《Was it you that night?》


 Chapter 1: The Cannon Fodder Awakens

    Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Cannon Fodder AwakensThe number one Immortal Sect in the South Desolate Continent, Sky Pole Sect.


    "Yan Changsheng, if you do not marry Qinghe, I will kill her!" Elder Shen Zhuo glared at the young girl beside Yan Changsheng, his eyes filled with murderous intent.


    Yan Changsheng was his most proud disciple. Half a year ago, when he left the mountain for trials, he promised Elder Shen Zhuo that he would marry his daughter, Shen Qinghe, upon his return.


    Who would have known that upon his return from the trials, Yan Changsheng would bring back a young girl named Nan Sheng, proclaiming that he had already pledged his life to her in secret and could not marry Qinghe¡ªwhere would that leave Qinghe''s dignity?


    Yan Changsheng''s lips tightened, and he stayed silent.


    Seeing him like this, Elder Shen Zhuo''s anger burned even hotter, "I will give you one more chance, will you marry Qinghe or this woman?!"


    Shen Qinghe stood beside Shen Zhuo, her heart aching as she watched the tense showdown between her father and Yan Changsheng. Her health had always been frail, and the shock of the moment was so overwhelming that she nearly fainted.


    Her father''s zeal to protect her had escalated to this point.


    Yan Changsheng was extremely troubled. Although he had resolved to break off the marriage, he never expected to become enemies with his master.


    He did not dislike Shen Qinghe, but he had never felt his heart stir for her. If it weren''t for meeting Nan Sheng, perhaps he would have married Shen Qinghe and led a mundane life with a wife and children.


    But now his heart was moved by Nan Sheng, and asking him to abandon her was absolutely impossible!


    He shielded Nan Sheng behind him, his voice hoarse, "If master is angry, take it out on your disciple. Sheng''er is innocent."


    Upon hearing this, Elder Shen Zhuo was unable to contain his rage and thrust his sword at Yan Changsheng.


    His cultivation base had reached the Later Stage of Divinity Transformation, and he cultivated the way of the sword. In the entire Sky Pole Sect, aside from the number one cultivator Dongfang Wuya and the Sect Leader of Sky Pole Sect, no one was a match for Shen Zhuo.


    Yan Changsheng had thoroughly learned Shen Zhuo''s true teachings, and his cultivation base had reached the Mid Stage of Nascent Soul after the trials. But still, he fell short of Shen Zhuo by several levels.


    As master and disciple crossed swords, Yan Changsheng quickly found himself on the losing end.


    Shen Qinghe, fearing that someone might be killed, desperately attempted to intervene from the side, "Stop fighting, I don''t like him anymore, Father, please stop."


    Shen Zhuo slightly eased his swordplay, and Shen Qinghe, seeing the chance, coughed several times in relief, "My chest... it hurts so much..."


    Thinking that his daughter was having an attack, Shen Zhuo hastily withdrew his sword technique. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, Yan Changsheng''s swordplay grew even more fierce. In the instant that Shen Zhuo withdrew his sword, Yan Changsheng unexpectedly pierced Shen Zhuo''s chest with his sword.


    This sudden turnaround stunned everyone present.


    "Father!!" Shen Qinghe cried out in shock and rage, her vision turning black as she collapsed to the ground.


    Struggling, she eventually crawled to Shen Zhuo''s side, unable to believe Yan Changsheng would use the Changsheng Sword to strike her father''s vital point.


    It was the sword she had begged her father to bestow upon Yan Changsheng on her fifteenth birthday.


    How could she have expected that on her twentieth birthday, Yan Changsheng would use that Spirit Sword to injure her father?


    Yan Changsheng too became flustered. He was just desperately protecting Nan Sheng, seeing red, he hadn''t expected his master to withdraw the sword.


    "Master, disciple didn''t do it on purpose!"


    Shen Qinghe''s tears flowed freely, her hands trembling like a leaf; she dared not touch Shen Zhuo.


    Seeing her in such a pathetic state, Shen Zhuo felt pained, "Don''t worry, your father won''t die, why the tears..."


    But his injuries were too severe, and his blood quickly soaked his entire body.


    Although Shen Qinghe could not cultivate, she knew that the Changsheng Sword was unlike other Spirit Swords. It was an ancient Spirit Sword; once it hit a cultivator''s vital point, even if the injured did not die, they would lose a hundred years of cultivation base.


    Shen Zhuo wanted to comfort Shen Qinghe, but because his injuries were so grave, he collapsed into a pool of blood, losing consciousness.


    Seeing this, Shen Qinghe was overwhelmed by panic and rage; she lost her consciousness to the darkness in an instant.


    After she passed out, Shen Qinghe had a strange dream.


    In her dream, she was an early-death cannon fodder in a cultivation domineering CEO novel.


    The book had three crazed male leads, one of whom was Dongfang Wuya, the number one cultivator of the Sky Pole Sect, and the other two were disciples under Shen Zhuo, one being the eldest disciple, Xiao Chen, and the other being Yan Changsheng.


    Nan Sheng was the fated female protagonist of the book, for whom the three crazed male leads would later turn the Three Realms upside down.


    That alone would have been enough, but the evil female side character in the book turned out to be Shen Zhiyao, her half-sister from the same father.


    The story began with the scene of Yan Changsheng bringing Nan Sheng into the Sky Pole Sect.


    After Shen Zhuo was seriously injured and had been comatose for years without waking, today was her twentieth birthday, and it would also be her death anniversary.


    The most tragic was Shen Zhiyao, the so-called evil female side character, who became a tool used by the crazed male leads to capture Nan Sheng''s attention, eventually leading to Shen Zhiyao being flayed and dismembered by the crazed male leads, dying without a complete corpse.


    Shen Qinghe woke up from a nightmare, gasping for air.


    She remembered that the book stated that today was her day of death.


    And if her father didn''t wake up again, Shen Zhiyao would also begin a life of tragedy.


    No, she couldn''t just sit and wait for death.


    Since the heavens had warned her, perhaps she still had a chance to change the tragic fate of her family.


    She had to find a way to save her father.


    Just as she got out of bed, Yan Changsheng stepped in slowly.


    The moment she saw Yan Changsheng, Shen Qinghe suddenly felt a sense of nostalgia as if things had irrevocably changed.


    The cold and indifferent Yan Changsheng would actually go crazy and lose his mind over a woman, only that woman wasn''t her.


    "You''re not well, go back to bed and lie down," said Yan Changsheng, his voice unusually gentle.


    Shen Qinghe, as if she hadn''t heard, put on her shoes and attempted to leave.


    Yan Changsheng suppressed the irritability in his heart and stepped forward to block her path, "Qinghe, can you not be so petulant at this time?"


    "I just want to see my father, is that being petulant?" Shen Qinghe looked at the male face so close to her own and suddenly wondered what she ever liked about him.


    Was it his handsome face, or did she like his icy words and cold demeanor?


    When Shen Zhuo was mentioned, Yan Changsheng finally lost his composure, "I didn''t mean to injure the Master. Under those circumstances..."


    "All these years, my father has treated you like his own son. Even I could tell that he wasn''t using his full strength when fighting against you, yet you struck him down. If you didn''t want to marry me, you could just kill me with a single sword strike, but you can''t injure my father. He loved you as a son, how could you, how could you use the Changsheng Sword to injure him?!" Shen Qinghe found herself choked with emotion.


    That was the Changsheng Sword, the sword her father gave him, how could he be so ruthlessly heartless?


    Yan Changsheng was at a loss for words for a moment, "I know I was wrong, but I didn''t do it on purpose..."


    "Of course you didn''t do it on purpose. You were just fighting with all your might for love, who could blame you for that!" Shen Qinghe held back the tears in her eyes, her lips twisted in irony, "Don''t worry, from now on, you can marry whoever you want, love whoever you want; no one will stop you from marrying the girl of your dreams."


    After saying what she wanted to say, she dragged her heavy steps out of the Simple Residence Courtyard.


    What she didn''t expect was that Nan Sheng would actually be outside the Simple Residence Courtyard.


    The young girl''s face was as small as a palm, with a full chest and an astonishing figure. Her large, deer-like eyes were wet, looking innocent and harmless, easily arousing one''s protective instincts.


    This was the fated female protagonist of the book, with a beauty that could bring all proud sons of heaven to live and die for her, go crazy for her, be infatuated with her, and even turn the Three Realms upside down for her.


    Upon seeing her, Nan Sheng''s eyes filled with tears, "Miss Shen, Changsheng didn''t mean to injure Elder Shen, it was all my fault."


    ¡ª¡ª


    Starting a new novel, a cultivation domineering CEO novel, focusing on romance. I hope my treasures will show much support.

 Chapter 2: She Cannot Die

    Chapter 2: Chapter 2: She Cannot DieShen Qinghe was impatient with Nan Sheng''s whining, "Since you think you are in the wrong, why don''t you just take a sword and slice your own throat to atone for your sins!"


    "Qinghe, how can you be so malicious?" Yan Changsheng''s voice rose from behind.


    Shen Qinghe turned to glance at Yan Changsheng, "Or maybe I should stab her with a sword to avenge my father, how about that?"


    Upon hearing these words, Nan Sheng''s doe-like eyes filled with tears as she anxiously looked towards Yan Changsheng.


    Yan Changsheng instinctively shielded Nan Sheng behind him, "If you have any grievances, come at me. It was I who stabbed the Elder; Shengsheng has nothing to do with it."


    "Fine, I''ll stab you with a sword, and then we''ll be even!" Shen Qinghe folded back into the room to fetch a sword.


    Seeing this, Nan Sheng quickly protected Yan Changsheng behind her, "Miss Shen, be reasonable. Brother Changsheng didn''t mean to harm Elder Shen. You''re not distinguishing right from wrong¡ª"


    Shen Qinghe couldn''t be bothered to listen to Nan Sheng''s nonsense and swung her sword towards her.


    Yan Changsheng hastily picked up Nan Sheng and dodged Shen Qinghe''s sword thrust. He swept his sleeve, and the palm wind swept towards Shen Qinghe.


    Already weak, Shen Qinghe had exhausted all her strength just lifting the sword, how could she withstand Yan Changsheng''s strike?


    The sword flew from her hand, and she collapsed to the ground, her chest heaving with surging blood, in a somewhat bedraggled state.


    "The one at fault towards the Master is me, Shengsheng is innocent. If you dare harm a hair on her head, I''ll never forgive you!" Yan Changsheng spat out these harsh words, holding Nan Sheng by the waist, and took to the sky on his sword.


    Shen Qinghe, drained of strength, felt a wrenching pain in her chest and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    The moment she hit the ground, she felt like she was nearing her end. She laughed at herself sarcastically, as in a daze she remembered that today in the book was her death anniversary.


    If today was destined to be her time of death, how could she save her father, save Shen Zhiyao?


    Yes, her father was seriously injured; she couldn''t die yet. She needed to save her father, who must be in the Medicine Tower at this moment.


    Even if it meant crawling, she would make it to the Medicine Tower.


    In the end, fueled by a strong belief, she struggled to stand and staggered towards the Medicine Tower.


    Unfortunately, Medicine Master Huang, the most powerful of the Sky Pole Sect, also told her that Elder Shen''s injuries were too severe for him to help.


    "Qinghe, why don''t you go to Bixiao Tower and plead with Mr. Wuya? If he''s willing to take action, Elder Shen is certain to be saved."


    About an hour later, Medicine Master Huang saw Shen Qinghe and Shen Zhuo to the outside of Bixiao Tower. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Regrettably, Bixiao Tower had a barrier set up, and Shen Qinghe, weak as she was, couldn''t enter.


    Dongfang Wuya was one of the crazed male leads in the book; she should have stayed away from such a character, but to save her father, she couldn''t afford to be choosy.


    She knelt outside Bixiao Tower, lavishing Dongfang Wuya with praise, yet unfortunately, the man did not respond at all.


    Her health was already faltering, and she could collapse at any moment, sustained only by an indomitable spirit.


    "If Mr. Wuya is willing to save my father, I will work like an ox or a horse, in gratitude for Mr. Wuya saving his life. If Mr. Wuya ever encounters the Destined Heavenly Maiden, I...I will help you pursue her!" Shen Qinghe tempted with a benefit.


    This man was also destined to become one of the main characters, and would one day go mad for Nan Sheng. If she was still alive then, Dongfang Wuya would certainly find a use for her.


    Inside Bixiao Tower, a man clad in red lazily reclined on a couch, limp like a boneless creature, idly reading a book out of sheer boredom.


    The man had a distinguished appearance, with deep-set, peach blossom eyes, and a high-bridged nose like a peak. His skin was fair as cold jade, his proud demeanor enhanced by the red garment.


    Shen Qinghe''s words elicited a scoff from him; his peach blossom eyes shimmered like glistening springs, irresistibly charming.


    Did he look like he was desperately in need of a woman, requiring this sickly girl to help him chase a wife?


    He scanned the Shen father and daughter with his divine sense, clicking his tongue lightly. The Shen father and daughter indeed looked pitiable, one with serious injuries, and the other with one foot already stepping into Ghost Gate Pass.


    Though Shen Zhuo''s injuries were severe, he could wait. Shen Qinghe, however, was different; this woman was clearly lingering at the Ghost Gate Pass.


    Shen Qinghe had no reason not to know that she was at the end of her strength, yet she dared to fool him with a straight face and calm heart.


    Dongfang Wuya had intentionally waited for half an hour, only to find that Shen Qinghe''s vitality was more tenacious than he expected, which did pique his interest.


    In the end, he still took Shen Zhuo inside Bixiao Tower.


    Shen Qinghe, who couldn''t enter Bixiao Tower, waited outside, faint and groggy.


    It wasn''t until it was dark that Dongfang Wuya finally finished healing Shen Zhuo.


    When Shen Zhuo woke up, his thoughts were still fixated on Shen Qinghe.


    Dongfang Wuya didn''t want to deal with Shen Zhuo, but Shen Zhuo clung to his sleeve and wouldn''t let go, "Qinghe''s life is about to end, Wuya, save her!"


    Dongfang Wuya had countless spiritual treasures in his possession and plenty of top-grade spirit pills on hand. If he wanted to, he could certainly save Qinghe. He would soon fall into a deep sleep, and he didn''t know if he would ever awaken from it.


    He was not worried about Zhiyao, who was still out facing trials, for Zhiyao had talent in cultivation. After returning from this current trial, she wouldn''t be far from Core Formation, and then Zhiyao would be a Golden Core Stage cultivator.


    The only one he couldn''t let go of at this moment was Qinghe.


    He only feared that when he woke from his sleep, Qinghe would be no more.


    "Why should I save her?" Dongfang Wuya elegantly pulled his sleeve from Shen Zhuo''s grasp.


    Shen Zhuo, however, rudely grabbed hold of his cuff again, "If you save her, I''ll grant you a request, as long as it''s within my power!"


    Dongfang Wuya thought that the Shen father and daughter were cut from the same cloth, both fond of making empty promises without substance.


    "You can barely take care of yourself, needing at least ten years of sleep before you can wake up. What can you possibly do for me?" Dongfang Wuya pulled his cuff from Shen Zhuo''s grasp once more.


    Shen Zhuo thought for a moment, then suddenly looked at Dongfang Wuya with a burning gaze.


    Dongfang Wuya felt a creepy sensation from Elder Shen''s stare, and he quickly pulled his clothes tighter, not revealing a hint of vulnerability, "Don''t you dare have designs on me!!"


    Shen Zhuo leaned in to look Dongfang Wuya over from left to right, the more he looked, the more he felt that this man was incomparably beautiful.


    "If you save Qinghe, I will let her offer her body to you in gratitude for saving her life!" Shen Zhuo made a shocking statement.


    Dongfang Wuya silently scoffed in disdain, not at all surprised that Shen Zhuo, the loving father, could have such outrageous thoughts.


    "In order to avoid Shen Qinghe throwing herself at me, I''d rather not save her." Dongfang Wuya scanned the girl outside with his divine sense, only to see her eyes half-closed, as if she might stop breathing at any moment.


    Two more hours had passed since he had saved Shen Zhuo, and yet Shen Qinghe was still not dead. She had been hanging by a breath three hours ago; what kind of monster was this woman?


    "Our Qinghe is quite something, Changsheng that boy has no taste. I''m serious, Qinghe actually looks quite beautiful because she resembles her mother, it''s just that her birthmark is in the wrong place. Back in the day, I fell in love with her mother at first sight..."


    Dongfang Wuya listened to Shen Zhuo once again reminiscing about his romantic episodes in the Mortal Realm, but he himself had no impression of Shen Qinghe.


    Shen Qinghe was well-known alright, but only because she was infamously obsessed with Yan Changsheng in the Sky Pole Sect.


    If Shen Qinghe could be smitten with someone as ordinary as Yan Changsheng, what would happen if she saw his face? Would she not throw herself at him in an instant?

 Chapter 3: Raving about the Male Lead

    Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Raving about the Male LeadAn hour later, Shen Qinghe was escorted by the puppet into Bixiao Tower. In the western chamber, only the drowsy Shen Zhuo was present, Dongfang Wuya nowhere in sight.


    Shen Zhuo, his consciousness fading, entrusted Shen Qinghe with many things upon seeing her.


    "My daughter, your father may sleep for a very long time. While I''m gone, you must take good care of yourself. I had wanted Wuya to marry you..."


    Upon hearing this, Shen Qinghe hurriedly covered Shen Zhuo''s mouth, "Dad, let''s not fantasize in broad daylight, okay?"


    If Mr. Wuya heard this, wouldn''t he throw them out of Bixiao Tower?


    "You, girl, just lack confidence. Don''t you realize what a stunning beauty you are? If it weren''t for that birthmark on your nose, you would be the number one beauty in the South Desolate Continent."


    Seeing that her father could still boast so proudly lifted Shen Qinghe''s spirits.


    After all, in her father''s eyes, she was the best in the world, the most beautiful, and whoever married her would be the luckiest. Initially fooled by his nonsense, she truly believed that Yan Changsheng had feelings for her, which is why she didn''t stop Elder Shen from letting Yan Changsheng agree to marry her.


    Otherwise, today''s disaster would never have occurred.


    Dongfang Wuya was in the eastern chamber, not intending to eavesdrop on the conversation between Shen and his daughter, but the father-daughter duo talked endlessly, as though they would never run out of topics.


    "Qinghe, you must live well. When your father awakens, I will take you to the Northern Wasteland Continent, okay?" Shen Zhuo gripped Shen Qinghe''s hand, his eyelids growing heavy, "Promise me, you must wait for your father to wake up."


    Shen Qinghe whispered softly, "Okay, dad, have a good sleep."


    Although she knew she wouldn''t live to see that day, she didn''t mind letting Elder Shen sleep peacefully.


    Dongfang Wuya stood in the shadows, watching the silhouette of the girl in the flickering light, noticing how she casually wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes, wondering if she was using a sorrowful tactic on him?


    If he saved her and she really offered herself to him, what would he do then?


    No matter how he thought about it, the deal didn''t seem worth it.


    Shen Qinghe stayed by Shen Zhuo''s bedside, wanting to take one last look before she addressed her final concern, feeling her life force rapidly fading.


    She slowly closed her eyes and felt an unprecedented calmness. Her only regret was that she couldn''t see Shen Zhiyao before her death, nor could she warn Shen Zhiyao not to provoke some of the main characters in the book.


    As she lay dying, she saw a figure clothed in red approaching her.


    The person rudely pinched her chin, looking her over, "The number one beauty of the world Shen Zhuo spoke of, is this it?"


    She looked at the person in a strange position, her pupils dissipated, barely hearing his threats, "I can save you, but you must not offer yourself to me; otherwise, I''ll pull out your tongue and chop off your limbs. Do you understand?"


    Shen Qinghe, hanging on to her last breath, could not reply, but managed to weakly blink her eyes.


    Indeed, he was one of the critically insane male leads; despite his good looks, his heart was wicked. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dongfang Wuya felt the girl''s skin beneath his palm, slippery as silk, pleasing to touch. He couldn''t help but gently caress it. Even her pale and dry lips seemed pitifully alluring.


    He clutched her chin, his fingertips seemingly inadvertently caressing her lips. The girl involuntarily opened her mouth slightly, revealing a small part of her pink tongue, mysteriously enticing.


    He stared blankly for a while, curiously rolling her tender tongue with his fingertip, displaying an affectionate familiarity.


    The girl''s consciousness was blurred, and her excessively frail body instinctively shuddered, as if trying to dodge his touch.


    His eyes darkened, and finally, he stopped teasing the pitiful girl. He threw a fragrant elixir into her mouth and then closed her lips, "Tsk, such a fine thing is actually wasted on a little wretch like you."


    **


    Ever since Shen Qinghe walked through Ghost Gate Pass, she, who lacked a Spirit Root, surprisingly found an opportunity; unfortunately, she could only absorb Spiritual Energy when near the main characters.


    After a month of recuperation and cultivation, she had completely transformed.


    Ten days ago, Shen Zhiyao returned from a training expedition to find Elder Shen in a coma, Yan Changsheng cancelling his engagement, and Xiao Chen attracted to Nan Sheng. With the drive to avenge her father and her urgency to protect her sister, coupled with Shen Zhiyao''s possessiveness over Xiao Chen, Shen Zhiyao lost her reason and decided to poison Nan Sheng with Bewitching Poison at the Mid-Autumn gathering.


    Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and also the beginning of Shen Zhiyao''s doomed actions in the book. She must prevent this plotline from unfolding tonight.


    However, in the blink of an eye, Shen Zhiyao''s whereabouts became unknown.


    She searched for Shen Zhiyao like a headless fly, but to no avail.


    She finally managed to worm her way out of the crowd, and as the people thinned, the Spiritual Energy around her grew more abundant.


    Soon, she saw Xiao Chen with a cup of wine in his hand. Across from him, the naively adorable and lovely girl was none other than Nan Sheng.


    It must be said that the scene of a handsome man with a beautiful woman was very pleasing to the eye, with a thread of subtle romance flowing between them, as if just a spark would set off a blaze.


    Just as Xiao Chen was about to hand the wine to Nan Sheng, Shen Qinghe stepped forward quickly and snatched the wine cup from Nan Sheng''s hand.


    Nan Sheng and Xiao Chen both looked at Shen Qinghe, who was greedily absorbing the Spiritual Energy from the two main characters, as she explained, "I''m so thirsty, I''ll drink to that first!"


    The aura of the main characters was too overpowering; she, as cannon fodder, certainly couldn''t afford to have these two protagonists bear a grudge against her. Otherwise, she wouldn''t even know how she died.


    Elder Shen was a case in point.


    She pretended to drink the wine, but her hand trembled, spilling the wine. She dramatically leaped backward, "Sorry, I didn''t hold it steady."


    Xiao Chen''s brown eyes half-closed, merely because with Shen Qinghe''s retreat, she was now only half a body''s distance from him.


    Being too close, he smelled a peculiar scent of fresh grass on Shen Qinghe, mixed with a faint aroma of wine, seemingly bewitching.


    His gaze fell on the girl''s pale earlobe, which, under the dim lights, still dazzled.


    He uncomfortably shifted his gaze away, but the girl''s slender and tender neck coincidentally caught his eye again, stunningly beautiful in its curvature.


    Shen Qinghe felt Xiao Chen''s unusual gaze fixed on the back of her neck and hurriedly turned around, only to realize that she was so close to Xiao Chen; as she did, her forehead just grazed his Adam''s apple due to their height difference.


    Startled, she quickly moved further away from Xiao Chen.

 Chapter 4: Growing Disgust

    Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Growing DisgustXiao Chen''s Adam''s apple moved unconsciously, his dry mouth longing for the smooth, buttery forehead of the young girl before him. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fortunately, his self-control was commendable, and after an initial moment of astonishment, he quickly reverted to his usual modest gentleman demeanor.


    Nan Sheng felt that Xiao Chen''s gaze when looking at Shen Qinghe was too intense. She subconsciously found it odd, although she couldn''t quite put her finger on what was amiss.


    Perhaps she simply disliked the depth of Xiao Chen''s gaze when he looked at Shen Qinghe.


    But if the person she liked was Yan Changsheng, why did she also feel such a strong possessiveness toward Xiao Chen?


    Nan Sheng, noticing Shen Qinghe lingering and refusing to leave, found it annoying: "Does Miss Shen have any other matters?"


    Shen Qinghe planned to stay by Nan Sheng''s side all night, to prevent her from having a chance to touch the wine. Unable to find Shen Zhiyao, guarding Nan Sheng seemed to be the most viable strategy, if only she could make it through the night.


    "Miss Nan''s hairpin design is quite unique, may I borrow it for a closer look?" Shen Qinghe came up with a half-hearted excuse.


    With an indifferent expression, Nan Sheng removed the green jade hairpin and handed it over to Shen Qinghe. "Here, Miss Shen, take a good look."


    The green jade hairpin had a simple design, a single piece of bare jade without any additional decoration.


    Shen Qinghe pretended to examine it, then feigned realization. "So it''s this jade hairpin. The quality of the jade is exceptional, which makes it so unique. It flatters Miss Nan''s delicate beauty. Allow me to study it a bit more."


    Xiao Chen had held back for a while but eventually couldn''t help but chuckle softly, clenching his fist.


    Operating on the principle "as long as I''m not embarrassed, the embarrassment falls on others," Shen Qinghe pretended not to see Xiao Chen''s amused moment.


    She continued to feign studying the hairpin, purposefully not returning it to Nan Sheng.


    Nan Sheng could no longer tolerate it and reached out her hand, "May I have my hairpin back, please?"


    Reluctantly, Shen Qinghe handed the green jade hairpin to Xiao Chen. "Big Senior Brother, could you help? Please pin it up for Miss Nan."


    If the male lead belonged to the female lead, then it was best to push them together, to entwine their fates and prevent them from troubling Shen Zhiyao.


    Though Shen Zhiyao was a bit impulsive and hot-tempered, clear about love and hate, how come she ended up as the villains'' mean side character, only to die such a tragic death?


    Xiao Chen merely spread his hands like a helpless shopkeeper, "I''ve never pinned up a lady''s hair, I cannot assist Miss Nan Sheng."


    As he spoke these words, Shen Qinghe keenly noticed the dimming light in Nan Sheng''s eyes.


    This was becoming interesting. Nan Sheng had already started to feel something for Xiao Chen. Yan Changsheng, upon learning that Nan Sheng had so quickly taken a liking to another man, would surely have complex feelings.


    When Nan Sheng looked up, she caught Shen Qinghe''s knowing gaze. Disliking the way Shen Qinghe was looking at her, she stepped forward, took the green jade hairpin, and casually inserted it into her hair.


    She turned to Xiao Chen with a radiant smile, hoping to leave the bothersome Shen Qinghe behind, "Brother Xiao, shall we take a walk over there?"


    Without waiting for a response, she stepped ahead, certain that Xiao Chen would follow.


    Indeed, Xiao Chen did follow behind her, their pace syncing perfectly; they appeared very much in tune.


    Shen Qinghe followed Nan Sheng discreetly, intending not to annoy the main characters, but she had to save her foolish sister.


    Just then, Yan Changsheng appeared. Tall and with a cold demeanor, his presence immediately attracted the attention of many cultivators.


    Seeing Xiao Chen and Nan Sheng together, he furrowed his brow slightly and quickly approached them, effortlessly separating the two.


    Throughout it all, he never noticed Shen Qinghe following behind.


    For Shen Qinghe, such occurrences were no longer surprising. Ever since she learned she was destined to die early, she harbored no resentment, merely hoping Yan Changsheng and Nan Sheng would have a century of happiness together.


    Of course, that was under the condition that they would not cause harm to the Shen sisters.


    Ironically, Yan Changsheng later picked up a glass of wine, intending to hand it to Nan Sheng. Shen Qinghe, adhering to the principle "better to wrongly kill a thousand than to spare even one," stepped forward and snatched the wine away.


    Miss Nan Sheng and Xiao Chen both looked at her, and it was only then that Yan Changsheng saw Shen Qinghe was also there, a look of disgust crossing his face, "Qinghe, what are you up to now?"


    With a smile, Shen Qinghe replied, "I''m thirsty!"


    With those words, she covered her face with her sleeve, pretending to gulp down the drink in one go while pouring the wine into the folds of her sleeve.


    With a slight effort, she dried the wine in her sleeve.


    Afterward, she feigned coughing due to the wine, turning her face flush with color, as if it was truly the case.


    Xiao Chen, thinking she couldn''t hold her liquor, gently patted her delicate back. "Don''t force yourself if you can''t drink!"


    Yan Changsheng knew Xiao Chen the best. On the surface, Xiao Chen seemed like a gentle and modest gentleman, but he was more unapproachable than anyone else. When had he ever seen Xiao Chen show such tenderness towards a woman?


    Especially when the woman eliciting Xiao Chen''s gentle side was Shen Qinghe.


    His brow furrowed slightly, he suppressed the odd feeling in his heart.


    "It''s fine, I''ll just treat it as water, to quench my thirst!"


    Shen Qinghe kept up the pretense, coughing a few more times, her face and even her ear tips reddening.


    Her eyes brimmed with water, as if thousands of stars had fallen into their depths.


    Xiao Chen''s hand still rested on her thin, delicate back, the butterfly bones beneath seeming real beneath the palm, causing his palm to tingle and burn.


    This strange sensation made him move his hand away, feeling uncomfortable, and he dared not look at Shen Qinghe again.


    From then on, Yan Changsheng deliberately countered Shen Qinghe, swiftly bringing another cup of wine for Miss Nan Sheng, which Shen Qinghe snatched away before repeating her trick.


    "Shen Qinghe, enough is enough!" Yan Changsheng''s disgust at Shen Qinghe''s persistence grew.


    "It''s just a cup of wine, what''s the big deal? Consider it as if I''m drinking to the joy of you two ahead of time," Shen Qinghe feigned a burp from the alcohol.


    Yan Changsheng then got a few more cups of wine for Miss Nan Sheng, each one snagged by Shen Qinghe first.


    Just at that moment, Shen Qinghe saw Shen Zhiyao lurking in the crowd, stealing glances at their group.


    Worried that Shen Zhiyao would make more trouble, she pretended to have drunk too much, stumbled a bit, and lurched towards Xiao Chen.


    Xiao Chen promptly supported her, seeing her eyes blurry from the drink, he thought she was drunk.


    "Qinghe, you''ve drunk too much, I''ll take you back," said Xiao Chen as he tried to help her leave.


    With her face flushed, the grey birthmark between Shen Qinghe''s eyebrows seemed to come alive, "No, I still want to drink... "


    Beneath his hand was her smooth wrist, the tingling sensation spreading from his palm to his limbs and bones.


    Watching this scene, Yan Changsheng furrowed his eyebrows, "I''ll take Qinghe back."


    However, Xiao Chen blocked him, pulling Shen Qinghe into his embrace, taking on the role of the Big Senior Brother, "You take Miss Nan back, I''ll take Qinghe to the Simple Residence Courtyard."


    "Big Senior Brother, let me take Qinghe!" Not sure why, Yan Changsheng firmly grasped Shen Qinghe''s waist, trying to pull her away from Xiao Chen.


    But Xiao Chen wouldn''t let go of Shen Qinghe, "Miss Nan is still waiting for the junior brother."


    Yan Changsheng looked at Miss Nan Sheng, meeting her eyes that were brimming with grievance.


    Then he looked at Shen Qinghe, who was mumbling and talking to herself, appearing adorably foolish, clearly drunk.


    Remembering Xiao Chen''s unusual behavior that day, he truly felt uneasy about leaving Shen Qinghe alone with Xiao Chen.


    Deciding on the spot, he simply hoisted Shen Qinghe up horizontally in his arms.

 Chapter 5: Competing to See Who is Bitchier

    Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Competing to See Who is BitchierThe lively scene had unknowingly fallen into dead silence because everybody had noticed the situation at Shen Qinghe''s end half a quarter of an hour ago. They quietly conspired together to hush down, eavesdropping on the conversation between the few involved.


    At this moment, seeing Yan Changsheng publicly embracing Princess Shen Qinghe, everyone secretly clicked their tongues, feeling that high society was truly chaotic.


    Yan Changsheng seemed oblivious to the unusual gazes of the crowd, he only felt Shen Qinghe''s body was too light.


    This was his first time holding her.


    The young girl''s waist was so slender that he could encircle it with one hand; her body was soft as if boneless, and her constant struggle made him somewhat uncomfortable, wanting only to quickly take her back to the Simple Residence Courtyard.


    Just then, Shen Qinghe suddenly became frenzied from the alcohol, delivering a fierce slap across his face, "Let go of me!!"


    Her sudden slap once again brought an eerie silence to the scene.


    Yan Changsheng couldn''t believe he had been slapped by Shen Qinghe in front of everyone; his half-face was numb, indicative of the strength behind Shen Qinghe''s slap.


    Xiao Chen, seeing the clear slap mark on Yan Changsheng''s face, only felt a twinge in his teeth.


    Fearing that Yan Changsheng might out of anger throw Shen Qinghe to the ground, he stepped forward to take over Shen Qinghe, "She is drunk, Junior Brother, don''t stoop to her level."


    This time, Yan Changsheng did not stop Xiao Chen, but the strange looks from the surrounding cultivators made him quite uncomfortable.


    Nan Sheng also felt uneasy.


    She realized that ever since Shen Qinghe appeared, Yan Changsheng and Xiao Chen''s attention had been on Shen Qinghe; neither had the energy to care about her.


    Just now when Shen Qinghe was drunk, Yan Changsheng disregarded her feelings and insisted on taking Shen Qinghe, hence being publicly slapped.


    "Changsheng..."


    She barely spoke when Yan Changsheng suddenly said, "I''m going to check on Qinghe."


    Nan Sheng suddenly panicked.


    Ever since Yan Changsheng met her, he had always prioritized her. Yet now, having been slapped by Shen Qinghe, he still wanted to go see Shen Qinghe. Was he not hit enough?


    Under the strange gazes of everyone, she hurriedly chased after him.


    Shen Zhiyao was standing in the crowd and saw the scene of Yan Changsheng being slapped by Shen Qinghe, feeling immensely satisfied.


    Unfortunately, her plan had not unfolded smoothly, making her efforts in vain!


    In the darkness at the far end, a shadow in red quietly appeared, thoughtfully looking in the direction Yan Changsheng and Xiao Chen had left.


    He had witnessed the entire course of Shen Qinghe''s aberrant behavior. If his eyes did not deceive him, Shen Qinghe hadn''t drunk a single sip of the alcohol she snatched, so it was impossible for her to be drunk.


    Shen Qinghe had pretended to be drunk to act out, slapping Yan Changsheng in front of all the cultivators from Sky Pole Sect, leaving Yan Changsheng without a chance to defend himself. This woman was indeed good at playing weak.


    But wasn''t Nan Sheng Shen Qinghe''s romantic rival? Why would Shen Qinghe help Nan Sheng out of her predicament?


    The more he thought about it, the more intriguing it became, and he silently headed towards the Simple Residence Courtyard.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Chen, fearing Shen Qinghe''s drunken frenzy, hurried to the Simple Residence Courtyard.


    But Shen Qinghe had been well-behaved all the way, as if she were asleep.


    Upon returning to the Simple Residence Courtyard, he gingerly placed Shen Qinghe on the bed.


    As he was about to cover her with the blankets, he saw that her garment had been torn open at some point, revealing thin red undergarment straps and blindingly white snowy skin.


    His Adam''s apple bobbed, and as he gazed at the young girl''s prominent breasts, he felt an urge to tear off her clothes.


    Just as his lips were inching closer to the young girl, Yan Changsheng''s voice suddenly came from behind him, "Big Senior Brother, what are you trying to do?!"


    Xiao Chen suppressed the restlessness in his heart and turned with a serene look, still bearing the gentlemanly demeanor of greets jade, "Junior Brother, what brings you here?"


    The room was filled with a peculiar fragrance of fresh grass, mingling with the scent of wine, beguiling the senses.


    Perhaps it was because of this that he found himself momentarily confused and infatuated.


    Yan Changsheng watched Xiao Chen with a cold gaze, calling out his name, "Xiao Chen, what were you just about to do to her?!"


    Xiao Chen had clearly been thinking of taking liberties with Shen Qinghe; Yan Changsheng couldn''t have been mistaken.


    If he hadn''t followed them, would Xiao Chen have actually laid hands on Shen Qinghe?


    "Just now, I suddenly felt Qinghe was very beautiful, so I looked a few more times," Xiao Chen said as he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling up the blanket to cover Shen Qinghe, concealing the spring scenery at her chest.


    "She''s beautiful?" Yan Changsheng was unconvinced, following Xiao Chen''s gaze towards Shen Qinghe.


    The girl on the bed looked more plump than he remembered, her skin white as snow and smooth as jade, save for the birthmark that was an eyesore. She was like a pearl that had suddenly shed its dust, shining brightly and demanding attention.


    It was still the same face, yet it was as if she was a different person altogether.


    "Brother Xiao, let me take care of Miss Shen, okay?" Nan Sheng''s voice suddenly rose, snapping the two men out of their thoughts.


    Xiao Chen quietly stepped aside.


    Nan Sheng took a seat at the front of the bed and, seeing that Xiao Chen and Yan Changsheng were still standing motionless, she gave a shallow smile, "You two should leave first. I''ll watch over her, nothing will happen to Miss Shen. After all, men and women should keep their distance, you should avoid any impropriety."


    Yan Changsheng and Xiao Chen exchanged a glance before leaving Shen Qinghe''s bedroom almost simultaneously.


    Shen Qinghe was pretending to sleep, sensing Nan Sheng looking at her.


    Just as she hesitated whether or not to wake up, Nan Sheng suddenly whispered softly, "Miss Shen is indeed scheming. Do you think pretending to be drunk will make Changsheng have a change of heart?"


    Shen Qinghe was startled; she didn''t know whether Nan Sheng had seen through her act of being drunk or was just bluffing.


    "After all these years, Miss Shen hasn''t been able to touch Changsheng''s heart. This just shows your incompetence. Why bother degrading yourself hopelessly for a man whose heart isn''t with you?" Nan Sheng sighed lightly, intending to speak some heartfelt words to Shen Qinghe, "Honestly, I think you''re rather pitiful. Knowing full well that Changsheng doesn''t love you, yet you continue to shamelessly cling to him. I know his cancellation of the marriage hurt you, but even if you were to die in front of him, he would never love you. Don''t you think throwing yourself at a man is too cheap..."


    Before she could finish, Shen Qinghe suddenly pounced on her, pinning her to the bed and viciously biting her shoulder.


    Nan Sheng screamed in pain, instinctively beginning to fight back...


    Yan Changsheng and Xiao Chen rushed into the room upon hearing the scream, just in time to witness Nan Sheng slapping Shen Qinghe viciously.


    Shen Qinghe''s face swelled up red in an instant; she looked at Nan Sheng bewilderedly, seemingly unaware of what had happened. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Nan, why did you hit me?" Shen Qingbai''s face was deathly pale, with only the red and swollen imprint of a slap, making her look pitifully wronged.


    Xiao Chen rushed forward, pushing Nan Sheng away, his voice filled with reproach, "Miss Nan, why stoop to the level of a drunk girl?!"


    Nan Sheng anxiously tried to defend herself, "I was just reta..."


    Shen Qinghe at this moment spoke in a sorrowful tone, "Perhaps I offended Miss Nan first, and that made her hate me enough to wish me dead. Big Senior Brother, I''m fine..."


    Her voice choked up, as if crying in front of everyone was too embarrassing; she quickly turned her back and quietly wiped away her tears.


    Nan Sheng had never felt as aggrieved as she did in this moment. She instinctively looked towards Yan Changsheng, but he wasn''t looking at her. He was watching Shen Qinghe''s turned back, his eyes swirling with complicated emotions.


    "Changsheng, it''s not what you see..."


    She had just started speaking when Yan Changsheng cut her off, "Let''s go, let Qinghe rest."


    Nan Sheng followed Yan Changsheng out of Simple Residence Courtyard, noticing that he was walking faster and faster. She hurried after him, "Changsheng, she hit me first. I was just fighting back..."


    ----


    Owwoo, after you''re done reading, give this text a five-star rating, or else the data won''t show up. Love you guys, heart.

 Chapter 6: Having Improper Thoughts About Him

    Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Having Improper Thoughts About HimYan Changsheng only remembered the vicious look on Nan Sheng''s face when she slapped Shen Qinghe, and he pushed Nan Sheng aside.


    Nan Sheng once again blocked his path, "Changsheng, believe me, it was her who started it..."


    "She was drunk, not in her right mind, even if she offended you, you shouldn''t have hit a drunk so hard. Qinghe has been pampered by our Master since she was a child, no one has ever slapped her, you are the first!!" Yan Changsheng''s voice grew louder, ending in a roar.


    When had Nan Sheng ever seen him lose his composure like this?


    "So, you''re upset for her, aren''t you?!" Nan Sheng''s tears fell before she spoke, unable to believe that Yan Changsheng was defending Shen Qinghe, "You care about her?!"


    Yan Changsheng was annoyed and exasperated, "It was clearly you who hit her, she was slapped by you for no reason at all, and you still think you are in the right?"


    "Do you know that Shen Qinghe was pretending to be drunk?!" Nan Sheng couldn''t bear it any longer, her grief and indignation were extreme.


    This man who professed to love her would rather believe Shen Qinghe instead of her?


    Yan Changsheng didn''t believe a word Nan Sheng said; he pushed her aside, but she blocked his way again, crying incessantly, "I''m telling the truth, she really was pretending to be drunk, don''t let her deceive you..."


    Yan Changsheng found it laughable, his gaze full of disappointment when he looked at Nan Sheng, "I know Qinghe, she has a low tolerance for alcohol, two drinks and she''s drunk. She had several drinks tonight, how could she be pretending?"


    He didn''t want to get entangled with Nan Sheng anymore and left by Sword Control.


    Only Nan Sheng was left standing there, clenching her fists, with a deep sense of unwillingness flashing in her eyes.


    She had underestimated Shen Qinghe, thinking her to be no threat, only to be outmaneuvered by Shen Qinghe that evening, leaving her in such a passive situation.


    She never expected that Yan Changsheng would rather believe Shen Qinghe than her.


    This showed that Yan Changsheng''s love for her wasn''t deep enough; she needed to find a way to make Yan Changsheng love her more, and to ignite his possessiveness over her.


    Xiao Chen had also piqued her interest.


    As long as she got close to Xiao Chen, wouldn''t Yan Changsheng become jealous and bow his head to her?


    Inside the Simple Residence Courtyard, Shen Qinghe and Xiao Chen both heard the confrontation between Yan Changsheng and Nan Sheng.


    Only after the two of them had left did Xiao Chen say, "If Nan Sheng bullies you again in the future, tell Big Senior Brother, and he will support you."


    Shen Qinghe thought about Nan Sheng''s bashful way of speaking to men and suddenly found this tactic very effective.


    She imitated Nan Sheng, with lowered eyelids, "Big Senior Brother is really nice. If I encounter any difficulties in the future, I''ll ask Big Senior Brother for help; please don''t find me foolish."


    Xiao Chen touched her head, looking at the swelling on her face, the more he saw it, the more bothersome it became.


    He took a box of ointment from his Qiankun Bag, intending to help her apply it.


    Shen Qinghe felt that such an action was too intimate and wanted to do it herself, but he stopped her, "Don''t move!"


    She had no choice but to look up, letting Xiao Chen dab and smear on her face.


    Xiao Chen looked at her pale lips and found them increasingly annoying to look at.


    "Next time someone hits you, you must remember to fight back, don''t just foolishly take a beating without knowing how to retaliate. You must be tired too after tonight, get some rest early, I''ll stay here to watch over you."


    Xiao Chen''s words astonished Shen Qinghe, and for a moment she forgot to play the fragile flower, quickly protesting, "No, that won''t do; if Big Senior Brother really stays in the Simple Residence Courtyard, it will ruin my reputation!"


    She didn''t want to become the imagined rival of Xiao Chen''s fans, nor could she let Shen Zhiyao think there was something illicit between her and Xiao Chen.


    "It doesn''t matter; my good reputation isn''t important," Xiao Chen felt Shen Qinghe was overly considerate of him.


    Shen Qinghe secretly scoffed; she didn''t care about his reputation at all. After all, he was destined to turn evil in the future, and she was worried about her own reputation.


    "I can''t sleep with Big Senior Brother here, please, I beg you," Shen Qinghe pleaded with Xiao Chen, bowing.


    Watching the girl''s naive and adorable appearance as she bowed, Xiao Chen''s gaze became fixed.


    Only now did he realize his attention towards Shen Qinghe was excessive. If Yan Changsheng hadn''t appeared in time, he would have already stolen a kiss from her.


    When had he ever harbored desire for a woman? Yet tonight, he felt somewhat out of control, which was not a good sign.


    In an instant, he reverted to his usual gentle and distant demeanor: "Then you should rest early."


    Not waiting for Shen Qinghe to speak again, he walked away without looking back.


    Shen Qinghe was secretly amazed, pondering how quickly Xiao Chen''s demeanor could change. One moment he was so caring towards her, and the next he became aloof and indifferent, a classic two-faced person.


    After a busy night and enduring a slap, she was exhausted both physically and mentally, ready to sit and meditate when she heard footsteps approaching.


    She immediately sat up straight and let her shoulders slump when she saw that the visitor was Shen Zhiyao: "Elder sister, it''s you."


    "Disappointed to see me?" Shen Zhiyao teased, pinching Shen Qinghe''s chin, clicking her tongue, "Was it Nan Sheng, that little wretch, who hit you?"


    "She didn''t get any advantage either," Shen Qinghe swatted away her immodest hand and pulled her to sit down, "From now on, elder sister should stop provoking Nan Sheng; I''ll deal with her. Also, can you stop liking Xiao Chen in the future?"


    "If you like Big Senior Brother, I don''t mind making way for you, but I can''t let Nan Sheng have him!" Shen Zhiyao''s bright eyes darkened with a touch of malice, "Second Senior Brother hurt father to protect Nan Sheng and nearly cost you your life. Now she wants to snatch Big Senior Brother from us, I will not stand down from her!"


    Shen Qinghe frowned, trying to persuade Shen Zhiyao for an hour, but her stubborn sister still insisted on confronting Nan Sheng to the end.


    In the end, Shen Qinghe had to accept her fate and decided to gradually persuade Shen Zhiyao in the future.


    After Shen Zhiyao left, Shen Qinghe thought she could finally meditate, but another uninvited guest arrived, none other than Dongfang Wuya.


    Shen Qinghe always remembered one thing, Dongfang Wuya was not only one of the male leads but also the savior of her and her father.


    In Dongfang Wuya''s presence, her smile was especially sincere.


    Seeing Shen Qinghe''s radiant smile, Dongfang Wuya hesitated in his steps.


    "Benefactor, please have a seat," Shen Qinghe warmly poured a cup of cold tea and handed it to Dongfang Wuya.


    But her movement was too abrupt, and her fingertips accidentally brushed the palm of Dongfang Wuya.


    Dongfang Wuya looked at his palm that the girl''s fingertips had lightly grazed and pondered that the little lady was also fascinated by his beauty, not missing any opportunity to lure him. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing her beaming smile, he made a quick decision: "Shen Qinghe, stand six feet away from this lord!"


    Shen Qinghe immediately stepped back, stopping six feet away, very obedient and compliant.


    Dongfang Wuya''s eyes complexly watched the polite and sensible girl, pondering that this girl was indeed saved by him; it was only natural for her to have improper thoughts about him and to think of offering herself to him.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Ha ha, this time the male lead is the type who''s his own adversary.

 Chapter 7: She Lost Again!

    Chapter 7: Chapter 7: She Lost Again!"What can I do for you, Mr. Wuya?" Shen Qinghe asked with a smile.


    Dongfang Wuya had intended to expose Shen Qinghe''s actions this evening, but upon seeing her bruised face, he nonchalantly took out a few elixirs and placed them on the table, "Feel free to eat these, they will be beneficial to you."


    Enticed by the fragrance of the elixirs, Shen Qinghe forgot Dongfang Wuya''s command, stepped forward, took one, and sniffed it, "It smells so good, you''re giving me such fine elixirs to take?"


    Dongfang Wuya fell silent; he had clearly come to question her, but somehow it turned into him giving her elixirs.


    Shen Qinghe, drawn by the scent of the elixirs, couldn''t help but toss one into her mouth.


    After eating it, she felt a pleasant sensation throughout her body, and her face no longer hurt. She stole a glance at Dongfang Wuya and secretly took another, popping it into her mouth as if snacking on treats.


    Dongfang Wuya: ... Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These top-grade elixirs, which many cultivators could not even beg for, were being treated by her as mere snacks.


    He could no longer bear to watch, about to get up and leave when Shen Qinghe looked at him with gleaming eyes, that "adoring" gaze made his scalp tingle.


    Unable to reciprocate her adoring feelings, he simply took another bottle of elixirs and placed it in her palm, "Take this for your snacks."


    She better not covet his body any longer, craving him was useless!


    Shen Qinghe couldn''t believe her eyes as she looked at the elixirs, her gaze on Dongfang Wuya becoming even more intense.


    Dongfang Wuya quickly left the Simple Residence Courtyard, his steps somewhat disordered.


    Shen Qinghe, holding the elixirs, excitedly rolled around on the bed and fervently kissed the medicine bottle several times.


    Mr. Wuya had not only saved Elder Shen and her life but also gave her so many Precious Pills; this man was definitely her lucky star.


    After Dongfang Wuya left, Shen Qinghe seized the time to cultivate.


    Merely overnight, Shen Qinghe felt she was on the verge of Foundation Establishment. But before actually establishing her foundation, she decided to hold off.


    If she established her foundation now, her act of pretending to be drunk would be discovered, and there was no need to slap her own face in a hurry.


    She didn''t sleep all night, yet she was spirited and full of spiritual energy.


    Just as she was in high spirits, the outside of the Simple Residence Courtyard suddenly became noisy.


    Stepping out in confusion, and upon seeing Nan Sheng kneeling in front of the courtyard, her first thought was that the heroine was indeed not easy to deal with.


    When she appeared, Nan Sheng immediately crawled over to her, a picture of frailty with tears streaming down her face: "Miss Shen, I was wrong, please have a large heart and don''t take it to heart, Brother Changsheng already scolded me yesterday..."


    She was naturally delicate and beautiful, and at that moment, she looked especially pitiable with tears flowing before she spoke.


    Outside the Simple Residence Courtyard, many cultivators had gathered at some point, pointing and criticizing Shen Qinghe for bullying Nan Sheng, the weak woman, forcing her to kneel in public early in the morning, showing a wicked heart.


    Shen Qinghe pinched herself, managing to squeeze out a few tears, she stepped back, speaking in a flustered manner, "Miss Nan is flattering me too much. Now my father is severely injured and has not awoken, and yesterday Miss Nan even granted me a slap, teaching me how to behave, I... I dare not provoke Miss Nan anymore..."


    The crowd then noticed that one side of Shen Qinghe''s face was still somewhat swollen, momentarily unable to discern who was right or wrong.


    At that moment, another unexpected event occurred.


    Perhaps due to being overly emotional, Shen Qinghe''s body suddenly swayed, and she fell straight backward, crashing heavily to the ground with her head bleeding profusely in an instant.


    For a moment, the crowd was in an uproar.


    Shu Xiu, who was also a disciple of Shen Zhuo, quickly reacted, rushing forward to help Shen Qinghe up. Seeing Shen Qinghe''s bloodied and pitiful state, she glared at Nan Sheng and said, "It was clearly Miss Nan who snatched away Second Senior Brother first, and it was also because of Miss Nan that Master was stabbed by Second Senior Brother, and he has not woken up to this day. Today, Qinghe was peacefully staying in the Simple Residence Courtyard, yet it was Miss Nan who came to say some incomprehensible words to stimulate Qinghe, causing Qinghe to suffer such a heavy injury. How much further does Miss Nan want to push Qinghe?"


    And just like that, she easily placed herself on the highest moral ground.


    Previously unaware of the reasons, everyone saw Nan Sheng kneeling down to Shen Qinghe with tears streaming down her face, and they thought that it was Shen Qinghe who had bullied Nan Sheng.


    But now, seeing Shen Qinghe with a bleeding head, unconscious, they naturally recalled how not long ago Shen Zhuo was stabbed by his own beloved disciple, all because of Nan Sheng.


    When it comes to pity, how could Nan Sheng be more miserable than Shen Qinghe?


    After all, Shen Qinghe was the one who was jilted.


    How much Shen Qinghe liked Yan Changsheng was something that everyone had seen over the years. With Nan Sheng''s arrival, not only did she take away Yan Changsheng, the fianc¨¦ from Shen Qinghe''s hands, but even Shen Zhuo was in a life or death situation because of Nan Sheng.


    Nan Sheng felt the crowd''s strange looks and for a moment forgot to continue her act.


    Having swallowed a defeat at Shen Qinghe''s hands last night, she had thought to gain an advantage today and came up with this painful scheme.


    But she had still underestimated Shen Qinghe''s ruthless nature.


    Shen Qinghe was clearly just an ordinary person, but she staged this painful act in front of everyone without regard for her own life. With Shen Qinghe''s fall, she immediately transferred all malice onto her.


    She lost this fight again!


    She quickly wiped away her tears and struggled to her feet, saying, "It''s my fault. Miss Shen got injured; it''s more important to treat her injury first."


    As she spoke, she wanted to go forward to help, but Shu Xiu avoided her touch, "Please, Miss Nan, stay away from Qinghe. Qinghe has had enough pity, and we cannot afford to provoke Miss Nan!"


    Nan Sheng stood there helplessly, tugging at the corner of her clothes with shame, her silent tears falling as she bowed to everyone, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to, I''m sorry, I''m so sorry..."


    Seeing her pitiful appearance, some male cultivators felt pity for her and spoke up for her, "Miss Nan didn''t do it on purpose, Junior Sister Shu shouldn''t be too harsh on Miss Nan..."


    "Indeed, Elder Shen was stabbed by Brother Changsheng, how can you blame Miss Nan for that? Besides, just now it was clearly Miss Nan who was kneeling and begging Qinghe for forgiveness, how could it become Miss Nan''s mistake?" Another male cultivator, who was sympathetic to the fairer sex, spoke up for Nan Sheng.


    These male cultivators all liked the delicate and weak Nan Sheng, and upon seeing her silently weeping, they wished they could hold her in their arms to comfort her.


    The female cultivators found this scene absurd. One of them stood out and said, "When Miss Nan knelt down just now, Qinghe was still inside the house, she did not force Miss Nan to kneel. And isn''t it because of Miss Nan''s intervention that Brother Changsheng hurt Elder Shen?"


    The other female cultivators nodded in agreement, feeling that this made sense.


    Shu Xiu had no time to watch Nan Sheng''s pretense; she coldly began, "Qinghe is seriously injured and needs healing. In the future, it would be better for Miss Nan to stay away from Qinghe, lest Qinghe get hurt again because of Miss Nan. Qinghe truly has a weak constitution, not like some people who enjoy acting frail!"


    After saying this coldly, she took Shen Qinghe back inside.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Oh woo, the new story is quiet. To the babies reading the story, cast your votes and give a five-star rating, yeah

 Chapter 8: Successful Foundation Establishment

    Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Successful Foundation EstablishmentShen Zhiyao hurried to the Simple Residence Courtyard upon hearing that Shen Qinghe had been injured.


    Shen Qinghe, afraid that Shen Zhiyao would go mad with worry, comforted her, "Elder sister, rest assured, I''m fine. I''ve already taken an elixir, and the wound is healing quickly."


    It must have been painful at the time, but Nan Sheng was prepared, and the best thing she could think of at the moment was to outdo the misery with an even more pitiable display.


    Fortunately, she was full of Spiritual Energy, and Dongfang Wuya had given her a bottle of Top-grade Spirit Pill, which allowed her superficial injuries to heal quickly.


    Shen Zhiyao was not reassured and carefully inspected the back of Shen Qinghe''s head. Seeing only a small wound remaining, she breathed a sigh of relief.


    Afterwards, she cursed vehemently, thoroughly scolding Nan Sheng, then hugged Shen Qinghe and patted her on the back, "Xiao Hemiao, don''t be scared. From now on, your elder sister will protect you."


    Shen Qinghe felt a twinge in her nose; Shen Zhiyao had not called her by her nickname for many years. She knew it was because their father doted on her, causing Shen Zhiyao to feel left out, and it was only in recent years that they had been constantly at odds.


    Shen Zhiyao was just someone with a tough exterior but a soft heart.


    "One day, I will unveil Nan Sheng''s shameless true face..."


    Shen Qinghe quickly wriggled out of Shen Zhiyao''s embrace and said firmly, "Nan Sheng is not simple. She is cunning and calculating. You can''t deal with her by force; you must use clever strategies. In situations like today, if she wants to gain sympathy by appearing pitiful, I have to appear even more so, otherwise the entire sect''s cultivators will sympathize with her. Today, I was actually applying a strategy of inflicting an injury on oneself."


    "Wouldn''t it have been simpler to just end her with a sword?!" Shen Zhiyao felt there was no need for such roundabout tactics.


    Shen Qinghe pulled Shen Zhiyao to sit down and advised again, "Elder sister, please heed my words and don''t act rashly. Tell me before you do anything in the future, and we''ll make decisions after discussing them. Nan Sheng is very tricky; it''s best not to provoke her lightly. Haven''t you noticed that since she came to the Sky Pole Sect, father was injured by a sword, and I almost died? This woman''s luck is extraordinary..."


    Shen Zhiyao felt that Shen Qinghe was boosting someone else''s morale while dampening her own confidence. Later, tired of hearing Shen Qinghe''s incessant nagging, she found an excuse to escape.


    Shen Qinghe''s eyes dimmed, knowing her stubborn sister wouldn''t see reason.


    But it didn''t matter; there was plenty of time ahead, and the most urgent task was to choose an auspicious day for her own Foundation Establishment. Only then would she be officially entering the cultivation world and could start her true cultivation. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the following days, Shen Qinghe spent all her time practicing Qi Refinement in the Simple Residence Courtyard. No one aside from Shen Zhiyao disturbed her, not even Nan Sheng.


    A month later, she heard that Nan Sheng had formally become a disciple of Sword Master Tian Yan of the Sky Pole Sect, and the first closed-door female disciple.


    After that, it took Nan Sheng just over a month to successfully achieve Foundation Establishment, becoming the fastest female disciple in Sky Pole Sect to do so.


    And of course, the record for the fastest male disciple in the sect at Foundation Establishment was still held by Yan Changsheng.


    Suddenly, Nan Sheng was the talk of the sect, with everyone saying that she was the most potential and talented female disciple in the Sky Pole Sect.


    Before this, Shen Zhiyao was considered Sky Pole Sect''s most talented female disciple, which fueled her growing hatred for Nan Sheng even further.


    In just three short months, Nan Sheng had not only gained a legion of adoring fans but had also captured Xiao Chen''s intense interest. There were even cultivators who said they saw Yan Changsheng and Xiao Chen getting jealous over her more than once.


    Shen Qinghe was aware of the plot in the book, and she knew that Nan Sheng, as a charmer, did indeed gather a host of admirers in less than half a year after joining the sect, even attracting Xiao Chen''s affection.


    This development in the plot perfectly coincided with the timeline laid out in the book; she was not surprised at all.


    Shen Qinghe felt the time had come for her Foundation Establishment, so she chose an auspicious day to do so.


    During this period, the entire sect''s attention was on Nan Sheng, making Shen Qinghe practically invisible, as though almost no one remembered that Sky Pole Sect had a mortal girl among them.


    When news spread that Shen Qinghe, a mortal girl without a Spirit Root, had suddenly established her foundation, the entire sect was astounded.


    Shen Zhiyao also found it incredible, and she rushed to Simple Residence Courtyard at the first opportunity. Upon seeing Shen Qinghe glowing with health, she paused, her gaze fixed.


    It was still the same face, but the grey birthmark on the left side of Shen Qinghe''s nose had turned light pink. Even more miraculous, the birthmark had shrunk a bit and moved to the middle of her nose bridge, looking playful and vivid.


    Previously, Qinghe''s facial features seemed covered with a layer of dust, but now they had suddenly become clearer, as if everything was more attractive¡ªshe possessed a beauty that made it hard for one to look away.


    "Qinghe, you really established your foundation?" Shen Zhiyao took Shen Qinghe by the hand and spun her around, finding her more and more astonishing with each look.


    Shen Qinghe smiled faintly, "Mmm, I don''t know why either, suddenly, I just had an immortal fate."


    "But weren''t you without a Spirit Root? Born a mortal, how could you establish a foundation?" Shen Zhiyao still couldn''t grasp it.


    She excitedly scooped up Shen Qinghe, tossing her into the air, which scared Shen Qinghe into screaming until she landed safely back in Shen Zhiyao''s arms.


    While the two sisters were laughing and frolicking, other members of the Wuji Sect arrived at Simple Residence Courtyard one after another, quickly filling the place to the brim.


    The left Sect Master of Sky Pole Sect personally tested Shen Qinghe and discovered that she indeed had succeeded in Foundation Establishment.


    However, a Spirit Root was still undetectable within Shen Qinghe''s body; a mortal such as her successfully establishing her foundation was a unique case, unprecedented in the entire cultivation world.


    Standing between Xiao Chen and Yan Changsheng, Nan Sheng looked distantly at the scene of Shen Qinghe being surrounded by the crowd and bit her lower lip.


    She had disliked Shen Qinghe from the start, and today, seeing the cultivators praise and surround Shen Qinghe, she felt this glory should have been hers alone.


    Looking instinctively towards Yan Changsheng, she noticed he, too, was watching Shen Qinghe. Turning to Xiao Chen on her left, she found a continuous smile in his eyes as he watched Shen Qinghe.


    "Congratulations to Miss Shen on your successful Foundation Establishment," Nan Sheng suddenly spoke, successfully attracting everyone''s gaze.


    The gazes of Yan Changsheng and Xiao Chen finally shifted away, both turning towards Nan Sheng.


    Shen Qinghe replied politely, "I''m not as talented as Miss Nan, so my establishing a foundation was really just luck."


    After all, Nan Sheng was the Fated Female Protagonist; she did not see the need to compare herself with Nan Sheng, but now that she had a chance at cultivation, she would certainly grasp this opportunity and cultivate diligently.


    "Miss Shen is too modest," said Nan Sheng as she walked slowly toward Shen Qinghe, accompanied by Xiao Chen and Yan Changsheng.


    With her natural beauty, accompanied by flower guardians like Xiao Chen and Yan Changsheng, both of whom were exceptionally attractive and had extraordinary demeanors, Nan Sheng really stood out as she walked by, exuding the air of a queen inspecting her realm.

 Chapter 9: Affectionate but Heart-Wrenching

    Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Affectionate but Heart-WrenchingShen Zhiyao''s brows furrowed at this scene.


    She really couldn''t understand how Xiao Chen could be attracted to a white lotus like Nan Sheng. He used to be indifferent to women, keeping his distance from everyone; how had he become so enamored with Nan Sheng?


    That white lotus, Nan Sheng, was becoming increasingly irritating to her. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Today was supposed to be Qinghe''s big day, but as soon as Nan Sheng arrived, all the cultivators'' gazes fell on her. Who still remembered Qinghe?


    Shen Qinghe, seeing the color of annoyance in Shen Zhiyao''s eyes, gripped her hand tightly and whispered, "Elder sister, don''t overthink it."


    Shen Zhiyao pursed her lips tightly and turned to meet Shen Qinghe''s warm gaze.


    By then, Nan Sheng had already approached Shen Qinghe, her smile sweet, "I was in a hurry today and didn''t have time to prepare a gift, I hope Miss Qinghe won''t mind."


    As she spoke, she glanced at Yan Changsheng and quietly clasped his hand.


    Yan Changsheng naturally intertwined his fingers with hers, meeting her gaze, leaving no spare attention for Shen Qinghe.


    Shen Zhiyao saw Yan Changsheng holding hands with Nan Sheng in front of Shen Qinghe, openly showing off their love. Nan Sheng''s move was clearly intended to hurt Qinghe''s heart.


    Fearing that Shen Qinghe would be upset, she looked over but saw that Shen Qinghe''s expression was as usual, as if she had already let go of Yan Changsheng.


    "It''s the thought that counts," Shen Qinghe said with a light smile on her face.


    It was a bit of a surprise for Shen Qinghe to see Nan Sheng deliberately holding hands with Yan Changsheng right in front of her. She thought a Fated Female Protagonist like Nan Sheng wouldn''t stoop so low as to provoke her, a mere cannon fodder.


    Hearing this, Yan Changsheng looked over.


    The instant he clearly saw Shen Qinghe''s face, he was taken aback. It had been three months since the Mid-Autumn Festival, and he hadn''t seen Shen Qinghe since.


    The face before him was both familiar and strange. It was still the same face, yet incomparably different. The young girl''s skin was white as snow with a hint of pink, her beautiful eyes clear and bright, and most miraculous of all, the conspicuous gray birthmark had now moved to the middle of her nose, becoming a faint pink color.


    Xiao Chen also noticed the qualitative change in Shen Qinghe''s appearance. Perhaps this was the initial effect of her Foundation Establishment, which made her whole face look crystal clear.


    He couldn''t help but give Shen Qinghe another look, but the fluttering in his heart from Mid-Autumn evening surged again, and he hurriedly looked away.


    Given Shen Qinghe''s successful Foundation Establishment and the fact that she was Shen Zhuo''s beloved daughter, this time Sect Master Zuo took the initiative to officially make her Shen Zhuo''s Inner Sect Disciple.


    Shen Qinghe naturally had no objections.


    It was unfortunate that her father was comatose, with no one to teach her cultivation. Later, Sect Master Zuo instructed Xiao Chen to take over Shen Zhuo''s duties for the time being.


    Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen frowned, "The Sect Master should find someone else to teach Qinghe; I don''t know how."


    He didn''t want to get too close to Shen Qinghe.


    Sect Master Zuo hadn''t expected Xiao Chen to refuse; he couldn''t possibly ask Yan Changsheng, could he? Yan Changsheng had just dissolved his engagement with Shen Qinghe, and now he was close to Nan Sheng.


    "My sister can teach me¡ªthat''s enough. There''s no need to trouble Big Senior Brother," said Shen Qinghe, winking at Shen Zhiyao, "Elder sister, you have to teach me well."


    Shen Zhiyao glared at Xiao Chen, thinking that it was because of Nan Sheng that he was unwilling to assist Qinghe in her cultivation.


    "Of course, I''ll teach you well. With me around, you won''t be worse than anyone else," Shen Zhiyao said, casting a meaningful glance at Nan Sheng.


    Yan Changsheng was originally hesitant about whether to take on this task, but seeing Shen Zhiyao speak up, he chose to remain silent.


    Everyone arrived in a hurry, and no one prepared gifts for Shen Qinghe, not even Sect Master Zuo had brought a gift. Unlike on the day of Nan Sheng''s Foundation Establishment, when everyone presented congratulatory gifts.


    Compared to the grandeur of Nan Sheng''s Foundation Establishment day, Shen Qinghe''s Foundation Establishment seemed much more modest.


    After everyone had left, Shen Zhiyao finally took out a short sword, "This was the gift father gave me when I underwent Foundation Establishment. It''s suitable for a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Stage, so make do with it for now. Once you reach Core Formation, you will be able to have your own life-bound magic weapon. Today is your big day for Foundation Establishment, yet you didn''t receive any gifts, and father is also in a comatose state. It''s all my incompetence..."


    Seeing Shen Zhiyao distressed made Shen Qinghe feel uncomfortable too.


    But she felt that the grandness of the event wasn''t important. What mattered was that their family was slowly changing the fate of being mere stepping stones.


    "Elder sister, don''t overthink it. Things will get better and better," Shen Qinghe fiddled with the short sword in her hand, her lips curving into a slight smile, "I really like the gift from elder sister."


    "It''s all because of that stinking cousin Nan Sheng, she''s just so disgusting..." Every time Shen Zhiyao mentioned Nan Sheng, she would get angry and rant incessantly.


    It wasn''t until Shen Zhiyao had vented her emotions that Shen Qinghe tried to console her, "Elder sister can see that Nan Sheng is deliberately trying to provoke me. If I sulked today, wouldn''t that just play into her hands? Your anger at this moment only brings pain to those who care and joy to those who hate. Why bother?"


    "I''m just worried about you being upset. You''ve liked Changsheng since you were little, and today Nan Sheng deliberately flaunted her affection with Changsheng in front of you, just to see you heartbroken and to add to your troubles," Shen Zhiyao ground her teeth with hatred whenever she mentioned Nan Sheng.


    Shen Qinghe listened quietly to Shen Zhiyao''s complaints, her expression unchanged, "Ever since the day father was injured, I stopped liking Yan Changsheng. Today, seeing them so affectionate doesn''t upset me at all."


    One gets hurt only by caring, but she had already let go of Yan Changsheng.


    "Are you sure you''ve let go?" Shen Zhiyao was skeptical.


    "Father was gravely injured that day, and I myself walked on the edge of life and death. What else couldn''t I let go of? Please, elder sister, don''t go looking for trouble with Changsheng and Nan Sheng on my behalf. My only desire now is to cultivate diligently. Romantic entanglements will only slow down my cultivation," Shen Qinghe''s eyes were resolute, "From now on, we sisters should focus on our cultivation and not waste any more time or feelings on any man."


    Shen Zhiyao found her younger sister both familiar and strange, but she liked her very much.


    She too wished to stop liking Xiao Chen, but the thought of Xiao Chen disregarding her for that flirtatious Nan Sheng made her unwilling to give up.


    Shen Qinghe spent a long time trying to persuade her, but seeing Shen Zhiyao''s stubborn opinions, she knew that it wouldn''t be so easy for Shen Zhiyao, this so-called evil supporting character, to wake up.


    Although Shen Qinghe had completed her Foundation Establishment, she still enjoyed the delicacies of the mortal world. She specially prepared a feast to share with Shen Zhiyao, treating it as a celebration of her successful Foundation Establishment.


    When Shen Zhiyao left the Simple Residence Courtyard, the sky had already turned dark.


    Just as Shen Qinghe began to sit and cultivate, she felt an anomaly in the room.


    When she opened her eyes, she saw Dongfang Wuya had arrived at some point.


    "Mr. Wuya!" She jumped off the bed and immediately went up to Dongfang Wuya, revealing a radiant smile.


    Dongfang Wuya had come because he felt Shen Qinghe''s Foundation Establishment was too modest and wanted to bring her a gift, but seeing Shen Qinghe smiling at him in such an infatuated manner made him hesitant.


    Noticing Dongfang Wuya''s stern expression, Shen Qinghe thought something serious had happened and gradually put away her smile, "Is it my father''s health?"


    ¡ª¡ª


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 Chapter 10: Pouring Out to All Beings

    Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Pouring Out to All BeingsDongfang Wuya took out a massive beast egg and handed it over to Shen Qinghe, "Shen Zhuo is still in a deep slumber, showing no abnormalities. I''ve heard about your Foundation Establishment, this is my gift to you for your Foundation Establishment. Shen Qinghe, you must always remember, your Uncle is your senior."


    So stop coveting him.


    Shen Qinghe took the beast egg and looked at it curiously from left to right, "What is this?"


    "This is a beast egg I obtained from the Ancient Secret Mirror. Seeing that you''ve had some good fortune recently, I''m giving it to you. If you are fated with it, after it hatches in the future, it might also become your blessing," Dongfang Wuya said with his usual aloof demeanor.


    Upon hearing that the egg was from the Ancient Secret Mirror, Shen Qinghe was so excited that she hugged the egg and gave it two hard kisses. Her eyes sparkled like fire, gazing intensely at Dongfang Wuya.


    Dongfang Wuya''s brow slightly furrowed, he cleared his throat to remind her, "You must remember, I am your Uncle, and also your senior."


    You must not falter, desiring his body.


    "Yes, Uncle!" Shen Qinghe readily agreed, but her gaze towards Dongfang Wuya grew even hotter.


    It wasn''t that Dongfang Wuya had never been liked by other female cultivators, but none had ever looked at him with such passionate eyes. Her gaze was almost tangible, as though she wanted to strip off his clothes.


    He couldn''t deny that being too attractive was a trouble of its own.


    Fearing that Shen Qinghe would pounce on him, he inadvertently took a few steps back, "Since you''ve established your foundation, you should cultivate well from now on. I''ll be leaving."


    Shen Qinghe followed Dongfang Wuya with enthusiasm, "Let me see you out, Uncle."


    "No need!" Dongfang Wuya didn''t wait for Shen Qinghe to catch up, hastily leaving on his flying sword.


    Shen Qinghe, holding the beast egg, returned to her room, unable to express her gratitude towards Dongfang Wuya in words.


    Next to Elder Shen and Shen Zhiyao, Mr. Wuya was the person who had treated her the best. If ever her cultivation greatly advanced, she would definitely repay Mr. Wuya''s kindness.


    That evening, Shen Qinghe still clutched the beast egg as she meditated, hoping it would hatch soon.


    The following morning, Shen Qinghe went to the Juxiu Hall for her classes, full of energy.


    When she arrived, Nan Sheng was surrounded by several male cultivators, all looking at Nan Sheng with fervent eyes.


    The arrival of Shen Qinghe quieted the lively scene momentarily. Everyone looked at Shen Qinghe oddly, as if she were an outsider intruding into a territory that wasn''t hers.


    Just then, Yan Changsheng and Xiao Chen also arrived at the Juxiu Hall.


    Upon seeing them, Nan Sheng immediately ran over, revealing a sweet and charming smile, "Brother Changsheng, Brother Xiao!"


    In front of the sect disciples, Yan Changsheng remained aloof, only cautioning Nan Sheng, "Walk slower, be careful not to fall."


    "Shengsheng is no child; I won''t fall," she said, turning to look at Xiao Chen with a smile that became even sweeter.


    Xiao Chen was as always, gentle and refined. His gaze passed over Nan Sheng and landed on the figure of Shen Qinghe, his eyebrows barely perceptibly furrowing.


    Nan Sheng followed Xiao Chen''s gaze and realized he was looking at Shen Qinghe, her smile fading away.


    She took Yan Changsheng''s hand and Xiao Chen''s, choosing seats far from Shen Qinghe.


    It was only when Yan Changsheng passed by Shen Qinghe that he noticed her presence. His peripheral vision caught a glimpse of Shen Qinghe, who beamed a broad smile.


    His heart skipped a beat, thinking Shen Qinghe was smiling at him, until she stood up, looking past him, "Elder sister, come sit here!"


    Shen Zhiyao quickly approached Shen Qinghe, and just as she was about to sit down next to Shen Qinghe, she suddenly pulled Shen Qinghe up and followed her upon seeing Xiao Chen. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She was about to sit in the empty seat next to Xiao Chen, but when he gave her a look that was neither cold nor warm, she immediately backed down. Instead, she pushed Shen Qinghe into the empty seat next to Xiao Chen and took a seat one spot over.


    Although Shen Qinghe liked the abundant spiritual energy of the three main protagonists, the closer she was to them, the more spiritual energy she could draw. However, being so close to the protagonists, she worried about causing trouble.


    The distance just now was good; she could draw from the protagonists'' spiritual energy without letting them detect her presence.


    Sitting beside Xiao Chen, she could feel the pressure emanating from him.


    She understood that Xiao Chen was not pleased with her sitting there.


    Feeling like she was on pins and needles, she nudged Shen Zhiyao and whispered in her ear, "Elder sister, come sit over there with me."


    Shen Zhiyao didn''t want Nan Sheng to get too smug and threatened in a low voice, "If you dare leave, I won''t acknowledge you as my sister!"


    Shen Qinghe met Shen Zhiyao''s resolute gaze and found herself in a difficult position.


    The two sisters stared at each other, but in the end, it was Shen Qinghe who compromised. She could only try to sit closer to Shen Zhiyao to avoid displeasing Xiao Chen.


    Xiao Chen glanced at Shen Qinghe with the corner of his eye and seeing that she had no intention of approaching him throughout, he was satisfied with her compliance.


    Everyone had been waiting left and right, and after half an hour, Tongxuan Zhenjun still hadn''t appeared to give his lecture, causing murmurs among the cultivators.


    Just when everyone''s patience was running thin, a tall figure in red finally made an appearance.


    When they clearly saw the face of the man in red that captivated all living beings, everyone inhaled sharply in unison; it was Mr. Wuya, who was usually as elusive as a dragon.


    Dongfang Wuya walked forward, each step blooming with lotus flowers, the hem of his red robe tracing beautiful arcs. Once he leisurely walked up to the podium, he leaned back in his chair with a casual air. His long, otherworldly legs had nowhere to rest, so he simply placed them on the table.


    Despite what seemed a crude action, quite indecent in fact, he executed it with an effortless charisma.


    All the female cultivators present blushed and whispered in admiration of Dongfang Wuya''s striking looks.


    Dongfang Wuya, finding the scene too noisy, swept his peach-blossom eyes that brimmed with suggestive spring charm across the room, and immediately, it became quiet.


    "Tongxuan has no time today and has entrusted me to come. Carry on with your usual activities, but do not make noise," Dongfang Wuya spoke, his gaze just touching the direction of Shen Zhiyao.


    Shen Zhiyao excitedly shook Shen Qinghe''s arm, her voice slightly unstable, "Qing, Qinghe, Mr. Wuya is looking at me."


    Shen Qinghe didn''t expect Shen Zhiyao to be a fan of Dongfang Wuya; didn''t her sister like Xiao Chen?


    Shen Qinghe looked towards Dongfang Wuya, eyes meeting his tempting, profound peach-blossom gaze.


    She cursed inwardly at the seductiveness, Uncle Dongfang''s pair of peach-blossom eyes appeared to flirt with people at all times. No wonder his appearance sent all the female cultivators into a frenzy.


    Xiao Chen, who was closest to Shen Qinghe, naturally noticed Dongfang Wuya''s gaze lingering on her as well.


    Logically speaking, Dongfang Wuya and Shen Qinghe should not have any interaction, but Master was seriously injured last time, and it was Shen Qinghe who begged Mr. Wuya to help. In the end, Mr. Wuya took action and saved him...


    From the moment Dongfang Wuya appeared, Nan Sheng had been watching him unwaveringly; after all, Mr. Wuya was too handsome, even making crude gestures with an enthralling allure.


    When Dongfang Wuya looked in her direction, she unconsciously held her breath, only realizing that he was not looking at her but at Shen Qinghe when Shen Zhiyao''s cry of surprise rang out.

 Chapter 11: Acting on Impulse

    Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Acting on Impulse"Mr. Wuya is looking at Qinghe, isn''t he? It''s true, Qinghe is beautiful. It''s not surprising that Mr. Wuya has taken notice of her," Nan Sheng said in a voice that was neither loud nor soft, yet audible to several people present.


    Yan Changsheng followed Dongfang Wuya''s gaze and indeed found that Dongfang Wuya was looking at Shen Qinghe, and the man''s gaze was anything but discreet.


    He frowned slightly, not understanding why Dongfang Wuya kept staring at Shen Qinghe. If he looked at her only because of her beauty, Yan Changsheng did not believe it.


    Shen Zhiyao originally thought Dongfang Wuya was looking at her and hadn''t finished feeling pleased when Nan Sheng doused her with a bucket of cold water.


    Soon she got excited again, shook Shen Qinghe''s arm forcefully, and asked, "When did you start... with Mr. Wuya¡ª"


    Shen Qinghe, in distress, quickly covered Shen Zhiyao''s mouth and said, blushing, "Elder sister, don''t talk nonsense. If you accidentally anger Uncle-Master, he will get mad!"


    The people present had odd expressions upon hearing Shen Qinghe call Dongfang Wuya "Uncle-Master."


    Everyone in the Sky Pole Sect knew that Dongfang Wuya was a loner. Although nominally he and Shen Zhuo were martial brothers, disciples under Shen Zhuo dared not associate with Dongfang Wuya.


    While everyone had different thoughts, Dongfang Wuya seemed unaware that his actions had made Shen Qinghe the center of attention.


    Only after he lazily shifted his gaze did Shen Qinghe let out a sigh of relief.


    Xiao Chen clearly heard the sound of Shen Qinghe''s sigh and his peripheral vision caught the sight of her neck as white and delicate as jade.


    Several months had clearly passed, and he thought the events of that night were long gone. Lately, he had intentionally been getting closer to Nan Sheng, feeling that her nature suited his taste.


    So why did he involuntarily pay attention to Shen Qinghe every time he saw her?


    Especially that faint scent of fresh grass emanating from the girl, winding around his nostrils, making him feel agitated.


    Nan Sheng felt that Xiao Chen''s mind was elsewhere. It seemed as if ever since Shen Qinghe had arrived, Xiao Chen had become quiet, and even his posture seemed a bit stiff.


    "Brother Xiao, are you free tonight? I have some cultivation incantations that I just can''t grasp. I''d like to ask for your guidance," Nan Sheng leaned closer to Xiao Chen, her breath in his ear as sweet as orchids.


    The reason she approached Xiao Chen in the first place was that three months earlier, Yan Changsheng chose to believe Shen Qinghe over her, which hurt her.


    After she grew closer to Xiao Chen, the effect was significant; it made Yan Changsheng intensely jealous and deepened his love for her.


    But as she spent more time with Xiao Chen, she increasingly found his modest and elegant demeanor charming and stirring, and she even wanted to tear off Xiao Chen''s mask of the cultured gentleman, to make him lose control for her.


    Xiao Chen felt the girl''s sweet and soft breath on his ear, and when he turned his gaze, he met Nan Sheng''s moist, deer-like eyes.


    Though her eyes said nothing, they seemed to silently invite him to taste her.


    "I''ll come to you tonight," Xiao Chen murmured, his lips curving slightly. His deep-set eyes, like the ocean abyss, seemed to hold an enchanting whirlpool, drawing one in to sink and willing to die therein.


    Nan Sheng''s heart skipped a beat.


    It was she who was deliberately enticing Xiao Chen, simply playing along for the moment. So why was it she who fell?


    She loved Yan Changsheng, who for her sake had ruined Shen Qinghe''s marriage, how could she be looking elsewhere?


    And yet while she loved Yan Changsheng, she became more and more fascinated with Xiao Chen.


    The blatant flirtation between Xiao Chen and Nan Sheng made Shen Qinghe, a bystander, feel alarmed.


    She wasn''t surprised by Nan Sheng''s fickle nature; after all, the world they lived in was like a text belonging to Asura Field, filled with Asura Fields everywhere.


    As the femme fatale leading lady, Nan Sheng not only had several male leads completely enthralled but also had the entire Immortal Sect as her admirers.


    She was worried that Shen Zhiyao would see Xiao Chen and Nan Sheng exchanging flirtatious looks and lose control of her emotions.


    However, Shen Zhiyao''s attention was captured by Dongfang Wuya on stage; she didn''t even notice Nan Sheng and Xiao Chen playing coy right in front of Yan Changsheng.


    Yan Changsheng was sitting right beside Nan Sheng and naturally heard the conversation between her and Xiao Chen.


    His lips pressed together tightly, although he knew Nan Sheng was deliberately trying to provoke his anger and jealousy, seeing Xiao Chen''s blatant flirtation with her still set his jealousy ablaze.


    He endured it for a while but couldn''t hold back any longer; he grasped Nan Sheng''s wrist forcefully and pulled her to her feet.


    Caught by pain, Nan Sheng cried out in shock, attracting the attention of all the cultivators in the hall.


    Dongfang Wuya, who was utterly bored, heard the commotion and looked over, his gaze landing right on Nan Sheng''s face.


    Nan Sheng''s heart raced as she met Dongfang Wuya''s peach blossom eyes filled with the hues of spring, for his beauty was rare in this world.


    With just one more glance from those amorous peach blossom eyes, her legs went weak.


    The next moment, Nan Sheng felt a force lifting her up and by the time she regained her senses, she was already thrown out of Juxiu Hall, crashing hard onto the ground.


    Yan Changsheng hadn''t expected Dongfang Wuya to be so ruthless, and when Nan Sheng was thrown out, he immediately chased after her out of Juxiu Hall.


    Shen Qinghe thought Xiao Chen would also give chase, seeing that Xiao Chen was also one of Nan Sheng''s admirers, but to her surprise, Xiao Chen remained seated, looking completely unperturbed.


    Looking at him curiously, Xiao Chen''s gaze didn''t waver; he still appeared to be the epitome of a modest gentleman, as if Nan Sheng''s expulsion had nothing to do with him.


    "Mr. Wuya is so handsome!!" Beside her, Shen Zhiyao''s voice was filled with a fangirl''s excitement, "He actually wasn''t mesmerized by Nan Sheng. Just for that, Mr. Wuya is much better than some people!"


    She glanced at Xiao Chen with a pointed look, but Xiao Chen didn''t even give her a glance, leaving her frustrated to the point of gritting her teeth.


    Yet, it was Xiao Chen''s indifference that made her both love and hate him. If he were as indifferent to Nan Sheng as he was to her, it would make her feel more at ease.


    Shen Qinghe had little interest in the love developments between the main characters, but now that Dongfang Wuya had come to Juxiu Hall and wasn''t teaching anything, she was at a loss for where to start learning.


    Afterwards, she had no choice but to ask Shen Zhiyao for help, and Shen Zhiyao diligently taught her how to practice Qi Refinement.


    Shen Qinghe felt that all of this was already covered in books she had read, but seeing Shen Zhiyao''s enthusiastic demeanor, she couldn''t bear to interrupt.


    Sitting idly by, Xiao Chen listened to Shen Zhiyao''s supposed instruction and let out a faint snort.


    Shen Zhiyao had sharp ears and felt that Xiao Chen was mocking her; she looked over dissatisfied: "Big Senior Brother, are you laughing at me?"


    "Sister, you might as well not lead others astray with your haphazard teaching. Junior Sister has no Spirit Root, her condition is not the same as yours, what you are teaching may not suit her," Xiao Chen responded coldly, without looking at the Shen sisters.


    Shen Zhiyao wanted to retort, but she remembered that Xiao Chen did indeed have talent and was highly valued by their father.


    "Then could Big Senior Brother perhaps teach Shen Qinghe?" Shen Zhiyao softened her tone.


    Shen Qinghe had only achieved Foundation Establishment, and without a proper Cultivation Method, she feared it would be hard to make progress.


    Especially since Nan Sheng, the pure white lotus, had also achieved Foundation Establishment and possessed an Unusual Sword Spiritual Root. Having Sword Master Tian Yan as her mentor, her Cultivation Base would advance rapidly. If Shen Qinghe fell too far behind Nan Sheng, wouldn''t she be even more disheartened?


    Xiao Chen finally turned to glance at Shen Qinghe, meeting the expectant eyes of the Shen sisters. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He replied indifferently, "I''m busy!"

 Chapter 12: Seductive Beauty

    Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Seductive Beauty```


    Shen Qinghe couldn''t deny her disappointment, but she also understood why Xiao Chen refused to teach her¡ªit was within reason. She would just have to figure it out on her own, considering her unique situation was quite rare.


    Though Shen Zhiyao was angry, for Qinghe''s sake and her ability to cultivate normally, she unusually humbled herself and persuaded again, "Qinghe is, after all, the Big Senior Brother''s Junior Sister. Normally, my father holds the Big Senior Brother in such high regard. Now that he is in a deep sleep, can''t the Big Senior Brother temporarily take my father''s place and teach Qinghe a bit?"


    Xiao Chen remained unmoved, without glancing to the side, "I''m too busy."


    Shen Zhiyao, already irritable, couldn''t bear it any longer and slammed the table as she stood up, "Xiao Chen, you have time to accompany Nan Sheng, that flirtatious woman, yet you claim to have no time to teach Qinghe¡ªisn''t that blatantly unfair?"


    Her roar drew the attention of everyone present, yet Xiao Chen was still unaffected.


    Shen Qinghe hurriedly pulled Shen Zhiyao to sit down, "Elder Sister, don''t get worked up. I can cultivate on my own."


    It wasn''t a big deal; she could formally cultivate once Elder Shen woke up. For now, if she researched and pondered on her own, she might find a method of cultivation suitable for herself.


    Shen Zhiyao was so angry she was short of breath, her gaze landing on Shen Qinghe''s pleading little eyes.


    "Could you please not be angry?" Shen Qinghe gripped Shen Zhiyao''s hand tightly, afraid that Shen Zhiyao might provoke Xiao Chen.


    In the future, Xiao Chen would turn dark, capable of any wicked act, and Shen Zhiyao, who would suffer greatly for offending the male protagonist, would die a gruesome death.


    She didn''t want Shen Zhiyao to meet such an end, so she had to try her best to prevent Shen Zhiyao from offending any of the main characters.


    However, it was because of her that Shen Zhiyao was publicly confronting Xiao Chen, which frightened her.


    Shen Zhiyao, with her eyes reddened by anger, still couldn''t resist Shen Qinghe''s pitiful gaze and nodded stiffly, "I''ll find a way to teach you."


    With her as a sister and Old Man Shen to protect her when he woke up, Qinghe''s cultivation base would certainly not be inferior to Nan Sheng''s in the future.


    Shen Qinghe sighed in relief, her arm entwined with Shen Zhiyao''s as she softly smiled, "Elder Sister treats me the best."


    "As long as you know it," Shen Zhiyao pinchingly affectionately onto her face, and couldn''t help but make an indirect jibe, "I think you are the most beautiful. You''re much lovelier than some white lotus flowers; I don''t know if certain men are simply blind."


    But Shen Qinghe knew well whom Shen Zhiyao referred to as those certain men¡ªXiao Chen and Yan Changsheng.


    Concerned about further conflict, she quickly changed the topic, "Let''s stop talking, so we don''t disturb the others."


    Only then did Shen Zhiyao realize they were in a classroom, and when she looked towards Dongfang Wuya on the stage, she noticed that Dongfang Wuya was looking at them... or rather, possibly at Qinghe.


    She whispered to Shen Qinghe, "Why do I feel like Mr. Wuya is really taken with you? He''s been watching you this whole time."


    Before Shen Qinghe could reply, Xiao Chen at her side sneered, "Don''t flatter yourself."


    Shen Qinghe turned to Xiao Chen, but he was looking straight ahead, as if the person who made the cutting remark hadn''t been him.


    "If ever I have offended the Big Senior Brother, I would apologize to him. I believe the Big Senior Brother is a gentleman of modesty; being cutting doesn''t really suit you," Shen Qinghe retorted with neither servility nor arrogance.


    Shen Zhiyao, also seething with anger, sarcastically quipped, "Perhaps being cutting is the Big Senior Brother''s true nature."


    At that moment, Xiao Chen''s expression chilled, and he turned his head to look at Shen Qinghe.


    Shen Qinghe met his gaze squarely, and suddenly Xiao Chen leaned in close to her, "Junior Sister seems to understand me quite well."


    In that moment, Shen Qinghe felt Xiao Chen was akin to a certain type of animal¡ªcold and sinister.


    Yes, he was like a venomous snake, always ready to strike, ready to swallow his prey whole.


    ```


    Her arms erupted in goosebumps, and she subtly shifted closer to Shen Zhiyao, "I, I''m not good with words, Big Senior Brother, please don''t take it to heart."


    Because Xiao Chen was too close to Shen Qinghe, close enough to see the fleeting panic in her watery eyes, like a startled little animal, she was clearly afraid of him but still tried to maintain her composure and meet his gaze.


    He stood up straight, pushed away the bench, and without turning his head, strode away.


    Dongfang Wuya saw everything that happened below from start to finish, and he felt that he must be getting old, unable to understand what these young people were thinking. One after another, they paid him no heed, just up and left, not even grasping the basic concept of respecting their elders and the virtue of propriety.


    The Shen sisters were even stranger. If they wanted Shen Qinghe to cultivate, why didn''t they come to him, their uncle-master? Instead, they had to seek Xiao Chen and even got snubbed.


    Could it be that Shen Qinghe was too fond of him and too shy to approach him?


    Upon this thought, Dongfang Wuya stood up and suddenly started walking towards the stage below.


    As he walked, he resembled a red cloud, his bearing free and unrestrained, his demeanor elegant and charming, leaving the cultivators watching in awe.


    Everyone thought Dongfang Wuya was going to leave Juxiu Hall, but then, out of nowhere, this unattainable figure sat down where Xiao Chen had been sitting just moments before, leisurely fixing his gaze on Shen Qinghe.


    The cultivators looked at Shen Qinghe with uncertain surprise while Shen Zhiyao, overcome with excitement, pinched Shen Qinghe''s arm forcefully, almost letting out a marmot''s squeal.


    Because he was close, the man''s features appeared even more strikingly handsome. His thin lips were red as blood, his peach blossom eyes deep and captivating¡ªwhen he focused on someone, it was as if he poured all of his deep affection into the gaze.


    Being watched by such a pair of enchanting eyes made it difficult for Shen Qinghe to breathe. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Such beauty was truly distracting, and she didn''t understand what exactly the situation was now.


    Before, although Dongfang Wuya had been watching her, it was not as direct as it was now. Once he sat beside her, all the cultivators present turned their attention towards them.


    She was not used to being the center of so much attention, her face burning hot, as red as a fiery cloud, her earlobes seeming to drip blood, she stammered, "Do you, Mr. Wuya, need something?"


    Dongfang Wuya saw how red Shen Qinghe''s face had become and secretly thought how much this little girl must like him to turn so shy upon his approach?


    Subtly, he moved a bit further away from her, cold and aloof, reminding her, "You have yet to call me uncle-master."


    This was his way of reminding her of his seniority¡ªthat she couldn''t covet his body, and he had no interest in hers.


    However, he couldn''t bear to see her bullied by others, as her life was saved by him. He had decided to help her this one time, to show Xiao Chen that without him, her future would only be better!


    "Uncle-master," Shen Qinghe called out weakly, hoping Dongfang Wuya would leave quickly.


    The place was filled with Mr. Wuya''s fanboys and fangirls, including Shen Zhiyao. Shen Zhiyao had been pinching her arm the whole time, growing more forceful as her excitement mounted. As soon as Shen Qinghe called out uncle-master, Shen Zhiyao''s pinch grew even stronger, which left her speechless.


    Dongfang Wuya nodded in satisfaction, "Mm, good child."


    Shen Qinghe: ...


    Seeing Shen Qinghe''s subdued reaction and her lack of initiative in building a rapport with him, Dongfang Wuya kindly reminded her, "You can come to me with any problems or difficulties you have."


    Shen Qinghe obediently replied, "Okay."


    In fact, she didn''t dare to ask Dongfang Wuya for help. He was also one of the male leads, and although this man had saved her life, she couldn''t be sure what the future would hold. It was better to keep her distance from Mr. Wuya.


    Furthermore, such a lofty figure, how could she dare to bother him with every little issue?

 Chapter 13: Boo hoo, Mr. Wuya dotes on you so much!

    Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Boo hoo, Mr. Wuya dotes on you so much!Dongfang Wuya stared straight at Shen Qinghe, thinking, how could someone be so slow-witted? He had practically handed her the ladder, yet she didn''t know to climb up?


    He waited a while longer, but seeing that Shen Qinghe showed no signs of asking for his help, he concluded that she was beyond teaching.


    He shook his head, sighing, but still produced a manual and threw it to Shen Qinghe, "In consideration of you calling me ''Uncle-Master,'', I''ll give this to you."


    Shen Qinghe caught the manual in a fluster, watching as Dongfang Wuya returned to the podium.


    Before Shen Qinghe had a chance to look through the manual''s content, it was snatched away by Shen Zhiyao.


    The manual''s yellowed, tattered cover bore the traces of time, yet the words "Heterodox Cultivation Manual" were still clearly visible. As Shen Zhiyao perused its contents, she felt as though the manual was tailored for Qinghe and couldn''t help but excitedly pinch Shen Qinghe''s arm, "Wuwu, Mr. Wuya really spoils you!"


    Shen Qinghe''s face was filled with black lines; she took back the manual, opened it, and then was dumbfounded.


    Looking back at the platform and Dongfang Wuya, she saw a beautiful female cultivator shyly asking him questions, but Dongfang Wuya ignored her, treating the female cultivator as if she were thin air.


    That proud and aloof manner was nothing like the warmth and gentleness he had shown towards her before.


    Afterward, Shen Qinghe was somewhat distracted, occasionally flipping through the manual, then couldn''t help but daydream while staring at Dongfang Wuya.


    Sensing her gaze, Dongfang Wuya made eye contact with her, and she forgot to look away.


    Many female cultivators present were fans of Dongfang Wuya, and everyone saw the "eye talk" exchange between Dongfang Wuya and Shen Qinghe, wishing they could be Shen Qinghe and receive extra glances from Dongfang Wuya.


    Shen Qinghe was also a bit out of it, unable to understand why Dongfang Wuya was so kind to her. The things he had given her, treasures that even top-grade Spirit Stones couldn''t buy, were easily given to her by Dongfang Wuya.


    As she was lost in thought, Dongfang Wuya''s voice suddenly rang in her ears, "Qinghe, remember that I am your elder."


    Shen Qinghe snapped out of her daze.


    Dongfang Wuya had no intention of wasting time there and stepped off the podium.


    With every step he took, it was as if he stepped on the hearts of the female cultivators present, making everyone''s hearts tremble.


    As he passed by Shen Qinghe, Dongfang Wuya paused, softly speaking, "Practice well."


    Shen Qinghe respectfully acknowledged and watched the elegant man walk away.


    As Dongfang Wuya walked away, the cultivators crowded around Shen Qinghe, eager to see the secret manual Dongfang Wuya had left for her.


    Shen Qinghe only said that it was a manual given to her by Dongfang Wuya, and without his permission, she dared not let others see it.


    The cultivators looked at Shen Qinghe with complex expressions, some jealous, some envious, but most of them contemptuous.


    Shen Zhiyao, with her excellent hearing, overheard a few female cultivators huddled together, saying that Shen Qinghe must have schemed her way into favor since she was rejected by Yan Changsheng and then hooked up with Dongfang Wuya.


    Among the gossipers was An Lu, the same female cultivator who had just gone up to ask Dongfang Wuya for advice.


    Shen Zhiyao went up to An Lu and bluntly said, "Jealous of our Qinghe, aren''t you? If you''re so capable, go seduce Mr. Wuya yourself. Oh right, when you just went to ask Mr. Wuya a question, he didn''t even glance at you, did he? Seduction is useless, isn''t it?"


    An Lu''s face alternated between green and red with anger as she retorted, "What''s so great about that, isn''t it just some tattered secret manual? Whether it''s Second Senior Brother or Big Senior Brother, they both like Shengsheng, and together with your sister, you''re nothing but Shengsheng''s defeated opponents!"


    Shen Qinghe suddenly remembered that there was indeed a character named An Lu in the novel, one of the female rivals. Initially, she got along well with Nan Sheng but later turned against each other due to Mr. Wuya.


    "But Mr. Wuya likes Qinghe, he was staring at Qinghe the whole time just now, and he even deliberately stuffed the secret manual into Qinghe''s hands. With Mr. Wuya on our side, who needs Big Senior Brother or Second Senior Brother?" Shen Zhiyao knew exactly how to twist the knife in An Lu''s wound.


    An Lu''s expression kept changing, and her gaze towards Shen Qinghe became exceptionally fierce.


    Shen Qinghe, however, felt very guilty. Mr. Wuya was one of the male leads, and he would end up liking Nan Sheng, so how could he possibly like her?


    To provoke An Lu, Shen Zhiyao lied without batting an eye.


    Fearing that Shen Zhiyao would spread more rumors, she hurriedly took Shen Zhiyao''s hand and left Juxiu Hall.


    Once they had walked a good distance away, she whispered to Shen Zhiyao, "Elder sister, please stop spreading rumors, Mr. Wuya doesn''t like me."


    "How can you say he doesn''t like you? If he didn''t, why would he keep staring at you? Ever since Mr. Wuya came to Juxiu Hall, his eyes have been glued to you. Knowing that Big Senior Brother was unwilling to teach you, Mr. Wuya even went out of his way to give you a cultivation manual. If Mr. Wuya doesn''t like you, why would he treat you so well?" Shen Zhiyao pinched her sister''s cheek, feeling its pleasant softness, "Our Qinghe is so good-looking, who wouldn''t like her upon seeing her?"


    Before Qinghe''s Foundation Establishment, she and Elder Shen already knew Qinghe was good-looking. After her Foundation Establishment, the unsightly grey birthmark on Qinghe''s face turned pink. Now located at the center of her nose bridge, it appeared so spirited that she, a woman, found it delightful.


    Shen Qinghe blushed at Shen Zhiyao''s praise.


    She composed herself before seriously explaining, "Mr. Wuya is kind to me, probably just because he saved my life. If it hadn''t been for Mr. Wuya, I would have died long ago. Mr. Wuya even specifically told me that he is my elder and asked me to call him Martial Uncle. If he truly liked me, he wouldn''t have allowed me to regard him as an elder."


    The smile on Shen Zhiyao''s face faded, "Are you serious?"


    "Of course, I''m serious. Otherwise, do you think I would dare to casually call Mr. Wuya Martial Uncle?" Shen Qinghe just wanted Shen Zhiyao to stop associating her with Dongfang Wuya in the future. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She knew that the male lead belonged to the female lead, and no matter how kind Dongfang Wuya was to her, she would never mistake it for him liking her.


    Immediately, Shen Zhiyao lost her enthusiasm. She had thought that Dongfang Wuya had developed romantic feelings for Qinghe, leading her to be happy for nothing.


    "Does elder sister still like Big Senior Brother?" Shen Qinghe observed Shen Zhiyao''s expression carefully.


    "Of course I like him, but Big Senior Brother is blind as a bat; he actually fancies that flirtatious Nan Sheng. Knowing that Nan Sheng and Second Senior Brother are a pair, he still interferes. Are all men like this, preferring the wildflowers over the ones at home?" Shen Zhiyao said helplessly.


    "Since Big Senior Brother likes Nan Sheng and has such poor taste, then elder sister shouldn''t like Big Senior Brother anymore. Wuji Sect is full of outstanding men, and elder sister is so exceptional, you''re not limited to Big Senior Brother," Shen Qinghe tried to persuade Shen Zhiyao to get over Xiao Chen.


    However, Shen Zhiyao shook her head without hesitation, "No way! Even if I can''t have Big Senior Brother, I won''t let that vile bitch Nan Sheng off easily! That stinking woman, after stealing Second Senior Brother, is actually seducing Big Senior Brother. I absolutely won''t back down without a fight."


    Shen Qinghe let out a wistful sigh, feeling quite powerless.


    As the novel''s malevolent female rival, Shen Zhiyao was definitely not as ruthless as Nan Sheng, nor a match for her, with no chance of outdoing Nan Sheng.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Wuu wuu, beloved readers, come and pamper Daqian too.

 Chapter 14: What a Monster

    Chapter 14: Chapter 14: What a Monster"Elder sister, don''t feel indignant on my behalf. Think about it from another perspective, if Second Senior Brother hadn''t broken off the engagement, I wouldn''t have had the chance to reach Foundation Establishment. Now that I can set foot on the path of cultivation, it''s my opportunity, perhaps even an opportunity given to me by Second Senior Brother. I feel that losing a man who doesn''t love oneself, but gaining the opportunity to cultivate, means that the heavens haven''t treated me unkindly."


    Shen Qinghe couldn''t tell Shen Zhiyao directly, if it weren''t for the severe shock she suffered that day, realizing she was an early-dying cannon fodder in the book, and her unwillingness to accept her fate, she wouldn''t have been able to hold out until Mr. Wuya came to save her.


    It was precisely because she wouldn''t accept her fate that she managed to escape from death and change her predestined early death.


    Her greatest wish now was to change the tragic ending that Shen Zhiyao had in the book.


    Shen Zhiyao looked at Shen Qinghe with burning eyes, "Qinghe, I think Yan Changsheng''s loss for missing out on you is his loss."


    Her little sister was so good; it was Yan Changsheng who didn''t deserve her!


    Afterward, Shen Qinghe made a delicious meal. After Shen Zhiyao had eaten her fill, she sprawled on Shen Qinghe''s bed, reluctant to leave, "The food you make is really delicious. No wonder you don''t want to practice fasting."


    Having lived as a mortal for twenty years, Shen Qinghe naturally was accustomed to eating.


    Finally, Shen Zhiyao fell asleep on the bed, while Shen Qinghe studied the Secret Manual that Dongfang Wuya had given her.


    The cultivation method in the Secret Manual was suitable for cultivators with Unusual Spiritual Roots, which meant that if Nan Sheng had this Secret Manual, it would greatly benefit her.


    Shen Qinghe didn''t know if she herself was a cultivator with an Unusual Spiritual Root; she only knew she lacked a Spirit Root. A Spirit Root could gather Spiritual Energy, while the place where she gathered Spiritual Energy was her birthmark. Did that make her an Unusual Spiritual Root?


    She sat down to Enter Meditation, deciding to try the cultivation method described in the Secret Manual.


    After completing the Thirty-six Heavenly Circuits, Shen Qinghe could clearly feel the abundant Spiritual Energy circulating throughout her body.


    Although she had already achieved Foundation Establishment before, she always felt some obstruction and couldn''t use it freely, but the cultivation method in this Secret Manual made her feel like a fish in water.


    When Shen Zhiyao awoke from her sleep, she found Shen Qinghe in meditation.


    Deciding not to leave, she silently protected Shen Qinghe.


    What she hadn''t expected was that Shen Qinghe would remain in meditation for half a month.


    She was bored to death and finally waited until Shen Qinghe opened her eyes.


    "Qinghe, why do I feel like you''ve changed again?" Shen Zhiyao leaned close to Shen Qinghe''s face for a closer look, noticing that her skin was clear as ice, so pale it was almost transparent, and the faint pink birthmark had turned to a powdered red and shrunk a bit, sitting right at the center of her nose, looking playful and lively.


    Shen Qinghe felt lighter in her body; there had been an instant she thought she was about to break through, but over half a month, she had depleted all the Spiritual Energy stored in her birthmark. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was a pity that, despite the abundant Spiritual Energy within the Sky Pole Sect, she couldn''t draw from it. She could only approach the main characters and draw enough Spiritual Energy from them.


    In other words, she needed to actively approach the main characters.


    Actually, Shen Zhiyao, this malicious female support character, also had the Spiritual Energy she needed. She could draw some. Before her Foundation Establishment, she felt the Spiritual Energy on Shen Zhiyao was enough for her.


    But after half a month of cultivation, she discovered she needed a lot of Spiritual Energy, and Shen Zhiyao''s alone was far from sufficient.


    "I''m talking to you, do you hear me?" Shen Zhiyao was dissatisfied with Shen Qinghe being distracted.


    Shen Qinghe blinked and took Shen Zhiyao''s arm, "Elder sister, shall we go see father?"


    Shen Zhiyao was about to nod when she realized something was amiss, "That''s Bixiao Tower, can we go in?"


    A Barrier was set up outside Bixiao Tower; apart from the sect leader, who else could break through Bixiao Tower''s Barrier?


    "Give it a try," Shen Qinghe''s true purpose was only to get close to Dongfang Wuya and draw the spiritual energy from his body.


    If she could see the unconscious Elder Shen, that would be even better, but she felt the chances were slim.


    This time, the sisters were in perfect agreement and headed towards Bixiao Tower.


    Shen Zhiyao was an ardent fan of Dongfang Wuya, but she was also somewhat intimidated by him. Once outside the barrier, she pushed Shen Qinghe out to call out to him.


    Shen Qinghe didn''t want to disturb Dongfang Wuya; she only wanted to know if she could draw spiritual energy from him outside the barrier.


    It turned out that outside the barrier, she could not draw any spiritual energy.


    She cleared her throat and called out, "Elder Uncle, my sister and I would like to visit our father. May we?"


    As soon as the Shen sisters arrived outside Bixiao Tower, Dongfang Wuya knew they had come, though he did not like being disturbed by outsiders.


    However, if it was the young girl he had personally saved, seeing her would be no harm.


    When the paper puppet appeared, Shen Zhiyao grabbed Shen Qinghe''s arm excitedly, "I had long heard that Mr. Wuya had crafted a masterful puppetry. In the entire Sky Pole Sect, only Mr. Wuya has such a skill. Seeing it today, his reputation is well deserved."


    Shen Qinghe remained expressionless, long accustomed to Shen Zhiyao''s blind adoration of Dongfang Wuya.


    The sisters smoothly entered Bixiao Tower. Although Dongfang Wuya did not show himself, for Shen Qinghe, it was already satisfying enough. She could visit the unconscious Elder Shen and draw the pure and abundant spiritual energy from Dongfang Wuya, even without seeing him.


    As long as Dongfang Wuya was near her, she could draw endless spiritual energy...


    "Elder Sister, I have something to discuss with Elder Uncle. I''ll be back shortly."


    Shen Zhiyao caught hold of her, asking anxiously, "You haven''t really fallen for Mr. Wuya, have you?"


    Although she hoped that Mr. Wuya and Qinghe could end up together, Mr. Wuya saw Qinghe as his junior, and Qinghe had just come out of a previous relationship, deeply hurt. Now, people were still talking about the incident of Yan Changsheng breaking off the marriage, and she did not want Qinghe to suffer from emotional wounds again.


    Shen Qinghe quickly denied it, "Not at all, I have something to discuss with Elder Uncle."


    Dongfang Wuya, overhearing the dialogue between the Shen sisters, suddenly had an epiphany.


    So, Shen Qinghe''s visit to see Elder Shen was a pretext, a ruse to get close to him because she wanted to see him.


    Shen Qinghe found Dongfang Wuya in the attic.


    The man in red was seated carelessly, his legs stretched out long, backed by a vast expanse of autumn sunlight. The leaves swayed in the wind, casting shadows that flickered and danced, making the man''s dark hair appear even inkier and his complexion as white as jade.


    His peach-blossom eyes held a faint alluring tilt, as if silently enticing someone.


    Shen Qinghe knew well that Dongfang Wuya was handsome, but even now, faced with such a beautiful person in an equally beautiful scene, she was dazzled and secretly exclaimed in her mind, ''What a seductive being.''


    Dongfang Wuya saw her momentary lapse into a daze and silently sighed to himself, as the girl was obviously still craving his body.


    His lips, tinted a deep red, parted slightly, "Don''t you know to greet your elder when you see him?"


    "Elder Uncle, are you feeling unwell?" Shen Qinghe voiced her concern.


    She had only just realized, if she could draw spiritual energy from Dongfang Wuya, would that possibly harm his cultivation base? Dongfang Wuya was her great benefactor, and she could not repay kindness with enmity.


    Dongfang Wuya thought she might as well have written her intentions across her face, and for a moment, found her pitiful, "I''m quite alright."

 Chapter 15: Do Not Dwell on Romantic Love

    Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Do Not Dwell on Romantic LoveShen Qinghe still wasn''t at ease, "Uncle-Master really doesn''t feel any discomfort?"


    She was very close to Dongfang Wuya, and increasingly felt the relentless spiritual energy rushing desperately into the birthmark between her eyebrows.


    "Does this girl wish something upon Your Excellency?" Dongfang Wuya lightly raised his eyebrows, his demeanor flirtatious.


    Shen Qinghe thought to herself, how could anyone''s every move be so full of seductive power, as if they were deliberately flirting with someone at all times. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Does Your Excellency think you are that good-looking?" Seeing Shen Qinghe stare dumbly at his face, Dongfang Wuya knew she was captivated by his beauty.


    Shen Qinghe came back to her senses belatedly, "Uncle-Master is indeed handsome. Um, it''s rare for me to come here, may I stay and keep Uncle-Master company a bit longer before I go?"


    Dongfang Wuya glanced at her lightly, seeing through her ulterior motives in getting close to him, probably hoping to take advantage of the moment to steal his virginity.


    The more he thought about it, the more he felt insecure, adopting a noble and cold demeanor: "Stay further away from me."


    Shen Qinghe stepped back as instructed, but Dongfang Wuya remained within her visible range.


    About an hour later, she couldn''t help but ask, "Uncle-Master really doesn''t feel any discomfort?"


    Dongfang Wuya looked at Shen Qinghe lazily and casually replied, "Your Excellency is feeling very well. It''s best you keep quiet."


    Shen Qinghe had no choice but to remain silent.


    Another half an hour passed, and Shen Qinghe asked the same question again, but this time Dongfang Wuya simply ignored her.


    After observing for a while longer and confirming that Dongfang Wuya was not affected by her, Shen Qinghe planned to leave.


    Dongfang Wuya watched the girl''s retreating figure and, recalling how she had just been rejected by Yan Changsheng in their engagement and was now infatuated with him, felt it necessary to speak plainly, "Shen Qinghe..."


    Shen Qinghe turned her head to look at Dongfang Wuya, "What are Uncle-Master''s orders?"


    "I am your elder, and you should respect me as such. You, with your mortal body, have fortunately received the opportunity to practice cultivation. You should seize the chance to focus on your practice, and not be distracted by romantic entanglements," Dongfang Wuya admonished with a serious demeanor, putting on the airs of an elder.


    He was wholeheartedly devoted to the path of cultivation, believing love to be the most useless thing, which he despised and detested.


    No matter how much she loved him, he could not reciprocate her feelings. She should focus on her cultivation instead.


    "Uncle-Master is right, Qinghe will bear it in mind," Shen Qinghe replied softly.


    Dongfang Wuya''s voice was devoid of warmth, "From now on, unless necessary, do not come to Bixiao Tower again."


    Shen Qinghe was taken aback and took a while to understand Dongfang Wuya was expressing his disdain for her disturbance of his peace.


    "Yes, Uncle-Master," Shen Qinghe said, flushing with embarrassment.


    Mr. Wuya was her savior, but she approached him out of greed for his spiritual energy, never considering whether it might disturb his tranquil practice.


    If she was to disturb anyone, it should have been the other protagonists, even if it meant getting closer to Nan Sheng, rather than approaching Dongfang Wuya.


    After leaving Bixiao Tower, Shen Zhiyao noticed Shen Qinghe''s unusual silence and couldn''t help but worry, "Did Mr. Wuya reprimand you?"


    She was even more concerned that the girl had fallen for Mr. Wuya. For women to flock to a man like him was the most normal of occurrences. Even she felt weak at the knees at the sight of Mr. Wuya''s face.


    "It''s just that I feel I shouldn''t bother Mr. Wuya so casually in the future." Shen Qinghe glanced back at Bixiao Tower.


    "That''s also true. It''s already an unexpected joy for us to have entered Bixiao Tower today," Shen Zhiyao embraced her sister, "Sis, in the future, we must practice cultivation seriously. Some people are beyond our reach. You understand?"


    Shen Qinghe couldn''t help but laugh and cry, knowing her sister had misunderstood, "It''s not what elder sister is thinking..."


    Shen Zhiyao gently patted Shen Qinghe''s shoulder, "Elder sister understands, matters of the heart are like drinking water, only the drinker can tell if it''s cold or warm. I can understand you, after all, Mr. Wuya is so outstanding, even I like him, but he''s not someone we sisters can yearn for. How about setting your sights on someone else? You''re still young..."


    Shen Qinghe was lectured all the way home, and it wasn''t until she returned to the Simple Residence Courtyard that her ears finally found peace.


    Because she had absorbed a lot of spiritual energy from Dongfang Wuya, for the following month, Shen Qinghe didn''t go to Juxian Hall and concentrated solely on cultivating in seclusion at the Simple Residence Courtyard.


    She felt that her cultivation was indeed effective, but as an individual without a Spirit Root, she had no precedents to refer to and didn''t know whether she had made any progress.


    When the spiritual energy in her birthmark was exhausted and she could no longer cultivate, two months had passed.


    Only then did she find out that Nan Sheng was making rapid progress, reaching the Middle Stage of Foundation Building in just three months and becoming the pride of the entire Sky Pole Sect.


    Additionally, Nan Sheng''s romantic exploits were certainly worth mentioning.


    It was said that recently Nan Sheng had been caught between Yan Changsheng and Xiao Chen, leading to a fight between the two brothers on one occasion.


    Shen Qinghe had started Foundation Establishment later than Nan Sheng, but her Cultivation Base was still marking time. When she heard that Nan Sheng had already stepped into the Middle Stage of Foundation Building, she felt no jealousy whatsoever.


    After all, Nan Sheng was the female protagonist, blessed by destiny, a rare genius girl that comes once in a thousand years. Progressing to the Middle Stage of Foundation Building in three months was totally in line with Nan Sheng''s character setting.


    As for Nan Sheng''s love affairs, that too was within Shen Qinghe''s expectations. This was just the beginning of Nan Sheng''s journey of romance, and for thousands, even tens of thousands of years to come, it would be Nan Sheng''s main stage for love.


    If possible, she would have liked to stay away from the male and female protagonists, but considering her current situation, she needed to stay close to them in order to absorb sufficient spiritual energy.


    She left the Simple Residence Courtyard and naturally headed towards places abundant with spiritual energy.


    When she arrived behind the Library Tower in the west, she saw a Female Cultivator about to pin Xiao Chen to the wall and forcefully kiss him, leaving Shen Qinghe at a loss for a moment.


    The Female Cultivator, intent on kissing Xiao Chen, hadn''t noticed Shen Qinghe. Xiao Chen initially wanted to dodge, but catching a glimpse of Shen Qinghe, he decided to stay still and leisurely watched her.


    Shen Qinghe, belatedly realizing that this was not a scene for her eyes, was about to leave when Nan Sheng suddenly also arrived and caught sight of the Female Cultivator''s kiss landing on the corner of Xiao Chen''s lips.


    Anger flared in Nan Sheng, and she immediately snatched Xiao Chen away from the Female Cultivator''s clutches.


    Nan Sheng protected Xiao Chen behind her, her voice carrying a melancholic tone, "Brother Xiao, why didn''t you dodge?"


    The Female Cultivator who had tried to forcefully kiss Xiao Chen was named Rong Yu, fair-skinned and beautiful. She wasn''t timid and delicate like Nan Sheng, but her beauty was distinctive nonetheless.


    She had always liked Xiao Chen. Having seen him in the Library Tower today, she suddenly grew bold, wanting to take her chances with Xiao Chen, hoping that he would agree to Dual Cultivation with her, which would be more than she could ask for.


    She never expected her plan to be thwarted by Nan Sheng.


    "Don''t you already have Yan Changsheng? Why are you still holding on to Big Senior Brother?" Rong Yu, a disciple under Shen Zhuo, stepped forward, attempting to take Xiao Chen back from Nan Sheng.


    Nan Sheng had long considered Xiao Chen her own possession. She sidestepped Rong Yu''s question and kept Xiao Chen protected behind her, "Brother Xiao doesn''t like you, you can''t lay a finger on him, stay away from him!"


    Xiao Chen, shielded by Nan Sheng, faced Shen Qinghe directly.


    He had thought Shen Qinghe would turn and leave, but the girl''s gaze flitted from left to right without showing any sign of departure.


    ---


    Qinghe Lighting Incense.jpg: Where there''s an Asura Field, there I am. Please, continue everyone.


    Xiao Chen: ...


    Nan Sheng: ...


    Rong Yu: ...

 Chapter 16: Did I Allow You to Leave?

    Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Did I Allow You to Leave?Xiao Chen hadn''t seen Shen Qinghe for three months, and after some time had passed, he found her beauty to have grown even more splendid.


    At the sight of her, his mind wandered in a daze.


    During these three months, he had grown increasingly closer to Nan Sheng and even felt he had fallen for her. He had nearly forgotten the existence of a person named Shen Qinghe.


    But now, faced with Shen Qinghe''s countenance, he was irritable and restless.


    Not wanting to confront Shen Qinghe, he turned and grasped Nan Sheng''s wrist, "Shengsheng, there''s no need to get angry over someone insignificant."


    Rong Yu hadn''t expected Xiao Chen to be so heartless. Just now, when she kissed Xiao Chen, he clearly didn''t dodge. How had she suddenly become someone insignificant to Xiao Chen?


    "Big Senior Brother also likes me, he didn''t reject my kiss just now..."


    Rong Yu hadn''t finished speaking when she saw Xiao Chen suddenly kiss Nan Sheng on the corner of her lips, effectively silencing Rong Yu.


    Shen Qinghe was too late to avert her gaze and caught the whole scene. What puzzled her was, although Xiao Chen was kissing Nan Sheng, his eyes fixated on her the entire time.


    Xiao Chen''s intense gaze made her scalp tingle.


    She quickly had a revelation.


    If Shen Zhiyao knew that Xiao Chen had kissed Rong Yu and then kissed Nan Sheng, would she give up on Xiao Chen for good?


    Recalling that Shen Zhiyao had given her several Shadow Capturing Talismans, she recorded the scene of Xiao Chen kissing Nan Sheng under the watch of Xiao Chen, Nan Sheng, and Rong Yu.


    Xiao Chen''s expression was indescribable; he never expected Shen Qinghe to react this way upon seeing him kiss Nan Sheng, and in a moment of extreme agitation, he laughed spitefully, "Qinghe, do you enjoy watching me kiss Shengsheng that much? Do you want to keep the footage to study at your leisure?"


    "Big Senior Brother and Miss Nan are both good-looking, the image is pleasing to the eye. If Big Senior Brother doesn''t mind, perhaps you could kiss Cultivator Rong Yu again?" Shen Qinghe returned a counterfeit smile to Xiao Chen.


    Xiao Chen''s complexion turned unsightly in an instant, and he let go of Nan Sheng, quickly approaching Shen Qinghe.


    Shen Qinghe felt a numbing sensation in the palm of her hand, and the Shadow Capturing Talisman was now in Xiao Chen''s hands, instantly turning to ashes.


    Nan Sheng, having been close to Xiao Chen for several months, understood his temperament to some extent. This man was genuinely good-natured, always the epitome of gentle, refined, and courteous¡ªa perfect gentleman. Moreover, with Xiao Chen''s flawless handsome face, he could easily ignite her strong possessiveness.


    However, precisely because Xiao Chen was so well-mannered and patient, almost to a point of seeming unreal, she was eager to see how he would lose control and go mad for her.


    This was the first time she saw Xiao Chen wear his emotions so openly, but it was all over Shen Qinghe.


    She disliked Shen Qinghe, solely because of what she had witnessed on the Mid-Autumn Festival night. In that encounter, she was utterly defeated by Shen Qinghe.


    She had even resolved that, no matter what, she would suppress Shen Qinghe''s momentum in the future to ensure that Shen Qinghe never got a chance to turn things around.


    Yet, following that night, Shen Qinghe seemed to have vanished, leaving her without even a reason to confront Shen Qinghe, until Shen Qinghe suddenly reappeared today.


    Seeing that the Shadow Capturing Talisman was gone, Shen Qinghe felt it was a pity, but given the current development of the plot, with Xiao Chen, Nan Sheng, Yan Changsheng, and the addition of Rong Yu, their relationship had evolved from a love triangle to a love square. She was confident she could spread the news of their entangled affairs in another manner.


    With that thought, she found relief, "Big Senior Brother and Miss Nan, please continue, I won''t disturb you anymore."


    Just as she was about to leave, Xiao Chen suddenly grabbed the collar of her dress and, with a grim tone, whispered in her ear, "Did I say you could leave?"


    Shen Qinghe''s brows furrowed slightly, not understanding the outburst from Xiao Chen.


    Nan Sheng, witnessing this scene, clenched her fists tighter, sensing that Xiao Chen was on the verge of losing control, unlike when he was composed around her.


    At that moment, she even had a strange delusion that Xiao Chen cared more for Shen Qinghe than for her.


    Yet during this time, Xiao Chen had clearly been very kind to her, and she even felt that he liked her to some extent; otherwise, he wouldn''t have opposed Changsheng and deliberately provoked Changsheng''s jealousy.


    "Big Senior Brother, where are you taking me?" Shen Qinghe was twisted in Xiao Chen''s grasp as they rode on the sword. She could only twist her neck to question Xiao Chen.


    Xiao Chen was close to Shen Qinghe and felt that the fresh grass scent on her was even more intense than before. So much time had passed, and he had clearly forgotten about her, then how could it be clinging to him like a burrowing parasite, causing a lump to roll in his throat?


    At this moment, Nan Sheng chased after them, riding her sword: "Brother Xiao, where are you taking Qinghe?!"


    Xiao Chen only sped up his sword, taking Shen Qinghe to his residence at the Spring Breeze Pavilion.


    When Nan Sheng caught up, she protected Shen Qinghe behind her, her voice tenderly coaxing, "Brother Xiao, why bother taking issue with Qinghe? She''s ignorant, just indulge her a little more."


    She did not want to see Xiao Chen and Shen Qinghe entangled in ambiguity, and she liked it even less when Xiao Chen paid too much attention to Shen Qinghe. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Being shielded by Nan Sheng, Shen Qinghe found this scene somewhat peculiar. Nan Sheng and she did not get along, so why would she help her? Something was amiss.


    She was quite happy to spend a bit more time around Xiao Chen and Nan Sheng, as this could allow her to gather more spiritual energy for her cultivation needs.


    However, Xiao Chen did not waste words, pushing Nan Sheng aside and dragging Shen Qinghe into the room.


    When Nan Sheng saw this and tried to follow, she discovered an invisible wall blocking her way.


    Her expression changed subtly, not expecting Xiao Chen to lock her outside the barrier for Shen Qinghe''s sake. Her cultivation base was far inferior to Xiao Chen''s, and naturally, she had no way to break Xiao Chen''s barrier.


    But didn''t Xiao Chen like her? Why leave her out here? What did he want to do to Shen Qinghe?


    Shen Qinghe felt inexplicable, too.


    She could sense Xiao Chen''s dislike of her, but she did not remember offending Xiao Chen, nor had she had any recent interactions with him.


    Xiao Chen was one of the male leads, and she as a minor character really did not want to offend him.


    "May I know why Big Senior Brother brought me here?"


    Xiao Chen himself was somewhat impulsive in bringing Shen Qinghe to the Spring Breeze Pavilion. Seeing this woman irritated him, but having brought her here, he was reluctant to let her leave just like that.


    "I want to meditate. You''ll be my protector," Xiao Chen found an excuse on the spot.


    Shen Qinghe furrowed her brows and asked, "Are you sure you want me to be your protector, Big Senior Brother?"


    How could she, someone who had only reached Foundation Establishment, act as a protector for a Nascent Soul stage cultivator like Xiao Chen?


    A cold look from Xiao Chen swept over her, and Shen Qinghe felt the threat. She complied amicably, "Alright, I''ll be the protector for Big Senior Brother."


    Afterward, Xiao Chen ignored Shen Qinghe and concentrated on his meditation.


    With the presence of a male lead beside her, the spiritual energy in Shen Qinghe''s birthmark quickly became abundant. She seized this rare opportunity to also begin cultivating.


    A night passed, and when Xiao Chen opened his eyes to see Shen Qinghe meditating not far away, his expression soured.


    To think he asked her to be his protector and she took it upon herself to cultivate. How could there be such a carefree woman?


    Unwittingly, he got out of bed and walked over to Shen Qinghe, staring intently at the girl''s blossom-like, delicate red lips...

 Chapter 17: There鈥檚 No Need to Belittle Yourself

    Chapter 17: Chapter 17: There''s No Need to Belittle YourselfShen Qinghe had already entered meditation, unaware that Xiao Chen was close at hand, watching her intently.


    Xiao Chen also didn''t know why he wanted to look at this face, probably because she was too beautiful.


    The girl''s skin was so white it was nearly transparent, her lips shaped like petals, as if stained with blood, lusciously attractive, making him want to take a bite...


    Realizing what he was thinking, he stepped back two paces, a self-loathing sentiment stirring aggression within him.


    Suddenly, he grabbed Shen Qinghe''s throat, thinking that if she were dead, she wouldn''t make him lose control again. He disliked this feeling.


    Xiao Chen''s grip grew tighter and tighter, causing Shen Qinghe''s breath to falter; she woke with a start from her meditation, meeting Xiao Chen''s eyes filled with a cold, murderous intent.


    Only then did she realize her throat was being viciously clutched by Xiao Chen. She started hitting the back of his hand, "Let, let go, I..."


    At this moment, she was certain that Xiao Chen harbored the intent to kill her.


    Xiao Chen, locking eyes with Shen Qinghe''s fear-filled beautiful eyes, quickly regained his senses and realized what he was doing. He hurriedly let go of his hold on Shen Qinghe.


    Shen Qinghe backed away uncertainly several steps, once again feeling that the content in the book was true. Whether it was Xiao Chen or Yan Changsheng, they were the crazed male protagonists in the book. Apart from Nan Sheng, whom they loved to the extreme, everyone else seemed like ants in their eyes, expendable at any moment.


    Seeing the fear in Shen Qinghe''s eyes, Xiao Chen''s heart tightened. He wanted to say he didn''t intend to take her life, but as he tried to approach her, she retreated like a frightened bird, stepping back several steps until she hit the barrier, with no way out.


    Xiao Chen stared at Shen Qinghe for a while, then said in a hoarse voice, "Go away, don''t bump into me again in the future."


    No sooner had he spoken than the barrier behind Shen Qinghe opened.


    Shen Qinghe ran out of the barrier in a panicked fashion, nearly colliding with Nan Sheng.


    Nan Sheng had been on guard outside all night. Seeing Shen Qinghe run out in such a fluster, she blocked Shen Qinghe''s path. Then she noticed the striking finger marks on Shen Qinghe''s neck, which were startling to behold.


    "What did you do to Brother Xiao?!" Nan Sheng demanded angrily.


    Shen Qinghe found it ridiculous.


    She had almost died at Xiao Chen''s hands, yet Nan Sheng was asking her what she did to Xiao Chen. With her early Foundation Establishment stage cultivation base, what could she possibly do to a Nascent Soul Cultivator?


    "Go ahead and say it. What did you do with Brother Xiao all night? Did you, did you..." Nan Sheng couldn''t bear to imagine such a scene.


    She was not ignorant of the matters between men and women. Sometimes, when she and Changsheng felt deeply for each other, they would naturally engage in intimate behaviors. Although Changsheng usually had a cold demeanor, he was passionate about her, and in his fervor, he would sometimes accidentally leave marks on her body. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The finger marks on Shen Qinghe''s neck were clearly made by a man''s hand.


    Xiao Chen was known as a gentleman and was usually so gentle. When had he ever lost control for a woman?


    From the moment she first saw Xiao Chen, she felt that he wasn''t as harmless as he appeared to be on the surface; she believed she and Xiao Chen were kindred spirits, mad to the core.


    She hoped that one day she could tear off Xiao Chen''s gentle facade and make him lose control for her.


    Unfortunately, Xiao Chen did lose it today, but it was for another woman.


    "You''re overthinking it. Big Senior Brother asked me to stay away from him in the future," said Shen Qinghe as she pushed Nan Sheng aside and tried to leave.


    But Nan Sheng, as if driven mad, clutched her wrist tightly, "Tell the truth, did you seduce Brother Xiao, did he, did he do something to you?"


    Shen Qinghe found it laughable.


    What kind of book had this author written? There wasn''t a single normal character, including Nan Sheng, the female protagonist, who was also mad.


    She wanted to leave, but Nan Sheng was clinging to her, not allowing her to go.


    Just as they were entangled, Yan Changsheng arrived.


    As soon as she saw Yan Changsheng, Nan Sheng immediately complained, "Brother Changsheng, you''ve arrived just in time. Qinghe, in order to get revenge on Brother Changsheng, actually seduced Brother Xiao. They were together all last night; who knows what they were up to..."


    Shen Qinghe looked at Nan Sheng incredulously, at a loss for words.


    Yan Changsheng looked at Shen Qinghe with suspicion, to which Shen Qinghe tried to clarify, "She''s overthinking it, I have nothing to do with Big Senior Brother¡ª"


    The next moment, Nan Sheng suddenly tore open the neckline of her clothing, letting Yan Changsheng see the finger marks on her neck, "This is the evidence..."


    Shen Qinghe swung Nan Sheng''s hand away with force and smiled with a hint of mockery, "What does my relationship with Big Senior Brother have to do with you? Is Big Senior Brother your man? If I recall correctly, you fancy Second Senior Brother, right? Indeed, Big Senior Brother even kissed you yesterday, and you didn''t shy away. This indicates that while you like Second Senior Brother, you also care about Big Senior Brother. Nan Sheng, you really have a liking for many men."


    This woman truly intends to collect both Xiao Chen and Yan Changsheng into her harem, wanting a touch of every outstanding man of the heavens.


    She turned to look at Yan Changsheng, only to find him staring intently at her neck.


    She hurriedly pulled her neckline together to cover the finger marks on her neck.


    Yan Changsheng averted his gaze, attempting to dismiss the scene he had just witnessed, but perhaps because her skin was too pale, the marks Xiao Chen left on her neck appeared even more startling.


    In his view, Shen Qinghe seemed guilty, as if trying to cover up something even more incriminating.


    Shen Qinghe was just thinking about leaving this damned place when suddenly Yan Changsheng seized her arm. His grip was so strong it felt like he could dislocate her arm at any moment.


    "I wonder if Second Senior Brother has any further instructions?" Shen Qinghe asked calmly.


    Yan Changsheng himself didn''t know why he had stopped Shen Qinghe. He stared at the covered part of her neck, his expression indifferent, "You don''t need to debase yourself by seducing Big Senior Brother."


    Shen Qinghe was not surprised at all that Yan Changsheng quickly found her guilty; after all, Nan Sheng''s words were more powerful than any imperial edict.


    She just felt that the world was too crazy, none of the protagonists were thinking straight.


    "Yes, Second Senior Brother is right. May I leave now?" Shen Qinghe replied indifferently.


    "I have wronged you. If you have any grievances, direct them at me; there is no need to drag Big Senior Brother into this..."


    Before Yan Changsheng could finish speaking, Shen Qinghe suddenly struck his chest with her palm.


    Yan Changsheng was caught off guard by Shen Qinghe''s attack. He was pushed back several steps by the blow, only then belatedly remembering that Shen Qinghe was no longer a powerless mortal girl, she was now a cultivator.


    Shen Qinghe had no intention of prolonging the fight; she quickly distanced herself from these lunatics and disappeared in an instant.


    She returned to the Simple Residence Courtyard, thinking that being away from the protagonists would keep her away from trouble. However, news about her spread throughout the Sky Pole Sect.


    Shen Zhiyao rambled on and on, finally getting to the point, "They''re saying that you knew Big Senior Brother also fancied Nan Sheng, and in order to get back at Second Senior Brother, you seduced Big Senior Brother last night and spent the night at the Spring Breeze Pavilion. People also say that when Big Senior Brother got up in the morning and saw that you had taken advantage of him, he became furiously embarrassed and tried to kill you..."


    ¡ª


    Qinghe: A bunch of lunatics!


    Mr. Wuya timidly raises his hand: I''m the normal one...


    Qinghe: Scram!

 Chapter 18: Let鈥檚 Get Married

    Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Let''s Get MarriedShen Qinghe cut off Shen Zhiyao mid-rant, "Elder sister believes these rumors?"


    "You''re not stupid, how could you seduce Big Senior Brother? But with your beauty, I actually hope it''s like the rumors say, that you made a move on Big Senior Brother. That''s better than letting Big Senior Brother fall into the hands of that cheap woman Nan Sheng." Shen Zhiyao sized up Shen Qinghe from top to bottom, loving her looks more and more, and couldn''t help but reach out to pinch her sister''s tender face, "Oh, how can my sister be this pretty?"


    Shen Qinghe moved away Shen Zhiyao''s inappropriate hand and sternly said to her, "Elder sister, this kind of thinking is not good. Whether it''s Big Senior Brother or Second Senior Brother, they are people we sisters should not provoke."


    "Rumors also say there are intimate marks on your neck, let me have a look." Shen Zhiyao said, actually reaching out to pull open Shen Qinghe''s collar to see for herself.


    When she saw the faint fingerprints on the neck, her eyes widened, "There really are! Did you take Big Senior Brother''s virginity?!"


    Shen Qinghe pulled her clothes back in place and explained, "That''s not what happened. Big Senior Brother suddenly attacked, took me into the Spring Breeze Pavilion, then suddenly became angry, and suddenly wanted to kill me..."


    When Shen Zhiyao heard this, anger rose from within her, "How dare he? I''m going to confront Xiao Chen!"


    Shen Qinghe quickly hugged Shen Zhiyao to explain, "I misspoke in the heat of the moment; Big Senior Brother didn''t really want to kill me! It was me deliberately provoking Big Senior Brother with Nan Sheng, that''s why he suddenly got angry. Elder sister should know that Big Senior Brother likes Nan Sheng. I said his beloved was no good, so he lashed out in extreme anger and might have been a bit too rough."


    Now she suspected that the reason Shen Zhiyao became hostile towards Xiao Chen and Yan Changsheng later in the book was not because of her love for Xiao Chen, but because she died suddenly and, seeking revenge for her, Shen Zhiyao had to get rid of Nan Sheng.


    Shen Zhiyao examined Shen Qinghe suspiciously, "You don''t really like Big Senior Brother, do you? But Big Senior Brother likes Nan Sheng, and it would be better for you to like Mr. Wuya than Big Senior Brother. You can''t just get out of the pit with Second Senior Brother to fall into Big Senior Brother''s pit!"


    A plan suddenly formed in Shen Qinghe''s mind, "Didn''t elder sister say Big Senior Brother is very good? Elder sister knows full well that Big Senior Brother likes Nan Sheng, yet you continue to like Big Senior Brother, don''t you?"


    Shen Zhiyao was at a loss for words, and after a while, she angrily made up her mind, "Then I won''t like Big Senior Brother anymore, and you''re not allowed to like him either!!"


    Shen Qinghe felt a secret delight, barely managing to keep her lips from lifting, "Are you just teasing me, elder sister?"


    "Why would I deceive you? I promise, from now on, I won''t pursue Big Senior Brother any longer, and you''d better stay away from him too!" Shen Zhiyao hooked her arm around Shen Qinghe''s shoulder, earnestly advising her, "Sister, there are plenty of fine men in this world. The first order of business is for you to cultivate diligently. Men are like fleeting clouds, if one goes, the next will be better."


    Shen Qinghe nodded vigorously, deliberately mentioning the scene she had witnessed yesterday, "That''s true. Yesterday, I saw Big Senior Brother kiss Rong Yu and then kiss Nan Sheng. At that time, I even wondered when our Sky Pole Sect had become so liberal."


    Shen Zhiyao couldn''t imagine Xiao Chen kissing two women at the same time and shuddered at the thought.


    In her memory, Xiao Chen did not seem like such a promiscuous person. He was surely a gentleman, modest and polite; how could he have become so unfaithful?


    "Did Big Senior Brother really kiss two women at the same time?" Shen Zhiyao still couldn''t believe it. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She had always thought that Big Senior Brother was not interested in the company of women.


    "If I''m lying, may I be struck by lightning!" Shen Qinghe swore an oath, afraid Shen Zhiyao wouldn''t believe her.


    Shen Zhiyao pinched Shen Qinghe''s face with a chuckle, "Silly girl, of course, I believe what you said."


    Meanwhile, Yan Changsheng led Nan Sheng to Shaonian Tower, where he lived.


    Seeing Yan Changsheng silent the whole way, Nan Sheng tugged at his sleeve, "Brother Changsheng, don''t ignore me."


    "Shengsheng, are you sure it''s me you like?" Yan Changsheng brushed off Nan Sheng''s hand, his eyes dimming.


    Since the quarrel with her on last year''s Mid-Autumn Festival, Nan Sheng had always used Xiao Chen to provoke his jealousy and anger. At first, he indulged her, thinking she was just angry with him.


    But today, Qinghe had said Xiao Chen kissed Nan Sheng and she did not avoid it, even though he wasn''t there, so there was no need for her to provoke his jealousy.


    This only indicated that Nan Sheng had fallen for Xiao Chen.


    Nan Sheng''s face turned pale, and tears promptly gathered in her doe-like eyes, "How could you doubt my feelings for you? You know I fell in love with you at first sight and how much I like you. How could you..."


    As she spoke, her voice choked up and she couldn''t continue.


    Yan Changsheng couldn''t bear to see her cry and felt heartache.


    He was about to comfort her, but then he remembered what Qinghe had said. He clenched his fists to stop himself from getting closer to her.


    "If you like me, why are you involved in an ambiguous relationship with Big Senior Brother? He kissed you, why didn''t you dodge?" Yan Changsheng''s eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse.


    "I, I..." Nan Sheng was at a loss for words and forgot to cry.


    The tear drops clinging to her long eyelashes and her pitiable and innocent appearance were what Yan Changsheng adored the most, yet in this moment, his heart turned cold.


    "You''ve fallen for him, haven''t you?!" Yan Changsheng demanded.


    Nan Sheng looked bewildered. She remembered Xiao Chen''s refined and elegant face, his tender gaze when he looked at her, especially when she saw the marks of a man''s fingers on Shen Qinghe''s neck, she was consumed by jealousy...


    "No, no, I haven''t..." Nan Sheng''s face flushed red.


    But a voice within her heart was saying that she indeed liked Xiao Chen, yet she also liked Brother Changsheng.


    Seeing her like this, what more did Yan Changsheng need to understand?


    She truly had developed feelings for Xiao Chen. In less than a year''s time, her heart had made room for another man.


    With jealousy burning within him, he tossed Nan Sheng onto the bed, tore her clothes, and kissed her wildly, "You''re mine, only mine..."


    Because of her guilt, Nan Sheng not only did not push him away but even tried her best to reciprocate.


    The two were like dry kindling meeting a fierce flame, igniting at once.


    In the past, they had a deep connection and intimate moments, but they were never like today, unable to stop themselves. This time, driven by jealousy, Yan Changsheng wanted to possess Nan Sheng completely.


    And Nan Sheng, feeling guilty, was even more proactive than usual.


    Neither of them wanted to stop until the other became an inseparable part of themselves.


    By the time they finished, it was already the next morning.


    Yan Changsheng, satisfied, held Nan Sheng close and kissed her gently, whispering, "Shengsheng, let''s pick a date to get married, shall we?"


    Nan Sheng was startled, and then she suddenly thought of Xiao Chen. If she got married, did that mean she would never have a chance with Xiao Chen?


    Here she was, lying in Brother Changsheng''s arms, but thinking of Brother Xiao. What was wrong with her?


    It took a while before Nan Sheng found her voice, "Elder Shen has not yet recovered, and it has been only a short while since you broke off the engagement with Qinghe. If we get married now, it might hurt Qinghe, and I would feel uneasy."

 Chapter 19: Turning the Tables on the Enemy

    Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Turning the Tables on the EnemyYan Changsheng only felt that Nan Sheng was kind and adorable, and he couldn''t help but press her down again and kiss her. As he kissed, he said, "What I love most about you is your understanding nature. You''re mine now, and you mustn''t have eyes for any other man. If you do, I will kill that person, understand?"


    Nan Sheng felt extremely guilty and eagerly returned Yan Changsheng''s kisses, easily arousing the man''s passion and setting off a new wave of fervor...


    As they had become more intimate, the relationship between Yan Changsheng and Nan Sheng had progressed by leaps and bounds, the two were sweet as honey, and everywhere they went, they seemed joined at the hip.


    Yet Nan Sheng still minded the presence of Shen Qinghe and couldn''t let go of Xiao Chen.


    Shen Qinghe, who had not visited Juxiu Hall for a long time, suddenly appeared one day, and everyone''s gaze fell upon her.


    Since Shen Qinghe''s Foundation Establishment, besides the first day she had come to Juxiu Hall, she never showed her face again and did not seem to be cultivating properly.


    Unlike Nan Sheng, who was clearly a cultivation prodigy, yet was still so diligent and hardworking, advancing from the Early Foundation Establishment Stage to the middle stage in just a few months.


    At this rate, in another year, Nan Sheng was very likely to break through to the Late Foundation Completion Stage and become a Core Formation Cultivator.


    Nan Sheng not only had a talent for cultivation but had also become increasingly beautiful. When she first entered the Sky Pole Sect, she was pure and naive, fragile and touching, but now she had acquired a lustful and charming flavor, and with her voluptuous figure, she was the epitome of a pure desire beauty.


    Every male cultivator who saw Nan Sheng couldn''t take their eyes off her, wishing they could glue their eyes to her.


    The sudden appearance of Shen Qinghe undoubtedly caused the male cultivators who sought Nan Sheng in vain to brighten up.


    Today, Shen Qinghe wore a moon crescent white cross-collar wide-sleeved dress, her slender waist pinched by a green palace sash to a barely graspable circumference. Her lips were like flower petals, her eyebrows like green indigo, her skin whiter than snow. The previously ugly birthmark had become much smaller and obediently nestled between her brows, like two budding sprouts that added a touch of playfulness to her appearance.


    The girl who used to be unnoticeable wherever she went now shone like the clean, translucent moon, captivating and making it difficult for people to look away.


    Even Yan Changsheng and Xiao Chen, who were accustomed to seeing beauties like Nan Sheng, were stunned for a moment when they saw Shen Qinghe.


    Shen Qinghe herself did not know the stir her appearance had caused.


    She had run out of stored spiritual energy and came to Juxiu Hall because she had no other choice. As she cultivated, she found herself using more and more spiritual energy. Her reserves were depleted quickly, and she could only absorb the energy from the protagonists of the story.


    Today there was a class in Juxiu Hall, and the protagonists were all present¡ªwasn''t it the perfect opportunity for her to draw spiritual energy?


    As soon as she stepped into Juxiu Hall, she was drawn to the abundant spiritual energy emanating from the protagonists, and her spirits instantly lifted.


    Shen Zhiyao saw Shen Qinghe and immediately greeted her excitedly, "Qinghe, how have you become even more beautiful?"


    Shen Qinghe smiled lightly, "When have I not been beautiful in elder sister''s eyes?"


    Shen Zhiyao thought it made sense, "Indeed."


    She pulled Shen Qinghe toward the seat next to Xiao Chen. Shen Qinghe saw this and her brow furrowed slightly, "Didn''t elder sister say that you would no longer fancy Big Senior Brother in the future?"


    Why did you still proactively move closer to Xiao Chen?


    "Y-Yes..." Shen Zhiyao was a bit guilty and didn''t dare to look at Shen Qinghe.


    But whenever she saw Xiao Chen''s face, she couldn''t move her legs, wanting to get closer to him. She couldn''t control her feet, what could she do?


    Shen Qinghe sighed quietly in her heart and silently followed Shen Zhiyao to Xiao Chen''s side.


    As she was about to sit down, Xiao Chen looked at her with an extremely cold gaze.


    She immediately stood up straight as if burned, looking at Xiao Chen with a face full of fear and said, "Big Senior Brother, don''t kill me, I won''t dare to disturb you and Miss Nan being intimate anymore! Last time, I just accidentally saw it, I didn''t mean to intrude on you and Miss Nan cultivating your relationship, I really know I was wrong..." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All the cultivators present were dumbfounded, looking back and forth between Xiao Chen, Nan Sheng, and Shen Qinghe.


    This was because, in the past few days, there had been countless rumors flying around about Shen Qinghe, discussing how she spent a night in Xiao Chen''s Spring Breeze Pavilion. The rumors suggested that Shen Qinghe seduced Xiao Chen on purpose to get back at Yan Changsheng, and some even claimed to have seen ambiguous marks on Shen Qinghe''s neck when she left the Spring Breeze Pavilion.


    After the rumors spread, Xiao Chen did not respond at all, and Shen Qinghe remained silent too. Later, it was rumored that the reason Yan Changsheng called off his engagement with Shen Qinghe was because she did not maintain her virtue, falling in love with every man she saw, even while she was still engaged to Yan Changsheng, she was seducing Xiao Chen.


    Nan Sheng appeared when Yan Changsheng was heartbroken and got together with him then.


    In any case, in the rumors, Shen Qinghe was portrayed as a woman without virtue, whereas Nan Sheng went from the third person to the one who rescued Yan Changsheng like a Flower petal.


    But the information revealed by Shen Qinghe''s recent speech was exactly the opposite.


    The rumors were originally spread by Nan Sheng herself. Recently, Shen Qinghe had been like an invisible person, and she thought everything was settled. Who would have expected that Shen Qinghe would turn the tables on her in front of so many cultivators?


    Her complexion turned ugly, and in a moment of loss of composure, she questioned, "Shen Qinghe, what nonsense are you talking about?!"


    Shen Qinghe saw the fierce yet vulnerable look on Nan Sheng''s face, her lips trembling slightly, and tears quickly gathering in her eyes, "Second Senior Brother is already with Miss Nan, I wouldn''t foolishly oppose Miss Nan. Last time, it was also accidentally that I saw Big Senior Brother kissing you. I didn''t tell anyone else about it, but Big Senior Brother wants to kill me because of it. I know, Big Senior Brother wants to silence me to protect you..."


    She timidly glanced at Xiao Chen and met his icy stare.


    She "frightenedly" contracted her neck, immediately distancing herself further from Xiao Chen, as though she regarded him as a flood beast.


    Shen Zhiyao was crazily protective of her sister. Hearing this, she looked at Xiao Chen and asked coldly, "Big Senior Brother, did you really want to kill Qinghe last time?"


    Xiao Chen pursed his thin lips, looking at Shen Qinghe who was avoiding him as if he were a venomous snake, and clenched his fists tightly.


    In that moment at the Spring Breeze Pavilion, he indeed had a fleeting thought of killing Shen Qinghe. He had been restraining himself for years and for the first time in his life, he experienced strong personal desires because of a woman, and that out-of-control feeling scared him.


    At the time, he thought that if Shen Qinghe died, it might be for the best, so he impulsively made a move against her. He couldn''t deny this incident.


    "It seems to be true. After the rumors spread, everyone splashed the dirty water on Qinghe, yet Big Senior Brother never came out to clarify. If Big Senior Brother hadn''t frightened Qinghe today, she wouldn''t have accidentally revealed this. Last time Qinghe even lied to me to protect you, saying you never harbored any thoughts of killing her." Shen Zhiyao looked at Xiao Chen as if he were a stranger, feeling disappointed in him for the first time, "Even if Qinghe has many faults, she is still my sister, my father''s own daughter. Even if you like Nan Sheng, you should openly compete with Second Senior Brother; why did you have to attempt to harm Qinghe with such ruthlessness?!"

 Chapter 20: Steal Her Secret Manual

    Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Steal Her Secret ManualAll cultivators looked in unison at Shen Qinghe, who was silently shedding tears, even in her sorrow she was without sound.


    They finally remembered Shen Qinghe''s recent misfortunes. She had first been repudiated from a marriage engagement, her own father then wounded by her former fiance, and afterwards, she became haunted by rumors.


    Clearly she was the victim, yet rumors turned her into the villain.


    At this moment, as pitiful as Shen Qinghe looked, Nan Sheng, standing between Xiao Chen and Yan Changsheng, was all the more detestable.


    It was Nan Sheng who took someone else''s fiance, it was Nan Sheng who had an ambiguous relationship with Xiao Chen, yet after Nan Sheng became the third party and stole Shen Qinghe''s fiance, she turned into the so-called "Flower petal".


    People couldn''t help but suspect that this round of rumors was perhaps orchestrated by Nan Sheng behind the scenes.


    Nan Sheng hadn''t expected that not long ago everyone looked at her with eyes filled with admiration and envy, but after Shen Qinghe appeared, people began to sympathize with Shen Qinghe, and she had become the target of public criticism.


    It could only be said that Shen Qinghe was several times more formidable than she had imagined, a fact she should not have overlooked.


    Today, Shen Qinghe turned the tables on her in a way she had not anticipated, she mustn''t let Shen Qinghe have the opportunity to turn the tables again if the chance arose.


    She wanted to squeeze out a few tears and act out a painful scheme, but seeing Shen Qinghe silently wiping her tears, she realized her act had already been preempted, and she was so angry she gritted her teeth.


    What was most hateful was that Xiao Chen and Yan Changsheng were both looking at Shen Qinghe, obviously falling for Shen Qinghe''s ploy.


    In a fit of rage, she pinched Yan Changsheng''s arm fiercely, bringing him back to his senses.


    His brows slightly furrowed as he remembered everything that had happened after he returned to the sect; he indeed owed Shen Qinghe. In recent days, his affection with Nan Sheng had progressed rapidly, yet he had never spared a thought for Shen Qinghe.


    When he saw Shen Qinghe leaving the Spring Breeze Pavilion the last time, due to a few words from Nan Sheng, he was preconceived in his belief that it was Shen Qinghe trying to seduce Xiao Chen, never considering that Shen Qinghe had nearly died at Xiao Chen''s hands.


    Because of Shen Qinghe''s words, Shen Zhiyao found Xiao Chen to be an eyesore, and she subconsciously chose a seat for Shen Qinghe as far from Xiao Chen as possible.


    By now Shen Qinghe had already dried her tears, her eyes blankly staring at Tongxuan Zhenjun lecturing on the stage, thinking to herself that indeed this act of self-inflicted pain was quite effective.


    No wonder in the books, the fragile and tender heroines could always use tears to make the heroes live and die for them; today she had merely shed a few tears, effortlessly pushing Nan Sheng to the brink of controversy, and even pulling Shen Zhiyao away from Xiao Chen''s side, killing two birds with one stone.


    Most importantly, she could also draw on the spiritual energy from those heroes here; life couldn''t be better.


    After Tongxuan Zhenjun''s lecture, as Shen Qinghe was about to leave the Juxiu Hall, Yan Changsheng suddenly blocked her path, "Qinghe, if you encounter any problems in your cultivation, you can come to me."


    Shen Qinghe glanced at Nan Sheng beside him, then distantly and politely replied, "Second Senior Brother is kind."


    Yan Changsheng wanted to say something, but in the end, he was unable to speak.


    In the past, Qinghe was his fianc¨¦e, who liked to cling to him; he was indifferent by nature, and it was always she who sought him out.


    Ever since he brought Nan Sheng back to the Sky Pole Sect, their marriage arrangements had changed, the Master fell into a coma, and Qinghe never again took the initiative to find him.


    He didn''t know what he felt in his heart, but he always thought Qinghe shouldn''t be so estranged from him. Even if they couldn''t be husband and wife, they shouldn''t become strangers.


    If he hadn''t met Nan Sheng, he probably wouldn''t have broken off the engagement and would have married Qinghe, living an uneventful life.


    But he had met the woman he loved, and he couldn''t control his own heart.


    He didn''t think there was anything wrong with pursuing love, but seeing Qinghe avoid him as if he were a snake or scorpion, he still felt guilty.


    Standing beside Yan Changsheng, Nan Sheng saw Shen Qinghe walking away. Yan Changsheng was still staring unblinkingly in the direction Shen Qinghe had left, feeling a slight heaviness in his heart.


    She was certain that Yan Changsheng''s heart contained only her, but Shen Qinghe still gave her a sense of crisis. Each time she thought Shen Qinghe had no chance of turning things around, Shen Qinghe would prove her wrong.


    The last time she had achieved Foundation Establishment, Shen Qinghe, this Spirit Root-less mortal, also unexpectedly achieved Foundation Establishment, and she felt threatened.


    A few days ago, she had deliberately spread rumors about Shen Qinghe being promiscuous. Today, with just one sentence, Shen Qinghe had turned the tables, pushing her instead into the storm''s peak.


    Without removing this woman Shen Qinghe, she would never have peace. She had to find a way to permanently halt Shen Qinghe''s Cultivation Base from advancing. The most devastating method would be to take away Shen Qinghe''s "Heterodox Cultivation Manual".


    Five days later, when Yan Changsheng went to look for Nan Sheng, he found her lying in a pool of blood, her face pale as if she had breathed her last.


    He was terribly frightened and hurriedly picked up Nan Sheng, rushing to the Medicine Tower at the fastest speed. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The most competent Medicine Master Huang wasn''t there, so he had no choice but to settle for Medicine Master Li to diagnose Nan Sheng.


    Medicine Master Li was also one of Nan Sheng''s admirers and hastily attended to Nan Sheng.


    After the diagnosis, he shook his head and sighed, "The situation is not good. Shengsheng''s method of cultivation is improper¡ªthere are signs that she might go mad and become obsessed."


    Yan Changsheng''s face turned grim, "How is that possible?"


    How could Nan Sheng, a disciple of the Sword Master Tian Yan, employ improper cultivation methods?


    "Shengsheng possesses a Sword Spiritual Root, a once in a millennium Unusual Spiritual Root. The uniqueness of the Sword Spiritual Root means that if the method of cultivation is incorrect, it is easy to stray from the path. Fortunately, Shengsheng has only recently achieved Foundation Establishment. As long as we find the correct method of cultivation, she can return to the Righteous Path," said Medicine Master Li with a serious expression.


    Yan Changsheng looked at Nan Sheng who was unconscious, her face pale as snow, and his heart clenched with agony.


    "If even Master Tian Yan''s method of cultivation is not suitable for Shengsheng, what method of cultivation would be?" Yan Changsheng muttered to himself.


    Upon hearing this, Medicine Master Li''s eyes flickered slightly. He glanced at the unconscious Nan Sheng and gently persuaded, "I''ve heard that Junior Sister Qinghe has a special cultivation manual. Perhaps we could ask Junior Sister Qinghe to part with that manual. As long as we find the correct method of cultivation, Shengsheng can return to the Righteous Path. Shengsheng advanced from the early to the middle phase of her Foundation Establishment in just a few months. Such talent should not be buried, and as Junior Sister Qinghe originally lacks a Spirit Root and is of average talent, why should she keep that ''Heterodox Cultivation Manual'' for herself?"


    Yan Changsheng recalled that there was indeed such an incident.


    The last time Dongfang Wuya gave a lecture at the Juxiu Hall, he and Nan Sheng had left early. Later, he heard that Dongfang Wuya gifted Qinghe a "Heterodox Cultivation Manual".


    Although Qinghe''s cultivation did not Advance after her Foundation Establishment, judging by the changes in her appearance, the cultivation was still effective.


    Moreover, since the manual was a gift from Dongfang Wuya, it must be valuable.


    If Qinghe gained no benefit from such a good manual, why couldn''t it be given to Shengsheng?


    At that moment, Nan Sheng slowly regained consciousness and as soon as she saw Yan Changsheng, she began to sob, "Brother Changsheng, my Cultivation Base seems to have regressed. What should I do?"


    Seeing her in tears, Yan Changsheng felt a twinge of heartache.


    He embraced her tenderly, "It''s just a mishap due to improper cultivation methods. I will figure something out; don''t worry."


    He decided then¡ªhe would go ask Qinghe for the "Heterodox Cultivation Manual".

 Chapter 21: I鈥檓 the One Who Let You Down

    Chapter 21: Chapter 21: I''m the One Who Let You DownNan Sheng''s deer-like eyes flashed with a sharp edge as she hid in Yan Changsheng''s embrace, her voice choked with sobbed weakness, "If, if I never find the right method of cultivation, then what? My whole body is in pain, whatever shall I do?"


    Yan Changsheng gently patted her back and planted a kiss on the top of her head, "Don''t indulge in wild imagination, I will figure something out."


    "I know Brother Changsheng is just comforting me, even the cultivation method taught by Master didn''t work, I, I..." She couldn''t finish her sentence and started to cry again.


    Yan Changsheng saw her crying into a tearful mess and felt an unspeakable sense of heartache, spoke gently, "Qinghe has a cultivation manual that might suit you, I will go ask her for help."


    Nan Sheng''s crying abruptly stopped, and her eyes lit up, "Really?!"


    Yan Changsheng, relieved to see her finally stop crying, breathed out, "Of course it''s true, how could I possibly lie to you?"


    Nan Sheng revealed a radiant smile but then her face fell again, "Qinghe doesn''t like me, we are like water and fire, how could she possibly help me?"


    "She is always reasonable and sensible, she will surely help you. I will go talk to her, she will definitely agree, you just rest and heal, I will go to her now." Saying this, Yan Changsheng told Medicine Master Li to take good care of Nan Sheng.


    Nan Sheng reminded him with concern, "Brother Changsheng, you must speak kindly, if Qinghe isn''t willing to help, then nevermind, I don''t want to see her upset."


    Yan Changsheng''s heart softened, "You, you always think of others first."


    Nan Sheng met his gaze, their eyes entwined in sweet entanglement.


    From the side, Medicine Master Li watched with intense jealousy, cursing himself for not being Yan Changsheng, who had the ability to make Nan Sheng so utterly devoted.


    After leaving the Medicine Tower, Yan Changsheng headed for Simple Residence Courtyard.


    Shen Qinghe was meditating in cultivation practice when Yan Changsheng''s sudden arrival raised her suspicions.


    She asked coldly and distantly, "What brings Second Senior Brother to this place?"


    Given her relationship with Yan Changsheng, she would certainly not come to Sanbao Hall without good reason.


    "Qinghe, there''s no need for such strangeness between us. No matter what, you are still my Junior Sister, and though we couldn''t become husband and wife, we can still be friends," Yan Changsheng said amiably.


    Shen Qinghe thought to herself, who would be eager to be Yan Changsheng''s friend?


    "If Second Senior Brother has no other business, please feel free to leave," Shen Qinghe remained aloof.


    Yan Changsheng, remembering the purpose of his visit, suddenly felt that this matter would be difficult to handle. Just as Shengsheng had said, Qinghe and Shengsheng had a longstanding grudge, and with Shengsheng now showing signs of obsession after improper cultivation, it was uncertain whether Qinghe would lend a hand.


    "I''ve come to ask for your help," Yan Changsheng said, closely observing Shen Qinghe''s expression.


    Shen Qinghe remained silent. She was well aware that she should have been an early casualty in the story, and it was a stroke of luck that she had managed to cling to life. Yan Changsheng, as the male lead in the tale, had a powerful halo.


    How could such a person possibly need her help?


    She kept silent, quietly waiting for Yan Changsheng to continue.


    Seeing that Shen Qinghe didn''t respond, Yan Changsheng continued, "Shengsheng is of the Unusual Spiritual Root, specifically the Sword Spiritual Root, and there are signs that she may become obsessed due to improper cultivation methods. It''s said that you have a Secret Manual suitable for the cultivation of Unusual Spiritual Roots. I''ve come to ask if you could help with this."


    Shen Qinghe quietly watched Yan Changsheng, secretly thinking that this was the Yan Changsheng who was trapped by love. For the sake of the woman he deeply loved, he had come to her, his former fianc¨¦e whom he had abandoned, to ask for help.


    If she did not help, would he intend to steal her secret manual?


    Yan Changsheng''s gaze met Shen Qinghe''s calm, dark beautiful eyes. She said nothing, and yet, it felt like she had said everything.


    He sheepishly averted his gaze and said hoarsely, "It''s just borrowing your manual for a bit. Why must you be so stingy?"


    "The manual was a gift from Uncle Dongfang, and I cannot lend it out lightly. If you are sincere in borrowing it, why not go and ask Uncle Dongfang''s opinion first?" Shen Qinghe continued indifferently, "Since this is for Nan Sheng, surely taking an extra trip for her should be no difficult matter for you."


    Yan Changsheng could not find fault in Shen Qinghe''s words, but he felt that it was just a secret manual after all, and since the manual was already in Shen Qinghe''s hands, she should be able to make such a decision herself.


    Shen Qinghe''s deliberate difficulties were clearly because she was unwilling to lend it out.


    "Why must you make this difficult for me? The person who wronged you is me, now Nan Sheng is in trouble, even if as strangers..."


    "I have no acquaintanceship with Nan Sheng, and no obligation to help her. Moreover, it is a cultivator''s cultivation manual, when has Second Senior Brother ever seen a cultivator casually entrust their manual to another person?" Shen Qinghe impatiently finished arguing with Yan Changsheng, "I have nothing to say to Second Senior Brother, please leave!"


    Yan Changsheng did not expect Shen Qinghe to be completely unrelenting, leaving him at an impasse.


    Nan Sheng''s current situation was critical, concerning both her life and future cultivation, and he had to try using Qinghe''s manual no matter what.


    But Qinghe''s attitude was so firm, with no room for negotiation, leaving him feeling helpless.


    "Qinghe, I am the one who wronged you, and now it concerns Shengsheng''s life. You are usually kind-hearted, I hope you will reconsider..."


    "I don''t need to consider, the manual is mine, and I don''t plan to lend it to anyone. Of course, if Uncle Dongfang asked me to lend it, that would be another matter," Shen Qinghe brought up Dongfang Wuya once again, clearly pressuring Yan Changsheng.


    After all, in the book, Yan Changsheng was a man crazy in love, willing to do anything for Nan Sheng. Without using Dongfang Wuya to scare Yan Changsheng, she feared he might just forcibly take her manual.


    Yan Changsheng''s eyelids drooped, his eyes gloomy, and without further persuasion, he left the Simple Residence Courtyard.


    Nan Sheng was waiting for Yan Changsheng, and upon his return, she asked eagerly, "How did it go?"


    Seeing the girl''s hopeful gaze, Yan Changsheng felt a twinge of guilt.


    Nan Sheng, reading Yan Changsheng''s evasive eyes, immediately understood things had not gone as hoped. She lowered her eyes, mustering a weak smile, "It''s okay, I''ve just established my foundation, I can slowly think of other ways..."


    No sooner had she finished speaking than her brows furrowed tightly as she suddenly clutched her chest and collapsed in pain onto the pillow.


    Yan Changsheng''s expression changed slightly as he hurriedly propped Nan Sheng up, "Shengsheng, what''s wrong?"


    Nan Sheng leaned weakly in Yan Changsheng''s arms, her lips so pale they had lost all color, looking frail and pitiable.


    Medicine Master Li entered upon hearing the commotion, and after taking Nan Sheng''s pulse, he shook his head, "Shengsheng''s situation is very critical; she needs to get a suitable cultivation manual as soon as possible."


    Yan Changsheng touched Nan Sheng''s pulse and found it indeed in disarray. Although he was not a Medicinal Master, he knew that her pulse was too chaotic, and given that she was a rare talent of a millennium, if her cultivation were to stop here, or even endanger her life, what then could be done?


    "Changsheng, we cannot delay this. Since Qinghe has a manual suitable for Shengsheng''s cultivation, why not borrow it for use? Surely Qinghe would not withhold her help out of jealousy toward Shengsheng?" Medicine Master Li said anxiously, "Qinghe always listened to you the most in the past, go talk to her again, she will agree." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.