[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-roaring-dragon":3,"chapter-the-roaring-dragon-the-roaring-dragon-chapter-250":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Roaring Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2282106,4463,"Chapter 250: Side Story: The Great Wife","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-250",250,"\u003Cp>Side Story: The Might of the Chief Wife (Requesting Monthly Votes)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Side Story: The Might of the Chief Wife (Requesting Monthly Votes)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin family mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night deepened; the Lin residence fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the back courtyard’s boudoir, pitch dark, Lin Wanyi lay on the bed with arms crossed over her chest, biting her lower lip, replaying the fleeting intimacy just now:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What nerve—he must’ve deliberately made up an excuse to kiss me…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he stick out his tongue…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eww~ so embarrassing…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After tossing and turning for who knew how long, faint footsteps sounded outside the room, followed by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi tensed all over, fearing Xie Jin would hug and kiss her again, so feigned sleep to see how he’d react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would he sneak a kiss?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or wake me up…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or, tender-hearted, see I’m asleep and slip away quietly…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third option seems warmer—if he truly is that kind, I’ll call him back…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unfortunately, the door shut quickly, then light footsteps drew nearer:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap tap~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi frowned inwardly, thinking Xie Jin must’ve been focused on cultivation and planned to wake her—but then the bed sank slightly, followed by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A powerful, heavy palm strike, echoing sharply!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi shuddered violently, eyes wide with shock and humiliation!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And beneath the humiliation, an inexplicable flutter in her heart…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furious and ashamed, Lin Wanyi rolled over instantly, grabbing his wrist:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You lecher! I’ll fight you… fight…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her words cut off abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room was dark; Lin Wanyi couldn’t see the bed, but she felt the wrist—slender, smooth as congealed fat—familiar…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And instantly, a sweet voice sounded mere inches away:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Auntie, why call me a lecher? I’m a girl…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(⊙﹏⊙)?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi was stunned as if struck by lightning—her shame and fury instantly turned to terrified helplessness…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hss~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint qi current flowed, casting dim light across the corners of the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu raised her right hand; the red jade beads on her wrist glowed softly, illuminating her delicate, porcelain face—and the crimson peony right before her eyes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Auntie, why is your face so red? Did you get a fever?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… uh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the little troublemaker appear, Lin Wanyi was dazed, sitting up quickly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zisu, how did you get back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu eyed her suspiciously: “Didn’t you write me a letter, telling me to come home?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just wrote…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was afraid you’d wait too long—I grabbed the letter and rode hard, didn’t even say goodbye to Old Li, and just now entering the city, I saw trouble in the east quarter…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Lin Zisu slipped off her embroidered slippers and climbed onto the bed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Auntie, why are you still dressed when you sleep?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi had been waiting for Xie Jin—how could she take off her clothes? Her expression was awkward:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was just practicing, resting a bit. It’s so late—why don’t you go back to your room and sleep?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu stared in disbelief:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Auntie, you wrote one letter and I traveled over a hundred miles by carriage and boat—now that I’ve arrived, you’re telling me to leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not what I meant… it’s just…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu wasn’t stupid; seeing her aunt stammering, dressed so alluringly, dewy and radiant, she pondered briefly—then her eyes widened further:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Auntie, you’re waiting for someone, aren’t you? Who? Xie Young Master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zisu!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi’s gaze darkened, assuming a composed, intellectual air:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What nonsense are you spouting? How could I possibly wait for someone in my boudoir at night? If you can’t sleep, I’ll chat with you—then go back to your room early.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu was half-skeptical, squeezing beside her aunt, pulling up the covers, and eagerly probing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Auntie, how’s it going with Xie Young Master these days? Any hugging?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than just hugging…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your auntie’s been almost…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi couldn’t say it outright, lying perfectly still on her pillow, demeanor as proper and conservative as an old lady:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How old are you? Why do you talk nonsense all day? Xie Jin came to the capital to investigate a case; I just came home to visit—we barely saw each other.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu was no child; she turned her aunt’s face toward her:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Auntie, you’re hopeless, aren’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft~ I’ll hit you if you keep this up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu sighed inwardly—her aunt needed a firm hand. She rummaged in her sleeve and pulled out a small red pill:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I knew you lacked the courage—I spent these days crafting a ‘Great Wife’s Authority Pill’ for you. Try it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great… great what?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great Wife’s Authority!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi was baffled, examining the bizarre pill:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s it do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu beamed with enthusiasm:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Swallow this, and it’ll ‘boost the timid aunt’s courage’—not only replenishes qi and blood, but also makes you ‘speak your heart’—love boldly, hate openly. The only cost? After the effect fades, you might feel embarrassed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi had been dosed by Zisu too many times—none of the pills ever worked as described. She frowned:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you sure this won’t turn into a ‘Right-Now-Hug-You’ pill?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her aunt doubt her skills, Lin Zisu said nothing more—she took the pill and swallowed it herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi was worried—Zisu’s pills always had unpredictable side effects!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after a moment, she noticed Zisu, lying beside her, had sat up, straightened her posture, radiating a bold, disrespectful aura, her glittering eyes fixed on her with clear disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi was confused: “Why are you looking at me like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu yanked back the covers, revealing her curvaceous figure—full bust, rounded hips—her gaze cool:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who said I was looking at you? I’m looking at the family’s useless, money-draining burden!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We raised you for over twenty years, hoping you’d carry on the family line—yet when a big, juicy piece of meat was handed to you, you still let some outsider steal him away. What good are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi was stunned—she thought Zisu wasn’t under the pill’s effect, but just using it as an excuse! She sat up, rolled up her sleeves:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little brat, got big ideas now? I’ll…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, keep being fierce.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu stood with hands on hips, utterly unafraid:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You only use your aunt status to bully me, right? Let me tell you straight—you won’t be bossing me for long!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once you marry out, every time you come home, you’ll have to bow to me, the mistress of this house. If you’re mistreated in your in-laws’ home, you’ll come crying back to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now you’ve offended me for good—you’ll be neglected by your husband’s family and abandoned by your own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, keep being fierce? Why aren’t you talking?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the fierce little troublemaker, Lin Wanyi’s face flushed crimson, her chest nearly bursting with rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zisu’s words were true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zisu was already sixteen—Lin Wanyi would eventually marry, and the Lin family’s medical legacy would surely pass to gifted Zisu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A married daughter’s only backing was her natal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she offended the future mistress of the Lin household now, wouldn’t she be bullied by her husband’s concubines, then beaten by her own family when she returned?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crescent Moon Villa was ten thousand miles away—it couldn’t protect her…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi took a deep breath and spoke softly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No respect at all! I won’t scold you—where’s the antidote? Hurry and take it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What antidote?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu slapped her hand away, her porcelain face radiating the authority of a household matriarch:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grandma just slipped me a note, begging me to talk sense into you. I didn’t even slap you—that’s all because we’re like mother and daughter!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re still unmarried, and so am I—why aren’t you seizing the chance to pursue Master Xie? Wait till Princess Changning or Linghu Qingmo come in, and then you’ll be a concubine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is your head filled with porridge?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zisu!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi’s scalp prickled from the scolding, but she couldn’t get angry at a child, so she softened her tone:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, alright, I get it. Where’s the antidote? Take it first—we can’t talk otherwise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu let out a light hum and extended her hand:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, give me a hundred taels of silver!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi’s long eyelashes trembled slightly as she silently thought—You’re aiming for the heavens, aren’t you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re this bold even before you’re head of the household—what would you do if you were?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I already gave you your monthly allowance…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ten taels a month is enough for what? How many elixirs did I brew for free at the clinic? Don’t you know? If you’re going to be like this, then I won’t say another word—good and evil always find their due; above our heads, the Medicine King watches…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, alright…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi gritted her teeth, pulled out a silver note, and handed it to Zisu:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just take your antidote.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Lin Zisu look satisfied. She tucked the note away, then pulled out a pill and swallowed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, her bright eyes filled with embarrassment. She flopped backward onto the bed, subtly shifted away, pulled the quilt up to cover half her face, and left only her large eyes visible:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh… I just took the pill and said some things I shouldn’t have. Don’t take it to heart, Auntie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Full of innocent charm~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi exhaled in relief, straightened her robe, and shot a slightly stern glance:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t hit you because I knew you were babbling—don’t you dare do it again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m not babbling—I’m just speaking from the heart…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu giggled, rolled over, and sat up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it, got it. I’m sleepy. I’m going to bed. Hungry mmmmm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu froze, her foot suspended mid-air, secretly clutching the silver note in her pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi really wanted to take the money back, but Zisu’s words had struck a chord. After a moment’s thought, she asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does this ‘Great Wife’s Authority Pill’ make men speak their minds too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu relaxed, turned back, and sat beside her:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If a man takes it, it’s the ‘Unstoppable Swagger Pill’—same effect. But I advise you not to test it. What if Master Xie takes it and says, ‘You’re this big, have no talent, and I’d only like you because you’re pretty. If you keep being shy, I’ll make Qingmo the boss and you the youngest…’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi’s eyes widened. Just hearing Zisu repeat it made her face burn!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xie Jin really thought that, she’d rather do without the bastard!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who said I’d give it to him? I just asked. Go to sleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu smiled and headed for the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as she opened it, a dark shadow flashed across the roof and landed straight at the doorway!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps due to exceptional eyesight, the figure caught sight of the delicate young lady inside and gasped:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figure tried to fly backward mid-air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since he hadn’t reached the Supreme Realm and had just been overexerted, the maneuver was too difficult—so it ended with:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stumbled to the ground and knelt right before the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu froze, then, upon recognizing the cold, handsome young man in black robes, gasped and dropped to her knees, reaching out to help him up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, no, no! Master Xie, what are you doing?! This bow is far too much—I can’t accept it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moon glowed softly; a handsome young man and a delicate young lady bowed to each other at the bedroom door like newlyweds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jin had just finished tending to the ice monster by Fengyi River and raced back on horseback—never expecting Wanyi to be so unprofessional, sneaking around with her niece!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught off guard by the grand bow, Xie Jin felt awkward, but he recovered quickly, gripping the doorframe with his left hand and clutching his chest with his right:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough… cough…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi, panicked by his untimely arrival, was startled nonetheless by his muffled cough and sprang up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xie Jin? What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jin explained: “I just had a fierce fight—made quite a commotion. I came to see Dr. Lin for a checkup, didn’t expect Miss Zisu was here. My apologies for the intrusion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xie Jin looked weak, Lin Zisu quickly composed herself, seized his wrist to feel his pulse, then frowned:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your dantian is nearly drained, your limbs overtaxed—no wonder you fell. Lucky I brought the ‘Unstoppable Swagger Pill’!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reached into a small pouch at her waist and pulled out a tiny pill:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Open your mouth, ah~~~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were Wanyi, Xie Jin would’ve swallowed it without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the “Poisonous Medicatrix” had a fearsome reputation—he couldn’t help but tread carefully:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh… Miss Zisu, what’s the cost?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi’s expression twisted. After a moment, she whispered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s just a tonic to replenish qi and blood—no side effects. Take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu nodded: “Excellent qi-restoring effect. You’ll feel full of vigor the moment you swallow it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing such a powerful effect, Xie Jin hesitated to take it. He tucked the pill away and pulled out a jade pendant:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lucky I brought the ‘Qilin Holding the Book Pendant’! This boosts Qi Refining speed dramatically—I’ll recover fully in two hours at most. Such a great pill—I’ll keep it on hand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu’s eyes locked onto the faintly glowing emerald-green jade. She snatched it to examine:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve never seen this before—Master Xie, you’re amazing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jin was generous: “You can keep it for fun. Just return it tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But what about your Qi Refining?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can cultivate slowly too—no rush.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zisu wasn’t foolish. She sensed Xie Jin was trying to get rid of her. She returned the jade:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need. I can admire it tomorrow. I’m sleepy—I’m going to bed. Hungry mmmmm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with that, she vanished like the wind from the bedroom doorway!—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silver moon hung like a hook; the courtyard fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jin stood at the door, watching her go. He’d wanted to ask about the Burning Immortal Parasite, but since Miss Zisu was so considerate, he’d have to wait until tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi, already tense, panicked when the troublemaker abandoned her:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hurry back inside—Zisu saw everything… Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she finished speaking, she saw the man at the door stagger, gripping the threshold with one hand:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me rest a moment…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi’s heart leapt. She rushed forward to support him, probed his pulse—and realized Zisu hadn’t lied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jin’s qi channels were faint as a thread, his blood and qi chaotic—clearly from overexertion, draining his dantian, then overloading with potent medicine, only to burn it all again. The fact he could stand and speak at all proved extraordinary willpower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who… who did you fight? Why did you drain yourself so badly? Come inside…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jin was led inside, his thoughts a tangled mess:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I ran into a Cult of the Mingshenjiao  demon bandit. Fought for a long time—finally shattered him. It did take a lot out of me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not an Immortal Officer or Constable—why aren’t you protecting the Princess? Why are you always risking your life outside?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi’s eyes brimmed with concern. She helped Xie Jin to the embroidered bed, undid his black robe, and examined his injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She found his robe shredded, his pants full of holes, red marks still lingering on his bare arms…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi blinked, puzzled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do demons use thunder arts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jin leaned against the headboard, blinking:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not much. Otherwise it wouldn’t have felt like being scratched by a cat. I’m fine—just need to rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These demons really are heartless…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Xie Jinhuan left, he was a lively, healthy man; when he returned, he was drained, as if ravaged by a wicked woman—how could Lin Wanyi not be heartbroken? She carefully peeled off his black robe and rose to stand beside the wardrobe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your pants are torn—I doubt you can wear mine. How about you try these instead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pulled out a pair of sheer tights, extremely elastic…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan glanced down at his long legs, hesitated for a long moment, then replied:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m afraid these aren’t suitable for me. Why don’t you wear them and let me see?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft~ As if!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi also felt it was inappropriate, put the black silk tights back, and closed the wardrobe:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My mother made a new set of clothes for my father. I’ll sneak in and get them for you—rest for a bit first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She ran to the door, peeked outside, then slipped out quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan, watching Lin Wanyi steal her father’s clothes for him, was genuinely touched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xie Jinhuan staring at the door with a dumb smile, Ye Hongshang appeared, sitting sideways on the bed beside him, joining him in watching:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t Wanyi virtuous? Unlike that icy lump who only beats you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan turned his gaze away, tilted his head to sneak a kiss on the ghost bride—only to, as expected, phase through her, and he pulled back, embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t say that. At least we’ve made progress on the Jiazi Lotus. Li Gongpu donated funds; Queyue Manor provided the herbs. Once the elixir is complete and I take a Dao Advancement Pill, I should be able to seal the Demon-Subduing Tomb—progress is faster than expected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Hongshang blinked her soul-stealing eyes, paused thoughtfully, then leaned her head against Xie Jinhuan’s shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~ Then our parting isn’t far off. When I return to my grave to sleep, I wonder if you’ll still be alive next time I emerge—or if you’ve turned into an old man, no longer as handsome as now…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan frowned, his smile fading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes—if the Demon-Subduing Tomb is sealed, he and his ghost bride would be parted forever…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But from what he’d learned, the ghost bride’s danger level was… slightly high…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Hongshang lifted her gaze, brushed her fingertip across her nose:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? You’re reluctant to let me go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan paused, then smiled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not ungrateful. Don’t worry—even if I find out your identity is suspect, I’ll resolve it quickly and dig you out again. You know how efficient I am.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if you can’t resolve it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I can’t…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan took a quiet breath, fell silent for a moment, then looked at the seductive demon beside him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then you’ve made my life hell!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Hongshang liked that. Gazing at his face so close, she bit her lower lip, offering a sultry glance:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve got some conscience. Want me to reward you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan sat up slightly, skeptical:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Hongshang glanced over his defined frame, then raised her right hand—a crystal ball appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the ball: the parlor by Fengyi River—a tall, icy beauty stepping into the bathtub…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image froze, zoomed in…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan stared, stunned, and quickly raised his hand:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No no—I prefer to bully people face-to-face, not behind their backs. If this gets found, I won’t just lose the Jiazi Lotus—I’ll get beaten to death. Delete it, quick…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xie Jinhuan’s displeasure, Ye Hongshang frowned slightly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then how about something you’d like to see?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan assumed it was a 3D model and turned his gaze back to the crystal ball.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What appeared: Master Hou, the butler…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan blinked, waved his hands frantically:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Switch it back, switch it back…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Hongshang sniffed. “I’m not a servant you summon and dismiss. You asked to switch—first, watch a bit. Then I’ll show you something prettier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forced commercial break?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan raised his hand to click the X—but there was no X. He could only turn his head away…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap tap tap…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard corridor was silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi, clothes tucked under her arm, a basin of hot water and a towel in hand, tiptoed through the corridor to the threshold of her chamber. After confirming no one was watching, she nudged the door open with her shoulder:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xie…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small lamp glowed inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A handsome young lord, clad in a sleeveless bodysuit, leaned against the headboard, eyes closed, flailing his limbs, shaking his head…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xie Jinhuan?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi jolted, set the basin down, lunged to the bedside, pinned him down, and slapped his cheeks hard:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong with you?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap slap slap…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan snapped awake, seeing the stunningly beautiful Wanyi before him—his expression froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh… I just had a stiff neck. Stretching a bit…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi studied his eyes closely, then pinched his philtrum hard—Xie Jinhuan gasped sharply—only then did she exhale in relief:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You scared me half to death—I thought some evil spirit was in here, you were possessed…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan suspected the ghost bride was setting him up, but couldn’t say so. He sat up, awkward:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was just bored. Don’t misunderstand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi rose, brought the basin to the bedside, wrung out the towel, and wiped away the faint stains on Xie Jinhuan’s skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lie still. Don’t move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan was deeply touched—he wanted to wipe himself, but Wanyi wouldn’t let him. He lay still, letting her wash his arms and face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps the exhaustion of the entire night had been too great; the bed, scented with two kinds of feminine fragrance, was so comfortable. He lay there for just a moment—and slowly, his eyelids grew heavy. He fell asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanyi sat beside him, towel in hand, wiping carefully. Seeing his exhausted state, her heart ached. After finishing, she leaned forward quietly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mwah~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confirming he hadn’t woken, she sighed softly, leaned her head on the bed, and studied his profile until sleep overtook her…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This slice-of-life, unrelated to the plot, drags the pacing too much. I’ve already cut three or four thousand words, but it’s still sluggish. So I’m just posting it as a free bonus chapter—take a look, and please vote for a monthly ticket or 2!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow’s update might be late or 2!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3617,"2026-06-20T01:38:12.833Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","0886e43e1147e2529879f3766c10d9bb4640842f9eaec1d733cffd744fcfb4fa","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-251","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-249",252,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-roaring-dragon-cover.jpg"]