Invincibility starts when I see the BOSS health bar.

Chapter 979 The dog died.

Fang Yu keenly noticed that after listening to his explanation, Linghu Xiang's gaze towards him seemed to flash with a very subtle hint of suspicion. She knew him better and perhaps sensed that slight inconsistency.

Fang Yu felt a little uneasy, but he didn't dare show it on the surface, and didn't even dare to look into Linghu Xiang's bright eyes, which seemed to see through people's hearts. He naturally looked away, his gaze sweeping over Song Zhenrong's back—there, Diao Xiaohui was standing quietly, like a little follower, with her head down and eyes downcast, silent, as if everything around her had nothing to do with her.

Fang Yu immediately changed the subject, asking, "By the way, where is Ding Hui? Where is she?" His tone carried a clear concern, as if he were just asking casually because he hadn't seen anyone familiar upon returning.

Linghu Xiang's attention was indeed diverted, and she replied, "Dr. Ding has been in her room the whole time. Even with all the commotion just now, she didn't come out to check. She must be concentrating on researching something."

"Okay, I'll go see her."

Fang Yu nodded, said no more to Linghu Xiang and Song Zhenrong, and strode quickly toward the inner courtyard of the mansion, toward Ding Hui's room.

At this moment, he was indeed eager to see Ding Hui. It wasn't entirely to distract himself, but rather because the immense joy and excitement he felt from his unexpected reunion with Qing Ge desperately needed someone he could trust and share it with.

However, when he walked quickly to Ding Hui's door and pushed it open without even knocking, the scene inside made him pause slightly, his steps halting at the doorway.

The room was brightly lit.

Ding Hui was standing with her back to the door in front of her medicine cabinet, seemingly sorting and selecting medicinal herbs. Beside her, Zhuge Shi was following closely behind, her face bearing an obvious, almost obsequious, fawning expression as she spoke cautiously, her attitude appearing exceptionally submissive and even somewhat humble.

Hearing the door open, Zhuge Shi subconsciously turned her head. When she saw Fang Yu standing in the doorway, the smile that had been forced on her face visibly stiffened for a moment, then transformed into an expression mixed with surprise and a little embarrassment. Her eyes flickered, as if she hadn't expected Fang Yu to suddenly return at this time.

Fang Yu recognized Zhuge Shi and knew that she seemed to have some connection with Ding Hui, but the scene before him had an unusual feel to it. Zhuge Shi's obsequious and ingratiating manner was not like that of a visit between ordinary friends.

Ding Hui also heard the commotion and turned around. When she saw Fang Yu, her delicate eyebrows, which had been slightly furrowed in impatience, instantly relaxed, and a genuine smile appeared on her face like a spring breeze thawing. She immediately left Zhuge Shi, who was still chattering beside her, and quickly walked towards Fang Yu.

"My husband, you're finally back!"

Her voice was clear and melodious, full of intimacy and a touch of just the right amount of coquettishness, as if she had been waiting for a long time.

"Those two loud noises outside were terrifying; they even shook the house! Although I know my husband is very capable, I still couldn't help but worry, fearing that something might have happened to you. Now that I see you back safe and sound, I can finally rest assured."

She naturally took Fang Yu's arm, looked him up and down, and spoke with concern in her voice.

However, when Fang Yu looked into Ding Hui's clear, bright, and smiling eyes, he understood perfectly.

This is a lie.

He knew Ding Hui too well. Ding Hui had an almost blind confidence in her own abilities. Her words just now, though sincere in tone, sounded more like a habitual, coquettish concern, or perhaps something she was saying to Zhuge Shi beside her, rather than genuine worry.

Fang Yu understood immediately. Ding Hui probably had no idea what level of monsters had stirred up such a storm and created such a terrifying commotion outside tonight. She also didn't know that with Fang Yu's current strength, if he were really involved in a battle of that level, let alone helping, he would probably find it extremely difficult to even protect himself. A slight mistake would mean certain death, and his extremely high health would be completely insignificant in the face of such beings.

Her confidence in herself was based on an information asymmetry.

Fang Yu naturally wouldn't point this out, but instead said directly, "It was just a small accident, I'm fine."

His gaze, however, went past Ding Hui's shoulder and looked questioningly at Zhuge Shi, whose expression was still somewhat awkward and unnatural.

Why would she come to see Ding Hui in this late hour, behaving in such a manner?
When Zhuge Shi met Fang Yu's gaze, the smile on her face became even more unnatural, and she subconsciously avoided his eyes.

Seeing this, Fang Yu said no more, but instead looked at Ding Hui with obvious seriousness. "By the way, don't go out unless necessary recently. Stay obediently in the Ouyang residence."

Upon hearing this, Ding Hui's red lips pursed almost imperceptibly, though a hint of reluctance flickered in her heart.

She was by nature not one to stay at home.

However, the terrifying loud noises that came from outside the mansion just now, mixed with heart-pounding fluctuations and faint shouts of battle, struck everyone's hearts like heavy hammers, clearly announcing the danger.

The commotion was far beyond what could be caused by ordinary martial arts battles. The terrifying pressure contained within it sent chills down her spine, even through layers of arrays and high walls.

Thinking of this, her slight displeasure was suppressed by stronger reason and fear of unknown dangers. In the end, she pursed her lips, swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue, and chose to remain silent.

Just then, she remembered the favor she had promised Zhuge Shi. Given the current situation, it was impossible to fulfill that promise as scheduled. But upon further reflection, this became an opportunity; she could legitimately reinvest all her energy and time back into her research.

Thinking of this, Ding Hui's bright eyes suddenly lit up, flashing a cunning and radiant light.

Her mind raced, and she had already made up her mind. Then, a charming smile curved her lips, and she nodded slightly, suggesting in a soft voice, "Husband, look how dark it is tonight, and with such a frightening commotion outside, it's unlikely to calm down anytime soon. Why don't we both go back to our rooms and rest early?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Yu pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly in agreement: "Very well."

His mind raced as he quickly assessed the current situation.

Judging from the intensity and chaos of the energy surging outside the mansion at this moment, the Ouyang mansion is undoubtedly the most solid fortress.

The mansion is not only protected by multiple arrays, but also has an unfathomable master like Elder Ouyang stationed there. Hiding here offers the highest level of safety, enough to ensure the safety of everyone within. Conversely, if anyone couldn't contain their curiosity or for other reasons and rashly ventured out...

Fang Yu's gaze casually swept over Linghu Xiang, Song Zhenrong, and Zhuge Shi, who was quietly observing from a distance.

He could be certain that among the people present, apart from himself who might be able to barely hold his own due to his special physique and strength, the rest of them had absolutely no chance of surviving the terrifying aftershocks of the battle between those unknown powerful figures.

After all, people like Linghu Xiang, Captain Song, or Zhuge Shi are indeed outstanding among ordinary martial artists, truly formidable fighters. However, the path of martial arts is vast and boundless. Their cultivation levels would be insufficient in true high-level battles; the gap in realm is often an insurmountable chasm that cannot be bridged by experience and skill alone.

"In that case, I won't disturb your rest any longer."

Song Zhenrong, being the most perceptive, noticed the awkward atmosphere and immediately cupped his hands in a smile. He then naturally tugged at the sleeve of Diao Xiaohui, who was still somewhat dazed, signaling her to retreat outside together.

As someone who had led teams and weathered storms, he possessed an exceptional ability to read people and sense the atmosphere. He instantly grasped the hidden hope beneath Ding Hui's seemingly ordinary suggestion and the unspoken meaning behind Fang Duchu's words, and immediately made the most appropriate response.

Linghu Xiang, however, seemed to still have something stuck in her throat, hesitant to speak. Her beautiful eyes were fixed on Fang Yu, her feet seemingly rooted to the spot, lingering without moving. Her slender fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes, her expression revealing a hint of struggle and hesitation.

Ding Hui took in her entire demeanor, but instead of urging her, she smiled knowingly and took the lead in walking towards the door, her posture calm and composed.

As she reached the door, she seemed to suddenly remember something important, abruptly stopping, turning around gracefully, her gaze passing over Fang Yu, then casually sweeping over the motionless Linghu Xiang, finally landing on Fang Yu's face. Her voice, neither loud nor soft, clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying a hint of barely perceptible intimacy and declaration: "Husband, then I'll go back to my room and wait for you."

Should I go back to my room and wait for you?
These words were like a spark falling into an icy plain, instantly igniting a monstrous wave in Linghu Xiang's heart!

Her pupils suddenly contracted, and her bright eyes widened in disbelief and astonishment.

Her expression changed drastically; the previous struggle and hesitation were instantly replaced by a complex shock, and her cheeks even turned slightly pale.

Previously, Linghu Xiang had already heard bits and pieces of information from Song Zhenrong about Fang Yu's deeds after leaving Tianyuan Town.

This naturally includes the fact that Fang Yu, when away from home, always referred to Ding Hui as his wife.

When she heard this, she was surprised, but upon reflection, she found it to be reasonable.

In chaotic times, it is indeed possible for a man and a woman to travel together as husband and wife to avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble.

She always thought that this was just a convenient facade, and never thought about whether there was anything more substantial behind it.

After all, when Tianyuan Town still existed, she had only vaguely heard that Fang Yu and Ding Hui had become close for some reason, and that Ding Hui often hovered around Fang Yu, but there had never been any definite news that the two had actually become husband and wife.

Could it be... could it be that after Tianyuan Town was completely destroyed in that earth-shattering event, the two of them were stranded together, supporting each other and relying on each other for survival in the face of life and death, and finally... could it be that they finally broke through that barrier and officially became husband and wife?

This idea grew wildly in her mind like weeds, and the more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

They were among the few survivors of the catastrophe in Tianyuan Town, sharing painful memories and a past. In this strange and dangerous place, they relied on each other and walked side by side. Over time, it was only natural that feelings would grow between them...

The more Linghu Xiang thought about it, the more she felt she had uncovered the truth. Her heart sank, and her body trembled slightly as an indescribable bitterness and pain gripped her.

But she was always proud, so she forced herself to suppress her turbulent emotions, turned around abruptly, and stopped looking at the two men. Almost as if she were fleeing, she walked unsteadily toward her room, her skirt brushing the ground and creating a gust of wind.

"Linghu Xiang?"

Fang Yu was taken aback by her sudden, almost out-of-control behavior, his expression filled with astonishment and confusion.

He also wanted to take this opportunity to inquire about Linghu Xiang's progress in refining the "Supreme Golden Petal Flower" and whether she had encountered any insurmountable difficulties.

After all, with Ding Hui's special techniques, he had successfully refined and absorbed it several times and benefited greatly.

If Linghu Xiang encounters any obstacles in this regard, he might be able to use his own experience to answer some of her questions and help her improve her strength more smoothly.

In his mind, if Linghu Xiang could use this opportunity to further enhance her abilities, he would feel more at ease in the future. Many tasks that were inconvenient to handle personally or required the assistance of trusted individuals could then be naturally delegated to Linghu Xiang. After all, she was considered one of his own, a partner he knew well and could entrust with important responsibilities.

In fact, since their reunion in Tianyuan Town, Fang Yu could clearly sense that Linghu Xiang's strength had improved at a remarkably fast pace, far surpassing many martial artists of the same age. This also showed that her talent and aptitude were actually quite good, even excellent; it was just that compared to his own abnormally rapid advancement, she seemed somewhat inferior and her progress was slow.

"What's wrong with her?" Fang Yu withdrew his gaze from the direction where Linghu Xiang had disappeared, turned to look at Ding Hui at the door, and asked curiously, his brows furrowing slightly, clearly genuinely puzzled.

Ding Hui, who had witnessed the entire scene from the doorway, narrowed her beautiful eyes, like a cat that had stolen some honey. With a grin on her face, she teased and said in a light voice, "I don't know. Perhaps she suddenly remembered something urgent? If you're so concerned, husband, why don't you go to Captain Linghu's room later and ask her yourself?"

Her tone was relaxed and easygoing, even with a hint of mockery and amusement, as if she didn't take Linghu Xiang's intense reaction to heart at all, nor did she regard her as any kind of opponent or threat that needed to be guarded against.

This posture, on the contrary, reveals a powerful and unquestionable confidence.

(End of this chapter)