The next day, the sky was clear for miles.
No. 2 had just delivered breakfast to Lin Langyi when he spotted Number Three pacing outside Zhai Yi’s door.
He knew full well and said, “If you push Number One too far, she’ll really lay into you.”
“Really?” Number Three said excitedly. “Does that mean if I rile her up enough, she’ll spar with me?”
No. 2: “….”
That was an interpretation he hadn’t seen coming.
Zhai Yi opened the door and said calmly, “Impossible.”
Number Three looked crestfallen. “Can’t you just spar with me once? I can grant you a request—any request at all.”
Number Three had wanted to spar with the original body before, but the original body had a reclusive personality and ignored his pleas. Later, Number Three had gone out on a mission, and the sparring idea fell by the wayside.
After learning that Zhai Yi’s skills were even greater now, Number Three’s desire to spar skyrocketed like oil poured on a fire.
No. 2 said wearily, “You can’t even beat Number One. Why ask for a beating?”
Number Three was brimming with fighting spirit. “You don’t get it. Martial arts have no shortcuts. Only through constant sparring and exchanges can you uncover the true essence of martial arts, ignite your potential, achieve better growth, and unlock greater power.”
No. 2 looked baffled. “What is he even saying?”
Zhai Yi summed it up succinctly. “He wants to get stronger.”
Number Three grinned in satisfaction. “You get me.”
Zhai Yi: “….”
She wasn’t all that keen on getting him.
Number Three looked at Zhai Yi eagerly. “Spar with me?”
Zhai Yi shoved him aside directly and turned to No. 2. “What’s for breakfast?”
No. 2 replied, “Plain porridge, some side dishes, and meat-stuffed buns.”
“No. 4 and No. 6 are eating downstairs. You can just head over.”
Zhai Yi shoved Number Three aside again and went downstairs. “Got it.”
Number Three followed close behind. “Spar with me? Spar with me?”
Zhai Yi ignored Number Three’s pleading and sat down next to No. 6.
No. 6 handed Zhai Yi a bowl of porridge and said to Number Three, “Eat first.”
Number Three stared fixedly at Zhai Yi. “Spar with me?”
Zhai Yi took a vegetable bun and glanced up at him. “You really want to spar that badly? Even if you lose?”
Number Three nodded vigorously. “Yeah, even if I lose.”
Zhai Yi took a sip of hot porridge. “Eat first. We’ll spar in the backyard after.”
Number Three said excitedly, “You really agreed to spar with me?”
“Keep dilly-dallying, and I won’t go.”
Number Three immediately grabbed his bowl and started gulping down porridge, for fear she’d change her mind.
No. 4 watched Number Three’s obedient demeanor and laughed. “Is it really necessary? It’s just a fight. Look how thrilled you are.”
Number Three ignored her, finished his breakfast, and sat next to Zhai Yi waiting for her.
No. 6 chuckled. “Number Three just loves challenging people to fights. That’s his hobby—like how you love rouge and powders.”
“How’s that the same?” No. 4 pouted. “Rouge and powders make me prettier. Fighting just leaves you covered in blood—painful and filthy. What’s the point?”
Zhai Yi set down her bowl and chopsticks. “Satisfaction.”
No. 4 was surprised. “What?”
Zhai Yi explained, “It’s a kind of psychological satisfaction. You pursue rouge and powders because you love them, and that brings satisfaction. Number Three loves sparring with people to improve his strength, and that satisfies him too, because he loves it.”
“Things we love aren’t divided by high or low, noble or cheap. It all depends on personal preference.”
No. 4 was stunned for a moment. “Ever since you recovered your memories, you’ve gotten pretty eloquent.”
Zhai Yi smiled faintly. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
No. 4: “…”
So shameless.
No. 2 delivered the trays to the kitchen and came out to see Zhai Yi and the others heading to the open area in the backyard.
He hurried over and asked No. 6, “What’s going on? Any orders from the Young Master?”
No. 6 said, “Number One agreed to spar with Number Three.”
No. 2 was shocked. “She agreed just like that?”
No. 6 laughed. “It’s good. Otherwise, he’d keep nagging Number One, and it’d annoy the rest of us.”
No. 2 thought it made sense. Normally, Number Three was cool and aloof, barely saying a word all day. He only really talked to the Young Master. But when he wanted to spar, he became as annoying as a fly buzzing around.
No. 4 asked curiously, “How many moves do you think Number Three can last against Number One?”
No. 2 pondered. “Number Three’s martial arts aren’t bad. At least ten moves.”
No. 6 thought for a moment. “Six moves.”
No. 4 snorted. “I bet four moves. Ten taels of silver each. Winner takes all.”
No. 2 was about to agree when he remembered something unpleasant. “Speaking of silver, Number One still hasn’t paid me back what she owes.”
“You’ve been hung up on that money the whole way.”
The three of them turned back in unison, surprised. “Young Master?”
Lin Langyi looked at Number Three and Zhai Yi in the arena. “I bet two moves.”
The three: “….”
The two in the arena overheard the betting from the four onlookers. Number Three’s expression grew solemn as he drew his longsword and said gravely, “How many moves do you think I can last?”
Zhai Yi said lazily, “What do you think?”
Number Three assessed. “Five moves.”
Zhai Yi smiled, then turned to No. 4. “I’ll bet too.”
No. 2 was puzzled. “Don’t you have no money?”
“Lend me another ten taels.”
No. 2: “…Again?”
“If I win, it’s all yours.”
No. 2’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “How many moves are you betting?”
Zhai Yi looked at Number Three, her gaze sharpening as her lips curved. “One move.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Zhai Yi’s figure vanished from everyone’s sight—even Number Three, who was so close, lost track of her.
Number Three tensed like he was facing a formidable enemy and was about to defend himself when his body suddenly stiffened, forcing him to his knees. A slender hand stroked his neck and gripped his throat.
Beads of cold sweat poured down. Number Three was pinned, neck craned back, struggling to breathe.
No. 4 exclaimed in shock, “Th-that was too fast!”
She recognized the move well and had thought Number Three’s superior skills would let him last longer, but he couldn’t withstand even one.
No. 6 murmured, “I still couldn’t see Number One’s movement technique clearly. Too fast.”
No. 2 spread his arms with a grin. “Hahaha, I won! Pay up, pay up.”
Zhai Yi released her grip. Number Three gasped for air and tried to stand, but his legs trembled uncontrollably, his strength seemingly drained.
He used his longsword to prop himself up slowly.
He swallowed hard, incredulous. “Too fast. How is it that fast?”
In that instant, Zhai Yi had evaporated right in front of him—he hadn’t even sensed her presence.
Number Three hadn’t realized Zhai Yi was behind him until she seized his throat. A slight squeeze, and she could have crushed it or twisted his head off.
“What technique is that?” Number Three wiped his face, his palm slick with sweat. “A secret art of the Nether Seclusion Clan?”
Zhai Yi thought for a moment. “Something like that.”
Number Three cupped his fists. “Thanks for indulging my wish. Anything you ask of me in the future, I’ll do it.”
Zhai Yi waved it off. “No need to take it seriously. Just a spar.”
Zhai Yi seemed to sense something and looked toward Lin Langyi. “Young Master, Young Master Chu and the others have arrived.”
Number Three looked at Zhai Yi in surprise, his eyes filled with awe and admiration.
Lin Langyi said, “Got it.”
No. 2 collected silver from No. 4 and No. 6. “Young Master, your silver?”
Lin Langyi glanced at him and pulled out a banknote.
No. 2 looked at the hundred-tael silver note. “Young Master, that’s too much. Just ten taels.”
Lin Langyi said, “The rest is me paying back what Zhai Yi owes you.”
Zhai Yi pressed her lips together. “Young Master, I have money.”
It was just back at Xuanji Pavilion—she hadn’t brought it all.
Lin Langyi looked at her. “Your money comes from Xuanji Pavilion anyway.”
Zhai Yi fell silent.
No. 2 gleefully pocketed it. “Heh heh heh, thanks, Young Master. Your subordinate accepts.”
He winked at Zhai Yi. “We’re square now.”
Zhai Yi smiled. “Not quite. I need to borrow more.”
No. 2: “….”
Lin Langyi entered the inn just as Chu Mingxu and Qiaoqiao walked in through the main entrance.
Qiaoqiao spotted Lin Langyi at once and waved. “Sister Lin, good morning! Have you had breakfast?”
Lin Langyi said, “Yes. You?”
Qiaoqiao came over. “We ate already. We wanted to come early to see you all.”
Lin Langyi turned to Chu Mingxu. “Young Master Chu is quite diligent.”
Chu Mingxu smiled. “Such an important partnership naturally deserves attention.”
Lin Langyi nodded. “Shall we go upstairs, or…?”
Chu Mingxu said straightforwardly, “The inn’s too crowded for a proper talk.”
“Uncle Wang heard that the renowned Xuanji Young Master was in Jingzhou and specially sent me to invite you to Prince Jing’s Mansion for tea, chat, and flower viewing.”
Lin Langyi said, “Since the Jing Prince has extended such a gracious invitation, I can’t refuse.”
She turned back to Zhai Yi. “Come with me.”
Zhai Yi stepped forward. “Yes.”
Lin Langyi looked at Chu Mingxu. “Let’s go.”
Chu Mingxu gave Zhai Yi a meaningful look and smiled. “After you.”
The carriage arrived at Prince Jing’s Mansion.
Lin Langyi and Zhai Yi followed Chu Mingxu and Qiaoqiao into the prince’s mansion.
The entire mansion was vast, with orderly and dignified layouts.
Pavilions and towers, flying eaves and green tiles—the overall design was exquisite and elegant yet grand and imposing.
Chu Mingxu led them straight to a lotus pond, where a waterside pavilion stood. A gentle breeze stirred the beaded curtains, and the simple screens gleamed.
A man sat on a stone bench in the pavilion. As they approached, he stood and walked toward them.
He was handsome, with a resemblance to Chu Mingxu. Tall and broad-foreheaded, he exuded poise and confidence.
His eyes were deep, his smile warm, and he carried an air of refined elegance. “Qiaoqiao, slow down. Don’t trip.”
Qiaoqiao ran over happily and hugged his arm, saying coquettishly, “With Uncle Wang here, Qiaoqiao won’t fall.”
Chu Mingxu stepped forward. “Xuanji Young Master, this is the Jing Prince.”
“Uncle Wang, this is the Xuanji Young Master, and this is her…”
Lin Langyi interjected, “I’ve had poor health since childhood. I get winded after a few steps. Without someone to support me, I’d probably faint unnoticed somewhere.”
The Jing Prince said warmly, “This prince understands the Xuanji Young Master’s difficulties.”
He gestured. “Please, have a seat, Xuanji Young Master. Try this new Mist-hidden Spring. The lotus pond’s flowers are blooming vibrantly today. This prince had Mingxu invite you specially for tea and flower viewing.”
Lin Langyi sat, with Zhai Yi standing behind her, hands clasped behind her back.
Lin Langyi sipped the tea. “Velvety texture, fresh and mellow flavor. Fine tea.”
The Jing Prince smiled. “I’m glad the Xuanji Young Master enjoys it.”
Lin Langyi set down her cup. “Good tea is for savoring, but some matters can’t wait.”
“You’re not inviting me just for tea and flowers, are you, Jing Prince? You have many pressing affairs, and I don’t want to waste your valuable time, so…” She toyed with her white jade teacup. “Why don’t we speak plainly?”
Lin Langyi met the Jing Prince’s eyes. “Beyond the payment for the weapons, I also want Shanggongqiu. I assume Young Master Chu has mentioned it?”
A flicker of surprise crossed the Jing Prince’s eyes, but he smiled. “Yes, Mingxu told me.”
“I’ve prepared the Shanggongqiu.”
The Jing Prince beckoned, and a soldier approached with a black box, placing it before Lin Langyi.
“Xuanji Young Master, feel free to open it and check if it’s what you need.”
Lin Langyi opened the box. The withered plant, grayish-white petals, and shriveled form matched Shanggongqiu in its mature stage.
She smiled in satisfaction. “It is indeed Shanggongqiu. Thank you for your generosity, Jing Prince.”
Zhai Yi narrowed her eyes.
A cunning glint flashed in the Jing Prince’s eyes as he smiled. “I had no use for this Shanggongqiu. Better to give it to the Xuanji Young Master so it can serve its purpose.”
“Since the Xuanji Young Master is pleased with this prince’s gift, then you…”
Lin Langyi took two sheets of paper from her bosom and handed them over. “The Jing Prince is so generous. Naturally, I won’t be stingy.”
The Jing Prince took the blueprint and glanced at it, a strange light flashing in his eyes. “Worthy of being one of Xuanji Pavilion’s Three Great Treasures, the repeating crossbow. Its design is so ingenious; it will surely bolster Great Sheng’s military strength and national defense. This Prince thanks the Xuanji Young Master here.”
Chu Mingxu looked at the design blueprint and exclaimed in admiration, “If this repeating crossbow is made, no one will dare breach Great Sheng’s border defenses.”
Lin Langyi smiled faintly. “The Jing Prince is too kind. As subjects of Great Sheng, we naturally put Great Sheng first.”
The Jing Prince nodded. “The Xuanji Young Master is truly a benevolent and righteous person. This Prince is deeply impressed.”
“Xuanji Young Master, stay for a simple meal tonight.”
Lin Langyi waved her hand. “Thank you for your kindness, Jing Prince, but my health is poor and I cannot stay outside for long. I can only thank you here.”
The Jing Prince nodded in understanding. “Very well, this Prince won’t force the issue. Have Mingxu send you back—no need to refuse that.”
Lin Langyi nodded. “Thank you, Jing Prince.”
Chu Mingxu said, “Let’s go.”
Qiaoqiao followed along. “Uncle Wang, I’ll go send off Sister Lin too.”
The Jing Prince laughed. “Go ahead. Take it slow on the road.”
“Got it.”
The Jing Prince watched Lin Langyi and the others’ departing figures, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes. He looked at the blueprint in his hand, the corners of his mouth hooking up in a cold smile as he tore it to shreds and tossed it into the pond.
Chu Mingxu brought Lin Langyi onto the carriage. The moment Qiaoqiao climbed on, Zhai Yi knocked her out and set her aside.
Chu Mingxu frowned slightly. “Be gentler.”
Lin Langyi furrowed her brows. “Try scolding her and see?”
Chu Mingxu: “….”
Zhai Yi’s lips curved in a barely perceptible smile.
Chu Mingxu let out a long breath. “You didn’t give him the real blueprint, did you?”
Lin Langyi glanced at the box. “The blueprint I gave is the initial draft. Many of the design components are still immature—he couldn’t possibly make a working repeating crossbow.”
Chu Mingxu nodded. “Good.”
“For now, you just need to get your hands on the Shanggongqiu,” Chu Mingxu said. “The poison in your body should be lifted then.”
Lin Langyi smiled. “Yes.”
“This is the real blueprint for the repeating crossbow and flowfire bomb. Take it back to the Capital City.”
Chu Mingxu took it. “Thank you.”
“A transaction is all—no need for thanks.”
Chu Mingxu asked, “When will you set off back to Wuzhou?”
Lin Langyi looked at him. “When do you plan to leave?”
“I and Qiaoqiao will leave Jingzhou right away and head straight to the Capital City to get these weapons made as soon as possible.”
Lin Langyi thought for a moment. “I’ll leave tonight.”
Chu Mingxu nodded. “Alright, then this is farewell. Once things are settled, I’ll come to Wuzhou to see you.”
He scooped up Qiaoqiao, glanced at Lin Langyi, and said, “Take care.”
Lin Langyi smiled gently. “Take care.”
Chu Mingxu jumped down from the carriage and vanished into the crowd.
Lin Langyi looked toward Zhai Yi, who was driving the carriage, and pursed her lips. “Don’t you have a bunch of questions you want to ask me?”
Zhai Yi kept her eyes on the road ahead. “No.”
Lin Langyi choked. “I do all this—including having you knock out Qiaoqiao—and you don’t find it strange?”
Zhai Yi said, “Whatever the Young Master does, this subordinate will obey.”
Lin Langyi pouted and muttered to herself, “I told you to like me too, but I haven’t seen you obey that.”
Zhai Yi: “….”
She furrowed her brows slightly and said helplessly, “Young Master, there’s an essential difference between commanding with resolve and pushing your luck.”
Lin Langyi: “….”
