Translator: CinderTL
The next day, the old tree in the courtyard seemed to have withered overnight, a few autumn leaves clinging to its branches, adding a touch of autumnal melancholy to the scene.
Knock, knock, knock! "Sister, you've always wanted a baby rainbow-feathered bird, right? I brought you one! Open the door!"
The sound of knocking and a man's loud voice echoed from outside the courtyard. Xu Sanyan opened his eyes and turned to look at Wang Zixuan, who lay beside him, his gaze questioning.
Wang Zixuan rubbed her disheveled hair, a hint of helplessness in her voice. "That's my cousin Wang Wenjie from my fourth uncle's family. He pesters me constantly, but I can't say anything harsh out of respect for my fourth uncle."
He had come yesterday too, yet here he was again today.
In the courtyard, Wang Wenjie stood before the room's door, holding a birdcage. Inside nestled a small, vibrantly colored bird, its lively eyes darting around, utterly adorable.
Creak—
The door creaked open. Wang Wenjie instinctively turned toward the sound. At the far end of the long corridor, he saw an unfamiliar young man standing in the doorway, watching him with an irritating smile.
Wang Wenjie frowned, his curiosity piqued. Who was this man, and why was he in Third Aunt's courtyard?
A familiar figure emerged from behind the man.
Wang Wenjie saw his cousin, whom he had pursued for years, stumble out of the room, her clothes disheveled, her hair a mess, and a kiss mark visible on her collarbone—all undeniable evidence of what had transpired the previous night.
A thunderous roar seemed to explode in his mind. Wang Wenjie froze, as if the sky had collapsed, his eyes fixed on his cousin like a statue.
He felt as if he had been betrayed...
Though he and his cousin had never progressed beyond flirtation, in his heart, Wang Wenjie had already claimed Wang Zixuan as his own.
Over the years, he had paid a heavy price, investing countless hours, energy, wealth, and treasures—all to win her favor.
But now...
Someone else had beaten him to it?!
Wang Wenjie's eyes flashed with fury. His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists so tightly that he crushed the handle of the birdcage he was carrying.
The cage crashed to the ground with a soft crack, sending splinters flying. The bird inside seized its chance and darted out, soaring into the sky.
No one paid it any attention. Six pairs of eyes locked in a deathly stare, the air frozen in a moment of suspended animation.
Xu Sanyan's smile grew increasingly arrogant. Through Wang Zixuan, he had learned that this man had been pursuing her for years, but her mother's disapproval had prevented any progress.
So, he's a simp? Xu Sanyan thought mockingly. Simps never get a good ending. Their endless devotion only makes them seem worthless, not endearing.
To get a woman into bed, you need the right approach.
Like me. With the Demonic Seed, even the most virtuous woman will obediently bend over.
One isn't enough? Two, three...
If I wanted, I could have eight or ten.
And if all else fails, there are always tricks like Soul-Summoning Incense. Sometimes, winning a woman doesn't require honor.
If she won't yield, drug her. If that fails, force her. If she resists, have someone hold her down while I take her.
As the saying goes: to win a woman's heart, you must first conquer her body.
Xu Sanyan found Wang Wenjie's furious expression immensely amusing.
"Who is he?!" Wang Wenjie demanded, his eyes blazing with fury as he pointed a menacing finger at Xu Sanyan.
"He's... my fiancé," Wang Zixuan replied calmly, straightening her clothes and standing proudly beside Xu Sanyan as she introduced him.
Wang Wenjie's voice suddenly sharpened and rose in pitch, thick with disbelief. "Fiancé?!"
"When did you get a fiancé? Why didn't I know about this?!"
Wang Zixuan, long weary of him, replied coolly, "I hardly need to inform you when I get a fiancé, do I?"
Wang Wenjie froze at her words, then lowered his gaze to conceal the murderous glint in his eyes. He hung his head silently, no longer speaking.
He quickly regained his composure, knowing that anger wouldn't solve anything. Besides, this was Third Aunt's courtyard, and he dared not make a scene here.
He cast Xu Sanyan a deep, lingering look, as if trying to etch his face into his memory, before striding away without another word.
Xu Sanyan chuckled. "Heh... Brother Wang, remember to come to our wedding in a few days!"
Wang Wenjie replied coldly without turning back, "I'll be there!"
"Safe travels. No need to see you off..."
Third Madam watched the scene unfold from a distance, her heart a mix of conflicting emotions.
She never wanted her daughter to marry into the Wang Family, knowing their true nature and, more specifically, Wang Wenjie's character.
Though he appeared devoted and attentive to Xuan'er, he was, in truth, a narrow-minded man whose heart was consumed by ambition and status. She refused to let her daughter become a pawn in their power games.
As for the fact that the two were cousins, that was a minor matter. It wasn't uncommon for cousins to marry each other.
As for Lin Fan...
Third Madam shook her head. She didn't like him either.
To be precise, she didn't want her daughter to marry at all. She wanted Wang Zixuan to stay by her side forever.
Alas... daughters grow up and can't be kept at home forever.
Third Madam sighed and walked gracefully out. Wang Zixuan, seeing her mother, blushed slightly and bowed respectfully. "Mother."
"Mm, you two come with me."
Third Madam glanced at the marks on her daughter's neck, a pang of discomfort in her heart. She quickly averted her gaze, deciding that what she couldn't see wouldn't trouble her.
"Yes, Madam."
The trio walked deeper into the estate. Third Madam suddenly asked, "Young Master Lin, what is that you're carrying on your back? Why not store it in your storage pouch?"
Xu Sanyan explained, "This is my personal magic artifact. Due to its special nature, it requires daily nurturing by keeping it close."
"I see..."
Third Madam didn't press further. The World of Immortal Cultivation was filled with countless extraordinary techniques and methods; such a situation was hardly unusual.
Wang Zixuan, noticing their direction, murmured softly, "Mother, where are we going?"
"To see your father," Third Madam said calmly.
"Ah?" Wang Zixuan suddenly panicked, reaching up to smooth her disheveled hair. "Mother, wait a moment. I need to tidy myself up."
"There's no need. You don't have to go inside. Just wait outside."
"Oh~" Wang Zixuan sighed in relief, visibly relaxing at the news that she wouldn't have to face her father.
Passing through a long corridor, the trio arrived at a garden where a group of young women were playing and laughing. Upon seeing Third Madam, they immediately straightened their expressions and bowed respectfully in greeting.
"Third Aunt."
"Hmm. Is the master here?"
"In the study, Third Aunt."
Xu Sanyan realized from the address that these women were members of the Wang Family.
Wang Zixuan leaned close to his ear and whispered, "They're all from the Wang Family's collateral branches, with very poor cultivation talent. They stay by Father's side to attend to his daily needs."
Xu Sanyan raised an eyebrow. No wonder their cultivation levels were so low—not a single one had reached Foundation Establishment.
On second thought, it was likely more than just poor talent. Without strong backing, even someone with Wang Zixuan's status, regardless of her aptitude, would never be reduced to such menial tasks.
(End of the Chapter)
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