Chapter 159: Return to the Capital

Whoosh~

Spiritual energy circulated within the carriage, and no one knew how much time had passed.

Nangong Ye was nearly at her limit. Sensing the yin-cold energy suddenly stirring, she hastily drew it in with her qi and locked it down…

And as the utmost-yin, utmost-cold qi poured into her meridians, the original body-burning flames almost instantly receded and quieted, entering a dormant phase. The next eruption would likely have to wait until tomorrow at noon, the height of yang…

The carriage was utterly silent.

Nangong Ye suppressed the Yang Poison, and her consciousness cleared along with it. The searing burn on her body faded, yet a sense of guilt as scorching as flames welled up from the depths of her heart.

She now had her palm turned upward, eyes covered with a black cloth, phoenix eyes tightly shut—resembling a jade-faced Guanyin who had severed desire and held a pure jade vase. But her pale cheeks clearly carried a faint look of distaste and shame, and even her breathing trembled slightly.

What on earth did I just do…

The dignified founding ancestor of the Danding Sect, the Sect Leader of Mount Zihui whose fame shook all of Dajiangnanbei, actually stooped to—to preserve herself…

How could she face her disciples and the righteous cultivators hereafter…

But things had already come to this; nothing she said would matter. This was merely to avoid an even more unacceptable outcome…

If she hadn't done this, she might right now be lying in the carriage with her clothes in disarray. Compared to that, at least now…

How could I possibly compromise like this…

It's all that damned witch of the Wu Sect…

Nangong Ye's heart was a tangled mess. After such a long silence, she did her best to summon the immortal sword-sage bearing of one who freezes a thousand miles:

"You… we are both cultivators. Necessity knows no law, and neither of us wished for this. You did it to help me. You must not take this to heart, and from now on you must keep your lips sealed…"

Because the Soft-Sister Powder's effects had worn off, her voice had returned to that cool, ethereal "big-sister" tone. It sounded firm and composed, but a faint tremor could be heard.

It was as if an iceberg-cold female CEO on a date with a blond punk had only had two drinks, only to wake up in a rental apartment, covered in dust and bruises…

Xie Jinhuan held her hand, wiped it clean with a handkerchief, and said calmly:

"It's enough that you're alright. Don't take it to heart either."

How could I possibly not take it to heart?

Nangong Ye steadied her breath. After the hand was wiped clean, she pulled down her blindfold and saw that everything in the carriage was as usual, as if nothing had happened. She picked up her veiled hat, pulled it low over her head, and darted out of the carriage.

Whoosh~

Xie Jinhuan was startled. He hurriedly pushed aside the carriage curtain and poked his head out, watching the black "big moon" fleeing in disarray:

"Where are you going? Don't you dare throw yourself into a lake or something. It wasn't easy to bring you back…"

Nangong Ye jammed the veiled hat onto her head, her steps vigorous and fierce, her cool voice carrying not a trace of desire:

"I'm fine. I'm heading back to the capital first. Take your time on your own."

Xie Jinhuan felt that this Seeing Bing Tuozi, once she put on a skirt, was all the more stubborn. He called out from afar:

"Don't push yourself. If you collapse on the road, no one will be able to save you."

"I know my limits."

"Judging by how you looked just now, the poison will probably flare again by noon tomorrow. I'll come find you at Fengyi River tomorrow."

"…"

Nangong Ye's steps suddenly halted. Her back straightened, and she slightly turned the veiled hat, looking back toward the carriage behind her:

"What are you coming to find me for?"

Xie Jinhuan said, a little helpless: "To bring you Yin-Yang Weird-Qi Powder and help channel your qi. What else would you do?"

Nangong Ye stood among the autumn-leaf woods, her black skirt swaying in the wind, her silhouette like an ink-wash painting that kept the world at arm's length.

But after a long silence, she still said nothing. Her figure flashed, leaping onto the treetops, and vanished from sight in the blink of an eye.

Xie Jinhuan watched her go from afar, chuckled softly, and was just about to turn around and tidy up the handkerchief in the carriage.

But when he turned his head, he saw a ghost in a blood-red wedding gown, face pale and tongue lolling, leaning right up to him:

"Blehehe~"

"Ah—!"

The result was that a gust of wind immediately came from afar. A figure in a black skirt, almost in the blink of an eye, turned back and landed atop the treetops. The veiled hat covered her face so her cheeks couldn't be seen, but one could sense the confusion and urgency.

"Uh…"

Xie Jinhuan saw the big Seeing Bing Tuozi had run back again, his expression awkward:

"Sorry, I just noticed my robe was dirty…"

?

Nangong Ye's brows shot up, and she flashed away.

Ye Hongshang had returned to her enchanting, alluring appearance, sitting sideways nearby and watching them go:

"Oh yo~ that little lady sure does care about you~"

Xie Jinhuan had been scared half to death, but he was genuinely touched. He raised a hand and draped it over the ghost's shoulder:

"You nearly scared me to death. Of course she'd rush over when she heard a scream."

Ye Hongshang didn't put on any airs either. She sat outside the carriage, leaning against his shoulder, her voice sweet as orchids and honey:

"Did it feel good just now?"

Xie Jinhuan, afraid his ghost wife's jealousy jar had tipped over again, could only feign calm composure:

"Necessity knows no law. I was focused on forcing out the yin-cold qi and didn't pay attention. I'll play you a tune."

Ye Hongshang gave a soft hum, leaned against his shoulder, and admired the autumn colors covering the mountains.

"Doo-woo-woo~~…"

And then a passing merchant caravan spotted a young hero with a crooked neck, blowing a leaf as he raced toward Jingcheng…

——

Afternoon. Wang Fu.

Linghu Qingmo, dressed in snow-white, stood by the lake in the West Mansion holding a sword, watching Meiqiu rolling on the grass, a hint of worry darkening her eyes.

A few days after the Li Fu was raided, she had parted ways with Xie Jinhuan; the next morning, Xie Jinhuan returned and told her he was going to check out Yunling County.

Because the Mingshen Sect had set its sights on Xie Jinhuan, to avoid startling the snake by his sudden disappearance, they had asked her and the Princess to cover for him.

Their method of covering was to party every night, occasionally sending servants to buy items for men, and so on.

Acting as if they were bestowing favors on male concubines alongside their sisters...

But the two of them had barely waited two days before the entire Great Qian nearly exploded!

Before news could return last night, Jingcheng was already under martial law; the Wang Fu was surrounded by the Red Scale Guard, Ling'er was examined by Jing Wuniang for her limbs and qi meridians, and even her rooms and daily utensils were searched, terrifying Ling'er into thinking her own old man had transformed into a demon.

As for the Heir Zhao De, needless to say, just two days prior he had scampered off to the Father-in-Law's Mansion and taken eight thousand taels of silver!

This was a solid exchange of interests, and receiving rewards without merit; if the Heir's reputation hadn't been so rigid, and if he hadn't been caught while fighting roosters and had already lost all the silver, he would have surely been tortured until several layers of skin were stripped off.

Although no issues were found with either the Heir or the Princess, until the matter is fully clarified, both remain under house arrest under the guard of Immortal Officials; they can only be released after the Pill King also confirms they are not suspects.

Seeing that Xie Jinhuan had uncovered such a major incident, Linghu Qingmo naturally felt anxious, but she could not abandon Ling'er, so she could only wait in the Wang Fu for her backbone of a boyfriend to return, her heart also worrying whether Xie Jinhuan had been injured.

Furthermore, Master usually returns after the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it is almost September...

With such huge chaos in Jingzhao Fu, given Master's violent temper that hates evil like an enemy, he should have returned long ago to slaughter on all sides; why is there still no movement...

Could something have happened...

Just as she was secretly worrying about her boyfriend and her Master, footsteps came from outside the garden:

Tap, tap, tap...

Linghu Qingmo lifted her sword and turned; she could see Liu Qingzhi peering from the corridor, speaking in a low voice:

"My Lord Linghu, this morning I followed your orders and waited near the Lin Family; just now I saw a white shadow who whooshed into the Lin Fu. I don't know if it was Young Master Xie..."

"Gurgle~"

Meiqiu nodded, indicating there was no one else.

Seeing that Xie Jinhuan, who serves as the Spear-Bearer of the Princess's Mansion, had first gone to see the flower-vase sister who only sleeps, even though the Princess herself was under house arrest, Linghu Qingmo naturally felt a bit of a grievance.

Although arguing with Physician Lin last time made it awkward for a King to meet a King, this time she was doing it for official business!

Thinking of this, Linghu Qingmo scooped up Meiqiu, preparing to go argue again...

—

Lin Fu.

The autumn sun slanted westward; faint smoke rose from the alchemy room.

The jade-carved, exquisite Great Immortal Zisu, dressed in a pure white, form-fitting long skirt, stood before the alchemy furnace manipulating the qi mechanism to adjust the furnace temperature; her long hair cascaded down from her back, her face full of collagen was as tender as fat, and her cherry lips were singing:

"The wind rolls the embroidered curtain, the spring day is long~ After lazily finishing my makeup, I lean on the window~ Endless lovesickness, tears soak my clothes..."

Her sweet voice carried a touch of sorrow, just like a timid little aunt who hasn't seen her husband for three days, her heart full of grief, yet not knowing to whom to pour out her heart.

Lin Wanyi, wearing the same style of dress, was organizing the hundred-drawer cabinet nearby; because her beloved lover had not yet returned, she was somewhat distracted; hearing her mischievous daughter sing a wife's lament, she couldn't help but frown:

"You, an unmarried Miss, can you be a bit more proper? Last time you made that 'Great Wife's Authority Pill', I haven't even disciplined you yet..."

"Hehe~ Did Little Aunt let Young Master Xie eat it? Did he say that besides having a big butt and looking pretty, Little Aunt can't do anything else?"

?

Lin Wanyi placed her hands on her small waist, very much wanting to beat this lawless girl.

But Zisu was currently refining the unique secret pill 'Dragon-Alive Tiger-Active Pill'; this pill was something Xie Jinhuan had truly poured his heart and soul into for many days, killing who knows how many people, and currently still owed a sixty-year lotus just to barely produce it.

If she accidentally blew up the furnace, she would probably have to bear seven or eight chubby babies for Xie Jinhuan to be forgiven; for this reason, she could only secretly glance at Zisu:

(←_←)!

After gazing for an instant, a familiar white shadow suddenly flashed outside the window.

Lin Wanyi immediately felt a surge of joy; fearing Zisu would speak nonsense, she calmly pushed her gold-rimmed glasses and went to the door, then ran towards the boudoir.

But just as she passed the corner of the covered walkway, she was hit with a "Jinhuan Double-Combo".

Slap~

Someone patted her waist, startling Lin Wanyi; just as she was about to cry out in shock, her mouth was covered:

"Mmph?!"

Seeing the big pig trotter that had suddenly ambushed her, Lin Wanyi's face flushed red; she raised her small fist and punched his shoulder.

The white-robed Young Master who was hugging her waist and kissing her strongly immediately stopped:

"Hiss..."

"Eh?"

Lin Wanyi's eyes, filled with shame and anger, froze; she quickly supported his arm:

"You're injured again?"

Xie Jinhuan, considering this a brief parting that feels like a new marriage, afraid that Wanyi would scold him, said kindly:

"It's just a minor skin injury, nothing serious."

How could Lin Wanyi believe that? She pulled up his sleeves to inspect, only to find both outer arms were bruised black and blue, spreading up to the shoulders and back; the swelling hadn't even subsided, causing her willow eyebrows to stand straight up:

"You... I told you not to be so reckless, and you've made yourself like this again..."

Saying this, she moved the hand from his waist, held him in her arms, and supported him towards the boudoir, her eyes slightly fierce, chattering as she walked.

Being cared for so deeply naturally filled Xie Jinhuan with happiness, but entering the room directly felt a bit too eager; so he first arrived at the alchemy room door:

"Miss Zisu?"

"Hmm?"

Lin Zisu turned around, her eyes lighting up with joy:

"Young Master Xie is here~ I am refining the Dragon-Alive Tiger-Active Pill for you; it will be ready tomorrow, and then you can try it."

Xie Jinhuan looked slightly surprised:

"So soon?"

"The difficulty with this pill lies in the medicinal herbs and the craftsmanship. As long as the herbs are gathered, refining the pill won't take long. Young Master Xie, chat with your auntie first; I can't spare a hand right now."

"Oh..."

Xie Jinhuan had originally wanted to ask for some Yin-Yang Mockery Powder, but he truly dared not disturb Immortal Zisu while she was refining pills, so he left the pill room first and, heading to the boudoir with Wan Yi who was waiting in the corridor, asked along the way:

"What is the situation in the city now?"

"Everyone is on edge; anyway, many people have been arrested. I heard from my father that His Majesty has fallen ill. However, since you established great merit this time, the imperial court will surely reward you heavily..."

"Is that so? Then I definitely want the Dragon Galloping and Dragon Responding Art; that way, the final payment for the Dragon Blood Pill will be settled."

"Hmph~ At least you have some conscience..."

While the two were speaking, they arrived at the boudoir. Lin Wanyi knelt again beside the desk, ducked into the space under the table, and searched for her treasured Wu Sect healing secret medicine.

Because she was wearing a white dress with a high slit tailored to her figure, white thin trousers were visible on both sides; with her bent over like this...

?

Xie Jinhuan originally had no other intentions, but Wan Yi's move, the 'Cat Stretching' ultimate technique, was truly impossible to defend against. Thinking so, he walked very honestly to the front and took a small box from his chest:

"Just now, on my way back, I passed Changle Street and bought you a bracelet..."

"Why are you buying me things again? I don't lack these; it's not easy for you to earn silver on your own... easy..."

Lin Wanyi was ducked into the space under the table, searching the secret compartment for good medicine to activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, when she discovered Xie Jinhuan was getting handsy; her face flushed red as she turned her head:

"Xie Jinhuan! You... you want a beating, don't you?"

"I was just testing if it matches your skin tone..."

"Is that how you test a bracelet? You are simply..."

Lin Wanyi was filled with shame, wanting to struggle and pull out, but this ungrateful person added:

"Don't move around; what if it falls and shatters? I picked it out for a long time..."

"?"

Lin Wanyi's movement paused; she truly feared he would smash the jewelry he bought for her right in front of her face...

(End of this chapter)