Chapter 91: Gu Maiden (4)

Having secured free labor, Tong Ling unapologetically commanded, “Add several more layers of soft cushions to the carriage. Is there any food available? I’m hungry, and also…”

M577 was utterly speechless. Despite the harsh conditions in the stone room, its host had endured without complaint. She seemed resilient, yet as soon as she found an opportunity for indulgence, she immediately began making demands!

Strangely, Sanar eagerly complied with her whims, busying himself to clean and tidy the carriage. He laid down the softest cushions he could find, purchased the finest pastries, and procured the most fragrant yak milk tea from the village, all meticulously prepared for Xiling.

Sanar’s agile movements and efficient work belied his aloof appearance; unexpectedly, he proved to be quite adept at domestic tasks.

To Sanar, fulfilling the priestess’s requests felt entirely appropriate. With her captivating beauty, she deserved only the best treatment. Moreover, since they now shared a closer…relationship, serving her brought him genuine happiness.

“Please take a look, is this satisfactory?” Sanar lifted the carriage curtain, inviting Xiling to inspect the fruits of his labor.

The stunning woman tilted her chin slightly, offering him an approving smile. “Not bad.”

As Sanar caught a glimpse of her captivating eyes, his heart began to race once more.

When Xiling climbed into the carriage, Sanar inadvertently noticed her slender, fair legs, prompting him to hastily step forward and shield them from outside view. Once Xiling was seated, he swiftly drew the curtain shut tightly before jumping onto the carriage himself, cracking the whip to depart the village.

“There’s no need to cover the curtain; it won’t allow for ventilation,” Xiling’s delicate voice chimed from within the carriage.

“Since the fall of the Holy Cult, bandits have emerged along this route to prey on travelers. It’s not safe to leave the curtain open,” Sanar replied, pulling his hood further down to conceal his face completely, avoiding direct sunlight.

“Can’t you protect me, Sanar?” Xiling asked.

Sanar promptly responded, “Of course I can protect you!”

“Then what are you afraid of?” Xiling smiled. “Open the curtain so I can see you. Don’t you want to look at me?”

Sanar couldn’t possibly refuse such a request, and truthfully…he did indeed want to gaze upon her. Whenever he could not see Xiling, even for a moment, his heart felt as if it were being gnawed by ants, causing immense discomfort throughout his body.

Sanar knew this sensation was due to the Love Gu, but he found it impossible to suppress these feelings.

Sanar lifted the carriage curtain and peered inside. The priestess was reclining against white cushions, holding a teacup filled with milk tea. A ring of frothy milk adorned her lips, which she delicately licked away with her pink tongue, leaving no trace behind. Her lips glistened red and inviting, causing Sanar’s face to involuntarily flush.

“Drive carefully; don’t get lost staring at me,” Xiling reminded him gently.

“I-I understand.” Sanar hastily turned his attention forward, finding little interest in the passing scenery outside. His horse, obedient and well-trained, didn’t require constant supervision.

Despite his thoughts, Sanar leaned slightly towards the carriage, casting another glance from the corner of his eye.

The priestess was now enjoying some pastries, her fingers as graceful as ever. Xiling’s slender fingers, delicate and pale-tipped, elegantly held a pastry. As crumbs fell between her fingers, Sanar felt inexplicably drawn, leaning over to kiss them.

“What are you doing?” Xiling looked at him with surprise in her eyes. Suddenly jolted back to reality, Sanar realized he had already grasped Xiling’s hand, his lips touching her knuckles.

Shocked, Sanar couldn’t comprehend why he had acted on such impulse!

His mind told him to let go of her hands, but his body defied his will. Sanar leaned down and gently kissed Xiling’s delicate fingers, responding indistinctly, “There were crumbs on your hand; I’m helping you clean them off.”

After tidying up the priestess’s fingers, Sanar’s gaze shifted to her lips.

“What, feeling tempted now?” Xiling withdrew her hand from his grasp and mimicked his tone, “In the future, don’t…touch me like that.”

Embarrassed, Sanar instinctively reached for his sword, as only its presence could calm him.

Yet even as he gripped the hilt, his thoughts remained consumed by Xiling - memories of her boarding the carriage, sipping milk tea, and initiating their first kiss…

It was he who had explicitly asked Xiling not to touch him, yet within such a short span, he already regretted those words.

“Sorry,” the young swordsman murmured with pursed lips, his voice low in apology. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

“As long as you understand.” The woman chuckled softly, picking up a silk handkerchief to meticulously wipe her fingers.

Sanar’s chest felt heavy. Just then, a whistling arrow pierced through the air. With a swift wrist movement, Sanar split it in two using his curved blade. His expression darkened as he coldly glanced outside the carriage window. In the distance, a group of mounted men were approaching. The leader, upon seeing the scene within the carriage, nearly rolled his eyes with disbelief, stammering, “B-beauty…”

In an effort to provide Xiling with the best conditions, Sanar had chosen the most exquisite carriage available. Unbeknownst to him, this type of carriage, reminiscent of those used by noble maidens, would indeed attract bandits.

Witnessing the raiders’ greedy stares at the priestess, Sanar’s anger surged uncontrollably. Gripping his curved blade tightly, he lightly tapped his foot on the horse’s back and, harnessing his agility skills, launched himself towards the marauders.

Tong Ling leaned inside the carriage, watching the young swordsman’s fierce swordplay while conversing with the system, “Is this like a live-action martial arts drama? And an uncensored version at that.”

Unlike staged scenes in films, this swordsman was genuinely killing people.

The scarlet curved blade sliced across the necks of one raider after another, leaving it uncertain whether the spilled blood or the blade itself appeared more crimson.

m577 sighed, “The jianghu is always filled with bloodshed and violence…”

Tong Ling chuckled, “Why so poetic all of a sudden?”

m577 solemnly typed: [Bell Sister, it’s incredibly dangerous out here! You must be careful!]

Even Sanar, who usually behaved like a harmless little bunny around Tong Ling, displayed such a brutal side—how much more terrifying might the others be?

“How did you suddenly become so dense again?” Tong Ling, gazing at the swordsman still emanating fierce energy from his recent kills, cheerfully responded to the system, “In this small world, I am the true demonic enchantress.”

Compared to her, what significance did the other characters hold?

m577 paused before typing: [Right, you’re the demonic enchantress.]

Feeling reassured—or rather, why should it feel reassured? This jianghu is doomed!

As soon as Sanar noticed the priestess looking his way, the chill surrounding him instantly dissipated. With a slight flick of his blade, he sheathed his curved sword and leaped onto his horse. “These raiders were notorious for pillaging homes and committing every imaginable evil. As long as they roamed, the villagers couldn’t safely venture outside, so we cannot let them continue unchecked.”

“You’ve done well,” Tong Ling praised.

Upon hearing this, the young swordsman flashed a faint smile, transforming his face into one that appeared both handsome and youthful, far removed from his earlier menacing demeanor.

“It’s truly amazing to have martial skills,” Tong Ling remarked with a hint of envy. “I don’t possess any martial arts, so whenever I descend the mountain, I’m limited to walking on foot, which takes so much time…”

“In the future, I can carry you…” Sanar pulled his hood tightly over his head and whispered softly, “Anywhere you want to go, I will…accompany you.”

Tong Ling smiled without replying. With Sanar’s protection for the remainder of their journey, they encountered no further mishaps.

In the Central Plains region:

“Your purpose for coming to the Central Plains is…” Upon reaching their destination, Sanar finally remembered to inquire about the priestess’s intentions.

Tong Ling was candid in her response, “Of course, it’s for Xie Xuefeng.”

At the mention of Xie Xuefeng’s name, a hint of hatred flickered in Sanar’s eyes. “After slaughtering the entire Holy Cult, I’ll never forgive him!”

“You cannot defeat him,” Tong Ling said, gazing out at the bustling streets outside the carriage. “His life…belongs to me.”

Sanar recalled that the priestess had mentioned allowing Xie Xuefeng to touch her just to survive… His heart swelled with bitterness, intensifying his unyielding hatred towards Xie Xuefeng. “That hypocrite! The people of the Central Plains actually regard him as a hero—truly laughable!”

“Head to the largest inn in town; we’ll gather information on his whereabouts there,” Tong Ling instructed.

“Yes, Priestess,” Sanar replied obediently.

“For now, we must not reveal our identities. Outside, don’t address me by that title,” Tong Ling reminded him.

Sanar’s red eyes fixed on the priestess, his voice softening considerably. “Yes, Xiling.”

Although they couldn’t reveal their identities, both Sanar and Xiling had striking appearances that drew attention.

Sanar’s white hair and crimson eyes elicited constant astonishment from the surrounding jianghu denizens. Their gazes frequently swept towards him, clearly treating him as an outsider.

And Xiling…

As soon as the priestess stepped out of the carriage, the bustling street fell silent. The crowd stared, captivated by her unparalleled beauty, unable to recover even after she entered the inn.

“Who is that? I’ve never seen such a woman on the Jianghu Beauty Rankings!”

“She’s breathtakingly beautiful—the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes upon!”

“I wonder who would surpass in comparison—her or the top-ranked beauty?”

“It looks like the Beauty Rankings need an update. Not including a stunning beauty like this makes the Sandalwood Jade Book seem incomplete; ha ha ha.”

Listening to the discussions among the jianghu people and feeling the various gazes fixated on the priestess, Sanar’s inner resentment flared again. “Damned Central Plains folk!”

Tong Ling chuckled, amused. “They’re complimenting me, so why be angry?”

“I don’t want them looking at you,” the young swordsman muttered. “It makes me uncomfortable.”

[…]

[This Love Gu is truly formidable!]

To m577, Sanar’s transformation was drastic—the once proud and aloof swordsman had completely turned into a love-struck individual with intense jealousy.

Tong Ling said cheerfully, “Indeed, Love Gu is the deadliest poison under heaven. How could a malicious female supporting character harm others without employing such a venomous charm?”

m577’s system felt overwhelmed with critiques: [You’re not doing this just for the plot; it’s all about seducing men! Don’t you feel guilty using these manipulative means?]

The mere thought of the host having a stash of Love Gu left m577 utterly stunned.

“Not at all,” Tong Ling replied confidently. “Some rely on wealth or smooth words to gain love, while I invest my own heart and effort—how can that be deemed insufficient?”

Recalling how mercilessly the host had used Love Gu on herself, m577 found no words to counter. A person who could stab themselves in the heart without batting an eyelid would indeed stop at nothing!

In wuxia worlds, inns were where information spread the fastest. Here, storytellers shared their tales amidst a diverse mix of jianghu characters. As soon as Tong Ling entered the inn, eyes from all around converged on her. She had grown accustomed to the “deadly” impact of the female supporting character’s appearance along their journey. Without the presence of poisonous insects, her beauty became impossible to ignore.

Tong Ling chose a corner seat, with Sanar sitting beside her to shield most of the gazes directed their way. Even then, it took some time for the inn’s chatter to resume its normal volume.

A waiter promptly approached, asking what the two guests desired to order.

The waiter dared not look directly at the woman in purple; having worked at the largest inn in the jianghu, he had developed keen observational skills. He knew that certain women should not be stared at excessively—either the beauties themselves were dangerous or those protecting them posed a significant risk.

The waiter glanced briefly at the waist of the white-haired foreigner, where a conspicuous crimson curved blade hung. Given his proximity to such a stunning beauty, this young swordsman likely possessed formidable martial arts abilities.

Sanar ignored the scrutinizing looks around him and simply stated, “Bring us your inn’s best dishes.”

The waiter cheerfully responded, “Right away! Please wait just a moment, honored guests!”

As soon as the waiter left, Tong Ling turned to Sanar and asked, “How much silver do you have?”

Sanar’s expression stiffened; after providing the finest carriage and food for the priestess, he actually had very little money left.

“Don’t worry, I have money to pay,” Sanar said sternly. He insisted on providing the best for the priestess; if he didn’t have enough funds…well, he’d simply find some work in the Central Plains. Under no circumstances would he let her suffer.

Tong Ling could tell from Sanar’s expression that here was yet another impoverished individual.

“It seems I need to figure out how to secure my next meal.” Tong Ling asked the system, “Who is the richest person in the jianghu? No need to mention anyone old—just young and handsome men.”

m577’s metaphorical eye twitched with exasperation. [Please, spare others this trouble…]

“Hah, no need to tell me now.” Tong Ling looked towards the inn entrance with keen interest. “I’ve spotted a juicy target.”

As m577 saw who had arrived, it exclaimed immediately: [How do you manage to encounter such people?!]

m577 sensed something amiss with this small world. First, Sanar willingly handed himself over, and now a fabulously wealthy individual perfectly suited to its host’s tastes appeared…

A striking youth, his face as radiant as fine jade, strode confidently into the inn. His luxurious attire draped elegantly around him, while his jet-black hair was neatly coiled up by a golden crown. A jade pendant hung at his waist, complemented by a silk belt, exuding an aura of unparalleled opulence.

Eight guards and four maids respectfully followed behind the youth. Each guard was tall and imposing, wielding long swords. Judging by their bulging temples and calloused hands, it was clear they were seasoned fighters.

Upon entering, these guards wasted no time; they pulled out money pouches and scattered silver coins while announcing, “Our master will cover everyone’s expenses. Please make way and clear the area—thank you, thank you.”

The scattered silver pieces neatly embedded themselves into each table’s surface. This impressive display of skill alone commanded respect from onlookers.

“Ah, the little gongzi has arrived!”

“Since the little gongzi is here, we won’t disturb him any further!”

Most of the jianghu travelers in the inn promptly rose to take their leave. They retrieved the silver coins from their tables, bowed towards the young man with clasped hands, and exited the inn with broad smiles.

Some individuals unfamiliar with the youth curiously asked, “Who is this ‘little gongzi’?”

“The little gongzi is none other than Ji Xiaobai, the young master of Wan Jian Manor!”

“Hush, the little gongzi doesn’t like that name. Just call him ‘little gongzi.’”

“Wan Jian Manor… No wonder he’s so generous.”

Wan Jian Manor’s swordsmithing skills were renowned, with many famous blades listed in the Jianghu Weaponry Catalog originating from there.

With Wan Jian Manor’s vast wealth and influence, such a small sum of silver was hardly noticeable.

Upon learning the little gongzi’s identity, even those who didn’t value money stood up to yield their seats. It wasn’t fear that compelled them but rather the desire not to offend Wan Jian Manor standing behind him. After all, every jianghu dweller craved exceptional weaponry, so earning favor with the little gongzi could only be advantageous.

In no time at all, most patrons had vacated the inn’s main hall, leaving only a few stubborn tables still occupied.

Sanar frowned, glaring at the scattered silver coins on the table. His pride made it difficult for him to accept someone casually tossing money his way, yet he truly lacked funds…

“It’s yours if you take it,” Tong Ling chuckled softly. “Go ahead and keep it.”

Seeing the priestess’ approval, Sanar finally scooped up the silver coins and tucked them into his pocket.

As the hall quieted down, the little gongzi took a seat at the central table. Unconcerned with the remaining guests, he addressed the storyteller at the front, “Sun Lao, your tales are always captivating. Tell us about recent significant events in the jianghu, and if they’re engaging enough, I’ll reward you handsomely!”

The storyteller referred to as Sun Lao by the little gongzi smiled, his face creasing with laughter lines. He respectfully cupped his hands towards the young noble and said, “Honored that you find interest, my humble self shall share what I know.”

“The most notable recent event involves Alliance Leader Xie’s son, Xie Xuefeng, exterminating the demon cult.”

“Rumor has it, Xue Zhu-gongzi Xie Xuefeng, armed only with a small sword hidden within his sleeve, annihilated the entire cult without leaving a single survivor…”

The storyteller spoke fervently at the front of the hall, embellishing Xie Xuefeng’s sword techniques extravagantly, as if he had witnessed the scene firsthand.

Enraptured, the little gongzi exclaimed, “As expected from Xue Zhu-gongzi Xie Xuefeng…”

Before he could finish praising, a cold snort emerged from the darkest corner.

“Hmph, utter nonsense! That hypocrite Xie Xuefeng only managed to kill so many by using poison. What divine sword skills indeed!” The icy, mocking tone made the little gongzi furrow his brow deeply.

The little gongzi turned towards the corner and saw only a figure clad entirely in black, hooded from head to toe. At the sight of this person’s attire, his lips curled with disdain. “Which cowardly rat dares to slander Xue Zhu-gongzi!”

Tong Ling raised her eyebrow slightly and asked the system, “Is this little white gongzi a fan of Xie Xuefeng?”

m577 responded: 【In the original plot, Xie Xuefeng becoming the Alliance Leader heavily relied on Wan Jian Manor’s support. His hidden-sleeve sword, named Snow Essence, was one of their finest creations.】

“He’s someone who brings money and gear,” Tong Ling mused, taking a sip of clear tea. “Seems like my luck is quite good; I’ve encountered him right upon arrival.”

Indeed, thought m577, once this little gongzi falls into the host’s hands, he’s doomed.

Sanar, now incensed by the little gongzi, gripped his blade and stood up, demanding, “Who did you call a rat?!”

As Sanar moved, the eight guards standing behind the little gongzi simultaneously stepped forward. They grasped their scabbards, pushing their swords partway out with fingers poised, ready to strike without hesitation if Sanar made any sudden moves—to protect the little gongzi at all costs.

“Whoever responds is the ratling,” the little gongzi cheekily replied, peeking out from behind his guards.

As Sanar stood up, the little gongzi got a clear look at him and exclaimed with surprise, “Freak! You strange creature with white hair and red eyes, where did you crawl out from?”

Sanar’s body radiated murderous intent, ready to strike, when someone tugged on his sleeve.

The melodious and enchanting voice of a priestess echoed, “Young master, have you never been taught about treating others politely?”

The little gongzi had assumed there was only one oddball at that corner table, not expecting another person—a woman—to speak up.

Raised as a pampered young noble since birth, he had no qualms about berating anyone, be it men or women alike.

“Just another hiding her head…” The little gongzi’s insult trailed off as he saw the woman emerge from the shadows.

In that moment, he seemed to grasp the meaning behind the verse: “Elegant brows arch like distant mountains, slender waist sways like a willow; adorned amidst spring breeze, her smile worth more than gold.”

The little gongzi had encountered many beauties within the jianghu, but even the fieriest female warriors never possessed such bewitching allure…

The purple-clad woman emerged gracefully, her lithe figure swaying with each light step, leaving behind a faintly lingering fragrance. The guards shielding the little gongzi’s path began to falter, their hands unsteady on their swords as they cast fervent glances at her, momentarily forgetting their duty to protect their master.

Quickly regaining his composure, the little gongzi’s experience warned him that this kind of woman was not to be touched, even slightly.

Despite knowing he mustn’t approach her, the little gongzi couldn’t maintain his earlier dismissive attitude. With a strained expression, he said, “I didn’t expect anyone would defend that oddball.”

“He’s not an oddball; he’s my guard Meng Chi.” Tong Ling approached the little gongzi’s table, ignoring the sword-wielding guards entirely as she elegantly took a seat. “Could the little gongzi apologize to him?”

“Xiling!” Sanar swiftly moved towards them, but before he could reach the table, the guards drew their swords and blocked his advance.

The little gongzi remained silent, inwardly frustrated—his guards were remarkably biased. Why hadn’t they stopped this woman?

Sanar paid little heed to the guards; he unsheathed his curved blade, ready to act. However, the priestess gave him a reassuring glance, indicating that he should remain calm. Unwilling to defy her wishes, Sanar sheathed his weapon and stood aside, his red eyes fixed intently on the priestess. At her command, he would swiftly escort her away.

As Tong Ling approached closer, the faint fragrance became more pronounced. The little gongzi shrank slightly, even though he had always been fearless of heaven and earth. Now, even he felt the urge to flee. “Apologize? Only if he first apologizes to Xue Zhu-gongzi will I consider doing so.”

Tong Ling lightly rested one hand on the table, supporting her cheek with the other. “However,” she said softly, “what my guard said is true—Xie Xuefeng indeed relied on poison to kill his enemies.”

“H-how do you know these things?” Feeling increasingly uneasy, the little gongzi nervously picked up his teacup and took a sip. “So what if he used poison? No one else could have dismantled the entire demon cult like he did…”

“I don’t appreciate your tone,” Tong Ling replied, her brows slightly furrowed. “Little gongzi, can you apologize?”

“Apologize? How could I possibly…” As the little gongzi met the gaze of the woman before him, his heart suddenly raced uncontrollably. He hesitantly set down the teacup and, with an unprecedented docility, murmured, “I’m sorry, I misspoke.”

Observing the cup emptied by the little gongzi, Tong Ling let out a satisfied laugh. “Good boy. In the future, I’ll teach you what true manners entail.”