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12 Actively exposing one’s own incriminating evidence

–System! System?

[I’m here, Host.]

–Huangfu Wenqing isn’t following the script, she’s not calling off the wedding. How am I supposed to act this out?

[The system suggests the host can get her to call off the wedding in his own way.]

–Are you messing with me?

[The system has great affection for the host, mwah~]

“……”

Yan Zhen felt exhausted. Other people’s systems were amazingly powerful, but his was useless, only speaking nonsense and going “mwah~”.

He’s not a cute girl, who wants a bunch of code blowing kisses at him?

Nevermind, he’ll have to rely on himself.

Stay calm, analyze.

First, why did Huangfu Wenqing make confession-like remarks and forcibly kiss him?

Does she really like him? Not likely.

As Huangfu Wenqing said, they’ve only met three times.

Although Yan Zhen is very handsome, he’s not handsome enough to be a human aphrodisiac.

Taking a step back, even if she fell for him at first sight, given her arrogant personality, she wouldn’t confess proactively, let alone forcibly kiss him in his room, would she? She’s not a crazy girl!

The great detective Sherlock Holmes once said: “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”

–Indeed, it must be a seductress ploy for the purpose of calling off the marriage!

Obviously, she first pretended to take the initiative. Once she provoked a reaction from him and turned him into a beast, her attitude would make a 180-degree turn. She’d cry “sexual harassment”, creating the illusion that he suddenly lost control and assaulted her.

This Huangfu Wenqing actually went so far as to use even kissing in order to call off the marriage. She’s really going all out!

He almost fell for her honeyed words. Fortunately, as an outstanding actor himself, he saw through her act!

Thinking about it, he should have taken the initiative and feigned being the one losing control, playing along with her act.

It’s a pity he didn’t react in time and was interrupted by Yan Meng’Er. What a missed opportunity!

This Yan Meng’Er, always improvising unnecessarily. Next time her chicken legs will be docked.

So what should he do now?

Huangfu Wenqing used the seductress ploy to catch him in a compromising act, using that as justification to properly call off the marriage. If he proactively provides the evidence to incrimate himself, wouldn’t that work?

Exactly! Yan Zhen had a sudden realization and quickly formulated a plan.

The two women beside him were worried that he was still angry, seeing him sitting there quietly drinking tea.

Yan Meng’Er came over first, grabbing Yan Zhen’s arm, half pleading half coyly:

“Cousin~ Meng’Er was wrong to cause a ruckus in your room. Meng’Er knows her mistake, will you forgive Meng’Er?”

She wanted to say more, but suddenly Yan Zhen stretched out his long arm, pulling her petite waist towards him.

“Yaah~”

Yan Zhen’s sudden move caused Yan Meng’Er to let out a sweet yelp. Losing her balance, she fell onto Yan Zhen’s lap, leaning against his chest.

This abrupt bliss left Yan Meng’Er stunned.

What’s going on? Cousin Yan Zhen actually took the initiative to embrace her? Is…is she dreaming?

However, Yan Zhen’s entrancing aura, as well as the faint warmth from her waist and buttocks, reminded her that this was reality.

“Cou…Cousin?”

Yan Meng’Er’s cheeks flushed red as she gazed at Yan Zhen in pleasant surprise.

Yan Zhen felt the exquisite softness and elasticity in his hands and on his legs. The maiden’s fragrance was also teasing his nostrils, causing inappropriate thoughts to arise.

Thankfully, he had extremely high self-discipline as an actor, barely suppressing his adolescent impulses. With a gentle smile befitting a graceful gentleman, he said:

“Silly girl, why would I be angry at you? You’re my beloved cousin, my dear Meng’Er.”

As he spoke, he extended his index finger, lightly sliding it across Yan Meng’Er’s lips before slipping it into her mouth.

“Cousin~”

Yan Zhen’s tender words had Yan Meng’Er’s heart melting.

She obediently parted her red, luscious lips, taking his finger into her mouth and allowing the pad of his finger to brush across her teeth and tease her pink tongue.

The lively maiden’s eyes were like a rippling spring, her gaze filled with strands of affection and charm as she gazed adoringly at her beloved.

Huangfu Wenqing was stunned by this sudden act playing out before her.

This…this…Yan Meng’Er and Yan Zhen were actually doing such lewd things right in front of her!

“What…what are you two doing?!”

Hearing his fiancée’s questioning, Yan Zhen seemed to come to his senses. He pulled his finger, glistening with saliva, out of Yan Meng’Er’s mouth and asked puzzledly:

“What’s wrong, Wenqing?”

“You’re asking me what’s wrong? You…you and Yan Meng’Er are cousins, why would you…why would you still–“

Huangfu Wenqing felt both embarrassed, indignant, yet also a tinge of envy.

“–You two…can’t do that!”

“What’s the problem? Yan Meng’Er is my slave, it’s normal to engage in intimate little games.” Yan Zhen appeared nonchalant as he used that wet finger to gently lift Yan Meng’Er’s chin. “Isn’t that right, Meng’Er?”

Yan Meng’Er looked like she had been properly trained, her face flushed as she said:

“Yes, Meng’Er is Cousin Yan Zhen’s slave. He can do anything he wants to Meng’Er~”

“You like me doing this?”

“I like it~”

Yan Meng’Er shyly replied as she looped her arms around Yan Zhen’s neck.

“Cousin, I want more~”

“You’re insatiable.”

Seeing Yan Zhen’s doting expression and Yan Meng’Er’s obedient puppy-like behavior, Huangfu Wenqing felt gutted. She thought by being reborn she could get a head start, but Yan Meng’Er had already beaten her to it?

“Do…do you two do this kind of thing often? If Uncle Yan Lie finds out, he’ll definitely be furious!”

–That’s right, so use this as evidence to threaten me into calling off the marriage! Hahaha~~~

Yan Zhen, thinking his act was flawless, felt smug inwardly but outwardly remained engrossed in toying with the innocent maiden’s lips.

“If you don’t say anything, I won’t say anything, and Meng’Er won’t either. Grandfather won’t find out.”

“That’s right.”

Yan Meng’Er mumbled in agreement around the finger in her mouth. She then glanced sideways at Huangfu Wenqing, the corner of her mouth curving into an arrogant smirk.

It was the victor’s disdain for the defeated.

Huangfu Wenqing’s competitive spirit was instantly ignited.

She frowned tightly, biting her lower lip, staring intently at the intimate pair.

After a moment, as if having made a decision, she loudly exclaimed:

“I want that too!”

Go on, go tattle, quick–wait, what did you say?

Yan Zhen blinked to make sure he hadn’t misheard and quickly asked:

“Wenqing, what do you want too?”

Huangfu Wenqing’s face flushed as she mustered her courage and said:

“I want to engage in those intimate little games with you too.”

Having said that, she sat down next to Yan Zhen, closed her eyes, leaned her face in close with her vermilion lips slightly parted, as if welcoming his finger’s exploration.

Such boldness from a breathtaking beauty would normally drive any man wild with desire. But Yan Zhen’s expression stiffened, as if struck by lightning.

What the hell! The point was the little games? It was supposed to be evidence, dammit!

Wasn’t she supposed to use this evidence to force him to call off the wedding? Now that he was voluntarily exposing this evidence, she just brushed it off and went with it instead? What’s going on!

Just how much do you enjoy playing these little games?

Yan Zhen was on the verge of a breakdown.

Chapter 11 -The Battlefield Between the Fiancée and the Childhood Sweetheart

At the back hill of the Lord’s Mansion, Yan Meng’Er was leaning against a giant rock, idly waiting there. 

As someone who had relived this life, she clearly knew that today was the day when Huangfu Wenqing would bring people to call off the wedding.

However, in her previous life, Huangfu Wenqing had brought elders from the Cloud Heaven Palace, but this time she came with members of the Huangfu family. While there might be some minor differences, Yan Meng’Er was certain that Huangfu Wenqing was definitely here to call off the wedding with the Yan family.

Huangfu Wenqing herself was beautiful, highly talented in cultivation, and was accepted as a direct disciple by the National Preceptor. She was also bestowed the title of Princess by the King. With all these advantages, she had developed an extremely arrogant personality and would never accept the marriage arranged by her family.

But she had failed to consider how much humiliation such a high-profile and forceful calling off of the wedding would bring to the Yan family and Yan Zhen!

That woman was someone Yan Meng’Er would never forgive. If she had the chance, she would definitely make her pay the price!

However, there were more important matters at hand right now.

After being rejected, Yan Zhen would run to this back hill to vent his frustrations, so Yan Meng’Er had come here early to wait for him.

Once Yan Zhen had vented, she would immediately embrace him and say the words she hadn’t been able to say in her previous life:

“Don’t be sad, Cousin. You still have Meng’Er. Meng’Er will always be with you!”

That way, Cousin Yan Zhen would belong solely to her. Meng er’s great victory!

Oh, no, wait, there was also her cousin-sister’s share.

It should be said that Cousin Yan Zhen now belonged only to her and her cousin-sister. A great victory for the sister duo!

As she thought about this, she couldn’t help but laugh out a “hehe” sound, which seemed a little eerie in this desolate back hill, like a mountain witch.

However, no matter how long she waited, no one showed up for over an hour.

“Strange, I remember in the previous life, as soon as Huangfu Wenqing entered, she announced she was here to call off the wedding. After a brief argument, my cousin angrily set up a two-year battle agreement with her, drove her out, and then came here…”

Yan Meng’Er jumped onto the rock and looked towards the mansion:

“Why hasn’t Cousin shown up yet? I hope nothing has happened.”

The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she became. Yan Meng’Er stamped her feet and hurriedly returned to the mansion.

When she reached the main hall, she saw Huangfu Xiong chatting happily with her Grandfather Yan Lie, not at all like he had come to call off a wedding. The parties involved, Huangfu Wenqing and her Cousin Yan Zhen, were nowhere to be seen.

–What’s going on? Huangfu Wenqing isn’t calling off the wedding? That’s impossible!

Yan Meng’Er suddenly had a bad premonition. She quickly inquired about their whereabouts from her father but only received the information that “The Young Master took Miss Huangfu for a stroll.”

–Could it be that Huangfu Wenqing planned to discuss the calling off of the wedding in private with Cousin Yan Zhen? Had she changed her mind?

Yan Meng’Er circled the mansion but didn’t see them. Her womanly intuition told her to check Cousin Yan Zhen’s courtyard.

So she went to the small courtyard where Yan Zhen lived. With her previous life’s Mystic Lord cultivation, she immediately sensed the auras of Huangfu Wenqing and Yan Zhen – they were in the room!

–Damn that vile Huangfu Wenqing, she won’t get away with hurting my Cousin Yan Zhen!

Bang!

Yan Meng’Er activated her cultivation to break down the door and prepared to face off against that wicked woman. But when she fixed her gaze on the scene on the bed, she was stunned.

Huangfu Wenqing was on top of Yan Zhen, their faces almost touching. One hand had their fingers intertwined, the other hands also clasped together, looking intimately close, like passionate lovers unable to restrain their affections and about to secretly become intimate.

The noise of the door breaking alerted Huangfu Wenqing and Yan Zhen, who both turned their heads towards Yan Meng’Er.

Yan Meng’Er pointed at them, incoherently: 

“You…you two–“

Yan Zhen felt greatly embarrassed and instinctively explained:

“Meng’Er, it’s not what you think!”

Huangfu Wenqing was initially startled, but after recognizing Yan Meng’Er, she quickly regained her composure. She slowly got off Yan Zhen, straightening her dress, and said displeasedly:

“Which maid are you? Barging into someone’s room without even knocking on the door, you’re really ill-mannered!”

She had wanted to seize this perfect atmosphere to kiss Yan Zhen again, but that wretched maid ruined it. How vexing!

“Who’s a maid?!”

Hearing this, Yan Meng’Er flew into a rage. This evil woman dared to pin down her Cousin Yan Zhen – it was truly outrageous…infuriating.

“I am Cousin Yan Zhen’s beloved sister, Yan Meng’Er! You of the Huangfu family, if you force my Cousin Yan Zhen into anything he dislikes, I will not let you off!”

“How dare you talk like that with just a Mystic Disciple’s eighth-level cultivation? You’re not even fit to present my shoes.”

Huangfu Wenqing revealed her original arrogant demeanor, looking down at Yan Meng’Er from her lofty position as a five-star Mystic Cultivator.

“Hmph, so what if you’re a five-star Mystic Cultivator? That’s just resources stacked up, who knows how substantial you really are?! Just like someone’s…” 

Yan Meng’Er confidently thrust out her 36D chest, which jiggled lightly.

“You! Foul-mouthed brat, then let me discipline you on Yan Zhen’s behalf, so you understand what propriety is.”

Huangfu Wenqing slapped the bed and shot out, palming toward Yan Meng’Er.

The force of the wind lashed out. Yan Meng’Er refused to back down, meeting it palm-to-palm with her own cultivation. 

But hers was not a regular palm strike, it was the Yan family’s quintessential ‘Flame Palm’ mystic art, with scorching mystic power circulating in her palm.

The two palms collided with a bang, and while Huangfu Wenqing just swayed slightly, Yan Meng’Er was forced back three steps.

After all, there was a vast gap in their cultivation levels, and the low-level ‘Flame Palm’ couldn’t bridge that difference.

“A mere Mystic Disciple daring to learn mystic arts, no wonder you’re so arrogant. But I know mystic arts too!”

Saying this, Huangfu Wenqing formed a sword-finger, blue light faintly emerging from her fingertips with a whooshing wind sound.

“The ‘Wind Radiance Finger’ of Cloud Heaven Palace?”

Yan Meng’Er’s eyes narrowed as she prepared to go all-out by using the higher-level Mystic Scholar mystic art to counter, which could thoroughly overwhelm normal mystic arts.

As the two women gathered their forces for attack, about to clash-

“–You two, stop right there!” 

The rebuke caused both women to snap out of it. It was Yan Zhen, who couldn’t stand to watch anymore:

“Do you two want to demolish my room by fighting in here? If you want to fight, take it outside. I don’t care about either of you!”

Hearing Yan Zhen’s clearly displeased tone, Huangfu Wenqing and Yan Meng’Er quickly withdrew their mystic powers, not daring to continue their ruckus.

“Sorry, Cousin, Meng’Er was a bit impulsive. Please don’t be angry, okay?”

“I’m also…that is…my apologies, for causing you embarrassment.”

The two women who had been at odds just moments ago became timid, not daring to let out even a breath.

Yan Zhen let out a cold snort, got off the bed, went to the table and sat down. He picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup of tea, drinking it down in one gulp.

It looked cool, but he was actually quite flustered.

–What was this situation now? Huangfu Wenqing had just kissed him and pushed him down, saying she wanted to consummate the marriage. Then she got into a confrontation with Yan Meng’Er…

So this was the predicament, right?

But a predicament formed by his supposed ex-fiancée who should have called off the wedding, and his childhood friend who had originally abandoned him – how did that seem so strange?

The key was, where was the plot about calling off the wedding?!

Chapter 10 Let’s Try the Bridal Chamber

I see, she wants to test his attitude towards this marriage arrangement.

If he stubbornly clings on, then she’ll have to use some devious means to break off the engagement!

Yan Zhen pondered for a bit, and gave a response that fit both the plot and his character:

“I don’t like having my lifelong affairs arranged by others. However, considering my grandfather’s feelings, I will do my best to fulfill his wishes.”

Huang Fu Wenqing’s eyelashes fluttered, and her gaze became even more gentle.

It seems he, like her, doesn’t want his marriage to be arranged. She was such a fool in her previous life, never considering his feelings before trying to break off the engagement, making him suffer so much injustice.

The more she thought about it, the more guilty and sympathetic towards Yan Zhen she felt.

“I’m sorry, Yan Zhen.”

“It’s not your fault, you don’t like this marriage either, do you?”

“I… “

I really like it, because you are the one I’m engaged to.

Huang Fu Wenqing wanted to say that, but was afraid of startling Yan Zhen, as it was too sudden.

It’s better to take it slow and get closer to him –

No, that’s not right! Huang Fu Wenqing suddenly realized that since she had reincarnated, she should be more direct. Dragging it out would allow other women to get ahead.

She knew better than anyone how charming her beloved was. 

Her master, who was both the current Imperial Preceptor and the Grand Mistress of the Cloud Heaven Palace, she was cold in temperament and single-mindedly cultivated, remaining unmarried even in her thirties, unmoved by the fervent pursuit of various Sword Kings, Knife Kings, Pill Kings and Array Kings. Yet it was the then merely Mystic Scholar-level Yan Zhen who had captured her heart.

Even her little junior martial uncle, ranked 9th among the “Eight Immortals of the Cloud”, also harbored subtle feelings for Yan Zhen…

Besides that, there was also the white-rich beauty manager of the Cross-domain business association, who on the surface addressed Yan Zhen as brother and sister, but everyone could see the romantic interest in her gaze towards him, except Yan Zhen himself.

Not to mention the Queen of the neighboring kingdom, known as the “Thousand Slaughters”, and the Queen’s mortal enemy, who were also not unfamiliar with Yan Zhen.

If he hadn’t been so focused on cultivation, he would have had a harem by now.

Now that she has reincarnated, she should seize this rare opportunity, take the lead, and secure a future happiness for herself and her master!

Huang Fu Wenqing composed herself, then shyly but earnestly said:

“This marriage arrangement, I don’t find it unpleasant at all, especially after seeing you again!”

This was said in a somewhat roundabout way, but with some thought it could be understood. However, Yan Zhen found it incomprehensible.

How could this sound like she had feelings for him? Huangfu Wenqing should be here to break off the engagement, shouldn’t she?

Yan Zhen secretly glanced at the system interface displaying the script, searching for usable lines of dialogue, but found not a single one!

In fact, ever since leaving the hall, he had been improvising the whole time.

– System, what kind of script did you give me?

【Improvisation can truly test one’s acting skills. Keep it up, host! Mwah~】

Damn @#$%^&* this f*cking system!.

Yan Zhen cleared his throat and said:

“Wasn’t this our first time meeting?”

Huangfu Wenqing smiled and shook her head:

“Of course not, this is our third time meeting.”

Third time? Don’t lie to me, I’ve read the entire script, and this is the only time.

Yan Zhen looked puzzled. Huang Fu Wenqing took the initiative to explain:

“When I was five years old, it was my grandfather’s birthday, and Uncle Yan Lie brought you along too. I remember, I accidentally fell into the pond back then, and the new dress I had just bought was all soaked. I cried loudly, but you ran to the shore and pulled me up, comforted me, and even gave me a candied haw to eat… That was our second meeting.”

Huh, was there such an event? It’s not written in the script! Could it be an extra plot? I was too careless, didn’t expect there to be an extra!

– System, quickly patch up my script!

【Your request has been received, please wait patiently.】

“The second time? Then what about the first time?”

Huang Fu Wenqing chuckled:

“The first time was naturally when we were just born, didn’t Uncle Yan Lie tell you? When we were just born, we both cried loudly, but when the elders put us together, we immediately stopped crying and even reached out our little fingers to hook together. That’s why they took it upon themselves to arrange our marriage engagement… I’ve watched the recordings made by my grandfather many times, and every time I see you, I feel a sense of predestined connection.”

The young lady turned to look at the young man, her gaze burning with intensity.

Both her words and her eyes were conveying her current feelings.

Yan Zhen was not the wooden male lead of a harem novel, so naturally he could hear the implications in her words. But he also knew that “she likes me” is one of the three major illusions in life.

Moreover, the Huang Fu Wenqing in the script was not like this at all. Even if there was a gap between the script and reality, it shouldn’t be this big.

Don’t be deceived, this is a sweet trap, Huangfu Wenqing is just trying to lure him into being a lecher. He just needs to cooperate with her performance.

“Ahem, so Wenqing, what are you trying to say?”

“Don’t you understand yet?”

Huang Fu Wenqing tightened her grip on Yan Zhen’s hand, her fingers slowly intertwining with his.

The nearly twenty-year-old bachelor Yan Zhen had never experienced such a situation before, and his body stiffened involuntarily.

“I understand, but not completely.”

“Hehe, then turn your head and look into my eyes.”

After a light chuckle, Huangfu Wenqing reached out her free hand and turned Yan Zhen’s face towards her without asking.

Their eyes met, and Yan Zhen almost drowned in the endless affection in his fiancée’s gaze.

The delicate white hand on his face was as smooth as jade, emanating a faint fragrance, and the soft thumb gently caressed his cheek, sending tingling sensations.

“Do you understand now? If you still don’t, then…”

Before she could finish, Yan Zhen saw Huangfu Wenqing slowly lean in towards him, and then felt a soft, jelly-like sensation on his lips.

She… she kissed him?

Yan Zhen’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Is this an illusion? How could Huang Fu Wenqing possibly kiss him?

Even if it’s a beauty trap, the sacrifice is too great. Her character wouldn’t do something like this!

However, the beautiful face in front of him and the softness on his lips were reminding him that this is reality.

This aloof fiancée, the master’s disciple, the princess bestowed by the king, who should have come to break off the engagement according to the script, was now gently sucking on his lips, kissing him tenderly and clumsily, yet full of affection.

She was confessing to him in this direct manner.

They’ve only met a few times!

– Should I continue to cooperate with her performance, or firmly resist?

– But is this even a performance anymore? If not, then what should I do? But what if it is?

– I, I, I…

Yan Zhen was dazed, momentarily frozen in place, allowing Huang Fu Wenqing to kiss him, even unaware of the small tongue that pried open his teeth and slipped inside.

After a long while, their lips parted, leaving a silver thread of saliva between them.

Both their faces were flushed to the ears, their panting breaths hot and moist against each other.

“Now, do you understand?” Huangfu Wenqing bit her lip shyly. “If you still don’t, then…”

She suddenly pushed Yan Zhen down onto the bed, then climbed on top of him, leaning close to his ear to whisper the rest:

“…then let’s just consummate the marriage right here.”

Chapter 9 – Hold my hand

Why look at my room? There’s nothing in my room.

No lewd things, no good stuff either…probably.

Wait, could it be that Huang Fu Wenqing has no excuse to divorce, so she wants to find inappropriate things in my room and claim I lack moral integrity, giving her justification to cancel the marriage?

Ah yes, as the esteemed daughter of a major clan, she would indeed have such craftiness.

Those who only shriek “How dare you hit me? Even my dad has never hit me!” are merely shrill women, not true noble ladies.

Learned something new.

“Young Master Yan Zhen?”

“Oh, if Miss Wenqing wants to go to my room, that’s fine. But let me be blunt first – there’s nothing interesting in there, you might just leave disappointed.”

Yan Zhen showed no difference in expression, while Huang Fu Wenqing maintained her noble lady demeanor.

“It’s alright, I just want to find a quiet place to sit for a bit.”

Then why not the rear gardens?!

The gardens have good scenery and environment, perfect for sitting as long as you want. But she insists on going to my room – surely she has another motive, right?

Yan Zhen felt he had seen through Huang Fu Wenqing’s intention.

“Well…this way, please.”

“Mm, okay.”

Just as Yan Zhen was about to step forward, he saw Huang Fu Wenqing extend her jade-like hand towards him, the long sleeve sliding down to reveal a fair wrist adorned with a crystal bracelet.

What does this mean? She wants money?

I’m broke.

Yan Zhen tilted his head: “This is…?”

“Aren’t you going to hold my hand?”

Huang Fu Wenqing tilted her head as well, posing the question back as if it was natural.

Why should I hold your hand? You’re not a little girl!

Suddenly, Yan Zhen had another realization.

This must be a noble social etiquette!

When escorting a lady around one’s home, holding her hand shows one’s gentlemanly grace, something like that.

Phew, he almost deviated from his “noble young master” persona. No matter what, as the lord’s son, he was different from ordinary folks.

“My apologies for being rude.”

Yan Zhen composed himself and seriously took Huang Fu Wenqing’s hand, feeling like he was grasping warm jade – smooth and supple.

The moment their hands touched, Huang Fu Wenqing’s heart skipped a beat, and her ears quickly reddened and grew hot under her hair.

Even though she suggested holding hands, she didn’t expect the “effect” to be so intense, making her so happy she could hardly suppress a sweet smile.

In her previous life, Yan Zhen had never been so gentle towards her…whether before or after she fell for him, the position she held in Yan Zhen’s heart was far below that of her mentor.

Their only intimate contact was when Yan Zhen rescued her with a princess carry from the mouth of a ferocious beast in the forbidden grounds, lasting only the duration of that battle.

She dreamed of that scene countless times, having to bathe and change clothes each time she awoke.

Huang Fu Wenqing restrained her inner joy, maintaining an elegant faint smile as she followed Yan Zhen towards his small courtyard residence.

As Yan Zhen said, his living quarters had no particularly noteworthy scenery.

As the lord’s son, his lodgings were just more spacious than his peers’, with more luxurious decor and finer furniture – commonplace for noble scions.

Yan Zhen held Huang Fu Wenqing’s hand as they passed through the standalone courtyard and entered his room.

“This is it.” Yan Zhen took the initiative to introduce. “The study area is to the left, bedroom to the right.”

Huang Fu Wenqing silently surveyed the room arrangement, seeming to take in every detail of Yan Zhen’s living environment.

This was the place he had lived for fifteen years, pervaded by his aura everywhere.

Huang Fu Wenqing closed her eyes, deeply inhaling as if to absorb the “Yan Zhen essence” from the air into her body.

“Miss Wenqing, is something wrong?”

“No, I just walked too quickly and got a bit winded.”

“Er…”

According to the novel, Huang Fu Wenqing was currently a five-star Mystic cultivator, so running a few miles wouldn’t tire her.

Yan Zhen was speechless but didn’t expose her lie.

Suddenly, he realized he was still holding her hand and quickly let go.

Strangely though, when he released her, Huang Fu Wenqing didn’t let go.

This great lady of the Huang Fu clan naturally grasped Yan Zhen’s hand, looking around his room with obvious interest, like an old lady visiting a grand garden and marveling at everything.

Yan Zhen’s mind became more active.

It seemed she really did want to find his “inappropriate possessions” in the room, which is why she scrutinized every corner so meticulously, more thorough than an elementary school detective!

But he truly didn’t collect things like erotic paintings or novels. After all, Yan Zhen used to be very close to his cousin Yan Menger, so he never needed such “paper companions.”

How careless of him!

If I had known earlier, I should have bought some erotic paintings and novels from the streets yesterday to give Huang Fu Wenqing an excuse for divorce, allowing the plot to proceed smoothly.

What do I do now? If she can’t find any inappropriate items, does Huang Fu Wenqing have other tricks up her sleeve?

In the small study room, Huang Fu Wenqing insisted on dragging Yan Zhen around for a full hour, making one want to yawn.

“Haah~”

And she did yawn, though lightly, covering her small mouth with her hand in a reserved yet elegant manner befitting a noble lady.

“Pardon me, I’m a bit tired.” Huang Fu Wenqing gave a faint smile. “Young Master Yan Zhen, may I rest here for a bit?”

What is she up to this time? Yan Zhen didn’t quite understand but still nodded.

“Of course, if you don’t mind, you can sleep on my bed.”

“Then I thank Young Master Yan Zhen.”

Huang Fu Wenqing’s manner was impeccable as she pulled Yan Zhen’s hand towards the bedroom area on the right.

Still not letting go? How long does she plan to hold my hand? Yan Zhen was stumped until another realization struck him!

Bed, hand-holding, resting…putting it together, the conclusion was: she wanted to lure him into making a mistake!

In other words, a honeytrap!

Coming to his room, giving him subtle hints, tempting him to make a move.

Once he truly did, oh no, he’d be done for. The five-star cultivator Huang Fu Wenqing would immediately subdue him and take him before the two elders, accusing him of lacking virtue to justify a divorce!

So this is the craftiness of a noble daughter? Quite insidious, but I like it!

The two arrived beside the bed.

Huang Fu Wenqing sat down like she was in her own home, finally releasing his hand, only to say:

“Young Master Yan Zhen, you must be tired too. Have a seat with me.”

She patted the space beside her.

According to his persona, Yan Zhen should blush and refuse. But instead, he casually complied and sat next to Huang Fu Wenqing without a change in expression.

As soon as he sat down, Huang Fu Wenqing grabbed his hand again.

Ah, here comes the hint.

No need to rush, let me play along!

“Young Master Yan Zhen, no, we shouldn’t be so formal between us. May I call you Yan Zhen? And you can call me Wenqing.”

“Okay, Wenqing~”

Those two syllables made Huang Fu Wenqing’s heart skip a beat.

In her previous life, he had never once called her “Wenqing”, always using the distant “Miss Huang Fu.”

Being able to reincarnate was truly wonderful!

Huang Fu Wenqing bit her lip before posing a question:

“Yan Zhen, what are your thoughts on our marriage?”

8. Take a look at your room

In the main hall of the lord’s mansion, hosts and guests took their respective seats. Servants brought out plates of fruits and tea refreshments, turning the usually spacious hall into a lively scene.

Yan Lie and Huang Fu Xiong, once brothers-in-arms who had fought together life and death, were about to become in-laws through marriage. Seeing each other, they were delighted and excited, opening with the booming laughter unique to soldiers, causing others to join in the laughter.

The only two not following the atmosphere were Yan Zhen and Huang Fu Wenqing.

Yan Zhen was emotionally preparing for the upcoming divorce.

The “Waste Repudiation Flow” – being a waste and getting divorced were key points he couldn’t neglect.

After the divorce, he could open the mysterious crystal, be taken as the beautiful senior’s disciple, and under her guidance, rise step-by-step until reaching the peak. Just thinking about it made him a bit excited~

—Hurry up and get divorced, be more straightforward!

Yan Zhen stared unblinkingly at Huang Fu Wenqing, his gaze as piercing as a ferocious rabbit.

Huang Fu Wenqing sat quietly beside Huang Fu Xiong, elegantly sipping her tea cup. Although appearing to listen to the elders’ pleasantries, her gaze would occasionally glance towards Yan Zhen.

Each time she glanced over, she’d meet Yan Zhen’s intense stare, making her heart thump heavily.

“Why…why is he staring at me? Could it be that I was exposed when sneaking in last night? Or does he realize that I’m a reincarnator?”

It shouldn’t be possible, right? Even my mentor didn’t notice.

Huang Fu Wenqing’s feelings were somewhat subtle. Since Yan Zhen was staring at her, she couldn’t sneak glances at him anymore.

She desperately wanted to look at Yan Zhen’s face to confirm this wasn’t just a dream.

In her previous life, she was arrogant and led her sect to forcefully call off this marriage, turning affinity into enmity which subsequently led to a series of conflicts.

That one act of cancellation did not only bury her own happiness, but also condemned her mentor to a life of loneliness.

She wronged her mentor, her grandfather, and Yan Zhen even more so.

Her immature self from the previous life only thought about disliking the arranged marriage by her family, so she wanted to cancel the wedding. Yet she never considered that Yan Zhen was also a “victim” like her, being divorced a tremendous humiliation.

Moreover, with Yan Zhen’s current cultivation regressing and being mocked, then having his former fiancée cancel their wedding, what a devastating blow it must be for him, how despairing!

It was her fault, so she had to come back to make amends.

No, not just make amends, but rewrite that tragic ending and re-paint the happiness for herself and her mentor.

With this in mind, Huang Fu Wenqing mustered her courage and looked at Yan Zhen.

Their gazes fiercely clashed midair.

Yan Zhen’s heart skipped a beat: Oh no, I’ve been discovered!

He immediately averted his gaze, looking up at the ceiling while casually whistling, putting on a nonchalant air.

Seeing him so flustered, Huang Fu Wenqing inwardly smiled and leisurely sized Yan Zhen up and down.

Though the same age, Yan Zhen looked more youthful, with a fair little face, eyes shining brilliantly, a slightly slender build yet clearly defined muscle lines as a cultivator.

It’s just a pity she couldn’t see his smile.

Huang Fu Wenqing loved seeing his confident, uninhibited smile after defeating opponents, brimming with sunshine that made others open up as well.

It was precisely that smile that instantly captured her heart…

Before she knew it, Huang Fu Wenqing was entranced, a tender smile gracing her lips.

“Ahem, Wenqing, Wenqing!”

Hearing her grandfather call out, Huang Fu Wenqing snapped back to reality, suddenly feeling self-conscious as a light blush colored her cheeks, though she quickly suppressed it.

After all, as a reincarnator, her mentality and perspective were far beyond an ordinary young lady’s.

“What is it, grandfather?”

“You were staring at Yan Lie’s grandson. Why were you gawking at the boy?”

Huang Fu Xiong spoke rather directly.

“I…I wasn’t…” Huang Fu Wenqing’s face turned completely red, yet she couldn’t help sneaking another peek at Yan Zhen’s reaction, afraid he’d realize her thoughts. “Apologies, Uncle Yan Lie, Wenqing was just lost in thought.”

Yan Lie had already noticed the exchange of looks between Yan Zhen and Huang Fu Wenqing, so he now gave an “I understand” expression and laughed heartily:

“No worries, it’s normal for the young ones to dislike listening to us old folks ramble. How about this – I’ll have Zhen’er show you around the mansion? What do you say?”

Huang Fu Wenqing was just about to suggest it herself when the old master Yan helpfully did so for her. He really was a good uncle, much better than her own teasing grandfather.

The young lady’s heart swelled with joy, though her expression remained composed with a slight smile:

“Won’t that trouble Young Master Yan Zhen too much?”

“Eh, what trouble? We’re all one family here.” Yan Lie spoke forthrightly. “Zhen’er, take this Wenqing girl to stroll around the mansion and get some fresh air, maybe grab a bite too. Go on now.”

The addressed Yan Zhen looked a bit dazed.

Wasn’t there supposed to be a divorce?

He had been sitting here listening to the two oldsters ramble on, not a single word about the wedding, and then suddenly he’s told to take Huang Fu Wenqing for a walk, with the implication of “you two cultivate your feelings” kind of tone.

This…this isn’t right, is it?

Huang Fu Wenqing should be unwilling too.

Yan Zhen glanced towards his former fiancée and saw no signs of refusal on her face, even some anticipation in her eyes. A bad premonition arose in his heart.

No no no, she probably just wants to go out for some fresh air since it’s boring in here, that’s all.

“Zhen’er? Why are you spacing out? Go on now!”

Hearing his grandfather urge him, Yan Zhen couldn’t neglect it any longer. He stood up and said, “Then…let’s go, Miss Wenqing.”

“What ‘Miss Wenqing’? Call her Sister Wenqing!” Huang Fu Xiong corrected. “My Wenqing girl was born a whole teapot’s time earlier than you.”

Yan Zhen was utterly perplexed. What was there to correct? Didn’t Huang Fu Wenqing also call him “Young Master Yan Zhen”?

“Grandfather, don’t be like that.” After a light chiding, Huang Fu Wenqing smiled sweetly at Yan Zhen. “Please lead the way, Young Master Yan Zhen.”

“Off you two go, have a nice chat and bond a bit since you’ll be husband and wife soon enough. Hahaha!”

“Hahaha, well said!”

The two elders laughed uproariously.

Huang Fu Wenqing lowered her head slightly, her cheeks showing a shy blush.

Only Yan Zhen was filled with confusion and vexation.

Whatever happened to the promised divorce? He didn’t hear a single word about it. Instead, they made it sound like he and Huang Fu Wenqing were about to get married. What kind of development was this?

Could it be that Huang Fu Wenqing wanted to be alone with him to clearly explain the differences between them, and have a peaceful divorce to avoid unpleasantries between the two families?

Hmm, very likely. As the esteemed daughter of a major clan, emphasizing decorum was normal. Coming here to forcefully divorce would seem too petty.

—Rubbish script! Just randomly written all over the place! Making it so hard for me to act!

With this thought, Yan Zhen’s mind cleared, and in a cheerful mood, he led Huang Fu Wenqing out of the main hall.

“The lord’s mansion is mainly divided into five areas. If there’s anything worth seeing, it would be the rear gardens…shall we go there?”

Yan Zhen politely sought his former fiancée’s opinion.

However, Huang Fu Wenqing shook her head and said indifferently:

“I want to see your room first.”

Yan Zhen: ???

7 – Don’t touch his feet

It seems only Yan Zhen’s own Mystic power can be absorbed by the mysterious crystal.

Since the novel didn’t mention it, Yan Zhen wanted to try it out.

As he expected, the protagonist’s privileges are exclusive – others cannot unlock them!

Although he was slightly injured, the result left Yan Zhen very satisfied and in a great mood.

“Cousin, what is this little bead?”

Yan Menger was somewhat curious, but heard Yan Zhen rebuke her:

“It’s none of your business, why ask so much!”

“Oh, then Menger won’t ask anymore.”

“Clean up, then go back to your own room. I need to cultivate.”

“Menger wants to cultivate together with cousin Yan Zhen.”

“But I don’t want to cultivate with you.”

Because he didn’t want to trigger additional plots!

Yan Menger left dejectedly, thinking there was still a long way to go before Yan Zhen reverted to his former self. She needed to be more proactive.

For three consecutive days, Yan Zhen stayed in his room cultivating, allowing the mysterious crystal to be well-fed in preparation for its timely opening after he got divorced.

Yan Menger came morning, noon and night, bringing him food while also trying to get intimate to close the distance between them.

Unfortunately, Yan Zhen didn’t give her any opportunities, sending her away after eating!

After all, he was still a “waste” with an “anguished” mentality at the moment. Normally, he would just cultivate more. What was getting intimate with the little slave girl from his childhood romance? It would deviate from his role.

[The system is very relieved that the host can have such thoughts.]

“Shut up, you useless system. If you could actually do something, why would I need to consider all this?!”

[……]

On the third evening, Yan Zhen’s grandfather Yan Lie came again, saying the Huang Fu family had arrived in Wudang City and would visit the next day. He asked Yan Zhen to wake up early and go with them to welcome the guests, not neglecting the visitors!

Yan Zhen had no objections as long as it followed the plot.

“Zhen’er, I heard Menger has been clinging to you recently?”

“Ah?”

“What ‘ah’? You two are not young anymore. It’s fine to have feelings, but some things still need to be minded. Don’t cause any trouble.”

“I understand, grandfather.”

Being reminded of such matters by one’s own elders felt quite awkward.

If the old man knew Yan Menger had become his slave, who knows if he would slap Yan Zhen to death.

Refuse domestic discipline, starting with me… Oh wait, here cousins can intermarry.

It is domestic discipline, but not completely.

……

Deep into the night, the moon hung high, and all was silent.

A black figure slipped out from an inn, relying on extraordinary movement skills and a Mystic artifact to conceal their aura, sneaking into the lord’s mansion.

Avoiding the patrolling guards, the black figure reached the small courtyard where the lord’s son resided, hiding on the roof to peer through the skylight into the room.

The masked figure had just caught sight of a figure when a knocking sound came from the door.

“Who is it?”

“Cousin, it’s me.”

Hearing such a soft, adorable female voice, the masked figure’s eyes widened slightly in disbelief.

“Menger? Why are you here so late?”

Yan Zhen opened the door to see Yan Menger outside holding a wooden bucket filled with steaming hot water.

“Cousin Yan Zhen, I drew some hot water for you to soak your feet and do a foot massage.”

“No need.”

As Yan Zhen tried to close the door, Yan Menger quickly stepped forward, blocking it with her body.

“Wait, cousin~ Menger noticed you haven’t been sleeping well lately, so she wanted to help. The Huang Fu family is coming tomorrow, and cousin can’t look haggard when greeting the guests, right?”

“…Alright.”

Once Yan Menger entered, Yan Zhen casually closed the door behind her.

After all, it was already late at night, and it wouldn’t look good for others to see a man and woman alone together.

Inside, Yan Zhen sat on the bed, removing his shoes and socks to put his feet into the wooden bucket.

Yan Menger then half-knelt before him, her jade-like hands skillfully and precisely pressing on the acupoints of his feet, causing pain accompanied by intense pleasure – truly “painful yet pleasurable”!

Where did this Yan Menger learn this? She was quite skilled.

The script didn’t describe much about Yan Menger, so Yan Zhen didn’t understand her very well. After spending these few days together, he unexpectedly discovered this girl had the demeanor of a virtuous wife and caring mother, greatly improving his impression of her.

If this continued, Yan Zhen might not be able to maintain his “cold persona.”

“How is it, cousin? Is Menger serving you well?”

“Not bad, I suppose.”

“As long as cousin likes it~ If it hurts, just let me know, and Menger will be gentler.”

“Mmhm.”

Their conversation seemed normal, but to the masked figure on the roof, it felt quite inappropriate.

“Yan Menger? How could she… Could she also—”

Watching Yan Menger grasping Yan Zhen’s feet, pressing, kneading, pinching and pulling while Yan Zhen occasionally let out pleasured moans in response, the jealous masked figure was about to split apart, feeling an urge to go down and beat her up!

—Let go! Let go of your grubby hands! Don’t touch his feet!

—Be gentler there on the toes. Lighter, lighter! Can’t you hear his voice change when he’s in pain?

—Hey, just wash his feet! Why are you going further up?! Don’t continue going up!

The masked figure gritted her teeth, screaming inwardly, but no one could hear.

After a while, Yan Menger finally finished washing Yan Zhen’s feet, drying them with a clean cloth.

The masked figure’s emotions also calmed down.

“All done, cousin. How was it?”

“Quite nice, it does help relieve fatigue.”

“Actually, just a foot massage isn’t enough. It’s best to have a medicinal bath afterward followed by a full body massage. That would better eliminate any potential internal injuries or risks from the cultivation process.”

Even without her saying it, Yan Zhen understood, because that’s what he did after formally starting his cultivation, except the beautiful senior’s massages weren’t as gentle.

“If cousin wants, Menger can try.”

“We’ll see next time. It’s getting late, go rest.”

“…Then next time!” Just this vague promise made Yan Menger extremely happy. “Good night, cousin. I’ll come get you in the morning.”

Yan Menger left cheerfully, leaving Yan Zhen alone in the room.

The masked figure on the roof hesitated briefly before quickly disappearing into the night.

……

The next morning, the Huang Fu family’s convoy arrived for their visit. The old lord Yan Lie personally went out to welcome them, accompanied by the First and Second Elders, as well as the young master Yan Zhen – the highest protocol.

Leading them was the white-haired Huang Fu Xiong, wearing a… never mind, who cares about him? Yan Zhen’s eyes were only on the young lady beside Huang Fu Xiong.

His former fiancée, Huang Fu Wenqing.

Huang Fu Wenqing was undoubtedly very beautiful, with dark green hair and a light green dress, like a forest elf emerging from the woods.

Her appearance surpassed Yan Menger’s, though her figure was slightly inferior.

Just look at her arrogant, peacock-like demeanor. She had indeed come to call off the marriage, huh?

Then there was no problem.

[Key Plot Commencing]

[Current Plot – Chapter 3: The Huang Fu Arrival]

[Role Requirements: After being divorced, propose a ‘two-year battle pact’]

[Completion: 0%]

Yan Zhen casually dismissed the automatically popping up system interface and followed the group to welcome the guests into the mansion.

6 – Forgiven after serving for a month

No impact, then it’s okay!

Who wouldn’t want an obedient slave girl devoted solely to them? Especially if she was once someone who had “abandoned” him, an old childhood friend.

Combining these two attributes creates a subtle sense of depravity, making one want to bully her!

On the ground, Yan Menger still maintained a posture of a dog begging for affection, her demeanor utterly seductive.

Her smooth, silky hair was pressed beneath her body, and her originally tight-fitting pink dress had been hiked up to her waist, fully exposing her fair and flawless belly.

The young lady’s cheeks were flushed with a drunken rosy hue. She gently bit her lower lip, and her eyes glistened with a thin mist of tears, portraying a defiled appearance.

—So tempting~

Yan Zhenqing cleared his throat, striving not to show any abnormality, for he was now playing this particular role:

“Alright, you get up first.”

“Huh? Oh~”

There was a hint of regret in her tone, but the master’s command was absolute.

Yan Menger swiftly sat up, her moist eyes gazing directly at Yan Zhen, as if awaiting his next order.

“Since you’ve gone this far, I’ll give you a chance…as long as you wear this collar and serve me for a month, I’ll accept your apology.”

“Really? Thank you, cousin. Not just a month, Menger is willing to do it for life~”

Yan Menger was overjoyed, her heart finally at ease.

Indeed, her decision was right. This way, she wouldn’t continue to be neglected by her cousin Yan Zhen.

Although they might not return to their previous relationship, a master-servant relationship wasn’t bad. No, it was even better~

“Hmph, anyone can say sweet words. Being my maid won’t be that simple. Perhaps you won’t last even ten days.”

“Is cousin Yan Zhen planning to make things difficult for Menger?”

As she spoke, a glimmer shone in Yan Menger’s eyes, seeming somewhat eager.

Yan Zhen didn’t notice her peculiar state and feigned indifference:

“Scared? If you’re scared, you can back out now. I’ll allow you to remove the collar, and from then on, we’ll have nothing to do with each other!”

“Menger isn’t scared.” Yan Menger hurriedly said, “Cousin Yan Zhen is both gentle and kind. No matter what he wants to do to Menger, she can accept it.”

“No need to flatter me. I won’t go easy on you!” Yan Zhen maintained his cool persona. “It’s getting late. You should go back now, lest others see and gossip.”

“Understood, cousin. Menger will come again tomorrow.”

Though reluctant, Yan Menger knew the wisdom of taking things step-by-step.

Watching this nominal cousin leave the room with a tray, Yan Zhen’s tense body gradually relaxed.

Turning his childhood friend from bitch into a dog slave was quite enjoyable, but he still couldn’t understand why Yan Menger’s transformation was so drastic, and it didn’t seem like a ploy either.

Oh well, he’d take it one step at a time. How Yan Menger turned out didn’t matter, for she originally had no significant role.

What mattered was the “bride divorce” in three days’ time.

His former fiancée, Huang Fu Wenqing, was no ordinary antagonistic female character but a rather complex one.

After Huang Fu Wenqing came with her sect’s people to forcefully cancel the wedding, the enraged Yan Zhen made a pact with her, agreeing to a decisive battle atop the clouds in two years!

To defeat Huang Fu Wenqing, who surpassed him in all aspects, Yan Zhen diligently cultivated under the guidance of a beautiful senior, enduring hardships and difficulties, gradually tempering a heart befitting a true powerful cultivator!

Two years later, he went as promised and defeated Huang Fu Wenqing in an almost overwhelming manner, resolving this grievance.

One could say that in the early part of the story, defeating Huang Fu Wenqing was his motivation for cultivation!

“Hopefully Huang Fu Wenqing won’t suddenly fall ill like Yan Menger…”

Shaking off the messy thoughts, Yan Zhen returned to his bed and sat cross-legged, entering a cultivation state.

For him, a dimensional traveler, cultivating was a wondrous thing, not feeling dull at all.

The night passed without incident.

As the sky grew bright, Yan Zhen exited his cultivation state and felt his inner energy. As expected, all the Mystic power he cultivated was absorbed by the mysterious crystal on his neck, leaving no feeling of growth.

Although he knew the reason, he couldn’t remove the crystal.

Only after absorbing enough Mystic power would the crystal open, allowing the beautiful senior trapped inside to manifest and, astonished by his talents, take him as her disciple out of gratitude and appreciation for his potential.

After experiencing it personally, Yan Zhen felt admiration for the protagonist in the novel, persisting in daily cultivation for a full three years of “futile effort” before finally persevering. If it were him, he might not even last a year, immediately giving up.

Fortunately, he didn’t start playing the protagonist’s role three years ago.

On second thought, if he let an expert infuse the mysterious crystal with enough Mystic power, would it open prematurely?

This thought emerged and became an itch he couldn’t scratch.

But if the crystal opened prematurely, he’d deviate from the plot again.

Perhaps it’s better not to…

“System, what do you think? Can it be done?”

【……】

“Give me some advice instead of acting like you’re malfunctioning all the time.”

【The host is advised to follow the script in portraying the protagonist. Otherwise, errors may occur for which the system bears no responsibility.】

Hearing the system’s official-sounding response, Yan Zhen immediately felt annoyed.

“Tsk, you always play dead when something happens, and now you’re spouting this nonsense to me?!”

【Please do not defame the system.】

“Then let me ask you, what’s the deal with Yan Menger’s attitude? You’ve been investigating for a day, but have you figured it out?”

【Um, no, not yet.】

“Useless!”

【Wah wah, don’t scold me! The system is trying its best!】

Yan Zhen was done entertaining this broken system.

Apart from being able to claim some rewards, it was utterly useless.

After freshening up, Yan Menger came again, this time with breakfast.

“Good morning, cousin Yan Zhen. Would you like porridge or soy milk for breakfast?”

“Both.”

“I knew you’d say that, so I prepared both.”

“…”

Vegetable and pork porridge with a small dish of salted peanuts and a small dish of refreshing cold dishes, plus a soy milk set with youtiao (deep-fried dough sticks) and steamed buns. The preparation was indeed very thoughtful, and her culinary skills were still excellent, leaving Yan Zhen unable to find any faults.

After eating, Yan Zhen said to Yan Menger:

“Menger, there’s something I need your help with.”

Yan Menger’s eyes brightened slightly: 

“What is it? As long as Menger can do it, she will definitely put in her full effort.”

Yan Zhen pulled out the crystal pendant from his clothes:

“Channel your Mystic power into this thing, don’t ask why.”

“Ok, okay.”

Yan Menger was visibly a bit puzzled but still followed Yan Zhen’s instructions, circulating her cultivation at the eighth stage of Mystic Disciple, slowly infusing the translucent beautiful crystal with her inner Mystic power.

As soon as the Mystic power entered it, both Yan Zhen and Yan Menger felt something was amiss. 

Bang!

A muffled sound, and the two were simultaneously repelled, successively falling to the ground.

Yan Zhen touched his mouth, feeling a stinging pain, probably swollen.

“Cousin Yan Zhen, are you okay?” Yan Menger was on the verge of tears. “I, I didn’t mean to.”

Yan Zhen waved his hand at her, indicating she shouldn’t take it to heart.

This wasn’t Yan Menger’s fault, but rather the mysterious crystal autonomously rejecting her Mystic power.

5. Childhood Sweetheart Becomes a Slave Girl

In the room, Yan Zhen is wolfing down his dinner, while Yan Meng’er sits across from him, resting her chin on her hands and gazing at him tenderly, a faint smile playing on her lips.

After quickly finishing the rice and clearing the dishes, Yan Zhen puts down his chopsticks with a clack, wipes his mouth, and then looks at Yan Meng’er seriously.

“Alright, what’s your purpose?”

Yan Meng’er is taken aback for a moment, then smiles lightly:

“Meng’er doesn’t have any purpose, Meng’er just wants to be with Cousin Yan Zhen like before.”

“Do you really expect me to believe that?”

Yan Meng’er suddenly looks aggrieved.

“Doesn’t Cousin Yan Zhen trust Meng’er?”

I don’t trust you at all, you ghost!

You’ve already deviated from the script!

I’m a newbie actor, and I still have to clean up your mess!

“At this point, it’s meaningless to say these things. I don’t want to experience another betrayal, so in the future, you go your way, and I’ll go mine, and we’ll both be well.”

The subsequent plot basically doesn’t involve Yan Meng’er, so it’s better to cut it off early.

“Cousin Yan Zhen, don’t say that.” Yan Meng’er shakes her head: “Give Meng’er one more chance, Meng’er will definitely make up for her previous mistakes…”

“Hmph.”

A woman’s mouth is a deceiving ghost!

“Cousin Yan Zhen, look at this.” 

Yan Meng’er suddenly takes out a red ring and hands it to Yan Zhen.

“What is this?”

Yan Zhen curiously glances at it, finding that it looks a bit like a dog collar.

Yan Meng’er voluntarily explains:

“This is a third-tier Mystic Artifact, the ‘Obedience Collar’. After a blood sacrifice, it can recognize its master, and anyone at the Mystic Scholar level or below who wears it will be completely obedient to the master.”

A slave collar!?

“What… what are you trying to do?”

“Cousin Yan Zhen is worried that Meng’er won’t listen, right? Then Meng’er will become Cousin Yan Zhen’s slave, completely obedient to Cousin Yan Zhen’s commands. No matter what Cousin Yan Zhen asks Meng’er to do, Meng’er will… Meng’er will complete it~”

As she says this, Yan Meng’er seems to have thought of something, her cheeks flushing with two small red clouds, her beautiful eyes filled with a mix of shyness and anticipation as she steals glances at Yan Zhen’s reaction.

“And after breaking through the Mystic Scholar level, Cousin Yan Zhen can replace it with an even higher-level collar, making Meng’er your slave for life.”

Yan Zhen is a bit dumbfounded, this girl looks so pure and innocent, but she’s playing such a kinky game, starting with a slave play!

“Ahem, that won’t work, you’re my cousin, if people find out, I’ll be in big trouble.”

“But no one else needs to know, this is a secret between Cousin Yan Zhen and Meng’er. And Meng’er is willing, even if others know, they have no right to interfere. Also, the blood relation between family members is quite distant, so marriage is allowed…”

As she speaks, Yan Meng’er’s face becomes increasingly flushed, as the implication is too obvious.

“Will this not scare Cousin Yan Zhen?”

But she really had no other choice. It was impossible to return to the past in a short time, so this was the only way she could have a reason to stay by his side and slowly mend the wounds in his heart!

Absolutely, absolutely not because she wants to do some strange things, like Miss Yu, forgive Meng’er for jumping the gun, Meng’er was forced into this…

Sitting across from Yan Meng’er, Yan Zhen rests his chin on one hand, adopting a pensive expression like a mischievous schoolboy.

This Yan Meng’er is really too fanatical. Even if she suddenly repented and had a change of heart, she wouldn’t go to such lengths.

Could there be some kind of trap? For example, after the blood sacrifice, it might end up restraining him or something…

Damn, is she playing dirty tricks? Just come at me directly!

Since Yan Zhen has the “trump card”, he can counterattack at any time.

This is the confidence of the protagonist!

“Then I’ll trust you one more time.”

Saying this, Yan Zhen bites his finger, dripping a drop of blood onto the Obedience Collar.

As the blood seeps in, the thought “this collar belongs only to me” emerges in his mind.

After the blood recognition, Yan Zhen pushes the Obedience Collar back towards Yan Meng’er, gesturing for her to put it on herself.

Yan Meng’er takes back the collar, trying not to appear too eager, taking a deep breath before putting it around her neck.

The moment the clasp clicks shut, the formation activates, drawing her Mystic Energy to form the restraints, making her obediently follow Yan Zhen’s commands.

If she tries to resist the orders, her entire Mystic Energy will go berserk, causing her excruciating pain.

Only the master or those at the Mystic General level and above can remove the collar.

“Whew, with this, Meng’er is now Cousin Yan Zhen’s slave, hehe hehe…”

The young lady cups her face, revealing a pathological, obsessive smile that does not match her pure appearance.

So she really put it on? This is interesting. Yan Zhen’s gaze suddenly becomes sharp: then let me give some embarrassing commands, let’s see if you can still keep up the act.

“Ahem, ahem.”

Hearing Yan Zhen’s deliberate cough, Yan Meng’er immediately snaps back to attention, asking expectantly like a domesticated pet:

“What does Cousin Yan Zhen want Meng’er to do?”

Hehe.

“Lie down on the floor, limbs spread, belly exposed.”

Yan Zhen speaks in a manner as if he were a true gentleman.

Eh?

Yan Meng’er pauses for a moment, then obediently follows the feeling transmitted through her body, executing Yan Zhen’s command.

She first lies down on the carpet at Yan Zhen’s feet, assuming the posture of lying on her back with limbs spread, then slowly lifts her skirt to reveal her soft, tender little belly.

Her ebony hair like silk is spread out behind her, contrasting with the rumpled dress, creating a sense of disheveled beauty.

Yan Meng’er makes clawing motions with her hands, seemingly like a little puppy trying to show affection to her master.

“Cous-Cousin Yan Zhen, is this okay? Since it’s the first time, Meng’er doesn’t know if she can do it well.”

The girl’s face is flushed red like a burning fire, her eyes slightly moist, looking utterly captivating.

Wow!

Yan Zhen is truly taken aback this time.

What kind of plot twist is this?

Normally, shouldn’t it be “I’m not pretending anymore, I’m revealing my true colors” and then show the villain’s ferocious face?

Is it me who’s not right, or is this girl not right?

Damn it, let me try one more time!

Looking at the beautiful young lady at his feet, behaving like a puppy, Yan Zhen can’t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva, reaching out to gently stroke that exposed belly.

It’s slightly warm to the touch, soft and supple with elasticity, irresistibly alluring.

Still not resisting? Yan Zhen grits his teeth and increases the force, even slipping his hand under Yan Meng’er’s clothes, caressing upwards.

However, to his surprise, Yan Meng’er not only doesn’t resist, but instead closes her eyes, limbs slightly spreading, adopting a submissive posture like a puppy allowing its master to do as he pleases.

“Mmh…”

The girl lets out a faint whimper, as if suppressing something.

Is she for real?

Yan Zhen slowly withdraws his hand, looking at the lightly panting Yan Meng’er on the floor, feeling utterly stunned, as if his mind has been blown for an entire year.

His childhood sweetheart has truly become his slave.

This isn’t the world of a romance novel without a female lead, this is the world of a doujinshi!

Wait, if I do this, will it affect the subsequent development of the plot?

[Don’t worry, host, it won’t affect anything, because Yan Meng’er is not a major character.]

“Oh right, in the script, Yan Meng’er only has some early plot relevance, and later on she’s mostly just glossed over, no matter how much extra drama she adds, it won’t have a big impact on the overall plot.”

Chapter 3 : Bottom Card (Grade 1)

Hearing the villain’s lines from the script, Yan Zhen was actually quite touched.

Look, this is exactly how an ordinary bystander should react, so vivid and lifelike.

Unlike Yan Menger…

“Shut up!” Yan Menger released Yan Zhen and stood up from the ground, turning her back to shield Yan Zhen. “From now on, you’re not allowed to badmouth my cousin Yan Zhen. If I hear even half a sentence, you’ll end up like this tree!”

Saying that, a golden glow flickered in Yan Menger’s jade palm.

She slapped a nearby tree with her palm. Bang! The trunk as thick as a bowl snapped with a blackened break.

Such a display frightened the two rude people, their faces turning pale and lips trembling.

“This is… a Mys…. Mystic technique?” “Menger has actually learned Mystic techniques?”

A stir arose as no one dared comment on Yan Zhen anymore, completely deterred.

Mastering Mystic techniques made all the difference in battle power!

At their age, they should be devoted to enhancing their Mystic cultivation to attain passing scores in the assessment. Yet not only had Yan Menger surpassed them by reaching the eighth level of Mystic Disciple, she had even learned formidable Mystic techniques!

What an exceptional talent!

Yan Zhen was dumbfounded, not by Yan Menger’s Mystic technique, but… why did it feel like she was showing off in front of him, the main character? He hadn’t even started showing off yet!

This river?!. jpg …. (1) (Is this reasonable?)

“Cousin Yan Zhen, let’s go. Menger will take you home.”

Yan Menger took Yan Zhen’s hand again and led the dazed young man away from the arena under everyone’s strange gaze.

As they walked, Yan Zhen remained silent but was anxiously communicating with the system.

“Have you found the reason, System?”

[Host, please remain calm. The system is investigating the issue… Ding! An anomaly has been detected.]

“What anomaly?”

[Due to the system summoning the host to play the lead role, there have been some changes to the world line, affecting the plot development to a certain degree.]

“Ah this… Then what should I do?”

[Rest assured, host. As long as you guide the overall plot to align with the original, it will suffice.]

“So what do I do?”

[Host, keep up the good work. The system is here to serve you at all times. Mwah~]

With that, the system fell silent, leaving only an empty interface.

WDNMD! (2) (I fucked your mom)

Yan Zhen felt an urge to drag this useless system out for a beating.

What to do? He could only rely on himself.

“Cousin Yan Zhen, you’ve been quiet all this time. Are you angry?”

Yan Menger’s voice brought Yan Zhen back to his senses. The young girl now looked timid, a far cry from her earlier display of power by breaking a tree and intimidating her tribesmen.

“Earlier, Menger acted rashly out of desperation, saying some presumptuous things that may have upset Cousin Yan Zhen. But Menger meant no harm; she just didn’t want to hear those unpleasant words…”

“Ahem, ahem.” Yan Zhen cleared his throat. “That, uh, I can go back on my own. Could you let go of me?”

Yan Menger’s beautiful eyes widened slightly, then she reluctantly released her little hand, dejected.

“Apologies, Menger was presumptuous.”

“Goodbye.”

Without any expression, Yan Zhen walked past Yan Menger and returned to his courtyard.

Watching the indifferent young man’s retreating back, tears welled up in Yan Menger’s eyes once more.

She sniffled and quickly wiped away the tears, her expression slowly becoming more resolute.

The young girl was prepared. No matter how coldly Yan Zhen treated her, she would strive to earn his forgiveness and mend their relationship.

She wanted to be on good terms with him again.

She wanted to be with him forever.

This was her entire purpose for being reborn!

“In a few days, that woman will come to the Yan Family to call off the marriage. Before then, I must reconcile with Cousin Yan Zhen. Otherwise, I won’t even have the chance to console him… Elder Sister won’t be back for a year, so I have to protect Cousin Yan Zhen in her stead as well!”

……

“Sigh~”

Yan Zhen plopped onto the bed, letting out an exasperated sigh as he lay on the unfamiliar bedding.

Staring at the unfamiliar canopy, feeling the unfamiliar mattress, he couldn’t help but feel vexed.

He had thought playing the lead would be simple, but he had stumbled right from the start. Moreover, the useless system was no help at all!

Miserable.

With his fragile heart, Yan Zhen withdrew into himself a little, but he also knew there was no turning back now. He could only continue acting.

Even if impromptu scenes arose, he would have to cooperate and strive to guide the plot back on track.

Otherwise, if the world collapsed, he would be finished.

“Sigh~”

After collecting himself, Yan Zhen casually summoned the system interface but was surprised to find the plot completion rate at 100%.

This reinvigorated Yan Zhen’s spirits.

A 100% plot completion meant he could claim the system’s reward.

Yan Zhen rubbed his hands in anticipation and clicked to claim it ceremoniously.

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining ‘Bottom Card (Grade 1) x1’ and ‘Cultivation Mega Pack x1’, which have been sent to your inventory.]

“Bottom Card?”

With a thought, the introduction window for the Bottom Card appeared.

[Bottom Card (Grade 1): An all-purpose card that only the protagonist can use to turn the tide at critical moments. Only effective against those below the Mystic Scholar realm.]

After reading the introduction, Yan Zhen vaguely understood the purpose of this Grade 1 Bottom Card but wasn’t entirely clear.

It seemed to be akin to a “lifeline.”

For example, if Yan Zhen was poisoned, using this card could cure him.

Or if Yan Zhen fell from a cliff, using this card could prevent his death.

In simple terms, it allowed him, the protagonist, to turn catastrophes around and avoid an untimely demise.

However, this Grade 1 Bottom Card would become ineffective once he broke through to the Mystic Scholar realm.

Of course, his current cultivation was only at the third level of Mystic Disciple, still far from Mystic Scholar.

On the Mystical Heavenly Continent, Mystic cultivators were divided into ten major realms:

Mystic One, Mystic Scholar, Mystic Master, Mystic General, Mystic King, Mystic Lord, Mystic Ancestor, Mystic Venerable, Mystic Saint, Celestial Sovereign.

Mystic Disciple was an entry-level realm, also called the Entrance Realm, not included in the ten major realms.

[Cultivation Mega Pack: Initial funds of one million spirit stones, a choice of Grade 1 spirit pellet, a choice of Grade 1 spirit artifact, and the universal ‘Mystic Body Technique’.]

“One million spirit stones?”

Yan Zhen’s eyes widened in surprise. This amount rivaled a city lord’s annual tax revenue, yet for the system, it was merely the “initial funds.”

—Great!

Yan Zhen was satisfied as he stored the two items but had a new question in mind.

“Yan Menger didn’t follow the script, so how did the plot completion reach 100%?”

Originally, the plot called for Yan Menger to ignore Yan Zhen, leaving him heartbroken to return to his room alone and withdraw into himself. But now, Yan Menger had suddenly changed her mind, crying apologies to him and even intimidating the others to defend his honor—the plot had deviated significantly!

[Host, the plot has not deviated. As the protagonist, you did indeed separate from your childhood sweetheart Yan Menger and return to your room alone to withdraw into yourself.]

“This is also possible?”

The system’s words left Yan Zhen dumbfounded.

[As long as the host fulfills the role-playing requirements, the plot can be completed.]

“I see. I understand.”

[The host is very smart.].

“Hey, who are you calling very smart!”

Whatever, I’m not going to argue with a bunch of code.

Yan Zhen lay back down on the bed and took a nap until the knocking sound “da da da” woke him up.

After checking the system prompt, it seems the second chapter of the novel is about to begin.

Since it’s not a key plot point, he can improvise freely, or even choose to skip it.

Skip is truly a civilized option.

However, Yan Zhen is very professional, so he patted his face, instantly got into character, and opened the door.

---

 

 

This river?.jpg (1) : Meme meaning that something doesn’t make sense. 

WDNMD (2) : A Chinese oral slang first promoted by the Chinese CSGO player QuanQing “qz” Wu (aka Qiezi, 茄子), which is an abbreviation for “wo diao ni ma de 我屌你妈的”, meaning “I fuck your mom” (see Cao ni ma) –   FUCK you in a gentle way.