Feng Xiaoxiao's expression slowly sank but she quickly recovered her composure. Her face lifted with a gentle smile while her voice was like a gentle breeze, "Since she is a member of the Dark Yin Palace, I won't quibble with you. I'll take my leave now."

Feng Xiaoxiao joined her fists and bowed before turning towards the group next to her and gave the order, "We're leaving!"

"Yes! Eldest Lady."

The group hurriedly responded and followed Feng Xiaoxiao as she left.

Elder Feng had taken one last look at Gu Ruoyun before he left and he looked as if he has had to swallow the words on the tip of his tongue. However, he had kept quiet in the end and said nothing before he left the plaza.

"Xiao Yun'er, had you done this on purpose?" Zuo Shangchen smiled exasperatedly, "Had you purposely done this to expose my true identity?"

"You're overanalyzing things." Hearing this, Gu Ruoyun glanced at Zuo Shangchen's impish features and lifted the corners of her lips, "I refined that pill simply to help restore my Master's good name. I don't wish for him to be wrongly accused. As for digging out your true identity, that... Had been a complete accident."

Actually, even if Zuo Shangchen had refused to admit it, she could still confirm his identity! Otherwise, he would never have come here at all and his powers could not have possibly grown to such a tremendous degree! As for refining the pill in public, she had absolute confidence in her ability to do so!

Even though Wind Valley wished to have her in their ranks, they would not attack so openly in public. Otherwise, based on the First City's rules, Wind Valley would be severely punished. Hence, they would only dare to operate on the sly.

Since they would only be making small movements in the dark, she has nothing to fear!

An enchanting and evil smile was hanging on Zuo Shangchen's face once again. He threw a coquettish glance at Gu Ruoyun as he said, "Xiao Yun'er, if you let me give you a hug, I will shoulder the difficult burden of becoming your bodyguard. 1 What do you say?"

As he said this, the impish man had prepared himself for rejection because this little girl would never even come near him. However, just as he was about to continue speaking, a flash of green robes suddenly appeared in front of him, reached out her arms and gently pulled him into a hug.

Zuo Shangchen was in shock. He widened his mouth but the words would not come. A clear and faint voice rang in his ear.

"Thank you."

She had hugged him not because she wanted his protection but because she wanted to thank him!

Even though this man had protected her for her brother's sake, one cannot criticise the fact that he has indeed helped her out many times! Simply based on these few occasions where he had extended his help, she must be grateful to him!

"Evildoer, even though I had not really needed your help this time, you had still ended up offending Wind Valley for my sake. So, in the future, if there's anything that you need, just say the word. I'll rush right over to help you even if I was a thousand miles away."

Gu Ruoyun released him from her hug as a smile hung upon her delicate and pretty features. Her eyes were like stars in the night sky, so beautiful that one could not turn away.

Zuo Shangchen felt a warm feeling enveloping his heart as he stared at the woman's delicate features.

Though he was the Fourth Prince of Vermillion Bird Country, due to the fact that he had been brought up in the Imperial harem, he had lacked a sense of security ever since he was a child. If his Master had not saved him and helped in him his breakthroughs, he would have probably ended up dying in the vicious and greedy Imperial Harem!

It was only when he had met Gu Shengxiao that he began to understand what warmth feels like! It was also due to this very reason that he had chosen to make the journey to Azure Dragon Country and protect Gu Shengxiao's beloved sister! However, he was no longer only protecting her for Gu Shengxiao's sake now but because she has touched his heart as well!