Heartbroken, temperamental, or spiritually shattered—even conspiring with the universally despised leader of the wicked—all of it was nothing more than an act for her.
The world only knew that Shangguan Huanxi and Wenren Buxiao were once meant to be an immortal couple, until a third party came between them, turning them into bitter adversaries.
During that time, some pitied Shangguan Huanxi, while others took malicious delight in watching the downfall of the proud and untouchable prodigy.
No one knew what thoughts had consumed Shangguan Huanxi during the three days she locked herself away, nor what struggles she endured. But when she emerged, word spread that her spirit was broken, and she could no longer wield the Heartless Sword.
For three days and nights, she remained secluded—while Wenren Buxiao stood outside her door for the same three days and nights.
When she finally stepped out, the first words she spoke were: "Since the truth cannot be changed, you must bear the responsibility."
There was no hysterical accusation, only a tone so eerily calm that it fell like a stone into deep water, stirring silent but turbulent waves in Wenren Buxiao’s heart.
He would have preferred if she had cursed him—but there was none of that.
He gazed at her for a long time, suppressing every ounce of regret and anguish within him.
Days later, Luo Qiaoqiao simply became the second wife.
When news spread that Luo Qiaoqiao was pregnant, Wenren Buxiao stormed into her room with his sword drawn. At the time, Luo Qiaoqiao had deliberately concealed her condition—her belly already swollen with a child five months along. Yet his blade pointed directly at the unborn life.
"You never drank the contraceptive tea I gave you!"
Luo Qiaoqiao knelt on the ground, weeping as she pleaded, "I just wanted something to remember you by. I never meant to come between you and the mistress. And... he already moves. He’s alive—a living, breathing life! Your child!"
Her face was deathly pale. "The child is innocent. Even beasts spare their own. You can’t... you can’t kill him!"
"Why not?"
Wenren Buxiao’s voice was icy, devoid of warmth. His gaze swept over the sobbing Luo Qiaoqiao as if she were nothing more than an insignificant object.
His black-gold Tang blade moved—but just as Luo Qiaoqiao shut her eyes and shielded her belly, a "clang!" rang out. A single leaf, flung like a dart, deflected the blade by an inch, severing a lock of hair by her ear.
Outside the door, Shangguan Huanxi passed by. She cast but a single glance before walking away.
Luo Qiaoqiao’s sobs continued, unbroken. She didn’t understand the meaning behind that look—was it pity? A warning? Or... sheer indifference to the entire farce?
Wenren Buxiao stood in silence for a long moment before lowering his gaze, letting out a hollow laugh, and turning away, leaving Luo Qiaoqiao and the child to their fate.
Later, the world only knew that Luo Qiaoqiao had given birth to a son, and that Shangguan Huanxi’s temperament had slowly darkened. She grew to despise the mother and child, harassing them relentlessly, even attempting to poison them. Eventually, Luo Qiaoqiao and the child were forced to flee to a manor in the outskirts.
But that wasn’t enough. Shangguan Huanxi’s love twisted into hatred, driving her to plot Wenren Buxiao’s murder—only to fail. When her schemes were exposed, she lost the people’s trust and was forced to step down as the ruler of the province.
Wenren Buxiao took her place. It was easy to imagine how her hatred reached new heights.
It was then that someone came for her.
The man slipped into her chamber without a sound, running his fingers along the dust-covered Heartless Sword hanging on the wall. With a ghostly smile, he murmured, "This blade has been passed down through generations of the Shangguan clan. How many wicked beings has it slain? How many innocents has it protected? Not long ago, my lady wielded this very sword to defend the city against invaders."
"Now it gathers dust, just as hearts have turned against you. Your glory has faded, while your enemies revel in triumph."
The man grinned. "Do you not wish for revenge, my lady?"
At that, she smiled. "Of course I do."
Jin Yuyuan seemed like a man who treated life as a game, thriving on chaos, always wearing a smile as if he were endlessly good-natured. In truth, he was paranoid and distrustful—never placing faith in anyone.
That should have been the case.
Yet Shangguan Huanxi shattered his understanding of women. Chastity was supposed to be sacred to them—yet she willingly gave herself to him, proving she would stop at nothing for vengeance.
That was why he confidently set his plan to conquer Canghai Province into motion.
But Shangguan Huanxi’s remark—"You’re terrible in bed"—not only shattered every preconceived notion about women but also struck like a poisoned dagger, piercing straight through the walls of pride and control Jin Yuyuan had built around himself.
Now, the roles were reversed. He was the one who had been deceived!
Rage and disbelief churned in Jin Yuyuan’s eyes. "Your flawless spirit remains intact. You’re still the legendary top swordsman. You had countless chances to kill me with a single strike—yet you waited until now."
"Killing you is simple. But my goal was never just you." Shangguan Huanxi advanced step by step. "When one city lord dies, another takes his place. As long as Yunhuang’s Undying City stands, the wicked will never be eradicated."
The sounds of clashing weapons echoed from all directions, forcing Jin Yuyuan back. He gritted his teeth. "There was never any treasure. You spread the rumor to lure those prodigies here—so you could slaughter us all at once."
"Your stronghold was too well-hidden. I had to make you come to me instead."
From the very beginning, he thought he had sought her out, ensnaring her as his prey.
In truth, he had been the hunted all along.
"Shangguan Huanxi, to kill me, you didn’t care that your man was stolen, that you lost your chastity to someone you see as filth—you’re insane!"
"Men, chastity—those are nothing but chains you impose on women. To me, they mean nothing."
Wenren Buxiao gripped the doorframe, his face ashen, fingers digging into the wood with terrifying strength.
Luo Qiaoqiao, clutching her child, was helped up by a maid. She stared at Shangguan Huanxi’s figure, dazed.
Heart Knife staggered to his feet, staring blankly at the woman in red’s retreating back. He pressed a hand to his chest, murmuring, "What’s wrong with me?"
Chu’he appeared beside him without warning, tilting his head. "Is your heart racing?"
Heart Knife nodded dumbly.
Ninth materialized on his other side, echoing the question. "Does seeing her make you feel excited, your blood surging?"
Heart Knife nodded again.
Chu’he and Ninth exchanged a glance, then high-fived. The chime of silver bells rang incessantly as they grinned in unison.
"Congratulations, my dearest friend—you've fallen in love!"
Heart Knife struck, leaving them stunned.
