MARTIAL UNIVERSE: The strongest

MeiYing's gaze was the most serious Gojo had seen since they met, her sharp eyes filled with curiosity and wariness.

"What I really want to know," she said, her voice steady, "is how you were able to resist the suppression of my aura within the Mission Hall. Not even Saint Physiques are that powerful."

Gojo, however, merely lay back with a chuckle. "Come on now, sweetheart, a magician never reveals his tricks. Besides, you already know too much…"

He whispered the last part, his expression flickering for the briefest moment. If only he hadn't been so cocky about revealing the power of the Limitless to Yuuji in his previous world, he might have caught Sukuna off guard and even defeated him. Instead, he let his sense of adventure get the best of him—and paid the price for it.

Meanwhile, MeiYing's expression darkened. A descendant of the Dual Pupils, coupled with a space-type affiliated Physique that transcended even the Saint level into the Divine… This Chen Zhen was truly something else.

*

Silence reigned between them for the rest of their journey. By the time they landed, the evening sky was painted in hues of deep orange and violet. Their destination? A swamp-like forest that stretched for miles.

Gojo leaped down from the back of the falcon, stretching his waist and back before letting out a yawn. His gaze shifted to MeiYing, who was softly petting the falcon—a rare, gentle expression on her otherwise icy face.

"You can go now," she whispered, stroking its feathers one last time. "Tell Grandpa of my whereabouts. We'll take it from here."

With a sharp caw, the falcon soared into the sky at immense speed.

Gojo raised an eyebrow at her before shaking his head. Clearing his throat, he smirked. "I thought you let it go because it was too eye-catching and would draw attention to us. Turns out, you're just petty."

MeiYing rolled her eyes in annoyance. "I'm not going to help you. I'm just here to supervise." She walked past him, scanning their surroundings.

Gojo sighed and smirked. "Lucky for us, there's an inn nearby. We can gather information, spend the night, and begin our voyage tomorrow."

She nodded in agreement, and the two set off eastward, covering the mile-long distance to the inn in a matter of minutes.

When they arrived, the "inn" was not what Gojo had expected. Instead of a proper establishment, they found a large wooden shack with an almost crude structure. Shrugging, they stepped inside without hesitation.

CLANG!

A bell above the entrance rang sharply as they entered, drawing the attention of the room's occupants.

The once noisy and rowdy atmosphere turned eerily quiet. Dozens of dirty, haggard men sat in groups around wooden tables—some eating heartily, others drowning themselves in alcohol. The air was thick with the stench of sweat, grime, and ale, making MeiYing nauseous. She, however, kept a composed expression.

Gojo smirked and led her to the counter under the watchful gazes of the inn's patrons.

Behind the counter stood a grumpy, thick-set man with a mole on his cheek and an unkempt mustache. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of them before a small, almost imperceptible smile crept onto his face.

"Well, well," he said, his voice rough but oddly hospitable. "It's been a while since we've had cultivators from sects in here. What can I offer ya?"

Gojo caught the lustful glances the innkeeper stole at MeiYing and shook his head in amusement.

"We won't trouble you much, brother. We just need two rooms," he said casually, placing five spiritual stones onto the counter.

The innkeeper's eyes gleamed with greed. He was clearly overpaid, but who was he to reject generosity?

For a brief moment, the man hesitated before putting on a regretful expression. "Ah, at the moment, we only have one room left. I hope that won't be a problem, esteemed guests?"

Gojo let out a soft chuckle at the man's attempt to test their patience. MeiYing, on the other hand, frowned deeply, preparing to reject the offer.

Before she could speak, Gojo stepped in with a grin. "That'll do just fine. We're only staying for the night. Also, some food and alcohol would be nice, wouldn't it, sweetheart?"

In a bold move, he wrapped an arm around MeiYing's shoulders, his smile playful yet sweat trickling down his back. He was risking his life at that moment, praying she wouldn't attack him in public.

MeiYing's face darkened, but she kept her composure and simply nodded.

"Well, aren't you two a charming young couple?" the innkeeper said, handing them a key. "Food and wine will be served shortly."

As they made their way to their room, hushed conversations filled the air.

"Did you see the body on that girl? Damn, I could play with her for days!"

"Shut up, old man. You wanna die? Cultivators don't forgive insults."

"Oh, come on! They wouldn't lower themselves to harm drunk fools like us…"

The crowd burst into raucous laughter as the Gojo-MeiYing duo disappeared up the stairs. Meanwhile, the innkeeper leaned over and whispered something to his attendant, a sinister smile forming on his lips as he watched the young cultivators enter their room.

The room was simple but neat, with a large bed in the center—clearly meant for two people.

Gojo entered first, scanning the room with a careful eye, noting every small detail. Behind him, MeiYing stood frozen, her fists clenched and her glare murderous.

Taking a seat at the small desk in the corner, Gojo sighed. 'Purity is a big deal for these people, huh?'

He remained silent, merely observing her reaction. MeiYing opened her mouth to speak, then closed it several times as if struggling to find the right words. Finally, she took a deep breath and whispered, her voice laced with cold fury. "I will kill you myself, Chen Zhen."

Gojo tilted his head, his expression losing its usual humor. "Is that a vow?"

She said nothing.

The tension between them was thick, stretching on for long seconds before Gojo finally rolled his eyes and stood up. "You can try, but I won't hold back." His voice was softer now, almost a warning. He had treated her as an acquaintance, but her constant hostility was growing tiresome.

Without another word, he pulled off his shirt, revealing a lean, polished physique and jade-like skin.

MeiYing's breath hitched. Despite herself, a deep blush spread across her face.

Gojo smirked as he caught her reaction. "Now we're even."

With that, he strolled into the bathhouse, unbothered by her presence in the room.

As the sound of running water filled the space, MeiYing fidgeted, her face still warm. This was the first time she had ever been in such a situation.

From the bathhouse, Gojo let out a satisfied sigh. "By the way, do you have a map of the Blackwater Territory?"

MeiYing remained silent, trying to regain her composure.

When Gojo finally stepped out—his toned body still damp, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist—she found herself staring again, unconsciously gulping.

Gojo raised an eyebrow. "Oi, I asked you a—" He smirked. "Yeah, yeah, take it all in. Want me to strike a few poses?"

MeiYing's face turned crimson as she clenched her fists. "You're insufferable!"

Without another word, she stomped into the bathhouse, doing her best to ignore his laughter.

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A/N: Another chapter for my beloved readers. Enjoy👋. Stones? Really need them.