Chapter 3693: Sword Fighting Across the Realm (32)

During this time, Qin Nianzhi had been living in a state of constant fear, terrified that those bandits would return. Every time they came, they were fierce and acted as if they were going to slaughter everyone at Wanjian Manor.

Qin Nianzhi’s heart had been pounding with anxiety. Her previously thin face now had prominent cheekbones, making her look much older.

Without collagen to fill out her face, she looked gaunt and a bit terrified.

If she were to put on ragged clothes, she wouldn't look much different from a refugee.

Now that she saw Ning Shu, Qin Nianzhi had no way to control her tears. They flowed down her face as if she had finally found someone to rely on.

Seeing her like this, Yin Nanlian couldn't help but purse her lips. She said to Ning Shu, "Let’s deal with these bandits first."

Yin Nanlian drew the soft whip from her waist and was the first to lash out at the bandits.

"Who are you people?" A bandit holding a large saber asked. He looked quite fierce. "If you can mind your own business, we will give you half of the money we get."

Ning Shu curled her lips and said, "I am Chong Xuefeng."

Her reputation and the story of her storming the demonic cult alone to kill their leader should have echoed throughout the martial world.

The flesh on the bandit leader’s face twitched. Although he had his suspicions, hearing it confirmed gave him a very bad feeling. For someone who could kill the peerless leader of the demonic cult, killing him would be as easy as lifting a hand.

Ning Shu made a single slash at the bandit leader. A wave of sword qi directly sliced his throat. There was only a tiny red mark on his neck at first, but then blood sprayed out from the hair-thin line.

"Ugh… ugh…" The bandit leader clutched his neck in terror and fell from his horse.

Seeing their leader dead, the rest of the men scattered like birds and beasts. They fled into the distance.

Ning Shu didn't bother to chase them. During her travels, she had seen villages ravaged by bandits. They left behind a scene of utter devastation, just like an invading army. They burned, killed, and looted. If they encountered a woman with even a bit of beauty, she was raped.

Seeing the bandit leader dead, Qin Nianzhi felt an immense sense of satisfaction. Her feelings toward Ning Shu were extremely complex. Then she saw the valiant Yin Nanlian, and a wave of inexplicable loss and jealousy rose in her heart.

Chong Xuefeng was originally her fiancé, but he had left. Was he with Yin Nanlian now?

Qin Nianzhi couldn't forgive Ning Shu for killing Situ Xun, but seeing Chong Xuefeng appear now to save her made her heart feel unendurably bitter.

Yin Nanlian coiled her soft whip. She also felt uncomfortable, so she stood to the side and watched Ning Shu and Qin Nianzhi.

Seeing Qin Nianzhi again, Ning Shu thought, ‘Good heavens.’

Her beauty score was dropping like a stone in free fall.

How did she end up like this?

Ning Shu asked, "Why didn't you fight back? Has your martial arts been stripped from you?"

Qin Nianzhi’s current mood was very complex. She didn't know whether she should be grateful to Ning Shu or hate her.

"No," Qin Nianzhi said. "I wanted to resolve the matter without bloodshed."

Ning Shu: Heh.

To try and talk reason and logic to bandits—was there something wrong with her head?

"Oh, is that so? Junior Sister is truly kind-hearted," Ning Shu said flatly. Qin Nianzhi felt that Ning Shu was mocking her. She felt a bit uncomfortable, and her gratitude dissipated somewhat.

"Since Junior Sister is capable of handling the sect’s affairs, then I am relieved. I’m leaving." Ning Shu turned to go, which immediately stunned Qin Nianzhi.

She quickly called out, "Wait a moment!"

The smile on Yin Nanlian’s face froze. When Ning Shu said she was leaving, Yin Nanlian’s heart had leaped with joy. But now that Qin Nianzhi had called her back, Yin Nanlian wasn't sure if Ning Shu would still go.

Ning Shu turned to look at Qin Nianzhi and asked, "Junior Sister, is there something else?"

Qin Nianzhi choked on her words. She really wanted to throw the words back at Ning Shu. Did he really have nothing else to say after coming back?

Qin Nianzhi felt that Ning Shu had come back to save her because she wanted to earn her forgiveness. But now that he was leaving again, she felt a sudden sense of unease. Why did he always do the opposite of what she expected?

Why didn't he follow the script?

After thinking for a moment, Qin Nianzhi said, "You are the heir to the sect recognized by my father. Senior Brother, please come back."

Qin Nianzhi felt pain in her heart as she said this. To soften her stance toward the person who killed Situ Xun was difficult, but only her senior brother could protect Wanjian Manor and deter the small fry.

Ning Shu saw that Qin Nianzhi’s face was full of conflict and melancholy. It made her face, which was already lacking in beauty, look somewhat strange and inexplicably unattractive.

If it were the old Qin Nianzhi, she could still have passed for a melancholic beauty. But now…

Yin Nanlian kept signaling Ning Shu with her eyes, begging her not to stay. This Wanjian Manor was a total mess. Its assets had been mostly squandered, and it was now a giant, unfillable pit. Staying would be a thankless task.

Furthermore, looking at the expression in Qin Nianzhi’s eyes, she likely still harbored resentment toward Chong Xuefeng.

Yin Nanlian was starting to dislike Qin Nianzhi more and more. It wasn't just the dislike between love rivals. What was more frustrating was her brainless behavior. She caused Chong Xuefeng to be ridiculed by everyone, and now she wanted him to take over this mess. Not only that, but he would have to face her resentful gaze every day. What was the point?

Yin Nanlian felt very lost. It seemed men all liked women like Qin Nianzhi.

Yin Nanlian felt that their recent travels had been quite interesting—treating the sick, saving people, seeing the scenery everywhere. Moreover, Chong Xuefeng had taken her around to eat delicious food.

Wasn't such a life good? Why be tied down here and work oneself to death?

Ning Shu curled her lips. She hadn't come back this time purely to help Qin Nianzhi. She had come for herself.

Ning Shu smiled slightly. With her face as fair as jade, straight brows, and bright eyes, this smile was quite handsome. She spoke unhurriedly, "You are the heir to Wanjian Manor. You are Master’s daughter. Next time, show some courage and don't let others bully you. I am leaving."

Qin Nianzhi was momentarily dazed by Ning Shu’s smile. Upon hearing that Ning Shu wouldn't stay, her face turned pale. She took a deep breath, bit her lip, and said, "Senior Brother, I forgive you. Please stay and look after Wanjian Manor."

Ning Shu suddenly felt like she might be caught in an angst-filled romance with Qin Nianzhi.

Although I have forgiven you, my heart died along with Situ Xun.

Yes, in the end, she would move Qin Nianzhi with her absolute sincerity, and then they would live happily ever after.

Ning Shu’s body shuddered, and she broke out in goosebumps. She really was losing control of her imagination. Overthinking was a disease.

Ning Shu even started thinking about her and Qin Nianzhi having children.

Ning Shu smiled slightly and said, "Junior Sister, I believe in you. I am sure you will bring glory to Wanjian Manor and not fail our late Master in the afterlife."

"Let’s go," Ning Shu said to Yin Nanlian. A wide, joyful smile immediately bloomed on Yin Nanlian’s face.

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