The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 86: My Ex-Wife Isn't Someone to Trifle With

"..." Ye Wangxi was clearly irritated by his words, but surprisingly, he didn't get angry. After a moment of restraint, he said, "You misunderstood. I'm not following you; I've been sent by the Venerated Lord to purchase an item from the Xuan Yuan Pavilion."

Mo Ran and Chu Wanning exchanged glances upon hearing this.

—Divine Weapon.

Nan Gongsi swayed the red clay wine flask in his hand, his expression growing even more grim. "Why do you have to trouble yourself if Father wants to buy something? Am I crippled or unable to do it for him?"

"…Si, that's not what I meant."

"Who asked you to call me that?" Nan Gongsi's brows furrowed deeply, his gaze sharp as lightning. "Young Master Ye, don't think that just because Father is blind to your true nature, you can act recklessly in front of me... Aren't you disgusted with yourself?"

"I address you like this at the Venerated Lord's request. If you object, take it up with him yourself." Ye Wangxi fell silent for a moment before continuing, "Getting angry with me won't change anything."

"Don't use Father to intimidate me!"

Nan Gongsi took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. His dark pupils shone with an icy brilliance, like a high-hanging silver moon amidst a smoky battlefield.

"young master Ye," he drawled out the words deliberately, "Father instructed you to call me Si, perhaps due to a misunderstanding about your position within the sect. But you should have a clear understanding of yourself. Don't get too full of yourself just because someone shows you a little favor. Remember, no matter how colorful you dye yourself, being born here, you can never stand on equal footing with me."

A shadow seemed to pass over Ye Wangxi's gentle, wind-like countenance. His thick, bamboo-like lashes drooped as he calmly replied, "Young Master is right, but this Ye... has never entertained the thought of comparing myself to you."

The shift in address made Nan Gongsi feel somewhat better. He lifted the cup and drank a few gulps of fiery liquor, his tolerance seemingly endless. After gazing at Ye Wangxi for a while, he snorted through his nose and waved dismissively. "I doubt you'd dare. Look at yourself now, how could you possibly be considered..."

Realizing that there were too many ears around, he almost revealed something he shouldn't have. Swiftly, he clamped his lips shut and fell silent.

"..."

In contrast, Ye Wangxi, despite being subjected to such humiliation and degradation, maintained his lowered eyelids, concealing whether his eyes burned with anger or were filled with shame. He presented an serene and gentle countenance to all, exuding three parts heroism and seven parts restraint.

The atmosphere became exceedingly awkward for a moment.

Nan Gongsi glanced around awkwardly for a moment, his gaze eventually landing on the woman standing behind Ye Wangxi. Apparently trying to cover up his near-misstep, he cleared his throat and nodded in the woman's direction, asking Ye Wangxi, "She's the one you saved?"

"Um."

"Of what origin is she? We shouldn't rescue those with unclear backgrounds."

"No worries, it's from the Xuan Yuan Pavilion."

Nan Gongsi was indifferent to the Xuan Yuan Pavilion's auction and didn't bother to inquire about it. However, when he heard that Song Qiutong had been auctioned, he was startled. His previously casual expression turned sharp as he fixated on Song Qiutong's face, then said after a moment, "Is this an Enslaved Bone or a Butterfly Bone Beauty?"

On the cultivation continent, there were only two types of people who could be openly sold - Butterfly Bone Beauties and Enslaved Bones.

Enslaved Bones were offspring of human and monster unions. Due to the fear of their monstrous traits, once discovered, their true essence would be destroyed, and a slave seal would be branded onto their scapulae, turning them into servants.

However, Enslaved Bones were not highly valued and weren't particularly rare. They usually served tea and water in major sects or were purchased by wealthy merchants for amusement. Since this item came from the Xuan Yuan Pavilion, it likely wasn't of such a low rank.

As expected, Ye Wangxi replied, "It's a Butterfly Bone Beauty."

Nan Gongsi became intrigued. He walked around Ye Wangxi and approached Song Qiutong, circling her as if inspecting goods. Then, he frowned and asked, "Why is this one's leg crippled? A defective product?"

"…She was injured when captured and treated with medicine. It hasn't fully healed yet," Ye Wangxi paused, "That's why we can't travel far and wish to stay here for the night."

Nan Gongsi remained nonchalant, narrowing his eyes. Suddenly, he leaned close to Song Qiutong's neck and sniffed fiercely, resembling an untamed wolf. Song Qiutong, frightened by his lecherous behavior, paled and clutched her clothing, barely keeping her balance.

"She smells no different from an ordinary person," he rubbed his nose and sneezed, "There's even a scent of perfume…"

Waving his hand dismissively, Nan Gongsi casually asked, "How much?"

"50 million."

"In silver?"

"In gold."

Nan Gongsi's eyes widened abruptly. "Ye Wangxi, are you insane? Do you know how many top-grade grinding stones five million gold can refine? You want to buy me a woman with that? Do you think the money of our Confucian Wind Sect grows on trees?"

"I didn't spend any sect funds," Ye Wangxi paused before continuing, "nor did I buy her for you."

"You—!" The anger that had just subsided flared up again. Nan Gongsi's expression turned fierce. "You're in high spirits, aren't you?" He then turned to glare at Song Qiutong. The more he stared, the more displeased he became, especially with the veil covering her face. It annoyed him immensely, so he commanded, "You, take off that rag on your face!"

Song Qiutong was startled and clung tightly onto Ye Wangxi's sleeve, shrinking even further behind him. Her voice was extremely pitiful as she said, "Young Master Ye, I... I don't want to..."

Although Ye Wangxi was not as tall and sturdy as Nan Gongsi, he stood tall and unafraid when he looked up at him. "If she doesn't wish to, Young Master, don't force her."

"Nonsense. Since you saved her, she owes her life to our Confucian Wind Sect. She must do as I say. Take it off!"

"Her life was saved by me, and from the moment I rescued her, she's been free," Ye Wangxi declared. "I request that Young Master Nan Gongsi not impose your will upon others."

"Ye Wangxi! You're the only decent one around here!" Nan Gongsi pounded the door frame in anger. "What do you take me for? Today, I'm going to stand my ground. I say she has to remove her veil, and if she does, you can stay here. If not, get the hell out!"

Ye Wangxi let out a barely perceptible sigh and turned to Song Qiutong. "Let's go."

This time, it wasn't just Nan Gongsi who was taken aback. With Ye Wangxi possessing divine weapons, there was no way they could let him leave so easily. Chu Wanning immediately said, "Stop him."

"Alright, alright." Mo Ran agreed, but after a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Shifu, where would he stay if we stop him? He needs a place to rest."

"Offer him half of our room."

"Uh..." For some reason, Mo Ran's expression turned awkward. "That might not be appropriate."

Chu Wanning raised his eyelids slightly. "Why?"

"Shifu, you may not know this, but it's best if the two of us don't share a room with him. Besides, he won't agree to it either, because Ye Wangxi... he's actually a..."

Just as he was about to reveal a crucial piece of information, they heard a crash downstairs as Nan Gongsi kicked over a table. Glasses and plates shattered on the floor, followed by a sudden yank of a bench. He hoisted one foot on it and shouted in fury, "Who gave you permission to walk away?! Do you think you can defy me? Get back here right now!"

"..." Even Nan Gongsi's attendants felt embarrassed at this point.

Didn't... Young Master just tell that person to scram?

Ye Wangxi seemed accustomed to Nan Gongsi's irrational behavior and decided to pretend he hadn't heard the roar. He patted Song Qiutong on the shoulder, signaling her to ignore the madman behind them.

"Ye Wangxi!"

"..."

"Ye Wangxi!!"

"..."

"YEEEEE-WAAAAAANG-XXXIIIIEEEEEEEEE!!!"

Veins popped on Ye Wangxi's forehead, and he finally couldn't resist turning around. To his surprise, a wine jug was hurtling towards him. His pupils constricted as he prepared to dodge, but suddenly, a white blur flashed before his eyes.

"Ahh—"

A frail cry of pain startled everyone present, causing both Ye Wangxi and Nan Gongsi's expressions to change dramatically.

It turned out that in the blink of an eye, Song Qiutong had rushed forward to shield Ye Wangxi. The heavy red clay wine jug struck her forehead with brutal force, instantly causing blood to flow down her face. With trembling jade-like hands, she touched the wound, tears welling up from the pain.

"Don't touch it, let me see your injury."

"I'm fine, as long as Young Master is unharmed..."

"Why were you throwing bottles while talking?" Ye Wangxi's tone was stern as he cast a reproachful glance at Nan Gongsi before turning to his attendant. "Fetch some medicinal ointment for wounds."

"Sir, we've used up all the healing ointment you brought," the servant whispered. "Shall I go out and buy more?"

Nan Gongsi hadn't anticipated this turn of events. Although he tried to maintain his composure, a hint of guilt still shone in his eyes. He stiffly replied, "I... I have some here. ...Alan, fetch my medicine pouch."

Yet, Ye Wangxi was slightly annoyed, pursing his lips and ignoring him.

Holding the small vial of medicine, Nan Gongsi stood awkwardly for a while, but Ye Wangxi didn't even spare him a glance. Unable to bear the embarrassment, he roughly handed the medicine to Song Qiutong. "Here, use it if you want."

Song Qiutong, like a startled fawn, first looked hesitantly at Ye Wangxi. Seeing that he didn't object, only remaining silent, he reluctantly accepted the ointment as if seeking reconciliation. He bowed slightly towards the one who had injured him and softly said, "Thank you, Sir Nan Gong."

To his surprise, the girl he almost decapitated actually expressed gratitude. Nan Gongsi was taken aback before recovering and waving it off with an awkward cough. "It's no problem."

That night, Ye Wangxi's group decided to stay in the town.

In an inn, several candles flickered, casting erratic shadows amidst the starry chaos.

Mo Ran sat by the window, his cheek resting on one hand, seemingly lost in thought. It had been nearly two years since his rebirth, and many events unfolded differently from his previous life. Watching the same people do different things stirred up subtle emotions within him.

Song Qiutong, Ye Wangxi, Not Returning...

These familiar faces and names from his past life had reappeared as time went on. But this time, he would never marry Song Qiutong, and Ye Wangxi would soon become the second most renowned cultivator in the world, following closely behind Chu Wanning.

And Not Returning.

The mere thought of that longsword he once wielded in his former life stirred unrest within him.

"Shifu."

"What is it?"

"You've been drawing this charm for half an hour now. Why isn't it finished?"

"I'm almost done," Chu Wanning replied. Under the dim light of a solitary lamp, he carefully added the final strokes with his brush dipped in cinnabar, bringing to life an intricately detailed dragon on the paper.

Mo Ran leaned over to inspect it.

"What's this?"

"It's a Rising Dragon Barrier," Chu Wanning said.

"What does it do?"

"It allows one to perceive all traces of spells, big or small, in the surrounding area. If that mysterious person plans to use divine weapons to test the essence of spiritual roots, they must have left an imprint on the weapon. We'll instantly know if this weapon's appearance was a coincidence or part of their elaborate plan."

"Woah, if there's such a useful item, why didn't Master use it in the Xuanyuan Pavilion?"

"…I'll activate the Rising Dragon Barrier, and you'll understand once you see it."

Chu Wanning pricked his fingertip and swiped it across one of the dragon's scales. Instantly, the tiny golden dragon on the paper shimmered with radiant light, its eyes and tail beginning to move agilely.

Chu Wanning said, "Are you a true dragon?"

A shrill voice emerged from the paper, "Yes, yes, this one is indeed a true dragon!"

"How can I believe that?"

"Stupid mortal! Why wouldn't you believe it?!"

"If you can jump out of the paper, I'll acknowledge you as a true dragon."

"What's so difficult about that? Just you wait! Hey!"

A flash of golden light appeared, and a tiny, majestic dragon no bigger than a palm leaped out of the paper. It swayed its head and tail, bared its teeth and claws, circling proudly around Chu Wanning while making a ruckus, "Hahaha, hahaha, I'm a grand true dragon, a grand one, and I have many little secrets, little secrets. I have so many secrets, but I won't tell you, won't tell, won't tel-l-l-l you!"

With his icy-cold lake-like eyes, Chu Wanning glanced at the little creature, then covered it with his hand on the table. He expressionlessly addressed Mo Ran, "Understood?"

"Understood..."

"Let me go! You, stupid mortal! You're messing with my whiskers!"

Chu Wanning raised his hand and, without any hesitation, tapped its inverse scale – the one stained with blood. "Be quiet and get to work."

Author's Note: Little Qinglong's theme song reveals my childhood! Hahahaha~ This childhood tune might be unknown to younger brothers and sisters, I'm blushing in embarrassment~

Character Profile Update:

Nan Gongsi

Pseudonym: Unconstrained

Posthumous Title: None

Occupation: Eldest legitimate son of the Confucian Wind Sect's sect leader

In simple terms: A second-generation official

Social Standing: A prominent young cultivator in the Upper Realm, leading a group of devoted followers

In simple terms: A big brother with a gang of minions

Current Favorite: Nephrite White Gold

Favorite Food: Meat Bones

Dislikes: Vegetables

Height: 185 cm