Xiao Yanxi shook her head in disappointment. "You were the teacher I respected most. You're the Immortal of Painting, famous throughout the land, and this student was proud to be counted among your disciples.

Teacher, don't make one mistake after another. Hand it over, won't you?

Since you took it, you know how important this thing is. Misused, it would trample the people into the mud."

Bai Qingfan's eyes narrowed slightly, but he went on playing dumb. "Little Music, ever since you took up with Ning Chen, why do you talk so strangely? Your teacher can't understand a word of it."

Xiao Yanxi's delicate brows drew together. "Teacher, stop hiding it and holding it back. I'll say it plainly: hand over the commander's seal."

"The commander's seal?" Bai Qingfan's face went hard, and he said sharply, "You ungrateful student! You suspect your teacher of stealing the commander's seal?

You dare to slander your own teacher's character? What on earth has Ning Chen taught you? You'll come back to the Great Beginning Pavilion with your teacher right now, and have nothing more to do with Ning Chen."

Xiao Yanxi's voice was low. "Teacher, the whole city lord's residence, this courtyard included, is already surrounded by troops. You can't get the commander's seal out."

Bai Qingfan's face hardened. He stared at Xiao Yanxi, then shook his head in disappointment. "Little Music, we've been teacher and student all this time, and you're your teacher's favorite student... I never thought you would slander your teacher. You've disappointed me terribly."

Xiao Yanxi said patiently, "Forgive me, Teacher! I have to find the commander's seal.

If it fell into the hands of someone with ulterior motives, it would cause far too much trouble.

Teacher, I'm going to have you searched. If this student really has wronged you—a flogging, by way of apology."

With that, she turned toward the door. "Somebody!"

Bai Qingfan's eyes darkened, and suddenly he shot at Xiao Yanxi like lightning.

Xiao Yanxi's lovely face went white. Bai Qingfan was far too fast. She had no hope of dodging.

But just then, there was…