Yan Zhixue wore an elegant black dress, her graceful posture still exuding the dignified aura of a noblewoman. She smiled gently at you: "If that's what you think of me, why are you deliberately avoiding me?"

The warmer Yan Zhixue's smile became, the more you broke out in cold sweat. You edged closer to Hu Zhongxuan. You forced a laugh: "Sect Leader Yan has misunderstood. I was just out for a stroll. I'm the restless type who can't stay put!"

Hu Zhongxuan interjected: "He Yu, no need to panic. Sect Leader Yan told me she's already forgiven you for abducting Heroine Wan."

Your eye twitched, realizing this was how Yan Zhixue had tricked Hu Zhongxuan.

Moreover, Hu Zhongxuan knew about Yan Zhixue's lingering ties with Deng Rusong.

Hu Zhongxuan had never been wary of Yan Zhixue to begin with - when provoked, he might even call her "sister-in-law."

That's why, despite your obvious avoidance of Yan Zhixue, Hu Zhongxuan had actively brought her to you, hoping to mediate your conflict.

What Hu Zhongxuan didn't know was that your "conflict" with Yan Zhixue wasn't so easily resolved - yours was a life-or-death relationship.

You glanced at the smiling Yan Zhixue.

To prevent her from suddenly attacking, you decided to at least try regaining some favor.

You politely smiled: "Thank you for your forgiveness, Sect Leader Yan. May your fortune be as vast as the Eastern Sea and your longevity rival the Southern Mountains! In short, congratulations and prosperity!"

You figured some auspicious words might help.

Yan Zhixue covered her mouth with a light laugh, glancing at you: "Thank you for your blessings, Young Hero He."

"Sect Leader Yan, please don't stand at the entrance. Come inside," Hu Zhongxuan ushered Yan Zhixue into the residence.

The four of you arrived at the garden where you and Wan Qingluan had earlier taken tea.

With lanterns lit in the pavilion, the four of you sat drinking tea while discussing recent events.

After the twenty Ultimate Grandmasters from Li Jiang's side discovered they'd been ambushed, they lost all will to fight.

They only exchanged a couple testing blows - those were the loud explosions you'd heard.

Facing more than double their number from Li Anlong's side, the twenty Ultimate Grandmasters immediately scattered.

Most of Li Anlong's Ultimate Grandmasters came from martial sects, so they only gave token chase before finding secluded spots to nap, then returned to collect their appearance fees.

They had no intention of actually risking their lives - ensuring Li Anlong's safety was enough.

Li Anlong naturally understood their attitude, but didn't mind.

He'd already identified which Ultimate Grandmasters supported Li Jiang.

Specifically: eight from the Blood Demon Sect (one of the Three Great Demon Cults), seven from the Eastern Sea Pavilion (one of the Five Great Sects), and five from three ambitious mid-sized sects.

As expected, the Blood Demon Sect, Eastern Sea Pavilion, and those three mid-sized sects would face Li Anlong's ruthless retaliation.

However, Li Anlong was frustrated that Li Jiang had escaped beforehand - the person caught was just a body double.

That's why you'd seen Li Anlong looking grim despite his victory.

Li Jiang had been cautious from the start, using a body double and planning to emerge only after confirmed success.

This caution saved Li Jiang's life, allowing his early escape.

Li Anlong had already launched a nationwide manhunt - Li Jiang wouldn't remain hidden for long.

After discussing this, you all dispersed.

Hu Zhongxuan invited Yan Zhixue and Wan Qingluan to stay, which they accepted.

The next day,

The four of you gathered for lunch.

Though an improvised family, the atmosphere was harmonious.

"Come, Sect Leader Yan, Heroine Wan - this humble house offers poor hospitality, but please accept our simple wine!"

Yan Zhixue and Hu Zhongxuan exchanged polite small talk.

Today, Wan Qingluan was in her fearful personality, silently eating while clutching her bowl.

Occasionally she'd look up warily like a kitten.

You'd slept poorly, constantly fearing Yan Zhixue might break in.

Now you mirrored Wan Qingluan - eating quietly while barely touching the dishes, only occasionally adding some to Wan Qingluan's bowl.

As you focused on your rice, chopsticks placed food in your bowl.

You assumed it was Wan Qingluan returning the favor.

But looking up in shock,

You saw Yan Zhixue smiling gently as she served you.

This scene shocked you as much as a mother-in-law offering cigarettes.

You hurriedly raised your bowl with both hands: "Sect Leader Yan, I can serve myself!"

"You haven't been serving yourself," Yan Zhixue's smile radiated mature charm.

You couldn't appreciate it at all, imagining her next move might be peeling your skull open for monkey-brain delicacies.

"I don't like vegetables. My family were farmers - we only ate plain rice," you forced a laugh.

Yan Zhixue smiled cryptically.

That afternoon, Yan Zhixue prepared to leave with Wan Qingluan.

You and Hu Zhongxuan saw them off.

The fearful Wan Qingluan lacked her usual aloofness or cheerful playfulness, just gazing at you pitifully.

You approached her: "Good friends must part ways. If you miss me, bring some of your sect's secret manuals when you visit."

Yan Zhixue laughed: "He Yu, wasn't stealing the Heavenly Desire Formless Technique enough?"

You jumped beside Hu Zhongxuan: "More than enough! Sect Leader Yan, you should depart now to avoid delays."

Yan Zhixue covered a laugh: "No need to fear me so. Once I knew you posed no threat to Qingluan, I abandoned killing you. And..."

She glanced at Wan Qingluan.

"And what?" you pressed.

Yan Zhixue turned back: "And I did promise to fulfill Qingluan's wish. I definitely won't kill you now."

"What wish?!"

"Qingluan said we can't tell you - you might not handle it."

You solemnly said: "When my parents died before me, I didn't utter a word. I can handle anything!"

Yan Zhixue just shook her head with a smile. After bidding Hu Zhongxuan farewell, she flew off with Wan Qingluan.

Watching them disappear, you finally relaxed.

You knew Yan Zhixue had no reason to lie - she truly wouldn't kill you now. No more sleepless nights.

After today, you were finally free from constant fear.

Having barely left the capital in two years as a reclusive musclehead, you planned to venture out soon.

Hu Zhongxuan turned in shock: "Sect Leader Yan wanted to kill you?"

You nodded: "That happened."

Hu Zhongxuan glared: "And you still claim you didn't impregnate Heroine Wan?!"

You were beyond exasperated: "Uncle, go play with Auntie. I can't reason with your lovestruck brain."

"You little..."

Ignoring Hu Zhongxuan's bristling, you declared "I'm going to train" and retreated to your room.