"Sister Tang is under house arrest.""Tang Xiangui refused every request to meet her.""Even the top three families and the military can't reach her."
Jiang ChuXue sighed softly.
Chen Xiao's gaze darkened."She's suffering."
A faint blush spread across Jiang ChuXue's cheeks as a flicker of emotion crossed her eyes. She leaned forward, resting both hands on the table—instantly closing the distance between them.
Under the soft light, her face looked even more enchanting. Her eyes glistened with tears as she stared at Chen Xiao, her breath faintly laced with the sweetness of alcohol and her natural scent.
"ChuXue…"
Chen Xiao froze for a moment. Was this really the same cold, proud goddess of Mianyang from his previous life? Why was she… this bold tonight?
She bent slightly closer, her hair brushing against his arm, her tone low and earnest."Brother Chen Xiao…""We can't fight the Tang family.""Even though Sister Tang isn't here anymore…""I can take over what she couldn't finish."
Her soft hair swayed gently with her movement, brushing against her cheek and shoulder. The air seemed to grow warmer by the second. Chen Xiao could feel the fire in his chest starting to burn uncontrollably.
"ChuXue…" his voice lowered, rough and restrained. "You're playing with fire."
The next day.
[Gate of the Spirit Realm – SS-rank Creation Talent]Description: All things possess spirits—some asleep, some awake—in the endless Spirit Realm. This gate is a channel linking reality to that mysterious realm.Effect: The user can form a "Gate of the Spirit Realm" through willpower, summoning one spirit that resonates with their soul to descend into the real world.Note: Only one summoned spirit can exist in reality at a time.
Chen Xiao never expected his S-rank talent [Sheep Spirit] would undergo such a qualitative transformation through [Reproduction]!
This upgrade was even more astonishing than that of [All Things Water].He had become… a summoner.
Of course, Chen Xiao hadn't revealed this ability yet—it was too unbelievable, too dangerous to expose.
But after last night, the problem that had once troubled him was solved.
He might not have another Blood Moon.But his potential was limitless.
As long as he could forge bonds with strong individuals, his talents could keep evolving—stacking endlessly.If this continued… even nuclear weapons might not be enough to kill him.
He might even be able to break into the capital—and take her back by force.
For example, that man who had dragged him underground—the one with [Mountain Piercing]. That ability was perfect for countering thermal weapons.Too bad he was a man.Even if Chen Xiao wanted that ability, the "requirement" was one he could never accept.
"Brother Chen Xiao, are you awake?"
The door opened with a creak. Jiang ChuXue stepped in, moving a little stiffly.
She was dressed in a snow-white long dress, her expression calm and cool again—the alluring outfit from last night had completely disappeared, likely destroyed at dawn.
Chen Xiao smiled faintly and pulled her into his arms."Awake. Go call your brother—we'll have hot pot together."
"Okay!" Jiang ChuXue giggled softly. "I'll go get them right now!"
After a while, Chen Xiao entered the living room. Jiang YunHan and the others were already gathered.
"Oh, everyone's up so early—I'm starving!""We've got to finish half a sheep this morning!"
Jiang YunHan hadn't expected Chen Xiao to be in such a cheerful mood. It genuinely surprised him.
"Chen Xiao, why are you so happy today?"
The Little Monk, standing on his chair, drooled over the bubbling lamb in the pot.
Chen Xiao sat beside him and noticed the Little Monk wasn't wearing his usual hat—his smooth, round tonsure gleamed under the light.
"I'm happy," Chen Xiao said lightly, "because I like to laugh."
"Pfft—" Jiang ChuXue couldn't hold back a giggle, her eyes curving into crescents as she looked at him with quiet affection.
This time, the atmosphere at the table was bright and lively.
It seemed Chen Xiao had finally let go of the matter with Tang Shirou.
That put everyone at ease.
They'd been afraid—terrified, even—that he'd lose control again and start a suicidal war with Tang Xiangui. They had saved him once… but who could guarantee a second time?
After the meal, as everyone dispersed, Chen Xiao stopped Jiang YunHan.
Jiang YunHan sighed softly, as if already guessing what was coming."You still haven't let go…"
Chen Xiao didn't answer. His tone turned calm and firm."I'm going to Cangzhou."
"Cangzhou?" Jiang YunHan frowned. "You have family there?"
"No," Chen Xiao said. "But I have things to do. If anything happens here that you can't handle, send someone to the largest force in Cangzhou. They'll find me."
Jiang YunHan nodded. "Then you…"
"In seven days," Chen Xiao interrupted, "I'll go to the capital."He paused, then added with quiet determination—"To snatch the bride."
Jiang YunHan: "…"
So you didn't hear a single thing we said for two days straight?
But he knew Chen Xiao too well.
If he said he was going to snatch a bride, he would.
As for the outcome… Jiang YunHan didn't dare imagine.Would he have to save him again?He was a doctor, not a miracle worker.
"I can't stop you," Jiang YunHan said slowly. "But you must understand—the Yang family's wedding won't just be about the military.""The top three families will all show up to give face.""It'll be the most powerful gathering since the apocalypse began."
"If you can't win…" his tone grew heavy, "…then run. Run without hesitation. As long as you live, there's still hope."
Chen Xiao nodded. The cold light in his eyes was sharp as a blade.
"When are you leaving?"
"Now."
He stood, gaze turning toward the closed door across the hall."Wait for me," he said quietly, "to come back."
Then, with a light leap, he disappeared from the top of the Jianghe Grain Warehouse, merging into the vast white skyline of the city.
Behind that door, Jiang ChuXue peeked out, revealing half her delicate face. When she confirmed he was gone, a flicker of complicated emotion crossed her eyes.
She walked softly to her brother's side, standing beside him in silence.
"Brother… he left?"
"Mm. He went to Cangzhou."
Jiang YunHan leaned on the railing, feeling the wind sweep over the rooftop. There was a faint chill in it—loneliness, and something like pride.
"If your future husband can do this for you…""As your brother, I'll have no regrets."
Jiang ChuXue's face turned crimson in an instant as last night's memories flashed through her mind.She coughed lightly, flustered, and quickly fled the rooftop.
Jiang YunHan blinked, confused.Why was his sister suddenly so shy?He didn't think he'd said anything wrong.