When Chu Ruo and her party returned to the Hundred Flowers Palace, Nan Menghua, Liu Songhe, and Shen Wanxiong were already waiting in the Great Hall. As the group approached, Bai Zhier pulled Chu Ruo back a few steps, trailing behind the others.
"Ruo’er, no matter what Nan Menghua says or decides today, you must not be impulsive. Endure it. We must plan everything carefully."
"Zhi’er, are you afraid that if she promises Xue’er to one of them, I’ll stand up and stop her?" Chu Ruo gave a dim smile. "I certainly want to, but I’m not yet at the stage where I can go head-to-head with her."
"It’s not just about your 'Little Scorpion,'" Bai Zhier shook her head. "It’s about you as well. Whether she chooses Lin Jianghong or me, you must not defy her. The combined strength of Nan Menghua, Liu Songhe, and Shen Wanxiong is not to be trifled with. You cannot oppose them openly. She didn't send us down the mountain out of the goodness of her heart just to let us play. For now, we can only take things as they come."
Chu Ruo joked, finding a bit of bitter humor in the situation. "Why do you sound exactly like Xue’er? She told me almost the same thing. Honestly, sometimes I think the two of you are quite alike..."
"This lady has no desire to be like that Little Scorpion," Bai Zhier huffed. *See? Even the tsundere streak is similar,* Chu Ruo thought. Bai Zhier continued crossly, "I speak out of kindness, yet you find me nagging. Fine, if the Holy Envoy doesn't appreciate it, I shall say no more."
"Hey, I’m just joking. Zhi’er has always been kind, beautiful, and generous; surely you won't hold it against me."
"Be serious," Bai Zhier said, her eyes filled with an irrepressible tenderness. "Take one of these Heart-Clearing Dew pills I gave you. Just in case something happens later, it’s best to be prepared."
"Zhi’er, truly, I’m grateful to have a friend like you. You came all this way to help me... anyway, thank you."
"So sentimental. When did you become such a bookish nerd, hmm? Always with the 'thank yous.' I never asked you to pay me back."
"I..."
"We’re here. Say no more. You go first, and don't stand too close to your Little Scorpion. Look at her less, keep your face neutral—in short, don't let anyone read your emotions."
Chu Ruo nodded and adjusted her expression, striving for the same mask of indifference the others wore. Bai Zhier always thought so far ahead for her. *Sigh, a debt of gratitude is the hardest to repay.* She wondered what kind of situation awaited them today.
They entered the Great Hall. It was the usual routine: salutations and greetings. With outsiders present, Nan Menghua maintained a facade of decorum, forcing a slight smile to create an illusion of being approachable. However, the smile was so blatantly fake that when Chu Ruo stole a glance, it looked more like a grimace than a grin—downright terrifying.
Liu Songhe didn't stand on ceremony and asked directly, "Palace Mistress Nan, several days have passed. Can you give us an answer regarding this marriage proposal?"
"No rush," Nan Menghua curled her lips. "The children have just returned. After traveling for days, they must be exhausted. Let them rest and recover first."
"If Brother Liu can't wait, he is free to leave," Shen Wanxiong added, giving no face to his rival. "After all, no one invited you to stay."
"I can wait, of course. I’m merely concerned for your son," Liu Songhe glanced at Shen Ruoxuan with disdain. "With such a sickly body, I fear his days are numbered."
Shen Wanxiong threw his head back and laughed. "And a mutilated eunuch wants to learn how to take a wife? You aren't afraid of becoming a laughingstock!"
The atmosphere turned explosive, as if they might draw blades at any moment. From beginning to end, Nan Menghua watched with cold eyes. This had been her attitude since the two families first arrived. Only when their tempers truly flared did she pour a cup of "tea" that did nothing to help—seemingly playing the mediator while actually stoking the fires of their conflict.
By all rights, both men were prominent figures in the martial world, deep-thinking and calculating, the type to hide daggers behind smiles. When they first arrived, the atmosphere had been relatively harmonious. Yet in just a few days, they were already stabbing at each other's sore spots. Nan Menghua was a master of psychological manipulation; her deliberate delays bred anxiety, and now that the children were back, her refusal to give a straight answer pushed them to the brink of desperation, causing them to lash out at each other. Her methods were truly extraordinary.
"Gentlemen, please calm yourselves," Nan Menghua finally spoke as Liu and Shen reached for their weapons. "We are elders. If there is something to say, sit down and speak calmly. Do not let the juniors see us as a joke."
The two men huffed and sat back down. Seeing this, a sinister smile flashed across Nan Menghua's face before she resumed her seat on the high throne. "In truth, I have deliberated for a long time. If I agree to Fortress Lord Liu, Manor Lord Shen will surely be unhappy. If I agree to Manor Lord Shen, I offend Fortress Lord Liu. We are all people of the martial world; perhaps this marriage should be decided by a contest."
"A contest?"
"Precisely."
"And how shall we compete?"
"I have already decided. The first round," she paused intentionally, "will naturally be a sparring match between the two nephews. We shall stop at the first sign of injury. The time is set for the day after tomorrow. Do the Fortress Lord and Manor Lord have any objections?"
Liu Songhe gave a fake smile. "Palace Mistress, isn't that a bit long—"
"Say no more, Fortress Lord," Nan Menghua cut him off with a hand. "This concerns my daughter's lifelong happiness, the future of the Hundred Flowers Palace, and even our future ties with your families. If you lack the patience for a few days, then let us speak no more of this proposal. The Hundred Flowers Palace is not afraid of offending anyone."
The final sentence was harsh. As a shrewd old fox, Liu Songhe understood perfectly. Nan Menghua knew his son Peng’er had been... yet she hadn't rejected the proposal. This meant she didn't care about her daughter's happiness; she was weighing interests. She knew his intentions, and currently, he was the one doing the begging. She was acting without restraint because she held the cards.
He endured it. "I was a bit too hasty, only thinking of proposing for that useless boy of mine. I’m getting old and forgetful; I hope the Palace Mistress won't laugh at me."
Nan Menghua gave a polite acknowledgement but suddenly shifted her gaze toward Chu Ruo. "As for the Holy Envoy’s marriage, what are your own thoughts?"
Chu Ruo hurriedly stepped forward, maintaining her humble persona. "This disciple follows the Palace Mistress’s every command."
"Marriage is a great matter. You are a man, after all. It is rare for young ladies to lower themselves to seek you out. You should decide for yourself."
Chu Ruo knelt. "This disciple does not dare. The Hundred Flowers Palace saved my life; everything I have belongs to the Palace. I implore the Palace Mistress to decide such a momentous matter."
"If that is the case," Nan Menghua paused again, and everyone assumed she was about to finalize Chu Ruo's match. "If the Alliance Leader and the Divine Doctor’s families do not mind, we shall wait until Xue’er’s marriage is settled before making a decision. If you don't object, we can hold the ceremonies together here in the Palace."
Lin Jianghong and Bai Zhier both replied, "We shall follow Palace Mistress Nan’s arrangements."
"Very well. Everything that needed to be said has been said. If I go on, you’ll find this old woman too talkative. You are dismissed."
As the crowd dispersed, Bai Zhier did not return to her room. Instead, she avoided the others and went to a secluded corner of the mountain. The person waiting for her was...
"The descendant of the Divine Doctor Bai family," the visitor was Shen Wanxiong. He sneered, "Or should I call you the Saintess of the Heavenly Demon Palace?"
"Both," Bai Zhier replied nonchalantly, her hands behind her back. "I have never denied my identity."
Shen Wanxiong’s expression shifted instantly. "What exactly is your goal?"
"Goal?" She gave a light laugh. "In this world, who does anything without a goal? Your question is redundant, Manor Lord."
"What a fine descendant of the Divine Doctor. Everyone in the martial world praises the Bai family as..."
"What use are empty titles?" Bai Zhier smoothed her sleeves. "If the Manor Lord is worried about our cooperation, you may rest easy. My trip here is for personal matters. The cooperation between the Heavenly Demon Palace and the Sword Casting Villa will not be affected."
Shen Wanxiong had requested this meeting to test the waters. This woman was clearly from the Heavenly Demon Palace, yet she had suddenly appeared as the Divine Doctor's descendant. While the Bai family was neither strictly orthodox nor unorthodox, they certainly weren't known for consorting with demonic cults. Now, their descendant was a demonic Saintess. *Hmph, each generation is worse than the last.*
However, hearing her words, he felt relieved. He didn't care why she had a dual identity; he only cared if his interests were secure. With his answer, he relaxed significantly. "Is Miss Bai truly here for that Chu Ruo?"
"The Manor Lord should worry more about your son’s marriage. Fortress Lord Liu is not a simple opponent."
"I heard that during the trip down the mountain, Miss Bai was attacked?"
"Did your son tell you that?" Bai Zhier laughed again. "Then I wonder if the Fortress Lord knows anything about those assassins?"
"I can do you this favor, but..."
"I will do my best regarding your son’s marriage."
"Hahaha, Miss Bai is indeed a clever person," Shen Wanxiong remarked with genuine feeling. "If my useless brats had even half the wit of you or Nan Muxue, the Villa would be more prosperous than ever. Looking at the most prestigious families in the martial world today, Nan Menghua’s daughter is the most capable. Her style is no less than ours. In the future, I fear the Hundred Flowers Palace will stand alone at the top." *And that is exactly why this cannot be allowed to happen!*
Bai Zhier gave a cold smile. "So, that is why you brought your son to propose. The Hundred Flowers Palace is already a target for everyone. I suspect that if this proposal fails, the Sword Casting Villa’s name will certainly be among those who wish to eliminate them."
"In the martial world, those who follow me prosper, and those who oppose me perish. Besides, they are just a group of women. What right do they have to lead the martial world!" he said venomously. "The weak are prey to the strong. Whoever wins has the final say."
***
By the quiet lake that night, two white-clad figures were present—one sitting, one standing; one still, one moving. Chu Ruo was practicing her swordplay while Nan Muxue caught a falling leaf. She didn't throw it away but stared into the distance, lost in thought.
"Hey!" Seeing her dazing off, Chu Ruo used her sword, Ice Fiend, to flick a small stone from the grass. She used her internal energy to bounce the stone off the blade toward Nan Muxue. She didn't use full strength, but if the other didn't react, she would certainly be hit.
Without turning her head or shifting her body, Nan Muxue "casually" flicked the leaf in her hand. The leaf sliced the stone into two pieces! Then, the stone crumbled into dust, the attack neutralized with ease. By the time the leaf reached Chu Ruo, its momentum was gone, and it drifted slowly to the ground, looking quite poetic.
Chu Ruo walked over and sat down, putting an arm around the peerless beauty. "You just sit there without moving and ignore me. It’s quite hurtful."
Nan Muxue finally turned to look at her. "If you don't like it, go back."
"Why is my Little Scorpion so tsundere?" Chu Ruo took a roasted bun from the fire, blowing on her burnt fingers. She managed to pull it apart and offered half. "Eat some. It’s delicious. I saw you didn't touch a bite tonight. Are you worried about the marriage?"
"Presumptuous," Nan Muxue took it, obediently tearing off a small piece and putting it in her mouth. "You should worry about yourself instead."
"I’m fine. I’ll just do whatever your mother says. Besides, I won't lose out... Ow! Ow! You’re pinching me again! That really hurts!"
"You certainly have it all figured out, 'not losing out.' I saw you today when Mother asked; it wasn't that you didn't want to decide, but that you were spoiled for choice and didn't know which one to pick. Perhaps you'd like to marry both and enjoy the company of two wives?"
"You... are you even being reasonable? You were the one who said to listen to whatever your mother says. Besides, did you hear her tone? She was clearly just being polite. If I had dared to name someone, she would have dealt with me on the spot... Ow, let go, gently!"
Hmph. Nan Muxue let go, though her face remained sour. "I don't see you being this sharp-witted when you're facing me."
"Hehe, that’s different. You spoil me."
"And you use that to act like a tyrant in this Palace."
Chu Ruo squeezed her hand—slender, pale, and beautiful. "Tell me, what is your mother actually thinking? She’s left your side in a fog, and I thought she’d just marry me off wherever the profit was highest, but she’s being mysterious about me too. What is her plan? Every day she thinks about marrying you off—why doesn't she just marry them herself?"
Nan Muxue looked at her with amusement. "You have quite the nerve to say such things. Weren't you terrified in the Great Hall?"
"I..."
"I told you before, Mother’s mind is not easily read. To this day, I don't know who she intends to marry me to. As for you, remember one thing: she hates seeing lovers together. Her favorite thing is to tear them apart, to torture them, to make their lives a living hell."
"But I don't like them. My whole heart is with you."
Hearing this, Nan Muxue actually leaned into her embrace. "I know. I know."
"Xue’er, actually... are you also unsure of the outcome?"
"For your sake, I won't let anything happen. These few days, you must be especially careful. Whether it’s Lin Jianghong or Bai Zhier, you must not get too close to them. My mother doesn't just hate romance; she hates all forms of affection. She might not be able to touch the other two, but you are a different story. She is a woman who goes back on her word; none of her words can be trusted."
Chu Ruo nodded. "Don't worry, I’ll be careful. So, who do you think will win the contest the day after tomorrow?"
Nan Muxue closed her eyes. "I don't know who will win, but Shen Ruoxuan will definitely lose."
"Why?" Chu Ruo realized immediately. "His own choice? He doesn't want to win because he’s afraid of revealing his true strength to his father."
"Mhm," Nan Muxue curled further into Chu Ruo’s arms, looking quite content. "Sometimes you're so smart I wonder if you're the same person, but it only lasts for a blink. Although he is helping me, he will certainly prioritize his own safety. It’s every man for himself; I have no reason to demand he win. Besides, if he wins, I’d have to marry him. Wouldn't a certain someone be crying then?"
"...Are you that sure he can win the second round?"
*Whack!* She tapped Chu Ruo’s head. "I just praised your intelligence. Even if his strength is limited, do you think my mother would easily let Feipeng Fortress have their way? Besides, didn't you notice? Mother didn't mention the subsequent matches at all. What they will be, how they will be judged, how many rounds—she said nothing. You all just assumed it would be a best-of-three. She did it on purpose. You’d better practice hard these next few days. If I’m not mistaken, she will have you enter the ring sooner or later."
"I swear, is that Liu Songhe sick in the head? That 'Great Eagle' son of his was castrated by you, yet he still brings him here to propose."
"From the moment I had Yun Shuang and the others send Liu Shaopeng back, I guessed his father would be enraged. Coming here to propose is just a way to seek revenge. Moreover, 'Medicine Men' have been infiltrating various sects lately. Liu Songhe isn't just here for revenge; he’s here to probe for information, to see if the Hundred Flowers Palace is behind it."
"He’s no saint either. At the last Martial Arts Assembly, if he wasn't conspiring with Shen Wanxiong, I’ll eat my sword."
"Enough. Let’s not think about that. Let’s sit a while longer. We can't stay too long; we must head back early."
"Sigh..."
Faced with this sudden melancholy, Nan Muxue turned a deaf ear. Chu Ruo pouted. "You don't pity me at all. That night you tapped my acupoints and made me stand all night, not to mention all that nosebleed—weren't you afraid I’d bleed to death? The next day you didn't even ask how I was. You made me sleep on the floor, won't let me kiss you or hold you, won't let me... You tell me, aren't you being excessive?" Only now could she hold her for a bit of comfort, and that was only because the Little Scorpion had leaned in herself. Otherwise, she’d be miserable.
"Until you realize what you did wrong, everything else is off the table."
"Xue’er, I want a kiss..."
"We should be careful. The Palace hasn't been peaceful lately."
"Then we can go to the Icy Cavern, like last time..."
A poke to her back. "Hmm?"
"Nothing, nothing."
Nan Muxue gave a light laugh. She reached out and plucked a green, triangular flower nearby, handing it over. "Hold this."
"I’m telling you, I’m angry. Everyone has a temper. You think you can dismiss me with a little weed? And it’s not even pretty. If you don't kiss me today, this isn't over."
"Do you know what flower this is?"
"A wildflower?"
Nan Muxue rolled her eyes. "This is called Violet-under-Leaf."
Chu Ruo’s eyes widened. "This... isn't this...?"
"The most important ingredient for the Hundred Flowers Gu antidote. In this world, it only grows here."
Chu Ruo looked around. These things were growing everywhere like common weeds! She had gone down the mountain asking medical clinics for this flower and couldn't find it, yet it had been right under her nose the whole time. "This is... too unexpected."
"Aside from the areas where we specifically cultivate medicinal herbs, all the plants and flowers on the ground here are extremely rare. This is one of the secrets of the Hundred Flowers Palace."
In other words, the Little Scorpion had brought her here from the very beginning. No wonder this was a forbidden area—not just because of the Icy Cavern, but because of these precious herbs. They were the foundation of the Palace’s medicines and poisons. "You... such an important place... you didn't hide it from me from the start."
Nan Muxue simply brushed her fingers against Chu Ruo’s lips. "I have never intended to hide anything from you."
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
叶下堇 | Violet-under-Leaf | A rare medicinal herb; the key ingredient for the Hundred Flowers Gu antidote.
铸剑山庄 | Sword Casting Villa | A prominent martial arts sect led by Shen Wanxiong.
飞鹏堡 | Feipeng Fortress | A prominent martial arts sect led by Liu Songhe (also translated as Soaring Eagle Fortress).
天魔宫 | Heavenly Demon Palace | A powerful "demonic" sect; Bai Zhier is its Saintess.
清心露 | Heart-Clearing Dew | A medicinal pill provided by Bai Zhier to maintain mental clarity.
