Luo Xiu looked at the panicky Su Hongli, completely baffled.

What on earth could make Miss Su, who usually carried herself with such dignity and composure, this panicked?

"It's hard to imagine what could make Auntie Su so flustered."

Su Hongli shot him a glance, cursing inwardly. He really is my tormentor.

"Stop being so nonchalant, I'm talking to you about something serious!" she snapped. "Besides something involving you, what else could possibly make me this anxious?"

Luo Xiu shrugged and glanced over at Xia Chan, who was quietly licking an ice cream cone. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair. "Be a good girl, Xiaochan. Go find Sister Ningxue in the backyard and play with her."

"Mm-hm."

Xia Chan nodded vigorously, then hopped and skipped away cheerfully, the small braids Su Shenyun had made for her swaying adorably.

Watching the delighted Xia Chan run off, Su Hongli couldn't help but widen her eyes. I hadn't noticed before, but now that I'm looking closely, I realize this Xia Chan is an absolute stunner, both in figure and appearance. However, she seems even more dazed than Ye Ningxue, almost simple-minded, as if there's something wrong with her. Ye Ningxue might be dazed, but it's a natural airheadedness, not stupidity. This Xiaochan, however, seems genuinely foolish.

"Where did you pick up this little sister? Isn't the house full of beauties enough for you?"

Luo Xiu put on an innocent expression. "You've really got me wrong! Sigh, it's a long story. Let's save it for another day."

Su Hongli's eyes flashed with a red glint as she gave him a seductive look. "Then by all means, come tomorrow."

Luo Xiu met her gaze, a faint smile on his lips. "Don't try to use the Mesmerizing Flame Technique on me. It really won't work."

"Hmph," Su Hongli conceded, looking away. "I'm being serious, no jokes... leave the provincial capital immediately. The farther, the better."

Luo Xiu raised an eyebrow. "Did I do something wrong? Why should I run?"

Su Hongli pouted coquettishly. "You're such a stubborn mule. I think we shouldn't call you Little Mule, but Stubborn Mule instead."

Luo Xiu said, "Out with it. What's going on?"

"I'm also quite curious about what's happened."

At that moment, a smiling Su Shenyun walked over. She was wearing only a silken nightgown with a lacework butterfly pattern, and nothing underneath. The sight alone was enough to make one's blood race.

After taking a deep breath, Su Hongli said, "The big boss behind Duan Chunfeng has come to the provincial capital, and he brought a bodyguard who's said to be a Sky List Strong One." She fixed her gaze on Luo Xiu and said gravely, "Duan Chunfeng borrowed that bodyguard from his boss to deal with you. If you go to the Duan Family tomorrow, you might not come back."

Hearing this, Su Shenyun's delicate brows furrowed. "This is the first I've heard of Duan Chunfeng having a boss. What's his background?"

Su Hongli shook her head slightly. "I only found out recently myself, so I don't know much about his boss. But he must be one of Her Majesty the Empress's people; otherwise, he wouldn't be so confident."

Su Shenyun asked, "Is his backing stronger than our director's?"

Su Hongli replied, "I can't say who's stronger, but I do know that with the director away, no one can protect Little Mule."

Luo Xiu, however, just laughed. "Then you're worrying far too much. I don't need anyone's protection. In fact, after hearing what you've said, I'm actually quite eager to meet this so-called Sky List Strong One."

At his words, both women turned to him sharply, exclaiming in unison, "Are you out of your mind?!"

Su Shenyun elaborated, "Legend says that any of the Martial Way experts on the Hua Country Sky List possess the power to shatter the heavens and sunder the earth. They're called Human Nuclear Weapons. Little Mule, I know you're powerful, but with your current physical condition... it's really not necessary to risk it."

Luo Xiu's smile remained, but his attitude was firm. "I promised to treat Duan Chunfeng's illness, and I will see it through. I've already accepted payment. As for this Sky List Strong One you mentioned, I really am very interested in meeting him."

Su Hongli stamped her foot in frustration. "Why are you so stubborn?"

Luo Xiu merely smiled, said no more, and turned to leave. In truth, his reasoning was simple: he wanted to use these so-called Martial Way experts to test his own strength.

Gradually, the night deepened.

Luo Xiu sat cross-legged on the sofa in his room, facing the balcony as he absorbed the medicinal herbs he had scammed from Duan Chunfeng. Although most of the herbs were for Lin Xiyue's alchemy, he had set a few aside for himself. As the Qihuang Technique absorbed the medicinal potency, Luo Xiu felt a wave of comfort spread through his entire body.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK...

A knock sounded at the door.

Luo Xiu waved his hand casually, controlling a surge of Qi Force to unlatch the door.

A moment later, Su Shenyun's head peeked in secretively. She whispered, "Baby, are you asleep?"

Luo Xiu glanced back at her. "Itchy again?"

Su Shenyun simply smiled and slowly drew closer to him.

The next moment, Luo Xiu's eyes widened in surprise.

Su Hongli had followed her in! After entering, she even turned to gently close the door and lock it from the inside.

"You two... What do you think you're doing?"

Su Shenyun said, "Xiao Li, Xiao Xue, and Xiaochan are all asleep."

Luo Xiu was utterly exasperated. "So you two sisters are really planning on coming at me together?"

Su Shenyun explained, "Actually, it was Hong Li Sister's idea. She said she's feeling signs of a breakthrough and wanted to borrow some of your Yang Energy."

Su Hongli's cheeks flushed red. "The room isn't very soundproof. We'll just have to be a little quieter later."

Luo Xiu chuckled, clearly unconvinced. "You're both the same. You scream like pigs being slaughtered."

Su Shenyun's tone hardened. "Less nonsense!"

Luo Xiu decisively shut his mouth and sprawled out on the sofa. "I'm exhausted today. I don't want to move. You two can do all the work."

***

Deep in the quiet night, Xia Chan lay in bed, hands clamped over her ears as she tossed and turned, silently going mad. The commotion from the next room was just too loud. There was no way she could sleep!

This Luo Xiu... to think he was this kind of person! Disgusting! Ugh, I wonder how much longer I have to keep playing the fool.

***

「The next day.」

Luo Xiu woke up early, feeling refreshed and full of vitality.

In the utterly trashed room, the sisters Su Shenyun and Su Hongli lay as if paralyzed. They struggled to even move a finger and were completely unable to get out of bed.

Luo Xiu glanced at the two women and smirked. "And you pretended you could handle me. Remember to clean up the room after you recover. And wash the sheets."

Tsk, tsk... all swollen like that.

After tidying himself up, Luo Xiu got in his car and left.

The morning rush hour traffic was terrible. It took him nearly an hour to reach the Duan Family's Grand Manor.

As soon as he entered the main gate, he frowned. He could feel a faint, almost imperceptible killing intent in the air.

Interesting. It seems there really is an expert here. I hope they don't disappoint me.

After greeting the security guard, he swaggered forward.

Just then, the lofty voice of Queen Chi Sha echoed in his mind. "Little guy, there's an expert in this courtyard. If you don't want to die, run now."

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