Unrivaled Soldier in the City

Chapter 698: Chapter 698: Chenfeng Comes Calling

"Young Friend Lin, I can only say there’s a chance to find it, but it’s not a guarantee. If we can’t, please don’t blame me," Tian Botong said with a smile.

Hearing this, Lin Kuang nodded. "Don’t worry, Sect Leader Tian, I understand. It would be best if we find it, but if not, I’ll just keep searching patiently."

"That’s good. I was worried you might pin all your hopes on me, and I’d hate to disappoint you if my search turns up nothing," Tian Botong said again.

Lin Kuang shook his head. "That won’t happen. I’m not an unreasonable person, so please don’t worry, Sect Leader Tian."

"Alright. I’ll speak to my daughter about this later. However, Snow Mountain is vast, and finding the Ice Silkworm won’t be easy. It will take a bit of luck," Tian Botong added with a chuckle.

Lin Kuang nodded with a smile. He had plenty of time; just knowing that an Ice Silkworm was somewhere on this mountain was enough for him.

They continued to chat, and in about half an hour, disciples from the Heavenly Mountain Sect arrived bearing trays of food. The savory aroma immediately whetted their appetites, as they were truly starving. Once the table was set, it was laden with food and wine.

"Everyone, this wine is our own brew, made from Snow Lotus. The flavor is quite excellent," Tian Botong said with a smile as he began pouring drinks for everyone.

No one stood on ceremony. They ate, drank, and chatted happily.

Later, Tian Botong changed the subject, his gaze falling upon his daughter, Tian Zilian. "Zilian, this is Lin Kuang. He’s looking for an Ice Silkworm. I’d like you to help Young Friend Lin with his search," he said with a smile.

Hearing this, Tian Zilian was taken aback for a moment, her beautiful eyes glancing at Lin Kuang.

"Okay, I will help Benefactor Lin," she said, her gentle voice soothing to the ear.

"Thank you, Miss Tian, but there’s no need to call me benefactor. We seem to be around the same age, though I might be a few years older. Why don’t you just call me by my name, or you can call me Brother Lin," Lin Kuang suggested with a friendly smile.

Hearing this, Tian Zilian nodded. "Alright then, I’ll call you Brother Lin. You don’t need to call me Miss Tian, either. Just Zilian is fine."

"Good. Zilian it is," Lin Kuang responded with a smile.

After several rounds of wine and sampling all the delicious dishes, everyone was full and content. Tian Botong then arranged for his guests to be shown to their rooms to rest.

Lin Kuang, however, did not rest. Instead, he discussed with Tian Zilian how to lure out the Ice Silkworm. He knew very little about the creature, only its appearance and its connection to the Nethercold Zhe.

"Brother Lin, I’ll tell you a secret," Tian Zilian said with a smile. "I’ve seen the Ice Silkworm once, but that was several years ago. I don’t know if it’s still in the same place."

At this, Lin Kuang was startled. He couldn’t help but ask, "Really? Zilian, are you serious?" He was so excited that his hand shot out and gripped hers tightly, his dark pupils filled with excitement as he stared at her.

Feeling her hand gripped in his, Tian Zilian’s pretty face flushed bright red. In her entire life, no man other than her father had ever touched her hand. With Lin Kuang now holding it, her heart began to pound in her chest.

"L-Lin... Brother Lin... c-could you... let go of my hand first?" she stammered, blushing furiously. Her voice was so soft that if Lin Kuang’s hearing weren’t so sharp, he might not have heard her at all.

"Ah! Oh, yes! COUGH, COUGH. My apologies, Zilian. I just... got too excited," Lin Kuang said, flustered as he quickly released her hand. He truly hadn’t meant to do it; he was simply carried away by his excitement.

"N-No, it’s alright, Brother Lin," Tian Zilian said, her face still crimson. Her shy appearance was both adorable and captivating, causing Lin Kuang to stare blankly for a moment.

"COUGH, COUGH. Zilian, you said you saw the Ice Silkworm before. Where was it?" Lin Kuang asked, forcing himself back to the point.

"Oh, it’s to our north. I remember an ice cave there. The Ice Silkworm was in that cave, but I don’t know if it would still be there now," Tian Zilian replied, having regained some of her composure as the blush on her charming face began to fade.

"I see. Can you take me there? If it’s possible, let’s go right now," Lin Kuang said eagerly.

Hearing this, Tian Zilian shook her head. "It’s no use going now. During the day, the Ice Silkworm travels through the snow, so you’d never find it. It only returns to its lair at night. Brother Lin, why don’t you go to your room and rest for now? I’ll take you there after dinner." As she spoke, her beautiful eyes rested on him.

Lin Kuang paused for a second but nodded. "Alright then. We’ll go after dinner."

"Mhm. You should get some rest. I’ll come get you when it’s time," Tian Zilian said with a smile.

"Okay, I’ll go rest then," Lin Kuang said, smiling back before leaving her room and returning to his own.

Back in his room, Lin Kuang did feel a bit tired. However, instead of sleeping, he sat cross-legged on the wooden bed and began to meditate.

Time passed slowly. After what felt like a long while, a knock came at the door.

"Brother Lin, are you there? A Mr. Xiao would like to see you," Tian Zilian’s soft voice called from outside.

Lin Kuang opened his eyes and replied with a smile, "I’m here. Let him in."

"Okay." Tian Zilian agreed and pushed the door open, allowing Xiao Chenfeng to enter.

Xiao Chenfeng’s complexion was clearly much better as she walked straight up to Lin Kuang.

"Xiao... Brother Xiao, please, have a seat," Lin Kuang said awkwardly. I wanted to call her Miss Xiao. But if I did, and she asked how I found out, I wouldn’t know how to answer. I have to play dumb.

Seeing his expression, Xiao Chenfeng couldn’t help but shake her head, her beautiful eyes glaring at him fiercely. "Lin Kuang, did you touch the bandages on my chest?!" she demanded.

"Uh..." Hearing the question, Lin Kuang froze. He had no idea how to answer.

"Uh what? Spit it out!" Xiao Chenfeng snapped, her forceful tone tinged with a faint hint of shyness.

"COUGH, COUGH. Do you really want me to say?" Lin Kuang asked, still embarrassed.

"Of course! Stop beating around the bush and just say it!" she insisted.

"Alright... You were injured, so I was treating your wounds. When I lifted your clothes, I saw your chest was wrapped in bandages. I thought you were hurt there and wanted to check, but then..."

Lin Kuang trailed off, finding it too awkward to continue.