After deciding on his plan, Jian Xingzhi took the medicine and poured out a little for himself.

Jun Shu had said one-fifth would make someone sleep deeply, so he could just sleep for a few hours—drinking just a bit would be enough.

Since he was drinking it, he needed not only to test whether the medicine was harmful, but also to determine exactly how unconscious someone would become after taking it.

He couldn’t let another situation like being woken by a hook happen again.

After thinking it over, the next day Jian Xingzhi went out. He decided to gather some extremely loud sounds. If he heard nothing after drinking the medicine, it would prove he slept very deeply.

He wandered around everywhere, always feeling these sounds weren’t loud enough, until he heard a family holding a funeral. The moment the suona horns sounded, he turned back in delight!

He quickly took out a recording stone and followed that family all the way, recording.

The suona wailed heartrendingly, the gongs and drums sounded mournful and tragic, and the surrounding family members’ mourning cries seemed like weeping blood as they wailed loudly: “My son!! My son!!”

Jian Xingzhi recorded all the way. When they were about to leave the city, he felt it was about enough and put away the recording stone, returning to the Ning residence.

Qin Wanwan was drinking tea with Cuilu and others in the residence. Seeing him return, Qin Wanwan asked rather curiously: “Master, where did you go?”

“I,” Jian Xingzhi now felt a bit scared whenever he saw Qin Wanwan. He lied nervously, “went out for a stroll.”

Qin Wanwan didn’t ask further, only raising her cup: “Will Master come drink tea?”

“No need,” Jian Xingzhi waved his hand, “I’ll go back to my room first.”

With that, Jian Xingzhi thought for a moment, then turned to look at Qin Wanwan: “Um, I might be in closed-door cultivation tonight. Don’t disturb me.”

“Alright.”

Qin Wanwan smiled and agreed. As soon as Jian Xingzhi entered the door, she turned to look at Nanfeng: “Keep an eye on him for me.”

“What are you master and disciple doing?” Cuilu was rather puzzled.

Qin Wanwan stroked her teacup and had Cuilu continue telling her about the customs and culture of Desolate City: “It’s nothing, let’s continue chatting.”

Jian Xingzhi returned to his room. After he was the only one left in the room, he calmed down slightly.

He raised his hand to set up a soundproof barrier, then started playing the sound from the recording stone.

The suona sound rang out in the room, so loud it hurt his ears. After playing it just once, he immediately covered it again, then used his divine sense to scan outside, confirming that Qin Wanwan and the others outside hadn’t noticed before relaxing.

It seemed this soundproof barrier had no problems.

Everything was ready. That evening, after Jian Xingzhi saw everyone had gone to sleep, he made his bed, placed the recording stone by his ear, and after setting the recording stone with a command to start playing sound after half a quarter-hour, he opened the soundproof barrier, took the medicine, and tilted his head back to drink a mouthful.

The medicine was a bit sweet.

He analyzed the ingredients and felt the medicine…

He didn’t have time to think further. His eyes went dark and he lost consciousness.

After a while, the recording stone began playing funeral music at maximum volume.

Nanfeng had been ordered to monitor Jian Xingzhi. At night, he sneaked to Jian Xingzhi’s window.

He quietly opened the window and saw a layer of soundproof barrier sealed on the window. Light gauze danced inside the room. Jian Xingzhi wore his outer robe and lay down fully clothed—the scene looked rather eerie.

Nanfeng thought for a moment, gathered his courage to open the window, and jumped inside.

The soundproof barrier didn’t block people. The moment Nanfeng jumped into the room, the enormous suona sound made him immediately cover his ears.

He frowned and came to Jian Xingzhi’s side, seeing Jian Xingzhi in white robes, one hand on his chest, the other gripping a small bottle, his face bearing a faint smile. He looked like he had passed very peacefully.

Nanfeng’s eyes widened. Terrified, he turned and ran, pushing open the door and sprinting madly to Qin Wanwan’s room, crying out urgently: “Master, this is terrible—Daojun Jian has poisoned himself to death!”

Hearing this, Qin Wanwan shot up, her face shocked: “What did you say?!”

Jian Xingzhi would commit suicide?!

What kind of situation was this? Even if it were suicide from guilt, it wouldn’t go this far!

She didn’t dare believe Nanfeng. She quickly got up and rushed toward Jian Xingzhi’s door.

By this time, Xie Gutang and Cuilu had both arrived. They’d been awakened by Nanfeng’s shout and rushed to Jian Xingzhi’s door together. Qin Wanwan charged forward, pushed open the door, and raised her hand to shatter the soundproof barrier.

In that instant, funeral music played throughout the Ning residence. Everyone in the Ning residence’s eyes flew wide open.

Family Head Ning Wenxu woke with a start from his bed, shouting: “What happened?! Did something happen to the ancestor?!”

“Who?! Who died?!”

Jun Shu was also shocked by this funeral music. He thought in confusion: Xie Gutang died—the funeral music is playing this fast?

The Ning residence fell into chaos. Qin Wanwan rushed in with Xie Gutang and instructed Cuilu: “Go call a doctor!”

With that, she came to the bedside, pulled open the curtains, and saw Jian Xingzhi lying on the bed sleeping peacefully, the recording stone beside him, its sound earth-shaking.

Qin Wanwan crushed the recording stone and grabbed the medicine bottle from his hand to smell it.

The ingredients were very complex. She wasn’t proficient in this area and couldn’t smell what exactly it was for.

While she examined the medicine, Xie Gutang raised his hand to check Jian Xingzhi’s breathing.

No problem.

He checked his pulse.

Also no problem.

He circulated spiritual power once and checked with divine sense—completely no problem.

Qin Wanwan thought for a moment and went to push Jian Xingzhi: “Master?”

Jian Xingzhi didn’t wake.

Qin Wanwan turned to get water and decisively splashed it on his face. Jian Xingzhi still didn’t wake.

Qin Wanwan pinched his philtrum, his tiger’s mouth, tickled him, hit him—Jian Xingzhi had no reaction whatsoever.

Qin Wanwan was bewildered. At this moment, the doctor finally rushed over. Qin Wanwan quickly made way, saying urgently: “Doctor, this seems to be medicine he took. Please look at what’s going on?”

The doctor took the medicine bottle and smelled it. He frowned: “This medicine… seems to be used to aid sleep.”

Hearing this, Qin Wanwan and Xie Gutang exchanged glances. Xie Gutang couldn’t help but say: “Doctor, we are all cultivators. After reaching Nascent Soul stage, these medicines shouldn’t have much effect…”

“This is not ordinary medicine.”

The doctor shook his head: “This medicine is also called Dream Without Waking. Many cultivators are troubled by obsessions throughout their lives and cannot sleep peacefully, so they take this medicine to seek peace.”

Listening to the doctor speak, Qin Wanwan turned to glance at Jian Xingzhi.

He was so troubled he needed to take sleeping medicine?!

Qin Wanwan felt somewhat uneasy. She calmed her emotions slightly and first confirmed: “Then this medicine won’t harm the body, right?”

“No problem. He’ll be fine once he wakes from sleep.”

The doctor spoke as he began packing his medicine chest, then glanced at Jian Xingzhi: “However, this medicine is extremely difficult to formulate. As far as I know, only Fairy Huihe from back then could make it. How did he obtain it?”

“Huihe?”

Qin Wanwan felt this name was very familiar. She instantly recalled the old Ning ancestor mentioning that name, and asked in puzzlement: “You know Huihe?”

“She was indeed quite low-profile.”

The doctor smiled: “But this old man was fortunate enough to once practice medicine alongside the fairy. Within Desolate City, she should be considered the best medical cultivator.”

“Then where is she now?”

Qin Wanwan continued asking. The doctor sighed: “Over a hundred years ago, she died from illness. Her husband’s dao heart was also damaged because of this, and his cultivation fell drastically.”

“Are you speaking of Yan Wushuang perhaps?”

Qin Wanwan speculated aloud. The doctor looked surprised: “You know him?”

Qin Wanwan smiled: “We’ve met a few times, I suppose we’re friends.”

The doctor nodded and sighed: “They weren’t easy either. Back then they were also a divine couple. Over a hundred years ago, for some reason, Yan Wushuang suddenly forced his way into the Ning residence. Giant Sword Manor and the Ning family fought because of this. Yan Wushuang’s master was severely injured in that fight and later perished. After that, Fairy Huihe’s health deteriorated. She was bedridden for ten years. During that time, Yan Wushuang searched everywhere for medicine. On the day Fairy Huihe died, he knelt before me, constantly begging me to save Fairy Huihe. But how could I?”

The doctor lowered his head: “Even the fairy couldn’t save herself—what am I worth?”

“Then…”

Qin Wanwan asked curiously: “What illness did Fairy Huihe actually have?”

Hearing this, the doctor’s movements stiffened, then he shook his head: “I couldn’t diagnose it either. Alright, the person is fine. I’ll take my leave first.”

With that, the doctor walked out. Qin Wanwan saw the doctor to the door, paid the consultation fee, and returned to the courtyard.

Xie Gutang saw Qin Wanwan return and explained: “Just now Ning Buyan came to ask about the situation. Cuilu went to explain.”

“What did they ask?” Qin Wanwan was somewhat puzzled.

Xie Gutang’s face was expressionless: “They asked why we were publicly playing funeral music in the middle of the night.”

Qin Wanwan: “…”

“Then,” Qin Wanwan hesitated, “how did Sister Cuilu plan to explain?”

“Cuilu said this senior was commemorating his dead love. He suffered a broken heart, so everyone should understand.”

Qin Wanwan: “…”

Deserved!

Jian Xingzhi deserved to take the blame for this!

“You take care of the senior,” Xie Gutang was obviously somewhat exhausted, “I’ll go sleep first?”

“Go sleep.” Qin Wanwan nodded. Thinking about it, she still apologized, “My master has troubled everyone.”

“The senior has a childlike heart,” Xie Gutang smiled, “it’s nothing.”

Qin Wanwan understood perfectly. Translated, it roughly meant:

I don’t argue with fools.

Qin Wanwan saw Xie Gutang off and returned to Jian Xingzhi’s room. She sat by the bedside, looking at Jian Xingzhi sleeping sweetly. The anger in her heart had already transformed into exhaustion, exhaustion into helplessness, helplessness into despair.

At first she was angry at this dog-brained Jian Xingzhi. They’d spent so much time together, yet his first reaction upon learning she was the Jishan Female Sovereign was to run, thinking she was a terrible villain.

Now seeing him so scared he took sleeping medicine, she didn’t even know what to say.

But thinking about it, Qin Wanwan was somewhat confused.

Taking sleeping medicine—why play such loud funeral music? Was he afraid of sleeping too deeply?

She kept this doubt in her heart, contemplating. If she investigated this medicine’s origin, perhaps she’d know.

This medicine was formulated by Huihe. Huihe was Yan Wushuang’s wife. So now the person most likely to have this medicine… naturally was Yan Wushuang.

Qin Wanwan pondered this in her heart. She looked back at Jian Xingzhi. Feeling stifled, seeing Jian Xingzhi completely oblivious to all these troubles, she couldn’t help but pinch Jian Xingzhi’s face and knead it thoroughly before feeling slightly relieved.

After watching over Jian Xingzhi for the night, the medicine’s effect wore off and Jian Xingzhi groggily woke up.

This sleep was too good. He felt energized and full of vigor!

He stretched lazily preparing to get up when he suddenly sensed someone beside him. He instinctively struck out, only to see Qin Wanwan lying by the bedside, looking up at him.

His hand chop hung in midair. Qin Wanwan saw his movement and instantly leaped to the door, her shock not yet settled: “What are you trying to do?!”

This was all reflexive habit from being beaten.

“You…” Jian Xingzhi realized it was Qin Wanwan and felt somewhat panicked, “Why are you here?”

Had his experiment been discovered?

“Last night, you publicly played funeral music in your room.”

Qin Wanwan observed his expression and knew he definitely had some scheme. She said half-truthfully: “You woke everyone up. We came over and found you unconscious, so we called a doctor.”

“What did the doctor say?”

Jian Xingzhi asked nervously. Qin Wanwan shrugged: “He said you took sleeping medicine and took too much. Master,” Qin Wanwan walked to the bedside, sat down, and looked at him earnestly, “if you have any troubles, tell me. Don’t have such great pressure.”

“No, no need.”

Jian Xingzhi shook his head: “I was just testing it casually. I won’t take it anymore.”

“Is there any medicine left?”

Qin Wanwan probed. Jian Xingzhi quickly shook his head like a rattle drum: “None left, I drank it all.”

So there was still some.

Qin Wanwan was certain. She smiled: “As long as you’re fine. Please wash up—I’ll go back first.”

Jian Xingzhi nodded. Qin Wanwan got up. Before leaving, she took the medicine bottle Jian Xingzhi had used. After leaving the courtyard, she sniffed the bottle.

This medicine’s scent was very faint, almost odorless, but smelling carefully, one could still vaguely detect some floral fragrance.

Qin Wanwan memorized this scent, tucked the bottle into her sleeve, and walked out.

She went to wash up simply, called Nanfeng over, and had him carefully investigate the recent movements of people in the Ning residence who could contact Jian Xingzhi, and figure out the times and places these people left the residence.

Nanfeng investigated for a day and quickly discovered that Jun Shu had been seen secretly talking with Jian Xingzhi in the courtyard. Nanfeng followed Jun Shu’s trail and found the time he left the residence, then followed the person all the way asking around until he discovered Jun Shu had come to a desolate ruined temple in the outskirts.

Nanfeng circled around outside the ruined temple. This temple was quite large. The main hall looked dilapidated, but the back courtyard was very orderly, clearly indicating people lived here.

Nanfeng sneaked up the wall and climbed into the courtyard, carefully surveying his surroundings. He saw the pot in the kitchen was heating, water buckets had been drawn and sat by the well—clearly the appearance of someone living here, yet there wasn’t a single person.

Nanfeng felt a bit creeped out, sensing eerie winds all around. He crouched low and searched room by room.

He didn’t realize that behind him, over ten Giant Sword Manor disciples had been following him. They were just like him, crouching low and following behind him like thieves, observing him.

“What is he here to do?”

The Golden Sword Boy watched him being so sneaky and couldn’t help transmitting to ask Yan Wushuang.

Yan Wushuang said nervously: “Steal things?”

“Then shouldn’t we stop him?”

“Watch first.”

Nanfeng felt around the courtyard and finally felt his way to Yan Wushuang’s room. He looked around and saw a sword with a black scabbard hanging in the room, with “Wushuang” written on it.

Nanfeng froze, then turned his head and saw a woman’s portrait hanging on the wall. The artist’s signature at the bottom of the portrait read—Yan Wushuang.

Nanfeng instantly realized where this was. Like he’d seen a ghost, he jumped at the window, transformed into a tiny ant, and instantly disappeared from everyone’s sight!

Yan Wushuang didn’t even have time to act before the person vanished. Everyone froze. The Golden Sword Boy frowned: “That’s how he steals things?”

Yan Wushuang said nothing. He thought for a moment, then suddenly remembered: “Isn’t this… that one beside Qin Wanwan…”

“Spirit beast!”

The Golden Sword Boy and Yan Wushuang looked at each other in shock. The Golden Sword Boy quickly reacted and sneered: “Ha, they’ve even tracked down your lair. Your plan is probably going to fail.”

“No way!” Hearing this, Yan Wushuang felt great heartache, “That medicine is so expensive! It can’t be wasted!”

With that, Yan Wushuang had a thought: “I’ll go to the Ning residence to check. If not, I’ll administer the drug myself!”

“Isn’t that too risky?” The Golden Sword Boy looked at him in surprise, “Didn’t you swear you’d never go to the Ning residence again?”

“Times are different now. For the sake of the second half of the year’s food supply, Senior Brother is willing to sacrifice.”

Yan Wushuang said with conviction: “I’m going to apply to be their floor sweeper.”

Yan Wushuang was true to his word. That very evening, through his extensive network of connections, he contacted people from the Ning residence, successfully obtained the job of floor sweeping, and entered the Ning residence that night.

Meanwhile, Nanfeng sprinted all the way back to the Ning residence and quickly found Qin Wanwan, informing her: “Master, I’ve investigated. Recently that old man Nameless left the residence and found Yan Wushuang, then he also contacted Daojun Jian. The medicine must have been given to Daojun Jian by Yan Wushuang through Nameless!”

“Yan Wushuang…”

Qin Wanwan frowned tightly, somewhat puzzled how Jian Xingzhi got entangled with these three people.

But since Yan Wushuang had given the medicine, he must have some scheme. She didn’t need to think too much—the most important thing was to wait for an opportunity to act.

Qin Wanwan made psychological preparations while Yan Wushuang also carried a small bundle to the Ning residence.

“Here, this is where you’ll stay.”

The person in charge brought him to a dilapidated earthen house. He entered with his bundle and saw Jun Shu sitting on the bed practicing cultivation.

The two men’s eyes met. After a moment, Yan Wushuang smiled: “Oh, it’s you?”

“Why did you come?” Seeing him, Jun Shu frowned.

“I came to check on your situation,” Yan Wushuang closed the door and threw his bundle onto the bed beside him, sitting on the bed. “Are you confident you can administer the drug on competition day?”

“No problem.”

Jun Shu said with conviction: “Don’t worry.”

Yan Wushuang’s gaze shifted slightly. He knew: “Good, then I’ll wait for your news.”

The two men had little to say to each other. Jun Shu wasn’t accustomed to meditating in front of Yan Wushuang. He turned and blew out the kerosene lamp, then lay down to sleep.

He slept until midnight when Yan Wushuang heard Jun Shu rustling as he got up in his drowsy state. He pretended to be asleep. After Jun Shu tiptoed and pushed the door to leave, he immediately opened his eyes and followed, crouching low.

Jun Shu sneaked to the separate courtyard where Qin Wanwan lived, stopping not far from Jian Xingzhi’s window. He held his breath and crouched on the ground, observing Jian Xingzhi.

The medicine’s effect had already been tested. Jian Xingzhi had confirmed there were no bad effects. So tonight, he would use the medicine on the person it should be used on.

But how should he give this medicine to Qin Wanwan?

He thought about it and remembered Qin Wanwan had a habit of getting up at night to drink water. He came up with a solution—he’d put the medicine in Qin Wanwan’s teapot!

This way, when Qin Wanwan poured water at night, she’d naturally drink it.

Having thought of this method, Jian Xingzhi was so happy he clenched his fist hard. Then he jumped out the window and, for the third time, infiltrated Qin Wanwan’s room.

Seeing Jian Xingzhi infiltrate Qin Wanwan’s room in the middle of the night, Jun Shu immediately clenched his fist.

Lecher, bastard, shameless scoundrel!

Jun Shu’s head was full of curse words. To protect Qin Wanwan, he quickly followed, listening by Qin Wanwan’s window, observing the scene inside through the window crack.

Qin Wanwan lived in a room with windows on two sides. Yan Wushuang couldn’t see the scene inside. After thinking, he concealed his aura, went to the other wall where there was also a window, opened a crack, and secretly looked inside.

He saw Jian Xingzhi tiptoe to the table, glance at Qin Wanwan, then take out the medicine bottle he’d given Jun Shu, open the teapot lid, and pour one-fifth inside.

Yan Wushuang frowned, rather dissatisfied.

How could he use it at this time? The competition was still several days away!

Moreover, if he was going to use it, how could he only use one-fifth? Wouldn’t sleeping several more days be better?

But Yan Wushuang immediately felt fortunate again. Good thing he came himself. He still had a bottle of medicine on him. In a moment he’d pour all the medicine into the teapot, supplementing the dosage to ensure Qin Wanwan slept right through the finals.

Thinking of this outcome, Yan Wushuang couldn’t help but feel proud of his own cleverness.

Yan Wushuang only felt the dosage wasn’t enough, but on the other side, Jun Shu was completely enraged.

He gave Jian Xingzhi the medicine not for Qin Wanwan to take, but for Xie Gutang!

But thinking about it, he quickly came up with a plan.

His fundamental purpose was to have Jian Xingzhi kill Xie Gutang, eliminate this thorn in his side, while simultaneously making Qin Wanwan hate or even despise Jian Xingzhi.

As long as Xie Gutang died and Qin Wanwan thought Jian Xingzhi killed him, that was enough. Whether Jian Xingzhi actually killed him—was that important?

In a moment he’d switch the medicine to Xie Gutang’s place. As long as Xie Gutang drank it and fell unconscious, he’d go kill him. This medicine was administered by Jian Xingzhi—it would eventually be traced back to him!

Jun Shu and Yan Wushuang each had their own plans. The two silently watched Jian Xingzhi contentedly climb out the window.

Jian Xingzhi was rather happy. He decided to take a stroll around the courtyard to look at the moon. By the time he returned, Qin Wanwan might have already fallen into deep sleep.

But he’d barely left when Jun Shu climbed in right after.

Jun Shu used a magical treasure to conceal his aura, grabbed the teapot, and quickly jumped into Xie Gutang’s room. The Ning residence’s guest teapots were all the same style. He simply swapped out the teapot on Xie Gutang’s table, then jumped out of the room holding it, and began waiting for Xie Gutang to get up and drink water so he could go in and kill him!

But he’d barely been waiting when he heard Yan Wushuang call from behind: “Nameless.”

Jun Shu turned his head. Yan Wushuang looked anxious: “Why are you here? The manager has been waiting for you in the room for quite a while. Hurry over!”

“He…” Jun Shu panicked, “What does he want me for?”

“How would I know?”

Yan Wushuang looked at him curiously: “What are you doing?”

Hearing Yan Wushuang’s question, Jun Shu immediately grew nervous. He couldn’t let Yan Wushuang know he’d given the medicine to Xie Gutang.

Thinking that Xie Gutang wouldn’t wake to drink water for a while anyway, Jun Shu gritted his teeth: “Fine, I’ll go over right now.”

With that, Jun Shu jogged away. Yan Wushuang looked at the teapot on Xie Gutang’s table, concealed his aura and jumped into the room, took Xie Gutang’s teapot, increased the dosage, and put it back on Qin Wanwan’s table.

He jumped out the window, waiting for Qin Wanwan to drink the medicine. But before he could wait for Qin Wanwan to get up, he saw Jian Xingzhi humming a tune and strolling over leisurely.

Yan Wushuang held his breath, hiding in the tree. Jian Xingzhi passed happily beneath the tree. After walking just two steps, he suddenly realized something, whirled around, and slashed a sword toward Yan Wushuang!

Yan Wushuang’s concealment skills were first-rate. He hadn’t expected Jian Xingzhi to be so perceptive—at the distance between tree top and ground, he’d actually detected his presence.

Yan Wushuang swiftly retreated. Jian Xingzhi pursued closely. The two chased each other across the roof eaves. The Ning residence guards cried out in alarm: “Who’s there!”

Jian Xingzhi didn’t bother with those guards. He raised his hand and manifested a sword before his chest. Over ten flying swords in the air suddenly flew toward Yan Wushuang. Yan Wushuang flipped in midair, and saw Jian Xingzhi’s long sword thrust straight at him!

The two exchanged over ten moves on the roof eaves in an instant. Jian Xingzhi’s sword intent was overwhelming—with a “boom” he directly sent the person flying far away.

Yan Wushuang spat out a mouthful of stifled blood, flipped and landed on the ground. Jian Xingzhi held his sword pointed at him: “What are you sneaking around in the middle of the night for?!”

“I…” Yan Wushuang didn’t dare lie, “I just came to see if Qin Wanwan was sleeping well.”

Jian Xingzhi said nothing. He glanced at the favorability of 5 above Yan Wushuang’s head.

“With this little favorability you still want to lie?”

Jian Xingzhi sneered: “You don’t like her at all!”

“Nonsense!” Yan Wushuang was shocked by Jian Xingzhi’s train of thought. He raised his head sharply, “How could I possibly like her! She’s my next opponent—I’m scouting the enemy—what are you thinking?!”

“Why don’t you like her?”

Hearing Yan Wushuang speak badly of Qin Wanwan, Jian Xingzhi felt somewhat unhappy. He frowned tightly: “Isn’t she pretty and lovely in front of you all?”

Yan Wushuang: “…”

Damn moron.

Yan Wushuang’s expression of being at a loss for words made Jian Xingzhi realize he’d lost his composure. He put away his sword and educated him coldly: “In sword duels, compete openly and honorably. She’s your junior—are you actually afraid of her?”

“You’re right, I’ll reform immediately.”

Yan Wushuang quickly stood up. Seeing Jian Xingzhi didn’t plan to pursue the matter further, he cupped his hands: “Farewell.”

With that, Yan Wushuang immediately disappeared from Jian Xingzhi’s sight.

Jian Xingzhi thought for a moment before remembering—oh right, he was going to stake out Qin Wanwan!

He quickly sprinted toward the room. When he returned inside, he saw Qin Wanwan had already woken. She stood at the doorway, hands behind her back, smiling as she watched Jian Xingzhi return.

Seeing Qin Wanwan perfectly fine, Jian Xingzhi’s heart tightened and he instinctively called out: “Why are you still awake?”

“What is Master saying?”

Qin Wanwan looked completely puzzled: “Should I not be awake?”

“Oh no,” Jian Xingzhi quickly shook his head, “I thought you were asleep.”

“I woke when I heard fighting sounds just now.”

Qin Wanwan smiled: “Who was it?”

“Yan Wushuang,” Jian Xingzhi turned to glance behind him, still concerned about Qin Wanwan. “Did you drink water?”

“Not yet.”

“Then quickly drink some water to moisten your throat.” Jian Xingzhi urged.

Qin Wanwan smiled: “Thank you for Master’s concern. I’m not thirsty.”

“I know you like drinking water at night. You should drink more.”

Jian Xingzhi was practically exposing himself with every sentence. Qin Wanwan pretended not to notice anything unusual, only saying: “Alright, but I just woke up and can’t sleep yet. Master, you sleep first. I’ll look at the moon for a while, then go back and drink water.”

Hearing Qin Wanwan agree to drink water, Jian Xingzhi felt relieved. Being with Qin Wanwan made him nervous. He said: “I’ll go sleep first.”

Then he jumped back to his own room.

Returning to his room, he closed the window and smoothed his chest.

That scared him to death. He’d almost thought Qin Wanwan knew just now.

To calm his fright, Jian Xingzhi poured himself a cup of water and gulped it down.

A moment later, there came the muffled sound of a person hitting the floor.

Qin Wanwan stood with her hands behind her back, looking up at the bright moon, her face bearing barely suppressed laughter.

If she had a tail, it would probably be swishing proudly by now.

Scheme against her?

Jian Xingzhi wasn’t qualified yet.

Qin Wanwan waved toward the darkness. Nanfeng emerged and entered the room to move Jian Xingzhi onto the bed.

Qin Wanwan contentedly returned to her room and slept. Thinking that with Jian Xingzhi quiet, she’d have several peaceful days.

But the next morning, before she’d even woken, she heard the room door violently burst open. She woke with a start and grabbed her sword, then saw Ning Buyan blocking the doorway with people. Qin Wanwan’s divine sense swept and discovered each window outside was blocked by a Divine Transformation stage cultivator. They looked menacing.

“My grandfather was poisoned and murdered last night.”

Ning Buyan coughed lightly as he explained: “On the teapot used for poisoning, there are your master’s fingerprints and aura.”

Qin Wanwan’s heart skipped a beat. Then she saw Ning Buyan raise his head, his eyes carrying a warning: “Qin Wanwan, you and your master, come with us.”

—

**Author’s Notes:**

[Mini Theater]

Jian Xingzhi: “You like my wife, I’m going to kill you.”

Yan Wushuang: “I swear I don’t like your wife.”

Jian Xingzhi: “You actually don’t like my wife? I’m going to kill you.”

Yan Wushuang: “…”

Damn moron.

[Mini Theater]

Author: “Who among you has hit the female lead the hardest?”

Jun Shu, Xie Gutang, Shen Zhiming, Bai Sui You and others: “Not me.”

Jian Xingzhi: “It’s me.”

Author: “Who among you has poisoned the female lead?”

Jun Shu, Xie Gutang, Shen Zhiming, Bai Sui You: “I haven’t.”

Jian Xingzhi: “I have.”

Author: “Who among you thinks the female lead is particularly bad?”

Jun Shu: “She’s an angel.”

Xie Gutang: “She’s a good friend.”

Shen Zhiming: “She’s a good disciple.”

Bai Sui You: “She’s a very special woman.”

Jian Xingzhi: “She is the Jishan Female Sovereign—cruel, vicious, cunning, toying with others! She’s so bad!”

Summary: Jian Xingzhi, this story’s biggest villain.