The courtyard still trembled with the lingering tension of two mature women on the brink of setting the world on fire when Qin Su finally appeared.
He walked in at a leisurely pace, brushing peach petals from his robe as if returning from a stroll rather than stepping into a battlefield. But the moment he crossed into their line of sight—
Yuan Ai's gaze sharpened like twin divine daggers, bright enough to slice a spirit beast in half.If killing intent had mass, Qin Su would already be buried.
Feng Rou's eyes, calm and mature, swept over him in a single, assessing motion.
Feng Lian's quiet stare locked onto him with unnerving, scholar-like intensity.
Rei Hanxiang grinned outright, delighted, like she had just obtained front-row seats to the world's greatest drama.
Qin Su coughed lightly and glanced toward Qin Wei for guidance.
"…Why was I called?" he asked.
Qin Wei clasped his hands together like a condemned man praying for mercy."B-because I value my life, and these four were about to destroy the courtyard."
Qin Su felt a vein throb at his temple. The situation immediately worsened.
The women moved as one.
"Qin Su," Yuan Ai demanded, voice cold enough to frost stone. "Explain."
"A few clarifications would indeed be welcome," Feng Rou added with polite intensity.
"Hehehe~ Qin Su," Rei Hanxiang purred, "guess what? I told them we're engaged."
"…I have questions," Feng Lian said quietly.
Qin Su froze.
Danger.Very dangerous.Extremely dangerous.
For the first time in his confident, arrogant life, Qin Su realized the truth of the world:
Women were terrifying.
He took a tiny step back.
If he said one wrong thing, Yuan Ai would kill him.If he said another, Rei Hanxiang would hunt him.If he looked at Feng Rou for a second too long, Yuan Ai would kill him again.If he ignored Feng Lian… she might stab him silently.
He flicked a desperate glance at Qin Wei.Qin Wei mouthed: You're on your own.
For the first time in years, Qin Su felt despair.
And then—salvation descended.
A majestic aura crashed over the courtyard like a falling mountain.Wind howled.Lanterns trembled.Even the sky dimmed, as if bowing to the approaching power.
A deep voice boomed through the clan grounds:
"I, Yang Jian, King of Lute, seek the mysterious senior!"
Every disciple fell to their knees in shock.Even the women paused.
"…The King of Lute?" Yuan Ai muttered.
"What is he doing here?!" Rei Hanxiang yelped.
"…Powerful," Feng Lian whispered.
Feng Rou's expression shifted—cool composure cracking for the first time.
Yang Jian himself… searching here?This Qin Clan… this Qin Su…My decision was correct.
Her confidence tripled.
Yang Jian strode into the courtyard, only to halt mid-step when he saw Feng Rou. His eyes widened—a rare sight for such a man.
"Madam Feng," he said slowly. "You grace this small clan as well?"
Feng Rou bowed, elegant and composed."King of Lute. Your arrival is unexpected."
But Yang Jian's gaze quickly swept past her, searching.
"Where is the senior? I must speak with him."
The courtyard remained silent.
He called again, voice firmer."Senior! Are you present?"
Still no reply.
It was the moment Qin Su had been praying for.
Yes.YES.THIS IS MY CHANCE.
With every eye fixed on Yang Jian, Qin Su began to inch backward.One step.Two.Three—Then he slipped behind a wall and vanished like a professional fugitive.
Qin Wei nearly wept with envy.
Yang Jian called out a third time—and the world changed.
The temperature plummeted.Dark mist coiled like living shadows.Every breath froze in every chest.
A figure stepped from the mist.Midnight-black robes.Silver mask.A void-like aura that devoured sound.
No one sensed his arrival.Even Yang Jian stiffened.
"Senior!" Yang Jian bowed deeply.
The masked man walked past everyone as though they were mere drifting dust and took the main seat of honor without a word. Yang Jian stood respectfully at his side.
Silence stretched—heavy, ancient, oppressive.
At last, the masked man spoke."Why have you come, King of Lute?"
Yang Jian bowed again."Senior, forgive my intrusion. I know you dislike being disturbed… but only you hold answers."
"Speak."
Yang Jian inhaled deeply.
"Are you connected to the Blood Demon?"
"…No."
"Do you know the truth behind the Lian Emperor's injuries?"
"…Yes."
"Will you join the war against the Blood Demon?"
The masked man's tone did not shift."This is not my problem.Your kingdoms rise or fall by your own strength.Not mine."
Yang Jian lowered his head in acceptance."…I understand."
A moment later, the masked man dissolved into mist.
Tension finally broke.
Disciples exhaled shakily.The courtyard steadied.The world felt safe again.
Until—
"…Where's Qin Su?" Yuan Ai asked.
"He ran! That shameless man!" Rei Hanxiang fumed.
"…He slipped away," Feng Lian reported.
"He's fast…" Feng Rou murmured, impressed despite herself.
And so, peace returned to the Qin Clan—
Just not for Qin Su.