“Flower arranging?”

What kind of answer was that? What did it mean?

No one present understood, including Mu Nan Zhi herself, who was the “flower” in question.

The bridal chamber held many highly intelligent individuals – Huai Qing, Luo Yu Heng, Chu Yuan Zhen, Asura, Second Young Master Xu, Wang Si Mu, and others. But “instantly getting the innuendo” had nothing to do with intelligence and everything to do with one’s level of corruption.

Those less corrupted all looked toward Yang Qian Xian.

Under his hood, his eyes stinging with rolling tears, he said solemnly: “Using metaphors doesn’t count as a correct answer.”

His meaning was that while Xu Qi An hadn’t lied, trying to get away with metaphorical tricks wasn’t acceptable.

Hearing Yang Qian Xian’s explanation, everyone immediately stopped puzzling over the meaning of “flower arranging.” Li Ling Su took the lead in shouting:

“Looks like we’ll be staying here then. Brother Yang, let’s take over this marriage bed and make the bride and groom sleep on the floor.”

Miao You Fang, mixed in with the crowd, hunched down and said in a squeaky voice: “They might not even get the floor – we’ll take that too. You two can consummate your marriage standing up.”

He couldn’t let Officer Xu discover his betrayal.

Miao You Fang thought to himself, Officer Xu, don’t blame your disciple for being heartless – this game is just too tempting.

Lin An looked furious. As Second Princess, when had she ever been bullied and hassled like this? But she couldn’t lose her temper and kept looking at Xu Qi An.

Mu Nan Zhi’s expression was tense, her hands tightly gripping her clothes.

If that dog Xu Ning Yan betrayed her just to consummate with Lin An, she would drag this dog couple down with her.

Though she secretly wanted to disrupt the wedding and make trouble for the dog couple, preventing their smooth wedding night, she hadn’t planned on sacrificing herself.

Luo Yu Heng and Huai Qing simultaneously curled their lips in smiles, while Li Miao Zhen was so delighted she nearly whistled.

The others wore various expressions.

Do you think this can stump me? Xu Qi An scoffed internally, then pondered before answering:

“I absorbed some of the spiritual essence of the Immortal Tree.”

Luo Yu Heng and Huai Qing spoke simultaneously:

“What is the Immortal Tree?”

“By what method?”

Xu Qi An glanced at them and chuckled: “Wait until you draw the questioning lots to ask that.”

It’s Mu Nan Zhi, and the Immortal Tree is Mu Nan Zhi! He advanced to Second-rank by sleeping with Mu Nan Zhi, that cunning dog… Li Ling Su screamed internally, desperately wanting to answer for Xu Qi An.

As a member of the Heaven and Earth Society, he knew these secrets from members sharing information.

By the window, Yang Qian Xian’s face showed disappointment as he said slowly: “He didn’t lie.”

After speaking, he turned his back to everyone, wiped away tears inside his hood, then pinched his brow and rubbed his eye sockets.

Even though Xu Qi An had suppressed his qi as much as possible, it still significantly strained the Fourth-rank Yang Qian Xian’s eyes.

If Xu Qi An had fully unleashed himself, Yang Qian Xian’s eyes would have gone blind on the spot and his mind would have shattered.

The second round began.

This time Xu Ling Yue drew the “ask” lot.

Ling Yue… Xu Qi An felt both relieved and wary – relieved because Xu Ling Yue was a sister who cared for her brother and wouldn’t do anything too difficult for him.

Wary because this girl was dark inside – you never knew what she might do.

“Oh my, it’s me!” Xu Ling Yue’s beautiful face showed appropriate delight.

Xu Qi An quickly said: “Sister, what would you like to ask your brother?”

Li Ling Su transmitted: “Miss Ling Yue, quickly ask your brother who he likes more between the Imperial Mentor and Lin An.”

After speaking, he cooperatively displayed his dazzling, warm, and approachable smile.

This was Li Ling Su’s killer move. Just as men loved seeing women’s pure and innocent beautiful smiles, women loved seeing handsome men’s clean and fresh or brilliant and gentle smiles.

Holy Son Li Ling Su had captured countless women’s hearts with this move.

He believed that when he used this move, Miss Ling Yue’s heart would surely flutter – at minimum she would feel much more favorably toward him and then ask the difficult question he wanted to trouble Xu Ning Yan with.

Indeed, Xu Ling Yue nodded at the Holy Son, then suddenly frowned and said with difficulty: “Daoist Li Ling Su, isn’t it too much to trouble my brother like this?”

“?” Li Ling Su’s smile instantly became awkward.

Everyone turned to look at him.

Xu Ling Yue shook her head: “I won’t ask my brother. I want to ask Sister-in-law Lin An.”

This girl does care for her brother… Everyone had this thought.

Ji Bai Qing nodded slowly, feeling some goodwill and approval toward Xu Ling Yue.

After the previous interlude, Lin An not only felt no resistance but had some good feelings toward her “little sister.” She sat properly on the edge of the bed and smiled: “Go ahead and ask.”

By this time, Xu Ling Yin had eaten most of the lotus seeds and peanuts spread on the bed. Looking at how she had dirtied the bed, she thought for a moment, then offered a peanut to her future sister-in-law.

With such a big bribe, surely her future sister-in-law couldn’t blame her anymore.

Lin An had applied rouge – her small mouth was bright red and couldn’t eat, so she waved her hand, declining the little sister’s offering.

Xu Ling Yue said in a soft voice: “Sister-in-law Lin An, you’re a princess, a golden branch and jade leaf. Though I haven’t studied much, I know that imperial son-in-laws cannot take concubines. Earlier outside, Daoist Li Miao Zhen said that Miss Su Su by her side had already privately pledged herself to my brother, and my brother agreed to take her as a concubine. Sister-in-law Lin An, would you allow my brother to take concubines?”

Well played! Though Li Ling Su found himself caught in the “storm” and used it as a tool, he couldn’t help but applaud Xu Ling Yue.

This question essentially put Princess Lin An and that dog Xu Ning Yan on the fire to roast.

It nakedly exposed the conflict between Princess Lin An and Xu Ning Yan.

If Princess Lin An agreed, she would open a “path of advancement” for the women coveting Xu Ning Yan. If she refused, everyone would make a scene today over Su Su’s situation.

Huai Qing, Luo Yu Heng, and Mu Nan Zhi – the three fiercest fish – slightly nodded, thinking Xu Ling Yue’s question hit the nail on the head and showed good caliber.

Daoist Jin Lian and Chu Yuan Zhen instinctively reached to take a drink – unfortunately, they had no wine!

“Also, can we still go to brothels?” Song Ting Feng asked worriedly.

If they couldn’t go to brothels, that would be too unfortunate.

You bastard… Xu Qi An hadn’t expected his good brother to backstab him too.

Lin An frowned silently, thinking about how to give an appropriate response without lying.

At this moment, a strange voice suddenly sounded in her ear, gentle and graceful, saying: “Your Highness should answer: If I am satisfied, concubines may be taken; if I am unwilling, not even a ghost could enter the Xu family door.”

Lin An’s gaze searched through the crowd, seeing Ji Bai Qing smile slightly. She pondered for a moment, feeling this answer was most appropriate – it wouldn’t make the dog slave look bad while keeping control in her own hands.

So she said coolly: “If This Palace permits it, it may be allowed. If This Palace does not permit it, not even the Emperor could enter the Xu family door.”

Who was she implying… Everyone was shocked, frequently glancing at Huai Qing.

Ji Bai Qing’s face was stunned – she hadn’t expected the Second Princess to be so fierce, directly confronting Huai Qing. How could she be so bold?

Fight, fight… Li Ling Su and Yang Qian Xian excitedly wanted to rub their hands together.

Lin An is still as direct as ever, that foolish girl… Mu Nan Zhi, having been both a palace consort and prince’s wife, understood Lin An’s personality well. This was good – with these sisters fighting, she could profit from their conflict.

Li Miao Zhen first glanced at Su Su. She had been ready to jump in, but seeing Lin An aim at Huai Qing, the young phoenix held back.

Wei Yuan left too early… Daoist Jin Lian and Chu Yuan Zhen smiled – the banquet’s drama was just the opening act, and now things were getting interesting.

Among the martial arts alliance, only Xiao Yue Nu watched with relish.

The other brutes found it somewhat boring – their ideal scenario involved bringing cartloads of wine jugs and forcing the bride and groom to drink, testing how much alcohol a First-rank Warrior could handle.

That would be truly lively and fun.

From the bride’s meaning, Number One indeed harbored feelings for Number Three. Asura had sensed something outside earlier, and now was almost certain Huai Qing and Xu Ning Yan had an unusual relationship.

Huai Qing slightly furrowed her brow, looking around – she suspected someone was coaching Lin An’s responses.

This wasn’t something her foolish sister could come up with on her own.

The ball was in her court now. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, she certainly couldn’t directly tear into Lin An – what would become of imperial dignity then?

Better to endure for now and strike when attention is elsewhere… Huai Qing remained silent.

Xu Qi An glanced at Yang Qian Xian: “Brother Yang?”

Yang Qian Xian grunted in acknowledgment.

The third round began.

Li Ling Su drew a lot and opened it to see the character “ask” written on it.

“Haha, hahaha…” Li Ling Su couldn’t help laughing, then quickly suppressed it and coughed: “It’s this poor Daoist? Then this poor Daoist will just ask a casual question, certainly nothing to trouble Officer Xu.”

Blatant lies… The Heaven and Earth Society members glanced at him.

Yang Qian Xian was also excited, clenching his fists. Under his hood, his eyes were as wide as bronze bells.

He finally got his chance. Li Ling Su’s hatred for Big Brother was beyond description – Big Brother was done for… Second Young Master Xu secretly grabbed Wang Si Mu’s hand, signaling her to watch the show.

He had fought alongside Heaven and Earth Society members in Yong Province for a time and knew how much Li Ling Su envied and hated his brother.

Though Xu Ling Yue, Ji Bai Qing, Second Madam, and the other Xu family members didn’t know the love-hate entanglement between Li Ling Su and Xu Qi An, he had been the most disruptive throughout the wedding, so they knew he would use this chance to make things difficult for Ning Yan.

This Li Ling Su kid has quite a vengeful heart, I should be careful… Asura secretly grew vigilant – he had also teased the Holy Son before.

Li Ling Su cleared his throat and said: “My question is…”

“Wait!” Xu Qi An suddenly stood up, smiling: “Holy Son, please be patient – I need to receive someone.”

Sun Xuan Ji had just notified him through the conch shell.

Xu Qi An hadn’t “answered,” but knew Senior Brother Sun had arrived.

“Don’t think about escaping.” Li Ling Su warned, half-joking and half-serious.

Xu Qi An rose and left the bridal chamber.

Everyone waited in the room for several minutes. During this time, Daoist Jin Lian and Chu Yuan Zhen found two jugs of wine in the outer chamber. Each held one, waiting for Xu Ning Yan’s return and the show to begin.

“Creeak…”

The door opened.

Xu Qi An entered first, followed by Sun Xuan Ji. When people saw Senior Brother Sun, their expressions didn’t change.

Then, Sun Xuan Ji looked back, and a shy white ape entered from outside.

“!!!”

Li Ling Su’s eyes went wide as he froze in place.

Li Miao Zhen’s face drained of color as she instinctively held her breath and gathered her thoughts.

Daoist Jin Lian and Chu Yuan Zhen held their wine cups in a daze, their previous contentment completely gone.

What’s wrong with Second Young Master? His face suddenly changed – what’s the story with this monkey… Wang Si Mu felt her small hand hurt as Second Young Master unconsciously gripped harder. From this, she deduced his current emotional state was terror and anxiety.

Song Qing wanted to hit the monkey on sight.

Chu Cai Wei and Li Na glanced up before losing interest and sharing snacks on the table. Among them, Chu Cai Wei knew Guardian Yuan’s abilities but was too innocent to fear social death. Though Li Na didn’t know, she was the same – simple-minded and unafraid.

The martial arts alliance members’ reactions were identical – they uniformly stepped back, their snake-avoiding postures blatantly obvious.

Miao You Fang shrank back, thinking “Oh hell, why did this dead monkey come?”

What was this monkey’s background?

Mu Nan Zhi frowned slightly, vaguely guessing the monkey’s identity. She had never met Guardian Yuan but knew of his existence from Bai Ji, who said he was an interesting monkey – exactly how interesting, she’d forgotten.

But this must be that monkey.

Those unclear about Guardian Yuan’s identity included Second Uncle, Second Madam, Ji Bai Qing, the Xu siblings, Asura, Wang Si Mu, Zhong Li, Huai Qing, Li Na, and the brothel brothers.

“The monkey’s here…” Bai Ji looked up at her mistress and said softly.

“No matter, with This Realm Ruler here, no one can harm our Beast Realm creatures,” the Nine-tailed Celestial Fox transmitted, her lips curling.

She had anticipated Xu Ning Yan’s wedding would be a circus and found it extremely interesting, so she borrowed Night Courtier’s body to join the fun. Seeing Guardian Yuan appear, she knew this was Xu Ning Yan’s trump card, but it didn’t matter – she was just here for entertainment, not caring who got embarrassed.

“What’s this monkey’s background? You all seem very wary,” Asura transmitted to the Heaven and Earth Society members.

In his active years, Guardian Yuan’s clan was just an unremarkable branch of the beast race, beneath the notice of the mighty Asura.

After his return, he similarly didn’t encounter Guardian Yuan.

The Heaven and Earth Society members pretended not to hear, not telling him.

Among the Society members, Huai Qing had never dealt with the monkey and was as confused as Asura.

Xu Qi An led Sun Xuan Ji and Guardian Yuan to their seats, smiling as he asked Li Ling Su: “What’s your question?”

After speaking, he glanced at Guardian Yuan, whose azure eyes examined Li Ling Su.

In an instant, Li Ling Su recalled the terror of being dominated by Guardian Yuan and the shame of publicly revealing embarrassing past events.

His gaze went rigid as he contained his thoughts, trying to think of nothing.

This monkey’s abilities were extremely powerful, able to see through even Transcendent realm cultivators. The Holy Son was now Fourth-rank – any thought would be caught.

If he were Xu Ning Yan now, thoughts of “revenge” would flash uncontrollably through his mind, and this couldn’t escape Guardian Yuan.

But he couldn’t bear to give up this opportunity. The Holy Son gritted his teeth and steeled himself, speaking in a Supreme Detachment-like tone: “Between the Imperial Mentor and Lin An, who do you love? You can only choose one.”

During this process, he desperately contained his thoughts while repeatedly chanting: “Xu Ning Yan is my brother from different parents.”

Everyone looked at Xu Qi An, including both female protagonists.

But Xu Qi An didn’t answer, instead looking at Guardian Yuan.

Guardian Yuan said expressionlessly: “The Holy Son’s heart tells me: Xu Ning Yan is my brother from different parents.”

Phew… Li Ling Su felt relieved.

“Brother from different parents? Has Senior Brother become this shameless to avoid exposing his thoughts before the monkey? Not good! Must contain thoughts quickly.” Li Miao Zhen instinctively criticized her senior brother, then remembered Guardian Yuan’s divine ability and hurriedly stopped thinking.

But the next moment, she heard Guardian Yuan stare at her and slowly say: “Brother from different parents? Has Senior Brother become this shameless to avoid exposing his thoughts before the monkey? Not good! Must contain thoughts quickly.”

The Sleeping Dragon’s face turned awkward, the Young Phoenix’s face bright red.

Guardian Yuan suddenly turned his head to look at Lin An, saying: “Hateful Huai Qing and Imperial Mentor, and this Li Miao Zhen, still wanting to cause trouble on This Palace’s wedding day, but so what? The dog slave is mine, no one can take him away.”

The properly seated Lin An suddenly stiffened, looking at Guardian Yuan in disbelief. Several seconds later, her round oval face turned blood-red, her eyes misting over.

The Imperial Mentor and Li Miao Zhen stared hard at Lin An, while Huai Qing slightly furrowed her brow, her eyes showing some confusion.

Those who knew Guardian Yuan’s abilities looked at Lin An with pity.

“Haha, Xu Yin Luo has lifted a stone to drop on his own feet, did he forget that Guardian Yuan’s mind-reading is uncontrollable? Now the bride can’t show her face…”

Miao You Fang almost laughed out loud, then he saw Guardian Yuan look over with raised head, slowly saying: “Miao You Fang, your heart tells me: Haha, Xu Yin Luo has lifted a stone to drop on his own feet, did he forget that Guardian Yuan’s mind-reading is uncontrollable? Now the bride can’t show her face…”

Guardian Yuan made the mind-reading public.

Why read my mind among so many people… Miao You Fang’s smile slowly disappeared as he found everyone looking at him with either shocked or pitying gazes.

Looking at Officer Xu again, his gaze was cold as a knife.

“I, I’ll head back first…” Miao You Fang lowered his head, his silhouette hurried.

Xu Ling Yue showed sudden realization, “This monkey can read minds? Those words just now were indeed Lin An’s true thoughts. Hah, foolish, does she think only Her Majesty, the Imperial Mentor, and Li Miao Zhen have designs on Big Brother?

“Aunt Mu who shamelessly lives in our home must also be thinking of Big Brother, and Zhong Li who often acts weak and pitiful – I don’t believe she doesn’t admire Big Brother. Only Li Na and Chu Cai Wei who just know how to eat and have no brains are slightly safer. Princess Lin An’s thoughts are too shallow, she’s easy to deal with… Wait, the monkey can read minds, I, I, I didn’t think anything…”

Xu Ling Yue’s pretty face went pale as she stared at Guardian Yuan.

Guardian Yuan nodded to her as if saying – I won’t disappoint you.

“This young lady’s heart tells me…”

After Guardian Yuan finished speaking, the bridal chamber fell deathly silent.

Everyone was looking at Xu Ling Yue, including Lin An, Li Na, and Chu Cai Wei who had been “insulted” as simple-minded.

Only Xu Ling Yin was still happily rolling around eating peanuts.

Xu Ling Yue’s deathly pale face gradually turned red, even her ears glowing. Her lips trembled slightly as she said with a quaver: “I’m, I’m not feeling well, I’ll return to rest.”

She left covering her face.

Before Guardian Yuan spoke, Huai Qing’s reaction was similar to Xu Ling Yue’s – understanding this was a monkey that could see through people’s hearts, she reflexively thought: “Xu Ning Yan wants to use this monkey to disrupt things? He’ll stop at nothing to marry Lin An. No wonder this monkey just entered and Luo Yu Heng stopped talking – seems she suffered greatly before.

“Being an Immortal after all, her dual cultivation partner taking a new love, yet not making a big scene – her fighting spirit doesn’t even match little Ling Yue’s…”

Not good… Huai Qing’s heart sank.

Guardian Yuan looked at Huai Qing like breaking the last pot: “Her Majesty’s heart tells me…”

So everyone looked at Huai Qing with pity, except Luo Yu Heng – the Imperial Mentor’s gaze was cold as frost: “Her Majesty hasn’t secured her throne yet thinks of abdicating?”

“…” Huai Qing took a deep breath, looked deeply at Guardian Yuan, and left with a sweep of her sleeves.

This is my daughter? This is Ling Yue. Only this thought remained in Second Uncle and Second Madam’s minds.

By now, Guardian Yuan had looked toward Ji Bai Qing, his azure eyes seeing through to her heart: “The madam’s heart tells me: I always knew Ling Yue would be the hardest to deal with in this family. She said Mu Nan Zhi admires Ning Yan, this, this woman at her age still thinking of my son, hateful!”

Ji Bai Qing stumbled in shock, both embarrassed and anxious. Forcing a smile she said: “I’m tired, I’ll return to rest.”

Xu Yuan Shuang pulled her brother, following their mother in terror: “We’ll leave first too.”

They didn’t have strong enough cultivation to forcefully contain their thoughts – their minds would unconsciously wander.

Mu Nan Zhi said through gritted teeth: “I’m going back to my room!”

She feared losing control of her urge to curse, spewing profanities in her mind would only further destroy her dignity.

Why say Ling Yue is the hardest to deal with in the Xu family? The matriarch is the deeply scheming one skilled at intrigue… Wang Si Mu almost reflexively had this thought.

Then she trembled and stammered: “I, I didn’t say anything, I didn’t say anything.”

Everyone couldn’t help looking at Miss Wang, then at Guardian Yuan – what did she say?

Guardian Yuan’s azure eyes were clear and emotionless as he repeated Wang Si Mu’s inner thoughts.

Second Madam gaped, looking in disbelief at her future daughter-in-law who she had treated so well.

It’s over… Wang Si Mu looked desperately at Second Young Master Xu, covered her face crying, and ran from the bridal chamber.

What sin is this… Second Young Master Xu chased after her.

This monkey seems to have cultivated the Buddhist mind-reading technique. Hmm, seeing through these weak mortals is no problem, but as a Second-rank, he definitely can’t see through me… Asura’s gaze was piercing as he guessed Guardian Yuan had cultivated Buddhist mind-reading.

His lips curled in amusement. Scanning the Heaven and Earth Society members, he suddenly thought of their earlier silence.

They didn’t tell me earlier because they wanted the monkey to read my mind and embarrass me. Heh, except for the Buddhist-brainwashed Number Six Heng Yuan, there’s not a good person in the Heaven and Earth Society. I know mind-reading too, it’s a minor technique. Think you can make me stumble? Naive…

As thoughts flickered, Asura glimpsed Guardian Yuan’s azure eyes staring at him.

Then he heard the monkey say: “This monkey seems to have cultivated the Buddhist mind-reading technique. Hmm, seeing through these weak mortals is no problem, but as a Second-rank, he definitely can’t see through me…”

After finishing, seeing Asura’s suddenly gloomy face, Guardian Yuan wore a dead-pig-unafraid-of-boiling-water expression of resolve, as if entering the bridal chamber already prepared for a heroic sacrifice.

Asura silently left.

By now, the martial arts alliance members had retreated to the outer chamber, cupping their hands: “Officer Xu, we’ll take our leave, don’t see us out!”

With a rush, the crowd quickly dispersed, racing to leave.

Can’t completely lose face… Zhu Guang Xiao and Song Ting Feng followed the martial arts alliance members in a hasty escape while the monkey hadn’t looked at them yet.

Second Madam’s face darkened as she picked up the little bean from the bed and left without a word.

By this time, Second Uncle had already escaped first – he feared being unable to control his thoughts about the correct use of tangerines.

This was no place to linger.

This wedding chamber chaos left so many unable to face anyone, Xu Ning Yan killed a thousand enemies but lost eight hundred of his own… After tonight, Guardian Yuan won’t be able to live anymore, better flee back to the Southern Borderlands… Chu Yuan Zhen and Daoist Jin Lian finished their wine jugs, cupped their hands, and left together.

In the blink of an eye, the lively bridal chamber emptied, leaving only Li Ling Su and Yang Qian Xian, and the fox spirit sitting cross-legged in a chair holding Bai Ji.

Also remaining were Sun Xuan Ji Guardian Yuan, and Lin An sitting on the bed edge, still unable to escape her social death.

Senior Brother Sun opened his mouth, looking at Guardian Yuan.

Guardian Yuan lowered his head: “I tried to escape earlier but Senior Brother Sun caught me and brought me back…”

Sun Xuan Ji nodded in satisfaction.

So that’s why they were so late… Xu Qi An patted Guardian Yuan’s shoulder while withdrawing the peace blade that had been pressing against the monkey’s waist under the table, consoling: “Don’t worry, this Officer will protect you fully.”

Xu Qi An then looked at Yang Qian Xian and Li Ling Su, grinning viciously: “Shall we continue, gentlemen?”

“…” Li Ling Su and Yang Qian Xian.