“Xue’er~”
“What is it? Are you looking to find your precious Miss Zhi’er?”
“You... when will you ever get over this jealous streak of yours?”
Nan Muxue pinched her lightly. “Have you forgotten that your future father-in-law has arrived? Is that why you’re no longer afraid of your Master?”
“Wait, what? How is he my future father-in-law? You—”
“What else could it be? Since Ruo’er is so eager to go out, isn't it to pay respects to your future father-in-law? He has always wanted to preside over your wedding, after all.”
“Alright, enough.” Chu Ruo pulled her into an embrace. “You know perfectly well that I only want to...”
“Want what?” Nan Muxue interrupted, though the corners of her lips were curved upward. “You just want your Zhi’er...”
Before she could finish, her words were silenced by a kiss. Nan Muxue closed her eyes instantly, leaning into the embrace with focused devotion.
“Xue’er,” Chu Ruo whispered, her lips still brushing against the other’s as she smiled. “You’re the one who needs to be silenced now. Tell me, do you think Tu Ao’zhi will tell us the truth?”
“That depends on whether your Zhi’er can persuade her adoptive father.”
Chu Ruo let out a soft sigh. “I doubt it. After all those previous encounters, if he had wanted to speak, he would have told us long ago.”
Nan Muxue teased, “If it weren't for you, things might have been different.”
“Oh? So it’s my fault now?”
“Is it not? Previously, he used that as a condition, demanding you marry his daughter. You may not have many skills, but your talent for flirting and attracting trouble is certainly impressive.”
“You!” Chu Ruo’s eyes darted around before she replied with a death-defying grin. “Fine! Since you put it that way, I’ll go back to him right now and tell him I’ll marry Zhi’er, and then—hey! Missed me! Don’t think I can’t hear just because I’m blind! You little scorpion, bleh~!”
In times like these, such antics were their only way to find joy amidst the bitterness. The two of them chased each other around the room, playing and laughing until they finally stopped, with Chu Ruo pleading for mercy. She reached out, feeling her way over to pull Nan Muxue into her arms. “Alright, alright, let’s rest for a bit.”
Nan Muxue pinched her chin. “And whose fault is this?”
“Mine,” Chu Ruo laughed again. “If only we could be this happy forever.”
“Ruo’er~” Nan Muxue looked at her, her eyes brimming with deep affection. “As long as you wish it, we will always be like this.”
“It’s easier said than done. We tried hiding in that village, but we nearly brought ruin to everyone there. Sometimes the world feels so vast, yet with just one Nan Menghua, I feel as though there’s no place left for us. Xue’er, I’m not afraid of anything else; I just want to be with you. I haven’t had enough of you yet. I want to be with you for a long, long time—long enough to finish this entire journey of life together.”
“I promise you. I promise you everything.” Nan Muxue leaned in to kiss her eyes. “We will be by each other’s side for a long, long time. I won’t let you leave.”
Chu Ruo smiled. “You little scorpion, you’re always so hypocritical. Always saying things like only you can bully me, or only you are allowed to leave me.”
Nan Muxue shook her head. “I won’t let you leave, and I won’t leave you. We belong to each other. Whatever we do, we do it together.”
“You used to say you hated this mouth of mine. Now, I’m returning those words to you. Nan Muxue, you little scorpion, you must know I love hearing these things, so you say them just to trick me. You’ve lured me into your trap, and now I can’t get out.”
She kissed her. “We...”
Just then, Bai Zhi’er knocked on the door. It was undoubtedly regarding Tu Ao’zhi, so the two of them stopped. Chu Ruo was a million times reluctant, but serious business came first. Usually, in such situations, the "Little Scorpion" would indulge her with a few more kisses before stopping, but now she went to open the door with crisp efficiency. Naturally, this was likely related to defeating Nan Menghua, so she cared about it deeply.
“Zhi’er.”
Bai Zhi’er called back softly, “Ruo’er.”
“How is it? Is your adoptive father willing to speak?”
Bai Zhi’er’s expression was somewhat helpless. “I don’t know, but he wants to see you both.”
“Both of us?” Chu Ruo paused. “Don’t tell me he wants us to...” Before she could finish, she was pinched again. *This little scorpion! I was just guessing if he wanted me to marry Bai Zhi’er. Honestly, she’s getting physical with me again.*
Bai Zhi’er clearly caught their exchange. She smiled faintly. “Ruo’er, it seems you’re quite preoccupied with the thought of our wedding...”
*Cough!* Chu Ruo nearly choked. “Zhi’er, you... you...”
Nan Muxue’s face darkened, looking ready to flare up, but Bai Zhi’er waved it off. “Forget it, I won’t tease you anymore. If you want to know the truth, come quickly. I don’t know what he’s thinking, but we are currently the ones asking for his help. Let’s go and see what he has to say.”
Nan Muxue grabbed Chu Ruo and pulled her along, showing absolutely no gentleness. *Sigh, what did I do to deserve this?* Chu Ruo thought. Then, remembering something, she asked Bai Zhi’er, “Zhi’er, I remember you saying that your adoptive father was the one who crippled your father’s martial arts?”
“Yes. But he and my father were sworn brothers, and he has been exceptionally good to us sisters. That’s why I said I can’t see through his intentions.”
“I’m really worried. What if he forms an alliance with Nan Menghua? If those two join forces, there truly won’t be anyone left in the martial world who can oppose them.”
Nan Muxue spoke up. “He won’t.”
Bai Zhi’er teased, “Oh? And how would you know?”
Nan Muxue only looked at the person beside her. “Something must have happened between them. Knowing my mother’s temperament, she would never ally with anyone, nor would she allow someone who poses a threat to her to exist. Tu Ao’zhi might have owed her something back then—whatever it was, my mother is the type to seek revenge for the smallest grievance. If someone wronged her, she would never let them go.”
“Then it’s even more difficult. If Tu Ao’zhi really owes your mother, look at how he showed mercy several times before. He never moved against the Hundred Flowers Palace, which allowed your mother to seize the opportunity to grow her power step by step. We...”
“Don’t worry.” Nan Muxue took her beloved’s hand. “I am here.”
Chu Ruo knew she was trying to ease her anxiety. She forced a smile. “Okay.”
When they entered the room, they were surprised to find that Bai Shan was not there. The other person present was Fenghuang.
“Fenghuang?” Chu Ruo asked. “Zhi’er, where is your sister?”
“It was my adoptive father’s wish. I don’t know why.”
Tu Ao’zhi spoke. “Sit, all of you.”
Once everyone was seated, he looked at Chu Ruo. “You and Zhi’er...”
“Adoptive Father, didn't we agree not to mention...”
“Fine. You youngsters are each more stubborn than the last.” To their surprise, he actually chuckled. “You and the daughter of my Third Sister... Me and Third Sister... it really is just like back then, haha...”
“Adoptive Father, what exactly happened back then? You and Nan Menghua...”
“Those are all old stories. I originally didn't want to bring them up.” He scanned the room. “The current situation is truly something no one could have predicted.”
Nan Muxue asked, “Palace Lord Tu, how much do you know about the Alliance Leader’s token?”
“Adoptive Father, I’ve also wanted to ask—why have you always targeted these martial arts sects?”
“Because they all deserve to die! Sanctimonious hypocrites! Every last one of them is a beast!” Tu Ao’zhi’s expression suddenly turned feral. “Calling themselves righteous sects... it’s disgusting!”
Fenghuang spread her hands. “So, what does any of this have to do with me? I don’t care. Even though I’ve been dragged into this and Nan Menghua has put me on her hit list, why did you call me here?”
“Because what I am about to say concerns you.”
“Me? I’m from the Miao region. I don’t think I have any connection to you people.”
Tu Ao’zhi said, “Back then, myself, Zhi’er’s father,” he looked at Nan Muxue, “your mother—whom I call Third Sister—and one other person... the four of us became sworn siblings.”
Chu Ruo had a nagging feeling that this was far too coincidental. Fenghuang was called here, which meant... “Then, this fourth person... who was it?”
“Bai Xue.”
***
