[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi":3,"chapter-douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-chapter-40":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Douluo: The Exiled Immortal Descends, Sword and Wine Slay the Gods",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1550405,2014,"Chapter 40: Killing Intent Descends — Zhao Wuji’s Rainy Night Ambush on Li Zhexian","douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-chapter-40",40,"\u003Cp>After the duel ended—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian met with Xue Qinghe, and then with Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, who had just returned from hunting Spirit Rings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Qinghe invited him to meet again tomorrow morning at Lotus Lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dugu Yan had brought back some delicious mountain delicacies from the Star Dou Forest and invited him to try them in the afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the Ye Clan...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian had no fondness for Ye matriarch's controlling nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ye Lingling had invited him to the same noodle shop tomorrow night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the girl's cool blue eyes looked his way, the rejection that had reached Li Zhexian's lips ultimately went unspoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weather was dim and carried a slight chill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian arrived as promised at Lotus Lake, where he stayed with Xue Qinghe until noon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they parted, he left with a beautifully crafted oil-paper umbrella in hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within a courtyard in Heaven Dou City—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get out!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All of you, get out!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Useless trash!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wuji roared at the doctors, hurling abuse at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sending away the sixth group of helpless physicians—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his teeth, trembling as he looked toward the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There lay Ma Hongjun—unconscious, mutilated, and broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ruined...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ruined...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His whole life... ruined…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his side, Qin Ming's expression was dark. He said softly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher Zhao…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've already sent word to Suotuo City.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Dean and the others... should be arriving soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wuji closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, his eyes were bloodshot and terrifying, but his voice was unnaturally calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qin Ming. Who is Sword Wine?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming's face froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't tell me you don't know!\" Zhao Wuji cut him off with a growl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's youngest Heaven Dou-Level teacher!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With your connections, don't tell me you can't uncover a single Sword Wine's identity!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice grew low and grave:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qin Ming…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you still remember the bond we once shared as master and disciple…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you still remember you're a graduate of Shrek Academy…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then tell me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming's expression twisted with inner conflict—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the end, it turned into a long, weary sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... do know…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It looks like it's going to rain,\" someone murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark clouds rolled across the sky, blotting out the sun. The air turned heavy—rain imminent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On a small arched bridge, Ye Lingling stood silently, holding two umbrellas, gazing out at the misty, rain-blurred lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she saw the familiar white-robed figure in the distance—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her delicate, cool features remained calm, but a subtle shimmer passed through her blue eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Same noodle shop as before?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm. I want to hear how that storyteller butchers my image.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Lingling snuck a glance at Li Zhexian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy talked about \"butchering,\" but the corner of his lips curled so hard he couldn't even suppress the smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aiyo, young lady, back again? That's your third bowl today!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the stall owner's words—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian lifted his gaze toward Ye Lingling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she wore a cold expression, the slender hand hidden in her sleeve was tightly clenched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had actually come by twice earlier in the day—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All to practice for this moment with Li Zhexian after her clumsy showing last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One bowl of hot soup noodles, a side dish, two cloves of garlic…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For him and I—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait a minute.\" Li Zhexian's gaze shifted from the storyteller to Ye Lingling's beautiful little face. \"Ye Lingling, you don't have to cater to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Lingling blinked her blue eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian reached over and moved aside the vinegar and oil between them, then said seriously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't know exactly what your mother said to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But you really don't have to work so hard to please me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brows furrowed, he rummaged his mind for the right words—but found none of the comforting phrases one uses to console someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've seen me comprehend sword arts, brew wine, and hit everything right on the mark…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But talking people through their problems? Ugh, this is hard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Lingling leaned her cheek against her palm, watching his awkward expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft smile crept onto her cool, lovely face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How amusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just yesterday, right before the Spirit Arena match, this man was still debating the sweetness of plum wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, trying to comfort her, he looked utterly miserable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the little noodle stall's tarp—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A light drizzle began to fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two birds huddled on the pole that held up the shop's banner—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One gently held a leaf in its beak, trying to shield the other from the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Lingling quietly asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Li Zhexian… are you worried about me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian, still wrestling with the dilemma of emotional advice, looked up in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Lingling pointed toward the birds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on. That's corny as hell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian finally smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting out a breath, he muttered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're a pair of lovebirds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You and I... mm, we're just friends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't know how to say those comforting things.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just want you to know you don't have to cater to anyone. Not even your mother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swallowed a bite of noodles and looked at Ye Lingling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For example—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're not allowed to order the same thing as me today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eat what you like.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whatever you want, just go for it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Okay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Lingling lowered her head and quietly twisted the edge of her sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian didn't push.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept eating, listening to the storyteller across the rain-soaked street ramble on in a booming voice—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally cheering in support with a loud \"good!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Lingling looked up at him several times, lips parting, but hesitated to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still haven't decided what to eat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian looked helplessly at his nearly empty bowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm almost finished already.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Lingling murmured in a small, almost aggrieved voice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But… but I want hot soup noodles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You said I can't have them…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they ate, the storyteller hit a humorous note in his tale—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, my good audience—guess what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This humble old man believes—Sir Sword Wine knows who I am!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd erupted into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pah! You think you're somebody?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even the Ye Clan, Poison Douluo, and the Crown Prince went to cheer for Sword Wine! You? You're just a rambling old geezer!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The storyteller slammed the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wrong!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Last night the Spirit Arena was packed to the rafters! And there I was, brush racing across paper—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Suddenly, a gold coin split the air! It snapped my brush in half and dropped straight into my robe!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I looked up, and you know what I saw?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The listeners leaned forward, eager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The storyteller lowered his voice dramatically:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A white-robed back vanishing down the corridor. Who else could it be but the man who bested that scruffy fire chicken—Sir Sword Wine himself!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tale was so absurd—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd booed and laughed, scattering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hell, I even loosened my belt for that one!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that's your ending?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finished eating?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian and Ye Lingling stood up to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they reached the door, Li Zhexian suddenly remembered something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flicked a finger, and another gold coin spun through the air, landing on the storyteller's table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain began to fall harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The storyteller had planned to head home early today—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grandson wanted sesame cakes from a shop across the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't forget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muttering to himself, he suddenly spotted the shiny gold coin on his table—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After parting with Ye Lingling—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian walked home under the umbrella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain was relentless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white curtain of water filled the world. Raindrops rolled in streams off the edge of his umbrella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he returned to his little courtyard, he pushed open the gate—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just as he was about to close it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze slipped through the narrowing gap, lifting toward the low, overcast sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A storm's coming…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At midnight, the rain poured down relentlessly, as if the entire world were being turned upside down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the gate to Li Zhexian's courtyard—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tall, burly figure in a straw raincoat stood silently beneath the downpour—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the killing intent he brought was colder than the storm itself.\u003C\u002Fp>",1388,"2026-06-06T07:17:02.165Z",1,"novelbin.me","68dbdf7e14eec76a16b0bfd681abbd5c6e9e578940843cbd77a2add394a34e64","douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-chapter-41","douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-chapter-39",442,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fdouluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-cover.jpg"]