Wandering the Martial World [Complete] - 12

Chapter Fifty-Seven: Beauty's Tragic Fate

"Don't be so sad," Hua Yumei said softly, unsure how to comfort Xiao Tianci.

"Brother Xiao, I think you should first investigate how this young lady died. I don't think you'd want her to die without knowing the truth, would you?" Han Tianxia said in a deep voice, a hint of inner strength in his voice.

Xiao Tianci finally reacted, slightly raising his head, his eyes filled with anger and a trace of sorrow.

"Thank you for the reminder, Brother Han. I will definitely not let her die without knowing the truth," he said firmly and forcefully.

"Sister Qin, please check her for any other injuries," Xiao Tianci said, leaving the room. Besides the four women from the East, the others also came out, as examining a young woman's body with many people was inconvenient.

"

Young Master, she has no other wounds. It seems the sword wound to her chest is the fatal one. However, we can't be sure whether it was suicide or assassination, because swordsmanship isn't our specialty." About fifteen minutes later, the four women from the East emerged, with Dongfang Hua reporting the results to Xiao Tianci.

"She couldn't have committed suicide. She's always been strong-willed; she would never do that," Xiao Tianci said in a deep voice. "I think Zhan Qingchen is suspicious. He and Xiaomin have clearly broken up, so why is he pretending to be so heartbroken? Sister Hua, please investigate him for me." Xiao Tianci had always felt that Zhan Qingchen's behavior earlier was too abnormal.

"Should I take a look at her for you?" A soft voice suddenly came from outside.

"Mengru, what brings you here?" Xiao Tianci rushed over. The grief brought on by Yue Xiaomin's death was somewhat lessened by her arrival, and at this moment, he couldn't care less about hiding his relationship with Qin Mengru.

Han Tianxia was almost stunned by Qin Mengru's natural noble bearing and stunning beauty. She was a truly breathtaking beauty. Although he had seen countless beauties in the Xiaoyao Sect, Qin Mengru possessed a fatal attraction for him.

"Hearing of the appearance of the Sword Lord, Mengru was preparing to keep her appointment, but I didn't expect to meet you here. However, I'm afraid I cannot fight you for the time being. Please forgive me, Sword Lord." Qin Mengru gently grasped Xiao Tianci's hand. Han Tianxia felt a sudden connection, but what surprised him even more were Qin Mengru's words.

"You are the Sword Queen, Qin Mengru?" Han Tianxia was somewhat unable to accept this fact. The woman who had captivated him at first sight was his friend's lover, and even more unexpectedly, this woman was his nemesis—the Sword Queen, and the woman his sect demanded he marry.

"I am indeed from Sword Pavilion." Qin Mengru smiled faintly. "Mengru will go in first. We'll schedule a duel with Sword Master another time. I apologize for the lack of courtesy." Qin Mengru took Xiao Tianci's hand, and together they went to Yue Xiaomin's body. Hua Yumei watched their backs and sighed softly, but did not follow.

"Mengru, where have you been these past few days?" Xiao Tianci asked anxiously.

"Don't ask yet, let me check on her first." Qin Mengru said softly. "Don't worry, I won't sneak away this time."

"That's good." Xiao Tianci seemed to be muttering to himself.

"Xiao Lang, she didn't commit suicide. Someone killed her with her own sword and then put her hand on the hilt." Qin Mengru said confidently after only a short while.

"Mengru, are you sure?" Although Xiao Tianci believed that Yue Xiaomin wouldn't commit suicide, he couldn't actually see anything wrong with it.

“Whether someone commits suicide with a sword or is killed by someone else makes a big difference. I’ve used a sword since I was a child, so I can naturally tell. My title of ‘Sword Queen’ isn’t for nothing.” Qin Mengru was a little unhappy that Xiao Tianci seemed to doubt her.

“Mengru, how could I not believe you? But who could have killed her? As far as I know, she shouldn’t have any enemies. If anyone should have, it should be me.” Xiao Tianci couldn’t understand. Yue Xiaomin’s death was a big blow to him. Although Yue Xiaomin had betrayed him, she had been with him for three months, sharing a bed for three months. Feelings don’t just disappear. Now that she was dead for no reason, it would be even more inexcusable for him not to be sad.

“Mengru, I think I should let her rest in peace. Now I’m sure she was killed. I will avenge her.” Xiao Tianci slowly picked up Yue Xiaomin and walked towards the door. Qin Mengru silently followed behind him. She was a little worried about Xiao Tianci; he should be quite heartbroken, but on the surface, he seemed to show no sign of it.

In the wilderness, a new grave stood, a mound of yellow earth burying a beautiful woman.

"Tomb of my deceased wife, Yue Xiaomin. Erected by Xiao Tianci."

"Xiaomin, I couldn't give you any official title while you were alive, and now that you're dead, I can only give you an empty name. I hope this can at least somewhat compensate you. Don't worry, I will definitely avenge you. No matter who it is, I will not be able to resist them." Xiao Tianci looked at the tombstone before him, silently reciting these words.

"Let's go back, it's getting late." Xiao Tianci didn't let anyone else come with him; only Qin Mengru followed behind him.

"Mengru, life is so unpredictable, how could it happen so fast? Her death was so sudden." Xiao Tianci hugged Qin Mengru tightly. "Mengru, promise me, no matter what, you will never leave me, okay?"

"Okay, I promise you, I will never leave you in this life." Qin Mengru leaned gently against Xiao Tianci, her voice soft, but inwardly she sighed. Could she really do it? She knew she was deceiving herself.

***********

That night, Xiao Tianci, for the first time ever, obediently held Qin Mengru and slept all night. Even Qin Mengru almost suspected that there was something wrong with this guy.

Xiaoyao Sect. The four women from the East were investigating everything about Zhan Qingchen, while Baihe and the others began to gather information on the movements of everyone in the White Alliance over the past few days.

According to Qin Mengru's explanation, Yue Xiaomin was probably killed without much suspicion, so they focused their attention on the White Alliance, especially those who were familiar with Yue Xiaomin. However, there were few people in the White Alliance who were familiar with Yue Xiaomin, and the most suspicious person was naturally Zhan Qingchen.

"Young Master, we investigated everyone in the White Alliance and found nothing amiss. However, on the night Yue Xiaomin was murdered, Zhan Qingchen left the city and didn't return to the inn until after midnight." Combining all the information, this was the only conclusion they reached. The only suspect was Zhan Qingchen, but what reason would he have to kill Yue Xiaomin? They had once been in love.

"Young Master, we just received news that the White Alliance is preparing to leave. They'll return to their respective sects first, and then go to White Horse Manor," Dongfang Hua hurriedly reported to Xiao Tianci.

"Let them go then. I don't want to see those people," Xiao Tianci said instinctively, then suddenly remembered something and quickly asked, "What about Yao'er? Is she leaving too? And isn't Zhan Qingchen leaving as well? I haven't figured out who killed Xiaomin yet; he's the prime suspect. I can't let him just leave like that."

"Young Master, should we go to the White Alliance?" Dongfang Hua inquired.

"Alright, Hua-jie and Shao-yao, you two can come with me. The rest of you don't need to go," Xiao Tianci said after thinking for a moment. "Meng-ru, don't run away while I'm gone," he added, still worried about Qin Meng-ru.

"If you don't trust me, just watch me," Qin Meng-ru rolled her eyes at him, initially accommodating him because he seemed a little upset, but now she couldn't help but want to scold him.

"Shao-yao, Hua-jie, let's go to the White Alliance now," Xiao Tianci quickly said, making a hasty retreat.

**********

"Young Master, why do you want me to come with you?" Shao-yao looked displeased.

"Aren't you good at arguing? Today I'll let you argue to your heart's content. You can scold whoever you want," Xiao Tianci said, his intentions unclear.

"What are you doing? If you curse in front of so many people, who would want to marry me?" Peony looked unhappy.

"Who else do you want to marry?" Xiao Tianci tapped her head.

"Since you won't marry me, of course I'll find someone else to marry myself!" Peony looked quite aggrieved.

"Alright, we're here. If you want to get married, I'll arrange it for you in a couple of days." Xiao Tianci walked into the inn first.

"Zhan Qingchen, come out!" Xiao Tianci was too lazy to look for him; he shouted with his true energy as soon as he entered, his voice audible in every corner of the inn.

"Xiao Tianci, what are you doing here?" Even if Zhan Qingchen was deaf, he probably heard him. Since someone had come to his door, he had no choice but to come out. Not only him, but the other members of the White Alliance in the inn were also alerted and came to see what was going on.

"Don't you know what I'm doing here?" Xiao Tianci retorted.

"How would I know what you're doing here?" Zhan Qingchen looked a little angry.

"Zhan Qingchen, my young master is here to settle accounts with you. Don't pretend to be innocent. I'm asking you, did you kill Yue Xiaomin?" Shaoyao was really direct.

"Don't make false accusations! Everyone knows Yue Xiaomin committed suicide. Besides, how could I kill her? I loved her so much, how could I kill her?" Zhan Qingchen said, already looking very heartbroken. "

Zhan Qingchen, stop pretending. We've investigated thoroughly. You and Yue Xiaomin had a falling out more than a month ago. You're quite the actor, fooling so many people, but unfortunately, you can't fool my young master." Shaoyao was aggressive, saying she didn't want to argue on the way here, but she was more assertive than anyone else here.

"Xiao Tianci, are you letting your subordinates spout such nonsense?" Zhan Qingchen's expression changed slightly.

"Zhan Qingchen, I said I wanted to find out who killed Xiaomin. You insist she committed suicide. Are you afraid your evil deeds will be discovered?" Xiao Tianci said coldly.

“Xiao Tianci, it was clearly you who did something shameful to Min’er, causing her to commit suicide out of shame and indignation. Now you’re blaming me? I haven’t even settled accounts with you yet!” Zhan Qingchen retorted.

“Benefactor Xiao, this old monk believes Qingchen wouldn’t have killed Miss Yue. You say he did, but I wonder if Benefactor Xiao has any evidence?” Huijue began to speak up for his disciple.

“I wonder if Master is speaking on your own behalf or on behalf of Shaolin? If you are representing Shaolin, once I have evidence proving that Zhan Qingchen is the murderer of Xiao Min, is Shaolin Temple willing to take responsibility for him?” Xiao Tianci asked coldly.

“Benefactor keeps saying that Qingchen killed Miss Yue, but what evidence do you have? Moreover, we all saw that Miss Yue committed suicide. Why do you insist that she was murdered?” Huijue countered.

"As for how Xiaomin died, Sword Queen Qin has personally examined it. She said Xiaomin was murdered and then staged as a suicide. If you don't believe me, Master, you can ask Sword Queen Qin yourself. With her status as Sword Queen, her judgment is naturally correct. Zhan Qingchen, I want to ask you, where were you the night Xiaomin was killed?" Xiao Tianci was frustrated by the lack of evidence, otherwise he probably wouldn't have said so much nonsense.

"Xiao Tianci, I didn't need to tell you my whereabouts, but since you want to know, I'll tell you clearly. I was practicing in my room that day and didn't go anywhere until I went to find Min'er in the morning, only to find that she had committed suicide." Zhan Qingchen was spouting nonsense.

"Is that so? But my men saw you leave the city that day and didn't return until midnight." Xiao Tianci sneered.

"That's your men seeing things wrong. I didn't go out that day at all." Zhan Qingchen's expression changed, and his eyes began to shift.

"My men couldn't possibly be wrong, Zhan Qingchen. Do you have some kind of secret?" Xiao Tianci's eyes flashed as he stared intently at Zhan Qingchen.

"Xiao Tianci, I don't need to explain to you where I went," Zhan Qingchen said, looking somewhat embarrassed and angry.

"Originally, you didn't need to explain anything to me, but since Xiaomin's death is related to you, you have to explain," Xiao Tianci said calmly. "Zhan Qingchen, did Xiaomin know some secret of yours, which is why you killed her to silence her?"

"Xiao Tianci, don't talk nonsense without evidence. Even if I really did leave the city that day, it has nothing to do with you. I have other things to do, I don't have time to talk to you anymore," Zhan Qingchen said, turning to leave.

"Oh dear, it's obvious you're afraid of being exposed. Why are you in such a hurry? My young master won't eat people," Shaoyao exclaimed.

"Benefactor Xiao, if you don't have concrete evidence that Qingchen did it, please don't bother us here. We need to return to Shaolin. If you have evidence in the future, please come to our temple." Huijue chanted a Buddhist prayer.

"I think I will personally go to Shaolin soon." Xiao Tianci said coldly. His suspicion of Zhan Qingchen had deepened, but since he had no evidence, there was nothing he could do. He came today mainly to stir up trouble and see how Zhan Qingchen would react.
Chapter 58 Lotus Emerging from Water

"Young Master, are we just going back like this?" On the way back to Xiaoyao Sect, Shaoyao kept complaining, "That Zhan Qingchen is talking nonsense. I think he's definitely up to something. Why don't we just kill him?"

"Go ahead and kill him." Xiao Tianci glared at her irritably. This girl was always stirring up trouble. The bigger the trouble, the happier she was.

“I can’t beat him,” Peony always retorted with this sentence. “Even if I don’t kill him, I have to give him a good scolding. I haven’t even really started scolding him yet.”

“Aren’t you afraid of not being able to get married?” Dongfang Hua, who was standing next to her, also found it amusing and teased her.

“I’ll just settle for marrying you, Young Master.” Peony said nonchalantly, without batting an eye.

“Alright, alright, Peony, if you keep messing around, I’ll really marry you off.” Xiao Tianci’s mood improved a lot, and he started joking with Peony.

“Young Master, do you think we’re really just going to stand by and watch everyone from the White Alliance leave? Even if Zhan Qingchen isn’t the murderer, it should be someone else from the White Alliance.” Dongfang Hua’s joking smile disappeared, and she asked Xiao Tianci seriously.

“Of course not.” Xiao Tianci said calmly, but didn’t continue.

************

The moon rises above the willow branches, and the lovers meet after dusk.

Suzhou was already ablaze with lights. A figure slipped out of the inn, glanced around, and then darted out of the city, completely unaware that someone was silently following behind him.

"Why are you in such a hurry? Is there something you need?" A woman in colorful clothes emerged from a grove of trees outside the city. The darkness made her indistinct, but her graceful figure was captivating from afar.

"I'm returning to Shaolin tomorrow, and I wanted to see you." The speaker was Zhan Qingchen.

"Oh, don't come looking for me unless it's urgent. It'll be inconvenient if you're discovered." The woman's tone was cold.

"But... I... I really miss you." Zhan Qingchen's voice was low. He tried to take the woman's hand, but she avoided it.

"If there's nothing else, I'm leaving." The woman turned away coldly.

“Wait, there’s more. I was afraid Yue Xiaomin would reveal our secret, so I killed her. I thought no one would care since she was dead, but I didn’t expect Xiao Tianci to pursue the matter. Now he’s starting to suspect me.” Zhan Qingchen said hurriedly, but the person in the shadows was furious.

“You said you killed Yue Xiaomin? Now Xiao Tianci suspects you, and you still come to me?” The woman was slightly angry, inwardly cursing how stupid someone could be.

"I was careful when I came, no one was following me." Zhan Qingchen wasn't stupid, just too confident.

"Come closer." The woman suddenly beckoned Zhan Qingchen to her side gently. For a moment, Zhan Qingchen almost thought he had misheard. He happily went over and tentatively put his arm around the woman, but he didn't see the hint of disgust in her eyes.

"Ugh~~~~~~" Zhan Qingchen let out a groan of pain, his eyes showing disbelief. His throat moved, but he couldn't say anything. He fell backward to the ground, motionless.

"Come out, what kind of behavior is this, a grown man sneaking around like this?" The woman seemed indifferent to killing someone, her voice calm, as if nothing had happened.

"You killed him?" The one following Zhan Qingchen was Xiao Tianci. He had been preparing to come out when he heard Zhan Qingchen say that he had killed Yue Xiaomin, but he held back because he wanted to know the woman's identity. He never expected that Zhan Qingchen would become a corpse in an instant.

"I was helping you, don't you think you should thank me?" She smiled slightly, and Xiao Tianci felt dizzy. He could see her clearly now: a face as beautiful as a lotus, eyebrows as delicate as willow branches, bright eyes and white teeth, a slender figure

, every smile and frown captivating. "Beautiful as a flower, yet with a heart of a serpent. Zhan Qingchen was utterly devoted to you, even killing Xiao Min for you, and you didn't feel a thing after killing him." Xiao Tianci secretly warned himself that this girl was not to be trifled with.

"Since he could kill his former lover for me, how do I know he wouldn't kill me for another woman in the future? A man like him deserves to die, of course I wouldn't feel anything. You say I have a heart of a serpent, right? Actually, I don't think so. I've never considered myself a good person. However, I think I'm better than Zhan Qingchen. What I hate most are hypocrites." She giggled again, "You say I'm beautiful? I'm really happy. Someone like you, surrounded by beauties, praises me; it seems I really am very beautiful."

"You know me?" Xiao Tianci was secretly surprised.

"Of course, you're the envy of every man in the world now. You're Qiu Xianzi's sweetheart, Nangong Xiaoyu's husband, and surrounded by countless beauties. Am I right?" The woman stared at Xiao Tianci for a long time before adding, "Actually, you're not that good-looking, not even as good-looking as Zhan Qingchen. Why do they like you?" She looked completely bewildered.

"I just want to know who you are. Also, were you the one who orchestrated all those frame-ups? And Xiaomin's death was also your doing. I want an explanation." Xiao Tianci didn't want to argue with her anymore. This woman, though beautiful, was not someone to be trifled with.

"First of all, Yue Xiaomin's death has nothing to do with me. I'm not as stupid as Zhan Qingchen. Besides, I consider myself the one who knows you best. As for the rest, think what you want. Even if I framed her, what can you do to me? Are you going to kill me?" The girl suddenly brought her face closer, startling Xiao Tianci. "Would you really kill me?" The girl's voice carried an indescribable allure.

"You!" Xiao Tianci was speechless for a moment.

"Actually, I didn't want to frame you, but I knew that even if you knew I framed you, you wouldn't kill me. Besides, framing you would be beneficial to me, so I chose you." The girl actually admitted that she was the one who did it.

"You really think I wouldn't dare to kill you?" Xiao Tianci felt that he had been completely played by this girl.

"Of course, if you have the guts, kill me now. It seems you haven't killed anyone before, have you? If you don't kill me, I'll continue to kill and set fires, and then frame you." She didn't care about provoking him, and it seemed that she wanted Xiao Tianci to kill her.

"If you want to die so badly, I'll grant your wish." Xiao Tianci couldn't stand her provocation anymore. He drew his long sword, and with a slight push of his hand, he thrust it straight at the girl.

"What are you doing?" Xiao Tianci was shocked and quickly withdrew his sword. It turned out that she not only didn't dodge, but also directly charged towards the tip of the sword.

"You really want to die that badly?" Xiao Tianci reached out and caught her as she was about to collapse. She leaned into his arms, a sly smile on her face.

"What? I told you you wouldn't kill me, right?" she said with a triumphant grin. "My judgment is never wrong."

"So you just wanted to test your judgment?" Xiao Tianci was both amused and exasperated. How could there be such a person in this world?

“Because I know you. You find it hard to make a move on a woman, especially a beautiful one.” She remained leaning against Xiao Tianci, not getting up. “You’re an orphan, with no parents, no brothers, and no friends. In your eyes, the closest person is your lover. Actually, you don’t understand what family or friendship is. The most important thing in your heart is your woman. So, unconsciously, when you see a woman you like, you don’t want to be ordinary friends with her; you only want her to be your lover. At the same time, you have a strange fondness for all women, so you can never bring yourself to kill them. You can tolerate Yue Xiaomin’s betrayal and Sikong Hanxing’s harm to you. How about that? Am I right?” She looked smug.

“I don’t even seem to know myself.” Xiao Tianci seemed to be lost in thought. He didn’t know why he could never bring himself to be ruthless.

“You still haven’t told me who you are. Why do you seem to know so much about me, while I know nothing about you?” Xiao Tianci finally remembered that he didn’t know who this strange girl was.

"I won't tell you, lest you try to take advantage of me. I don't want to be one of your dozens of concubines." The girl still refused to speak.

Xiao Tianci stared blankly at the girl in his arms, then suddenly kissed her lips fiercely. The girl seemed startled, trying to push him away, but found his hands already tightly holding her, and slowly she began to respond.

"How could you do this?" Xiao Tianci finally released her lips. The girl's face was red, her words tinged with reproach, but she didn't seem very angry.

"Didn't you say you knew me well? How come you don't know why I'm doing this now?" Xiao Tianci smiled slightly, feeling that he had finally gained the upper hand.

"Of course I know, you're a pervert, a pervert who likes pretty girls." The girl looked at Xiao Tianci with a hint of resentment. "Let me go, I'm leaving."

"You haven't told me who you are yet, how can I let you go?" Xiao Tianci showed no intention of letting go.

"If you want to know about Sikong Hanxing, let go now, or I'll make sure you never see her again in this lifetime." The girl's words startled Xiao Tianci.

"Where is she now? Did you force her to frame me?" Xiao Tianci finally understood.

"I told you it was me, what can you do to me? If you want to know about her, let me go now, otherwise..." Suddenly unable to finish her sentence, Xiao Tianci angrily silenced her with a kiss.

"I will find out who you are, and you must never try to understand a man again." Xiao Tianci finally released her. "Maybe you're right, I want anyone I like to be my lover, so I won't let you go either. I'm going back now, I still want to use Zhan Qingchen to appease Xiao Min." Saying this, Xiao Tianci smiled slightly at the girl, grabbed Zhan Qingchen's corpse, and turned to leave.

"If you want to find me, come to Furong Manor." The girl's soft voice suddenly came from behind.

"Don't worry, I will come to find you." Xiao Tianci had already left, but the girl still heard his voice.

*************

“Xiaomin, although I couldn’t avenge you myself, that bastard Zhan Qingchen is dead after all. I’ve brought him here for you to see. But I can’t bring myself to kill her, and she probably didn’t want you to die. I hope you can forgive me in the afterlife.” Xiao Tianci felt guilty about what happened between him and the girl, because if things were investigated, she might be the real culprit. But he couldn’t bring himself to kill her, and after all, she hadn’t asked Zhan Qingchen to kill anyone, nor did she know he would do it beforehand. Zhan

Qingchen’s body lay empty before Yue Xiaomin’s grave.

“Where did you go? Why are you only coming back now?” Xiao Tianci returned to his room. Qin Mengru was waiting for him. He had gone out alone tonight, and no one else knew.

"Xiao Min was really killed by Zhan Qingchen." Xiao Tianci sighed softly. "Zhan Qingchen is dead now, but I didn't kill him. At least it gives Xiao Min some closure."

"She's really pitiful. It's one thing for the first man to be unfaithful, but the second man was even more heartless, actually... sigh." Qin Mengru also sighed softly, but it seemed as if she was cursing Xiao Tianci for being unfaithful and fickle.

"Mengru, it's getting late, go to sleep." Xiao Tianci felt relieved, but his lust was aroused again. He wrapped his arms around Qin Mengru's slender waist and kissed her.

"You lecherous bastard." Qin Mengru cursed inwardly, but her face was already flushed, and her body gradually became hot. The two rolled onto the bed, and Qin Mengru began to endure Xiao Tianci's endless demands and exploration.

"Xiao Lang, have you noticed your friend, the Knife Lord Han Tianxia?" The two were still in the most intimate position, kissing Qin Mengru's skin, when Qin Mengru suddenly asked in a low voice.

"What's wrong with him? By the way, if you were to fight him, would you win?" Xiao Tianci hadn't paid much attention to Han Tianxia these past few days, as Han Tianxia had mostly been with Gu Feng and Lan Tianfeng.

"I don't know how good his martial arts are, but I feel he's quite skilled. As for the fight, it's not decided yet." Qin Mengru gave Xiao Tianci a light nip; she couldn't stand his actions.

"I think you two shouldn't fight. I'm afraid something might happen to you." Xiao Tianci thought of the fight between Ye Bingying and Dongfang Xuanji.

"No, we definitely have to fight. Sword Pavilion has never lost, and I can't lose either." Qin Mengru's tone was quiet but resolute.

"Is winning or losing really that important?" Xiao Tianci thought to himself, but didn't say it aloud. Perhaps these were things he couldn't understand.

Early in the morning, someone came to his door again—from Shaolin Temple. Xiao Tianci knew they were there because of Zhan Qingchen's death. He had originally planned not to place Zhan Qingchen's body in front of Yue Xiaomin's grave, but then he felt that would be showing weakness to Shaolin. Now, the Shaolin people coming to his door was exactly what he expected.

"

I don't know what brings you here so early, Master?" Xiao Tianci's tone sounded polite, but his words betrayed his true feelings.

"Xiao Tianci, stop pretending. Did you kill Qingchen?" Huijue asked, his face filled with grief. Zhan Qingchen was his prized disciple, and now he was dead.

"Oh? Zhan Qingchen is dead? Heaven truly has eyes." Xiao Tianci feigned ignorance.

"Xiao Tianci, yesterday during the day you came to see Qingchen, saying he killed Miss Yue, and that night he died, and his body was still in front of Miss Yue's grave. Who else could it be but you?" Monk Huijue was furious.

"Master, you're a monk, how come you have such a bad temper? It seems there's a reason you can't be the abbot of Shaolin." Peony popped out, speaking coldly from the side.

"Little girl, what nonsense are you spouting?" This touched a nerve with Huijue. Rumor had it that the previous abbot of Shaolin was supposed to pass the position to Huijue, but for some reason, it was passed to his junior brother, Huiming.

"Monks should be pure of heart and detached from worldly affairs. Look at you, I just said something and you get angry. You're not like a monk at all! And Shaolin monks should be chanting scriptures in the temple, what are they doing in the martial world?" Peony wasn't afraid of anyone.

"I'll teach you a lesson, you ill-mannered girl." Huijue's temper was indeed not good; he slashed at Peony with a palm strike.

"Master, are you here to provoke me?" Xiao Tianci stepped aside, blocking Peony's path, his right hand slightly raised, meeting Huijue's palm strike head-on.

"Young Master, you really know how to care for me, hehe." Peony hugged Xiao Tianci's hand, hiding behind him and making a face at Huijue.

"Xiao Tianci, don't think you can do whatever you want just because you're good at martial arts. I believe that even if Fairy Qiu were here, she would uphold justice for our Shaolin Temple. Murder must be punished with death. Even if I'm no match for you today, our Shaolin Temple will not let this go." Huijue had just suffered a slight loss.

"Master, don't forget that when I went to find Zhan Qingchen yesterday, you asked me to produce evidence. Now, I also ask you to produce evidence. If you don't have evidence, then please don't cause trouble in our sect." Xiao Tianci said coldly, "Sister Qin, see them out." Xiao Tianci gave them the order to leave.

"Young Master, did you kill Zhan Qingchen?" Dongfang Qin asked after half-seeing off the Shaolin Temple people.

"Sister Qin, although I wanted to kill him, I didn't kill him, and I already know that he is the murderer of Xiaomin." Xiao Tianci sighed slightly.

"Young Master Xiao." A hurried voice startled Xiao Tianci. A long cry rang out from a white crane, and a beautiful woman in palace attire jumped down from its back.

"Miss Zhu, what's the matter so urgent?" Xiao Tianci went to greet her. The person was naturally Zhu Ruolan, but she looked very anxious. He wondered what had happened. Xiao Tianci's first thought was whether the An sisters had encountered any trouble, and he couldn't help but worry.

"Quick, come with me to Emei. Jingmei is going to become a nun." Zhu Ruolan grabbed Xiao Tianci and was about to leave in her haste.

"Wait, tell me what happened first." Xiao Tianci was also shocked. Anjing was going to become a nun?

"What else is there to say? She's already in Emei. We don't even know if we'll make it in time." Zhu Ruolan seemed a little angry.

"Sister Qin, I'm leaving now. I'll be back as soon as possible. Please tell them." Xiao Tianci had no choice but to mount the crane. The white crane soared into the sky. Dongfang Qin stamped her foot, but there was nothing she could do. She could only watch Xiao Tianci disappear into the air. "Why do you always tell me at the last minute?" The two were arguing heatedly in mid-air.

" I only found out now too! How was I supposed to know she wanted to become a nun? And you're blaming me? It's all because of you!" Zhu Ruolan retorted, not wanting to be scolded. "Then why didn't you tell me where you were earlier? Where did you take those sisters? I've been looking for them for so long and haven't found them!" Xiao Tianci was furious. The An sisters had vanished into thin air recently; he had sent people to search for them without success. Now they suddenly reappeared, saying they wanted to become nuns. "You're blaming me for your own incompetence?" Zhu Ruolan's temper flared. "Don't you want to go? If you don't want to go, get off me now!" She tried to push Xiao Tianci off the crane's back, not caring if he might die. "Hey, are you being unreasonable?" Xiao Tianci, caught off guard, swayed and instinctively grabbed Zhu Ruolan's waist. "Let go!" Zhu Ruolan cried out. "I'm not that stupid. If I let go, you'll push me off." Xiao Tianci didn't care about that. In his haste, he didn't even consider whether there was anything wrong with him holding a girl like this. "Are you going to let go or not?" Zhu Ruolan turned her head, her face showing a hint of anger and a touch of shyness.

"Oh, I'm sorry, but could you please not push me off?" Xiao Tianci finally realized that what he had done was wrong, but he was still a little worried. However, he slowly loosened his grip.

"I will naturally take you to Emei." Zhu Ruolan regained her composure. "No matter what, I can't let Jingmei become a nun like this."

"Can you tell me what happened? Why did she suddenly decide to become a nun?" Xiao Tianci quickly changed the subject to get over the awkwardness.

"Last time you asked her to leave with me, she told you not to see her again. I didn't expect Jingmei to be so stubborn. I thought she would get better after a while, but no matter how Anling and I tried to persuade her, it was no use. Yesterday, she even secretly rode away on my white crane. By the time I found out last night, she was already in Emei. In the letter she left me, she said she went to Emei to become a nun and asked me to take care of Anling. I've already sent Anling to Emei on another white crane, so I came to find you first." This time, Zhu Ruolan cooperated and slowly explained the whole story.

"I hope I can make it in time," Xiao Tianci murmured.

The two remained silent. The atmosphere between them was strange throughout the journey, perhaps because of Xiao Tianci's unintentional hug.

*********

Emei Mountain, the most beautiful place under heaven.

Mount Emei, Sichuan. Emei Sect.

The Emei Sect is entirely female, with most members being nuns; lay disciples are extremely rare. Yet, Emei stands among the five major sects—a miracle indeed. The current sect leader, Abbess Qingxin, has two lay disciples, Yun Xinwu and Xiao Yuru, who are the most famous.

The Emei Sect's main hall was brightly lit, where a beautiful woman was about to undergo a nuptial ceremony.

"Sister, don't do this! You're so young, why are you so distraught?" An Ling, having arrived at Emei, was earnestly trying to persuade An Jing, but An Jing remained unresponsive.

"Female benefactor, are you truly determined?" Abbess Qingxin asked An Jing again. An Jing didn't speak, but nodded firmly.

“Sister, can you wait a little longer? Xiao Lang is coming soon,” An Ling pleaded.

An Jing’s body trembled slightly, and she turned to Abbess Qingxin, saying, “Abbess, please begin.”

“Abbess, please don’t! My sister doesn’t truly want to become a nun! Please wait a little longer, at most two hours, okay?” Seeing she couldn’t persuade her sister, An Ling had no choice but to try and persuade Abbess Qingxin.

“The word ‘love’ has ruined so many lives,” Abbess Qingxin sighed softly. “Benefactor, I think I should wait a while before shaving your head.”

“Abbess, don’t listen to my sister! Shave my head now! I’ve thought it through!” An Jing seemed a little anxious.

“Sister, if you really decided to become a nun, why don’t you wait for Xiao Lang to come? Are you afraid that if he comes, you won’t be able to make up your mind?” An Ling pulled An Jing. “You still clearly like him, so why do you want to become a nun? Even if you become a nun, you won’t be able to focus on your Buddhist practice.”

“Ling’er is right, Jing’er, are you really willing to leave us like this?” Xiao Tianci finally arrived.
“Xiao Lang, Sister Lan, you’re finally here! I was so worried.” An Ling rushed to Xiao Tianci’s side, relieved.

“Junior Xiao Tianci greets Master Qingxin.” Xiao Tianci respectfully bowed deeply to Master Qingxin.

“Young Master Xiao, you don’t need to be so polite. It seems you’ve come about Miss An’s matter, right?” Master Qingxin smiled and nodded in return.

“Yes, please don’t shave Jing’er’s head, I would be extremely grateful.” Master Qingxin’s kind face inspired admiration in everyone who saw her.

"Actually, you don't need to thank me. Whether Miss An wants to shave her head is entirely up to her. I won't interfere." Abbess Qingxin smiled calmly. Xiao Tianci had always been polite to her, so she naturally developed a good impression of him.

"Then, Abbess, I'll take her away now. You don't have any objections, do you?" Xiao Tianci said, walking towards Anjing.

"This humble nun certainly doesn't have any objections, but it depends on whether Miss An has any objections."

"What are you doing here? I told you not to come see me again." Anjing's tone was icy as she dodged Xiao Tianci's hand that was about to take her.

"Jing'er, it was my fault. Please come back with me first, okay? We can talk about it back there." Xiao Tianci said softly.

"I won't go. I want to become a nun." Anjing said as if she were being stubborn.

"Jing'er, I won't let you become a nun. I'll take you back even if I have to." Xiao Tianci whispered in her ear. Suddenly, Anjing felt a numbness all over her body and could no longer move. She tried to speak but found she couldn't make a sound.

"You're not angry anymore, that's wonderful." Xiao Tianci looked pleased and picked up An Jing. "Master, we'll take our leave now." He hurriedly left, afraid that staying any longer would give Master Qingxin away.

"Xiao Lang, you're amazing! As soon as you arrived, my sister was willing to go back." An Jing looked at Xiao Tianci with admiration. Xiao Tianci couldn't help but smile wryly. He wondered what kind of trouble An Jing would cause once they got back. An Ling really thought An Jing had left willingly.

**

"Master, it seems that Miss An was forcibly taken away." An Emei disciple whispered in Master Qingxin's ear.

"I know, but I think she'll be happier back home." Master Qingxin sighed, seemingly remembering how she had become a nun in a fit of pique, yet she still hadn't completely let go of the person she once loved.

******

In an inn at the foot of Mount Emei.

"You just snatched Jing Mei back like that?" Zhu Ruolan was a little amused and exasperated. It seemed that this person knew nothing but how to snatch things.

“What else can we do? You said Jing’er is stubborn. I can’t guarantee I can persuade her if I don’t get her back first.” Xiao Tianci looked helpless, glancing at An Jing in his arms, only to find her glaring at him fiercely.

“Xiao Tianci, you’re so unreasonable! You’ve used this trick again!” An Jing cried out as soon as Xiao Tianci released her pressure points.

“Xiao Lang, so you’ve acupunctured my sister.” An Ling finally understood.

“Let me go, or I’ll never forgive you!” An Jing’s fair face flushed red, looking ready to fight Xiao Tianci if he let her go.

“Ling’er, let me go inside and try to persuade Jing’er. We’ll go back to Suzhou tomorrow.” Xiao Tianci ignored An Jing’s danger and carried her straight into the inner room.

“What are you doing?” An Jing glared at Xiao Tianci with eyes that seemed to spit fire.

“Jing’er, what else can I do? It’s too embarrassing for me to beg you in front of them, so I had to come in alone to beg for your forgiveness.” Xiao Tianci put on a pitiful look, but it was hard to tell if he was faking it.

“Aren’t you going to let me go?” Anjing was struggling to move.

“Unless you promise not to leave, I’ll let you go.” Xiao Tianci carried Anjing and crawled onto the bed.

“What are you doing?” Anjing was both ashamed and angry.

“I wanted to sleep, but I was afraid you would run away, so I just slept like this.” Xiao Tianci looked completely innocent.

Anjing was speechless; this guy was too shameless.

“I promise I won’t leave, okay? Let me go, alright?” Seeing that hard tactics weren’t working, Anjing tried softer ones.

“Really? Jing’er, you’re not lying to me, are you?” Xiao Tianci wasn’t so easily fooled, because Anjing’s expression didn’t seem like she didn’t want to leave.

"What do you want?" Anjing suddenly burst into tears, sobbing bitterly.

"Jing'er, you... don't cry, I'll let you go." Xiao Tianci panicked and quickly released Anjing's pressure points. Anjing didn't move, but cried even more sadly, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

"Jing'er, it's my fault, I shouldn't have forced you like this, please don't cry, your crying makes my heart turmoil." Xiao Tianci tried hard to stop Anjing from crying, but it seemed to have no effect.

"Since you don't consider me your wife, why did you come to take me back?" Anjing raised her head, her eyes brimming with tears, and sobbed as she spoke.

"Jing'er, how could I not consider you my wife? I've always considered you my wife." Xiao Tianci said cautiously, feeling very wronged inside.

"Jing'er, please don't cry, okay?" Xiao Tianci hugged Anjing tenderly, gently kissing away her tears, and finally pressing his lips to hers.

Anjing responded to him unexpectedly passionately, her pink arms tightly entwining Xiao Tianci, her hot, delicate body pressed against his. Her amazing elasticity was a fatal temptation for Xiao Tianci. The two rolled around together, taking each other's time, interspersed with Xiao Tianci's soft breaths and Anjing's dreamlike murmurs. For a moment, the room was filled with boundless spring.

"If you dare to force me to leave again, I'll kill myself." Anjing said softly as the passion subsided.

Volume 4, Chapter 60, "Beautiful Flowers

" "I've been well-educated and polite since I was a child, and I've always taken the separation of men and women very seriously. I don't ask you for any title now, I just want you to at least consider me your true wife in your heart, you know? People say that husband and wife are like birds in the same forest, flying away separately when disaster strikes, but I don't think so. I think a true couple should know and depend on each other for life, sharing joys and sorrows. How can you expect me to leave you when you're in danger?" Anjing became angrier as she spoke.

“Jing’er, I promise you, no matter what, I will never let you leave me, okay?” Xiao Tianci was deeply moved and whispered his promise in An Jing’s ear.

“Call me stubborn if you want, but if you’re still like last time, I might as well just die.” An Jing didn’t seem to be sulking.

“Xiao Lang, sister, you two are back together?” An Ling sneaked in from outside, only to see Xiao Tianci and An Jing embracing intimately, looking somewhat surprised.

“Ling’er, did you miss me?” Xiao Tianci reached out and pulled An Ling into the bed as well, starting to grope her body.

“Xiao Lang, do you know how worried I was about you?” An Ling said tenderly, leaning against Xiao Tianci.

Xiao Tianci’s desire, which had just subsided, was aroused again by An Ling, and in the end, An Jing was also caught in the crossfire.

***********

The next day, Xiao Tianci and the An sisters prepared to return to Xiaoyao Sect.

“Sister Lan, come with us.” An Jing persuaded Zhu Ruolan, “Sister Lan, you must be bored there. We can keep you company.”

“Xiao Lang, hurry up and say something, invite Sister Lan to come with us.” An Ling urged Xiao Tianci.

“Miss Zhu, if you don’t have anything else to do, please visit Xiaoyao Sect. I haven’t thanked you for helping me several times yet.” Xiao Tianci had no choice but to speak up. He secretly wanted Zhu Ruolan to go, but he didn’t really want to.

“Alright, I’ll go and see. I also want to see the legendary Autumn Fairy.” Zhu Ruolan seemed to have found a way out for herself.

“Yao’er might not be there anymore.” Xiao Tianci muttered to himself, but he didn’t dare to say it aloud.

“Xiao Lang, shall we go together?” An Ling seemed to be asking Xiao Tianci’s opinion, but in reality, she was half-forcing Xiao Tianci to sit with her on a white crane. A pair of white cranes took flight, and one man and three women soared in the sky. As evening approached, the four returned to Xiaoyao Sect. Dongfang Qin warmly welcomed the women, but glared at Xiao Tianci, clearly displeased. Sensing the unpleasant situation, Xiao Tianci quickly said he needed to visit Xiao Yuya and hurried inside.

" Sister Yuya, how much longer until I can become a father?" Xiao Tianci pressed his head against Xiao Yuya's lower abdomen, which was now quite swollen, and she dared not go out. "What's the rush? It's still early." Xiao Yuya rolled her eyes at him. "I heard you brought Anjing and Anling with you. Why aren't you with them? Why did you come here instead? Are you afraid Xiaoqin will cause you trouble?" "No, no, Sister Yuya, I just care about you. Isn't it good that I came to see you?" Xiao Tianci denied it outright. "Sister Yuya, I haven't been with you in so long." "Let me tell you, don't come here before the baby is born, lest you get handsy and harm our child." Xiao Yuya's pretty face was full of maternal glow, but her gentle eyes were fixed on her lower abdomen, which she was gently stroking. "I know, Sister Yuya, I'll listen to you." Xiao Tianci was a little helpless. "Alright, you can go now. I need to rest for a while." Xiao Yuya said coquettishly, starting to shoo Xiao Tianci out. "Poor young master." Outside the door, Panpan looked at Xiao Tianci with schadenfreude. "Do you believe I can make you even more pitiful than me?" Xiao Tianci glared at Panpan, who stuck out her tongue and went into Xiao Yuya's room. As the saying goes, three women make a drama, but who knows how much drama a dozen women together would create? Now, An Jing, An Ling, Zhu Ruolan, Mudan, and Dongfang Qin were all gathered together, even Hua Yumei and Qin Mengru were chatting and laughing with them. Poor Xiao Tianci was kicked out as soon as he arrived; no one gave him face. The reason given was that An Jing wanted to play the zither with Zhu Ruolan, but Zhu Ruolan didn't want to play for Xiao Tianci, so they had to sacrifice him. Bored and helpless, Xiao Tianci found Lan Tianfeng and the others. "Brother Xiao, what a rare guest! When did you have time to come and entertain us?" Lan Tianfeng said with an exaggerated expression. "Brother Lan, it seems you're especially happy when I'm in trouble," Xiao Tianci said, somewhat disgruntled. "Not at all, I'm just happy you can come and keep us poor widows company," Lan Tianfeng said innocently. A melodious zither tune began, and the group fell silent. "What a beautiful piece, such exquisite fingerwork," Han Tianxia exclaimed. "Brother Xiao, who's playing?" Lan Tianfeng was also captivated. "It's Jing'er and that Zhu Ruolan. They actually kicked me out because they wanted to play the zither," Xiao Tianci complained. "Jing'er? When did she arrive?" They hadn't known about the An sisters' arrival. "Just now," Xiao Tianci sighed. He knew a little about music and could tell that the two musicians' skill was truly extraordinary, their coordination flawless. "Brother Xiao, I truly envy your good fortune," Lan Tianfeng sighed. "Yes, yes, even I envy you. Especially with someone as skilled at brewing wine as the Hundred Flower Fairy. I wish she were my wife," Gu Feng said, his eyes filled with longing. "Give me a break," Lan Tianfeng retorted. "It would be a miracle if any woman liked you, given your looks. You want to marry the Fairy of a Hundred Flowers? She's one of the top ten beauties in the martial arts world and the mistress of the Hundred Flowers Palace." "By the way, Brother Lan, what's this 'Beauty Ranking' thing?" Xiao Tianci had never figured it out, and he didn't dare ask Dongfang Hua and the others.

"You don't even know this? Sigh, it's a pity you've already snatched up half of the top twenty beauties in the martial arts world, and you know nothing about it." Lan Tianfeng looked incredulous.

"Brother Lan, what beauty list? I don't know either." Han Tianxia was also very interested.

"This beauty list is a ranking of the most beautiful women in the martial arts world. The top ten are called the Celestial Fairy List, meaning their beauty is comparable to celestial fairies. The first is Qiu Shuiyao, the Fairy Qiu, and the second is Princess Hanxiang of the Demonic Sect. Unfortunately, Brother Han, you shouldn't count on either of them. The third one, however, is quite promising for you. Last time I saw her, she seemed to have a good impression of you. She's Tang Feishuang of the Tang Sect. Brother Han, you'd better work hard, lest you also get her by Brother Xiao." Lan Tianfeng said seriously.

"Brother Lan, don't joke around, continue." Han Tianxia felt a dull ache in his heart; Qin Mengru's beauty was already lingering in his mind.

"Fourth is Yue Wuxia, the Palace Master of Mingyue Palace, but she hasn't appeared in the martial world for a long time. Fifth and sixth are the twin sisters of Jiuhua Mountain, Liu Qingluan and Liu Zifeng. Seventh is Nangong Xiaoyu of the Nangong family, also the most talented woman in the world, but unfortunately she fell in love with a fool." He glanced at Xiao Tianci again. "Eighth is the eldest daughter of the Murong family, but I haven't met her yet. Ninth is the girl Zhu Ruolan who is playing the zither, also known as the Heavenly Bird Fairy in the martial world. I only recently learned about her. Tenth is the Hundred Flower Fairy, also a beautiful flower in..." Lan Tianfeng didn't finish, because he saw that Xiao Tianci was about to explode.

"It seems to make sense, but why isn't Mengru on the list?" Xiao Tianci murmured. Qin Mengru's beauty was comparable to Qiu Shuiyao's.

"This Fairy Qin was not on the list because the ranking had already been released when she debuted, but in terms of appearance and temperament, she could definitely be ranked in the top three." Lan Tianfeng spoke like an expert.

"Brother Lan, why don't you continue with the other ten?" Han Tianxia felt a pang of sadness upon hearing Qin Mengru's name and tried to stop the conversation. Lan Tianfeng obliged.

"The next ten are known as the 'List of Beauties.' Ranked first is Yu Furong, the mistress of Furong Manor. I've heard she's incredibly beautiful, but I've never seen her." Lan Tianfeng seemed regretful, but Xiao Tianci thought of the woman in colorful clothes. Could she be Yu Furong?

"Second is An Jing, the eldest daughter of the An family. Her sister, An Ling, is fourth. We have no hope with either of them. Third is Crystal, the young mistress of Crystal Palace, but I heard she's already engaged to that bastard Ling Xiaofang. What a pity. Fifth is our sect leader's wife, Xiao Yuya, the third young lady of the former Jianhu Manor. Sixth is the eldest daughter of Yunzhong Fortress. I saw her once five years ago. She was only 14 then, but she was already a beauty of unparalleled grace and elegance." He revealed a lecherous, infatuated expression.

"Hurry up and finish," Xiao Tianci urged him.

"Don't rush, don't rush, anyway, about half of them are already at your house." Lan Tianfeng wanted to whet everyone's appetite, but seeing the three of them staring at him with murderous eyes, he realized he seemed to have angered everyone and quickly continued.

"The seventh-ranked one is also from the Murong family, the second young lady of the Murong family, Murong Bi. The eighth is Yun Xinwu, a lay disciple of the Emei Sect. The ninth is that quirky girl, Sikong Hanxing." Lan Tianfeng paused here.

"And the tenth?" the three asked in unison.

"Tenth, alas, there is no tenth." Lan Tianfeng's expression darkened slightly.

"How can there be no tenth?" Xiao Tianci didn't believe it.

"The tenth is Yue Xiaomin." Lan Tianfeng sighed softly. Xiao Tianci fell silent. Yue Xiaomin might be his eternal pain. Even though Zhan Qingchen was dead, the dead cannot be brought back to life, and Yue Xiaomin could never come back to life.

"Yu Mei, do you think men can't talk about anything else behind women's backs?" A pleasant voice startled the men, who hadn't even noticed someone's arrival.

"Mengru, Sister Yu Mei, weren't you listening to the zither?" Xiao Tianci forced a smile.

"We were listening to the zither, but someone interrupted us. I don't know where you got into trouble again, but someone delivered a letter for you. Mengru and I wanted to show it to you, but we overheard people gossiping about us." Hua Yu Mei's indifferent attitude made Xiao Tianci's heart tremble. "

Sister Yu Mei, what letter? Let me see it first." Xiao Tianci had always been born to be bullied by women, and now he had resigned himself to it.

"See for yourself." " Those

who wish to see the owner of the pearl flower must come to Hibiscus Manor within ten days." Just a few words, along with a beautiful pearl flower.

"Brother Xiao, someone delivered a token of love to you?" Lan Tianfeng asked with envy. "People are different, and so are their fates."

"Let me see." Hua Yumei snatched the letter and the beaded hairpin away with a jealous look. After reading it, she asked, "Whose beaded hairpin is this?"

"It's that girl Sikong Hanxing's. I don't know who she offended. Last time, it seems she was threatened and used to frame me." Xiao Tianci answered honestly with no choice.

"Are you going to Furong Manor?" Hua Yumei asked.

Xiao Tianci didn't speak, but nodded, though his expression was a little strange, as if he were pleading with Hua Yumei.

"Why don't you discuss it with Qin Mei and the others first?" Hua Yumei didn't get angry, but just reminded him to ask Dongfang Qin and the others first. Poor Xiao Tianci knew his own bitterness; Dongfang Qin hadn't given him a good look for several days. "Young Master," Dongfang Hua said softly,

"

not many people have seen what the Lady of Hibiscus Manor, Yu Furong, looks like, and we know even less about her martial arts skills. All we know is that Hibiscus Manor is very wealthy and has many highly skilled guards. However, the latest news is that the Lady of Hibiscus Manor is preparing to publicly choose a husband, and there should be definite news in a few days."

Xiao Tianci ultimately gained the women's forgiveness without much suffering, so he first asked Dongfang Hua to inquire about Hibiscus Manor, since he knew nothing about it before.

Now he increasingly suspected that the girl in colorful clothes he saw that day was Yu Furong. But if she really was Yu Furong, why didn't she just ask him to go directly? Why did she use Sikong Hanxing to threaten him? And what leverage did she have over Sikong Hanxing that forced him to submit to her? Furthermore, if the woman in colorful clothes was indeed Yu Furong, why was she publicly choosing a husband? Why had she repeatedly tried to frame Xiao Tianci before?

Xiao Tianci was completely baffled. Perhaps he would only understand once he arrived at Furong Manor. It seemed a trip to Furong Manor was inevitable.

The next day, Xiao Tianci bid farewell to the women and left the Xiaoyao Sect. Zhu Ruolan's unexpected cooperation this time was that her white crane carried Xiao Tianci to Furong Manor.

Furong Manor was located in Hubei Province, only a hundred miles away from Wudang Mountain.

(Volume 4, Chapter 61: Love and Hate Intertwined)

Not far from Furong Manor was Furong Town. Actually, it wasn't originally called Furong Town; it was renamed after Furong Manor was built. Xiao Tianci was currently in Furong Town. He was required to go to Furong Manor within ten days, and it was only the third day. He wanted to familiarize himself with the surroundings first, so he sat in a small tavern. However, the tavern owner had a strong opinion of him because he didn't drink. Fortunately, Xiao Tianci had bought some snacks to go with the drinks, so the owner didn't kick him out. In fact, Xiao Tianci dared not drink alcohol, fearing that drinking would cause trouble again.

The world is both vast and small. Xiao Tianci saw someone he didn't want to see again: Ling Xiaofang. He never expected to run into Ling Xiaofang here. Were they truly natural enemies? However, he noticed that Crystal was no longer with Ling Xiaofang. It seemed something must have happened after Shuiyun returned. Xiao Tianci thought to himself, unaware that Crystal and Ling Xiaofang were no longer together.

Ling Xiaofang also saw Xiao Tianci, and he was secretly surprised. In truth, the person Ling Xiaofang hated most right now was probably Xiao Tianci. First, he stole his beloved, and then he humiliated him several times in public. However, Xiao Tianci's reputation in the martial arts world was growing stronger. After all, he was Nangong Xiaoyu's husband and Qiu Shuiyao's lover; no one could ignore him. Although Xiao Tianci's reputation in the martial arts world was bad, no one dared to really do anything to him for the time being. Ling Xiaofang wanted to avoid Xiao Tianci, knowing he couldn't compete with him now. Crystal Palace had not only stopped helping him, but Tianya Haijiao and Crystal Palace were now enemies.

However, things rarely go as planned. Ling Xiaofang tried to avoid him, but Xiao Tianci came knocking.

"Ling Xiaofang, it seems we meet again." Xiao Tianci wanted to settle the score for Ling Xiaofang drugging Shui Yun.

"Xiao Tianci, we don't have any connection. Meeting or not doesn't matter, does it?" Ling Xiaofang suppressed his anger.

"I didn't expect the arrogant Ling Xiaofang of the past to be so good-natured today." Xiao Tianci sneered, deliberately trying to provoke Ling Xiaofang so he could cause trouble. After all, he couldn't very well say that he was now settling a score on Shui Yun's behalf for drugging her.

"Xiao Tianci, I have other matters to attend to and don't want to argue with you." Ling Xiaofang turned and left hastily, leaving Xiao Tianci standing there in astonishment. He couldn't believe Ling Xiaofang could swallow her anger so easily. He shook his head helplessly, wondering if Ling Xiaofang had lost her mind.

Furong Manor was known for its immense wealth, yet it was located in a relatively remote area, which puzzled many. The manor's mistress, Yu Furong, rarely ventured into the martial world, and there was no word of her knowing martial arts. Furong Manor's ability to rival Jianhu Manor was largely due to its wealth. As the saying goes, money makes the world go round, and many martial artists didn't want to spend their lives struggling in the martial world; they wanted to enjoy their later years in peace. Furong Manor took in many such people. The guards of Furong Manor might not be famous in the martial world today, but more than ten years ago, they were all renowned figures.

Yu Furong, rumored to be over twenty years old, was naturally beautiful but had never found her sweetheart. Hibiscus Manor has only been established for eight years, yet she, a seemingly frail woman, has managed it all with remarkable efficiency.

Hibiscus Manor is brightly lit; the lights never go out, day or night, supposedly because the manor's owner, Yu Hibiscus, is afraid of the dark. So, almost every public corner of the manor is always illuminated.

Xiao Tianci is currently in a precarious situation. He wanted to investigate the manor after nightfall, but upon entering, he felt as if he had entered a maze, completely disoriented.

"Miss, Xiao Tianci has arrived, but he sneaked in. It seems he's already trapped."

"Uncle Zhong, do you think I should do this?" the woman addressed as "Miss" asked hesitantly.

"Miss, I've watched you grow up. I only want you to be happy," Uncle Zhong replied, seemingly ignoring the question.

"Uncle Zhong, I understand your thoughts, but you also understand mine. So please don't try to persuade me anymore. Go and bring Xiao Tianci to me," the woman sighed softly.

Xiao Tianci was still wandering around like a headless fly, increasingly confused, finding himself seemingly stuck in the same place.

"Young Master Xiao, my young lady requests your presence." Suddenly, an aged voice rang in Xiao Tianci's ears.

"Young Master Xiao, please follow me." Xiao Tianci hadn't yet figured out how this person had appeared. This person looked to be over sixty, and it was unclear what martial arts they knew. How had they appeared so silently beside him?

Led by the old man, Xiao Tianci easily arrived at a small pavilion.

"My young lady is upstairs. Please go there yourself, young master." The old man stopped.

"Thank you, senior." Xiao Tianci was a little dizzy; it was too embarrassing to be discovered so easily.

*********

Looking at her back, Xiao Tianci felt a sense of familiarity mixed with strangeness. She wore a pale yellow dress, her long hair flowing.

"Young Master Xiao seems quite sentimental, arriving here so quickly." The girl turned around.

"Is it really you?" Xiao Tianci was somewhat surprised, yet it seemed expected. She was the girl in colorful clothes he had seen that day.

"Young Master Xiao, have you seen me before?" The young woman seemed a little surprised.

"You've forgotten me so quickly? You really are forgetful, aren't you?" Xiao Tianci said with a self-deprecating tone. "You must be Yu Furong, the mistress of Furong Manor?"

"That's right, I am Yu Furong." A slight look of astonishment flashed across Yu Furong's face, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Since you don't remember me, why did you call me here?" Xiao Tianci was a little disappointed; he thought she was deliberately trying to avoid any further contact with him.

"Doesn't Young Master Xiao want to know about Sikong Hanxing?" Yu Furong smiled calmly.

"Of course I want to know. Where is she now?" Xiao Tianci seemed to have been reminded by her, finally remembering that he had come for Sikong Hanxing.

"Young Master Xiao, don't be in such a hurry. If you're willing to stay here for a while, I'll naturally arrange for her to meet you. In fact, I can even have her travel with you," Yu Furong said unhurriedly.

"You mean she's in your hands now? How do I know if she's alright? I don't even know if she's safe. You're just making things up out of thin air; how can I believe you?" Xiao Tianci wasn't stupid.

"Of course I'll let you see her. As long as you agree to my conditions, I can show you what she looks like right now," Yu Furong said calmly.

"What do you want me to do for you?" Xiao Tianci was slightly angry. In his heart, Yu Furong was the girl from that day, yet now she was pretending not to know him at all. He thought she wanted to pretend that what happened that day had never occurred. "I do

n't need you to do anything for me. I just want you to stay here for a period of time, at least half a month, at most half a year, and at most half a year. I can't determine the exact time yet. During this time, you can't see anyone except me," Yu Furong said.

"You mean, you want me to stay here like a prisoner all day? That's equivalent to house arrest?" Xiao Tianci was furious. If he had to not see his beloved women for half a year, he probably would go crazy.

“It’s not that serious. At least your life will be better than a prisoner’s. I’ll make sure you eat and live well.” Yu Furong’s serious reply made Xiao Tianci feel uneasy.

“If you don’t agree, I can’t guarantee you’ll still be able to see Sikong Hanxing.” Yu Furong said coldly. Seeing that Xiao Tianci didn’t react, she started using threats.

“Let me see her first.” Xiao Tianci said weakly.

“Come with me.” Yu Furong led him to another room. Xiao Tianci was suddenly surprised to find that there was also the mirror-like thing he had seen at Yue Xiaorou’s place, which reflected the outside world. Such mirrors filled the entire room. “Look at this

.” Following Yu Furong’s hand, Xiao Tianci saw Sikong Hanxing. It was an ordinary boudoir. She seemed to be doing well. She was wearing a set of emerald green clothes. Her face was slightly thinner, and the mischievous look on her face was gone. Instead, she seemed to have a bit of resentment.

"Don't even think about rescuing her, and don't even think about capturing me. You have absolutely no chance with me. Although your martial arts are outstanding, you can't catch me, and you can't possibly find where Sikong Hanxing is." Yu Furong warned Xiao Tianci in advance not to have any other ideas.

"Since you're so powerful, what do you want me to do here?" Xiao Tianci said resentfully.

"I naturally have my reasons. Now I'll only give you two choices. First, you stay, and once the time is up, I'll let you take Sikong Hanxing away; second, you can leave now, but after you leave, you can wait for Sikong Hanxing's ghost to haunt you." Yu Furong's tone was devoid of any emotion. "

Femme fatale, those words really suit you. I only regret that I didn't just kill you last time." Xiao Tianci glared at her fiercely, but he believed her words. Last time, she killed Zhan Qingchen as if it were nothing, so it wasn't surprising that she wanted to kill Sikong Hanxing now.

"What you say doesn't matter, the important thing is whether you agree to my conditions. Actually, you only need to stay here for a while, and you can bring back a great beauty. Why wouldn't you be happy?" Yu Furong wasn't angry at all about Xiao Tianci's words

. "Alright, I agree, but if you go back on your word later, don't blame me for being impolite." Xiao Tianci had no choice but to agree; he couldn't abandon Sikong Hanxing.

"That's good. From today onwards, you can't see anyone except me. I've already arranged a place for you, where you can eat well and sleep well." Yu Furong seemed to have expected him to agree, and led him directly to another separate courtyard less than 100 meters from her pavilion. Everything inside was prepared, seemingly specifically for Xiao Tianci to stay in.

"Your activity area is here. It's best not to wander around, otherwise, I'll treat your good lover well." Before leaving, Yu Furong gave Xiao Tianci a threat, as if she was still worried.

"Xing'er, you brat, you've really gotten me into trouble this time." Xiao Tianci muttered to himself.

Thus began the most boring period of Xiao Tianci's life.

*********

Xiao Tianci had been at Hibiscus Manor for three days, essentially isolated from the world. He spent his days in that cramped courtyard. Yu Furong had treated him fairly well, at least personally bringing him meals every day. Considering Yu Furong had probably never served anyone before, he considered himself lucky.

Meanwhile, the martial arts world was in turmoil once again. Hibiscus Manor officially announced to the martial arts world that its mistress, Yu Furong, would choose one of the most talented young men in the world as her future husband. Her dowry would include not only the wealth of Hibiscus Manor but also another martial arts treasure, though its specific nature was not specified. However, even this was enough to attract everyone's attention.

"Miss, are you really determined to do this?"

"Yes, Uncle Zhong, do you know what these so-called heroes of the martial world are most interested in?"

"This old servant is ignorant."

"Money, beautiful women, martial arts—these are what these people pursue their whole lives. Now, suddenly there's an opportunity to gain enormous wealth and a beautiful wife. Do you think they won't come? When they do, I'll make sure they never leave."

"But, Miss, why are you keeping Xiao Tianci under house arrest here?"

"Because with him here, I can do what I want without worry. His women naturally won't dare interfere, thus ensuring my plan's success."

***********

Xiaoyao Sect.

The women were all worried. There was no news of Xiao Tianci, and news of this had just spread from Furong Manor. They didn't know if it was related to Xiao Tianci. Some said they should go to Furong Manor, while others said Xiao Tianci should be fine. They couldn't decide what to do.

"Miss, Furong Manor sent a letter." Baihe handed Hua Yumei a letter.

"What does the letter say?" the women asked hurriedly.

“See for yourselves.” Hua Yumei frowned.

“Young Master Xiao is currently a guest at our manor, please do not worry. Yu Furong.” These few words only fueled the women’s suspicions.

“What does Yu Furong want? Has she taken a liking to the young master?” Shaoyao blurted out.

“I don’t think it’s that simple. If Young Master Xiao is really a guest there, why doesn’t he send us a message himself? Besides, the people we sent to Furong Manor can’t find any information about him.” Hua Yumei voiced her doubts.

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” A gentle voice came in.

“Miss, Cousin, why are you all here?” Dongfang Hua was astonished. Nangong Xiaoyu, Dongfang Xuanji, Hua Wuying, Ye Bingying, Hanxiang, Yue Wuxia, one after another, dazzlingly beautiful women filed in.

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