Chapter 41: Midnight Visitor

Fang Nandan’s words came too quickly, and Yi Chenlan didn’t have time to stop him. His brows furrowed, and unable to tolerate any further, he coldly said: “Shut up.”

Shu Wan took two steps forward in a daze but was gently stopped by Yi Chenlan, who grabbed her arm. “Wan Wan…”

“I’ll take a look.” Shu Wan glanced at Yi Chenlan in confusion and turned to extend her hand to Fang Nandan, asking for the portrait in his hand.

Seeing the coldness in Yi Chenlan’s eyes deeper than ever before, Fang Nandan realized that he had probably caused trouble again. Not daring to defy him, he quickly handed over the portrait.

However, he still made a mistake. Yi Chenlan furrowed his brow and waved his hand, pushing Fang Nandan’s hand away. “Keep it away.”

He then took Shu Wan’s hand and, noticing that her complexion seemed fine, though her expression was somewhat blank, he lightly trembled his long eyelashes. A sense of helplessness rose within him, and without saying a word, he led her to a remote, secluded corner near the city gate.

“Wan Wan, don’t be afraid. This matter…” Yi Chenlan’s words faltered on his tongue, unsure of how to speak. Even assuming his guess was correct, and the soul inside the girl before him wasn’t the true “Shu Wan.” she had still been hunted by Shu Qi throughout the entire Jianghu. How could she not be afraid?

If it weren’t for him, she would still be living a peaceful and carefree life. But now, she was leading a life of uncertainty and fear in Jianghu. She didn’t know anything yet, but once she faced the hardships ahead, would she resent him? Would she hate him?

“Wan Wan… I’m sorry, this is all my fault. But I will do everything I can to protect you and make up for it…” Yi Chenlan said with difficulty.

Hearing Yi Chenlan’s somber tone, which seemed to reflect some sort of emotional turmoil, Shu Wan could not help but gently squeeze his fingers. She softly asked: “Senior Brother Ah Lan, why are you saying this? Why are you apologizing to me?”

“You’re being pursued by Shu Qi because you helped me escape.” Yi Chenlan said in a quiet voice.

“But I’m willing.” Shu Wan said earnestly, looking at Yi Chenlan. When she saw him look at her in confusion for a moment, his eyes fixed on hers without blinking, her tone softened even further. “I’m willing. Letting you leave would anger him… I know. I just didn’t expect him to be this angry, but if this is the cost, I accept it… Senior Brother Ah Lan, you don’t need to apologize, you haven’t done anything wrong.”

Yi Chenlan was immediately stunned.

His pair of phoenix eyes fixed intently on Shu Wan, as if a deep sea was churning within them. Countless tangled emotions gathered in his beautiful eyes, with all of his affection hidden behind the slight flutter of his lowered lashes.

He took a soft breath and spoke quietly: “Wan Wan, will you give me a hug? Please?”

Before Shu Wan could respond, Yi Chenlan stepped forward and tightly wrapped his arms around her small frame.

Like a drowning person clinging to the only piece of floating wood, this was the only chance for survival, the only opportunity he had. He couldn’t resist, and he could no longer hold back.

Shu Wan was slightly dazed by Yi Chenlan’s sudden vulnerability. She nervously shrank in his embrace, her nose filled with the fresh scent of bamboo emanating from him, her heart racing faster and faster. Despite this, Shu Wan still hesitantly raised her hand to pat Yi Chenlan’s back, trying to comfort him.

“Senior Brother Ah Lan, you… you don’t need to blame yourself, I’m not upset with you, not at all. It’s just that it was too sudden when I found out, I didn’t know how to react.”

She wasn’t sad. So what if she was being hunted by Shu Qi? She didn’t have any real feelings for Shu Qi. Compared to him, she was much closer to Zhou Yuan.

Yi Chenlan reluctantly held the person in his arms, unwilling to let go. He softly murmured, then finally loosened his hold, gazing at her fair little face. “Wan Wan, don’t return to Zhongshan Sect. Shu Qi won’t treat you the same as before…”

Given that Shu Qi could destroy all the traps in the forbidden land, sealing off all exits and willing to use Wan Wan’s life as a sacrifice, if she were really captured by Shu Qi, the situation would undoubtedly not be good.

“I know, I won’t go back…” Shu Wan nodded. After initially being shocked and confused, she had quickly come to terms with this matter—Shu Qi wasn’t really her father. He had always been a treacherous, selfish hypocrite she created in her writing. Just because she had written such a character didn’t mean she liked or approved of him.

At this moment, more than not being able to return to Zhongshan Sect, she was worried about one thing: where should she go now? Or to put it another way… Could she stay with Yi Chenlan?

In this world, without Zhongshan Sect, she only knew how to use her martial arts to survive. This was a strange world, and she didn’t know anyone. The only person she was familiar with was the one standing before her.

Shu Wan looked at Yi Chenlan expectantly and then said: “Senior Brother Ah Lan, since I can’t go back, can I… can I stay with you forever?” Her voice was soft, like a small animal afraid of being abandoned, with her big, sparkling eyes making anyone who looked at her feel their heart melt.

Yi Chenlan helplessly tapped her forehead. “You’re saying silly things again. Of course you can.” he replied, though inwardly he thought, I’m afraid I won’t let you leave.

Shu Wan felt a bit relieved and finally smiled, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.

Seeing her smile, Yi Chenlan’s heart finally eased. He gently stroked the top of her head and spoke softly: “I originally planned to settle down tonight and slowly tell you about this, but Fang Nandan disrupted it and made you scared. Once we get back to Snowy Night Mountain, I will definitely punish him.”

Shu Wan felt happy upon hearing this. Fang Nandan had bullied her many times and always argued with her, so seeing him punished was something she gladly accepted. However, she quickly shook her head. “Senior Brother Ah Lan, I think you should not punish him. You just became the Young Master; it’s better to be a bit kinder to everyone. Besides, although Fang Nandan is a bit clumsy, he’s actually quite loyal.”

Yi Chenlan couldn’t help but smile at her childish words. He tilted his head, noncommittal. “Alright, we’ll talk about it after we get to Snowy Night Mountain.”

—

Once they entered the city, they could no longer show themselves in their original appearances. Fang Nandan had only half a tube of glue left, but he quickly created a simple disguise for the three of them. While it wouldn’t be enough to fool anyone looking closely, it was more than enough to deceive a shopkeeper and allow them to secure a room for the night.

After their simple disguises, Yi Chenlan and Shu Wan’s original good looks were somewhat concealed. Though they still appeared exceptionally handsome, they no longer seemed striking upon first glance.

The three of them successfully settled into an inn. That night, after Shu Wan finished washing up, she went to Yi Chenlan’s room to talk to him.

“Senior Brother Ah Lan, are you training?” As soon as Shu Wan entered, she saw Yi Chenlan sitting cross-legged, seemingly meditating to adjust his inner energy. She waited for a while until he completed a full cycle of his training before speaking.

“Yes.” Yi Chenlan nodded, giving her a warm smile. “I can’t stay useless forever. I should pick up my martial arts again. Fortunately, after taking the Casting Heaven Pill, it’s easier to practice now than before.”

Shu Wan frowned slightly, walked over, and sat beside him to argue: “You’re not useless at all! Don’t say that about yourself. But it’s good that you’re starting to train again. Your foundation is much better now, so you’ll definitely improve faster. Although, you weren’t exactly slow before.”

After speaking, Shu Wan suddenly remembered something and immediately grabbed Yi Chenlan’s hand, her expression becoming more serious. “By the way, did you push yourself too hard this time? You didn’t hurt your meridians, did you? Let me see.”

Yi Chenlan curved his lips into a smile and obediently allowed Shu Wan to check him. Shu Wan carefully examined him, and then, looking up at Yi Chenlan, blinked her eyes and checked again.

Finally, she appeared bewildered and said: “Senior Brother Ah Lan, when did you start training? This… you’re almost about to breakthrough to the second level!” Wasn’t that too fast? With the help of the Casting Heaven Pill, Senior Brother Ah Lan’s training speed had reached such an incredible level.

“You’re not injured, are you?” Yi Chenlan asked her with a smile, glancing at his hand that Shu Wan was still holding, though he didn’t pull it away.

He couldn’t help but smile wider, letting himself feel the warmth from her hand.

Shu Wan snapped out of her shock and, feeling touched by Yi Chenlan’s gentle smile, couldn’t help but smile back. She nodded enthusiastically: “Yes! Senior Brother Ah Lan, take your time with your training. Don’t rush this time. When you reach the third level, I’ll help you with your meridians.”

Yi Chenlan smiled and nodded, reaching out to gently tap Shu Wan on the head. “Don’t just be happy. How long has your martial arts been neglected? A few months ago, you were at the fifth level, and you’re still there. Even if you’re not in a rush now, when we reach Snowy Night Mountain, I’ll have to supervise you.”

Hearing this, it seemed like Ah Lan would be quite strict from now on. Shu Wan felt a little uneasy and absentmindedly nodded in agreement, obediently saying: “I understand. I won’t slack off from now on, I’ll train properly.”

She wondered how strict Senior Brother Ah Lan would be. If it was too exhausting, would acting cute have any effect…?

Knock, knock, knock.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, someone suddenly knocked on the door. Shu Wan looked up in confusion. It was so late—who would be knocking at this hour?

She exchanged a glance with Yi Chenlan, who gave her a slight nod. He stood up and called out to the door: “Who is it?”

A strange male voice replied from outside: “This is Yun Qi from the Shumen Sect. I apologize for disturbing you. I was a previous guest, and I left something behind. I’m just coming back to retrieve it. May I trouble you to let me in?”

Shu Wan’s eyes widened. She shook her head at Yi Chenlan, her meaning clear: don’t open the door. This person seemed suspicious; he might be a bad person…

Yi Chenlan gently patted her head to reassure her. After a moment’s thought, he gave Shu Wan a subtle wink and walked over to open the door.

When the door opened, a man dressed in white entered. He had an ordinary appearance, with features that could be described as moderately handsome. Upon seeing Yi Chenlan, the man named Yun Qi smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. “Apologies for disturbing you both so late.”

He walked in and casually began searching through various places, though out of the corner of his eye, he would occasionally glance toward Yi Chenlan. Yi Chenlan silently observed him, not saying a word.

Finally, Yun Qi cupped his hands and smiled apologetically: “I truly apologize. Perhaps I remembered wrong. I’ve caused you trouble, and I hope you can forgive me.”

After saying this, he made as though to leave, but Yi Chenlan’s brow furrowed as he spoke: “Wait a moment.”

Shu Wan had been waiting for the right moment to act. As soon as Yi Chenlan spoke, she darted forward, quickly hitting the man’s acupoints to paralyze him, making him immobile. She also swiftly closed the door behind her.

She turned to Yi Chenlan, her eyes sparkling with excitement, seemingly seeking praise. Yi Chenlan smiled faintly and nodded at her in acknowledgment.

Yun Qi was left standing there, his face flushed with anger. He looked at them and asked: “What is the meaning of this?”

Yi Chenlan slowly walked up to him, his eyes cold and sharp as he carefully scrutinized the man. With a smile, he said: “So, you’ve confirmed my identity, and now you plan to go back and report to your fellow disciples?” 

“You’re too cautious.” Yi Chenlan continued. “You should have come together. Sending you alone to scout was a tactical mistake.”

Yun Qi froze for a moment, then glared at Yi Chenlan. “You figured it out? When did you notice?”

“Since we entered the city.” Yi Chenlan replied casually. “I noticed you following us, just as you noticed us. But there were too many of you, and we were at a disadvantage. We couldn’t act right away, so we had to wait for an opportunity. I should thank you, though. You’ve given me the chance to turn the tables.”

“Yi Chenlan, you Demon Lord, you’re truly despicable!” Yun Qi clenched his fists, veins bulging on his forehead. “I only regret that we didn’t shout your identity in the street! We should have reported you to the Great Hero of Shu immediately! Even if we made a mistake and captured the wrong person, it would have been better than letting you go so easily!”

“Ha, I’m no match for you. I’ll bow to your superiority, fall into your hands, and accept whatever punishment you wish!” 

“Hey! How dare you curse! Who’s a Demon Lord? Are you trying to annoy me?” Shu Wan, upset by this, stepped forward, frowning. “Don’t act like you’re the hero here. If you had told others and captured the person, the credit would have gone to everyone. But you’re sneaking around to claim the credit for your sect, right?”

Yun Qi froze, his face reddening further. Embarrassed and enraged by the truth of her words, he shouted: “Who are you, wild girl, to side with this Demon Lord… Are you… Shu Wan?”

Shu Wan, though disguised simply by Fang Nandan, still had her striking eyes, which made her easily recognizable.

“So, you are Shu Wan.” Yun Qi started to say, but his words were abruptly cut off when Yi Chenlan suddenly pressed his finger to Yun Qi’s tan zhong acupoint. A sharp burst of internal energy was forcefully sent through the point, causing Yun Qi immense pain, and he immediately fell silent, unable to speak.

Yi Chenlan’s expression darkened. He could almost imagine how ugly the words Yun Qi was about to say would have been.

He had long been accustomed to insults, but he could never allow such disgraceful words to reach Wan Wan. If even a single word of that kind were to fall upon her, he would likely lose control.

Before he could speak, the door was suddenly pushed open again with a loud clang.