Chapter Ninety-Seven: The True Face of Wang Chunxiao

“Seventh-rank martial artist?”

Su Yang was slightly taken aback and said, “Let’s go out and have a look.”

Since arriving in this world, his social interactions had been rather simple. He did not know any seventh-rank martial artists, let alone several, as Wang Han had implied.

Outside the door.

A group of about eight people stood there, dressed in fine brocade robes. All of them possessed seventh-rank strength—various masters, young masters, martial artists, scattered fighters, and even a hall master.

Leading them was a middle-aged man, radiating strong vitality and blood energy; with time, he could likely rise to sixth rank. He wore a black robe and carried a long red refined steel staff on his back.

Among the group were two women: one was a stunningly beautiful woman dressed provocatively, with towering curves and a flirtatious expression that nearly melted when she saw Su Yang. Her enchanting, seductive gaze was almost palpable.

Standing beside her was a man in black short clothes, with the words “Black Stone Martial Hall” tattooed on his chest—presumably her husband.

The other woman was younger, carrying a long spear on her back, exuding a commanding presence. She bore a resemblance in style to Shen Yushui but was dressed entirely in brilliant red, her spear vividly crimson, lacking Shen Yushui’s subtle restraint.

The beautiful woman was named Chun Fu, her husband was Liang Heishi, and the young woman with the spear was Huo Luoluo.

The middle-aged man leading them was Zhao Wuji, the master of the Zhao family. They had come to discuss business with Su Yang regarding a sixth-rank demon beast. Su Yang raised an eyebrow—this must be about the weasel demon that had been discovered.

He invited them inside, where servants served tea and pastries.

“May I ask what business you have with me?” Su Yang sat at the head of the room and inquired.

“Currently, Yanggu County is in turmoil, surrounded by rebel forces outside the city. The city itself is far from peaceful. A few days ago, we encountered a demon beast inside the city. After capturing and interrogating it, and conducting reconnaissance ourselves, we discovered that a sixth-rank wild demon beast has taken up residence in Yanggu County,” Zhao Wuji explained.

“For us seventh-rank martial artists, this is a rare opportunity. If we join forces to take down that sixth-rank wild demon, not only would the demon’s corpse be immensely valuable, but the compound surely harbors many seventh, eighth, and ninth-rank wild demons as well.”

“Whether to cultivate offspring within our families or to sell them externally, this would be a lucrative endeavor. Master Su, what are your thoughts?”

Zhao Wuji asked.

“As far as I know, aside from myself, the experts here who refine demon corpses are subpar. I can guarantee a 60% success rate for ninth-rank demon corpses, 40% for eighth-rank, but only about 10% for seventh-rank corpses.”

“As for sixth-rank demon corpses, I honestly have no confidence in successfully refining them. Even if we get the corpse of that sixth-rank demon, it would have little use. The siege by the rebels may last a while; if so, the corpse will likely spoil.”

“If the rebels hadn’t besieged the city, we could sell the corpse at Su Mansion City or Jiangzhou City for a high price. But to discuss this now is rather pointless.”

Su Yang spoke his mind and continued, “So this mission carries too much risk for too little reward.”

Zhao Wuji pondered for a long while.

Taking a sip of tea, he said, “Master Su, with the rebels besieging the city, any new strength we add to our hands is an additional trump card.”

“Even adding one more ninth-rank or eighth-rank martial artist to our family is a great benefit. If the rebels break through, the strength of each family determines life or death. Previously, everyone weighed risk against reward, but now is not the time for that. Every opportunity must be seized tightly to strengthen ourselves and our families before the rebels enter the city.”

“As for the sixth-rank wild demon corpse and other corpses, Master Su can eliminate the tumor and fairly distribute the refined demon corpses according to the success rate. How many you get depends on your skill, and we will offer corresponding remuneration.”

“From what I know, this weasel demon is vicious, ravaging the city and abducting boys for cultivation fodder. By doing this, we also rid the people of a scourge and gain a good reputation.”

“Master Su, what do you think?”

...

A sixth-rank demon corpse!

That was not the target of these seventh-rank martial artists. Their true aim was the eighth and ninth ranks and the weasel demon, for cultivating their offspring, as refining seventh and sixth-rank demon corpses was too unreliable.

But for Su Yang, the sixth-rank demon corpse was his true goal. With his perfect refining technique, this weasel demon corpse, combined with another black-furred rat demon corpse in the storeroom, would allow him to make a tremendous leap toward fifth rank.

If he broke through to fifth rank before the rebels entered the city, the Su family’s position in future trends would be more secure.

Moreover, with his sixth-rank strength, hunting a sixth-rank wild demon such as the weasel demon posed little danger—at worst, he could escape. Unlike the other seventh-rank martial artists who faced considerable risk.

“Is it only us?” Su Yang asked.

“Besides us, five brothers have not yet arrived today. Including you, Master Su, there are fourteen seventh-rank martial artists. Additionally, some eighth and ninth-rank martial artists handle peripheral tasks. We will formulate a plan and hunt the weasel demon in about five days,” Zhao Wuji replied.

“Very well, I accept,” Su Yang nodded, agreeing to the deal. No matter how he looked at it, he was the biggest beneficiary and had no reason to refuse.

“Good, in five days, we will gather at Black Stone Martial Hall.”

“At that time, we will respectfully welcome Master Su.”

Zhao Wuji was delighted by Su Yang’s acceptance and led the group away. On his way back, Su Yang happened to meet Xiliu, whose aunt still carried an alluring charm.

“Aunt Liu, what does my mother-in-law want with me?” Su Yang asked, eyeing Xiliu’s willow-like figure.

“It’s been a while since you last rested in the young lady’s room. Tonight, stay over in Chunxiao’s room,” Xiliu replied.

“Alright.”

Su Yang nodded.

“Don’t stare too much.”

Seeing Su Yang’s eyes fixed on her, Xiliu blushed slightly, feeling a gentle warmth in her heart.

“If anyone’s to blame, it’s Aunt Liu for still being so charming at this age—more enchanting than any young girl,” Su Yang said sweetly.

Xiliu laughed, “I’m already at that age. How could I compare to a young girl? Don’t talk nonsense.”

“No young girl can compare to Aunt Liu. They simply don’t know your worth and thus think you’re not good enough. I’d say none of the Su family’s young maids can match you in the slightest,” Su Yang said.

“Enough joking. Your mother-in-law must be anxious. The message has been delivered; remember to go to Chunxiao’s room tonight,” Xiliu said, then turned to walk away, her gait lighter, her heart filled with joy and anticipation.

...

After Bai Ganluo married in, she went to the martial hall during the day and only came home at night, so Su Yang could only see her in the evenings. Dressed in white robes, Bai Ganluo’s room was next to Black Lotus—the rebel female thief with a grade-B talent. Su Yang was somewhat uneasy about her, so Bai Ganluo could keep an eye on her.

“Husband, where are you going so late?” Bai Ganluo asked as Su Yang was about to leave the courtyard.

“To the next room.”

Being called “husband” unexpectedly still felt somewhat unfamiliar. Su Yang and Bai Ganluo were still somewhat distant, though they had talked longer that night.

“You have several women in your room all pregnant, your body must be uncomfortable. Should I attend to you tonight?” Bai Ganluo said, startling him.

“Madam, I won’t be back tonight. If you’re willing, come to my room tomorrow. I’ll be waiting for you,” Su Yang replied.

He knew Bai Ganluo well—in matters of intimacy, she was verbally bold but timid in action. She would say anything, but when it came to the real thing, she would curl up shyly.

After all, a woman in her thirties liked to pretend she was experienced.

“Good. The day after tomorrow, I’ll make sure you can’t get out of bed,” Bai Ganluo said, tilting her head.

“We’ll have a proper match,” Su Yang said helplessly. “Go back and rest. I’m going first.”

“Husband, there’s something you need to know,” Bai Ganluo suddenly called out to Su Yang. “The Zhou family is planning to move against you. It’s likely the county magistrate’s scheme.”

“Oh.”

Su Yang frowned. He hadn’t expected such a poor outcome. The Zhou magistrate thought not of defending the city but of helping his illegitimate son vent his anger. “What did you hear?”

Bai Ganluo smiled faintly, “I said nothing.”

With that, she turned and left.

During the day, some had come to probe him—why he married Su Yang, and if given a chance to escape the fire pit, would she help? Naturally, she refused. Then they asked again if she wanted to escape the fire pit.

Bai Ganluo knew this was the Zhou magistrate probing her to deal with Su Yang. She was a sixth-rank martial artist and held considerable sway in Yanggu County.

While three fifth-rank martial artists held the city, none dared act rashly. They were all under intense surveillance. Should one move, the others would be alerted.

If the Zhou magistrate wanted to move against Su Yang, the other two would immediately defend Su Yang and pull him into their families’ service. Although it was difficult to recruit a martial artist like Su Yang, it would create another enemy for their rivals.

Thus, in Yanggu County, the Zhou, Feng, and Wei families’ fifth-rank martial artists served only as deterrents. None would make a move.

Only sixth-rank martial artists within the families would act.

Bai Ganluo was a sixth-rank martial artist. If anyone wanted to kill Su Yang without her consent, the difficulty would greatly increase. Yanggu County was not dominated by a single family. If Su Yang wholeheartedly joined one of the other two families, that would be troublesome.

But Bai Ganluo’s answer today was:

“Su Yang is my husband; we are one.”

Perhaps this was Bai Ganluo’s nature—straightforward, outspoken, and forthright. If it were Su Yang, he would say, “I’ll go with you to kill, then betray you halfway through.”

...

Watching Bai Ganluo’s capable figure and graceful back, Su Yang couldn’t help but swallow hard. A woman in her thirties still carried a certain flavor—like vintage wine, aged and newly uncorked.

However, Bai Ganluo’s warning was real. If a sixth-rank martial artist was sent to assassinate him, he could easily be blindsided, as he was only sixth rank himself.

Next door was Wang Chunxiao’s room.

Before entering, a faint feminine fragrance wafted through the air. The room was exquisitely decorated, with red candles flickering a soft glow. A sheer veil hung over the bed. Wang Chunxiao sat on the edge, dressed elegantly in red, her head covered by a red bridal veil.

Su Yang was momentarily stunned. What on earth was Wang Chunxiao up to? Had she descended into delusions? A chill ran down his spine.

Living with this woman seemed increasingly dangerous. He resolved to find time to speak seriously with his mother-in-law about rescinding that original arrangement and replacing it with another condition.

For example, his younger aunt was still unmarried...

He would have to sleep with one eye open.

“Here I am!”

Wang Chunxiao’s soft, coquettish voice came from the bed.

“Hmm.”

Su Yang replied.

“Come here.”

Wang Chunxiao summoned him again. Su Yang furrowed his brow, weighing whether to risk approaching.

“What is it?”

“Lift the red veil.”

Su Yang carefully picked up the rod nearby and gently lifted her veil. Under the candlelight appeared a face of breathtaking beauty.

Her features were exquisitely painted, a fair, delicate nose, bright and lively eyes—the very definition of earthly beauty.

Her soft body and towering curves were captivating. Her ten slender fingers were as white and delicate as scallions, her legs long and straight. On her small feet were a pair of mismatched embroidered slippers. Smiling, she looked at Su Yang and said, “Husband, let your wife attend you tonight...”

As her slender fingers slid to his belt and the cloth began to fall, Su Yang panicked, grabbing the cloth and stepping back two paces.

“Miss, I suddenly recalled I have urgent matters in my room. Maybe next time.”

With that, he turned and left.

A beauty was tempting, but he feared a serpent’s poison. Wang Chunxiao’s sudden change in attitude made him suspect hidden motives. It was better to keep his distance from her.

In his mind, Su Yang still remembered how Wang Chunxiao treated him when he first married in, and how she treated him now. Nothing felt right. He also harbored some resentment toward her, as she had mocked and belittled him frequently. Women like that were best avoided.

Yet Su Yang hadn’t expected that Wang Chunxiao had always worn ugly makeup on purpose. Beneath it was a face of such beauty that she could be called a femme fatale.

Wang Chunxiao would soon learn what it felt like to be underestimated.

Inside the room.

Wang Chunxiao, dressed in red, watched Su Yang’s departing figure. Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes, a hint of grievance in her gaze that stirred a desire to comfort her tenderly.

“Master...!”

As Su Yang prepared to return to his room, a girl’s voice came from the side.