"Hmph~"
Yue Rui hummed inexplicably a couple of times, shot him a dismissive glance, and then closed the window.
This stopped Yang Shifei, who had been about to approach and ask something. Feeling slightly puzzled, he could only return to his room first to tidy up a bit.
But after cleaning for a good while, looking at the bedboard that had been torn into fragments, he could only shake his head helplessly.
He'd have to wait for a carpenter to make a new bed.
Recalling last night's experience, he couldn't help but rub his neck, feeling for the first time that even with the enhancement of the cold energy, his body was still somewhat fragile.
And taking advantage of this solitude, Yang Shifei also tested his skills.
The cold energy from Yue Rui could enhance his physique and grant him extraordinary combat intuition. But the cold energy from Tanxiang was as stable and silent as her personality, remaining lodged in his chest, unmoving.
This left Yang Shifei unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Could it be that this cold energy, like Tanxiang herself, is sulking?
Half an hour later.
The cooking smoke in the kitchen gradually dispersed, and Yang Shifei carried two bowls of noodles briskly into the courtyard.
After the unexpected events of last night, he naturally felt too embarrassed to sit and wait for Tanxiang to deliver a meal to his door, so he simply cooked himself.
Moreover, today there was an additional 'diner.'
"Smells so good~"
Yue Rui's beautiful eyes lit up, and she lightly bit her chopsticks, her lips seeming to glisten with anticipation.
Evidently, this little girl's mood had improved considerably.
Seeing her so expectant, Yang Shifei couldn't help but chuckle. "It's rare for you to be so energetic in broad daylight."
"Because, I have many questions to ask you."
Yue Rui picked up her bowl and began slurping her noodles, then looked at him with expectant eyes. "What does it feel like to have a tongue fight?"
Yang Shifei: "…"
Good thing I hadn't taken a bite of noodles yet, otherwise I definitely would have choked.
He deliberated for a moment, then asked tentatively, "Girl, how much did you hear last night?"
"At first, I thought you two were arguing; the bed was creaking and groaning."
Yue Rui tilted her head. "Then I heard slurping sounds, for a very long time."
Yang Shifei gave a couple of dry laughs. "Sorry for disturbing you."
No wonder when I woke up this morning, my lips were a bit numb, and Tanxiang's lips were even more swollen. So, we kissed all night long.
Just how much can Miss Tanxiang kiss?
"Not disturbing, very interesting."
Yue Rui's bright eyes sparkled, and she leaned in with great interest. "And there's an extra scent on you."
Yang Shifei's noodle-eating movements paused. "This should be Miss Tanxiang's aura. It seems it can't merge with your power?"
Yue Rui nodded slightly. "Indeed, it's different."
Yang Shifei's expression turned somewhat peculiar.
Two different powers gathered in the body, it won't lead to exploding and dying, will it?
At this moment, Yue Rui drank all the noodle soup in her bowl and, with a little grunt, stood up.
Immediately, she quickly walked over to Yang Shifei and extended her right hand. "Quick, come slurp mine."
"Huh?"
"Hurry up!" Yue Rui puffed up her little cheeks and huffed lightly. "Don't dawdle!"
Seeing her so eager, Yang Shifei was rather surprised.
Although they hadn't known each other for too long, this was the first time he had seen her look so impatient. Her usual nonchalance was gone, and there was even a hint of anxiety and unease in her eyes.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Hmph!" Yue Rui glared with her beautiful eyes as if dissatisfied and proactively grabbed his hand. "Nothing's wrong. Absorb from me."
Yang Shifei was puzzled but could only first activate his intent to absorb the cold energy.
An ice-cold, bone-piercing energy once again surged into his arm, causing his face to gradually contort in pain.
This time, he managed to endure for nearly twenty breaths before stopping. He could even feel a sense of 'fullness' from within his body, his meridians seemingly faintly aching from distension.
"Hiss… Are you satisfied now?"
Yang Shifei's face was pale as he shook his hand; the aching soreness gradually dissipated.
Sensing that her own power now held the upper hand within his body, Yue Rui finally broke into a pretty, sweet smile again. "Satisfied~"
But seeing the cold sweat still beading on his forehead, the young girl pursed her lips and said softly, "If you used your lips to slurp, would it not hurt so much?"
Yang Shifei stared blankly at her words, then quickly waved his hands with a sheepish smile. "No, no, if I really did that, I'd be arrested by the authorities."
"…Hmph." Yue Rui pouted coquettishly. "I'm only a little bit smaller than that woman."
"That's different."
Yang Shifei's gaze subconsciously swept downwards.
Two small pouches.
Yue Rui took a deep breath, placed her hands on her hips, and puffed out her chest forcefully. "How about now?"
Yang Shifei said seriously, "Small steamed buns."
Yue Rui instantly deflated, then raised her hands, curling her ten fingers into a 'fierce' threatening gesture. "Bad guy!"
Watching the young girl turn and scamper back into her room, Yang Shifei chuckled, feeling as if he were raising a mischievous little wildcat.
Although her figure was slender and petite, he had to admit, she was truly very cute.
After dealing with yesterday's accounts for Clear Moon Pavilion, Yang Shifei proactively went to the Luo Residence, intending to inquire about the Ninefold Gate Sect situation.
"—I heard from Tanxiang that Young Master was injured yesterday."
In the main hall, Luo Xian'er gathered her sleeves and sat down beside him, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Looking at your complexion, you do indeed seem quite weak."
"It's nothing, I've mostly recovered."
Yang Shifei smiled and took the ledger from his robes. "Will Clear Moon Pavilion continue to operate these next two days?"
"Mm." Luo Xian'er placed the ledger aside and nodded slightly. "The Ninefold Gate Sect incident will cause quite a stir. But the order in East City will be properly maintained by the authorities, minimizing the impact on the lives of the city's common folk as much as possible."
"The authorities' side… how are things?"
"The mastermind behind the scenes cooperated with Xiang Tianlin, and on the other hand, also made deals with several groups of mountain bandits outside the city. The two groups of people didn't know each other and were simply following orders. Even after a night of interrogation, their origins couldn't be determined, only that they were given a great deal of money."
Luo Xian'er's delicate brows furrowed slightly, a hint of helplessness in her expression. "And the members of the Ninefold Gate Sect knew nothing about these matters."
Yang Shifei couldn't help but click his tongue. "So, we worked hard all night and made no progress at all?"
"It wasn't entirely fruitless."
Luo Xian'er took a delicate sip of her tea. "The coffin you discovered inside the Ninefold Gate Sect last night is the key to breaking this deadlock. Both materials used are extremely precious, and every sale and creation is recorded. We are currently tracing the identity and whereabouts of the buyer; perhaps we'll find something."
Yang Shifei mused, "In a vast sea of people, it will likely be difficult to find."
"Not only that."
A trace of admiration flashed in Luo Xian'er's eyes. "When news of your night raid on the Ninefold Gate Sect came, the 'Hong family,' who were discussing matters with us at the Prince's mansion at the time, revealed their guilt. They were jointly apprehended by the elders from various sects, and quite a few interesting things were found out."
Yang Shifei was somewhat curious. "What was found out?"
"People from the Yan Kingdom and the Qi Kingdom arrived in East City long ago. And the Hong family had secretly contacted the Qi Kingdom's side. Their presence at the discussion this time was to probe for intelligence."
Luo Xian'er said softly, "The Qi Kingdom's personnel have been discovered at the Hong family residence and are temporarily under the control of the authorities."
Yang Shifei listened, marveling. "So that counts as catching a group of enemy spies?"
"The specific situation still requires detailed interrogation by government officials. But it must be said, your actions last night were indeed a great merit."
Luo Xian'er blinked her beautiful eyes. "Many people from various sects and clans want to meet you. Would you like to try?"
"No, better not for now."
Yang Shifei quickly waved his hands in refusal. "The situation is chaotic right now. If I go and interact with them, I'm afraid I'll only attract more danger."
"…Alright." Luo Xian'er's gaze softened slightly. "Also, thank you for saving Tanxiang last night… Huh?"
The young woman abruptly stopped speaking and leaned slightly closer. "Young Master, there seem to be quite a few bite marks on your neck?"
Yang Shifei paused, then quickly covered the teeth marks with a sheepish smile. "The scene last night was chaotic. Perhaps I was accidentally scratched by someone from the Ninefold Gate Sect with a sharp weapon."
Luo Xian'er's eyes sparkled. She suddenly stood up and pulled his wrist.
"Come with me to the pharmacy."
"It's just a small injury."
"You were injured for the sake of the Luo Residence. I cannot turn a blind eye."
Luo Xian'er's tone, for once, became somewhat firm, and she walked with quick steps.
Yang Shifei felt slightly awkward but could only follow obediently, wondering when would be a good time to bring up the accident from last night.
Not long after, he was pressed down onto a soft couch in the pharmacy, and a cool ointment was applied to his neck.
"Does it hurt?"
"Er… no, it doesn't."
"That's good." Luo Xian'er stood before Yang Shifei, bending slightly with her head lowered. Strands of her soft, glossy hair slid down her shoulders, seeming to exude a faint, soul-refreshing fragrance.
Her jade-like face was as cool as ever, but her beautiful eyes were focused intently on the injuries on his shoulder and neck, her movements in applying the medicine exceptionally careful and gentle.
Yang Shifei sat upright, not daring to move, but his gaze couldn't help but drift slightly.
Today, Miss Luo wore a magnificent traditional skirt, draped with a small, soft silk shawl. The lotus-patterned collar of her dress was stretched tautly, like small, heavy honeydew melons, firmly capturing his attention.
Looking from up close, they're so big.
No, wait, is it that Miss Luo's attire today accentuates her figure more?
Perhaps having savored the marrow and knowing its taste from the previous night, Yang Shifei's thoughts began to wander, his gaze unconsciously drifting.
And then, he met Luo Xian'er's downward glance.
"…"
Yang Shifei forced a stiff smile, while Luo Xian'er merely blinked, then lifted a slender finger and gently flicked his forehead.
"Young Master, don't let your eyes wander."