Chapter 177: Severing Ties

Su Mo saw Jin Tong three days later in the evening.

Mo Xiao has been having people quietly monitor Jiang Wu's side these past few days; after news of a fight came in the afternoon, he knew Jin Tong was about to appear.

Inside the courtyard.

Jin Tong, covered in scars, stood there, their bottomless eyes looking at Su Mo.

Lin Shan watched Mo Xiao and Fei Yan with a wary expression.

Although this time Su Mo intervened to help the Gate Master, he still thought the woman was unreliable; who knows if she might take advantage of the chance to strike from the pit.

Su Mo's calm gaze fixed on the person before her, "Say a few words alone."

Jin Tong turned to look at Lin Shan behind him, signaling him to step back.

Mo Xiao glanced at Su Mo, then turned and left with the others.

The back mountain of the small courtyard.

Jin Tong didn't wait for Su Mo to speak, getting straight to the point: "I can't figure out Jiang Wu's weakness at the moment; she's highly guarded."

These past few days, whenever they saw Jiang Wu, they tried every method to probe, but to no avail.

Su Mo wasn't really surprised; if Jiang Wu's weakness could be easily seen, how could she undergo Nirvana rebirth?

"However, I discovered another piece of information that might be more useful to you."

Su Mo's calm eyes looked at him, waiting for him to finish.

……

A moment later, Su Mo and Jin Tong returned from the back mountain, and everyone saw Su Mo holding a sheet of paper in her hand.

She casually tossed Jin Tong a packet of medicine, "After you finish these, the poison in your body shouldn't have much effect."

Jin Tong held the medicine, silent for a moment, then said, "Thank you."

After they left, Yue Ying came over to Su Mo and said, "Wife Master, what did he tell you? His words aren't entirely trustworthy."

How strange, just now when Wife Master and Jin Tong were talking, they apparently heard nothing.

I don't know what's going on.

Su Mo calmly took the paper back, saying lightly, "I know."

Then she set off toward the kitchen, "Going to cook."

Yue Ying glanced at her silhouette, then turned her head to look at Mo Xiao and Fei Yan; the two furrowed their brows slightly, thin lips pressed together, clearly also puzzled.

Xuan Qing's calm, unruffled eyes looked at the paper in Su Mo's hand, and his heart couldn't help but jump.

Soon, Su Mo's cheerful voice echoed in everyone's minds.

"Let's skip rabbit meat today and make a seafood feast for my Little Mermaid Night Abyss!"

Ye Yuan's light‑blue pupils suddenly brightened, his eyes clearly sparkling. Wife Master is the best; he says Wife Master loves his little fish the most! Happy!!!

"Ah—yes, yes, and also Cang Lan's favorite Lion's Head! He's always picky, only loves meat—today we have to give him a meat‑and‑vegetable mix!"

Cang Lan felt a joy in his heart; Wife Master cares for him the most!

He wore a slightly smug expression toward Yue Ying: "See, whoever Wife Master thinks of, she'll think of them!"

Yue Ying: "…"

This stupid leopard sometimes gets angry, and it's deadly!

Why not make his favorite rabbit meat? He doesn't care; he just wants rabbit meat!

"Wife Master~"

Yue Ying darted into the kitchen like a gust of wind, cooing nonstop, "Mo'er— I want to eat…"

Before finishing, she saw Su Mo holding a small rabbit in her hand.

Su Mo raised an eyebrow at him, then casually tossed the rabbit into his arms: "Go slaughter it."

Yue Ying clearly hadn't recovered, staring in shock at the rabbit in her hand.

Su Mo smiled lightly, just teasing this fox for fun; it's quite amusing.

Yue Ying, reacting, grabbed the small rabbit, lifted it, placed it on the stone table beside her, and forcefully demanded a kiss.

Su Mo struggled to dodge, "If you keep messing around, we won't make rabbit meat tonight!"

Yue Ying's fox eyes were full of amusement, "If we don't mess now, we'll mess later? I really want to join the team tonight~ I miss you! Please~"

"…"

Su Mo, speechless, gave him a look; this fox is the least rule‑abiding, always… never letting her go easily!

Aside from him and Mo Xiao, the others are still fairly easy to negotiate with.

Thinking that tonight they'd face that Stinky Snake again, Su Mo's head instantly swelled with anxiety.

A mischievous idea flashed in her mind, so she whispered to Yue Ying, "Why don't you go discuss it with Mo Xiao?"

Yue Ying instantly wore a sour face, "Hmph!"

Letting him go negotiate with the Stinky Snake, he can't argue, he can't beat him, what's left to discuss?

Su Mo squinted, "Can't negotiate? Then I'm also powerless~"

Yue Ying gritted his teeth, "Little Bad Egg, wait for me!"

There will always be a time when he's scheduled; when that comes, if he doesn't look good to her, she'll scream, and he won't easily let her go.

Su Mo assigned tasks to the remaining few, and after they finished, she went to the kitchen to stir‑fry.

At this moment, Jin Tong and Lin Shan had already returned to the mountain.

Lin Shan looked at the pouch Jin Tong placed on the table and said, "Can Su Mo really control the poison in your body? What if she deceives you?"

Jin Tong replied coldly, "It doesn't matter."

In this situation, poisoning him brings no benefit to Su Mo; if she truly wanted to poison him, she wouldn't need to give Lin Shan any suggestion.

Compared to Jiang Wu, Su Mo still has a bit more morality and conscience.

Did you tell her about what you learned regarding Jiang Wu? I have no idea what she'll do.

Translation: "Did you tell her what you found out about Jiang Wu over there? I don't know how she'll act."

We need to keep quotes? The Chinese line includes quotation marks 「」. Should we keep them? The instruction: translate faithfully, preserve every paragraph break. It doesn't say to keep the Chinese quotation marks; we should translate into English with appropriate punctuation. Usually we would use English quotes. But we can keep the Chinese quotes? Better to use English double quotes. However the instruction says "Render EXACTLY what the source says — same meaning, same information, nothing added." The Chinese uses 「」 as quotation marks. In English we would use "". That's not adding or omitting meaning; it's just converting punctuation. Acceptable.

Thus: "Did you tell her what you found out about Jiang Wu over there? I don't know how she'll act."

But we need to keep the line as a single output line with 【61】 prefix.

【61】 "Did you tell her what you found out about Jiang Wu over there? I don't know how she'll act."

Did you tell her the situation you investigated about Jiang Wu over there?

I don't know what she'll do.

Ok.

Jin Tong pinched a pill, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes: "To be honest, I'm also very curious about what she'll do."

Translation: "Jin Tong pinched a pill, a flicker of interest flashing in his eyes: 'To be honest, I'm also curious about what she'll do.'"

We need to keep the colon and quotes.

Thus: 【62】 "Jin Tong pinched a pill, a flicker of interest flashing in his eyes: 'To be honest, I'm also curious about what she'll do.'"

Jin Tong pinched a pill, a flicker of interest flashing in his eyes:

"To be honest, I'm also very curious about what she'll do."

Ok.

Human nature is actually the thing in this world that cannot endure trials; he died for Jiang Wu nine times, yet never awakened any trace of her conscience.

Translation: "Human nature is actually the thing that cannot withstand trial in this world; he died nine times for Jiang Wu, yet never awakened even a shred of her conscience."

Human nature is actually the thing in this world that cannot stand up to testing; he died for Jiang Wu nine times, yet never awakened even a shred of her conscience.

Human nature is actually the thing in this world that cannot withstand testing.

He died for Jiang Wu nine times, yet never awakened even a hint of her conscience.

Ok.

Su Mo and those few only briefly accompanied each other; what could that sliver of her conscience change?

Translation: "Su Mo only briefly accompanied those few; what could that little conscience of hers change?"

Su Mo and those few only briefly accompanied each other.

Thus: 【64】 "Su Mo only briefly accompanied those few; what could that little conscience of hers change?"

What could that little conscience of hers change?

…… (ellipsis). We need to output exactly the ellipsis as a line? The instruction: Keep each translation on a single output line. So we output 【65】 "……" maybe? The Chinese line is just ellipsis. We'll translate as "……" (same). So: 【65】 "……"

Su Mo finished dinner, and Fu Ying came over.

Translation: "Su Mo had dinner, and Fu Ying came over."

Thus: 【66】 "Su Mo had dinner, and Fu Ying came over."

Regarding this "mother," Yue Ying and the others were also immensely curious.

Translation: "As for this 'Amumu', Yue Ying and the others were also extremely curious."

After Su Mo called out "mother," the few nearby also called out.

Thus: 【67】 "As for this mother, Yue Ying and the others were also extremely curious."

Fu Ying gave an awkward smile and nodded, consoling herself in her heart: "Fine, a best friend is also half a mother‑in‑law…"

Translation: "After Su Mo called out 'mother', the few people nearby also started calling out."

Thus: 【68】 "After Su Mo called out 'mother', the few people nearby also started calling out."

Su Mo led her to the room; Fu Ying sniffed and frowned, "What did you sprinkle in the room?"

Translation: "Fu Ying laughed embarrassedly, nodding, and comforted herself in her heart: well, a close friend also counts as half a mother-in-law……"

We need to keep the ellipsis at end. So: 【69】 "Fu Ying laughed embarrassedly, nodding, and comforted herself in her heart: well, a close friend also counts as half a mother-in-law……"

Su Mo raised an eyebrow: "To prevent the bugs from eavesdropping."

Translation: "Su Mo took her to the room, Fu Ying sniffed and frowned, saying: 'What did you sprinkle in the room?'"

Thus: 【70】 "Su Mo took her to the room, Fu Ying sniffed and frowned, saying: 'What did you sprinkle in the room?'"

Hearing that, Fu Ying let out a light laugh, having guessed something.

Translation: "Su Mo raised an eyebrow: 'To prevent being eavesdropped on by bugs.'"

Thus: 【71】 "Su Mo raised an eyebrow: 'To prevent being eavesdropped on by bugs.'"

She glanced from the window at the white silhouette and laughed, "So Xuan Qing is now also your beast husband?"

Translation: "Upon hearing that, Fu Ying chuckled lightly, having guessed what it was."

Thus: 【72】 "Upon hearing that, Fu Ying chuckled lightly, having guessed what it was."

Su Mo was startled, "In name, he's considered a fiancé."

Translation: "She glanced at the white figure by the window and smiled: 'Xuan Qing is now even your beast husband?'"

Thus: 【73】 "She glanced at the white figure by the window and smiled: 'Xuan Qing is now even your beast husband?'"

"Heh," Fu Ying sighed, "This plot twist is absurd; you even managed to get Xuan Qing."

Translation: "Su Mo blinked: 'In name only, he's considered a fiancé.'"

Thus: 【74】 "Su Mo blinked: 'In name only, he's considered a fiancé.'"

Su Mo said wordlessly, "Just in name…"

Translation: "'Tsk.' Fu Ying sighed: 'This plot collapsing is outrageous; you even managed to secure Xuan Qing.'"

Thus: 【75】 "'Tsk.' Fu Ying sighed: 'This plot collapsing is outrageous; you even managed to secure Xuan Qing.'"

"Tch~ My own character, how could I not know his attributes?!" Fu Ying laughed. "How interesting, I love this plot hole! Why not get married quickly while Jiang Wu hasn't come looking for us? Live carefree for a day—I really want to know his combat power~"

Translation: "Su Mo said speechlessly: 'In name only……'"

Thus: 【76】 "Su Mo said speechlessly: 'In name only……'"

"Tch~ My own character, how could I not know his attributes?!" Fu Ying laughed. "How interesting, I love this plot hole! Why not get married quickly while Jiang Wu hasn't come looking for us? Live carefree for a day—I really want to know his combat power~"

"Tch~ My own character, how could I not know his attributes?!" Fu Ying laughed; "How interesting, I love this plot hole! Let's get married while Jiang Wu hasn't arrived yet. One carefree day is enough; I'm dying to know his combat power~"

Thus: 【77】 "Tch~ I'm the one who created this character; how could I not know his attributes?! Fu Ying laughed; 'It's so interesting, I love how this plot collapsed! Why not take advantage of Jiang Wu not having come yet and get married quickly? A carefree day is a day, I really want to know his combat power~'"

We need to keep the tilde ~ maybe as is. We'll keep as "~". So: "Tch~ I'm the one who created this character; how could I not know his attributes?! Fu Ying laughed; 'It's so interesting, I love how this plot collapsed! Why not take advantage of Jiang Wu not having come yet and get married quickly? A carefree day is a day, I really want to know his combat power~'"

Su Mo: "…You'd better be talking about his combat power!"

Translation: "Su Mo: '... You better be talking about his combat power!'"

Thus: 【78】 "Su Mo: '... You better be talking about his combat power!'"

Fu Ying, with an innocent face, said: "I'm talking about that kind of combat power… what are you thinking?"

Translation: "Fu Ying looked innocent; 'I meant that kind of combat power…… what are you thinking?'"

Thus: 【79】 "Fu Ying looked innocent; 'I meant that kind of combat power…… what are you thinking?'"

Xiao Jiu chimed in: "Mother, you really have hawk eyes! Host, hurry up and get married!"

Translation: "Xiao Jiu chimed in: 'Mother truly has fiery eyes and golden pupils! Host, hurry up and get married!'"

Thus: 【80】 "Xiao Jiu chimed in: 'Mother truly has fiery eyes and golden pupils! Host, hurry up and get married!'"

Fu Ying's eyes lit up instantly: "Is that Xiao Jiu?"

Translation: "Fu Ying's eyes lit up instantly: 'Is it Xiao Jiu?'"

Thus: 【81】 "Fu Ying's eyes lit up instantly: 'Is it Xiao Jiu?'"

Xiao Jiu: "It's me! It's me!"

Translation: "Xiao Jiu: 'It's me! It's me!'"

Thus: 【82】 "Xiao Jiu: 'It's me! It's me!'"

Fu Ying was overjoyed: "I can actually talk to your system?!"

Translation: "Fu Ying was overjoyed: 'I can actually communicate with your system?!'"

Thus: 【83】 "Fu Ying was overjoyed: 'I can actually communicate with your system?!'"

Su Mo, with a tone seasoned by countless voyages, said: "No need to be so surprised, bugs are everywhere in this world…"

Translation: "Su Mo said in a tone of having weathered countless storms: 'No need to be so surprised; bugs are everywhere in this world……'"

Thus: 【84】 "Su Mo said in a tone of having weathered countless storms: 'No need to be so surprised; bugs are everywhere in this world……'"

She didn't find any of the current situations strange; after all, this world is just that crazy.

Translation: "No matter what situation appears now, she doesn't find it strange; anyway, this world is just that crazy."

Thus: 【85】 "No matter what situation appears now, she doesn't find it strange; anyway, this world is just that crazy."

Fu Ying and Xiao Jiu chatted for a long time, looking like sisters deeply bonded.

Translation: "Fu Ying and Xiao Jiu chatted aimlessly for half a day, appearing as if they were sisters with deep affection."

Thus: 【86】 "Fu Ying and Xiao Jiu chatted aimlessly for half a day, appearing as if they were sisters with deep affection."

"Ha~ Mo Xiao actually became such a proper husband? Interesting!"

Translation: "Ha~ Mo Xiao actually became the right husband like that? Interesting!"

Thus: 【87】 "Ha~ Mo Xiao actually became the right husband like that? Interesting!"

"The dragon lieutenant actually gave her a dragon bone?!"

Translation: "The Dragon Clan Minor General actually gave her dragon bones?!"

Thus: 【88】 "The Dragon Clan Minor General actually gave her dragon bones?!"

Xiao Jiu nodded: "Yep! It's still in the system space right now!"

Translation: "Xiao Jiu nodded: 'Mm! It's still placed in the system space!'"

Thus: 【89】 "Xiao Jiu nodded: 'Mm! It's still placed in the system space!'"

Fu Ying looked at Su Mo, raised an eyebrow and said: "He even gave away a dragon bone, what are you waiting for? Go for it!"

Translation: "Fu Ying looked at Su Mo, raised an eyebrow, and said: 'He even gave away dragon bones; what are you waiting for? Go for it!'"

Thus: 【90】 "Fu Ying looked at Su Mo, raised an eyebrow, and said: 'He even gave away dragon bones; what are you waiting for? Go for it!'"

Su Mo: "…"

Translation: "Su Mo: '……'"

Thus: 【91】 "Su Mo: '……'"

She has never liked to claim she's a moral person, but now it seems the people in front of her are even less moral. Truly, each mountain surpasses the previous!

Translation: "She never liked to boast about being a moral person, but looking now, the people before her seem even less moral than she is. Truly, one mountain is higher than another!"

Thus: 【92】 "She never liked to boast about being a moral person, but looking now, the people before her seem even less moral than she is. Truly, one mountain is higher than another!"

Xiao Jiu kept babbling nonstop.

Translation: "Xiao Jiu kept chattering nonstop."

Thus: 【93】 "Xiao Jiu kept chattering nonstop."

Fu Ying listened, extremely excited: "Xuan Qing became a fiancé like that? How can someone with his personality tolerate this? He must have been moved at the time! My god, I feel I can create a monumental work, titled 'The Lofty Flower's Humble Pursuit, Willing to Be the Third Wheel'!"

Translation: "Fu Ying listened, overwhelmed with excitement: 'Xuan Qing became a fiancé like that? How could his temperament endure this? He must have been moved back then! Goodness, I feel I can create another masterpiece, titled "The Lofty Flower's Humble Pursuit, Willing to Be the Third Wheel"!'"

"The Lofty Flower's Humble Pursuit, Willing to Be the Third Wheel."

Thus: 【94】 "Fu Ying listened, overwhelmed with excitement: 'Xuan Qing became a fiancé like that? How could his temperament endure this? He must have been moved back then! Goodness, I feel I can create another masterpiece, titled "The Lofty Flower's Humble Pursuit, Willing to Be the Third Wheel"!'"

Xiao Jiu let out a high‑pitched scream: "I'm a mutt, I love it! Write it quickly, I'll help you sell it across parallel worlds, and mother will become an overnight sensation!"

Translation: "Xiao Jiu let out a high-pitched buzz: 'I'm a earth dog, I like it! Write quickly, I'll help you sell it across all parallel worlds, definitely making Mother explode in fame overnight!'"

Thus: 【95】 "Xiao Jiu let out a high-pitched buzz: 'I'm a earth dog, I like it! Write quickly, I'll help you sell it across all parallel worlds, definitely making Mother explode in fame overnight!'"

Fu Ying ate a wild fruit, nodded excitedly: "That's great! After we defeat Jiang Wu, we'll study this matter thoroughly~"

Translation: "Fu Ying ate a wild fruit, nodded excitedly: 'This is great! After we defeat Jiang Wu, let's study this properly~'"

Thus: 【96】 "Fu Ying ate a wild fruit, nodded excitedly: 'This is great! After we defeat Jiang Wu, let's study this properly~'"

Seeing them get more and more outlandish, Su Mo frowned at the over‑excited Fu Ying: "Are you planning to hold a tea party here???"

Translation: "Seeing them chat more and more outrageously, Su Mo frowned, looking at the over-excited Fu Ying, and said: 'Are you going to hold this in my tea party???'"

Thus: 【97】 "Seeing them chat more and more outrageously, Su Mo frowned, looking at the over-excited Fu Ying, and said: 'Are you going to hold this in my tea party???'"

Fu Ying then remembered today's purpose: "Jiu'er, let's talk about my matters later; first, let's discuss something serious."

Translation: "Fu Ying then remembered today's purpose: 'Nine'er, we'll talk about my matters later; let's first discuss something proper.'"

Thus: 【98】 "Fu Ying then remembered today's purpose: 'Nine'er, we'll talk about my matters later; let's first discuss something proper.'"

Su Mo sighed: "I'll go first."

Translation: "Su Mo sighed: 'I'll go first.'"

Thus: 【99】 "Su Mo sighed: 'I'll go first.'"

She recounted the evening's Jin Tong story to Fu Ying, who frowned: "Could Jiang Wu really manipulate the fate of the entire beast world? Could that golden finger of hers be her fatal weakness? It's just that she hides it so well, we can't figure it out for now."

Translation: "She recounted what Jin Tong had said in the evening to Fu Ying, only to see Fu Ying frown and say: 'Could Jiang Wu really be manipulating the lifelines of the entire beast world? Her golden finger might be her fatal weakness. It's just that she's hidden it too deeply; we really can't guess it for now.'"

Thus: 【100】 "She recounted what Jin Tong had said in the evening to Fu Ying, only to see Fu Ying frown and say: 'Could Jiang Wu really be manipulating the lifelines of the entire beast world? Her golden finger might be her fatal weakness. It's just that she's hidden it too deeply; we really can't guess it for now.'"

Su Mo frowned: "I may not figure out her golden finger, but I can guess one of her weaknesses."

Translation: "Su Mo frowned: 'Although I can't fathom her golden finger, I can guess one of her weaknesses.'"

Thus: 【101】 "Su Mo frowned: 'Although I can't fathom her golden finger, I can guess one of her weaknesses.'"

Fu Ying thought for a moment: "You aren't talking about Jin Tong, are you?"

Translation: "Fu Ying pondered for a moment: 'You're not saying Jin Tong, are you?'"

Thus: 【102】 "Fu Ying pondered for a moment: 'You're not saying Jin Tong, are you?'"

Su Mo nodded: "Many people reincarnate with her, yet she only grasps a fragment of Jin Tong's soul and has never taken a lethal step; that alone shows how special Jin Tong is to her."

Translation: "Su Mo nodded: 'Although she has many reincarnation persons, she alone has grasped a strand of Jin Tong's soul, yet she has never dealt a killing blow—this already shows how special Jin Tong is in her heart.'"

Thus: 【103】 "Su Mo nodded: 'Although she has many reincarnation persons, she alone has grasped a strand of Jin Tong's soul, yet she has never dealt a killing blow—this already shows how special Jin Tong is in her heart.'"

Fu Ying sighed: "Even if Jin Tong holds a special place in her heart, Jiang Wu and you are completely different people. Someone as cold and ruthless as her would never do anything that endangers herself for Jin Tong."

Translation: "Fu Ying sighed: 'Even if she holds some special feeling for Jin Tong in her heart, Jiang Wu and you are completely different people. Someone as cold and unfeeling as her would never do anything that endangers herself for Jin Tong.'"

Thus: 【104】 "Fu Ying sighed: 'Even if she holds some special feeling for Jin Tong in her heart, Jiang Wu and you are completely different people. Someone as cold and unfeeling as her would never do anything that endangers herself for Jin Tong.'"

Su Mo shook her head: "I didn't intend to use Jin Tong to manipulate her; I was just wondering if we could find a breakthrough point from Jin Tong."

Translation: "Su Mo shook his head: 'I didn't intend to use Jin Tong to manipulate her; I'm just wondering if we could find a breakthrough from Jin Tong.'"

Thus: 【105】 "Su Mo shook his head: 'I didn't intend to use Jin Tong to manipulate her; I'm just wondering if we could find a breakthrough from Jin Tong.'"

"We could consider that, but right now we should focus on how to smoothly dissolve the contracts between you and those few. Your trump card is almost entirely in Jiang Wu's sight. If she controls you, she can control them, which is certainly not a good thing."

Translation: "That's also something to consider, but what we should really study now is how to let you and those few smoothly break the contract. Now your trump cards are almost all in front of Jiang Wu; if she controls you, she can control those few, which is really not good."

Thus: 【106】 "That's also something to consider, but what we should really study now is how to let you and those few smoothly break the contract. Now your trump cards are almost all in front of Jiang Wu; if she controls you, she can control those few, which is really not good."

Xiao Jiu said anxiously: "Forming a contract is never easy; once it's successful, it's hard to break. You can take a break, but it's almost impossible to dissolve. That's why most beasts are reluctant to contract with a wife master."

Translation: "Xiao Jiu worried: 'Forming a contract is never easy; once the contract is successfully formed, it's hard to dissolve~ you can divorce a husband, but it's almost impossible to undo the contract~ that's why beastmen generally don't want to form a contract with a wife master.'"

Thus: 【107】 "Xiao Jiu worried: 'Forming a contract is never easy; once the contract is successfully formed, it's hard to dissolve~ you can divorce a husband, but it's almost impossible to undo the contract~ that's why beastmen generally don't want to form a contract with a wife master.'"

Fu Ying frowned: "That's why we need a solution; otherwise the next war will be a time bomb. Simply taking a break changes nothing, and a good beast husband is a waste to let go; better to marry a few more—first Xuan Qing or Long Yan? I like both future sons‑in‑law!"

Translation: "Fu Ying furrowed her brows: 'That's why we need to think of a solution; otherwise, when the next war breaks out, this will be a time bomb. Simply divorcing a husband changes nothing, and it's a shame to give up such a good beast husband—better not to divorce, but to marry even more~ should we marry Xuan Qing or Long Yan first? These two future sons-in-law, I like them both!'"

Thus: 【108】 "Fu Ying furrowed her brows: 'That's why we need to think of a solution; otherwise, when the next war breaks out, this will be a time bomb. Simply divorcing a husband changes nothing, and it's a shame to give up such a good beast husband—better not to divorce, but to marry even more~ should we marry Xuan Qing or Long Yan first? These two future sons-in-law, I like them both!'"

Su Mo was speechless, looking at her: "Can you consider the perspective of the person directly involved?"

Translation: "Su Mo looked at her speechlessly: 'Could you at least consider my opinion as the person involved?'"

Thus: 【109】 "Su Mo looked at her speechlessly: 'Could you at least consider my opinion as the person involved?'"

Fu Ying said sternly: "Marriage is a major matter, dictated by parents and matchmakers! Your opinion doesn't matter."

Translation: "Fu Ying put on a stern face: 'Marriage is a major matter, decided by parental order and matchmaker's words! Your opinion doesn't matter.'"

Thus: 【110】 "Fu Ying put on a stern face: 'Marriage is a major matter, decided by parental order and matchmaker's words! Your opinion doesn't matter.'"

「……」

Translation: "……"

Thus: 【111】 "……"

This person switches identities so quickly, from best friend to elder in the blink of an eye? Each one is even more shameless than she is!

Translation: "This person switches identities so fast—in the blink of an eye she goes from close friend to elder? These people really are even more shameless than she is!"

Thus: 【112】 "This person switches identities so fast—in the blink of an eye she goes from close friend to elder? These people really are even more shameless than she is!"

Xiao Jiu cackled wildly: "Mother~ I like you so much!!!"

Translation: "Xiao Jiu laughed maniacally: 'Mother~ I like you so much!!!'"

Thus: 【113】 "Xiao Jiu laughed maniacally: 'Mother~ I like you so much!!!'"

Fu Ying laughed: "Xiao Jiu, next time you cameo in my book, I'll definitely let you take human form; you need to experience this kind of joy!"

Translation: "Fu Ying laughed: 'Xiao Jiu, next time you come to my book for a cameo, I'll definitely let you become human; this joy must be felt by you as well!'"

Thus: 【114】 "Fu Ying laughed: 'Xiao Jiu, next time you come to my book for a cameo, I'll definitely let you become human; this joy must be felt by you as well!'"

Xiao Jiu blushed: "Th‑this is a bit too much… so shy… so excited!"

Translation: "Xiao Jiu's cheeks turned red: 'This, this, this isn't very good…… I'm so shy… so looking forward to it!'"

Thus: 【115】 "Xiao Jiu's cheeks turned red: 'This, this, this isn't very good…… I'm so shy… so looking forward to it!'"

Su Mo looked at the two lunatics, frowned: "Can you still have a normal conversation? Let's talk about something serious, okay???"

Translation: "Su Mo looked at those two lunatics, frowned, and said: 'Can we still chat normally? Can we talk about something serious???'"

Thus: 【116】 "Su Mo looked at those two lunatics, frowned, and said: 'Can we still chat normally? Can we talk about something serious???'"

"Am I not talking about serious matters? Life is short, enjoy each day, right?" Fu Ying laughed; "I think it's better to seize the day; tomorrow I'll go propose! The sooner the better!"

Translation: "'Isn't what I said serious? In life, enjoying one day is one day, that's correct.' Fu Ying laughed; 'I think picking a day is worse than colliding with it—I'll go propose tomorrow! Better early than late.'"

Thus: 【117】 "'Isn't what I said serious? In life, enjoying one day is one day, that's correct.' Fu Ying laughed; 'I think picking a day is worse than colliding with it—I'll go propose tomorrow! Better early than late.'"

Su Mo raised an eyebrow, propping her chin, nonchalantly: "Fine, as long as all the contracts succeed, then let Jiang Wu effortlessly capture them all in one net."

Translation: "Su Mo raised an eyebrow, propping her chin with an indifferent tone: 'Fine, best if they all successfully form contracts, then let Jiang Wu effortlessly wipe them all out.'"

Thus: 【118】 "Su Mo raised an eyebrow, propping her chin with an indifferent tone: 'Fine, best if they all successfully form contracts, then let Jiang Wu effortlessly wipe them all out.'"

Xiao Jiu fell silent.

Translation: "Xiao Jiu fell silent."

Thus: 【119】 "Xiao Jiu fell silent."

Fu Ying also fell silent.

A moment later, Xiao Jiu hesitated and said: "What if they... unilaterally formed a Binding Contract? What should we do? Long Yan's Affection Level is about to break the hundred mark..."

After all, there have been precedents for such things.

Fu Ying let out a long sigh and said: "Then we can only follow him~ Fate's coming and going are not up to us."

She then asked Xiao Jiu: "By the way, do you have any materials there? Take them out and look for useful information."

She almost forgot about this; this is actually the main reason she came today.

Good!

"Boom boom boom" a pile of books fell down.

Fu Ying lowered her head to flip through, then exclaimed in delight: "Eh, what is this? Xiao Jiu, you actually have such Top Private Goods? I knew I wasn't wrong about you!!!"

Xiao Jiu's face turned red instantly and she screamed: "Ahhh! I sent it wrong~ Don't look!"

The room instantly became lively again.

Su Mo, annoyed by their noise, frowned and asked: "Mother, are you planning to stay the night?"

"Is this already an eviction order? Indeed, I am indeed disturbing your pleasant time here." Fu Ying said, then carried away a few books and said: "I'm leaving now; I don't like eavesdropping."

Su Mo gritted her teeth: "Leave quickly, I won't see you off!"

Having a crazy system is bad enough, but now there's an even more utterly crazy Fu Ying... Having two unreliable helpers like this is really worrisome.

The two came out of the house and saw several figures standing not far away.

Mo Xiao quickly walked over and said: "Mother, are you heading back? I'll see you off."

Fu Ying shook her head: "No need, it's not far."

She swept her gaze over each of them, lingering a moment on Xuan Qing, then pulled a book from her bosom and threw it over: "Here, take a look!"

Not using it would be foolish.

Xuan Qing reached out and took it.

Fu Ying hugged it, turned, and said: "After you finish reading, you can come to my place to exchange for another."

After taking those books back, Fu Ying disappeared for several days.

After that, Su Mo and Xuan Qing met less often; he seemed to be deliberately avoiding her—either going to Fu Ying's to exchange books or going out hunting.

Su Mo waited for several days, but never ran into him.

Finally, this evening she bumped into the person returning from gathering firewood down the mountain, and she felt some matters could no longer be delayed.

Su Mo called out to the person who was about to leave: "I have something to say to you."

Xuan Qing gazed at her with deep eyes, his tone flat: "I'll go pick some wild vegetables, then we can talk later."

"There's still some at home, no need to trouble yourself."

"Okay."

Actually, Xuan Qing had already guessed what she would say, so these past few days he deliberately avoided meeting her.

Since Jin Tong appeared in the North Wing that day, he had already guessed.

Since he can't avoid it, let's talk.

He slowly lifted his eyes to meet her gaze; the usual icy coldness in his depths faded, leaving only a hint of tenderness that couldn't be dispelled: "Go ahead."

Su Mo stepped closer and handed him a paper: "Our marriage back then was also unavoidable; this is the explanation for our Break Engagement."

"I've already explained the situation to the Tribe Chief; take this and leave the North Wing, no one will stop you."

A breeze seemed to blow past his ears; he heard neither the wind nor the surrounding clamor. Only his heartbeat rang clear, each beat shaking his eardrums.

He had been prepared, yet hearing it now still made his heart tremble; his usual calm composure seemed utterly fragile at this moment.

Xuan Qing frowned: "Why are you rushing to break off the engagement now? Jiang Wu's confrontation is imminent; you need my help."

Su Mo clenched her hands, speaking solemnly: "I have plenty of capable people around me; I don't lack a Third Young Master. Our farce should end as soon as possible."

His tone rarely lost control, his trailing voice trembling: "Since we've been at this for so long... is it just these few days?!"

Su Mo's brows slightly furrowed: "I've already given you the thing; Third Young Master, do as you please."

She grabbed his hand, slapped the paper into his palm, and turned to leave.

"Su Mo!"

The person behind him suddenly called out to stop him.

This was the first time Xuan Qing called her by name; before, he always addressed her as 'Miss Su,' no matter how angry he was, it remained 'Miss Su.'

He stood there, gripping the paper, watching her back, and asked in a voice barely audible:

"Are you afraid I like you?"

A breeze brushed past, lifting the blue strands at her ears, her skirt swaying slightly; though she was right before him, she felt impossibly distant.

Before this, he had never imagined that one day his heart would be moved for someone. Yet some things are simply beyond one's control.

With each step toward her, he clearly saw himself helplessly sinking.

How ridiculous—his usual prideful composure and self-control seemed to vanish in an instant, like smoke and ash.

At that moment he almost blurted: "Have you ever felt even a hint of heart-flutter for me?" but the words died on his lips, for even if she said 'never,' it wouldn't change the fact that he likes her.

After a long silence, Xuan Qing lowered his head to look at the paper in his hand.

He actually understood why she was in a hurry to give him this proof; he understood.

Precisely because he understood, he did not want to see her struggle and hesitate.

In the end, thousands of words boiled down to just that: "I don't like you... so I accept any decision you make."

If his feelings would burden her, he would never want her to perceive this affection. At least this way, she would feel no guilt nor need to blame herself.

Almost the instant his words fell, Su Mo's mind suddenly lit up; the numbers on the Virtual Panel went wild, jumping from 0 to 10 to 20 and finally settling at 100— the whole process so fast it was startling.

Amid a buzzing sound, she heard him say:

"Even if I am not your fiancé, as a member of the Tiger Clan, I still have the duty to fight alongside you."

Su Mo turned to look at the person behind her, suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, her calm-water gaze fixed on him: "When the time comes, I'll go to the Tiger Clan to inform you."

Xuan Qing's hand hanging at his side clenched slightly; is he really in such a hurry to let him leave?

He flicked his fingertips, and the sky that had been clear just moments ago instantly clouded over, and in an instant a torrential downpour began.

A flicker of surprise crossed Su Mo's clear eyes; before she could react, that person seized her wrist and dragged her toward a nearby cave.

Standing at the cave mouth watching the outside, Su Mo thought the rain wouldn't stop anytime soon, and she was somewhat speechless.

How can the weather change just like that?

In her mind, Xiao Jiu ventured to speak: "Host, are you really going to let someone leave in this downpour?"

Su Mo couldn't help glancing at the person beside her, feeling that his eyes were even darker than the outside weather.

"Or you could wait…"

Amid the pattering rain, his cold voice said: "I'll leave tomorrow."

Actually, tomorrow isn't much different from today, but he's reluctant to part, unwilling to let even a single moment slip away.

Su Mo fell silent; saying more would make her seem spiteful.

At first she stood waiting for the rain to stop, but as it grew heavier she simply sat down, and eventually she leaned against the corner and fell asleep.

Later, Su Mo was carried out of the cave by Xuan Qing; the mountain path after the rain was muddy, and his plain-colored robe's hem was stained with blotchy mud, standing out starkly in the dim light.

Her black hair swayed with his steps, tracing graceful arcs in the air.

She always had the right not to choose him, yet she couldn't stop him… from continuing to love her.

He doesn't need bloody proof, heart‑wrenching agony, or hysterical outbursts to prove his love; he only needs to stay true to his heart, asking for no return, seeking no reply.