Ten minutes later.
Taoist Master Qingxu and Jiang Feng appeared together in the mountain forest. Jiang Feng gripped a flashlight, closely following the Taoist master. “Master, are you sure we’re in the right place? This doesn’t look like there’s anyone here…” He carried a shovel over his shoulder as he spoke.
The moon hung bright in the sky, dotted with stars.
“We’re not wrong.”
Suddenly, a weak voice called out—
“H-Help… help me…”
Jiang Feng froze. There really is someone here!
He hurried after Taoist Master Qingxu, and when they arrived, their eyes widened in shock.
He Yi was planted in the ground, with only his head sticking out. The rest of his body was buried deep beneath the soil.
The usually sharp-witted He Yi looked utterly drained—until he spotted Taoist Master Qingxu. His eyes instantly lit up, brimming with tears. “Master! Save me!”
The Taoist master glanced at the tree behind He Yi, flicked his fingers, and a talisman peeled off the bark, floating into his palm. After examining it, he said, “Jiang Feng, dig him out.”
Jiang Feng stepped forward with the shovel, finally understanding why Li Qiao had borrowed it from the innkeeper.
Once freed, He Yi immediately grabbed the Taoist master’s sleeve, gasping, “Save… save the Ninth Master!”
Even in this state, his first thought was still for He Jingnian.
What a loyal subordinate.
Jiang Feng was genuinely moved. If only I had someone this devoted by my side…
What a shame.
“Jingnian and the little miss are back at the inn. He’s safe,” Taoist Master Qingxu reassured him.
He Yi’s tension melted away. So it was really Miss Li who saved the Ninth Master.
She’s incredible!
When the three returned to the inn, He Yi’s relief was palpable upon seeing He Jingnian unharmed.
After everyone settled in to rest, Li Qiao reminded He Jingnian to get some sleep.
Stretching out on her bed, Li Qiao sighed contentedly.
In the darkness, she studied He Jingnian.
“Mr. He… where are Madam He’s remains now?”
“The He family ancestral hall.”
Li Qiao turned onto her side. “We’ll need to go there.”
“Alright.”
His immediate agreement piqued her curiosity. “Aren’t you going to ask why?”
“I trust you, Qiaoqiao.” His voice, low in the darkness, was inexplicably soothing.
Li Qiao’s ears tingled. She silently closed her eyes.
The night deepened.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious mansion in the capital, a mystic master staggered out of a secret chamber, clutching his chest.
He Huaisen rushed forward. “Master! You’re… injured?”
“My opponent was too strong. They destroyed my spell.”
For someone of his stature, this was a humiliating blow.
Bai Guang—the leader of the Light Pavilion—injured?
He Huaisen was stunned.
“What do we do now?”
“I must heal first. Everything else can wait.” Bai Guang, a man in his fifties with stark white hair and a weathered face, shot He Huaisen a meaningful look.
Understanding, He Huaisen lowered his voice. “How many do you need?”
“Six.”
“I’ll arrange it immediately.” As He Huaisen turned to leave, Bai Guang retreated into the chamber, the door sealing shut behind him.
Tao Yanhua, who had witnessed everything, approached in her heels. “Huaisen… if he failed, is he really reliable?”
“Sister-in-law, Master Bai Guang’s abilities are beyond question.”
She shot him a coquettish glare. “No one’s around. Must you call me that? Huaisen… I’ve missed you. It’s been so long since you came to me.”
At forty-something, Tao Yanhua was impeccably maintained—radiant and alluring. He Huaisen pulled her into his arms, murmuring, “Darling, I’ve missed you too. But with Elder Brother home, I couldn’t risk it. If he discovered us, all our plans would be ruined. Be patient. One day, everything in the He family will belong to you… and me.”
“Mmm.” She melted against him, gazing up with adoration.
There was something wild about He Huaisen’s demeanor, something that perfectly matched her tastes. This was the kind of man she wanted.
“Huaisen…” Her voice was a sultry whisper, stirring his desire. “Couldn’t your elder brother satisfy you?”
“That useless bastard!” At the mention of marital relations, Tao Yanhua’s face twisted with resentment. “All looks, no performance.” Thankfully, she had He Huaisen.
He pinched her waist, grinning. “Sister-in-law, you really are a temptress.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she couldn’t meet his eyes.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
“Second Master, the Tenth Young Master is here—waiting downstairs.”
Tao Yanhua squeezed He Huaisen’s hand. His eyes gleamed as he straightened his clothes and descended to meet He Yousheng, who stood with formal restraint.
“Uncle, is my mother here?”
“Ah, Yousheng, why would your mother visit me so late?” He Huaisen chuckled. “How’s work these days?”
He Yousheng’s sharp brows furrowed, irritation flashing in his eyes.
“Grandfather still refuses to let me into the He Corporation. Uncle, he listens to you. Can you put in a word for me?”
“What about your father?”
“Hah. He’s obsessed with his paintings. Nothing else matters to him.” What kind of man had no ambition? How could such a person be his father?
He Yousheng’s disdain for He Huaizhong only deepened.
The more resentful he grew, the brighter He Huaisen’s smile became. He patted He Yousheng’s shoulder.
“I’ve already mentioned you to the old man. He’s still considering it. Yousheng, of all the younger generation, you’re the one I have the highest hopes for. I believe you’re second to none.”
His gaze was fervent, almost… paternal.
He Yousheng frowned. “Uncle, everyone says He Jingnian is the He family’s sole heir—that he’s unmatched. Why do you have so much faith in me?”
“He Jingnian? A short-lived wife-killer.”
He Yousheng’s lips curled. That lifted his spirits. “You’re right, Uncle.”
Among the He family’s younger generation, He Jingnian was undeniably the most outstanding—the one the old man pinned all his hopes on.
After all, of the old man’s two grandsons, one was He Jingnian. The other… was He Yousheng.
No matter what, the patriarch’s favor lay with He Jingnian.
Yet He Huaisen looked at He Yousheng with unmistakable pride. After seeing him off, He Huaisen smirked in satisfaction.
Upstairs, he pulled Tao Yanhua into another heated session.
Half-asleep, she murmured, “You devil… what’s gotten into you today?”
“Yanhua… you were so productive back then.”
Her eyes fluttered open, seductive. “Huaisen… I’d do anything for you.”
“And I won’t let you down. The future matriarch of the He family.”
“Oh, you…”
Elsewhere.
After returning from Wuxi Mountain, Li Qiao’s group rested—He Jingnian and He Yi both needed recovery. Even a trip to the He ancestral hall would have to wait for an auspicious date.
“Song Xi left?”
Li Qiao nibbled on a slice of watermelon, puzzled.
