ASER - Chapter 137
Chapter 137: Toxic
At that time, students from Qingzhou Academy, like Song Erhu and the others, hadn't even reacted. They were merely stunned for a moment before seeing the even more bewildered Dongguo Second Young Master subconsciously attack after his own father suddenly struck. And then...
Three minutes later, A'Diao was still in her original spot, sipping fruit juice and gnawing on a lamb leg. The several principals opposite her were also calmly seated; even the principal of Qingzhou Academy was calmer than anyone.
But the academy's teachers had made their move, and the first one they killed was Dongguo Second Young Master, a former student of the academy.
The ground was covered in blood and corpses.
Xiao Mieluo, who had crushed the Dongguo Clan Head's skull with a single palm strike, wiped the blood from his hands and ordered his subordinates to use water vapor to clean the scene. Meanwhile, he calmly and composedly instructed everyone present to sit back down.
Just an appetizer before the meal. Let the music continue, let the feast go on.
Come, come, make yourselves at home, don't be reserved.
Students like Yuan Shu were on the verge of a mental breakdown from fright. Let alone them, even prodigies like Song Erhu and the others were trembling with fear. However, these five did not jump up but managed to steady themselves with difficulty, not rashly leaving their seats.
When the dust settled, they looked at their composed principal, then at the teachers who usually taught them with smiles and earnest words, and then at those high-ranking figures who were as steady as Mount Tai. They suddenly understood that aptitude wasn't everything.
Everyone looked at Tuoba and Song Ling; neither of them had moved. Opposite them, Yue Xingxi and Zhao Guang hadn't moved either.
Yue Xingxi was, after all, a year above them and had seen more of the world in Kyoto; such a scene wasn't enough to faze her. As she observed coldly, she suddenly noticed that although the average aptitude of Danzhou's students was low, their fundamental composure was top-notch. Conversely, it was the students from the three academies of Qingzhou, Yunzhou, and Linzhou who were the most terrified.
Actually, the reason wasn't hard to guess.
It was because most of those implicated were from these three prefectures. Those who had just been killed were not only members of the Dongguo Clan but also some individuals who hadn't resisted yet were directly taken down.
The Intelligence Bureau had gathered evidence on traitors and minions from all sides.
They weren't even afforded the courtesy of imprisonment and interrogation; all were executed on the spot.
Ruthless and thorough, leaving no room for leeway.
The blood was cleaned up, and dishes were served anew. The kitchen had evidently been prepared long ago; the food was piping hot and served in an orderly fashion.
Song Ling suddenly recalled a movie from the past: a prince rebelled and was executed. The emperor, calm and composed, had people clean the blood-soaked imperial palace, arrange chrysanthemums, and then re-serve the dishes for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
While the people from Hanzhou and Danzhou felt heavy-hearted, they also thought that their territories being weak and insignificant wasn't without its benefits. It saved them from being roped in and dragged into the gutter, thus avoiding implication and annihilation.
Yunzhou and Linzhou were powerful, their influence strong, naturally looked upon favorably. But look, once they fell, their destruction was also quite satisfying to watch.
Execution?
What was this?
A'Diao glanced at Xiao Mieluo, realizing that what they were seeing now was probably just an appetizer. For these people in power, executing the instigators was not enough.
Her gaze swept over Xiao Mieluo, who had begun to chat and laugh with the various clan heads and principals, and she also caught a glimpse of Xiao Jin, partially hidden behind a flowering tree.
She wondered, that old fellow Dongguo Jiaoqing wasn't here. With both Xiao Mieluo and his sister present, had they dispatched another top-tier Glimmer Upper Rank combatant to kill him?
At a secret airship port in Linzhou.
Just as night fell, the young and old of the once powerful and arrogant Dongguo Clan were being escorted by guards to flee in panic. A trusted subordinate, leading his men, was just about to board an airship when he saw the airship's hatch open, revealing an unfamiliar face.
His expression froze.
It was over.
Within the Dongguo Clan's underground labyrinth, before a long-range teleportation array, Dongguo Jiaoqing was attempting to activate it.
But he failed.
The teleportation frequency had been severed.
Dongguo Jiaoqing's cheek twitched. He turned his head; footsteps echoed from the corridor outside, slow and deliberate.
He saw a person wearing a mask.
This person leaned against the door, arms crossed, a three-foot green blade at their slender waist particularly conspicuous. But this person's eyes could speak.
As if saying: Good evening.
Dongguo Jiaoqing quietly mobilized his Spiritual Core and said, "It seems Xiao Mieluo has already sent people to kill all my Dongguo Clan relatives, eradicating them root and branch. I just didn't expect him to have such a formidable general under his command."
The other person didn't speak, merely slowly drawing their sword.
Three minutes later, the central hall of the underground palace was cracked and on the verge of collapse.
And Dongguo Jiaoqing lay on the ground, looking at the other person in disbelief.
"You..."
He was both shocked that the opponent possessed such terrifying swordsmanship, capable of killing him, a Glimmer Upper Rank, while being only at Glimmer Middle Rank, and terrified by the calmness in the opponent's eyes.
The calmer they were, the more it indicated they had victory in their grasp.
"Don't worry, I haven't exterminated your entire clan. Whether it's those ordinary clan members you deliberately had your confidant take away as a decoy, or those most talented disciples secretly escorted away, they were dealt with separately by the Li Clan and the Han Clan. My Xiao Clan can't do such ruthless things; after all, some of those children I've known since they were young, and we even played together. However, the Li and Han families are also acting to protect themselves, so please don't blame them."
"Besides, to be born into a life of luxury and power, if your grand endeavor succeeds, you reach the pinnacle; if it fails, you naturally have to pay the price. Your relatives deserved this."
For someone in information technology to leisurely use such moralistic words to console someone indicated they weren't in a hurry, and also that the situation was completely under their control.
Dongguo Jiaoqing's pupils trembled.
"Uncle, whether it's prosperous peace or contending for power in chaotic times, the affairs of this world no longer concern you. Farewell."
Dongguo Jiaoqing finally recognized the other person and said with difficulty, "It's you! Weren't you in the southern coastal region? How could you... It's a doppelganger!! You actually managed to cultivate the doppelganger technique..."
The person reached out, placed a hand over his head, and squeezed.
Crack.
The skull shattered.
His rolling eyeballs seemed to fixate on the other person's features.
Those were a woman's eyes.
Xiao Jin touched the mask on her face. "It seems my eyes gave me away. These old seniors are indeed sharp."
The sea breeze was cool; the dense forest, mountains, and sea created a scene of exquisite beauty.
People had died, but thankfully, it wasn't oneself.
After all, this period had been one of constant killing, so everyone's mentality recovered quickly.
The crowd had already entered a state of eating and drinking. They were too hungry; fighting was exceptionally draining.
A'Diao, in a wheelchair, looked pale and weak, but this didn't stop wave after wave of people from coming to thank her.
A'Diao: "Don't be like this. We are all cultivators. As long as we are on the battlefield, working together for our country, aren't we all brothers in arms?"
A large wave of Mental Power from XXX.
There were those who were grateful, and those who came to offer thanks awkwardly. Song Erhu and his group lowered their proud heads and thanked A'Diao for saving their lives.
A'Diao: "You managed to escape the Snow Demon Lair through your own abilities. You don't need to thank me."
Song Erhu was stunned. "But the Snow Demon down there was you, wasn't it? If it weren't for you..."
They had all heard the voice.
A'Diao said with a calm expression, "Just assume it wasn't me."
These few words were both an understatement and deeply meaningful.
Toilet thought: This A'Diao person looks crude, but when she decides to be artistic, she's quite artistic, especially with language.
It was clearly a monumental achievement, yet she refused to admit it. She nearly died for this battle, yet never spoke of it.
What kind of magnanimity was this? What kind of moral character was this!!
Showing off? Arrogant? Cunning and shameless?
These were all her methods. In reality, her heart was so sincere and kind, and she wasn't vain. Such a Young Master Zhao was truly the pinnacle of talent in the world.
Those die-hard fans who had previously believed in A'Diao now called her "Big Brother" even more fervently, almost looking up to her as a father, full of admiration.
There were a few more die-hard fans.
The kind of die-hard fans who had converted from haters.
From Song Erhu +298888!
From...
"Big Brother Zhao, from now on, you are my, Song Erhu's, idol! In the future, I will definitely look up to you and strive to be an upright, kind, and powerful person!"
"I'll drink it all, you drink as you please!"
A group of half-grown lads, full of camaraderie, gulped down their drinks, and millions of Mental Power points surged.
A'Diao saw this, slammed the table, and said, "Good! Such are the fine sons of our nation! Come, fill them up!"
She generously plied these young men with drinks, farming their Mental Power as she did so.
The Qingzhou Academy Principal suddenly approached, chatting amiably with A'Diao, and then asked about her future plans.
"Little Brother Zhao, although you are not from our Five Prefectures, you have a certain affinity with us. Now that the matter in the Southern Sea Region is concluded, if you wish to relax, you could try visiting my Qingzhou. If you come to my Qingzhou Academy, this old man will personally accompany you. I wonder if you..."
"Qingzhou's scenery is indeed nice. If Little Brother Zhao is going, I'll go too," Jiang Zhou chimed in.
The Qingzhou Principal glanced at him. "Little Brother Zhao is going to relax. With you along, I'm afraid he won't be able to relax."
Jiang Zhou, thick-skinned and sanctimonious, said, "How could I be accompanying him? I'm accompanying you."
A man in his sixties saying such things to a man in his seventies.
Qingzhou Principal: "..."
While the two old men were bantering sarcastically, A'Diao, after some consideration, took the initiative to thank Qu Jiangnan who was nearby.
"Thank you, Miss Qu, for saving me."
Qu Jiangnan had been looking into the distance with a worried expression. Pulled back to the present by A'Diao, she asked in return, "How old are you?"
Huh?
A'Diao's heart skipped a beat. She said, "I'm 30."
Qu Jiangnan: "Really? You don't look it. Young Master Zhao looks like he's eighteen or nineteen. You even called me Big Sister before."
A'Diao: "..."
Damn, I thought I was exposed. Turns out she cares about this.
And she cares a lot.
A'Diao immediately made a big deal out of it, covering her mouth and coughing lightly, feigning weakness. "Miss Qu is beautiful and has an outstanding temperament. If a man of similar age approaches you, it's inevitable that people will gossip. Even if you are broad-minded and don't care, I am but a plain and unremarkable person. How could I dare to tarnish your name? I can only address you with such respect to avoid misunderstandings."
Qu Jiangnan sized her up, seemingly noncommittal. "Young Master Zhao is too kind."
A'Diao didn't dare to interact with her any further and was about to retreat when Jiang Zhou sidled over, asking with a smile, "Little Brother Zhao is 30 this year? Oh my, our Jiangnan is also 30! What a coincidence! Let's arrange a time to hang out together someday. Young people, it's never wrong to make more friends!"
The moment Qu Jiangnan saw Jiang Zhou approach, she knew he was up to no good. She had intended to leave, but a signal came through. She glanced at her wristwatch, her expression suddenly changing slightly, and her fingers tightened around her water cup.
A'Diao and the Principal both noticed. Had something happened?
Just then, several flashes of light appeared in the distant night sky. The light revealed airships.
They were incredibly fast airships, equipped with teleportation and flash-step capabilities, top-of-the-line in the kingdom, the kind that money couldn't buy. This technology was only controlled by core national departments. Unless one went through multinational conglomerates like Huayao Bank, if such an airship entered Tang Song or another country's territory and was discovered, it had to be reported and registered. If it belonged to one's own country, well... you understand, it couldn't be caught anyway.
Now that they appeared openly, they had to be from the Imperial Court.
And the status of the arrivals was extraordinary.
Soon, the airships reached the airspace above the coastline. Hatches opened, and a group of people flew down. The leader, dressed in a blue robe with gold trim, exuded an air of nobility and grace, clearly a high-ranking court official. After he descended, Xiao Mieluo approached and smiled at him. "So it's Elder Jiang. Is there a matter?"
Elder Jiang?
That was a high minister of the Imperial Court, the kind of official position that civil officials like Chen Ran would strive for their entire lives, someone who could walk sideways in Kyoto.
A'Diao's eyes flickered. She thought, Has the Imperial Court lost all face? Or... has Xiao Jin cut off their intelligence?
Elder Jiang swept his gaze around, his expression stern, and his tone grew heavier. "Grand Governor Xiao, this humble one is here under the orders of the Imperial Court's cabinet to hold you accountable. For such a major incident on the southern coast, why did you not report to the Imperial Court and request military deployment? Allowing so many cultivators to perish, your culpability is likely not small."
Xiao Mieluo: "But I did report it. Otherwise, how would the Imperial Court know about this matter?"
Elder Jiang: "You absolutely did not..."
Xiao Mieluo: "We are all people of the Five Prefectures. I and the Grand Governors of the other four prefectures are of one accord. For example, if Grand Governor Dongguo reported it, it's the same as me reporting it. Why differentiate between us?"
Elder Jiang, being extremely astute, suddenly realized something was amiss and was about to speak.
Xiao Mieluo smiled faintly. "I also just reported that Grand Governor Dongguo's family created the Five Elements Cult and colluded with demonic spirits to invade our Tang Song territory. Does the Elder not know this either?"
Elder Jiang: "..."
Those who could transmit messages had all been killed, so naturally, he didn't know.
Xiao Mieluo: "It seems the intelligence system has collapsed. No matter, this official will personally report to you, Elder. Men, serve wine to the Elder. Let's have a good talk."
Xiao Mieluo grasped Elder Jiang's wrist, warmly and amicably pulling him to a seat... but he also glanced at the few people behind Elder Jiang. Though he clearly recognized them, he feigned ignorance and asked, "And these gentlemen are?"
Elder Jiang, by now observing the reactions of others, especially those from the Han and Li families, had guessed that the Dongguo Clan members had likely already been dealt with by Xiao Mieluo with lightning speed, and on charges of treason, even betrayal of humanity. So, his arrival now... what did it amount to?
He was completely implicated!
His heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a poker face. "Since there was a lapse in intelligence, and we both serve the same court, we should naturally discuss this properly. If it's a misunderstanding, an explanation will suffice. As for these gentlemen... they happened to be traveling with me. They're here to find someone, and also to ask for a cup of wine to celebrate the great victory on the Southern Sea Region's border. Isn't that right, Nephew Qu?"
The Qu Family, a certain "virtuous nephew," accompanying Elder Jiang.
The amount of information was just right. A'Diao immediately realized that the Qu Family had joined a certain faction. Although it couldn't be definitively said that this faction was involved in the Dongguo Clan's rebellion, at the very least, this group's objective was also to destroy the Xiao Clan, carve up the power of the Five Prefectures, and support the Dongguo Clan's rise to control the Five Prefectures.
To have such confidence, there had to be at least a prince backing them, and this Qu Family was also aligned with this prince.
Then why come so openly with Elder Jiang?
It meant the Qu Family wanted to use this matter to bind themselves to the other party. Could it be... a marriage alliance?
Damn! The Qu Family has really professionalized selling off their daughters!
And they weren't very respectful about it. If it were a proper marriage alliance, they should at least be trying to curry favor with a prince. Sending an experienced, authoritative family member would have been appropriate. But they sent a man in his twenties, probably a generation younger than Qu Jiangnan.
A'Diao could see through this person's cultivation and mental aptitude at a glance. Transcendent Rank, and his mental aptitude wasn't very high either, estimated to be around 200 points, a world away from Qu Jiangnan.
The Qu Family had deep foundations; they surely had other prodigious talents. Yet they didn't send one, instead sending a passable junior to fetch her. How much did this belittle Qu Jiangnan?
It shouldn't be like this. Even if they favored sons over daughters, they wouldn't humiliate someone to this extent. After all, a woman in a marriage alliance could be a double-edged sword for the family. Wasn't demeaning her like this courting disaster? And it would also easily offend this prince.
Unless... A'Diao thought of a possibility—unless this prince was deliberately humiliating Qu Jiangnan, and the Qu Family had tacitly agreed and cooperated.
Damn it! This is truly toxic! My teacher, you better run!
A'Diao was anxious inwardly but remained outwardly calm, pretending to understand nothing. However, she glanced at Qu Jiangnan's expression... the latter was expressionless.
That "Nephew Qu," however, was quite an actor. Seeing the change in situation, he shed his earlier assertiveness and proactively greeted Xiao Mieluo politely, saying a few flattering words. Then he turned to Qu Jiangnan, bowed, and said, "Aunt Jiangnan, by order of my eldest uncle, I have come to escort you home."
The moment the Principal saw the Qu family arrive, he had cursed inwardly. He naturally saw through the scheme behind this "escort." He squinted and said with a chuckle, "After being away for so long, it's natural to go home and visit. However, Young Master Qu, she is now a teacher at my Danzhou Academy, managing several classes. She can't get away. Later, I'll talk to her and give her a vacation next time, so she can go back and see her relatives no matter what. After all, they are blood relations. No matter how inhuman they are, she should at least meet them."
Qu Lianjing's eyes flashed. "There is an urgent family matter. I must trouble Aunt to return with me today. After all, as a child, nothing is more important than a parent's command."
Elder Jiang wouldn't casually bring just anyone along. He had naturally discussed it with people beforehand. Hearing this, he also smiled and said, "That makes sense. Miss Qu should go back. If there's nothing important later, she can always return to Danzhou. If there really is something..."
Xiao Mieluo suddenly said coolly, "Miss Qu naturally has matters to attend to. She is now also a guest elder of my Xiao Clan and made significant contributions in this battle. There are many follow-up matters, such as dealing with a certain escaped expert from the Dongguo Clan, and investigating which noble families or even high ministers in our court are still colluding with demonic spirits. A parent's command cannot override matters of state. If there truly is a difficulty, go back and tell Grand Tutor Qu to contact me, Xiao Mieluo. If there's a real emergency, I will certainly let her go."
A'Diao watched from the side, once again feeling that power was indeed more important than anything else.
Xiao Mieluo was as stable as Mount Tai in the Five Prefectures; the Imperial Court dared not pressure him. No matter how deep-rooted the Qu Family was, being far away in Kyoto, they couldn't constrain a warlord who controlled the power of the Five Prefectures.
Power, power, only by possessing supreme power could one avoid being bullied.
A'Diao lowered her head, the thoughts in her mind intensely strong, yet she looked at Qu Jiangnan again.
The latter seemed about to speak, but the Principal interjected, "Aiya, Grand Governor Xiao, what are you saying? Are my school's affairs not important? I even accepted work from the Academy Alliance on her behalf, honestly... But if it's truly for the country and the people, then it can't be helped. By the way, Young Master Qu, what were you saying just now?"
Qu Lianjing was no match for them. A few words and he was rebuffed, his face turning ugly. Elder Jiang, however, still had a few tricks up his sleeve, smiling and smoothing things over, but he absolutely avoided mentioning parental commands anymore.
Because Xiao Mieluo still held the trump card: investigating the Dongguo Clan's treason.
He was an old fox in officialdom, terrified of stumbling in his old age. The Qu Family had given him benefits, and in a sense, they were in the same camp, but it wasn't worth him taking such a risk.
Besides... the Qu Family wasn't unprepared either.
Qu Lianjing suddenly smiled, took out an item, and handed it to Qu Jiangnan.
"Last month, the Third Prince sent an invitation for the Xiaoxiang Tea Party, specially inviting you, Aunt. It is, after all, a royal event. Many nobles and dignitaries have graced it with their presence. I implore you, Aunt..."
This was direct coercion using the Prince's status.
Not going would be a snub. If Xiao Mieluo and the Principal continued to block it, it would place them in opposition to the Third Prince. Even if they didn't care, Qu Jiangnan wouldn't allow it.
Therefore, she would ultimately accept this invitation.
In this situation, even those who were previously unclear about Qu Jiangnan's background could now see the underlying dynamics.
Cheng Zhang and the others were somewhat worried. They respected and liked this homeroom teacher very much. Moreover, she was so young yet so powerful, undoubtedly holding great authority in their young, impressionable minds. Yet, the person who protected and educated them could also be coerced like this.
Anger. They were furious, and by extension, felt humiliated.
They all felt humiliated. What about Qu Jiangnan?
She was strong enough to fight the Snow Demon King one-on-one!
Qu Jiangnan's expression was very calm. She reached out, but the invitation flew away, not into her hand, but up into the sky. In an instant, everyone followed its trajectory and saw a woman standing on the deck of an exquisite and elegant five-meter-long flying boat at one end of the sky. This woman wore an apricot-yellow long dress, a snow-silver ribbon at her waist fastened with a jade clasp depicting auspicious clouds, a dragon, and a tiger. A warm jade flute hung at her side.
This person was dressed in warm colors and had an elegant temperament, yet she was so noble and aloof that one dared not look directly at her.
Alright, it was mainly because the aura emanating from the green-robed swordsman standing behind her was too terrifying.
Star Rank, and he directly released his pressure.
Arriving so secretly and abruptly, yet so powerfully and oppressively.
This was suppression from a spiritual body; only a very few could withstand it, such as Qu Jiangnan, Xiao Mieluo, and others... A'Diao feigned discomfort, but was actually more shocked by this woman.
She could feel it... this woman was also Star Rank. Her spiritual body was hidden behind a brilliant starry sky.
So terrifying, and she looked to be only in her early thirties!
But this woman seemed completely at ease. She merely lowered her eyes, her slender fingers opening the invitation. After a brief glance, she looked down at Qu Lianjing and said faintly, "So there's such a grand event. Why didn't the Third Prince deign to invite me?"
Upon seeing this person, both Elder Jiang and Qu Lianjing's faces changed drastically. They bowed deeply in unison, but before they could speak, the woman flicked her sleeve.
An invisible force surged, pushing them both back several steps. They were only steadied by the guards behind them.
Qu Lianjing clutched his chest, opened his mouth, and spat out a large mouthful of blood.
Everyone: "!!!"
The woman: "So you're seriously injured. Then your life should be the priority. It was just delivering a message, not an imperial edict. Why take it so seriously?"
These words were also full of hidden meaning, causing Elder Jiang, whose political senses were extremely acute, to immediately change expression. Before Qu Lianjing could say anything, he hurriedly pulled him, saying something about why he hadn't mentioned his injuries earlier, that they should return immediately for treatment, and asking Xiao Mieluo to submit a supplementary report to the Imperial Court later.
After saying this, he immediately dragged the person away, as if a ghost was chasing them from behind.
It truly was a case of big fish eat small fish, and small fish eat shrimp. Clearly, the Third Prince was a big fish, but this woman had a background that even the Third Prince deeply feared.
A'Diao realized—this kind of background also had the ability to escalate the Third Prince's power struggles to the Emperor's attention. Treating a prince's invitation as an imperial edict? Such a sign was fatal.
Moreover, this Third Prince was still in the stage of forming factions and would absolutely not clash with such a behemoth for Qu Jiangnan's sake. He would only lie low, at least on the surface, to avoid truly offending someone.
Because facts proved that most princes in this world died not at the hands of other princes, but at the hands of the Emperor.
What was this person's background?
After the woman in yellow descended, she was polite to Xiao Mieluo and gave him face. After taking a seat, although she didn't interact with others, she dismissed her entourage and only spoke with Qu Jiangnan.
A'Diao was not far away and heard the woman's voice, very faint, "You've stooped to the level of babysitting for a bunch of brats? No wonder any Tom, Dick, or Harry dares to bully you now."
The Principal: "..."
Tuoba and the other "brats": "..."
Qu Jiangnan probably knew this person was coming. She took the Third Prince's invitation, and without even looking at it, burned it in her palm. "Helped me once and now you're showing off? You're only a year or two older than me, what kind of big sister airs are you putting on?"
They were friends made during their youthful travels. At that time, neither had paid much attention to the other's family background; otherwise, the Qu Family and the Third Prince wouldn't have been caught so off guard.
However, due to her circumstances, Qu Jiangnan hadn't contacted the other for many years and didn't know how she had been faring. Now, they had things to talk about.
The two chatted casually, and others dared not pry. But few knew this woman's identity. For example, even the Li Clan Head and others were extremely surprised. Given her terrifying background and mysterious, unannounced arrival, it was even less appropriate to inquire.
Perhaps only Xiao Mieluo knew.
Li Zhaowu quietly observed this woman, thinking, So this is a noble lady from a top-tier powerful clan in Kyoto?
Indeed, when one's background and strength reached a certain level, their aura could overshadow any beautiful appearance, making people not dare to profane them.
"Sister, this person is..."
Yue Xingxi, having recovered from her shock, told Zhao Guang not to ask, her expression very guarded. But looking at Zhao Ritian, then at Qu Jiangnan's group, her expression was somewhat puzzled.
She had seen the other person at an event in Kyoto and knew her identity. She had originally thought that the Zhao family Zhao Ritian came from was... but now it didn't seem to be the case.
Zhao Guang naturally didn't ask, but seeing Big Brother Zhao move away from Qu Jiangnan's side, he proactively went over, not forgetting to pull his cousin sister along.
Yue Xingxi had previously only been curious and admiring of this Big Brother Zhao, not averse to him. But she also lamented that boys indeed had a natural sense of admiration and desire to follow a capable older brother figure. Her own younger brother really liked this Big Brother Zhao.
But so many people liked Big Brother.
Before the two could even warm their seats beside A'Diao, a group of younger followers came over to toast.
It was clear that Big Brother Zhao was also very happy, treating them gently and with exceptional closeness.
Of course, she was happy. Freaking Mental Power was gushing out like a burst pipe, on the verge of hitting eight hundred million.
It was probably because her charm was too great; it was bustling around her.
It attracted the attention of many people.
Xie Jingyu noticed her friend's gaze darting over several times, her eyes looking a bit strange. She couldn't help but ask, "Is this the reason you're staying in the Five Prefectures?"
Qu Jiangnan turned her head. "?"
Xie Jingyu: "That man..."
Qu Jiangnan knew she had misunderstood and didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Really not. It's completely unrelated. Only you would think that."
She had just finished speaking when she saw the Principal sticking to Zhao Ritian like a piece of sticky candy again, holding her hand and asking if she was betrothed...
A'Diao was frantic.
You old lecher, teacher-student incest? Are you trying to get me drowned in a pig cage?!
"Not yet."
"What a coincidence, our Jiangnan isn't either."
Qu Jiangnan's expression was speechless, while Xie Jingyu raised an eyebrow, a half-smile on her face.
However, that Zhao Ritian was quite unappreciative of the gesture, acting as if his tail was on fire, forcing a smile repeatedly. "Ah, what a coincidence. Well, I already have someone in my heart. I wonder if Miss Qu is as fortunate as I am to have met her beloved so early."
The Principal: "..."
He hadn't seen that coming.
The others present had complicated expressions: "..."
But none of them dared to say anything.
Xie Jingyu leaned in and whispered in Qu Jiangnan's ear, "Ah, you got rejected?"
Qu Jiangnan: "..."
Meanwhile, Xiao Mieluo had slipped away into the corridor. While asking Xiao Jin about the situation, he saw A'Diao at the banquet outside, dealing with the Principal.
This person... could really spew any kind of nonsense.
Suddenly, both siblings were attracted by a commotion outside.
Just then, the happy Big Brother was suddenly toasted by an overly enthusiastic Transcendent Rank junior. Thankfully, his toast interrupted the Principal's spiel. A'Diao was feeling grateful but was almost overwhelmed by this person's enthusiasm.
"Big Brother, thank you for saving my life three times! Great kindness needs no words!"
"You've thanked me many times... Drink less, it's bad for your stomach."
"Big Brother, you are the most peerless, manly man I've ever seen! You deserve any woman! I have a younger sister at home, stunningly beautiful, I wonder if perhaps..."
A'Diao said awkwardly, "I already have someone in my heart. How could I delay someone else?"
This person was probably drunk, very drunk. Hearing this, he became agitated. "Big Brother, I know you're devoted, but your sister-in-law doesn't appreciate you! She doesn't care about you at all! Otherwise, how could she let you wander around heartbroken and despairing? Big Brother, listen to me, stop before it's too late, turn back and find salvation! Don't hang yourself on one tree!"
Hey, I wasn't going to bring up my sister-in-law, but this is a good chance to farm some more Mental Power and reach a billion.
Since you brought it up, then I'll just...
A'Diao immediately put on an act, her eyes reddening as she sighed, "Brother, you don't understand. Matters of love, they can't be changed. Do you know what true love is? It's when I ask her if she can be with me in this life, and she tells me 'maybe next life' and then tells me to get lost, and I still feel like she's making a promise with me for the next life."
Everyone: "..."
The drunkard: "But Big Brother, she loves your older brother!"
A'Diao: "Yes, I know. It's precisely because she loves my older brother, and all her love is given to my older brother, that I need to give all my love to her. Otherwise, wouldn't she be lacking love? And then, my older brother loves me. We're all family, no one loses out. Love can also be cyclical."
This theory of love circulation was unusually toxic.
Qu Jiangnan: "?"
Xie Jingyu: "..."
Xiao Jin: "..."
Xiao Mieluo: "!"
From Qu Jiangnan +666666!
From Xiao Mieluo +1101100!
From Xiao Jin +888888!
From.........
The drunkard was probably dazed by the circulation theory. He counted on his fingers, "Huh, it seems you're right. No one loses out, Big Brother."
A'Diao: "Exactly, exactly. In the future, when she has children, they'll also share my surname."
The drunkard: "Oh right, oh right! They'll all be surnamed Zhao! Big Brother, you've profited!"
A'Diao: "Yes, yes, just thinking about it makes me happy."
Then she picked up her drink and chugged it straight from the bottle. The so-called "happy otaku soda" originated from this. But many at the banquet were struck dumb, and several principals felt they couldn't let their students interact with this person.
This Big Brother was not normal.
Qu Jiangnan subconsciously facepalmed. As her brows furrowed, she vaguely felt that this person's outrageous demeanor overlapped with someone she knew, but she found it hard to believe.
How could it be possible?
That little girl... it couldn't be, right?
While Qu Jiangnan was speechless, she saw her usually aloof and indifferent friend seemingly amused. This friend even turned to her and said, "It sounds quite reasonable. Indeed, no one loses out."
Qu Jiangnan: "..."
A'Diao was truly satisfied. One billion! So happy!
The drunkard was also happy. Before being dragged away by the Principal, he was still shouting, "Big Brother Zhao! Big Brother Zhao Ritian! Wherever you go in the future, I'll follow! Let's roam the world together! When your sister-in-law's baby is born, I'll give a huge red envelope, super huge..."
Suddenly, the atmosphere at the entire banquet turned icy cold.
Everyone subconsciously turned to look somewhere.
Qu Jiangnan looked at Xie Jingyu. The latter had been drinking water. Upon suddenly hearing a certain phrase, she stopped drinking, put down her cup, and her gaze turned deep and distant towards them.
Looking at A'Diao, she asked, "Zhao Ritian?"
A'Diao: "?"
She probably froze for a moment then, but her super-strong sense of crisis made her thoughts leap wildly, quickly locking onto a possibility.
—Kyoto, someone who could be Qu Jiangnan's best friend, make the Third Prince and the Qu Family act respectfully, and whose arrival Xiao Mieluo didn't seem surprised by, then...
There was only one possibility left.
Holy hell!
In that instant, Qu Jiangnan probably figured it out too, her expression freezing.
This undoubtedly confirmed her suspicion. Damn! What rotten luck!
A'Diao's heart exploded in that moment, but she managed to hold steady and said, "Hello?"
Timid, obedient, and polite.
Xie Jingyu said expressionlessly, "My husband's surname is Zhao. He also has a younger brother."
She didn't say everything, but it was all implied. The atmosphere at the banquet suddenly became...
Holy hell!
A'Diao trembled, her fingers digging into the elm wood tabletop. As she dug, she said weakly, "Actually, I can go by other names too."
Xie Jingyu looked at her deeply, sitting upright, her hands clasped, slender fingers intertwined. She smiled faintly. "Then let's stick with this name. According to your logic, I don't lose out either."
At this moment, who dared to speak? Who?!
Suddenly, at one end of the banquet, an equally drunk cultivator answered a call. No one knew what was said, but he suddenly slammed the table and cried, "You cheated on me? With whom? Damn it! My brother! And you still have the nerve to cry to me! You could have cheated with anyone, but you chose my brother! Damn it all, he knowingly became the third party, and you actually fell for such a scumbag? What's wrong with me? Why do you want to abandon me?! You're despicable, shameless, ptooey!"
A'Diao: "..."
Xie Jingyu: "..."
Toilet: I don't think you're going to make it out of this banquet alive. That green-robed Star Rank has locked onto you.
Not only him, Xie Jingyu had also locked onto her.
At this moment, the Principal silently sent a voice transmission to Qu Jiangnan, "Let's find someone else. This young man is a bit toxic."
Qu Jiangnan: "..."
She felt that if this Zhao Ritian was A'Diao, she would break her legs.
But what if it really was her?
In the corridor, Xiao Jin was amused to the point of laughing out loud, but she maneuvered her wheelchair out.
Xiao Mieluo rubbed his eyes and also walked out.
This scene was too difficult, a thousand times more difficult than when the Qu Family and Elder Jiang had arrived.
How should they resolve this later?
He had decided to groom this person into a super confidant.
He couldn't just let her be beaten to death on the spot here.
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