Chapter 572: Reverse Strategy 31

Yue Zongyang also realized he had spoken too soon.

But since the words were already spoken, there was no reason to take them back.

He also felt guilty, averting his gaze and softening his tone.

"Rest assured, even if the Chen Clan has... according to the marriage contract, you are still my husband."

The implication is that even if my heart is no longer as fond of you as before, I will still marry you per the marriage contract.

Chen Ning stepped back half a step, his eyes disbelieving, his heart feeling as if tightly clenched.

"Why... you clearly said before that no matter what happens in the future, you would never forget your promise—how long has it been, Zongyang?"

He not only used the Slay Demon Sect as a stepping stone, but he genuinely likes Yue Zongyang!

Even if his father once said Yue Zongyang was not a good match, he never wavered.

He now has nothing.

The Chen Clan, whose reputation was first among peers, now might even lose Yue Zongyang...

Yue Zongyang lowered his eyes, his voice low.

"Promises made in youth are never really binding."

The Ji Qiu in his arms could barely hide the smile in her eyes.

Leaning into the embrace, she barely managed to keep Yue Zongyang from noticing anything.

It seems their relationship isn't great either—this is just the beginning.

"Young Master... are you really telling the truth?"

Ji Qiu looked at the nearly collapsing Chen Ning and decided to give him another strong dose.

He leaned against Yue Zongyang's shoulder, looking sorrowful, "Do you really... like me?"

"Naturally."

Yue Zongyang smelled the scent on his neck, eyes hazy, "Since the day I rescued you, I have already taken a liking to you."

Ji Qiu, while glancing at Chen Ning's expression with the corner of her eye, clung tightly to Yue Zongyang's shoulders as if overcome with joy.

"Then... may I live with you from now on?"

"Good, good, good, naturally that's wonderful."

Chen Ning closed his eyes, no longer wanting to listen.

He twitched the corner of his mouth, turned and walked away, his steps swift.

Ji Qiu watched him go, a smile spilling from her lips.

"Can't you even bear this, brother?"

As before, Ji Qiu merely went along with Yue Zongyang's affection, appearing to play and frolic, while only Yue Zongyang was truly enamored.

Demonic cultivators have no sense of shame; even in the rear garden, facing a man she utterly dislikes and even loathes, with his clothes half undone, Ji Qiu shows no change in expression.

Those trained by the White Marsh naturally have superb acting skills, and will not let Yue Zongyang detect the slightest clue.

That night in the garden, Yue Zongyang had Ji Qiu move to the main residence to live together.

In the Slay Demon Sect, everyone says the Young Master, on the verge of inheriting the Sect Leader position, still spends day and night playing with Young Master Ji Qiu, often hearing laughter and movement even in the middle of the night.

When the mood strikes during the day, they simply shut the door and see no one.

Thus, all affairs of the Slay Demon Sect are now handled by Protector Xuan Mo.

And the husband-to-be Chen Ning, about to enter the door, is left neglected in the side courtyard, lacking his former gentlemanly bearing, like a stray dog.

After all, the Chen Clan has nearly been wiped out; the former monster-hunting family no longer exists.

The Slay Demon Sect is the sole support Chen Ning relies on to stand firm.

Even if Yue Zongyang no longer likes him, he must still go through with this marriage contract.

But lately, a matter has been circulating among the major sects.

"Young Master, recently three sects in a row were suddenly attacked at midnight; the assailants, whether human or monster, merely killed a few people and left a note."

Protector Xuan Mo and several other Protectors reported to Yue Zongyang in the Study.

"What does it say?"

Yue Zongyang leaned by the desk, actually still holding a peerlessly beautiful man in his arms, smiling as he fed him grapes.

Naturally, this is the present-day beloved Ji Qiu.

Xuan Mo glanced up, frowned, lowered his head, his tone flat.

"If you continue to wantonly slaughter innocent monsters, next time we will exchange the lives of your sect leaders."

He read the note's content, but could not immediately guess who was so capable.

It could ignore the defenses of the major sects, as if strolling through one's own rear garden.

"Moreover, investigation shows the note was not left by Yaogong, as if it had appeared out of thin air."

Another Protector cupped his fists and said, "Nearly every major sect that can be named has received such a warning; if they dare offend again, the next day one can see their sect leader or elder's head hanging from the sect's beams."

"And those who obey and refrain from offending actually receive many spirit stones conducive to cultivation at midnight, extremely pure and in great quantity."

"Thus, several sects' monster-hunting plans have been halted, and they are even unwilling to join our expedition to suppress Yaogong."

Upon hearing this news, Yue Zongyang finally snapped out of his infatuation, his expression turning grave.

"How could this be? Isn't there any sect able to find out who the attacker is?"

Protector: "They come without a trace and leave without a shadow, and can even vanish into thin air."

This description made Ji Qiu's eyebrows twitch slightly.

He narrowed his eyes, gave a coy laugh, and probed, "Young Master, don't you find this strange? Among so many sects' people, isn't there anyone who has seen that person's appearance?"

Xuan Mo responded, "Yes, a disciple of the Green Shadow Sect has seen him; reportedly wearing a black robe, making his appearance impossible to discern."

He glanced at Ji Qiu, who seemed to have brought it up unintentionally, "Young Master, you are quite observant."

"... Where, it's just asking a nosy question."

Ji Qiu again buries into Yue Zongyang's embrace, no longer speaking.

How could they be so like the benefactor...

Could this also be part of the benefactor's plan?

It seems my plan needs to be sped up; I must quickly kill Chen Ning, inflict heavy damage on Yue Zongyang, only then can I help the benefactor.

In the flow of thoughts, he didn't notice Xuan Mo's gaze falling on him.

Funny enough, on the very night they discussed this matter, the Slayer Demon Sect was attacked.

"Hey, someone! Someone has broken in!"

Hearing the shout, the Slayer Demon Sect disciples who had lain in ambush all rushed out.

They finally got to see this recently notorious "Warner", and indeed it was as other sects had described.

Clad head to toe in black robes, gender indiscernible, yet their strikes were fierce and ruthless.

"Quickly surround him...... ahhh!"

The disciple who had spoken hadn't finished his words when the strangely moving black-robed figure rushed behind him, striking him down in one blow; blood poured from his neck.

Afterwards, Yue Zongyang and his entourage arriving on the scene saw this, all shocked and tense.

Even Xuan Mo, who had been prepared beforehand, was startled by such speed.

In this day and age, there actually exists such a master.

Seeing the crowd gathering, the black-robed figure realized they had been lured into a trap tonight, yet showed no panic, still tossed down a sheet of paper and slipped away from the darkness.

"Stop him quickly!"

Yue Zongyang shouted loudly, holding tightly the trembling Ji Qiu in his arms.

Xuan Mo led the others in pursuit.

Ji Qiu watched them leave, frowning strangely.

That figure seemed not to be the benefactor, yet their technique was quite similar.

Could it be that they are actually an organization?

——

Wives, have a happy weekend~

In the next world, our brother Jin Chen will regain his memories and continue collecting wife fragments~

Old tradition! Come choose the order of the next world!

Modern world: Psychologist Jin Chen & autistic Chief Executive Officer with mind-reading ability

Beastman world: Silver Wolf Jin Chen & the abandoned fox tribe's priestess uke

(Both will be written, the comment section decides the order)