Chapter 83: Love Tribulation!

After handling the aftermath on the Antique Street, Xie Jinhuan went to the County government office with Yang Dabiao and the others.

Because of their long-awaited reunion and his great merit, Feiji specially set up a banquet on Buzheng Street to welcome him, wash away the dust of travel, and celebrate the victory.

Since Xie Jinhuan could remember, Feiji had been his father's childhood friend and colleague, often taking him out to play; his knowledge of human organs, his martial arts that only reached the eighth grade at sixteen, and his extraordinary ability to identify any posture at a glance—all were taught to him by Feiji with everything he knew!

Having spent over a decade together, Xie Jinhuan truly regarded Feiji as an uncle, and wanted to catch up, but there were too many officials and government office Runners present, and the Wu County Magistrate was drunk, crying and wiping tears, insisting on kowtowing twice to him, so there was truly no chance.

After the gathering dispersed, Xie Jinhuan returned to the Wang Fu to rest.

At this moment, in a guest room of the Wang Fu, Xie Jinhuan lay on a soft couch; his white robe was unfastened, and the Ice Scale Armor had been removed and draped over the backrest; on his chest with clearly defined muscle lines, a scar that had already scabbed and healed was visible.

Linghu Qingmo sat sideways before the couch, holding a cotton ball in her hand, carefully wiping the wound:

"Does it still hurt?"

"It's just a superficial injury, no sensation at all."

"That's good..."

Thinking of Xie Jinhuan's fluid assassination technique from last night, Linghu Qingmo felt a bit curious in her heart:

"Where did you train before? Your worldly experience is so seasoned; there shouldn't be no name for you under heaven."

Xie Jinhuan wasn't clear where he had been for these three years either; at this moment, he could only repeat the old words:

"The Hidden Immortal Sect has a rule: 'When boarding the boat, do not think of those on the shore; when disembarking, do not mention matters on the boat.'"

?

Linghu Qingmo was a proper disciple of the Daoist path, so she asked in confusion:

"Does the Hidden Immortal Sect have this saying?"

"Yes."

"Oh... then it's fine not to say."

Linghu Qingmo continued to carefully wipe the wound.

Xie Jinhuan felt that Mo Mo was so easily coaxed; after a slight deliberation, he sighed softly again:

"Actually, looking back now, it truly feels like a lifetime has passed.

"Back then in Jingcheng, I was just a young master; my family's situation was neither good nor bad, nor did I have any special strengths; the greatest wish of my life was to be able to 'roam the Northern Sea in the morning and sleep in the Southern Mountain at dusk' like an immortal; if there were also a Daoist partner willing to go to the Jade Terrace together, that would be even better,

"Unfortunately, I was too greedy back then, wanting to learn everything, resulting in accomplishing nothing; not to speak of seeking immortals and asking the Dao, I wasn't even worthy of knowing an immortal like Miss Linghu..."

?

Linghu Qingmo had been listening to the sighs and reflections, but as she listened, she suddenly realized the tone was wrong!

It seemed directed at her!

Linghu Qingmo sat up straighter: "Isn't Physician Lin your old sweetheart? Doesn't she count as an immortal?"

She definitely counts...

Xie Jinhuan couldn't say he didn't know Wanyi before, so he could only change the subject and talk nonsense:

"Um... before descending the mountain, my master once divined a hexagram for me, saying I would encounter a 'Love Tribulation', become trapped between two women and unable to extricate myself, and that no matter how I chose, it would be wrong..."

Before the words finished, the ghost wife who followed like a shadow interjected by his ear:

"Oh my~ what about the older sister?"

Oh no...

Xie Jinhuan blinked his eyes and, forcing himself, said:

"Of course, my master said that since I stand out like a tree in the forest, I would meet many women; it could also be three, four, five..."

Huh?!

What kind of heartless radish is this?

Linghu Qingmo's eyes grew suspicious; she carefully examined Xie Jinhuan, and only after confirming that the upright Brother Jinhuan had not been possessed did she ask:

"And then? What did you do when you met them?"

Xie Jinhuan found it a bit hard to hold back the truth, but whatever he made up had to be tied up later:

"My master said the Immortal Dao is not the Heartless Dao; meeting them is fate; if one can treat everyone with a sincere heart from beginning to end, that is 'Fate'; if one hesitates and gives up halfway, that becomes a 'Tribulation'. Um... perhaps he meant for me to follow nature."

Linghu Qingmo pondered seriously, and only nodded after a long while:

"What your master said is not without reason; um... we cultivators should take the eradication of demons and the defense of the Dao as our duty; as long as your heart is tied to the world and you are willing to sacrifice your body for the Righteous Path, what harm is there in having a few more Daoist partners?

"Even the Emperor has three palaces and six courtyards; even if you marry a hundred Misses, in my view, you are better than those bald monks who strictly observe the rules but have done not a single good deed for the common people."

These words struck right to the heart.

Xie Jinhuan looked at the cold and beautiful face before him, felt deeply moved in his heart, and grasped the small hand that was still applying medicine to his chest:

"Miss Mo Mo's understanding is truly, truly, truly~~"

Crackling—

Linghu Qingmo was not a pushover like Lin Wanyi; discovering that Xie Jinhuan was touching her again while talking, she immediately summoned lightning in her palm, shocking Xie Jinhuan so he shivered a few times:

"Why are you touching my hand? I think this Love Tribulation is all self-inflicted by you!"

But immediately, Linghu Qingmo remembered the bet from the morning!

Three times not allowed to get angry...

Thinking of this, Linghu Qingmo quickly suppressed her shyness and anger, putting on an understanding expression:

"I'm not angry! You only have two chances left!"

"Hey?"

Xie Jinhuan had already been shocked; how could he possibly admit the debt? He said with grave seriousness:

"No, you have already shocked me, so there are still three chances!

"Only when I say the safe word 'Don't be angry' will the chance be consumed; if I don't say it, then even if you truly aren't angry, it doesn't count!"

Safe word?

Linghu Qingmo wanted to refute, but this time she had acted too quickly and had no real grounds to stand on; after thinking, she could only say:

"We bet on catching the murderer—you said there were two, but we only caught one, so it's not entirely a loss for me…"

Xie Jinhuan didn't push too hard on Seeing Mo Mo; after thinking, he suggested:

"How about this—we both win. I get three chances to say 'Don't be angry,' and you get three chances to say 'Stop.' Deal?"

?

Linghu Qingmo slightly furrowed her brows, feeling this arrangement seemed fair.

As long as she didn't waste her chances prematurely, no matter how many times Xie Jinhuan tried to kiss her and then say 'Don't be angry,' she could counter with her 'Stop' card—essentially zero risk.

Since they had indeed made a bet, Linghu Qingmo couldn't back out; she added:

"Fine, but you must keep your word—completely halt all actions and words!"

"Agreed. It starts from now."

As Xie Jinhuan spoke, he began thinking how to trick Seeing Mo Mo into using her 'Stop' card, then flood her with 'Don't be angry'—when voices came from outside the courtyard:

"Xie… Eh? Yang Dabiao? Why are you running?"

"Oh no! I didn't see the Crown Prince!"

"I'm dressed so conspicuously, and you still didn't notice? Never mind—is Xie Brother inside? The show at Jinlou is about to begin…"

"Jinhuan just took off his robe, and Lord Linghu is currently…"

"Ah? Sorry, sorry, I disturbed you…"

…

Linghu Qingmo heard Yang Dabiao's nonsense and jolted, rushing to the door:

"Yang Dabiao, what are you talking about?!"

Xie Jinhuan quickly pulled on his robe and came to the door with Meiqiu.

He looked up and saw the Crown Prince standing in the corridor, wearing a bright red robe embroidered with pythons, holding a folding fan inscribed with the words 'Certain Victory!'

At a glance, he looked just like a flamingo spirit—extremely eye-catching in the courtyard; impossible to miss.

Seeing this 'Dan Yang Yi Dian Hong' outfit, Xie Jinhuan didn't know how to respond; he stepped forward and said:

"Crown Prince, your attire is truly a sight to behold."

"To win money at Jinlou, I must dress festively."

Zhao De waved his fan as he walked forward, praising repeatedly:

"Brother Xie's talent is what truly dazzles me—I had no idea you went out last night and killed a demon bandit, until Fu told me this afternoon."

"I was just strolling at night, happened to run into one…"

"Ah~!"

Zhao De quickly raised his hand, speaking solemnly:

"Humility and avoidance of contention are good, but if everyone who earns merit refuses rewards, how many heroes will still risk their lives slaying demons?"

I never said I wouldn't take the silver reward?

Seeing that the Shizi understood the principle of Zi Gong redeeming captives, Xie Jinhuan cooperated:

"Your words are wise, Crown Prince."

Zhao De nodded satisfied, then waved his hand:

"Fu, book a banquet of Eight Immortals at Zijin Pavilion—tonight's reward for Xie Brother, charge it to Wang Fu!"

I fucking…

Xie Jinhuan knew this was the trap waiting for him; he opened his mouth but had nothing to say.

Linghu Qingmo had intended to stop Zhao De from exploiting Wang Fu's resources, but Fu, walking behind them, unusually did not obey, whispering:

"Your Highness, Changle Street sent word today—they've been notified that Chi Lin Wei will conduct routine patrols tonight; it won't be very lively…"

Chi Lin Wei inspections usually shut down entertainment venues; to avoid disappointing noble guests, places like those frequented daily by the Dan Wang's Shizi must be warned in advance.

Zhao De was displeased upon hearing this:

"They just checked half a month ago—why again? Who's so clueless?"

"It's Han Jingchuan, the Battalion Commander of Wangjing Garrison, leading them personally—likely there's a major case…"

?

Xie Jinhuan had only been idly listening, but upon hearing Han Jingchuan's whereabouts, his eyes narrowed—he sensed an opportunity!

Jinlou and Changle Street are both prime, expensive real estate near the imperial palace, only two streets apart—easy to travel between…

Accompanying the Shizi in merrymaking is the best alibi…

But this time there are too many attendants, and he's just come into the spotlight—disappearing for twenty minutes would be hard to explain…

As Xie Jinhuan silently weighed his options, the ghost bride at his side whispered:

"You have a gunshot wound to your chest—claim it's split open and excuse yourself. I'll find a way to hold them for twenty minutes; you kill and leave, or return immediately if no chance."

Xie Jinhuan said nothing, simply raised his hand and rubbed the gunshot wound on his chest.

Linghu Qingmo stood beside him, seeing him rub his chest, her heart tightened instantly:

"Is the wound hurting again? Should you rest in your room?"

Xie Jinhuan slightly lifted his hand: "Fought this morning, stirred up some anger—slightly pulled it, no big deal."

Linghu Qingmo was worried, but with so many people around, she couldn't remove his robe to check; instead, she subtly gripped his arm, supporting him like a wounded man…

—

On the other side, Lin Fu.

Mount Riluoxi, a carriage halted on Bai Shi Street.

Outside the gate flanked by two stone lions, the elegant Lady Lin stood on the steps, her eyes smiling warmly.

"My precious daughter is back! Were you tired on the road?"

Lin Wanyi stepped down from the carriage with her maid Qinwen, offering a graceful bow:

"Mother, why did you come out? I haven't been away for so long."

Lady Lin approached, letting out a soft huff:

"A grown daughter is hard to keep. If I don't look at you more often now, there won't be a chance later. I heard you met a Young Master Xie in Danyang?"

"Ah?"

Lin Wanyi's steps faltered slightly, and her expression immediately grew constrained:

"Mother knows even this?"

"Am I deaf? How could I not know?"

Lady Lin took Lin Wanyi's arm, sighing with emotion:

"This Xie Jinhuan is formidable. Your father said several colleagues were talking about him today. In just half a night, he slew demons and bandits and solved a major case..."

Lin Wanyi had already heard of Xie Jinhuan's fierce exploits on the road. Knowing the strength of her own Dual-Headed Dragon, she found it nothing unusual. Seeing her mother keep praising him, she showed a faint smile:

"Xie Jinhuan is indeed efficient in handling matters, but daughter has no relationship with him. I only helped him refine a Dragon Blood Pill..."

Lady Lin frowned, displeased:

"No relationship? Did he write 'a bowl in the sky' to tease you? You still looked at his Mount Zihui Sect Master's disciple with a sour face, still 'hmm~', still fought with her to serve Xie Jinhuan, and even fell asleep on his bed..."

Hah?!

Lin Wanyi stumbled, nearly falling on the ground at the threshold, her face flushing red as she said:

"Mother, you... how do you even know this? Did you plant a spy in the medical hall?"

Saying this, she turned to look at her maid Qinwen!

(<-_<-)!

Qinwen shrank her neck, her eyes full of innocence.

Lady Lin turned her daughter's face back:

"You still hide it from your old mother? If not for Zhang Zihu of the Dan Medical Hall mentioning this in a letter to your father, I wouldn't have known you had made friends with such a fine talent..."

Lin Wanyi felt deeply embarrassed and explained awkwardly:

"My relationship with Xie Jinhuan is truly clear as water. It is just busybodies spreading nonsense. If Mother thinks wildly too, my reputation will be completely ruined."

Lady Lin didn't believe a word, asking:

"Then what are you preparing to do this time you return?"

Lin Wanyi returned this time to conveniently share a room with Xie Jinhuan!

But how could she dare say that? She could only say helplessly:

"I just missed Father and Mother and came back to see you."

"..."

Lady Lin had thought her daughter returned to bring good news. Seeing this, she was quite disappointed, dropped her arm, and looked toward the door:

"Why didn't Zisu come back?"

"She still has lessons to attend. She probably won't return to the capital for a few more days."

"Oh~ Mother still needs to accompany Lady Wang shopping. I'm leaving first. Wash yourself and eat something..."

"Uh..."

(End of this chapter)