Chapter 120: Don

"A mortal?" Elder Wu Zhu frowned, his eyes filled with confusion.

If Luo Er’s cultivation base was beyond his perception, at least her body still radiated spiritual energy—but this man before him, with eyebrows as thick as two caterpillars, showed not the slightest trace of spiritual energy.

"This land belongs to Taiqingmen. If you are not one of our sect members, do not linger here. Leave at once, or do not blame me for showing no mercy—I will kill you on the spot!"

Elder Wu Zhu’s voice was icy, carrying a terrifying pressure that surged like a tidal wave toward the man.

The man, lost in his own emotions, was startled by the sudden pressure, his whole body trembling; he immediately stopped laughing, rolled and scrambled to his feet, and turned to flee.

This scene left Elder Wu Zhu stunned, and he instinctively glanced behind him at the barrier.

Wait, this one person chased you all the way? And you needed me to block him?

…………

"I wonder what Sanhuzi and Xiao Qing are up to now? They always get along so well, but they’re always causing trouble."

"It’s been four years since we last met—I wonder if those two even miss me?"

"Luckily, I brought them gifts—I carefully picked them out—but it’s a pity I didn’t get my hands on that Soul-Breath Immortal Herb."

Luo Lingling muttered to herself, quickening her pace.

No one noticed that not far behind Luo Lingling, the space itself began to ripple in concentric waves.

Immediately, the thick-browed, simple-looking man stepped out from within, his face filled with delight.

"It really worked! This thing is practically a universal key!"

The man stared intently at the white pearl in his hand, his eyes brimming with surprise and relief, then quickly and carefully tucked it away.

He then glanced around, and soon spotted Luo Lingling ahead, walking with light, skipping steps—she even bounced like a child, humming an unfamiliar tune.

This sight instantly filled the man’s face with adoration; his gaze clung to her as he murmured softly: "So she can be this little girl too..."

…………

At the foot of Xiao Ling Peak, Niu Guangmo frowned tightly, gripping a proposal in his hand, his eyes heavy with worry.

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his boss—but wasn’t this money-making plan a bit too risky?

Over the past three months, he pooled all the brothers’ money for investment—and ended up losing everything.

No one complained; making money always involves losses and gains—they’d been through this countless times before.

But the final outcome was still slightly better, otherwise the eight of them could never have all reached the Golden Core realm.

But this time, the prospects of the "customized cultivation cave renovation" looked terrible to him—who would willingly spend a fortune to remodel a cave into a dwelling instead of living in a proper courtyard?

Forget it—better find a way to raise the money. His monthly quota was five hundred mid-grade spirit stones, yet half the month had passed and he hadn’t even raised half. Who should he approach today—a long-lost acquaintance?

Niu Guangmo sighed deeply, his voice heavy with helplessness and melancholy, standing at the mountain’s foot, gazing blankly ahead.

Soon, a beggar appeared.

"Hey, isn’t that Old Niu? Why the long face?" Seeing a familiar face, Luo Lingling greeted him cheerfully.

Niu Guangmo froze, then rubbed his eyes hard, suddenly recognizing her—his body trembled involuntarily.

"S-Sister—"

When he finally recognized the beggar’s identity, Niu Guangmo’s face lit up with joy—but instantly paled, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes.

Luo Lingling observed every shift in his expression, her smile slowly fading.

She was cautious by nature; reading people’s expressions and gestures was instinctive to her.

Even the most fleeting glance or subtle gesture could be instantly interpreted—she could tell whether intent was good or evil, and decide whether to attack or flee.

Niu Guangmo’s rapid change in expression mirrored exactly what Elder Wu Zhu had shown at the mountain gate.

She had already been suspicious before, but hadn’t pressed further—now, Niu Guangmo’s reaction confirmed her suspicions.

"What happened?"

Before Niu Guangmo could react, a short sword radiating sharp sword qi appeared in Luo Lingling’s hand, swiftly pressing against his throat.

The sword’s qi seeped out in fine threads, as if freezing the surrounding air.

Luo Lingling’s eyes were icy as frost, fixed on Niu Guangmo with piercing intensity, her voice devoid of any emotion:

Niu Guangmo felt a chill surge from his feet straight to his heart; he swallowed hard, his face turning even paler, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.

His lips trembled violently, but he couldn’t speak a word.

Who didn’t know that although Xiao Ling Peak appeared to be ruled by the Peak Master, the real authority was this woman before him?

If Master Mo said he was going to eat at Yushantang today, and she disagreed, everyone would starve without daring to utter a word.

And don’t be fooled by the short sword—it can instantly extend into a blade long enough to pierce through his neck and then impale a tree three meters away.

Sister Luo’s personality is cautious; this sword is her signature weapon, designed for surprise—no one can defend against it.

You’re three meters away, she suddenly pulls out this short sword and says she wants to spar—before you can even laugh, it’s already gone through your belly.

Tell me—are you scared? Do you regret it?

At this moment, meeting Luo Lingling’s gaze, Niu Guangmo’s legs trembled uncontrollably.

The sword was just 0.01 centimeters from my throat—I could feel its chilling aura—but a quarter incense stick later, its mistress might actually kill me.

So I’ve decided to tell the truth. After all, better the other guy dies than me. It wasn’t me who shattered Zhou Qing’s Golden Core.

Grudges have their source, debts their owner—if anyone’s to blame, it should be Yan Xiao—he’s the one who took Zhou Qing to Lingyun Mansion.

Niu Guangmo swallowed hard again, stammering: "S-Sister, don’t act rashly—it’s Zhou… Zhou Brother…"

Niu Guangmo struggled to steady his breathing, trying to explain the full story to Sister Luo as quickly as possible.

Just as Niu Guangmo finished recounting everything, there was a loud clang—the short sword in Luo Lingling’s hand slipped from her grip and fell to the ground.

She staggered backward several steps, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"No, it can’t be—Xiao Qing… turned into a cripple? Old Mo, Old Mo, how did you take care of him!"

Luo Lingling roared, snatched up the fallen sword, and charged forward.

Niu Guangmo’s legs gave out; he collapsed onto the steps, frantically wiping sweat from his brow, his heart pounding wildly.

He decided—he’d go stay in Yanlong City at the mountain’s foot for a few days. He absolutely must not return to the mountain now.

But then he remembered something, and frantically fumbled for his identity token.

After all, he was still his boss—better to run now.

"Dare you try!" A voice as cold as midwinter wind suddenly echoed beside him.

Niu Guangmo shuddered violently.

Without thinking, he hurled the token away.

Then, stiffly, he turned his neck—and on his shoulder, a paper doll had appeared, staring intently at him.

Niu Guangmo quickly spoke: "S-Sister, it’s a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding—I was just looking around…"

Before he finished, the paper doll suddenly sprouted wings and flew off without looking back, heading up the mountain.

Seeing this, Niu Guangmo frantically patted himself all over, confirmed nothing else was hidden, then collapsed again onto the ground, gasping for breath.

At this moment, he felt as if he’d just escaped death.

No wonder she’s this woman—her caution hasn’t changed a bit.

"Here, wipe your sweat. She’s just got a short temper—don’t take it to heart!"

A voice suddenly came from beside him, and a hand extended, offering a worn, tattered cloth strip.

Niu Guangmo instinctively took it, still trembling: "Do you know? I just walked right through the gates of hell. How did she come back so suddenly? Now Xiao Ling Peak’s going to be turned upside down… Hey, wait—who are you?"

As soon as he said this, Niu Guangmo suddenly realized.

He whirled around—and discovered a strange man standing beside him, startling him so badly he stumbled backward several steps, eyes filled with suspicion as he stared at this unexpected guest.

The man, seeing Niu Guangmo’s reaction, quickly waved his hands and smiled: "Hey, don’t be nervous, don’t be nervous—we’re all family. What exactly happened?"

Niu Guangmo didn’t relax even a little—he remained wary and asked: "Which peak are you from? And what do you mean by 'family'? How did you even get in?"

The man’s face showed a hint of embarrassment; he scratched his head, then pointed up the mountain: "I’m her husband!"

"What?" Niu Guangmo froze.

Seeing his reaction, the man patiently pointed upward again, emphasizing: "I’m Lingling’s husband. You can call me Bai He—Bai as in white, He as in crane."

Niu Guangmo stood frozen in place, as if struck by lightning on a clear day—his whole body stunned.

Is this world insane?

…………

Bang bang bang!

Violent knocking echoed up the mountainside, until with a loud crash, the entire courtyard gate was kicked open.

"Sanhuzi!" Luo Lingling stormed in, eyes blazing with fury—but after searching, she found no one.

Her spiritual sense surged outward, rapidly spreading, quickly detecting something.

She instinctively looked down at the ground, a ruthless glint flashing in her eyes—then stomped hard. With a thunderous boom, the entire ground trembled violently.

The next instant, the earth split open, revealing a massive hole.

Immediately, a figure scrambled out in panic, shouting: "Earthquake! Earthquake!"

But the moment he stepped out of the hole, a sudden, crushing pain struck his abdomen—as if hit by a sledgehammer—causing him to cry out "Ow!" and fly backward.

"Damn it, who kicked me? Who the hell do you think you are?" Yan Xiaohu crawled out of the secret chamber, and saw a beggar glaring at him furiously.

This made him even angrier—sitting at home and getting attacked from the sky? Who the hell are you, barging into my house and hitting me? Don’t you know who I am, Master Tiger?

He immediately pulled out his big knife, ready to charge forward and demand an explanation—but as he took one step, he suddenly sensed something, and froze completely.

The anger on his face instantly turned to delight; he cheerfully dropped the knife and ran forward.

"Second Sister? Oh my, Second Sister, when did you come back… Ow—"

Before Yan Xiaohu finished speaking, he was sent flying backward again.

Luo Lingling was now in tears, eyes red with grief and fury: "How does it feel to reach the Nascent Soul realm? You traded Xiao Qing’s entire life for this! I told you to take care of him—this is how you cared for him?"

By the end, Luo Lingling was screaming hoarsely, filled with pain and disappointment.

Yan Xiao winced in pain, gritting his teeth as agony surged from his abdomen; he hurriedly clutched his stomach and crawled out of the hole again, anxiously saying, “Second Sister, it’s not what you think—let me explain—”

“I don’t want to hear it! Wait till I come back—I’ll settle accounts with you properly! Old Mo, Old Mo, where the hell are you—”

Luo Lingling angrily swept her sleeve, her figure shooting upward like an arrow released from a bow, vanishing from Yan Xiao’s sight in an instant.

“It’s over—it’s over—” Yan Xiao, enduring the pain, quickly pulled out his identity token, about to send a message to his master, when he suddenly froze.

“Why do I have to take two kicks? That’s so unfair. Big Brother’s not here, Fourth Brother’s in seclusion—so at least you should keep me company. Ouch, that hurt so bad I almost needed to shit—I’ve got to go see what’s happening.”

Yan Xiao muttered under his breath, face twisted with grievance and resentment; as soon as he stood up, his legs buckled.

Second Sister’s power must’ve grown even stronger—she didn’t hold back at all. I’m your Third Tiger, how could you hit me so hard?

“You alright?” Just as Yan Xiao was about to fall, a pair of hands suddenly reached out like a phantom, steadying him firmly.

The sudden voice made Yan Xiao jolt violently, every hair on his body standing on end, as if two of his three souls had already fled.

When he saw the dusty man beside him, he staggered backward.

“Wait, who the hell are you? Where did you come from?” Yan Xiao’s voice rose sharply.

The man chuckled awkwardly and hurriedly said, “Don’t be afraid—I’m your brother-in-law.”

Yan Xiao’s face twitched.

Heh.

…………

“Brother-in-law, hurry, hurry—we’ll miss the show if we wait any longer!” Yan Xiao, beaming with excitement, tugged Bai He toward the mountain peak.

Bai He, meanwhile, was utterly delighted by being called “brother-in-law” over and over.

“Little brother-in-law, slow down—I see your injuries aren’t healed yet. Want another one?” Bai He pulled out another mid-grade spirit stone.

Yan Xiao snatched it eagerly, his face full of admiration: “No wonder you’re my brother-in-law—so generous! Since we met, you’ve given me five already. Do you own a mine?”

Bai He waved his hands frantically: “No, no—I just got lucky a few years back, made a little fortune.”

“Brother-in-law, I can tell you’re a natural-born business genius! Look, next time can you take me along? I’ve got a head for business too—I just never met the right patron. But you, Brother-in-law—you’re my destined patron!”

Yan Xiao’s face beamed with flattery.

Bai He nodded without hesitation: “As long as you’re willing to follow me, it’s no problem at all.”

“Great, thank you, Brother-in-law! Oh, by the way—I’m not your little brother-in-law. I’m your third brother-in-law. The little brother-in-law is someone else, and my eldest brother-in-law’s not home.”

Suddenly, Yan Xiao remembered something and hurriedly added.

Bai He nodded vaguely, pretending to remember.

As the two raced up the mountain, before they even neared the main hall, they saw a figure crash through the hall’s door and fly backward.

“Second Lady, Second Lady, please don’t act rashly—calm down! Let’s talk this out properly—don’t you even give me a chance to explain!” Mo Xingjian retreated hastily, shouting desperately toward the hall.

Then, from inside the hall, Luo Lingling emerged step by step, carrying a massive pillar, her face as cold as frost.

“So powerful—truly awe-inspiring!” Bai He’s eyes gleamed as he muttered involuntarily.

Yan Xiao, who had come eagerly to watch the spectacle, instantly cowered at the sight.

Hearing Bai He’s words, he cautiously leaned over and whispered: “Brother-in-law, forgive me for asking—but do you have a masochistic streak?”

Bai He froze.

Meanwhile, Mo Xingjian quickly sent a mental message; upon hearing it, Luo Lingling’s eyes flickered with sudden hope.

“Really?” she asked urgently.

Mo Xingjian turned his head toward the spot where Yan Xiao and Bai He were hiding, then gave a slight nod.

Luo Lingling fell silent, immediately dropped the pillar, and sprinted toward Zhou Qing’s residence.

Seeing this, Mo Xingjian finally exhaled deeply, relieved.

That nearly killed me!

Bai He quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Mo Xingjian.

“Disciple Bai He, greetings to Elder. A humble gift—insufficient to show my respect!” Bai He said, hastily pulling out a large, exquisitely crafted gift box and offering it forward.

Mo Xingjian did not reach out to take it; recalling his earlier humiliation, he felt nothing but embarrassment.

That damned third brother—he’s got zero sense of propriety! He’s deliberately making me look foolish in front of outsiders—I’ll settle accounts with him later.

Mo Xingjian cleared his throat, then turned his gaze toward Bai He.

Judging by his appearance, this man must have returned with Second Lady—but soon, his eyes were drawn to Bai He’s thick, caterpillar-like eyebrows, and he frowned.

“I feel like I’ve seen you before—especially these eyebrows, so distinctive. Your name is Bai He?”

Soon, Mo Xingjian suddenly remembered something, his face lighting up: “Your mother’s surname is Bai, isn’t it?”

Bai He snapped his head up, eyes wide with shock.

“Old man once visited the imperial capital—I saw you from afar with an old friend of mine. He pointed you out to me. Am I right? Fourth Imperial Prince!” Mo Xingjian said.

Bai He let out a helpless, bitter smile.

But he still bowed respectfully: “Elder, please call me Bai He. I only wish to be a free, ordinary person.”

Mo Xingjian looked at him, then nodded slightly.

From his attire and bearing, it was clear this boy carried not a trace of imperial nobility—he was down-to-earth, his aura utterly plain, with not the slightest hint of royal presence.

And back then, when he met that old friend, he’d heard this boy had always preferred solitude, showing no interest whatsoever in imperial rituals or social obligations, living with remarkable freedom and clarity.

“Then I won’t treat you as a distinguished guest,” Mo Xingjian called toward the bushes. “Third brother, arrange lodging for this young master Bai!” Then he quickly left.

Only then did Yan Xiao cautiously peek out, his face stunned: “Brother-in-law, you’re the Fourth Imperial Prince of Shengwu Empire, Xuanyuan He? Does Second Sister know?”

Bai He nodded helplessly: “She knows.”

“Oh my goodness, how did I end up becoming imperial family by accident? What a mess! It’s all thanks to my sister—what great taste she has!” Yan Xiao was ecstatic.

No wonder he was so generous—he’s royalty after all.

“Come on, come on—I’ll take you to your room first. Tonight we’ll have a long chat!” Yan Xiao beamed with enthusiasm.

Bai He pointed toward the distance: “But what about your Second Sister…?”

“Don’t worry, she’s fine. Oh, Brother-in-law—how did you meet my sister? How far have you gone? Held hands? Kissed? Wait—my sister hasn’t been home for four years—did she secretly have your baby? Am I going to be an uncle?”

“You and Lingling are nothing alike—she’s quiet.”

…………

Outside Zhou Qing’s residence, Luo Lingling carefully sensed the area—and indeed, she detected faint spiritual energy flowing within the barrier; her heart finally settled.

Mo Xingjian also landed nearby, gazing at the back before him, hesitantly speaking: “Fourth Brother is in seclusion—it’s been three months already. Don’t worry… uh… are you… alright?”

Luo Lingling slowly turned, her gaze falling on Mo Xingjian, her voice filled with apology: “I’m sorry.”

Mo Xingjian, taken aback, waved his hands frantically: “No, no, not at all! A little exercise now and then is good. By the way, Old Three and I went to Qingmu City over the spirit fields matter—we found your letter there.”

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(End of Chapter)