Chapter 4 — I prefer the term partner

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Chapter 4 — I prefer the term partner

Bo Ye Chen walked through a quieter district near the outer walls, the noise of the city fading behind him. The massive sword on his back seemed unusually heavy, its dark blade humming faintly as if responding to something unseen.

The corrupted cultivator had been destroyed.

Yet the feeling from that battle still lingered.

Bo Ye Chen stopped walking.

For a brief moment, the shadow beneath his feet rippled.

Then a voice echoed inside his mind.

“…That one tasted different.”

Bo Ye Chen’s expression darkened slightly.

“Be quiet.”

The voice chuckled, low and distorted.

“You felt it too. The corruption was stronger than the others.”

Bo Ye Chen didn’t reply.

Instead, he resumed walking.

Footsteps sounded behind him.

“Well, that explains why half the market looks like it survived a storm.”

Bo Ye Chen didn’t turn.

“I thought you left the city.”

A tall young man stepped out from the alley wall, arms crossed and smiling lazily. His long dark hair was tied loosely behind his back, and his eyes carried the amused expression of someone who enjoyed trouble.

Liang Feng.

“I did,” Liang Feng replied casually. “Then I heard the Bo Clan’s famous Dark Blade was fighting in the marketplace. I had to see the damage myself.”

Bo Ye Chen glanced at him briefly. “You’re exaggerating.”

“Am I? Merchants are already complaining about broken stalls.”

Bo Ye Chen said nothing.

Liang Feng studied him carefully, his playful smile fading slightly.

“…You fought a corrupted cultivator.”

It wasn’t a question.

Bo Ye Chen nodded once.

“The corruption is spreading.”

Liang Feng exhaled slowly. “That’s not good.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then—

Something flickered.

Bo Ye Chen’s shadow twisted unnaturally.

The air around him seemed to darken for a split second, like reality itself had glitched.

A distorted silhouette appeared behind him—almost like another version of him moving half a step out of sync.

Then it vanished.

Bo Ye Chen stiffened.

Liang Feng’s expression changed instantly.

“…Ye Chen.”

Bo Ye Chen’s hand moved to the hilt of his sword.

Inside his mind, the voice laughed quietly.

“Careful… your control is slipping.”

Bo Ye Chen’s eyes hardened.

“Shut up.”

The distortion flickered once more before disappearing completely. The street returned to normal as if nothing had happened.

Liang Feng stared at him.

“…Your dark side is glitching.”

Bo Ye Chen slowly released his grip on the sword.

“It’s under control.”

Liang Feng raised an eyebrow. “It didn’t look very controlled.”

Bo Ye Chen ignored the comment.

Liang Feng glanced around briefly before asking, “Where’s Hei Ying? Usually He’s the one keeping your shadow calm.”

“He’s on a mission for the Bo Clan.”

Liang Feng frowned slightly.

“…So you’re alone with that thing.”

The voice inside Bo Ye Chen’s mind chuckled again.

“I prefer the term partner.”

Bo Ye Chen’s expression didn’t change, but his steps slowed slightly.

Liang Feng continued walking beside him.

“…So,” he said casually, “was the corrupted cultivator strong?”

“No.”

“Then why do you look annoyed?”

Bo Ye Chen didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, his eyes drifted briefly toward the direction of the marketplace.

A flash of silver hair crossed his memory.

“…Something unusual happened.”

Liang Feng smirked. “Let me guess. Your shadow got hungry.”

Bo Ye Chen ignored him.

“There was a girl.”

Liang Feng nearly stumbled.

“A girl?”

Bo Ye Chen’s expression darkened slightly.

“She had no spiritual aura.”

“And?”

“…But I could sense her.”

Liang Feng blinked.

“That’s impossible.”

The voice inside Bo Ye Chen’s mind whispered softly.

“…Not impossible.”

Liang Feng rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“Well,” he said slowly, “that’s interesting.”

Bo Ye Chen’s voice remained calm.

“…I’ll investigate later.”

Liang Feng grinned.

“Oh, I’m definitely coming with you.” It wasn't every day he got to see the cold stone react to girls, there was absolutely no way he was missing this.

Bo Ye Chen didn’t object.

Seeing this, Liang Feng chuckled happily and placed his arm on Bo Ye Chen's shoulder only removing it when he felt the change in the air.

" Oh come on," He mumbled and he removed his hand reluctantly.

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