Morgan Shangguan gently curved her lips into a smile, saying nothing. If this person was Noah Duanmu, then the other must be the Martial Alliance Leader, Liam Duanmu!
An evil faction gathering—what was the Martial Alliance Leader doing in Blue Lake City? Planning to wipe out the evil sect in one sweep? That would only end in mutual destruction!
Liam Duanmu frowned, his voice carrying a warning. "Noah!" Though he knew Noah Duanmu always acted this way, this time, his brother’s flippant behavior left him truly displeased.
Noah Duanmu waved his hand. "Alright, alright! I won’t scare the beauty!"
Only then did Liam Duanmu turn to Morgan Shangguan and ask, "Miss, are you heading to Blue Lake City?"
Blue Lake City was the territory of Rakshasa Palace, yet she’d brought only a single maid. Did she not realize the dangers awaiting her?
Seeing Liam Duanmu’s worried frown, Noah Duanmu raised his eyebrows and grinned slyly. Big brother seems to have finally woken up! How rare!
But his brother’s taste was truly exceptional. He suspected that the reason his brother had never awakened before was simply because his standards were too high!
Noah Duanmu stroked his chin and sighed. For the sake of his brother, he’d make a painful sacrifice! He might as well help him out!
"Beauty, we’re heading to Blue Lake City too. Why not travel together? I can protect you! And if I’m not enough, my brother can help. Don’t be fooled by his appearance—he’s actually very capable!"
Susie Yun couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh. Who talks about their own brother like that?
Noah Duanmu glanced at her and grinned, "Little beauty, you think my proposal is good too, don’t you?"
Ryan Ouyang immediately wrapped his arm possessively around Susie Yun’s waist, his eyes hostile toward Noah Duanmu. But Noah Duanmu couldn’t see him—he only felt a chill on his back, as if a cold wind was blowing, and instinctively shrank his neck.
Ryan Ouyang had met both Liam Duanmu and Noah Duanmu before, and they knew him as well. But now, separated by life and death, they couldn’t see Ryan Ouyang, and as for Susie Yun, Liam Duanmu and Noah Duanmu had never met her.
Morgan Shangguan watched Ryan Ouyang’s vigilant stance, as if terrified Susie Yun might be snatched away, and couldn’t help but shake her head and laugh. A thoughtful look flashed in her eyes as she spoke, "It’s actually a pretty good idea!"
Noah Duanmu instantly forgot about the chill on his back and smiled broadly. "The beauty agreed? That’s wonderful!" He watched Morgan Shangguan’s expression closely, trying to see if she was interested in Liam Duanmu, but couldn’t tell at all.
Liam Duanmu and Noah Duanmu were both on horseback, riding ahead, while Morgan Shangguan’s carriage followed behind.
Noah Duanmu shook his head and said, "Brother, don’t say I never helped you! From here on, it’s up to you!"
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
Noah Duanmu clicked his tongue. "Just keep pretending! Don’t tell me you’re not interested in her—anyone could see it! Don’t deny it. Since your heart’s moved, you have to hold on tight. If someone else snatches her away, don’t blame me for not warning you!"
Liam Duanmu opened his mouth but found himself unable to refute, and couldn’t help glancing at the carriage behind.
Noah Duanmu noticed his brother’s action and smiled even more suggestively.
Susie Yun asked curiously, "And the second?"
Ryan Ouyang glanced at Morgan Shangguan and said, "Miss probably wants to see what their purpose in coming to Blue Lake City is! But to stride so openly into Rakshasa Palace’s territory—what big thing could they possibly accomplish?"
He seemed to forget that he used to avoid disguises and sneaky tactics, always acting openly and honorably. Clearly, he’d picked up bad habits from Morgan Shangguan and hadn’t even realized it!
Morgan Shangguan replied coolly, "That’s just one reason."
Susie Yun asked curiously, "And the second?"
"As for the second—" Morgan Shangguan curled her lips and glanced at Susie Yun. "Didn’t you notice how Noah Duanmu is clinging to us? Rather than having a tail follow us, it’s better to travel together!"
Susie Yun suddenly smiled ambiguously. "Miss, Noah Duanmu isn’t much, but Liam Duanmu…"
Before she could finish, Morgan Shangguan nodded. "Indeed, as the Martial Alliance Leader, he’s certainly capable—but he’s much easier to handle than Damien Gray! Surely, few are as tricky as that fox!"
Susie Yun twitched her lips. "Miss, what I meant was that Liam Duanmu likes you!" She couldn’t help but sigh—what was Miss thinking about? Why was she only concerned with his abilities?
"Hm?" Morgan Shangguan raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Are you overthinking this?"
Susie Yun replied with a serious expression, "I’m certain! That look in his eyes was so obvious—Miss, didn’t you notice at all? You don’t seem like someone so oblivious. Or do you just not care?"
Morgan Shangguan frowned, then nodded. "Oh…"
Susie Yun widened her eyes. That’s it? Watching Morgan Shangguan seem lost in thought, she asked quietly, "Miss, what are you thinking about? What could be more attractive than the handsome Martial Alliance Leader?"
But in Miss’s eyes, it seemed the Martial Alliance Leader wasn’t all that charming after all.
Without even looking up, Morgan Shangguan softly replied, "Damien Gray."
Susie Yun froze for a moment, then hurriedly asked, "Miss, do you really like the Ghost King?" In her heart, she kept comparing Damien Gray and Liam Duanmu, wondering who was better—after all, Miss deserved only the best.
Morgan Shangguan snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head helplessly. "I told you, you’re overthinking!" She was just wondering if Damien Gray’s sudden madness was his way of driving her away. The more she thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed—but why?
Susie Yun looked at her doubtfully. Was she really just overthinking things?
Shortly after they entered the city, another carriage rolled into Blue Lake City. The black curtains fluttered in the wind, tinged with blood-red under the sunlight. Passersby glanced over, catching a glimpse of a dark robe inside before the carriage sped away.
Although the evil faction gathering was still days away, many had already arrived early, so no one paid much attention and simply continued their chatter and laughter.