She Dominates the Immortal Realm with Her HP Bar-Chapter 108

◎You shall be the Fierce Concubine of our Freedom Alliance!◎

The phrasing sounded off no matter how she heard it. Yan Luoyue looked at Wu Manshuang in astonishment.

Wu Manshuang met her gaze without flinching.

And—though Yan Luoyue wasn’t sure if it was her imagination—the little snake seemed to subtly adjust his posture.

From Yan Luoyue’s perspective, Wu Manshuang’s figure appeared even more upright and slender than usual. Even his fair, delicate collarbones seemed to have risen an inch higher—

Wait!

Yan Luoyue gasped in realization. “Manshuang, you… you’re standing on your tiptoes?”

Wu Manshuang: “……”

He gritted his teeth and turned his face away, stubbornly insisting, “I was just… stretching casually.”

Yan Luoyue: “……”

What nonsense! She had never seen anyone stretch with such grace, their legs tensed so elegantly that it practically resembled the poise of The Four Little Swans ballet!

Recalling the whole scene in her mind, Yan Luoyue couldn’t help but stifle a laugh—

Who would’ve thought that Wu Manshuang, usually so indifferent to fame and material pursuits, would be so fiercely competitive about his height?

True, Cen Mingxiao’s mature, sun-kissed complexion was undeniably attractive.

But in Yan Luoyue’s heart, only two versions of Wu Manshuang could claim the top spot: the aloof, hooded little snake of his youth, and the ethereal Southern enchantress with pale skin like mountain mist, silver tassels dangling over his sculpted abdomen.

Sure, well-defined muscles were universally appealing, but her own little snake was the cutest!

Having reached this conclusion, Yan Luoyue cheerfully skipped over to Wu Manshuang, took his hand, and swung it playfully.

Wu Manshuang pressed his lips together, his neck still stubbornly turned away—but his fingers tightened around hers in silent honesty.

Yan Luoyue grinned. “Why do you care so much? Manshuang is a very pretty little snake too.”

Wu Manshuang recited tonelessly, “But my personality lacks smooth contours, my way of handling things isn’t plump and well-developed, and my temperament has no elasticity or luster…”

Yan Luoyue: “……”

Goodness, Manshuang was really hung up on this.

She had only said it offhandedly, yet he remembered every word!

Yan Luoyue solemnly declared, “That’s different! A sun-kissed tan is nice, but pink-and-white is even prettier!”

“…What? What pink?”

The comparison was so abrupt that Wu Manshuang froze, unable to recall whose chest muscles could possibly be pink-and-white.

…Did such a person even exist?

Or was Yan Luoyue not referring to a person at all, but to that little flame called “Falling Petals in Profusion”?

But then, following Yan Luoyue’s meaningful gaze, Wu Manshuang looked down at himself.

It took him a full breath to process.

The moment he realized what “pink-and-white” referred to, his entire body erupted like an overripe tomato.

“Yan Luoyue! You—you…” Wu Manshuang’s eyes widened in disbelief. “How could you…?”

Yan Luoyue blinked innocently at him.

Wu Manshuang took a deep breath, spun on his heel, and marched wordlessly toward the unicorn carriage.

After about a dozen steps, he abruptly halted.

His voice, strained as if clawing its way out of hell, squeezed through gritted teeth:

“…You really don’t like tanned skin?”

Yan Luoyue burst into laughter.

“Hahaha, Manshuang, you’re so adorable!” she exclaimed joyfully. “You’re perfect just the way you are—of course I like you best!”

“……”

Wu Manshuang shot into the carriage like an arrow loosed from its bow.

This time, the flush creeping up his skin lingered stubbornly, refusing to fade.

……

Inside the carriage, Yan Luoyue and Wu Manshuang unfolded the note together.

According to Cen Mingxiao, it contained his address, along with an enthusiastic invitation for the two of them to stay as guests.

But at first glance, Yan Luoyue and Wu Manshuang could only exchange bewildered looks.

“……”

They had never expected their first cultural barrier in this strange world to be not language—but writing.

That’s right, the script on this note was completely unintelligible to them!

What was going on with this world?

How could spoken language be mutually intelligible, yet the written form entirely different?

Staring at each other in mutual confusion, Yan Luoyue muttered, “Is this some kind of code? Or just scribbles?”

Wu Manshuang frowned. “Oddly enough, it feels vaguely familiar.”

Yan Luoyue sensed it too.

But as everyone knew, all scribbled symbols tended to look alike.

From Little Mouse’s implications, Cen Mingxiao might not be from Baolan City, but rather an organization called the “Freedom Alliance.”

Yan Luoyue couldn’t be sure whether the note’s script was the Freedom Alliance’s secret code or not.

So before paying Cen Mingxiao a visit, Yan Luoyue and Wu Manshuang decided to explore the city first.

They headed to the public notice boards, comparing the note’s writing to the official postings.

After a few moments of scrutiny, they confirmed that the note used the same script as the city’s official documents.

The public notices were all white paper with vermilion ink.

Staring at the stark red-on-white announcements, Wu Manshuang clicked his tongue softly, as if the color scheme had unlocked a hidden memory.

“It’s coming back to me. This script… it’s the same as the writing we saw on that mermaid silk.”

Most people would glance past unfamiliar symbols without a second thought.

Unless one made a deliberate effort to memorize them, the sense of familiarity would remain elusive.

But Wu Manshuang’s memory was exceptional—he even recalled a piece of mermaid silk from years ago.

Back then, to obtain mermaid tears, Yan Luoyue had helped the mermaids of the Bihuo River resolve their distress signal issue.

She and Wu Manshuang had dived into the whirlpool, entered an abandoned formation, and discovered a blood-stained mermaid silk inside a seashell.

At Wu Manshuang’s words, Yan Luoyue’s eyes lit up.

“You’re right! Hold on, I think I brought that silk with me—it should be in my bag somewhere…”

Soon, Yan Luoyue retrieved the blood-written silk.

She and Wu Manshuang huddled together like two illiterates playing a matching game, their heads bobbing up and down as they compared the two scripts.

After a while…

“Confirmed!” Yan Luoyue exhaled in relief. “This letter uses the exact same script as this world!”

But this only deepened the mystery.

Why would a mermaid silk delivered via the demon realm share the same script as this previously unknown world?

What connection existed between this world of Spiritualized Ones and the demon realm?

Sharing a knowing glance, Yan Luoyue carefully folded the silk and tucked it into her robes.

Without knowing the blood letter’s contents, they certainly wouldn’t recklessly ask someone to translate it.

In other words…

Wu Manshuang said calmly, "Let's start by learning the local script. Since we'll be staying in this world for several years, it's something we should pick up."

Yan Luoyue had noticed long ago that the little snake was incredibly studious.

—Whenever Wu Manshuang mentioned "learning," even his usually snow-cold eyes would sparkle like glistening icicles!

...

Though the script on the mermaid silk wasn’t something they could easily ask others about, the address Cen Mingxiao had given them was straightforward enough to inquire after.

The only minor hiccup was that everyone they asked for directions would give them a peculiar look, their eyes lingering on Yan Luoyue and Wu Manshuang.

The more helpful among them would often add, "Are you here looking for relatives? Once you find them and settle your business, you should leave as soon as possible!"

They didn’t say more, but the pity in their eyes spoke volumes—

Being Solid-Hearted was unfortunate enough, but to top it off, they were illiterate. Being illiterate was bad enough, but they had to come to Baolan City. Coming to Baolan City was already a misfortune, and on top of that, they were so good-looking!

Yan Luoyue: "..."

Cen Mingxiao’s residence was tucked away in a narrow alley, not too remote—likely a good spot for gathering information.

Not long after Yan Luoyue and Wu Manshuang arrived, Cen Mingxiao strode home, a wine jar in each hand.

The man walked into the courtyard under the glow of the setting sun, the golden light gilding his tanned skin with a rugged radiance.

His dark eyes brimming with mirth, Cen Mingxiao looked up and spotted the two of them. His thick brows arched sharply, like a wild leopard bumping noses in a friendly greeting.

Only then did the three properly exchange names.

Yan Luoyue could sense that Cen Mingxiao was different from Little Mouse or the ordinary folk on the streets—he had at least late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation.

Given this world’s spiritual energy density, such a level spoke volumes about his talent.

Moreover, it suggested that the people of this world must have developed their own cultivation methods.

Cen Mingxiao ushered them into the dining hall and personally poured wine for them.

Yan Luoyue eyed the exotic spread on the table with great curiosity.

Cen Mingxiao laughed heartily. "A few of these are Baolan City specialties. Since you’ve come from afar, why not try something new?"

Yan Luoyue’s appetite was thoroughly whetted, and she chatted cheerfully with him. "Our host has prepared quite the feast! Every dish looks fascinating to me."

Wu Manshuang remained silent.

He glanced at Cen Mingxiao, then at Yan Luoyue, who was smiling brightly.

Finally, his gaze settled on the plates before him. He picked up the blackest item on the table, chewed, and swallowed.

Cen Mingxiao caught the motion out of the corner of his eye and quickly raised a hand. "Ah, Brother Wu—"

Wu Manshuang’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, but his expression was… complicated.

Only then did Cen Mingxiao finish his sentence in a murmur. "Brother Wu, that was a seasoning..."

For a moment, Wu Manshuang’s neck seemed to stiffen and elongate slightly.

Chopsticks frozen mid-air, he forced out after a pause, "I… have a preference for seasonings."

Yet his face might as well have been screaming in bold letters—Anything dark-skinned is no good!

Yan Luoyue: "..."

Cen Mingxiao: "..."

Later, when neither was looking, Yan Luoyue secretly tried a bit of that black seasoning.

—It was thick and pungent, like concentrated Sichuan pepper.

For Wu Manshuang to have eaten an entire strand of it raw was nothing short of heroic!

After the seasoning incident, Cen Mingxiao paid even more attention to "Brother Wu."

Somehow, he got the impression that this younger brother was rather introverted—compared to the lively Yan Luoyue, Wu Manshuang seemed far less talkative.

For instance, when Cen Mingxiao pointed at a few dishes and shared an amusing anecdote, Yan Luoyue burst into laughter, while Wu Manshuang’s expression remained solemn.

...Could it be that Brother Wu had a higher threshold for humor?

As a gracious host, Cen Mingxiao wouldn’t neglect any guest.

He kept an eye on Wu Manshuang’s mood, accommodating his subpar social skills, and managed to engage him in conversation after a few attempts.

Just as the atmosphere at the table seemed to warm up, Cen Mingxiao noticed Wu Manshuang shiver.

Naturally, he asked, "Brother Wu, are you cold?"

Ah, right—these two were Solid-Hearted.

Rumor had it that Solid-Hearted folks perceived temperature differently from those like him, who were born as Spiritualized Ones.

Cen Mingxiao immediately called out, "Uncle Deng, bring a brazier for the hall—"

Before he could finish, Wu Manshuang interrupted in an exceedingly polite tone.

To Cen Mingxiao’s surprise, the younger man then delivered the longest sentence he’d spoken all evening.

"No need for the trouble. A brazier won’t help anyway."

Cen Mingxiao blinked. "Why do you say that, Brother Wu?"

Wu Manshuang’s gaze swept over Cen Mingxiao’s gauzy, barely-there attire with apparent indifference.

He stated calmly, "Because there’s a kind of cold called I feel cold just looking at you."

Cen Mingxiao: "..."

Yan Luoyue: "..."

Yan Luoyue nearly choked on her wine.

Damn it, I thought we were past this! Who knew Manshuang would hold a grudge this long?!

As a cultivator, Cen Mingxiao was unaffected by temperature, so his clothing was purely a matter of preference.

Being easygoing by nature, he simply laughed and went to fetch something warmer.

The only problem was… as a Spiritualized One, his house didn’t have any thick garments.

After rummaging around, Cen Mingxiao finally yanked a tablecloth off a side table and draped it over himself.

Returning with a grin, he asked, "Hahaha! Brother Wu, do you still feel cold now?"

When he saw Wu Manshuang’s face, however, Cen Mingxiao froze.

The younger man’s smile had brightened considerably, and his word count instantly multiplied.

Wu Manshuang replied with unusual warmth, "Thank you, Brother Cen. Hahaha! That joke you told earlier just came back to me—it was truly hilarious!"

Cen Mingxiao: "..."

Well, well. So Brother Wu isn’t taciturn—he’s just rendered speechless by the cold!

Yan Luoyue covered her eyes, utterly speechless.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, with a pleasant buzz in the air, Cen Mingxiao set down his cup and spoke candidly.

"Since we’ve hit it off so well, I won’t hide it from you. Little Mouse was right—I am part of the Freedom Alliance."

Even for someone as open as Cen Mingxiao, he couldn’t help holding his breath slightly, waiting for their reactions.

Whether they feigned calmness, avoided eye contact, or lit up with approval—he was prepared for any response.

Yet their reactions still took him by surprise.

Because these two people had no idea what the Freedom Alliance was.

Cen Mingxiao: "..."

Just how far away had these newly acknowledged sworn siblings come from?

According to Cen Mingxiao's explanation, the Freedom Alliance was a scattered force outside the Twelve Cities that ruled the world, and its members were mostly akin to wandering warriors.

Since power in this world was monopolized by the Twelve Cities, the Freedom Alliance, as an emerging faction, was jointly hunted by them. Among the twelve city lords, the ruler of Baolan City was exceptionally cruel.

Cen Mingxiao's infiltration into Baolan City wasn’t without purpose—he intended to seize an opportunity to eliminate the city lord and secure a foothold for the Freedom Alliance.

"Wait a minute." Yan Luoyue raised her hand. "In such a vast world, are there really only twelve cities?"

"..."

Hearing this question, Cen Mingxiao gave her a strange look.

"Why would you ask that, Sister Yan?" Cen Mingxiao said, puzzled. "Demonic creatures have repeatedly invaded, yet the Divine Envoys have not shown themselves for nearly ten thousand years."

"Our human race was once nearly exterminated. Isn’t it already a miracle that we’ve managed to build twelve thriving cities today?"

At this point, Wu Manshuang and Yan Luoyue exchanged glances.

—It seemed this world not only shared written characters with those on the mermaid silk but also faced invasions from demonic beings.

When Yan Luoyue looked back at Cen Mingxiao, her smile grew even more sincere.

"Manshuang and I truly come from a very distant place. Our homeland has no records of such history, and we’ve long been cut off from worldly affairs... Brother Cen, if it’s convenient, could you enlighten us?"

"What exactly were these demonic invasions, and who were the 'Divine Envoys' from ten thousand years ago?"

Cen Mingxiao chuckled and picked up his chopsticks, about to speak, when a clamor erupted outside.

He smiled apologetically. "Wait here for a moment, sworn siblings. I’ll be right back."

Once Cen Mingxiao left the dining hall, Yan Luoyue and Wu Manshuang extended their spiritual senses and discovered a dozen Spiritualized Ones of varying heights and builds chattering around him.

From their conversation, they were clearly members of the Freedom Alliance.

It turned out that the lord of Baolan City had received a missive today, alerting him to the Alliance’s activities.

The city lord acted swiftly, mobilizing all available forces in the city, seemingly preparing to purge the hidden Freedom Alliance operatives.

However, though the Alliance had many undercover agents in Baolan City, several key reinforcements hadn’t yet arrived.

After discussing the situation, the group turned to Cen Mingxiao with urgency. "Deputy Leader, give us your orders!"

"Understood. Stay calm and assess the situation first." Cen Mingxiao nodded. "I’ll head over immediately."

Suddenly, another person spoke up. "Deputy Leader, we heard two strange but beautiful solid-bodied people arrived in the city today. They lingered outside the city lord’s residence for a long time and then went to examine the public notices..."

Cen Mingxiao raised a hand, cutting him off.

"These two sworn siblings are now my honored guests. From their words and conduct, I can tell they’re no spies—besides, since the leak came from outside the city, we can’t even be sure there is a spy."

After a brief pause, Cen Mingxiao’s tone grew firmer. "Every member of the Alliance is like my own flesh and blood. I refuse to distrust anyone. Especially now, we mustn’t descend into chaos and turn on each other—that would be nothing short of a farce."

"...Understood."

Cen Mingxiao softened his voice. "With me here today, I swear to stand with you all, through life and death."

"Tang Fei, spread the word—if things take a turn, our plan to seize the city lord’s residence will have to be moved up."

"Yes!"

"Qiao Fei, tell our brothers inside the residence to be ready. At the signal, act immediately."

"Yes!"

Hearing this, Yan Luoyue withdrew her spiritual sense and grinned at Wu Manshuang.

"Brother Cen is a decent person, Manshuang. Don’t hold a grudge against him."

Wu Manshuang paused briefly before nodding slightly, conceding to the judgment.

Yan Luoyue added cheerfully, "I already wanted to deal with Baolan City’s affairs, and now we have the perfect chance. If they’re storming the city lord’s residence, I’ll go help as the main force."

Wu Manshuang murmured softly, "Count me in."

Yan Luoyue beamed even brighter. "Great! Once this is over, we can ask Brother Cen to teach us the local script."

"..."

This time, Wu Manshuang fell into a long silence before shaking his head slowly but resolutely.

"Huh?" This was the first time Yan Luoyue had seen Wu Manshuang reluctant to learn!

"It’s not that I don’t want to learn—it’s that we shouldn’t learn from him." Wu Manshuang stated firmly. "I don’t think he seems like the studious type."

Yan Luoyue: "..."

Was this some kind of academic prodigy’s sixth sense? Why hadn’t she noticed?

And—was it just her, or did Wu Manshuang still seem a little biased against Cen Mingxiao?

...

Just as Cen Mingxiao and his allies prepared to launch their surprise attack on the city lord’s residence, the two solid-bodied individuals suddenly arrived.

"Add us to the count," Yan Luoyue said lightly. "Manshuang and I would like to lend a hand in overthrowing the lord of Baolan City."

Before Cen Mingxiao could respond, skeptical glances were already cast their way.

"You? But you’re both solid-bodied..."

Yan Luoyue wasn’t surprised by this reaction.

It was simply a matter of differing worldviews.

For example, if a sect conflict broke out in the cultivation world, and a junior disciple—completely devoid of spiritual power—suddenly popped up shouting, "Leave it to me, I’ll wipe out their sect in ten minutes," no one would believe him.

But if that same disciple pulled out a nuclear detonator and pressed the button... well, that would be a different story.

And Yan Luoyue and Wu Manshuang, with their cultivation and abilities, were essentially that disciple with the nuclear button.

When the group reached the city lord’s residence, they saw it brightly lit and bustling with activity.

Cen Mingxiao signaled for his subordinates to send out the covert signal, alerting their inside operatives.

Even amid the chaos, he didn’t neglect his newly sworn siblings.

Leaning close, he whispered to Yan Luoyue and Wu Manshuang, "Stay close to me when we charge in."

After all, these two weren’t part of the Freedom Alliance.

If they harbored ill intentions, keeping them nearby would allow Cen Mingxiao to react instantly.

If they didn’t, he could protect them from getting caught in the crossfire.

Hearing this, Wu Manshuang repeated Cen Mingxiao’s words: "—Charge in directly?"

Cen Mingxiao blinked. "Is that not acceptable?"

He wasn’t reckless—his people inside would strike amid the confusion.

Wu Manshuang replied calmly, "It’s not unacceptable. It’s just that I prefer to act with justified cause."

After saying this, Wu Manshuang took Yan Luoyue's hand and leaped out from their hiding spot, giving Cen Mingxiao a proper demonstration of what it means to "have just cause for action."

Cen Mingxiao was half a step too slow to stop his little brother Wu, and could only watch in stunned silence as the two solid figures strode toward the assembled guards at the city lord's mansion.

At that moment, their heavily bundled figures resembled well-fed winter lambs willingly walking into the tiger's jaws.

Gritting his teeth, Cen Mingxiao was about to transform into his spiritual form and chase after them when he saw Wu Manshuang single out the leader of the guards.

This guard captain was tall, muscular, and dark-skinned, wearing very little clothing.

Wu Manshuang approached him politely and said, "You're dressed so lightly—looking at you makes me feel cold."

Before the words had even left his mouth, Wu flicked his fingers, and the half-spiritualized guard captain instantly solidified, face-planting onto the ground without a word.

Chaos erupted among the assembled guards at the city lord's mansion.

Yet Wu Manshuang acted as if he hadn’t noticed, moving on to the deputy guard leader next.

He gently stroked Yan Luoyue's hair and sighed with impeccable courtesy, "She’s so adorable—why aren’t you wearing more in front of her?"

The deputy guard leader: "???"

Huh? What are you talking about?

What does that even mean?

Regardless of whether it made sense, Wu Manshuang had already found his "just cause."

This time, he didn’t even flick his fingers—just gave a slight nod, and the deputy leader solidified, collapsing limply to the ground.

"..."

Having witnessed Wu Manshuang’s entire "negotiation" process, Cen Mingxiao’s expression gradually shifted from determined resolve to blank bewilderment.

A comrade beside him sighed in genuine admiration, "Vice-Alliance Leader, where did you find such formidable allies? In all my years, I’ve never seen solid people this powerful!"

"—Eh? Vice-Alliance Leader? Vice-Alliance Leader?"

Cen Mingxiao murmured, "It’s nothing. I was just thinking..."

He had suddenly realized that when Wu Manshuang earlier advised him to wear more clothes instead of directly "reasoning" with him, he had actually been treated with great courtesy!

With a hearty laugh, Cen Mingxiao transformed into his spiritual form.

His spiritual silhouette was sharp and defined, with distinct facial features and fingers—far more refined than the average spiritualized being.

Raising a hand, he pointed toward the chaotic scene at the city lord’s mansion, where Wu Manshuang and Yan Luoyue stood surrounded by spiritualized guards, and declared loudly:

"Even outsiders are standing up for Baolan City—how can we, the Free Alliance, lack such courage? Follow me! Let’s not allow our brother and sister to think poorly of us!"

In an instant, the group transformed into spiritual forms and charged forward with soaring morale.

Meanwhile, at their ambush point, a pile of gauzy shirts and pants clattered to the ground.

...Well, that was just a local quirk of this world.

As Wu Manshuang and Yan Luoyue engaged the spiritualized guards, they gradually realized that while these guards' spiritual energy was only at the Qi Refining level, their combat power rivaled Foundation Establishment.

While Cen Mingxiao led the encirclement, Yan Luoyue also assessed his side’s strength.

She was certain that although Cen Mingxiao’s cultivation was equivalent to Foundation Establishment, his actual combat ability was at Golden Core level.

This seemed to be the norm in this world.

The only question was whether this applied to everyone or just the Spiritualized Ones.

Wu Manshuang was known for his vast repertoire of poisons.

However, once these Spiritualized Ones transformed, their sensitivity to toxins diminished significantly.

Only by reverting them to solid form could his poisons reach full effectiveness.

Yan Luoyue mused to herself: Maybe it’s like how humans, animals, and plants fear poison, but no one’s ever heard of air being poisoned?

After taking down several guards and identifying the pattern, she and Wu Manshuang seamlessly divided their roles.

Yan Luoyue handled close combat, acting as both shield and support—any spiritualized shadow she touched instantly solidified.

Wu Manshuang, meanwhile, released an odorless, colorless knockout mist into the wind.

Every guard who regained solid form immediately succumbed to this unexpected tactic, collapsing unconscious.

As the pair advanced, the spiritualized guards fell like dominoes—solidifying and dropping in rhythmic succession.

At first, the Free Alliance members tried to assist.

But as Wu Manshuang and Yan Luoyue’s efficiency increased, they could barely keep up with "harvesting" the fallen. They became like farmers during a bumper crop, simply bundling up the "wheat."

Only Cen Mingxiao and a few others managed to "clean up," subduing the rare guards who escaped the duo’s onslaught.

Everyone: "..."

Let’s be real—you two solid people are ridiculously out of place here, you know that?

As Wu Manshuang and Yan Luoyue plowed forward unstoppably, the city lord’s household watched in stunned disbelief.

When Wu Manshuang politely stopped a maidservant and asked, "Where is the city lord right now?" the girl didn’t even attempt to spiritualize.

She obediently closed her eyes and flopped onto the ground with a thud.

Wu Manshuang: "..."

Yan Luoyue: "..."

Several seconds later, realizing she hadn’t been attacked, the maid scrambled up and pointed helpfully: "The city lord is in his study—it’s that way."

Wu Manshuang nodded courteously. "Thank you."

Cen Mingxiao, watching from behind, rubbed his chin. This Brother Wu was truly a man of principle.

The principled duo stormed into the city lord’s study with unstoppable momentum.

Their efficiency in combat surpassed even eating a meal—so fast that the Free Alliance’s spies inside the mansion hadn’t even reacted yet!

Thus, Wu Manshuang encountered the still-living lord of Baolan City.

Upon seeing him, Wu Manshuang uttered just one sentence:

"Why did you step forward with your left foot first?"

Before the words faded, the hulking city lord threw a punch at Yan Luoyue—

At the same instant, his body solidified, and Wu Manshuang’s blade sent his head flying!

Years later, historical records of this world would document the city lord’s death as follows:

Cause of death: Stepping forward with his left foot upon meeting Wu Manshuang.

Truly, ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‍the little serpent was exceptionally reasonable and meticulously justified!

Cen Mingxiao, arriving half a step late: "..."

On second thought, maybe Brother Wu wasn’t that principled after all...

Still, befriending these two on their very first day in the city was undoubtedly a stroke of fortune for him.

Bounding forward eagerly—even in his semi-transparent state, his leopard-like wild eyes gleamed brightly—Cen Mingxiao exclaimed:

"To think my brother and sister possess such incredible skill! From this day forth, the Free Alliance shares a life-and-death bond with you both!"

Yan Luoyue smiled and waved her hand, about to modestly respond, "Oh, it's nothing..."

But before she could finish, Cen Mingxiao's next words left her utterly dumbfounded!

With a booming voice, Cen Mingxiao declared, "Sister Yan's bravery and decisiveness—I witnessed it firsthand just now. Despite being attacked repeatedly along the way, you remained unfazed. Such remarkable courage and skill!"

"—From this day forward, you shall be the Shield Consort of our Freedom Alliance!"

Suddenly bestowed with the title of "consort," Yan Luoyue was completely stunned. "...Huh?"

Wait, hold on—how did this turn into being a "consort"?

And come to think of it, were those two people she’d overheard in the earlier conversation not called "Tang Fei" and "Qiao Fei," but rather "Tang Fei" and "Qiao Fei" (as in "Consort Tang" and "Consort Qiao")?

In an instant, Yan Luoyue’s pupils trembled in shock.

Meanwhile, Wu Manshuang’s gaze sharpened, and he began drawing the curved blade at his waist.

At the same moment, Cen Mingxiao turned to Wu Manshuang with great enthusiasm and proclaimed loudly:

"And you, Brother Wu—your otherworldly methods are unparalleled in this era. With such ferocity, from now on, you shall be the Fierce Consort of our Freedom Alliance!"

Wu Manshuang: "..."

Yan Luoyue: "???"

Wait, what did you just say?

Wu Manshuang’s half-drawn blade froze mid-air, leaving him genuinely unsure whether to strike or not.

Because now, he was seriously questioning whether Cen Mingxiao had taken a blow to the head.

Just then, the rest of their group arrived one after another. Cen Mingxiao eagerly introduced both sides.

He pointed to an elderly man. "This is our Elder Consort, Sou Fei."

Then to a muscular warrior. "And this one is our Diao Fei."

Beyond that, Cen Mingxiao proceeded to introduce them to Kuai Fei, Xiong Fei, Zhuang Fei, Dao Fei, and the heavyweight "Ka Fei."

Yan Luoyue: "..."

Wu Manshuang: "..."

Wait a minute—judging by the context, the term "consort" here seemed to carry a meaning closer to "comrade" or "ally."

As for the titles preceding it—no, the words before "consort"—they functioned more like nicknames.

By now, Yan Luoyue and Wu Manshuang were beginning to realize that things weren’t quite what they’d initially assumed.

Yan Luoyue sent a mental message: "Manshuang, do you think this is because the meaning of 'consort' differs in this world? Or has the word’s definition shifted over time? Or maybe..."

Wu Manshuang sheathed his blade.

At the same time, he replied telepathically, "I think it’s just being misused."

Yan Luoyue blinked. "Why do you say that?"

Wu Manshuang stated firmly, "Because he clearly doesn’t seem like the studious type."

So if Cen Mingxiao misunderstood the term, it wouldn’t be surprising.

Yan Luoyue: "..."

She clutched her head. "Wait, Manshuang, you’re still hung up on that?!"