.”

Though Ye Mo trusted his instincts regarding Cheng Nana's honesty, caution was paramount in the cultivation realm. He would trust Xu Changji more.

“How dare you, you shameless thing!” a sharp voice cut through the air, followed by a sword ray aimed at Ye Mo.

Ye Mo casually erected a cultivation essence wall, deflecting the attack. He stared at the assailant. “Have I offended you? Why the attack?”

He’d blocked it casually, but cursed his luck. Of all people in this city, he feared encountering Ling Xiaoshuang most, as she alone suspected his involvement in Tian Aofeng's death. Yet, here she was.

Ling Xiaoshuang glared at Ye Mo, then at Cheng Nana. “Shameless! Three months ago, you assaulted this girl, and now, you've lured her here. You disgrace the cultivation realm! Wu spared you last time, but I won't.”

Ling Xiaoshuang’s power surged, her flying sword radiating killing intent.

Ye Mo sneered. “With which eye did you witness my assault? Besides, even if you offered yourself, I wouldn't be interested.”

Ling Xiaoshuang wanted to retort—the tears on Cheng Nana's face were undeniable—but Ye Mo's words fueled her attack. She ignored his provocation, focusing solely on the fight.

Cheng Nana swiftly intervened. “Martial Sister, thank you, but you misunderstand. Big Brother Ning didn't assault me; we were merely discussing matters.”

Ling Xiaoshuang was stunned. The woman Ye Mo allegedly assaulted was defending him. Seeing Cheng Nana’s evident lack of coercion, her confusion deepened. Her killing intent faded. After a long moment, she seethed, “Shameless!” then departed.

Ye Mo preferred avoiding this woman, but Cheng Nana felt compelled to respond. The accusation of shamelessness was intolerable. “You're shameless!” she retorted.

Ling Xiaoshuang, the second beauty of South Peace State’s ten beauties, accustomed to admiration, had never before received such an insult. However, remembering she’d initiated the conflict, she merely sneered and left.

Ye Mo breathed a sigh of relief. He sent Cheng Nana away before returning to Yu Yang artifact tower.

…

Ye Mo anticipated an empty shop but was mistaken. The small, 40-square-meter space, with four chairs and tables, already held three cultivators, their spirit sense casually scanning him before returning to their seemingly expectant silence.