Chapter 52

“Father! She’s the one who hit me!”

Facing this situation, Qu Panyan felt a slight ache in her temples. It’s not that she was afraid of troublesome kids, but she feared unreasonable parents.

Upon hearing this, Master Wu looked calmly between Wu Paiyun then Su Lingyu and Qu Panyan, and asked without changing his expression, “Why did you get hit?”

Wu Paiyun was taken aback, stuttering and not daring to speak directly.

Wu Paiyun had a lively personality and was not very insightful about worldly matters, often getting into trouble. As a result, her father, the Wu patriarch, was strict in disciplining her, even going as far as making her kneel in penance in the ancestral hall and forbidding her from leaving the mansion. However, her free spirit couldn’t be contained, and even when she was confined, she had found countless ways to escape.

Usually, when she was confined, she would sneak out to have fun and then sneak back in, pretending as if nothing had happened. But today was different. She had suffered at the hands of Qu Panyan and was overpowered by Su Lingyu. Unable to resist, she felt extremely wronged, so she ran back home and complained to her father, the Wu patriarch.

Since the parties involved weren’t present, she could cry as much as she wanted. Her only purpose was to seek comfort from her closest person.

But who would have thought that fate would be so cruel and make her encounter the parties involved?!

To make matters worse, her upright father had to ask such a question!

Wu Paiyun chose to shut down on the spot.

Master Wu saw through her at a glance, sighed, and walked towards the door, expressing his apologies with a cupped hand, “I sincerely apologize. My little daughter has a mischievous temperament. I’m not sure what she did to upset the two esteemed immortals?”

Master Wu, with many years of experience, had developed a keen eye. He could tell at a glance who could be offended and who couldn’t.

Su Lingyu and Qu Panyan were dressed remarkably, exuding an outstanding aura. The fact that they could suppress and reprimand Wu Paiyun, who practiced martial cultivation, meant they were most likely practitioners themselves, and perhaps of notable status.

Su Lingyu spoke solemnly, “Your beloved daughter not only harassed my wife but also wanted to compete for her. I hope Master Wu can control her to prevent any future troubles.”

Upon hearing this, flames of anger ignited in Master Wu’s eyes. How could his own daughter dare to behave so wildly and disrespectfully?! He glared at Wu Paiyun without saying a word, then turned back to assure Su Lingyu that he would discipline her properly.

Even with just that glance, Wu Paiyun instinctively shrinked her neck in fear. 

She thought to herself that she was done for, and her father was probably going to punish her severely. 

She couldn’t help but cautiously glance at Qu Panyan.

Qu Panyan possessed exquisitely carved features, as if those features were meticulously crafted by heavens, each radiating a unique sense of exquisite beauty. Her skin was smooth as porcelain and delicate like a petal. Her slender figure was graceful and alluring. Wu Paiyun had to admit that every inch of her was the dream of every woman.

It was this unmatched beauty that had confused her senses and made her utter foolish words, leading to a merciless beating—indeed, beautiful women were already taken, and their significant others were usually very powerful!

She swore that she would never dare to frivolously flirt with a beautiful woman again, especially one like her.

However, she couldn’t help but notice that the beautiful woman’s lips seemed even more enchantingly red than when she first saw her?

After leaving the Xianmeng Sect with Qu Panyan, Su Lingyu had become particularly sensitive to other people’s gazes—their gazes on Qu Panyan. 

How many glances contained malicious intentions, harboring inappropriate thoughts?

She could tolerate others looking at her, but she could not tolerate others looking at Qu Panyan in such a manner—She is her woman and belongs to her alone.

When she noticed Wu Paiyun’s furtive gaze, Su Lingyu reached out and pulled Qu Panyan behind her. She shot a sharp look at Wu Paiyun, which scared her into quickly averting her gaze and pretending she didn’t know anything.

The Wu patriarch was still oblivious to the situation and spoke politely, “Since the two esteemed immortals have come to see my daughter, I won’t delay you any further. Please take a seat. Paiyun, cooperate with the immortals.” He then instructed the servant, “Serve tea to our esteemed guests.”

Qu Panyan felt relieved; fortunately, the Wu patriarch was reasonable, so she said, “Master Wu, there’s no need to trouble yourself. We’ll ask a few questions and leave promptly, not intending to bother you for too long.”

Master Wu nodded in understanding, dismissed the servant, and asked, “May I be present during this conversation?”

Qu Panyan smiled and replied, “This is the Wu residence, and you are the head of the family. You can be present wherever you wish.”

The Wu patriarch agreed with a simple “good” and turned back to his seat, leisurely sipping his tea. Su Lingyu led Qu Panyan inside, and faced with Wu Paiyun shrinking crazily towards her father, Qu Panyan decided to speak first. She feared that if Su Lingyu started talking, Wu Paiyun might get scared and hide out of fear.

Qu Panyan said, “Miss Wu, we won’t beat around the bush. The reason we’re here is to ask you about the murder of Zhuang Wenniang. Do you know anything about it?”

The teacup in the Wu patriarch’s hand paused for a moment as he looked at Wu Paiyun, who also seemed stunned.

After a moment of silence, Wu Paiyun spoke, “You’re here to investigate this matter?”

Qu Panyan nodded.

Wu Paiyun furrowed her brows, her eyes filled with confusion. “But didn’t you not believe what I said before? Why are you still coming to me?”

Don’t believe?

Qu Panyan’s expression turned serious. “Who said they don’t believe you?”

Wu Paiyun replied, “Zhuang Wenniang’s parents. I told them before, but they wouldn’t believe me. They even scolded me. Hmph!”

Qu Panyan leaned forward, “What did you tell them?”

Wu Paiyun scratched her head, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly replied, “I told them I saw Zhuang Wenniang leaving with a man by herself.” She got a bit excited, fearing that Qu Panyan and Su Lingyu wouldn’t believe her. “What I said was true. I really saw it! Zhuang Wenniang left with that man by herself!”

On that bright, clear day, she sneaked out but accidentally stumbled upon Zhuang Wenniang and that man passionately kissing in a secluded alley. They kissed fervently, unable to part.

Startled, she quickly hid in a corner, astonished by what she saw. The quiet and gentle Zhuang Wenniang had someone she liked?

Her heart pounded fiercely, and she carefully observed from her hiding spot, making sure it was indeed Zhuang Wenniang. She also got a clear view of the man—dressed in black, with handsome features but with a deathly pale complexion, which sent shivers down her spine.

This man, resembling a corpse, lovingly caressed Zhuang Wenniang’s lips, gazing at them as though they were the most precious treasure in the world.

Though she acknowledged that Zhuang Wenniang had beautiful lips, with lovely lip pearls, she couldn’t fathom becoming so obsessed and borderline perverse like this man.

She had no idea how much time passed before the man released Zhuang Wenniang and leaned down, whispering something in her ear. Zhuang Wenniang simply smiled and placed her hand in his, gently saying, “Hmm, I’ll follow your lead.”

Then, they left together.

Feeling unjustified, Wu Paiyun continued, “I saw everything clearly with my own eyes and told them the truth. Why did the Zhuang family elders twist my words and turn it into a slander against her innocence?”

Qu Panyan listened to Wu Paiyun’s account, looking slightly surprised. She hadn’t expected this twist of events.

If what Wu Paiyun said was true, then the Zhuang family elders must not have known about Zhuang Wenniang’s beloved. In their eyes, Zhuang Wenniang was still a gentle, well-behaved, and sensible daughter who would never engage in inappropriate behavior like kissing a man in a secluded alley.

Because of this, they didn’t believe Wu Paiyun, right? After all, their daughter had never told them about having someone she liked until her death…

Upon hearing her description, Su Lingyu’s expression suddenly turned serious, as if she already knew who the other person was.

Not sure if Qu Panyan and Su Lingyu believed her or not, Wu Paiyun said, “That’s all I know. If you don’t believe me, then forget about it…”

“She’s not lying,” Su Lingyu spoke up.

Wu Paiyun stared at her in surprise, even Master Wu looked over. She never expected the first person to believe her without doubting was the same person who had reprimanded her and put her down on the ground. Her emotions were complex for a moment.

Su Lingyu revealed the man’s identity straightforwardly, “That man is a necromancer, a practitioner of dark arts, Yuan Qijun.”

Master Wu couldn’t help but ask, “Is the Immortal acquainted with this person?”

Su Lingyu replied calmly, “We’ve crossed paths before.”

She even cut off one of his arms.

Wu Paiyun was eager to try, “Then, is he, is he powerful?”

Su Lingyu glanced at her, her expression indifferent as she said, “He’s yet to become a near-god realm cultivator, and unless you want to be turned into an undead soldier, don’t provoke him.”

The small flame of battle that was about to ignite in Wu Paiyun was instantly extinguished. Master Wu put down his teacup and sternly said, “Stay at home and behave! If you end up losing your life, you won’t even have a chance to cry!”

Su Lingyu held Qu Panyan’s hand and slowly stood up, saying, “He’s not here.”

Her tone was firm, prompting Qu Panyan to curiously ask, “How does Sister Lingyu know?”

Facing her, Su Lingyu’s tone softened and became more patient. “Because as long as I’m here, he won’t be able to hide quietly. He would have shown up to intercept you by now.”

She understood the extent of Yuan Qijun’s love for her—once he knew she had left the Xianmeng Sect and appeared here, even if he was a thousand miles away, he would rush over, appearing before her proactively, just like his love, something that couldn’t be concealed at all.

Or perhaps, he never intended to hide it. His twisted love was the most open and straightforward thing in the world.

With Qu Panyan, Su Lingyu bid farewell and left the Wu residence, holding her hand tightly and unwilling to let go until they reached the inn. Only then did she reluctantly release her and disappear from sight.

Back at the inn, Qu Panyan found Kang Congshuang had just finished enduring the torment of her illness. She lay weakly on the bed, her eyes hazy and her limbs powerless. Her complexion was pale, and she appeared even weaker than the first time Qu Panyan had seen her.

Qu Panyan approached to check the small teacups and found them all intact, not a single one broken—Kang Congshuang had obviously managed to endure it without letting others see.

However…Qu Panyan couldn’t shake the feeling that Kang Congshuang seemed even weaker now after this bout of episode.

Last time, Kang Congshuang could at least stand up and speak clearly to her. Now, she could only lie motionless on the bed.

Could it be that the illness was already starting to destroy her body? The Kang family’s hereditary disease wouldn’t allow the afflicted to live past forty. Could it be that Kang Congshuang, in her twenties, was destined to leave this world soon?!

Qu Panyan pursed her lips in silence. The heavens were truly too cruel to the Kang family…

“Wu…” A faint voice came from Kang Congshuang’s lips, soft and ethereal.

Qu Panyan quickly said, “I’ve asked about it. You don’t need to worry. Rest well, and I’ll tell you all the details when you’re feeling better. Let’s stay here for the night and continue our journey tomorrow.”

Kang Congshuang was somewhat unwilling; She didn’t want to delay the entire group’s progress because of herself, so she frowned and said, “No… no need…”

How could someone who couldn’t even speak properly think about completing the mission?

Qu Panyan firmly insisted, “Since the Sect Master isn’t here, it’s the Sect Master’s wife who has the final say. Kang Congshuang, you must recover your strength before we leave.”

“If you don’t recover, I won’t tell you what I found out.”

After hearing this, Kang Congshuang stopped struggling and compromised, closing her eyes and falling into a deep sleep.

Once Kang Congshuang was completely asleep, Qu Panyan heard Su Lingyu say to her, “Yan’er, keep an eye on them four. I’m going to check the area around Changhe Town.”

Just in case, she needed to confirm whether Yuan Qijun was in Changhe Town or not. Until then, none of the four disciples could leave the inn.

Qu Panyan nodded to show that she understood, and Su Lingyu left. After adjusting Kang Congshuang into a comfortable sleeping position, Qu Panyan didn’t disturb her rest. She went out to instruct the disciples to get a few more rooms and rest for the night, leaving in the morning.

Without Kang Congshuang, Qu Panyan, as the Sect Master’s wife, became their backbone. The three disciples naturally didn’t say much and obediently followed her orders.

In her own room, without Su Lingyu by her side, Qu Panyan felt bored and took out the fanfiction written by the cp fans and started reading.

For a moment, she was back to the days in her previous world, happily reading fanfiction with her best friend, never expecting that one day she would become part of the fanfiction herself.

In the story “Double Flower Chronicle”, Su Lingyu was still the leader of the sect, while Qu Yan became a tempting seductress—a true, alluring enchantress.

Qu Panyan: In my first fanfiction, I’m not even human anymore!

Qu Yan had a stunning appearance that could charm both heaven and earth. Everyone she charmed fell in love with her, but she loved no one in return. She was a heartless enchantress, seemingly affectionate on the surface, but actually emotionless.

Then she had a mishap with the Sect Master and before even starting her seduction, she fell in love first. She even took the initiative to seduce the cold and aloof Sect Master.

The cold and peerless Sect Master, who had remained pure-hearted for many years, was unmoved by the pursuit of numerous men. Yet, she ended up in an accident with Qu Yan, a female enchantress.

Qu Panyan held the book, “…”

What the heck, is it a double disaster type of plot?

Soon she read the part where Qu Yan seduced the Sect Master and passionately offered herself beneath her using the master of arts—exactly what she had blindly stumbled upon for the first time!

At that moment, she followed with the story where Qu Yan pleading with the Sect Master in a sweet voice, and now she finally saw the Sect Master’s response—

“Sect Master Su was so moved by Qu Yan that she couldn’t bear it and an evil fire seemed to burn within her, instantly consuming her clear consciousness.

Her fingertips couldn’t stop caressing the constantly opening and closing vermilion lips, as if she sensed the urgent desire of the person under her, making her own surging emotions more and more difficult to be restrained.

Her hand uncontrollably tore off the flimsy cover on Qu Yan’s body. Her throat suddenly became dry as if scorched by the flames of desire, and her voice even became somewhat hoarse: ‘Yan’er, you bewitching enchantress…'”

Overcoming her embarrassment, Qu Panyan found the scene to be quite enjoyable, as if she was mesmerized by it. Unexpectedly, she heard a voice whisper softly, “Yan’er.”

Qu Panyan froze.

Su Lingyu’s voice suddenly sounded behind her.

“What are you looking at?”

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: iToon

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