Chapter 53: Misunderstanding

The Dragon Maiden was pacing around the Qi residence, anxious, unaware that she had already been locked onto by two scrutinizing gazes.

The water's depths lead to the secluded realm.

The wells in Phoenix Sun Commandery are interconnected, actually forming a water system second only to the White Water River, except that it lies between the yin and yang realms.

The Well Dragon King wields considerable authority over the secluded realm.

The inner dragon palace is more prosperous and lively than ordinary nobles; of course, this liveliness is also comparable to that among extraordinary beings.

However, the position of the Well Dragon Palace is somewhat subtle, located directly beneath the Qi Manor.

The Dragon Maiden wholeheartedly wants Zhang Jian to fish her out, completely unaware that she has already fallen into the eyes of other scheming individuals.

Especially these two scheming individuals originally harbor ulterior motives.

Before her, the Dragon Maiden is still here 'probing and peeking', 'sneaking around'!

At this moment, killing intent arises.

At this moment, two tall, imposing figures stand before a water mirror, gazing at the Dragon Maiden whose face shows contemplation within the mirror; one of them, clad in a dark yellow dragon robe, the Well Dragon King, furrows his brow:

"Elder brother, you said that little carp keeps circling our Well Dragon Palace; could it be that the White Water Dragon Lord has already noticed our movements?"

"This matter certainly seems suspicious!"

Another tall, thin figure with a grim visage, his dragon horns prominent, is the Well Dragon King Huang Yuan; he spoke hesitantly:

"It shouldn't be this fast? We've only been trying to subdue a few spirits in the White Water; we haven't yet gained strength."

Beside him, the Yellow Snake wore a gloomy expression, killing intent flickering in his eyes, and asked: "Lord King, should I step forward and eliminate that little girl?"

Huang Yuan's eyes flickered momentarily.

He is naturally suspicious, with killing intent in his eyes, but he immediately waved his hand and said:

"Slaughtering this little carp is not difficult, but we must not do it ourselves, lest we give others cause to talk; let the spirits of the White Water step forward—a single 'dragon son' should be enough to rouse many spirits to eager action."

Then the two Well Dragon Kings discussed some details, afterwards summoning their subordinate yin soldiers to deliver the message.

Qi Manor

Beside the garden, Zhang Jian was sipping tea with Qi Yuhua, chatting about some amusing topics.

Since Zhang Jian revealed his abilities, Qi Yi has completely opened the back door for him in certain aspects, even intentionally creating opportunities.

However, the person closest to Zhang Jian in interaction is still this second-branch cousin, Yuhua.

If the Qi Manor were to marry into the Zhang family, Qi Yuhua would be the most suitable choice.

Originally there should also have been Qi Yuxian, but the eldest branch's Madame Zhou recently passed away; as a child, Qi Yuxian naturally observes mourning for her, which at minimum lasts a year, and possibly up to three years for the sake of Qi Yuanwu's prospects before reconsidering marriage.

This works out perfectly as a missed opportunity.

On the other hand, Zhang Jian does not reject this clever, virtuous second-branch cousin Yuhua.

She bears an elegant demeanor, wearing a single emerald-green garment, her jade-like beauty delicate and charming; though quiet and demure, she resembles a mountain spirit.

In appearance, among the young ladies of Phoenix Sun Commandery's boudoirs, she is absolutely outstanding.

Besides that, Zhang Jian also spent a little silver to inquire from within the Qi Manor about this Yuhua sister's character, and he found her quite satisfactory.

While chatting with this cousin about various amusing matters in the commandery, Zhang Jian's spiritual sense was paying attention to the movements in the Well Dragon Palace.

"Little carp?"

Zhang Jian pondered a bit, then immediately recalled the recent anomaly of the dragon pearl within his sleeve.

That must be the entity causing the dragon pearl's anomaly.

"It seems my guess is correct; this dragon pearl indeed belongs to the White Water Dragon Lord. I just don't know whether the Dragon Maiden guarding outside the Qi Manor harbors ill intent or is simply seeking something."

He secretly thought, but Zhang Jian never imagined that the other party had been waiting outside the Qi family like a lurking ambush.

What a cunning trick!

Now it's obvious that the two in the Well Dragon Palace have misunderstood, suspicion flaring, desperate measures taken—killing the 'dragon' to silence witnesses!

It seems that Dragon Maiden's luck is quite terrible.

Actually, Zhang Jian leans toward the idea that the Dragon Maiden is preparing to cause him trouble; therefore, he does not intend to intervene in the Well Dragon Kings' killing and silencing, but rather thinks it might reduce his troubles.

Zhang Jian slightly lifted his teacup and praised without cease:

"The new tea from East Spirit Commandery is indeed excellent—fresh and pure, like the ethereal scent after rain, truly leaving a lingering aftertaste!"

"This time we owe it to Yuhua's blessing; otherwise, to taste such new tea we'd likely have to wait several more months."

This East Spirit Commandery new tea was the birthday gift that the great-aunt presented to the old patriarch Qi Yi; afterwards, the old patriarch sent some to each branch.

Such new tea is indeed priceless, requiring special authority and influence to obtain the first batch before its general release.

Qi Yuhua smiled faintly: "If the Zhang family elder brother wants to drink the new tea, how could grandmother not permit it?"

Meeting that pair of eloquent eyes, Zhang Jian laughed heartily.

"The new tea personally brewed by Yuhua sister is naturally different!"

Qi Yuhua did not respond, merely fixing him with her clear eyes, seeming a little annoyed yet also somewhat shyly maidenly.

Qi Yuhua then said:

"Recently, I heard that Fourth Uncle's household has hired a master of alchemical arts; they say he can turn stone into gold? Zhang family younger brother, versed in techniques, have you heard of such a method?"

"Turning stone into gold?"

Zhang Jian blinked.

Altering the structure of matter—this is a great divine ability technique.

Surprised in his heart, Zhang Jian shook his head and said:

"Such extraordinary techniques I have never heard of; sometimes I must go witness them myself!"

Zhang Jian also did not directly deny it; whether true or false, one must see it to know.

However, with the Qi Manor's great authority, they would not allow someone to deceive them with illusionary techniques.

Qi Yuhua nodded.

The two chatted briefly in the garden, then Zhang Jian rose to take his leave; his daily duties were heavy, and he had recently acquired a new treasure sword, which now required diligent practice.

But before leaving, he glanced toward the depths of the garden.

After he left, a graceful figure slowly emerged, dressed in plain white; her beautiful visage bore some weariness, yet moments later she stood opposite Qi Yuhua and spoke calmly.

"Yuhua sister, congratulations, you have finally found your ideal husband!"

Qi Yuhua's countenance was solemn, and she said seriously:

"Elder sister, I am still unmarried and staying in my quarters, so I have no ideal husband! Moreover, if grandfather and grandmother heard this, they would certainly be displeased!"

Her eyes held a hint of depth as she said, "Elder sister, you should know that grandfather and grandmother most dislike anyone secretly passing on teachings within the manor!"

Qi Yuxian glanced at Qi Yuhua.

This sister remained as cautious and timid as ever, fearful of inviting trouble.

She paid no heed, merely saying calmly, "Yuhua sister, no matter what you say, I must tell you that I will never give up on the Zhang family's younger brother; the marriage alliance with the Zhang family was originally meant to be mine, but my mother met with an accident, allowing you to take advantage of the opening!"

"But I will not admit defeat just like that!"

Qi Yuxian's eyes held a hint of fierceness, with a touch of shyness beneath, but it instantly turned into dominance.

Although while exorcising that day she was possessed by that demon, it did not mean she had lost consciousness; on the contrary, she remained quite lucid.

Whether it was the various arts Zhang Jian displayed, or that warm embrace at the end, it made Qi Yuxian unwilling to let it slip away.

Qi Yuhua's willow brows shifted imperceptibly, then quickly returned to calm, and she merely shook her head and said.

"Elder sister, you should say this to grandfather and grandmother, or to the Zhang family's younger brother; saying it to me is of no use!"

【77> She rose, accompanied by her two personal maidservants, and walked away.

She rose, taking her two personal maidservants with her, and walked away.