Li Lingsu took a startled step back and turned to look at his good brother, Yang Qianhuan.
Through the curtain, Yang Qianhuan looked back at Li Lingsu as well.
Their goal had been to make Xu Ningyan lose all face in front of everyone, but now that everyone had already left, was there any point in carrying on with the bridal chamber activities?
The only possible outcome of continuing was that the two brothers would suffer Xu Ningyan’s revenge and not even know how they’d died.
Li Lingsu coughed, cleared his throat, and said:
“Ningyan, it’s getting late. Brother Yang and I are heading back first, so we won’t disturb your bridal chamber candles.”
Yang Qianhuan opened his mouth, wanting to say something conciliatory, but Senior Brother Yang was someone who cared about face and hated showing weakness. He wasn’t like the Holy Son, who could bend and stretch as needed, so in the end he only gave a muffled “Mm”, as a clear glow rose beneath his feet and he prepared to teleport away.
But at that moment, his head swam and his body went limp. The teleportation spell was interrupted, and he remained where he was.
His muscles and meridians had been paralysed by Poison Gu, and he could no longer cast spells.
“Don’t be in such a hurry to leave. I’ll see you two out.”
Xu Qi’an rose with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
This is bad… Li Lingsu made a snap decision, abandoned his fleshly body, and let his Yin Spirit slip free.
Xu Qi’an gave a light whistle, and the Holy Son’s Yin Spirit froze in mid-air, unable to move.
Heart Gu!
Yang Qianhuan and Li Lingsu’s hearts sank.
“We can talk this out, we can talk this out…” Li Lingsu’s Yin Spirit returned to his body as he backed away and surrendered at once.
“Hmph, Brother Li. The victor becomes king and the loser a bandit. There’s no need to fear him.” Yang Qianhuan truly was the Jianzheng’s disciple, he had backbone.
“Good!”
Xu Qi’an clapped. “What I admire most is Senior Brother Yang’s proud spirit.”
Idiot… Li Lingsu cursed inwardly, thinking, that’s because you don’t know just how black-hearted Xu Ningyan is.
Xu Qi’an grabbed Li Lingsu and Yang Qianhuan and carried them out of the bridal chamber.
Sun Xuanji, meanwhile, teleported away with Protector Yuan.
…
A quarter of an hour later, he returned alone. There was still one final guest in the bridal chamber, the ruler of the Wanyao Kingdom, the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox, and Baiji in her arms.
Because there was still a guest present, Lin’an maintained a dignified posture, hands on her knees, sitting upright at the bedside, though she didn’t speak to the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox.
One sat straight-backed and elegant, the other lounged lazily with one leg crossed over the other, occasionally stroking the fox cub in her arms.
“Your Highness has travelled all the way to the Central Plains. What exactly is the matter?”
Xu Qi’an composed himself and asked.
“This isn’t the place to talk. Find somewhere secluded with no one around,” the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox said coolly.
Xu Qi’an nodded seriously, then turned to Lin’an and said:
“I’m going out for a while. I’ll be back soon.”
“Mm!”
Seeing that it was serious business, Lin’an could only nod in agreement, even if she was unwilling in her heart.
Xu Qi’an led the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox to the room he had previously lived in. It was still vacant. He pushed open the door, lit the candle on the table, and in the dim yellow glow, gestured for the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox to sit.
The Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox set Baiji on the table and said with a smile:
“Go find your new master.”
“Oh!” Baiji answered sweetly, turning into a white blur as she shot out through the door.
The Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox waved her sleeve and shut the door.
“When are you planning to attack Ananda?”
The silver-haired Yao enchantress went straight to the point.
“After we’ve completed the initial development of the sea route,” Xu Qi’an said.
The silver-haired enchantress frowned slightly, unable to understand, but before she could ask for an explanation, she heard him continue:
“We’ve only just had the wedding, so we’ll wait a little longer.
“But the plan to rescue Shenshu’s head can begin to be drawn up. Does Your Highness have any thoughts?”
The Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox smiled and said:
“Pick an auspicious day and launch a surprise assault on Ananda.
“The Buddhist Sect doesn’t have the Warlocks’ divination, so they can’t seek fortune and avoid calamity, nor do they have the Heaven Gu’s ability to glimpse a corner of the future. As long as we choose any time at all and strike Ananda by surprise, we can catch them unprepared.”
In the plan to attack Ananda, she had proactively excluded ordinary soldiers and Yao troops.
This would be a war of the beyond-mortal.
Xu Qi’an analysed:
“The Buddhist Sect doesn’t have the means to seek fortune and avoid calamity, but foreknowledge doesn’t necessarily rely on spells, it can also rely on brains. Do you think the Bodhisattvas have considered the possibility of the Yao clans and the Central Plains joining forces to attack Ananda?
“Would they inform the Church of the Warlock God in advance and give Sarun Agu a chance to launch a surprise attack on the capital? Perhaps the Church of the Warlock God and the Buddhist Sect are waiting for us to launch a surprise attack on Ananda.”
To put it simply, this was called—I predicted your prediction.
“This possibility can’t be ruled out.”
The silver-haired enchantress agreed with the crude martial man and nodded.
Xu Qi’an followed up:
“That’s why the Great Feng must leave behind sufficiently powerful beyond-mortal experts to guard it.”
The Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox began calculating in her mind the number of beyond-mortal experts on each side and the difference in levels. Along the way, though the Buddhist Sect had suffered heavy losses, they still had quite a few high-level beyond-mortal powerhouses.
First rank: Vaidurya Bodhisattva, Agaruka Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.
Second rank: Arhat Du’e.
Beyond-rank: the Buddha.
Even if the Buddha is left out of consideration, because Shenshu would deal with him, the Buddhist Sect still has three first ranks. If al-Asura and I joined forces, we could just about hold back the two Bodhisattvas aside from Agaruka Bodhisattva. If there’s another third rank from a system other than martial artists to assist, the chances would be even greater…
Xu Ningyan can deal with Agaruka Bodhisattva. The remaining Bodhisattva could originally have been handled by Luo Yuheng, but considering that the Church of the Warlock God is waiting for an opportunity to move, the Great Feng has to leave behind at least one first rank, and one second rank or two third ranks.
“Even if we coordinate the major systems reasonably and maximise our combat strength, we still can’t deal with both the Buddhist Sect and the Church of the Warlock God at the same time. We don’t have enough people,” the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox said, her beautiful brows knitted tightly.
“That’s why I said we need to wait a while.” Xu Qi’an said in a deep voice:
“It won’t be long before the Great Feng gains two third ranks. One third-rank martial artist, and one third-rank Yang Spirit.”
The Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox’s brows twitched as she stared at him.
“Really?”
Xu Qi’an nodded.
“Huaiqing is already at the peak of fourth rank. After taking the Blood Pill, she’ll be able to advance to third rank. Li Miaozhen’s primordial spirit began transforming long ago. Once she switches to cultivating Earth Sect merit, she should smoothly step into the beyond-mortal realm.”
The silver-haired enchantress’s clear eyes went slightly blank. She pressed her lips together, then let out a breath.
“After the rebellion in Yunzhou was pacified, fortune gathered and the Central Plains turned from decline to prosperity. It makes this ruler rather envious.”
Xu Qi’an shook his head.
“The Central Plains always had quite a few beyond-mortal experts. It wasn’t weaker than the Buddhist Sect. It’s just that before Yuanjing, these beyond-mortals were like a tray of loose sand, each with their own thoughts.
“Back to the point. The Church of the Warlock God has a single system. To deal with them, we don’t need to consider combining the major systems. We only need to leave behind experts of roughly equivalent level. So leaving Luo Yuheng, Kou Yangzhou, Huaiqing, and Yang Gong will do. Oh, and Yang Gong has also successfully stepped into the beyond-mortal realm.
“Although he’s just entered third rank and his foundation is too shallow, a third-rank Confucian is still quite decent.”
The Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox ground her teeth.
“Are you trying to anger me?”
No, I’m just showing off… Xu Qi’an continued:
“The rest can go with us to attack Ananda. It’ll be enough to deal with the Buddhist Sect.”
The list of those going into battle:
Xu Qi’an, Shenshu, the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox, the Bear King, al-Asura, Zhao Shou, Sun Xuanji, Li Miaozhen, Daoist Jinlian.
Of them, Daoist Jinlian, Sun Xuanji, and Zhao Shou absolutely had to go to the Western Regions, because only flashy people like them could deal with the Dharma Aspects of first-rank Bodhisattvas.
“With so many beyond-mortal experts gathering at Ananda, we might just level that holy mountain of the Buddhist Sect to the ground.” Xu Qi’an joked, then added:
“Your Majesty didn’t come to see me just to discuss this, did you?”
The Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox gave an “Mm”.
“A while ago, I sent Yeji to look for the descendants of a Yao King from back then, and from them I learned some clues about the war between the Buddhists and the Yao clans five hundred years ago.”
“What sort of clues?” Xu Qi’an raised a brow.
“The Great Sun Tathagata Dharma Aspect was born from within Shenshu’s body,” the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox said softly.
In the candlelight, Xu Qi’an sat there stunned for a long time, staring blankly at the tabletop for ages before slowly breathing out.
“I understand. This campaign against Ananda may very well uncover the Buddha’s secret.”
The Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox nodded slightly and was just about to take her leave and withdraw her divine sense, when she saw Xu Qi’an pull out a broken bronze mirror and suddenly shine it at her.
This… The Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox’s divine sense froze, like an ox trapped in mud, unable to break free for the moment.
Xu Qi’an took the opportunity to tap the space between her eyebrows and place a seal on her.
“What are you doing?”
The silver-haired enchantress’s beautiful eyes widened, carrying a few traces of irritation and a few traces of coquettish anger, as she stared at him.
Xu Qi’an ignored her and said to himself:
“Fuxiang, it’s been a long time since we consummated our relationship.”
The Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox’s eyes widened instantly. She glared at him viciously and threatened:
“If you dare touch me, I’ll sell Yeji.”
…
In the bridal chamber.
Attended by the palace maids who’d come with her dowry, Lin’an changed out of her wedding robes, washed off her make-up, and sat by the bed waiting for quite a while. Then, with a creak, the door to the bridal chamber was pushed open, and Xu Qi’an stepped over the threshold into the room.
“You’re back?”
Lin’an went up to him, secretly sniffing at him as she spoke with some worry:
“Will Huaiqing and the National Teacher take revenge on me?”
She’s all bark and no bite… Xu Qi’an inwardly mocked her, then comforted her:
“You’re already married into the family. Even if they wanted revenge, they can’t exactly charge into Xu Manor and kill their way in, can they?”
Lin’an thought it over and felt that made sense. Then she suddenly frowned.
“Why’s there a strange smell… did you eat an orange?”
Xu Qi’an poured himself a cup of water and explained:
“I saw some green tangerines in the hall just now, so I ate one. Helps sober me up and cuts the grease.”
Lin’an wrinkled her nose, her face full of disgust. She gave him a push and urged:
“Go and bathe, quickly.”
So she had the palace maids fetch water from the water vats outside in the courtyard.
During this time, Xu Qi’an and Lin’an sat by the table, and he sighed:
“With Protector Yuan making such a scene tonight, no telling how many people showed their true colours. It’ll take a long time before they recover from this.”
Lin’an remembered the embarrassment of having her inner thoughts read aloud just now, and thumped him angrily. But then she thought of those poor wretches fleeing in utter disarray, and she didn’t know whether to laugh or be annoyed.
“Then why did you let it come and stir up trouble?”
“They were harbouring ill intentions to begin with.” Xu Qi’an chuckled.
“So Simu is actually that wary of Auntie. And your little sister is really wicked, she’s been badmouthing me in her heart the whole time. Even your birth mother isn’t someone to be trifled with. Mm, though she does bear me some goodwill.” Lin’an put on the air of an expert in household intrigue and started analysing the situation.
Only when the maids had filled the bath barrel did she urge Xu Qi’an to wash.
Xu Qi’an had originally wanted to drag her in with him, but then he thought better of it. Even Mu Nanzhi and Luo Yuheng, those two experienced seductresses, hadn’t been able to fully let go in this regard, let alone Lin’an.
After a simple soak, Lin’an had the palace maids heat more water. To save time, Xu Qi’an used his qi to warm the cool water, shortening the time Lin’an needed for her bath.
When Lin’an, dressed in a white inner robe, climbed onto the bed with bashful little movements, Xu Qi’an glanced at the senior palace maid who was preparing to sleep on the couch in the outer hall and said irritably:
“Why haven’t you gone back to your room yet?”
The two dowry maids had their rooms in the outer chamber.
The senior palace maid replied with perfect confidence:
“This servant must attend to Her Highness.”
It was the rule.
Xu Qi’an thought to himself that simply wouldn’t do. His dual cultivation secret art couldn’t be enjoyed for free by some little yellow-haired girl.
So he drove her out.
Lin’an didn’t say a word the whole time, but she quietly let out a sigh of relief. Naturally, she didn’t want to consummate her marriage with Xu Ningyan under the watchful eyes of a palace maid either.
The bridal chamber fell quiet. Lin’an curled up and didn’t move at all.
Xu Qi’an could hear the beauty beside him, her heart pounding wildly.
As an old hand, he understood that at a time like this, he ought to offer some reassurance first, and not drive straight in. So he said softly:
“Your Highness, do you remember the first time we met?”
Lin’an pressed her lips together, her eyes shifting, and replied in a small voice:
“At the banquet by the imperial city’s lake.”
Xu Qi’an laughed at her.
“That’s right. You wanted to show off by riding the spirit dragon, and it shook you into the water.”
Lin’an pinched him and harrumphed:
“Back then, you were still Huaiqing’s lackey.”
Sure enough, she wasn’t nearly as tense now.
The two of them kept talking. They talked about how Xu Qi’an’s first pot of gold had come from saving Lin’an in front of the maddened spirit dragon, and how Lin’an had asked Emperor Yuanjing for the reward on his behalf.
At the time, the Xu family had been living in rather straitened circumstances. It had been precisely that reward which eased the family’s financial hardship.
After that, Lin’an had always found one excuse or another every few days to send him gold and silver. At the time, Xu Qi’an had only been a little Bronze Gong.
As they spoke, Xu Qi’an said with feeling:
“Your Highness, I owe you so much. I ought to find some way to repay it all.”
Lin’an raised her snow-white chin and returned to her usual self, giving a little huff.
“And how are you going to repay me?”
Xu Qi’an pondered. Just as Lin’an thought he was going to say, “I’ll spend a lifetime repaying it,” she heard him say in a low voice:
“I’ll pay it off in one go.”
While Lin’an was still staring wide-eyed in confusion, he lifted her little inner garment, revealing a supple and boneless, delicate and lustrously pale waist like a water snake’s.
So it really is a top-grade water snake waist… Xu Qi’an sighed inwardly.
When Lin’an walked, her figure swayed, and that little waist of hers twisted with exceptional charm. Xu Qi’an had guessed long ago that it was probably first-rate, but she usually dressed too conservatively for him to verify it with his own eyes.
Now he had confirmed his guess.
Her little bottom isnt’t large, but it suits her figure perfectly, and the proportions are flawless…
Some women had large bottoms, but their overall proportions were poor, and that instead robbed them of beauty.
Compared with the Flower Goddess and the National Teacher, who looked magnificent from every angle, Lin’an was still a little too young, but she was still far better than Chu Caiwei’s utterly flat and featureless figure…
Before long, the floor by the bed was strewn with inner robes, dudou, and undertrousers.
Xu Qi’an lifted Lin’an’s back, trying to make her face outward, with her back to him.
…Lin’an immediately lay flat again, not daring to move, her face scarlet as she glared at him.
“Y-you can’t do that.”
“Why not?” Xu Qi’an asked in return.
“That’s not how the nanny taught it. If you, if you don’t follow the rules, then I won’t consummate the marriage with you,” Lin’an said loudly.
After making her threat, she lowered her voice to negotiate, speaking as softly as a mosquito’s hum:
“I, I can teach you. I learnt a lot from the nanny yesterday.”
Teach me?! Xu Qi’an thought. You, a rookie who’s never even touched the gears, want to teach me, a professional racing driver? The insult is immense. If you’re so capable, you do it.
“Your Highness, techniques don’t have fixed forms. There’s no need to be so rigid.”
Xu Qi’an coaxed her patiently. “When you’ve fully mastered every move, you’ll find you’ve pushed open the door to a whole new world.”
That night, Xu Qi’an opened the door to a new world for Lin’an.
…
The next day.
Xu Manor. Old Zhang the gatekeeper opened the front gates, then froze.
Three people were hanging in front of the residence gates. Each had two cloth banners hanging from his body. The person on the left wore a hood, and the banner on him read:
Grasping the moon with stars in hand, I am the biggest loser in the land.
The banner on the man in the middle read:
An unworthy disciple, deceiving his master and betraying his ancestors.
The banner on the man to the right read:
I am the heartless man of this world, Li Lingsu, Holy Son of the Heaven Sect.
There weren’t many pedestrians on the street, but there weren’t few either, and they stood by the roadside pointing and whispering.
“What are you all doing…?”
Old Zhang was dumbstruck, thinking weren’t these the Xu residence’s three distinguished guests? How did they end up hanging at the front gate?
Li Lingsu and Miao Youfang were expressionless, wearing the look of men for whom life had lost all meaning.
Yang Qianhuan had got off lightly. He was wearing a hood.
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