Chapter 088
Chapter 88: I Want Them Both
Shi Zi Chu gave a faint, gentle smile and naturally, calmly took hold of Xing Lan’s hand, pulling him toward the nearby luohan bed. Xing Lan, remaining silent, was firmly pressed into the seat.
He slightly raised his gaze; deep and dark, his eyes were like black holes, carrying a dangerous sense of being able to swallow everything.
Shi Zi Chu lowered her eyes to meet Xing Lan’s gaze, feeling somewhat troubled in her heart.
Jiang Wan Sheng was like a perfectly fitting, sharp blade—one that she couldn’t bear to discard. Yet Xing Lan was a unique ladder leading straight to heaven, and she was equally unwilling to give him up.
Both of these people, she wanted.
But Xing Lan wasn’t someone generous enough to tolerate such things.
Difficult, truly difficult.
[Let me think a moment on how to persuade Master Xing Lan!]
Xing Lan knew Shi Zi Chu all too well, understanding she wasn’t just talking idly. Before Shi Zi Chu could come up with an excuse, Xing Lan’s deep, icy voice rang out, “You can’t bear to let her go?”
If Jiang Wan Sheng wasn’t so important, Jiu Jiu would have quickly explained rather than falling silent and searching for excuses. It was precisely this silence that made him even more uneasy.
Shi Zi Chu’s peach blossom eyes became serious, and she stated each word clearly: “Master is more important.”
If Xing Lan truly couldn’t accept it… she would make her choice.
Jiang Wan Sheng had Aunt Lin behind her, as well as the entire Jiang Clan. If Xing Lan refused to yield, it would be Shi Zi Chu who backed down.
Simply put, to her, affection was merely a willing exchange. She gained much but also paid dearly, and so did Xing Lan.
If Xing Lan ever tried to cut her off from everything and trap her beneath his wings, she would painfully give him up. This wasn’t because Jiang Wan Sheng was so important, but because Shi Zi Chu would stop at nothing for her cultivation. Situations like this would happen often in the future, so she preferred short pain over long torment.
Xing Lan’s calm, authoritative voice came again, “Jiu Jiu, tell me the truth.”
Jiu Jiu was like lotus roots; each word she said was full of hidden meanings. Instead of talking in circles, he preferred direct honesty.
“I want them both,” Shi Zi Chu answered plainly. Meeting Xing Lan’s cold but unsurprised gaze, she coaxed softly: “Master, in my heart, you’re irreplaceable.”
Xing Lan said nothing, only somewhat surprised at how easily appeased he was.
Sensing Xing Lan’s cold aura soften slightly, Shi Zi Chu gently moved to sit upon his lap, sweetly whispering: “Master is the best~”
Whether or not he was truly good was another matter, but Jiu Jiu was definitely ruthless beyond question.
Shi Zi Chu hugged Xing Lan’s arm, speaking softly and coquettishly: “Master, trust me, I know my limits…”
Xing Lan’s cold voice interrupted her nonsense, “The calming incense.”
The calming incense burning in Supreme Virtue City’s manor bedroom had been prepared by Jiang Wan Sheng. Xing Lan had never mentioned it, but he wasn’t unaware. He just didn’t wish to upset himself further.
Shi Zi Chu blinked innocently, her expression completely pure and guileless: “We didn’t do anything.”
Xing Lan scoffed lightly. “Get down.”
She always chose words that annoyed him most, yet he couldn’t bear to punish her at all.
Shi Zi Chu stubbornly shook her head and leaned sideways onto Xing Lan’s shoulder, softly whining, “Master, comfort me~ I got scolded so badly!”
Xing Lan lifted a hand, gently brushing through Shi Zi Chu’s loose, flowing hair. “Next time, Jiu Jiu, set up a barrier technique before causing trouble.”
Because he was worried, he had expanded his spiritual sense, keeping attention on the guest rooms. Thus, he knew Shi Zi Chu couldn’t possibly feel sad—she had already settled her grudges.
Shi Zi Chu obediently agreed, then smiled sweetly. “At times like this, shouldn’t Master be teaching his disciple?”
Xing Lan fell silent.
Initially, he indeed hoped to raise Jiu Jiu properly, but those expectations had gradually lessened until now. His only requirement was that she not fall onto a crooked path or harm innocents needlessly. As for anything else, he had long given up hope.
“Master!” Shi Zi Chu’s embarrassed anger broke through his silence. Xing Lan raised his hand and gently patted her back. “Jiu Jiu, you were never a good person to begin with.”
Shi Zi Chu’s expression instantly soured. [What’s he talking about? What sort of comment is that?]
Xing Lan spoke coldly, shifting the conversation, “Don’t let him appear before me too often.”
He couldn’t accept Jiang Wan Sheng peacefully, yet he couldn’t bear to lose Jiu Jiu. Thus, he had no choice but to turn a blind eye.
Shi Zi Chu nodded obediently.
Suddenly, Xing Lan raised his hand, gripping her by the back of her neck and gently lifting her face to meet his gaze. Seeing Shi Zi Chu’s watery eyes, he warned sternly, “This is the last time.”
If she again tried to sabotage their relationship, next time wouldn’t end well for her. On this matter, he had an absolute principle.
Shi Zi Chu looked directly into Xing Lan’s eyes, asking in return, “Master, will you always tolerate me?”
“That depends on your skill.”
Shi Zi Chu raised her eyebrows slightly. [Master truly is seasoned; the old ginger is always spicier.] But she was confident in herself!
…
After leaving the back mountain, Shi Zi Chu went to find Wan Yan Qian, Yan Yan, and Yao Ruo Ruo. After all, she had personally sent them invitation cards. She couldn’t simply leave them unattended.
Nightfall brought the dinner banquet.
The several women, now quite comfortable with each other, arrived at the banquet hall together. Seeing the ladies by Shi Zi Chu’s side, many venerables were quietly surprised.
Wasn’t it said that Venerable Yan was difficult to approach and extremely unfriendly? They’d also heard Eldest Miss Wan Yan had a fierce temper, and Eldest Miss Yao appeared cute but was proud at heart.
Shi Zi Chu’s conversational skills were truly impressive!
Once everyone had arrived, the maids began serving dishes. After Xing Lan declared the banquet begun, the venerables started dining.
After several rounds of wine, the atmosphere was perfectly harmonious.
At this moment, Elder Zheng Lian brought Liang Wei Sheng into the hall, immediately attracting everyone’s attention. Liang Wei Sheng, hiding his nervousness, tried to remain calm as he followed behind Elder Zheng Lian.
Shi Zi Chu glanced over.
Rising Succession Peak indeed transformed people; Liang Wei Sheng looked completely reborn after a short time.
“His name is Liang Wei Sheng, soon to be this venerable’s personal disciple,” Xing Lan announced coolly and authoritatively. “Take this chance to meet him formally.”
“Venerable Xing Lan truly has keen eyes!”
“This young man undoubtedly will achieve extraordinary greatness. Excellent judgment, Venerable Xing Lan!”
Compliments filled the air.
Being watched by everyone, Liang Wei Sheng quietly glanced at Shi Zi Chu. Unlike her extravagant beauty at the auction, she now sat gently, elegantly, noble and poised.
Shi Zi Chu smiled faintly, seeming to congratulate him.
Liang Wei Sheng quickly lowered his eyes, feeling burned by her gaze. She was his benefactor, a goddess-like benefactor.
Afterward, Liang Wei Sheng wisely excused himself.
Once he departed, the hall returned to ease.
“Amitabha.” A tranquil, harmonious voice echoed suddenly.
The venerables momentarily tensed, then relaxed again. Disciples of Bodhi Gate wouldn’t cause trouble.
Guan Zhuang pressed his palms together, slowly speaking, “Everyone must know Bodhi Gate has an Immortal Rank magic artifact known as Ten Thousand Visions Realm.”
The venerables nodded, uncertain about Guan Zhuang’s intention mentioning this now.
“Ten Thousand Visions Realm is about to open.”
His calm words were like thunder on flat ground. Many within the banquet hall were utterly stunned.
Seeing their reactions, Shi Zi Chu immediately sent spiritual sense into her spatial storage ring, retrieving the storyline from the Female Villain System.