Invincibility starts when I see the BOSS health bar.

Chapter 938 Joke
Looking up at Ding Hui's face now, one could see an undisguised, subtle expression of anticipation, as if she were watching a good show.

Linghu Xiang felt a rush of heat to her head, her cheeks instantly burning red. The intense embarrassment made her wish she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into!

How embarrassing! To have made such a fool of myself in front of Doctor Ding!
Linghu Xiang felt a deep sorrow in her heart.

"yes,"

Ding Hui seemed to have just been awakened. She gently tapped her chin with her slender index finger, tilted her head slightly, and made a naive and confused look, but her beautiful almond-shaped eyes were gleaming with cunning.

"What's going on?"

Her gaze remained fixed on Linghu Xiang's face, which was both embarrassed and annoyed, and the smile on her lips was almost uncontrollable.

There aren't many people who can make Ding Hui feel 'threatened'.

But Captain Linghu in front of us is clearly not one of them.

She's more like a fun "toy" to pass the time.

"Dr. Ding, please stop making fun of me..."

Linghu Xiang took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the embarrassment and a strange bitterness in her heart, her voice carrying a hint of pleading.

"Tell me quickly, what exactly is going on? Who is this Diao Xiaohui...?"

"Well..."

Ding Hui deliberately dragged out her words, her smile deepening. She winked playfully, her tone carrying an intimate and matter-of-fact air.

"I'm afraid you'll have to wait until my husband returns and ask him yourself. How can a woman like me explain such a thing?"

"Husband?!"

This title struck Linghu Xiang like another heavy blow.

Ding Hui's natural and familiar way of addressing him, as if she had called him a thousand times, shook the logical defenses that Linghu Xiang had just built up.

The whole affair about the child was utterly absurd, yet Ding Hui called him "husband" so naturally and with such certainty, as if the two had truly been married and had a legitimate status...

For a moment, Linghu Xiang was overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

On one hand, reason was screaming that it was impossible, that Ding Hui was definitely toying with him!
On the other hand, the news that came in intermittently resurfaced in my mind.

After the destruction of Tianyuan Town, during that long and arduous escape, the only person who stayed by Diao Deyi's side was indeed Doctor Ding.

A lone man and a lone woman, spending every day together, sharing life and death... Over time, they fall in love and pledge their lives to each other... It seems... not entirely impossible?
But... but this suddenly appearing "daughter"...

Linghu Xiang felt utterly confused, her thoughts like a tangled ball of yarn pulled by a cat, impossible to unravel.

She shook her head violently, forcing herself to suppress all those chaotic, complicated, and inappropriate thoughts!
Now is not the time to think about these things!
Diao Deyi's fate remains unknown!
Linghu Xiang was once the captain of the Foolish Underworld, and although her mind was in turmoil, she quickly suppressed her emotions.

Her gaze sharpened and hardened again, though a faint blush and embarrassment lingered on her face.

"Dr. Ding, the Divine Doctor!"

Linghu Xiang's voice regained its usual composure, even carrying a hint of urgency.

"This is not the time for sentimental talk! To save me and Song Zhenrong, Diao Deyi stayed behind alone to intercept the pursuers from the Foolish Underworld! He may be facing the elite forces of the entire Foolish Underworld! He is in extremely dangerous condition! I must rush back to support him immediately! He may even... he may have already been captured by the Foolish Underworld and imprisoned in a dark and hopeless dungeon!"

Linghu Xiang grew increasingly anxious, her words quickening: "Dr. Ding, I must go there immediately to check on the situation! If you have any connections or can contact any helpers, whoever they may be, please do so! Help me to rescue Diao Deyi! Delay could lead to unforeseen circumstances!"

Having said that, Linghu Xiang no longer hesitated and was about to rush outside.

She had only one thought in her mind: to find Diao Deyi and confirm his safety!
However, she had barely taken a step when Ding Hui's calm, even slightly languid and confident voice rang out behind her:

"Don't worry. My husband... will be fine."

Linghu Xiang almost doubted that there was something wrong with her hearing.

The calm tone of his voice made her even more agitated.

"Dr. Ding," she said instinctively, raising her voice with barely suppressed urgency.

"You may not understand, but the capital city is a foolish underworld..."

"I know."

Ding Hui's two soft words cut off Linghu Xiang's words as swiftly as a knife cutting through tangled hemp.

Her slender fingers rested on the brocade pouch at her waist, her gaze clear and sharp, looking directly into Linghu Xiang's anxious eyes without the slightest hesitation.

"I may know as much about the capital as I do about the intricate power struggles within the government, the undercurrents that run deep...

Ding Hui's voice was not loud, but it conveyed an undeniable certainty, as if all the secrets of the capital were flowing in her calm eyes.

"As for my husband's safety..."

Her words paused subtly here, and the corners of her mouth seemed to twitch upwards for a fleeting moment—not out of sarcasm, but more like a confidence stemming from absolute understanding.

"All I can say is that Captain Linghu seems to have underestimated his abilities a bit too much."

Yes, no one knows Fang Yu's current power better than Ding Hui.

That was the result of years of hard work, a transformation on the brink of life and death, and her own careful self-care.

The capital city may be a den of dragons and tigers, teeming with powerful figures, but her husband is no longer the young man who needed her and Tianyuan Town's protection.

He himself has already joined the ranks of these "strong ones," and may even be the more dazzling one.

"Dr. Ding, you are unaware of..."

Linghu Xiang's anxiety did not dissipate because of Ding Hui's certainty; on the contrary, it intensified.

Having been immersed in the Foolish Underworld for many years, she knew all too well the terrifying authority and power represented by a Hall Master. It was not merely a comparison of cultivation levels, but also included cultivation techniques, authority, and the various strange and powerful methods bestowed by the Hall Master.

The Thousand Hall Master who was pursuing them was like an insurmountable mountain in her eyes, exuding an aura of despair.

She simply couldn't imagine how Fang Yu, all alone, could escape from her clutches.

"I am back."

Just then, a familiar voice that Linghu Xiang thought she might never hear again for a while rang out from behind her without warning, clear and calm.

Linghu Xiang was jolted, her thoughts instantly interrupted.

She turned around abruptly, her expression almost frozen.

In the dim light of the lamps under the eaves, a tall figure was slowly climbing the steps.

His clothes were stained with dust, as if he had just been in a battle, but his steps were steady and his eyes were sharp. Who else could it be but Fang Yu?!

"Diao...De Yi?!"

Linghu Xiang's voice was dry and filled with disbelief and astonishment.

The shock of that moment drained the color from her face, then returned, finally settling into a look of utter shock.

Her mind was in a mess.

In her most pessimistic calculations, Fang Yu was intercepted by the hall master, and the possibility of his escape was extremely slim. It was precisely because of this despair that she was so anxious to return and rescue him, even at the cost of her life. But now... he stood unharmed in the safe and tranquil courtyard of the Ouyang residence, as if he had just gone out for a walk.

How did he do that? This completely overturned Linghu Xiang's understanding!

Before Linghu Xiang could fully recover from the shock, Ding Hui, standing to the side, had already moved gracefully and leisurely to meet her.

That posture seemed to say: See, I told you it was nothing.

"My lord, you're back."

Ding Hui's voice was gentle, with a hint of barely perceptible concern. Her gaze quickly swept over him, and she continued only after confirming that he was alright.

"As you can see, Captain Linghu is out of danger. Captain Song's condition has also stabilized; he is out of danger and just needs to rest."

At this point, she winked subtly, conveying a message only the two of them could understand—things went smoothly, and the person had been rescued.

Fang Yu had always had unwavering faith in Ding Hui's medical skills and judgment.

As long as the wounded can be delivered alive to the Ouyang residence, Ding Hui always has a way to snatch their lives from the jaws of death.

Furthermore, the Ouyang Mansion's own sturdy and unpredictable formations, along with Master Ouyang's unfathomable strength, formed an impregnable barrier.

The presence of these two individuals was like a pair of invisible yet incredibly strong hands, firmly supporting Fang Yu's back. In this chaotic situation, he felt a long-lost sense of security, as if he were being strongly supported and could fight with peace of mind—this was his "backing."

Fang Yu didn't need to say anything more, he just returned Ding Hui's knowing look.

Gratitude is unnecessary; the trust and understanding between us are already ingrained in our very being.

This unspoken communication, this familiarity and intimacy that seemed to flow deep within the past, clearly fell into Linghu Xiang's eyes.

Instantly, an indescribable stinging sensation, like tiny silver needles piercing her heart, struck her.

It wasn't a sharp, intense pain, but rather a lingering, bittersweet sensation that made her pause, instinctively averting her gaze slightly.

At this moment, Fang Yu strode up to Linghu Xiang.

Looking at this former comrade-in-arms from Tianyuan Town, with whom he had fought side by side and experienced the perilous missions and the struggles on the cliff, a wave of emotion welled up in his heart. Memories of sword fights and life-and-death struggles surged back like a tide.

At that time, he was weak and struggling, and needed Linghu Xiang's care to move forward with difficulty.

As times changed, fate sculpted earth-shattering changes in him.

Power brings new perspectives and new responsibilities.

He is no longer the sheltered person who could only drift with the tide.

The tables have turned; those who once looked up to him are now under his wings.

Fang Yu was filled with mixed emotions at this subtle change.

A gentle smile appeared on his lips as he greeted her, "Long time no see, Linghu Xiang."

The voice seemed to have a magical power, instantly calming the complex emotions surging in Linghu Xiang's heart.

The joy of reunion was like a warm spring, quickly washing away the subtle sting and other inexplicable gloom.

She took a deep breath, smiled, and replied enthusiastically, "Yes! Long time no see!"

That smile held the sincerity of reuniting with an old friend, and also a hint of relief and lightheartedness.

Ding Hui's gaze swept lightly over Linghu Xiang's barely concealed, slightly rapid breathing and blushing cheeks, which were caused by excitement.

She was perfectly clear-headed, yet she didn't take it to heart.

What was the source of Linghu Xiang's agitation? She had a vague idea, but so what? Ding Hui simply looked away calmly.

She understands Fang Yu, understands his feelings, and understands who he reserves the most important place in his heart for.

This certainty allowed her to remain indifferent to Linghu Xiang's reaction.

Just then, Fang Yu reached into his robes and took out a flower that shimmered with a soft golden light.

The petals are layered upon each other, with a texture like gold and amber, exuding a subtle yet pure energy.

When that unique golden color came into view, Linghu Xiang was as if she had been struck by a spell, and she stood frozen on the spot!

Her pupils dilated suddenly, her breath caught in her throat, and her mind was forcibly transported back to that desolate wilderness months ago.

She and Fang Yu unexpectedly discovered this rare and exquisite golden petal flower, but were forced to separate due to various unforeseen circumstances... The vow to part ways and promise to reunite seemed like it was just yesterday.

"The ultimate, the ultimate golden petal flower?!"

The exclamation, trembling with disbelief, was an instinctive response from the depths of memory.

Ding Hui's gaze sharpened slightly before turning back to the rare flower that was no longer considered particularly rare in her collection.

Why would a single golden petal flower cause this vice-captain, who had just survived a chase in the Foolish Underworld, to lose his composure like this?
Just as a hint of doubt crossed Ding Hui's mind, Fang Yu's next words cleared up the mystery for her.

"We found this thing together and agreed to split the spoils after we escaped."

Fang Yu's voice was low and tinged with reminiscence.

"But fate played a cruel trick on us, and we went our separate ways. But I never forgot this promise, and I always thought that if we could meet again, I would definitely keep my promise."

He firmly handed the exquisite golden flower, which shimmered brilliantly under the lamplight, to Linghu Xiang.

"So now... it's returned to its rightful owner. This is what you deserve."

It turns out there was such a story behind it!
Ding Hui tilted her head, a sudden realization crossing her mind.

She didn't delve too deeply into the specific origin of the flower Fang Yu brought back at the time. For her, the medicinal value of the flower itself and Fang Yu's safety were more important.

The process of finding it, and the experiences she had with others, were not within the scope of what she needed to remember.

Fang Yu might have mentioned it, but Ding Hui didn't care at all and naturally wouldn't remember.

"You...you still remember..."

Linghu Xiang's voice choked up, her eyes quickly reddened, and tears glistened under the light.

A surge of warmth, mixed with intense grievances and gratitude, overwhelmed her heart.

He remembered it all! Even during the time they were apart, he still remembered that seemingly insignificant promise they made back then!

But soon, another, stronger thought quickly overwhelmed this joy.

"No! Not now!"

Almost instinctively, with a sense of anxious resolve, Linghu Xiang forcefully pushed the priceless, exquisite golden petal flower back to Fang Yu's chest.

Her movements were hurried, as if the flower were not a precious gem, but a scalding flame.

"Now, now you need it more than ever!"

(End of this chapter)