Chapter 1442: Strike at Will Though he couldn't see Zhang Ning's eyes, Lu Yun could feel the unwavering determination pulsing within her. Was he helping her by stopping her, or was he harming her? For some people, their faith or steadfast resolve—once fulfilled—constitutes the most fulfilling chapter of their lives. Zhang Ning, so resolute in her desire for vengeance, would truly find happiness if, one day, they shared a lifetime together, and she never avenged her master? Lu Yun fell silent. Zhang Ning seemed to be pondering her own path as well; neither spoke, and the stillness in the room was so profound that even the sound of a needle dropping could be heard. Finally, unable to bear the heavy silence, Lu Yun looked at the layers of blood-pearl peeling away and bravely asked, "Miss Zhang, have you ever seen a merfolk?" Zhang Ning, deeply absorbed in thought, was slightly taken aback upon hearing Lu Yun's words, then smiled. "No, the merfolk are quite cunning—they can transform into various forms. Neither I nor my senior sister have personally witnessed them." "Then even if you now possess the strength to avenge your master, yet still fail to recognize the merfolk's true appearance—how can you possibly carry out the vengeance?" Lu Yun pondered this, as if he had found a legitimate and dignified reason to halt Zhang Ning's efforts. Zhang Ning hesitated slightly, then said: "As descendants of the Dragon-Slayers, my master naturally possesses special techniques. We and my brother, along with my senior sister, have inherited these traditions. However, the merfolk are exceptionally elusive. Besides this small village, we rarely had opportunities to leave the monastery during our training. Thus, it's not surprising that we haven't seen them directly. Still…" Her voice paused, and she spoke slowly and deliberately: "Actually, we haven't completely missed seeing the merfolk. It's just that, even when we have seen them, for some reason, we've never been able to reveal their true forms." "Heard this, Lu Yun's eyes widened instantly—merpeople? Really? Then, if they'd seen him, why hadn't they simply eliminated him right away? Was it due to their lack of strength? This thought Lu Yun only kept to himself, murmuring it softly, never actually voicing it aloud. Since the merpeople were so incredibly powerful, and Zhang Ning and his companions hadn't risked themselves, Lu Yun naturally felt quite pleased. Yet driven by curiosity, he couldn't help asking, 'Miss Zhang, how beautiful are merpeople? Are they male or female? I've read about them before in books—supposedly, they can decide their own preference at the end, based on their personal inclinations. Is that truly the case?' As if a long-held secret had finally found its outlet, Zhang Ning smiled lightly and replied, 'Yes, it's true. The merperson we met was exceptionally beautiful and quite enchanting. Be careful not to be enchanted by her—otherwise, once I grow strong enough, I'll not only defeat her, but also take you with me.'" "Still childlike at heart, even after experiencing things that most people would never encounter in a lifetime, Zhang Ning smiled with a fresh, youthful expression as she finished her last sentence. If Lu Yun had seen it, he'd surely find himself thinking of all sorts of awkward thoughts. Blushing slightly, Lu Yun said, "With my current level of skill, even if I encounter a sea-people, I won't be able to tell them apart. If that happens, please remind me, so I don't end up being a tragic victim. " Upon hearing this, Zhang Ning's face instantly changed. She had something to say, but ultimately only sighed, saying, "Lu Yun, whatever I've told you today, please promise not to share it with anyone else. Otherwise, it will bring about a great deal of unnecessary trouble." Lu Yun nodded vigorously, saying, "Ms. Zhang, you can rest assured. I know exactly what to say and what to keep quiet." Zhang Ning hummed softly and then fell silent again, as though she had something on her mind. The blood from her back dripped layer by layer, and her skin regained its snowy, smooth whiteness. Lu Yun swept the scabs that had fallen onto the bedsheet onto the floor, then moved his fingers restlessly over Zhang Ning’s back. A tingling sensation surged through her, and Zhang Ning couldn’t help trembling throughout her body. She turned to glare at Lu Yun, pouting gently. “You’ve been acting all unsteady again, haven’t you? I’ve already told you just now—my combat strength is absolutely formidable. Be careful not to offend me, or I’ll give you a good, solid beating!” Lu Yun didn’t care at all, smiling cheerfully. “Don’t worry. Last time, I even kissed you, and you didn’t give me a single punch. Now it’s just a light touch, after all. And it’s not even on any particularly sensitive spot. How could Ning-jun possibly be so harsh with me?” Lu Yun persisted, deliberately tracing his fingers over every inch of Zhang Ning’s back, savoring the delicate texture, his heart filled with a sense of giddy contentment, Hmmed, Zhang Ning didn't stop Lu Yun. Lu Yun was in high spirits now—he had learned so many secrets, which would be immensely beneficial for him in the future when he needed to prevent Zhang Ning from practicing that evil technique. "By the way, Ning姐, your sister-in-law said you've been rather unhappy lately. Are you really thinking of me that much?" Lu Yun's fingers, passing through Zhang Ning's arm, had already reached the full, rounded edge on her left side. Zhang Ning blushed, lightly拍ing his back, yet gently nodded. "Lu Yun, although this cultivation technique can quickly enhance my strength, the pain it brings is truly beyond words. Every time I return, I used to hesitate before telling my brother, afraid he would worry about me. But since I've met you, every time I come back, I long for you to be by my side. Only when you're there with me does the physical and emotional pain ease to its lightest. I especially love the feeling of being held by you. If one day I finally avenge myself to my master, I'd like to be your devoted wife, someone you can hold me in your arms every day," said Zhang Ning, her face glowing with a dreamy haze, her cheeks flushed so warmly that one couldn't help but want to gently bite into them. "Yes, definitely," Lu Yun said, embracing Zhang Ning without any hesitation, finally able to fully grasp those two magnificent peaks of hers with his hands. Zhang Ning had only slightly resisted, knowing the healing scars on her back had fully shed. She then tilted her head slightly and asked, "How long will you like me?" "If you treat me this way, and somehow become a faithless lover, I'm afraid I'll have no choice but to eliminate you." With two soft, pliable forms constantly shifting under her control, Lu Yun felt a surge of delight. Upon hearing this, she spoke seriously, "Madam Zhang, I'll continue to love you until you no longer like me. After that, I'll still love you just as much as ever." "Really?" Zhang Ning asked with a sweet smile. "If I utter a single falsehood, I'll transform into a merman—then you may go ahead and destroy me," Lu Yun whispered softly into Zhang Ning's ear.