Chapter 40: The Inn

As soon as these words were spoken, an overwhelming aura of pressure radiated from Yun Zhonghe, making it difficult for those present to breathe. The crowd glanced at Yun Zhonghe, a flicker of apprehension in their eyes; none had expected that, upon seizing his opportunity, his martial prowess would surge so rapidly. It seemed likely that even if all those present joined forces, they might still be no match for him. Moreover, no one wished to pave the way for another’s success; thus, after Yun Zhonghe revealed his strength, no one dared to step forward in response.

“It appears there are no more contenders. In that case, I shall take my leave,” Yun Zhonghe said.

As he displayed his formidable might, the others could only abandon their petty schemes and watch as the pair departed. With the matter of fortune decided, the gathered heroes and outlaws gradually dispersed.

Seeing this, Wang Yuyan turned her gentle gaze to Murong Fu and said softly, “Cousin, why don’t we return to Swallow Manor to recover from your wounds? We can plan at length afterward. There must be a way to restore your martial arts.”

Murong Fu glanced at her, undisguised loathing in his eyes. “Wretch, go find that lecher Yun Zhonghe and leave me be.”

With those harsh words, Murong Fu, dragging his injured body, strode away. Wang Yuyan was filled with remorse, but seeing her cousin so frail, she could not rest easy and followed, gritting her teeth.

Duan Yu, whose acupoints had been sealed, watched his fairy-like lady endure such humiliation, and his heart shattered with sorrow. The one responsible for all this was none other than Yun Zhonghe, who had defiled Miss Wang’s innocence. For the first time in his life, Duan Yu felt a murderous intent toward another.

Elsewhere, A’zi’s eyes sparkled as she turned to Yun Zhonghe. “Are you really willing to just leave like this, without taking that little harlot with you?”

“If her heart isn’t with me, there’s no point in keeping her by my side,” he replied. Glancing sideways at A’zi, he added, “Besides, if I kept Wang Yuyan close, some people might get jealous.”

“I wouldn’t be jealous!” A’zi turned away, her face haughty.

Yun Zhonghe looked at the obstinately contrary A’zi, his gaze slowly traveling downward. Her delicate lips were vivid and inviting, stirring his imagination. Driven by instinct, he lowered his head and, before A’zi could react, swiftly brushed her lips with his own. Feeling the soft touch beneath his lips, his mind wavered, and he deepened the kiss without realizing it.

A’zi’s wide, grape-like eyes flew open as Yun Zhonghe pressed his advantage. She wanted to push him away, but the masculine energy he exuded left her powerless. Her fists fell on him like gentle raindrops—soft and weak.

He caught her falling hand with precision, intertwining their fingers. Sensing his affection, A’zi gradually ceased resisting, and the two figures clung tightly together.

After a long moment, Yun Zhonghe opened his eyes and, seeing A’zi’s flushed face, grew increasingly unrestrained, his broad hand wandering over her form. Just as he was about to go further, A’zi’s eyes suddenly flew open and she began to struggle violently. The abruptness of it caught Yun Zhonghe off guard, and she managed to break free from his grasp. Reflexively reaching out, he found nothing but air.

“Shameless!” A’zi spat, clutching her clothes tightly as she glared at Yun Zhonghe in fury.

Yun Zhonghe looked at her, masking his embarrassment with a smile as he quietly withdrew his hand. Everything had been going well—why the sudden change? On reflection, he realized that his earlier actions might have frightened her. After all, people in this era tended to be more conservative.

A’zi bit her lip, glancing at the embarrassed Yun Zhonghe. She loved him deeply, and intimacy between them was only natural, but she was not yet prepared to take that final step. What should she do? Would Yun Zhonghe be angry at her sudden resistance?

As she lowered her head, lost in anxious thoughts, she saw from the corner of her eye that Yun Zhonghe had stopped in front of her, causing her heart to race wildly. Just then, his voice, thick with apology, sounded at her ear: “I’m sorry, I was too impulsive just now.”

Looking up at Yun Zhonghe’s earnest apology, A’zi’s anger melted away, and she could not help but smile. But quickly realizing her mistake, she forced her face back into a stern expression. She would not forgive him so easily. Absolutely not.

“It’s your fault for being so beautiful—I simply couldn’t help myself,” Yun Zhonghe said, his praise making her beam with delight, unable to maintain her pretense of anger.

After this tender exchange, A’zi set aside her playful mood. Looking to Yun Zhonghe, she asked, “Where shall we go next?”

Yun Zhonghe gazed into the distance. By his reckoning, Lin Pingzhi should by now have obtained the Evil-Resisting Sword Manual and become Yue Buqun’s disciple. It was time for his own plan to proceed to the next stage. He also intended to learn the Nine Swords of Dugu from Feng Qingyang.

With these thoughts in mind, he said, “To Mount Hua!”

A’zi, wholly devoted to Yun Zhonghe now, readily agreed to his decision. They set off together, wandering through hills and streams, delighting in each other’s company and enjoying a carefree journey.

After half a month, they finally arrived at a small inn at the foot of Mount Hua.

“We’ll rest here for the night and ascend the mountain at dawn,” Yun Zhonghe told A’zi, then waved over the inn’s attendant. “Waiter, bring some food.”

“With pleasure!” the attendant called, appearing before Yun Zhonghe with a towel draped over his shoulder. But upon seeing Yun Zhonghe’s appearance and shabby clothes, the warmth vanished from his face, replaced by disdain.

Yun Zhonghe ignored this slight. “Prepare two premium rooms and a fine meal for us.”

Still, the attendant did not answer. Yun Zhonghe frowned and looked at him. “Did I not make myself clear?”

The attendant snorted, swiping his towel across the table. “Five taels for a meal, twenty taels for a room.”

At once, Yun Zhonghe understood: the attendant took him for a pauper who couldn’t pay and might try to eat and run. Their gazes met, and the message was plain—wasn’t that the case?

A’zi immediately slammed the table and berated the attendant, “You dog, looking down on people! If you don’t bring the food right now, I’ll tear this place apart!”

Her fierce voice drew the attention of the other guests, who watched with interest. After all, this was the territory of the Mount Hua Sect, and few dared make trouble here.

Not wishing to cause a scene and disrupt his plans, Yun Zhonghe calmed A’zi down. Then, turning to the attendant, he reached into his coat...