CHAPTER 371: CHAPTER 300 LITTLE FOX KILLS ME ONE TIME (EXTRA 2-IN-1)_2

"Speaking of which, does Wei Ying... have a Dao companion yet?"

Yin Weiyin shuddered slightly, her actions halting abruptly.

The Prince pondered for a moment, murmuring:

"Indeed, there is such a matter—it’s that Qianhu named Min Ning. However, matters of Dao companionship are delicate and not something this prince can interfere with, so I’ve rarely inquired."

As he spoke, both the Prince and Princess turned to face Yin Weiyin, their pairs of eyes gazing at her curiously.

Yin Weiyin felt unspeakable bitterness. Silently chanting the *Supreme Forget Love Technique* to calm her turbulent thoughts, she composed herself, lifted her gaze with a serene smile, adjusted her sleeves slightly, and spoke in a clear, steady voice:

"Cultivation depends on destiny; if destiny hasn’t arrived, there’s no use forcing it. I used to be impatient, but now I’ve come to terms with it. It’s better to go with the flow of heaven."

Hearing this, the Princess was astonished, and even the Prince nodded slightly, suppressing the pride in his heart, though it was plainly evident.

Their daughter had cultivated such an indifferent and tranquil temperament, unfazed by gains or losses. Anyone observing her would be struck with awe—she was evidently born with the seed of the Dao.

"Ah, what a pity she’s a daughter. Otherwise, the mansion would’ve been hers," the Prince sighed, then added with another sigh, "But thankfully, she’s a daughter; otherwise, your father couldn’t bear to let you embark on the cultivation path."

The Princess’s smile blossomed like a flower. Pointing at the Prince, she said, "Wei Ying, look at your father. He’s always so hesitant, never grasping the intertwined nature of blessing and misfortune."

The pair’s playful banter was heartwarming. Watching her parents, Yin Weiyin felt a subtle emotion stir within her. Then she seemed to recall something, gently retrieved a small vial of elixirs from the fold of her garments.

Yin Weiyin placed the vial on the table, her voice soft:

"This elixir revitalizes blood and enhances complexion—it was given to me by my master. Please use it, Mother."

After saying this, she bowed and took her leave.

Once Yin Weiyin had departed, the Princess touched the wrinkles on her forehead, holding the vial in both hands. She turned to exchange a glance with the Prince, and the couple both smiled.

Shaking his head, the Prince let out a resigned laugh and said, "It’s often said that cultivators must sever worldly attachments. But with her manner... it appears her cultivation still has far to go."

"How could a father not be happy with such filial piety? What logic is this?" the Princess chided lightly.

With a gentle gaze, the Prince said, "I only hope... that this girl can realize her aspirations. From a young age, she’s been fascinated by the tales of immortals. Ever since Taihua Mountain accepted her as a disciple, she’s been steadfastly dreaming of attaining immortality."

The Princess nodded faintly and turned her attention to a roster, studying it for a long while.

Her prolonged silence prompted the Prince to ask:

"Is there an issue with the roster?"

Shaking her head, the Princess replied, "There’s no discrepancy in the roster—it includes all the reputable families in the capital. However, there seems to be one person... not inviting them may be seen as disrespectful."

"Who?" the Prince inquired in puzzlement.

"That rising star of late—Chen Qianhu," the Princess said cautiously, well aware of the deep animosity between him and the Prince Mansion.

The Prince’s expression darkened almost instantly, his tone grim:

p"That man? He and my Prince Mansion are like fire and water. I’ve tried repeatedly to eliminate him without success, and now you want me to invite him here with open arms?"

The Princess spoke soothingly, "The Lin Party has fallen, and he has gained the Empress Dowager’s favor. In essence, there’s no fundamental conflict with the Prince Mansion. He’s bound to rise in rank in time. Instead of letting things remain strained, why not invite him over? Even if reconciliation isn’t feasible, at least we can keep out of each other’s way in the future."

Yet the Prince remained filled with indignation. Chen Yi and the Prince Mansion’s grudges had long since piled up, with the Prince unable to even count the number of feathers lost because of him. Chen Yi was a thorn in his eye, a spike in his flesh.

"Forgiving so easily? Do you take me for a weak man?"

The Prince waved his sleeve forcefully, turning his face away from the Princess.

"But..."

"But what else?" The Prince’s tone brimmed with irritation.

Lowering her voice, the Princess whispered, "Last time I entered the palace, I overheard Her Majesty mention... it seems Wei Ying might have mutual feelings with that Chen Qianhu..."

Bang!

The Prince slammed the table, roaring furiously:

"How could that be? My Prince Mansion and him share nothing but enmity, and you claim Wei Ying has feelings for him? If this is true, I’ll march to the Eastern Flower Gate right now and fight him to the death!"

"But, Prince, he’s at least a Fifth Grade Martial Artist, listed in the Spring and Autumn Register..."

"Fifth Grade or not, can’t I still fight? Do you expect me to throw myself at his blade and die willingly?!"

The Prince finished his rant with a swig of tea, as though downing a cup of resolute wine.

The matter of Yin Weiyin getting close to Chen Yi wasn’t unheard of by the Prince. It was just that, amid the busyness of affairs, he hadn’t looked into it deeply. Additionally, it seemed so implausible that he had dismissed it as mere rumor.

Now, with the Princess bringing it up again, hidden anger surfaced unwittingly within him.

Gradually regaining his composure, he analyzed the situation briefly and noticed peculiarities—the greatest of which became glaringly obvious upon reflection.

This was clearly...

A rumor deliberately spread by the palace!

"You said earlier that this came from within the palace."

When the Princess nodded, the Prince felt slightly relieved, yet he still chastised her:

"How can you believe the words of that scheming Empress? Regardless of Wei Ying’s indifference to worldly opinions and lack of concern for status in choosing a companion, she would never feel mutual affection for someone like him."

In a soft voice, the Princess said, "I was just worried..."

"Worried about what? Forget it. Just send him an invitation and let him come. I’ll meet him personally and ensure he understands my magnanimity. But if he dares tarnish Wei Ying’s name, there will be no mercy."

Although initially reluctant to invite Chen Yi to the poetry gathering, the Princess’s words convinced the Prince. Protecting Yin Weiyin’s reputation and maintaining peace seemed more important than holding onto grudges now long dormant.

The Prince and Princess continued their discussion in the hall as if no one else were present.

Their lack of awareness...

meant they completely overlooked the figure hiding in the shadows—a trembling Yin Weiyin, who had heard everything.

..........................

Come dusk, amidst the twilight, Chen Yi wandered towards his humble courtyard.

Along the way, Qin Qingluo, Zhu E, and Zhou Yitang’s images lingered in his mind.

Today, his emotions were in turmoil. Even Zhou Yitang’s interference, helping him forcibly reach Golden Core in one step, had failed to alleviate his melancholy.

As the twilight surrendered to night, darkness cloaked the capital like a dense veil, with neither moonlight nor stars visible. The world seemed engulfed in shadow, save for the faint glow emanating from his courtyard.

Standing at the entrance of the alley, Chen Yi gazed at the softly illuminated courtyard from afar—a modest abode devoid of opulence and grandeur. No elaborate carvings adorned its eaves, nor did it boast lush decorations. It was simply adorned with gently curved rooftops, an unnameable old tree, and a certain Yin Tingxue, who would always bring him tea each evening. Without realizing it, Chen Yi had spent nearly half a year in this secluded corner of the city.

Qin Qingluo and Zhu E had left the capital, and Min Ning was also preparing to depart. Meanwhile, Zhou Yitang and Yin Tingxue would soon return to Yin Sword Mountain’s Cangwu Peak. The capital was but a rest stop—a fleeting landmark. Companions of yesterday would part as strangers tomorrow.

Chen Yi himself was destined to leave eventually. It was merely a matter of departing later than the others.

Exhaling softly, Chen Yi wiped his face, then laughed to himself, murmuring:

"No rush... there are still a few days left to savor."

With that, Chen Yi stepped into the courtyard with measured steps.

As soon as he entered, Zhou Yitang could already be seen sitting in the main hall. She held a teacup in one hand, her motions delicate and calm, while Yin Tingxue placed her book down upon spotting his return, fetching him tea without delay.

Chen Yi accepted the tea and pulled out a chair, seating himself beside Zhou Yitang.

After a brief silence, Chen Yi finally spoke:

"You’ve been leaving in such haste—I still have so much left to ask you."

Without looking at him, Zhou Yitang replied:

"Ask away."

Disguising her inner tumult, not wanting him to see her sorrow, she had departed abruptly—leaving much unexplained.

Organizing his thoughts, Chen Yi glanced sidelong at Yin Tingxue.

The young "fox spirit" blinked, confused, scratching her temple out of habit.

Chen Yi turned back to Zhou Yitang, then spoke in a hushed tone:

"Do you know... that little fox killed me once?"