"I have the heart to guide you into this path, to send you soaring to the highest heavens. Are you willing?"
"..."
Shu Fu had read countless novels and encountered every trope imaginable—at least a thousand, if not eight hundred. But even she couldn't help being stunned by Master Tanhua's approach to recruitment, which felt more like a marriage proposal. Reflexively, she replied,
"What if I refuse?"
Even someone as shamelessly smooth as Jiang Xuesheng was momentarily taken aback.
Huh?
In a scene like this, with such a setup, who in their right mind would say "no"?
Of course, Shu Fu was no ordinary person, and neither was Jiang Xuesheng.
Faced with this unexpected turn, his expression showed no trace of awkwardness, confusion, or disappointment. The perfect curve of his lips didn’t falter in the slightest as he maintained his gentle smile and replied leisurely,
"That’s fine too. If you become my disciple, you’ll be a member of Yaoguang Peak, and I’ll have every right to wipe out the Qi family. But if you refuse..."
His gaze shifted slightly, landing indifferently on Third Master Qi.
"...I’ll wipe out the Qi family without any justification at all."
Third Master Qi: "..."
Jiang Xuesheng continued, "Most people like to reason things out, insisting on proper justification for everything. When I’m in a good mood, I’m happy to play along. But the truth is, I’m not a very reasonable person. I’ve devoted myself to cultivation precisely so I can roam the world and do as I please—not to argue with others."
Shu Fu: "I can tell."
Master Tanhua was unpredictable, eccentric, and utterly unrestrained—and now, she was experiencing it firsthand from every possible angle.
Her reaction?
So intense. I love it.
Who would’ve thought that in a world full of idiots and tragic heroines, in a place never mentioned in the original novel, there’d be such a uniquely bizarre flower blooming in isolation?
Not only was he bizarre himself, but he’d also nurtured little oddities like Liu Ruyi.
Amazing. Suddenly, it feels like I’ve found my people.
"Sorry, I was just joking earlier."
Without hesitation, Shu Fu reached out—but instead of placing her hand delicately in Jiang Xuesheng’s palm, she grabbed his entire hand and shook it vigorously, like an old comrade greeting a fellow veteran.
"Then I’ll be in your care from now on, Teacher Jiang. Looking forward to working with you!"
Jiang Xuesheng: "..."
This little disciple was truly one of a kind.
And so, in this unconventional "master-disciple" ceremony, an agreement was reached. Shu Fu made herself right at home, plopping down in the seat next to Jiang Xuesheng before turning to Third Master Qi with a smile.
"Third Uncle, long time no see. I’m Ruoshui—do you remember me?"
Based on the original host’s memories, Third Master Qi had frequent dealings with the Jiang family and had met Jiang Ruoshui a few times. As Qi Yuxuan’s fiancée and his future niece-in-law, Jiang Ruoshui had always addressed him respectfully as "Third Uncle," and he, in turn, had affectionately called her "Niece Ruoshui."
Now that everyone was gathered, Shu Fu decided to play her role to the fullest, determined to stir the pot even further.
These people had bragged about how they’d schemed against Tong Yao and even boasted about marrying her daughter to claim her inheritance—killing two birds with one stone, outdoing even the most despicable gold-digging scum.
But they’d never imagined that "Tong Yao’s daughter" had been perched on the rafters, listening to every word of their grand plans.
Surprise! Bet you didn’t see that coming.
Not only was Third Master Qi horrified, but even the usually unflappable Ling Xiyue frowned. "You’re the Jiang family’s eldest daughter, Jiang Ruoshui?"
"Wrong." Shu Fu wagged a finger. "The Jiang family only has one young lady—Jiang Baozhu, Chu Xiao’s daughter. With parents so perfectly matched in their vileness, I’m afraid I’m not blessed enough to claim them."
Truly, a match made in heaven—if heaven were a cesspool. May they live happily ever after and spare the rest of the world their toxicity.
Third Master Qi’s eyes darted around, desperately searching for an excuse. "Niece Ruoshui, you must have misunderstood me. Things aren’t what you think—"
Shu Fu gave him a cold glance. "Not what I think? Then perhaps what you said earlier? You admitted, with your own words, that you conspired with Lingxiao City’s eldest young master to murder my mother and the entire Tong family. The Tong clan’s downfall is entirely your doing."
Third Master Qi’s face turned ashen, but with Master Tanhua present, he didn’t dare retaliate. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. "Niece, I was only following orders. The eldest young master of Lingxiao City is ruthless—if it wasn’t me, it would’ve been someone else!"
"So?" Shu Fu widened her eyes in mock surprise. "Just because he has other dogs, that means you’re not one? Doesn’t seem that way to me. You seemed pretty happy to bite when ordered—quite the eager little hound, aren’t you?"
The insult was too much. Third Master Qi choked on his own fury, unable to believe this was the same timid Jiang Ruoshui. "You—you—!"
Clang!
Shu Fu had no patience for his blustering. With a flick of her thumb, she unsheathed her sword just enough for the metallic ring to echo through the hall, her voice sharpening like the blade.
"I’m not ambitious, Third Uncle. I just want justice. The Solitary Light Sword is in my hands now—if you want it, come and take it."
Third Master Qi wouldn’t dare. Right now, he’d rather dig a hole and bury himself than face this nightmare.
But while he was busy scheming, hurried footsteps approached. Before the newcomer even entered, a thunderous roar shook the room:
"Justice is exactly what’s needed!"
The moment he heard that voice, Third Master Qi’s legs nearly gave out.
It was his eldest brother—the Qi family patriarch, Qi Feng.
Qi Feng was obsessed with swordsmanship, spending 364 days a year in seclusion. Trusting his brother implicitly, he’d left all clan affairs to "capable Third Brother."
Having wielded unchecked power for so long, Third Master Qi had long considered the Qi family his personal property and his brother a mere figurehead.
He never expected the figurehead to come crashing down on him.
Third Master Qi was all cunning and no skill—if his enraged brother decided to fight, he’d be lucky to escape with his life.
Meanwhile, Ling Xiyue, sensing disaster, quietly activated a teleportation talisman, ready to bolt.
Only the shameless Elder Kongtong remained unruffled, shooting Third Master Qi a look: Don’t panic. They have no proof. Deny everything—your brother won’t believe outsiders over you!
Qi Feng stormed in like a typhoon, bellowing, "Third Brother! Is what Miss Jiang said true? Did you collude with Lingxiao City, murdering the Tong family for your own gain?"
Third Master Qi trembled. "Elder Brother, I—"
"Don’t call me that!" Qi Feng roared. "Just answer—yes or no?"
"I—"
Third Master Qi felt his scalp prickle under the sinister gaze of the Kongtong elder. Gritting his teeth, he finally blurted out, "No. I don’t know how I offended Miss Jiang, but she and Master Tanhua deliberately framed me and Lingxiao City. The Kongtong elder and I are old friends—today, we were merely catching up, nothing more. Second Young Master Ling can vouch for me."
The Kongtong elder sneered in agreement. "Jiang Tanhua is arrogant and unruly, and he’s long held a grudge against me. It’s no surprise he’d fabricate charges to frame me now."
Ling Xiyue wrinkled his nose, clearly disdainful of their theatrics, but out of obligation, he offered a perfunctory nod. "Lingxiao City is a towering tree that catches the wind—we’ve made countless enemies, and false accusations are nothing new. This time, Third Master Qi has been dragged into our troubles."
Bolstered by their support, Third Master Qi straightened his previously slouched posture, growing increasingly bold, as if he truly had justice on his side.
To sell his act, he even turned to Shu Fu, feigning heartbreak as he scolded, "Niece Ruoshui, who put you up to this? Why would you scheme against your own uncle?"
Shu Fu knew he was trying to provoke her—to make her lash out in grief or fury, so he could paint her as "a schemer exposed, consumed by rage" and prove his innocence to his elder brother.
Unfortunately for him, this time, he was doomed to disappointment.
Shu Fu leaned back calmly in her chair, raising a finger to point at the sky. "The vast heavens are my master, the radiant sun and moon my witnesses. Uncle, do you dare defy the light of day?"
Third Master Qi: "..."
There was simply no way to respond to that.
Shu Fu had a knack for grand gestures, and this line was delivered with such effortless gravitas that even Qi Feng nodded in approval. Even the usually distracted Ling Xiyue paused, his gaze lingering on her face as he studied her with unexpected focus.
The Kongtong elder, however, remained unmoved. He insisted Master Tanhua was settling personal scores, sneering with exaggerated bravado. "If Master Tanhua has a grudge, he should come at me directly. Why drag others into it? Miss Jiang is young and naive—what ulterior motives drove you to deceive her, turning her against her future in-laws?"
Shu Fu sighed inwardly. This elder’s mind was so steeped in vulgar fantasies that even his slander revolved around tawdry gossip. Pathetic.
Faced with his pitiful accusations, Jiang Xuesheng remained unruffled, while Qi Feng shook his head with a bitter smile. "Third Brother, you’ve lost your senses. This is your villa—aren’t you the least bit curious why I suddenly came here?"
"Ah—"
Third Master Qi had indeed been puzzled, but in his panic and fluster, he hadn’t had the presence of mind to question his elder brother’s sudden arrival.
Before he could ask, another commotion erupted outside. Qi Yuxuan charged in first, shouting, "Father, what’s going on? After speaking with Master Bai, you rushed here in such a hurry—"
Right behind him, the aforementioned "Master Bai" swept in—not alone, but with Madam Bai in one hand and his precious son, Bai Tian, tucked under the other arm.
Trailing behind the family of three were several shaken youths and their red-eyed parents.
Shu Fu recognized the Bai family at a glance, not just because they shared striking resemblances, but because all three were dressed in flamboyant, peacock-blue robes, looking like a trio of blue peacocks flaunting their plumage.
"Father! Mother! Master Qi, it’s him!"
Young Master Bai’s face was flushed with fury, his entire body trembling, yet his words rang out clear and sharp as he pointed accusingly at Third Master Qi.
"His daughter, Qi Yuwei, admitted it herself—he murdered an innocent girl, stole her spirit beast, used it to kidnap commoners for drug trials, and orchestrated the deaths of the Tong family! We’ve rescued the abducted civilians. The evidence is irrefutable—there’s no room for denial!"
"Master Qi, this man deserves death."
