CHAPTER 405: CHAPTER 253: AT WORST, I’LL MARRY YOU PART 2

Lu Ruoyun, on the other hand, had entered another sect to pursue her cultivation.

Although the Lu Family was a top-notch clan, it still allowed the family’s children to go out for cultivation. One reason was to prevent their disciples from becoming complacent and stuck in old ways. The other was to foster good relations with other top-level powers.

The major sects were also happy to take in the children of other clans, as this was mutually beneficial.

In cultivation, there was no concept of time, and the two had not seen each other for several years.

"Ruoyun." Wen Zhixing’s gaze softened, as if he were still the elder brother who doted on his little sister, as if nothing had changed.

Of course, this was all a pretense.

"Brother!" Lu Ruoyun’s steps were light, and in a few quick strides, she reached Wen Zhixing.

She immediately threw herself at him, plunging directly into his embrace.

"You’re all grown up now, yet still so reckless?" Wen Zhixing was caught in a full embrace, the force so strong it almost knocked him over, prompting a light admonishment from him. But his tone was as gentle as a breeze, without a hint of blame. Wen Zhixing’s right hand instinctively went around her, steadying her in his embrace, afraid she might fall.

"Brother, I’ve missed you." Lu Ruoyun tilted her small face up, pouting her lips, unreservedly expressing her longing. Her voice was soft and lilting, tinged with a coquettishness that could melt the heart of anyone who heard it.

"You... haven’t grown up at all," Wen Zhixing said with a smile, shaking his head and playfully tapping her nose with his finger. This was an affectionate gesture common between the siblings, and Wen Zhixing, drawing from Lu Shangxing’s memories, performed it with a naturalness that surprised even himself.

The effect of Soul Stealing combined with the Nine Heavens Thunder Tree was indeed excellent.

Lu Ruoyun was immensely pleased. The brother before her hadn’t changed a bit.

She blinked her lively eyes, her face full of expectation, and asked, "Brother, did you miss me?"

This was their first meeting after many years. She had learned a few days ago that Lu Shangxing was to take a concubine and had only just rushed over. She had spent considerable time wandering the Lin Mansion before finally finding ’Lu Shangxing.’

Wen Zhixing paused for a moment, then laughed lightly. "Of course I missed you. You’re my most beloved little sister."

"Really?" Lu Ruoyun’s eyes immediately brightened with a radiant smile, but then dimmed again as she said, "But in the future, once you have a concubine, Brother, perhaps you won’t think of me anymore."

Her words carried an obvious tone of jealousy. The message was clear enough.

From childhood to adulthood, Lu Shangxing had always been the hero Lu Ruoyun admired. Whenever trouble arose, Lu Shangxing was always there to handle it. When danger loomed, Lu Shangxing always stood at the forefront to protect her.

It must be said, Lu Shangxing truly doted on his little sister. He was a good big brother.

Only now, this hero was slowly ceasing to belong to her alone. How could Lu Ruoyun not feel saddened and melancholic about this? A young girl’s thoughts are always delicate and sensitive.

"How could that be?" Wen Zhixing’s heart stirred, and he said with a smile, "Brother never intended to take a concubine, and I will still dote on you just the same."

"Really?" Upon hearing this, Lu Ruoyun lifted her head slightly, her moist eyes seeming to shimmer.

What did Brother mean by that? Could it be that there was some hidden story about tomorrow’s event?

"Of course it’s true. How could Brother ever deceive you?" Wen Zhixing nodded immediately, his expression turning grave. "Brother’s hands are tied in this matter. I am devoted solely to the path of cultivation, with no interest in romantic entanglements. Tomorrow’s affair is merely a collaboration with the Purple Cloud Divine Sect..."

"What? This matter involves the Purple Cloud Divine Sect?" Lu Ruoyun immediately became excited upon hearing this. She started tugging at Wen Zhixing’s sleeve gently but persistently and said, "Brother, what happened? I can help you."

Initially, she hadn’t intended to confront Lu Shangxing about it; she was merely unhappy and wanted to vent her feelings. But hearing that ’Lu Shangxing’ also didn’t want to marry Si Nanyan, her spirits lifted, and her mind became active.

Lu Ruoyun’s eyes burned with a fervent light.

If all this was a pretense, then Brother... could once again belong to her alone!

"There’s no need. You’re still a child; don’t concern yourself with this," Wen Zhixing said, shaking his head and gently pulling his sleeve free.

"Brother, what does being young matter? I’m not little anymore!" Seeing this, Lu Ruoyun immediately grew anxious and grabbed the hem of Wen Zhixing’s robe again. She hated it most when people called her young. In her own eyes, she had grown up long ago.

"The invitations have already been sent. If tomorrow’s event is canceled, what will become of the Lu family’s reputation?" Wen Zhixing said, his tone seemingly resigned.

"Well... if it really comes to that, I’ll marry you, Brother!" Lu Ruoyun blurted out after a moment’s hesitation, biting her lip. Her face turned bright red the instant the words left her mouth.

She didn’t understand why those words had tumbled out so uncontrollably.

"Nonsense! I’m your biological brother." Wen Zhixing interrupted in a cold voice, then raised his hand and gently flicked her on the forehead.

"Just pretending." Lu Ruoyun covered her forehead, murmuring weakly, an imperceptible flicker of loss in her eyes.

If only Brother wasn’t my real brother... that would be wonderful.

Wen Zhixing frowned. He suddenly looked at Lu Ruoyun with intense eyes and said, "Ruoyun, do you not want your brother to take a concubine?"

"No..." Lu Ruoyun replied. Her thoughts exposed, she instinctively denied it, but her almond-shaped eyes flickered uncertainly, her gaze evasive.

"Ruoyun, do me a favor." Seeing this, Wen Zhixing pondered for a moment and then spoke.

"Sure." Lu Ruoyun responded quickly. In her heart, nothing was more important than Lu Shangxing.

"Go find Feng Ruoli and bring her to Si Nanyan’s room. Don’t worry about anything else for now." Wen Zhixing seemed to have made up his mind as he spoke.

"Is that all?" Lu Ruoyun asked, somewhat surprised.

"Mhm, just that." Wen Zhixing nodded and said, "As for the rest, I will take care of it myself."

"Okay, I understand." Lu Ruoyun nodded, a smile appearing on her face.

Great, Brother really does dote on me the most!

A wave of sweetness surged through her heart, followed by other thoughts.

If someone really needed to save the situation tomorrow... then couldn’t she...? If she couldn’t truly marry Brother in this lifetime, perhaps a pretend one... might be possible!

Watching Lu Ruoyun’s departing figure, Wen Zhixing couldn’t help but stroke his chin.

If he managed to rescue both Si Nanyan and Feng Ruoli today, would Lu Ruoyun really step in tomorrow...?

Killing Lu Shangxing and then marrying his sister... This is truly unscrupulous. Wen Zhixing shook his head, sighing inwardly. Fortunately, he’d never been one for excessive morality.

They were enemies, after all, people who wanted him dead. Why should he concern himself with such scruples?

With this thought, Wen Zhixing felt much more at ease.

In this dog-eat-dog world, his moral standards were clearly still too high.

"Come out." Just then, Wen Zhixing suddenly spoke up. His gaze fixed on a shadowy corner where light and darkness met. A cold wind blew by; it seemed as if no one was there.

"What, you won’t even listen to my words now?" When there was no reaction from ahead, Wen Zhixing’s eyes instantly turned ruthless. He possessed Fairy Eyes; even without activating them, his vision was far beyond that of ordinary people.

"Sir." Seeing that she was indeed discovered, the figure in the corner finally stepped forward. The person was dressed in black fighting attire, her hair tied back in a high ponytail. It was a woman, her features sharp and valiant.

"Yingying, long time no see." Wen Zhixing spoke with a smile on his face.

"Greetings, Sir." Lu Yingying took a deep breath, then went forward and knelt in a bow. She was Lu Ruoyun’s personal maid, but after living together for many years, their bond was like that of sisters. They had returned together today.

She hadn’t expected to hear such explosive news the moment she returned.

"Yingying, you’ve done very well these past few years." Wen Zhixing said with an approving smile, patting Lu Yingying on the shoulder.

"Sir, rest assured, I saw nothing and heard nothing just now." Lu Yingying said, lowering her head, her body trembling.

"Good." Wen Zhixing was gratified by Lu Yingying’s astuteness.

However, the next moment, a swift flash of sword light, and a head flew high into the air.

Simultaneously, from the shadows at Wen Zhixing’s feet, a ghostly figure darted towards the airborne head. Sharp claws shot out, viciously snatching at it!

Instantly, Lu Yingying’s divine soul was ripped away.