Chapter 203

At noon, the sky was high and the clouds thin.

It was exactly the moment the blazing sun hung high; the autumn breeze swept over the mountaintop, blew toward the square, making rows of flags flutter wildly in the air, and brought a refreshing coolness to the already bustling dueling ground.

After Niu Dingtian finished watching a round of duels among the Five Absolutes, he slipped the divorce document into his pocket, left the stands, and hurried to the small courtyard where Granny Sun and the three others lived.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he saw, beside the well under the tree shade, a petite figure rolling up her sleeves on her lotus-root-like arms, washing clothes in the basin.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappled onto the basin, revealing the well water shimmering and swaying, casting light upon the beauty's pretty face.

"Didn't you arrange for a servant? Why are you doing it yourself?" Niu Dingtian strode over; although he understood in his heart, he couldn't help but reproach her.

Back then, his sister-in-law Jiner suddenly moved from Niu Village to Lin'an City, and it also took her half a year to gradually change.

"You've come?" Mu Nianci turned her head in surprise and delight, seeing the arrival, she raised her plain hand to wipe the sweat from her forehead, and smiled sweetly at Niu Dingtian.

Niu Dingtian nodded with a smile, pulled Rouyi over, held her hand, gave it a squeeze, glanced at the tightly closed door in the distance, and whispered, "Is your father better?"

"Mm," Mu Nianci gave a light struggle, but couldn't break free; she lowered her head, blushing, and let out a soft hum, her voice like a mosquito.

"It's that gentle lowering of the head, just like a water lily shy in the cool breeze." Seeing this, Niu Dingtian's heart heated up, and he couldn't help but whisper a flirtatious line.

Mu Nianci's crystal-clear earlobes instantly turned bright red.

Niu Dingtian suppressed the urge to pull the beautiful woman into his embrace, took out a small porcelain bottle, slipped it into Rouyi, and whispered, "I need to leave for a while—maybe a year and a half. Take this when you practice your cultivation; don't let anyone else know."

"You're leaving?" Mu Nianci stared, her beautiful eyes showing a hint of panic.

Then a hint of hesitation appeared on her jade-like face, and she whispered, "Then I'll go with Father; I'm not used to staying here."

"No!" Niu Dingtian flatly refused; then, feeling his tone was too harsh, he softened and said gently, "We're about to go to war; it's dangerous out there. I won't be at ease if you go out—stay on the mountain and cultivate well."

Having said that, he extended a finger and tickled the icy palm of the little beauty.

A flash of shyness passed through Mu Nianci's eyes; she finally nodded, her face flushed.

"Nianci! What are you doing?!"

Just as the two were being affectionate, a low, angrily suppressed shout came from not far away.

Mu Nianci instinctively pulled her hand away, hurriedly turned her head, and saw her father, Yang Tiexin, glaring at them with a furious expression.

"Uncle Yang, I and Nianci truly love each other." Niu Dingtian's expression paused, then he spoke sincerely to Yang Tiexin.

"Nianci?" Yang Tiexin blinked.

"What are you trying to do?!"

Having realized it, he roared in anger, grabbed the porcelain cup in his hand, and hurled it over.

"Pa—"

The porcelain cup shattered on the spot, but Niu Dingtian, holding Mu Nianci, dodged it.

"Oh dear, what's going on? Why such a big flare-up? Brother Yang, your health has just recovered—you shouldn't lose your temper!"

Hearing the commotion, Granny Sun rushed out of the house, saw the shards of porcelain scattered on the ground, quickly snatched the remaining cup lid from Yang Tiexin's hand, and couldn't help but scold him a couple of sentences.

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Yang Tiexin's face.

After calming his emotions, he stared sternly at Mu Nianci and said in a low voice, "Go call Kanger back; we'll pack up and head down the mountain!"

"We're leaving just like that?" Granny Sun stared in surprise at Yang Tiexin, then turned to look at the calm Niu Dingtian and the flustered Mu Nianci, opened her mouth, but for a moment didn't know what to say.

"Uncle Yang, may we have a private chat?" Niu Dingtian drew the divorce paper from his bosom, showed it to Yang Tiexin, and said lightly.

Yang Tiexin stared at the paper in Niu Dingtian's hand; his heart felt as if pricked by a needle, and his cheeks twitched involuntarily.

"There's nothing to talk about!" he said, his face dark as iron, coldly: "These years, Kanger has been under your care and has learned profound martial arts; though he's not exactly a paragon of kindness, he hasn't descended into great wickedness either."

"From now on, we'll each go our own way, owing nothing to each other; but if you harbor any wicked thoughts toward Nianci again, even in death I will spill your blood!"

"Granny, what about…?" Niu Dingtian glanced at Granny Sun, his face somewhat embarrassed.

"You two talk things over; Granny and Miss Mu will go outside to have a look." Granny Sun glanced at Yang Tiexin, then chuckled as she walked over and took Mu Nianci's hand.

The young lady bit her lip; under Granny Sun's glance, the two left the small courtyard.

"I actually wanted to ask something, but now it's unnecessary." Niu Dingtian smiled and said.

Having just seen Yang Tiexin's reaction, he was certain in his heart that the divorce document was indeed written by the other party's own hand. Although he didn't know what method Yang Kang had used, the fact that it was written was undeniable, and it had been done voluntarily.

Yang Tiexin closed his eyes, took a deep breath, struggled to suppress his anger, slowly opened his eyes, and said calmly: "What Kanger said is correct; in my eyes, some things are more important than Xiruo, and these past years I have failed her."

"Since she's now living well and happy, I have no right to let her suffer with me again. But please put away your wicked thoughts, stay away from Nianci, and don't disturb our family's life!"

Niu Dingtian fell silent for a moment, then said softly: "I and Nianci truly love each other; please, Uncle Yang, fulfill our wish."

"True love? You stole my wife, and now you want to take my daughter too! You dare speak of true love?" Yang Tiexin's veins bulged on his neck as he clenched his fists and shouted angrily: "Do you really want to force me to death? Either you strike me down with a palm right now, or I'll take Nianci and Kanger down the mountain!"

Seeing his posture, it didn't look like a joke.

Niu Dingtian raised his sword-brows, dared not provoke him further, pondered a moment, and said: "Going down the mountain is possible, but you must wait until I return from this trip."

"Impossible!" Yang Tiexin flatly refused, turned, and went back inside; he couldn't bear to stay another moment in this place.

"Out there, war will break out soon; the Jin forces are moving south, making everywhere dangerous. Moreover, whether you're in the government or registered, the Great Song is no longer safe." Niu Dingtian stepped slowly into the house, fixed his gaze on Yang Tiexin, and whispered low: "Besides, have you forgotten that demonic monk from that night? A few words from him can turn you into a fool; he's already set his sights on you and Nianci—would you really bring her along to court danger?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Tiexin's eyes flickered, and his motions of packing the bundle suddenly halted.

Niu Dingtian sighed, then patiently urged: "If you're captured by him—or by the Jin forces—no matter whether it's for Nianci, for Kanger, or for my senior sister, I'll have to risk everything to rescue you. Why, then, would you, in a fit of anger, put them both in danger?"

"Think it over carefully."

Having said that, Niu Dingtian turned and left the house.

What needed to be said has been said; regardless of whether he listens, letting him go is impossible.

Having left the house and walked to the courtyard's edge, Niu Dingtian saw, not far away under the mountain locust tree, Granny Sun saying something to Mu Nianci.

The young lady's brows and eyes slightly lowered, she nodded from time to time; on her bright, lovely face could be seen a faint flush.

Hearing footsteps, she lifted her head; the lingering flush on her cheeks remained, she blinked, and gazed somewhat nervously at Niu Dingtian.

Niu Dingtian gave a slight smile and said: "He probably won't leave, but Nianci, you also know about that old monk from that night; this matter cannot be left to your father. If he intends to sneak down the mountain, you must promptly inform the guards—do you understand?"

Mu Nianci breathed a sigh of relief; at that moment she suddenly recalled the intimate term just used by the person before her, and felt a sudden shift, making her quite uncomfortable—though she had just been worried about their clash and hadn't noticed.

Then seeing Granny Sun gazing at her with a smiling look, she couldn't help but feel a great blush, her face reddening as she said: "The clothes aren't finished washing yet; Granny, you all keep chatting—I'll head back first."

Having said that, he hurried into the courtyard.

Sun Grandma smiled, as if suddenly recalling something, a hint of hesitation appearing on her face.

Niu Dingtian laughed, "Granny, if you have something to say, just say it; no need to stand on ceremony with me."

"This is what Li Mochou asked me to bring to you; if it's convenient, please reply with a letter, and I'll take it back for you today," Sun Grandma said, glancing around before pulling a letter from her sleeve and handing it over.

A flash of surprise crossed Niu Dingtian's eyes; after taking the envelope, he opened it without hesitation in front of Sun Grandma.

Inside the envelope was a faint floral scent, like the mountain flowers outside the Ancient Tomb Sect; the letter paper was folded into a butterfly shape, and he struggled to open it.

"Big Brother Niu, seeing your letter is like seeing you in person."

"Do you still remember the young girl who first entered the world two years ago? Back then, Li Mochou was innocent and carefree, unfamiliar with worldly affairs; when we first met, I felt an unprecedented joy and happiness. Since then, Big Brother Niu has taken root in Li Mochou's heart."

"Over these two years, the mountain flowers outside the Ancient Tomb Sect have faded twice, yet Li Mochou's longing has never ceased. Your smile, your words, the scene of you secretly teaching her martial arts in the Ancient Tomb that night often appear in her mind, impossible to dispel."

"Li Mochou has countless times wanted to go down the mountain to find you, yet feared her abruptness would disturb you. However, her longing surged like a tide, and she could no longer suppress her inner desire to act, though she did not want to be discovered by her master and punished."

"Li Mochou has no regrets, for this feeling of hers must be made known to you. Big Brother Niu, I am fond of you. I hope you can hear Li Mochou's heart, and I hope we may meet again someday. Li Mochou does not know what the future holds, but I know that right now, her heart holds only you."

"Looking forward to your reply, Li Mochou."

After reading the letter pouring out her feelings, Niu Dingtian's heart was far from calm.

The Scarlet Fairy had already fallen in love, but not with that scoundrel Lu Zhanyuan; will the terrifying title 'Scarlet Fairy' still exist in the future?

He carefully folded the letter paper, placed it in the envelope, and Niu Dingtian tucked it close to his chest.

The young lady's words are filled with genuine emotion everywhere; to say one isn't moved would be false. Normally he would have planned to find time to go see her, but now with danger looming, he does not want to bring risk to others.

Niu Dingtian thought, then looked at Sun Grandma and said solemnly, "I'll send the reply to you shortly, but after you return, you must watch over Miss Li Mochou and not let her sneak out."

"In the future I will have considerable trouble on my side; you all stay peacefully in the Ancient Tomb Sect and try not to go out."

Seeing that Niu Dingtian was not joking, Sun Grandma nodded and did not ask further; what could make this kid call it trouble was indeed beyond what the Ancient Tomb Sect could help with.

The two exchanged a few more words of caution under the tree, Niu Dingtian bade farewell and returned to his lodgings.

In the afternoon, the contest among the Five Absolutes continued; after three more intense bouts, Yideng, relying on the profound strength of his innate skill, slightly edged out the other three by half a move, taking first place on the Heavenly Ranking. Huang Yaoshi came next, while Ouyang Feng and Hong Qigong were hard to separate.

When Hong Qigong proposed a four-versus-one match, Niu Dingtian did not refuse. Without relying on the formidable inner power of the innate realm, he defeated the four opponents combined within thirty moves, leaving everyone in awe.

Since the Heavenly Ranking title requires being over forty, and the Earthly Ranking sounded too cheap, under Yideng's suggestion Niu Dingtian received the title of Heavenly Ranking chief.

The next day, the martial contest on the mountain continued in full swing, with the three guardians—Fentian, Suzhi, Yan Hongshou, and Jin Buhuan—taking turns to enter the arena.

During this period, perhaps having shaken off Yinggu's entanglement, Zhou Botong suddenly appeared again.

After learning of Qiu Chuji's death, he disdained to strike at Xiao Ying Han, instead harboring three parts revenge and seven parts desire to prove himself, he stormed the Divine Sect's headquarters on the spot, yet under the combined might of the three guardians he gained no advantage.

From beginning to end, the crowned youth on the viewing platform never appeared again. (End of chapter)