Ning Chen's eyes narrowed a fraction, and he gave a cold laugh. "His travels brought him to Bianzhou, or he was in Bianzhou all along?

That teacher of yours is an interesting one. Still, if he wants to come see you, naturally we'll give him a warm welcome... When does he get here?"

Xiao Yanxi shook her head. "I don't know either. He only said he was coming to see me, not when he'd arrive."

She knew perfectly well that Ning Chen had already made up his mind her teacher was the man in white.

Everything pointed that way, but without hard proof she didn't want to believe it... Her teacher had been extremely good to her, and he was a good man besides.

She couldn't believe her own teacher was a villain who had gotten so many Great Xuan soldiers killed for his own selfish ends.

Ning Chen's eyes narrowed. So this Ghost of Painting actually meant to pay Xiao Yanxi a visit... What was that supposed to be? A provocation?

"Let's hope your teacher lives long enough to get here."

Xiao Yanxi asked without thinking, "What do you mean?"

Ning Chen gave a cold laugh. "The man in white who followed you tonight took two bullets and an arrow... If he isn't tough as nails, forget coming to see you—I doubt he'll even make it through the night."

Xiao Yanxi was quiet for a moment. Then she said, "Do you really think the man in white could be my teacher?"

Ning Chen didn't answer.

The truth was, he didn't care at all whether the man in white was Xiao Yanxi's teacher. Whoever he was, he'd gotten all those Great Xuan soldiers killed, and he had to die.

When Ning Chen said nothing, Xiao Yanxi said softly, "It's late. I'll go get some rest."

Ning Chen caught her hand. "In this freezing weather? Sleeping alone is so cold... Stay. I'll warm the bed for you."

Xiao Yanxi went red to the roots of her hair. Sweat broke out on her forehead, and she stammered, "I-I'm not ready yet!"

"Ready…