Why, why treat me like this? Is it really going to end like this between us? We were originally in love, but in the end, we have to stand on opposite sides and fight each other… If I could choose, I would definitely choose to die at her hands…
But why, why did she become like this?
Nan Xuzong quickly walked out and headed towards the old man's room, calling out, "Master!"
"Come in and sit down before we talk," the old man inside said.
“There’s something I don’t understand, Cong’er. Why her? The original murals show that she was someone who had endured far too much. She should have received protection. Why did things turn out like this?” Nan Xu Cong looked at him.
"You initially believed that the Demon Lord wasn't her, that she was a sacrifice offered to the Demon Lord because she had died once. Wasn't that right?"
"Yes." Nan Xuzong nodded solemnly.
"I also hope it wasn't her. She is indeed, as you said, an extremely beautiful and virtuous woman, and she manages your Marquis's mansion very well. But do you remember what she said?"
"If there is an afterlife, even if I go against the will of Heaven and do good or evil, I will surely pay back a thousandfold for what I suffer today!" Nan Xuzong recited in a daze.
"You may not know this yet, but Nan Jinxue is already dead, killed by her own schemes. Madam Qi is dead, though not killed by her, but killed because of her machinations. Ji Yinxue is the same, and now, she is still killing people."
"Master, it was someone else who framed Wushang, and Wushang had no choice but to fight back! If she hadn't fought back, if she hadn't done this, how could she have survived until now? She doesn't fight with the world, but the world won't let her go. This is self-protection, isn't that right?" Nan Xuzong looked at him, his eyes almost bursting with anger. He remembered how heartbroken and furious he was when he saw her die in his past life! He hated that he couldn't be stronger in his past life to stand in front of her! He hated that he couldn't marry her in his past life, and instead she married that bastard Nan Jinxue!
Nan Jinxue is dead? Good!
"Alas, evil deeds will be punished by Heaven... This, your teacher does not know." The old man Pan Yao was somewhat taken aback by Nan Xu Cong's question.
Nan Xuzong lowered his eyes slightly, "Master, Cong'er has some questions I'd like to ask you."
"Go ahead and say it," said the old man who made the medicine.
"Is it true that if some scenes in a painting change, then everything in the following scenes will change as well? This painting doesn't represent the future. If I can change it, then the later events, like my final battle with her, won't happen, right?" Nan Xuzong looked at him nervously.
The old man shook his head. "That's the settled matter. It won't change unless she dies. If she dies, the later scenes won't appear. If she doesn't die, the story will continue to unfold as it was originally."
"No, Master, why is this happening? Where is Grandmaster Xuanjizi? Why would he paint such a picture!"
"Cong'er, don't get agitated!" The old man who made the medicine sighed. "Master must have seen through the secrets of heaven to paint like this. Ask yourself honestly, isn't everything you've depicted in the painting exactly as it appears? Everything about you will continue to unfold in this way."
"What should I do?" Nan Xuzong immediately knelt down and said coldly, "I won't hurt her! I'd rather die than hurt her!"
"Since ancient times, love has only brought regret. Cong'er, don't be stubborn. I've told you before, there will be no good outcome for you and her. Leave her as soon as possible! The deeper your love for her, the more likely you are to fight each other in the future. Can you bring yourself to do it? Cong'er, you have no other choice! Turn back before it's too late!"
"No." Nan Xuzong suddenly stood up calmly. "I will stay by her side, even if she is the Demon Lord, even if she is the most sinful person in the world, I will stay by her side!"
"Ridiculous!" The old man, Pan Yao, said with a hint of anger, seeing that he was still stubborn. "What you're doing is a sin! What good is it to stay by her side? Do you even know what you were in your past life?"
"I don't know, and I don't want to know!" Nan Xuzong walked out. "Master, don't stop Cong'er from doing these things... Cong'er just wants to be with her, it's that simple. Cong'er will handle the rest. If it's a sin, Cong'er is willing to bear it. If it's utter ruin, Cong'er is willing to stay with her."
"Cong'er..." The old man with the medicine reached out his hand, thinking of calling out to him, but Nan Xu Cong had already walked out.
"A karmic entanglement. Even ten lifetimes of cultivation wouldn't be enough to squander in this one, let alone the fact that you've only cultivated for nine lifetimes?" The old man Panyao shook his head helplessly.
The stone gate slowly closed.
Nan Xuzong went out and then entered Beigong Minhao's room. He saw that Beigong Minhao was lying motionless on the bed, with only a faint breath visible.
Nan Xuzong sat by his bedside, not caring whether he was awake or could hear people talking, and started talking on his own.
“I will still keep my promise to you. If I really die, you must take good care of her for me. You can’t die before me. You must fully recover within these two months! I don’t care if you are crippled or lose your martial arts skills. What I want is for you to keep our promise! Minhao, you are my brother, my friend. I owe you in this life, and I will repay you in the next! You… must take good care of her for me! Make her… happy!” After Nan Xuzong finished speaking, he walked out.
They ran into the Ghost Doctor and Doctor Cui, who immediately came forward. "Cong'er, what did your master say to you? Did you see something?"
"No. Master didn't say anything, and I didn't see anything," Nan Xuzong said expressionlessly, then turned to look at Beigong Minhao, "Get him better quickly, protect him well, he absolutely cannot die!"
"Yes." The two old men nodded in agreement. But something about his words seemed a little off.
Nan Xuzong walked out without looking back.
His purpose became clearer. Nan Xuzong left the secret chamber halfway up the mountain and walked in one direction.
The Ghost Doctor and Doctor Cui watched his departing figure and immediately went to the old man's room.
Neither of them knew how old the old man was; they only knew that they were both in their sixties or seventies.
The Ghost Doctor went in first, saying, "Master, Cong'er has left."
Doctor Cui also came in.
"Cui'er, did you take that child Wushang under your wing as your disciple?" the old man Panyao asked, opening his eyes.
"Yes, Master. Before her marriage, Princess Consort Ji Wushang of the Southern Prince became my disciple. She is intelligent and talented, and I wish to pass on all my knowledge to her." Although Cui Da did not understand why he asked, he tried his best to explain.
"How is your learning going?" the old man asked again.
"About seven or eight, however, she doesn't easily reveal her medical skills, and I don't know the extent of her knowledge, only a general idea. I wonder what you mean, Master?" Doctor Cui asked with some doubt.
"I heard that you compiled all your knowledge into a book and gave it to Gui'er? Is that true?" The old man who made the medicine did not answer Doctor Cui's question, but instead asked the ghost doctor.
"Yes. I estimate she's about 80-90% proficient," the Ghost Doctor said before he could ask any further questions.
The old man nodded, but Doctor Cui and the Ghost Doctor had no idea why he would suddenly ask such a question.
"I have something for you to do," the old man said after thinking for a long time.
"Master, please give your instructions," the two said at the same time.
...
Ji Wushang waited for a long time but didn't see Cuiwu come in, and he couldn't help but feel a little anxious. "Hongfei," Ji Wushang called out to the outside.
"Yes, Your Highness." Hongfei immediately ran in from outside. "Your Highness, Princess Consort."
"Hmm, why hasn't Cuiwu returned for so long?" Ji Wushang looked at her. "I asked her to check on Cong, but there's still no response."
“Yes, this servant will go and take a look right away,” Hongfei said immediately.
Just then, Cuiwu ran in from outside, "Your Highness, I'm back!"
"Why did it take so long? Never mind, just tell me!" Ji Wushang didn't blame her anymore.
"Master has gone to the Third Prince's palace to discuss matters, and I believe he will be back soon," Cuiwu said cheerfully.
Ji Wushang nodded. "That's good. Did you have someone convey my message? Tell him to take good care of himself?" Ji Wushang asked.
“Yes,” Cuiwu said.
Ji Wushang smiled and said, "You can go and keep watch. I'm going to sleep. It's late. Thank you for your help today."
"Yes." Cuiwu and Hongfei nodded immediately and then left.
Ji Wushang finally fell asleep, satisfied.
The night was starting to get cooler, so Ji Wushang wrapped himself tighter in his blanket, turned over, and went back to sleep.
The wind blew.
A man in black sneaked in, but was immediately spotted by Tie Feng's guards. A fight broke out in the courtyard. Ji Wushang immediately got out of bed, and Hongfei and Cuiwu rushed in to protect him.
"How many people are there?" Ji Wushang asked as he rushed forward.
“About five or six!” Hongfei immediately said. “The Iron Guards have surrounded them all; they just need to be taken down!”
Ji Wushang narrowed his eyes. "Not good! Run!" As soon as Ji Wushang finished speaking, the door was slammed shut! Behind the three of them stood about twenty assassins in black, their long swords cold and gleaming.
Hongfei and Cuiwu immediately blocked Ji Wushang's way. Ji Wushang tried to open the door, but it was impossible to open!
"Yes, a mechanism!" Ji Wushang hurriedly tried to move to the other side to activate the mechanism, but before he could take more than a few steps, a knife was thrown at him! Ji Wushang immediately retreated. At this moment, the black-clad assassins surrounded Hong Fei and Cui Wu and attacked them, while three or five black-clad assassins slashed at Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang dodged the swords and blades, using the martial arts he had learned to defend himself, but it was still very difficult, and he could only protect himself for a short while!
Seeing that they were no match for him, a figure suddenly emerged from the darkness. He was tall, face masked, with flowing black hair. With a flick of his wrist, he drew the fallen sword into his hand. His eyes were cold, and he moved with lightning speed among the black-clad assassins. None of the assassins had anticipated such a sudden appearance! Wherever he went, people fell dead!
His gaze darkened. This place had been defiled and tainted by these people again; she wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully. The longsword in his hand became even sharper, and he moved through the rain of swords with indifference and ease.
Ji Wushang used the tables and chairs on the side to block the black-clad assassin's attack, but it was no use. The black-clad man had already thrust his long sword into Ji Wushang's face. Ji Wushang could not dodge and could only lift the stool in front of him to block.
"Pfft!" A strong, pungent smell of blood filled the air! Ji Wushang froze, her eyes trembling slightly as she looked at the scene before her. She saw the man in black lying dead at her feet, blood splattering all over her! In a panic, Ji Wushang's eyes met the man in black before her. She was about to smash the stool she had just put down at him when the man smiled, affectionately pulling her close and turning her away. "What, you're even going to smash your own husband?"
☆、225 It was foreseen that the second wife would be wiped out!
Ji Wushang's heart skipped a beat, her lips trembled, and she was about to sob, but he held her waist tightly, saying, "Don't cry." His tone was extremely doting. Although the veil obscured his face, his eyes were curved in a gentle smile, and looking at Ji Wushang brought her a sense of comfort. It was so good to have him by her side. Nan Xuzong looked at her dependent eyes, her expression filled with surprise and joy, and a hint of fear still lingering in them. Seeing all this, Nan Xuzong felt a profound sense of satisfaction.
She is so beautiful, how could she possibly be a demon lord? There must be a mistake, everything is wrong!
The assassin in black watched as Ji Wushang and another man embraced and cuddled, finding it utterly indecent, yet also a golden opportunity! Could this be the legendary adulterer? The Prince of Nan was out treating his legs; he certainly wouldn't be back so soon! Otherwise, he wouldn't have sent someone to assassinate Ji Wushang at such a perfect moment!
If this person were to be bound and taken away like this, it would be telling the world that Ji Wushang was harboring an adulterer! Such a person would surely be despised by the world!
But this person's martial arts skills are too high! Even all of them together are no match for him alone! Thinking of this, the men in black around them hurriedly retreated.
Some of the men in black were thinking of escaping, but Nan Xuzong, gripping his long sword, was a vengeful ghost! He absolutely would not allow anyone to leave this place! He needed to be able to stand before everyone tomorrow, not suddenly appear here! This crucial moment could not be disrupted!
After the bloodbath, only blood remained on the ground. Nan Xuzong's tall figure blocked Ji Wushang's view, preventing her from seeing the gruesome scene. He was truly terrified and could only minimize the possibility of it being the Demon Lord. He was willing to stain his hands with blood to protect her pure heart... Perhaps it wouldn't work, but he would try his best! He removed his black veil, smiling at Ji Wushang, while Hong Fei and Cui Wu stood to the side with their heads bowed.
"Clean it up thoroughly later, there can't be a trace of blood!" Nan Xuzong immediately turned his head slightly and coldly ordered when he saw that Ji Wushang hadn't recovered yet.
“Yes!” Hongfei and Cuiwu stood to one side.
There were still sounds of fighting outside. It was probably the Iron Guards fighting with the black-clad assassins.
Nan Xuzong didn't say anything, but directly embraced her and went into the inner room. Hongfei and Cuiwu quickly dealt with the situation. At this time, other people rushed into the room to help.
Ji Wushang calmed herself down and met his gaze. "When did you get back? Why are you dressed like this? I... I missed you so much." Ji Wushang lowered her head as she spoke, a slight blush creeping onto her face.
Looking at her face and listening to her words, Nan Xuzong felt an overwhelming sense of joy, as if everything that had happened that day was nothing but smoke and clouds—the Demon Lord, life and death, the duel—all vanished into nothingness! However, he could not forget what she had endured. From the moment she was able to open the Nine-Bend Heavenly Palace, he knew that Phoenix Panmie must have died once, but he never imagined that she had died so tragically, a death that even he felt terrified at the thought, and yet she had to suffer like this… He absolutely could not reopen her wounds!
Nan Xuzong held her slender waist with one hand and gently stroked her face with the other. "I missed you too."
“I just returned from the Third Prince’s place. I was worried about you, so I came back just in time. I didn’t have time to change my clothes, so I’ll have to stay like this.” Nan Xuzong added, “I’ve heard about what happened during the day. I knew someone would try to kill you tonight, so I came back.”
Ji Wushang nodded, nestling in his arms. "I don't feel at ease when you're not here. Come back, Cong. I always feel like something's missing when I'm alone..." Ji Wushang looked up at him as she spoke, "Cong, do you feel that way too?"
"Yes." Nan Xuzong gently stroked her smooth nose with his hand. "Without you, I feel my heart is empty. Only you can fill my heart."
Ji Wushang blushed slightly upon hearing this, and Nan Xuzong gently kissed her forehead. "I have something to attend to and need to leave first. Can you handle things here by yourself?"
"Yes, I can." Ji Wushang nodded, but hearing him say he was leaving again still made her a little sad. Nan Xuzong looked into her reluctant eyes, and his heart warmed. "I'll be back soon, not too long. I promise you."
Ji Wushang nodded in agreement. "Okay." He was certain that he could keep his promise; he trusted him.
They hugged each other for a while, and as the sounds outside gradually subsided, Nan Xuzong let go of her and smiled, "I'll be back soon."
"Okay." Ji Wushang nodded. After he dealt with this matter, he could wait for him to return.
Only after watching him disappear into the darkness did Ji Wushang step out.