https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-172-The-Dragon-and-Phoenix-of-Linjiang-Prefecture/12941122/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-174-Named-in-the-Divine-Martial-Temple-Taking-the-Blade-Abyss/12941126/
Chapter 173: Jiang Qiulan's Deep Schemes
Chapter 173: Jiang Qiulan's Deep Schemes
Shen Yi maintained his aloof demeanor, as if he were an outsider to the situation.
As expected, this top-ranked Demon Subjugation General of Qingzhou, a powerful figure just a step away from achieving the Primordial Mastery realm, had established remarkable merits for the court. No one, not even in the capital, could force her to do anything against her will.
However, Jinjiang Heir seemed to have no intention of engaging in further conversation with her.
He quickly turned his gaze towards Shen Yi, his voice slightly tense, "General Shen, I had asked Miss Jiang to invite you to the banquet earlier, but it seems you might have forgotten. So, I came over..."
A hint of confusion flashed across Jiang Qiulan's eyes.
At this point, the effeminate youth's expression turned unexpectedly hostile towards her.
"..."
Shen Yi lifted his gaze to meet the Jinjiang Heir, and he noticed a hint of hidden anticipation on the latter's delicate face.
After a moment's hesitation, he suddenly realized something, and his eyes widened in surprise.
"What's going on?" Jiang Chengyun, a Core Formation Stage warrior, had encountered many situations in his life.
The more he listened, the more astonished he became.
Suddenly, he realized that he might have been worrying about the wrong person.
Shen Yi silently observed Jiang Qiulan, noticing her exquisite and graceful appearance, which became even more captivating when she donned a long skirt, enhancing her demeanor by a few degrees.
He was tempted to suggest that the heir seek medical attention for his eyes, as his aesthetic sense seemed rather morbid.
"..."
To be honest, this was the first time Jiang Qiulan had encountered such a situation.
Even when facing the Young Demon King, her calm and composed face had shown no signs of disturbance, but now, a faint smile, invisible to others, curved her lips.
If her memory served her right, the day before, in the Prince's Mansion, the heir hadn't even spared her a glance when leaving.
As the peculiarity in Shen Yi's eyes intensified, Jiang Qiulan turned her head and said, "General Shen will be accompanying me back to Qingzhou. Please forgive the heir."
Before she finished speaking, she noticed the heir looking back at her.
The heir's previously indifferent expression now carried a hint of coldness, and a mocking smile lifted the corners of his mouth, "So, this is the reason why, after agreeing to my proposal, Miss Jiang intentionally concealed the news and kept General Shen here to drink with you?"
The effeminate youth clicked his tongue and sighed, "Miss Jiang appears pure and virtuous, but her schemes run deep. Truly, she broadens one's horizons!"
After speaking, he coldly laughed and turned to leave.
Just as he took a step, he paused and glanced at Shen Yi with resentment, "General Shen, the Princess Consort is furious. I came early to warn you. Avoid her for a while, and don't get entangled with certain people."
Leaving behind these words, he turned and walked away.
As the Jinjiang Heir quickly exited the courtyard, Jiang Chengyun silently observed Sir Jiang. Suddenly, he recalled the previous day's events—how the heir had asked Shen Yi for his sword as a memento, accurately predicted General Shen's personality, and the high likelihood that he wouldn't attend any banquet. Moreover, he had even changed into a long skirt, a rare occurrence.
All these incidents converged in Jiang Chengyun's mind.
His long-held beliefs began to crumble!
"Keep smiling," Shen Yi raised an eyebrow and calmly looked at Jiang Qiulan, enjoying the spectacle.
"..."
Jiang Qiulan had witnessed countless instances of jealousy, but this was her first experience being the object of someone else's jealousy.
As a martial arts expert on the verge of breaking through to the Primordial Mastery realm, she naturally wouldn't pay much attention to the minor offense of a prince's heir.
She found the experience rather novel and sighed, "I don't have the thoughts he claims I do."
Still stubborn!
Jiang Chengyun clenched his teeth. As Jiang Qiulan's most loyal follower, he had noticed her unusual behavior.
As a Demon Subjugation General, she had come to reside in the demon hunters' courtyard, known for never wasting time in Qingzhou. Surprisingly, she had proactively explained martial arts techniques to General Shen, and most importantly, she had kept him away from Jiang Chengyun!
Fortunately, General Shen maintained his usual aloof demeanor.
Unperturbed by external matters, Jiang Chengyun clenched his fist, his voice low, "We should go elsewhere first, right? There's also Sir Shen."
Offending the heir wasn't a big deal, but angering the princess was far more terrifying than provoking Prince Ji himself.
"Where would you all like to go?"
A gentle laugh echoed from outside the courtyard. Accompanied by two white-robed guards, the elegant and noble Princess Ji gracefully strolled into the courtyard.
"Jiang Qiulan greets the Princess," Jiang Qiulan said as she stepped out of the house.
"No need for formalities," Princess Ji waved her hand lightly, her smile widening. "Sir Jiang has important matters to attend to, yet he still found time to send a message to the Prince's Mansion. I understand the urgency in Qingzhou, but I won't hold it against him."
"Thank you for your understanding, Princess," Jiang Qiulan didn't mind the hidden barbs in the Princess's words.
Princess Ji shook her head, "I wouldn't dare disturb you further. I came here to ask Sir Jiang to deliver a message to the Qingzhou Commander on my behalf."
She withdrew her smile, her words carrying deep meaning, "I hope that when the Demon King severs his Dark Soul, he will remember that it's all thanks to his disciple's efforts."
After saying this, Princess Ji turned and left.
Without a moment's hesitation, she departed.
Watching her leave, Jiang Chengyun's eyes twitched slightly, anger rising within him.
Breathing heavily, he turned to look back.
But Jiang Qiulan had already returned to her seat at the table, and neither she nor Shen Yi seemed to take the Princess's words to heart.
Jiang Chengyun fell silent for a moment, quickly adjusting his emotions and putting on a calm and unhurried expression.
...
The next day, at noon.
In the Demon Hunter's office, Jiang Chengyun inspected a pile of artifacts and pills, including several martial arts manuals. After confirming there were no errors, he placed them all into the Silver Bell.
"By the way, where are Sir Shen's things?" He wondered.
"You'll know when you get back," the woman glanced at him.
Jiang Chengyun frowned, but didn't ask further.
He turned and left the office, returning to his courtyard.
Shen Yi had prepared to depart for Qingzhou, but Jiang Chengyun waved him off, "Let's wait."
"Don't worry," Jiang Qiulan said, also puzzled. "The court never withholds rewards for Demon Hunters or the Demon Suppressing Bureau."
Although mid-grade artifacts were extremely rare, with only twelve in all of Qingzhou, even if Shen Yi had specific requirements, it shouldn't take almost three days to find a decent artifact.
The three didn't have to wait long.
Soon, an aged figure appeared at the courtyard entrance.
Dressed in a green robe, he strolled in leisurely.
He seemed so frail that a gust of wind could topple him, but Jiang Chengyun tensed up.
Jiang Qiulan was taken aback, "Minister Wu?"
The visitor was one of the four elders who oversaw the purification at the Martial Temple the day before.
Ignoring Jiang Chengyun, he nodded slightly to Jiang Qiulan, then sat on the stone bench in the courtyard's center, addressing the black-armored youth, "Ready to return to Qingzhou?"
Although Shen Yi didn't know the elder's identity, he could discern clues from the attitudes of the two beside him. He nodded, "Yes."
The elder's next words completely changed Jiang Chengyun's expression.
"Can you not go back?"
(End of Chapter)
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