CHAPTER 363: CHAPTER 159: SECOND DUAL CULTIVATION! JI HONGXIU’S SILVER... DAO PATTERN! (6K)

[・_・?]

Ye Henshui always felt that something was not quite right, but for a moment, she couldn’t figure it out.

Looking at the playful little dog on the ground, she resisted the urge to pet it, shook her head and said, "You won’t be able to keep this up for long, Master will find out sooner or later, and you should know better than I what you’ll face by then..."

"Of course I know."

Gu Manzhi sighed faintly.

Now, all Master’s thoughts are consumed by revenge, to the point of using any means possible. She has been undercover in Tiandu City for many years, but not only has her mission made no progress, she’s also secretly betrothed to a favored figure under the Imperial Consort...

If Master were to learn of this, the consequences would be unimaginable!

Even if she’s Master’s most beloved disciple, she probably wouldn’t meet a good end!

As for Chen Mo, it’s even more obvious. Currently, Master’s methods are relatively mild, because Chen Mo still has some value... but if their relationship is discovered, he would definitely be eliminated, completely destroying any hope she has and eliminating any future troubles!

That’s why Gu Manzhi held back her shame and engaged in dual cultivation with Chen Mo in front of Ye Henshui, just to ensure that news wouldn’t reach Master’s ears for the time being, giving her a room to maneuver.

"This is just a temporary measure, it’s good to buy some more time."

"Master’s ultimate goal is revenge, not taking on the Chen Family. If we can find another way to weaken Consort Yu’s wings, maybe there will be a turnaround..."

Gu Manzhi pondered.

Ye Henshui poured herself a cup of tea, saying lightly, "You are too naive, Chen Mo’s potential is astonishing and he will definitely become a major threat in the future. Master will never let him grow, so she wants to use the Heart Devouring Poisonous Insect on him again."

"Unless you can prove that Chen Mo has already been ’turned’ by you."

"And to gain Master’s trust, you must have a weighty offering. The only thing I can think of is the Sect Treasure, ’Azure Darkness Seal’..."

Gu Manzhi furrowed her brows, she had considered this problem too, but it’s not easy to obtain this item from Consort Yu.

She never brought it up in front of Chen Mo because she didn’t want to put him in a difficult position.

"Chen Mo personally promised you back then, yet there’s been no movement at all, it seems he’s long forgotten." Ye Henshui sneered, holding the teacup. "I knew men couldn’t be trusted, poor you are getting sold and still helping to count the money..."

Gu Manzhi’s expression turned cold at these words, her almond-shaped eyes narrowed, and she replied softly, "Ye, you have a lot to say today, it seems the lesson from last time wasn’t enough?"

?!

Ye Henshui realized something was wrong, but it was too late to run.

Gu Manzhi’s brow glowed with an ancient bronze book, and a powerful Qi power surged forth, sealing Ye Henshui’s meridians in place, firmly pinning her to the spot.

"What, what are you going to do?!"

Ye Henshui’s expression was somewhat terrified.

"You’ll know soon enough."

Gu Manzhi clapped her hands, and shortly after, the beaded curtain in the inner chamber lifted, and two beauties, identical in appearance, sashayed out.

They came to Ye Henshui’s side, bent down, removed her hat, and lightly bit her pale earlobe with their pearly white teeth, two sultry voices simultaneously whispering in her ear:

"In three days, Mr. Chen will come for dual cultivation, so we need to check thoroughly to see if little junior sister is ready~"

"Dual, dual cultivation?!"

Ye Henshui hadn’t yet reacted, but four fair and tender hands had already started wandering.

Her body trembled uncontrollably, her snow-white face flushed red, and tears welled up in her gem-like eyes.

"Ahhh, tonic o(╥﹏╥)o~"

...

...

Eastern side of the city, Ming’an Street, Shen Residence.

The mansion with three in-and-out courtyards was quite imposing. Two green stone lions guarded the front gate, and a horse tieing stake as wide as a bowl was fixed at the bottom of the five steps. The courtyard didn’t feature mountains, water, flowers, or birds, but a few simple wood racks were erected, displaying various weapons gleaming with a cold light under the sun.

A plaque reading "Tiger Tent Wind Clear" hung in the main hall, with two large chests of brocade placed on the ground.

The burly Shen Xiong sat on a hall chair like a tower, exuding an imposing aura. He held a teacup, and downed it in one gulp.

As the tea entered his mouth, he smacked his lips and frowned, "What kind of junk is this, has no taste at all, I’d be better off with some strong liquor."

"..."

The steward beside him lowered his head and said nothing.

This was tribute tea sent from the Lin Residence, priceless and unavailable even with money.

Drinking it like this was a waste of such precious material...

Shen Xiong put down the teacup, and speaking in a deep voice, asked, "Speaking of which, why did the Lin Family suddenly send tea and brocade, what does it mean?"

The steward took out a letter from his chest, beautifully written in small script, and said, "Mrs. Lin sent a message saying: ’To this day, the intertwined fir trees still stand in the courtyard. Alas, messages have been scarce for over ten years; it is appropriate to rekindle the bond of friendship with frequent visits in the moonlight and morning flowers, with much sighing and appreciation.’

"Speak plainly."

"Ahem, it roughly means, the two families haven’t contacted each other for over ten years, the relationship has faded, and they should visit each other more often."

?

Shen Xiong’s brows furrowed.

Back then, he served as an adjutant under Lin Wei, indeed the Shen and Lin families had some ties.

But things are different now.

Currently, the royal court is chaotic, two factions grappling, the Shen Family sided with the Imperial Consort, whereas Lady Jinyun is of Qi Wan’s kin, opposing positions, there’s long been no sentiment to speak of.

Now, to suddenly express goodwill, even appearing to want to renew old ties, what exactly does it mean?

"The letter also mentions inviting Miss to visit the Lin Residence." The steward whispered, "Could this be at the Empress’s behest?"

Shen Xiong tapped his fingers on the armrest, pondered for a moment, then shook his head, "The Lin Family may be renowned, but they have no actual power, they wouldn’t meddle in court affairs. Besides, General Lin gave me opportunities in the past, so one thing has nothing to do with the other... Prepare a return gift, we can’t slight the Lin Family."