The Villainess Always Tries to Seduce Me - Chapter 31

“Mm,” Yun Chuanzhi replied with a wry smile.

The old woman Cheng Jinshu had mentioned stood hunched over, her silver hair gleaming like polished metal. She was pointing at the woman across from her, unleashing a torrent of vulgar insults with surprising vigor.

The man, her face thick with fleshy jowls, refused to back down. She puffed out her chest and retorted, “Are you relatives of that Demoness, protecting her like this? She’s a murderous fiend who slaughtered dozens of families! I’ll paint her however I damn well please—what’s it to you?!”

“Not only will I paint her like this, but I’ll spit on her portrait too! What are you going to do about it?!”

“Insolent peasant! Don’t refuse the offered wine and force us to punish you!” The young woman beside the old woman stepped forward protectively, her voice sharp.

“Refuse the offered wine, huh? A snot-nosed brat spouting empty threats! My clan has cultivated immortality for generations—we could crush you two old fools with ease!” The woman snatched up a throwing knife, brandishing it near the woman’s face. “Filthy b1tch! Cause any more trouble, and I’ll carve up your face!”

The young woman, clearly unaccustomed to arguing, flushed crimson with anger. She suddenly snatched the throwing knife from the man’s palm, leaped forward, and kicked her squarely in the chest. The woman went flying backward, crashing into several portraits.

“Aiyo…” The woman clutched her chest, doubled over, and rolled on the ground, screaming hoarsely, “Help! Murder! Someone’s killing me! Look at this corruption! Murder!”

His cries instantly inflamed the surrounding crowd. People pointed and gestured, their voices rising in righteous indignation. “These two must be the Demoness’s lackeys! Why else would they interfere when we’re only targeting her?”

“Resorting to violence when they can’t win an argument? They’re nothing but bandits!”

“Where are the Walking Gods? Where are the Walking Gods? Lock this grandmother and granddaughter in the military tribunal for interrogation!”

As the crowd’s fury reached a fever pitch, a squad of Walking Gods, swords drawn, marched down the long street. The crowd parted to make way. Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Yun Chuanzhi and Cheng Jinshu exchanged a glance and rushed forward.

One tugged at the old woman’s sleeve, calling her “Mother,” while the other clung to her leg, wailing, “Grandmother!” Their cries instantly drowned out the surrounding clamor.

“Oh, Grandma, you’re old and suffering from dementia! I’ve begged you countless times not to go out, but you never listen! Now you’ve angered someone again—what are we supposed to do?” The slender girl clung to the old woman’s leg, weeping like a pear blossom drenched in rain, her tears streaming down her face.

“At your age, going out only causes trouble for others. People will always resent you. Besides, your mind is already clouded, and your body has been ailing for years. If you end up in prison because of your dementia, you’ll surely die there,” Cheng Jinshu added, wiping away her own tears.

Then, her tone shifted sharply as she turned to scold the young woman standing nearby. “You girl! I entrusted you to care for my mother, and this is how you’ve been looking after her? Letting her be insulted and beaten at her age? If she falls gravely ill because of this, I’ll hold you accountable!”

Yun Chuanzhi glanced up through her “sobs” and noticed the Walking Gods standing behind him. She quickly tugged on the old woman’s leg.

The old woman stiffened for a moment before collapsing limply into her arms, clutching her chest and moaning softly.

“Grandma!” Yun Chuanzhi cried out in a heart-wrenching wail, her voice so desperate that it stirred a mix of emotions in the surrounding crowd. Some, their hearts softening, even found tears welling up in their eyes.

“A strong young woman like you shouldn’t argue with a frail old woman,” a woman holding a child spoke up. “Granny, your girl did hit him. Just pay for her medical treatment.”

The crowd around her chimed in agreement. Several Walking Gods who had arrived at the scene, seeing the commotion was caused by an elderly woman, didn’t bother with further questioning. They simply helped the still-wailing woman to her feet and checked her pulse.

“Enough,” the Walking God said coldly. “There’s not even a scratch. Stop making a scene. Pack up your portraits. This matter isn’t settled yet. Insulting the Immortal Cultivators of Mount Everlasting like this—do you want to face legal punishment?”

At the Walking God’s command, the man, though still furious, dared not speak. Clutching her chest, she glared fiercely at Yun Chuanzhi and the others. Muttering a curse under her breath, she turned and began dismantling her stall with clanging, clattering sounds.

As the woman dragged her cart away, the crowd dispersed. Yun Chuanzhi was about to help the old woman up when a taller Walking God suddenly approached them, frowning. “I don’t recognize you at all. Do you live in Youji City? Which household does this old woman belong to?”

Yun Chuanzhi’s heart tightened at the question, but the young woman beside her stepped forward, replying softly, “The Jiang Clan of the northern district.”

“You’re from the Jiang Clan?” the Walking God asked, surprised. “Which member of the Jiang Clan are you?”

“I am Jiang Lingshui, son of Jiang Fangyu, the head of the Jiang Clan.”

“So you’re related to the Jiang City Guard? My deepest respects,” the Walking God said, bowing slightly. Satisfied with the answer, she waved her hand and led her women away without further investigation.

Ling Shui lowered her gaze and helped the “old woman” to her feet, whispering, “The inn is crowded and full of prying eyes. Let’s take refuge at Jiang Manor for now. It’s quieter there, making it easier to talk.”

The group remained silent as they navigated the narrow streets, eventually arriving at the Jiang Clan’s residence in the northern district. Unlike the bustling merchant district near the city gates, this area was home to wealthy and influential families. Beyond the courtyard walls, one could glimpse rows of ornate pavilions and tiered towers.

Ling Shui stopped before the most dilapidated gate plaque, her voice apologetic. “We’re here.”

Much of the red paint on the plaque had peeled away, and one of the stone lions guarding the entrance was missing its head, while the other lacked a foot. Wild grass fluttered noisily in the wind around the gate. Compared to the opulent entrances of the neighboring estates, the Jiang Clan’s residence appeared utterly desolate.

Noticing Yun Chuanzhi and the others’ silence, Ling Shui said somewhat awkwardly, “We’ve never had many servants here, and now most of them have been reassigned to the City Guard Pavilion to help my mother. There’s hardly anyone left to maintain the place.”

“No matter, no matter,” Yun Chuanzhi said cheerfully, pushing open the door first. Her foot landed on a cracked tile, and she stumbled forward violently.

At the same moment, a sharp arrow whistled toward her face. The “old woman” behind her suddenly stepped across the threshold, lifting Yun Chuanzhi while simultaneously pinching the arrow between her fingertips, twisting it around, and gripping it in her palm.

When Yun Chuanzhi looked up again, the old woman’s white hair had transformed into dark strands. Bai Fenghuo, dressed in flowing purple robes, stood gracefully, releasing Yun Chuanzhi.

“Clumsy,” Bai Fenghuo scolded coldly, not even glancing at her as she strode into the courtyard.

Yun Chuanzhi glanced at Ling Shui and Cheng Jinshu, who were reaching out to her, made a pained expression, and followed them in, rubbing her sore neck.

The gate had already closed. Cheng Jinshu broke the silence, exclaiming in surprise, “Ling Shui, I thought you were just a wild child like me! I never imagined your mother was the City Lord!”

“The City Lord’s position has long since declined. It’s nothing to brag about,” Ling Shui said, shaking her head. Then she called out to the dried-up pond in the courtyard, “Father!”

A small bridge spanned the pond. A head popped up from beneath it, and after recognizing Ling Shui, the woman hurriedly scrambled ashore, clutching her robes and beaming. “Ling Shui, you’re back! Aren’t you cultivating immortality on Mount Everlasting anymore? Doesn’t your sect forbid Immortal Cultivators from leaving the mountain freely? Or are you here for worldly training? Where’s your Master?”

The woman wore plain cloth robes, the kind commoners wore, and her boots were worn so thin they barely had soles left. Questions poured from her like a spring, leaving no pause for breath.

Ling Shui grew even more flustered, her face flushing crimson to her collar. She rushed forward to cover the man’s mouth, glancing timidly at Bai Fenghuo.

“Father, please stop. I… I don’t have a Master…”

“No Master?!” The woman grabbed Ling Shui’s hand, her voice booming like a trumpet. “Your mother said you’re now a proper Immortal Cultivator on Mount Everlasting, and your Master is a first-rate venerable one! How can…”

“Father!” Ling Shui shouted, cutting off her endless chatter. Her almond eyes welled with tears of embarrassment.

“This Seat is her Master,” Bai Fenghuo suddenly declared from behind the group. Her voice carried over their shoulders, and Yun Chuanzhi whirled around.

The woman stood beneath the overcast sky, the damp wind whipping at the hem of her robes. Though she stood in a desolate, dilapidated place, she possessed a unique, ethereal grace.

Perhaps it was the hazy light, but Yun Chuanzhi suddenly saw a breathtaking beauty in her that she had never noticed before. It felt as if the wind had pierced her chest, causing her heart to tremble violently.

The man’s excited words shattered her reverie. “Immortal Master! I am Li Chengxian, paying my respects!”

As if seeing a savior, the woman lunged forward and knelt. Yun Chuanzhi and Cheng Jinshu each grabbed an arm, coaxing her to her feet with gentle persuasion.

“I always knew our Ling Shui would be the only member of the Li family to ascend Mount Everlasting Breath,” the woman said, wiping away tears. “She’s a hundred times better than her cousins who joined ordinary sects. Now let’s see who dares to mock or bully us!”

“Enough, Father,” Ling Shui said, shaking off her shock and pulling the woman aside. “Mother’s people are investigating the case. They must be overwhelmed right now. Go keep her company and see if you can help.”

The woman nodded, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. She bid farewell to Bai Fenghuo and the others, then left with a beaming smile.

Ling Shui watched the gate close, finally exhaling in relief. She turned and knelt before Bai Fenghuo. “Sect Leader…”

“This Seat means nothing by it,” Bai Fenghuo said coldly, “I simply don’t wish to hear your father’s incessant nagging.” She paused, her tone softening slightly. “Do you have a cleaner guest room in this dilapidated courtyard? I’m weary.”

“Of course,” Ling Shui replied, her almond-shaped eyes curving into a smile as she rose and hurried deeper into the courtyard.

Though her intentions were good, her words were as venomous as crane’s-crest poison. Yun Chuanzhi turned away, a smile playing on her lips.

The sunset came earlier in the valley than on the mountain. One moment the sun was dipping below the horizon, and the next, all light had vanished, leaving only a few stars shimmering in the night sky.

Youji City was built against the mountainside. At midnight, looking out the window, the eaves of the pavilions were strung with colorful lanterns. Beyond the bustling lights, the towering mountain peaks loomed on three sides, like colossal beasts guarding the city.

Yun Chuanzhi entered, damp from the summer humidity, and clumsily set down a set of clean bedding.

“If I’d known it would be like this, I’d have stayed at an inn,” Bai Fenghuo grumbled, refusing to sit. She stood by the bed, gathering a strand of hair with disdain. “How has this once-grand estate fallen into such disrepair?”

“Cheng Jinshu told me the City Lord’s power has been severely weakened by the Walking Gods,” Yun Chuanzhi replied, struggling to spread the bedding and smooth out the wrinkles. “It’s only natural they lack the funds for repairs.”

Serving Bai Fenghuo at the foot of the mountain was even more exhausting than serving her on the mountain. Yun Chuanzhi knelt on the bed, stealing glances at Bai Fenghuo from under her arm, and pouted.

It was a task that could have been accomplished with a simple wave of the hand, yet Bai Fenghuo insisted on having her do it personally. Yun Chuanzhi couldn’t understand why.

“The bedding is ready. Will you be resting now?” Yun Chuanzhi cursed Bai Fenghuo inwardly before turning to step off the bed, forcing a polite smile.

“Hmm.” Bai Fenghuo glanced at her sideways, then raised a hand to close the window, shutting out the chirping of insects outside.

After closing the window, she stood facing away from Yun Chuanzhi for a long moment, her back to the room, seemingly lost in thought. Finally, she let out a soft, contemplative chuckle.

Has she been possessed? Yun Chuanzhi stood frozen, frowning at him.

“It’s late. Let’s rest.” Bai Fenghuo raised her hand and extinguished the candle, plunging the already dim room into pitch darkness. Hearing this, Yun Chuanzhi reached out blindly, groping for the door.

A fragrant breeze brushed past him, and her wrist was seized. Bai Fenghuo pulled her a few steps, gracefully seated herself on the bed, and then released him.

Yun Chuanzhi stumbled onto the bed like a puppet whose strings had been cut, her face buried in the sun-warmed scent of the bedding.

A woman’s voice murmured indistinctly in her ear: “Tonight, you will sleep with This Seat.”