PWE – Chapter 165

“I…” Qin Xiaole instinctively wanted to deny it. But when she looked at Qin Xiaoling’s furious face, and then at Xiao Wange’s calm, collected demeanor, she found she couldn’t bring herself to speak a denial.

It seemed that no matter how much she protested now, it was useless. That woman’s magical power was too strong—she knew everything. Denying it now would only make her look like a ridiculous clown, deepening the disdain and contempt of both Xiao Wange and Qin Xiaoling.

“Tiedan is pitiful to have a mother like you. And I feel ashamed to even have you as my eldest sister!” Qin Xiaoling ground her teeth, her anger palpable.

Qin Xiaole clenched her fingers and slightly lowered her head.

Her heart was filled with extreme fear and unease. But beyond fear, there was also a twinge of resentment.

She had done so much, yet her plan had failed. Why hadn’t she been able to take away Qin Xiaoling’s happiness? Was Qin Xiaoling destined for a good life, and she born to suffer? She couldn’t accept it—she really couldn’t!

“Don’t scold your sister for now. Let’s first retrieve your eldest nephew’s soul fragment,” Xiao Wange said lightly, glancing at the furious Qin Xiaoling.

Thinking of her eldest nephew missing a spirit, Qin Xiaoling’s heart tightened. She quickly turned and said, “Right, let’s deal with Tiedan first. Recovering that soul fragment is the most urgent matter.”

She returned to Xiao Wange’s side, waiting for her to act and bring back Tiedan’s soul.

Xiao Wange glanced at Tang Huaijing and said lazily, “Do you want to retrieve it yourself, or should I do it?”

Tang Huaijing knew Xiao Wange was no ordinary person. If she weren’t, she wouldn’t have been able to summon him here.

But him obeying her quietly? That was impossible. He was of the Tang Sect; his sect never did anything so submissive!

He scoffed lightly, looking coldly at Xiao Wange. “If you have the skill, then do it yourself!”

He reached into his chest to retrieve his magical instrument.

But Xiao Wange didn’t give him the chance.

She flicked her wrist, casting a spell. The spell struck Tang Huaijing, immediately paralyzing him.

Tang Huaijing’s eyes widened, and his heart skipped a beat uncontrollably. He tried to dispel the binding, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t.

A cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He lifted his eyes to Xiao Wange. He knew she was formidable—he had underestimated her. He had thought he could gain an advantage over her and walk away unharmed. But with just a flick of her wrist, he was restrained.

What kind of person was she? How could her magic be so powerful?

“The Tang Sect is nothing special,” Xiao Wange said lightly, her tone tinged with mockery.

Tang Huaijing froze. This woman knew he was from the Tang Sect? How could she know? Even Qin Xiaole didn’t know his true identity—she only knew his surname was Tang. How did this woman find out?

He was confused, while Xiao Wange turned to Hou Dayong. “There’s a small wooden box on him. Go take it.”

Hou Dayong nodded, “Alright,” and walked over to Tang Huaijing.

Tang Huaijing wanted to speak, but he couldn’t move or even open his mouth.

He glared at Hou Dayong, signaling him not to act rashly.

Hou Dayong ignored the signal. Reaching Tang Huaijing, he felt around and retrieved the small wooden box.

Walking back to Xiao Wange, he said, “Sister-in-law, I’ve got it.” He handed the box to her.

Xiao Wange took the box, furrowed her brow, and cast a spell on it, opening the lid.

A faint, wispy figure floated out. It was small, looking no older than seven or eight.

Qin Xiaoling looked at the figure. “It’s Tiedan… this is Tiedan!”

Her voice trembled with emotion, as if the real Tiedan were before her.

Xiao Wange beckoned, and the spirit floated to her, standing behind her.

Qin Xiaoling looked at the spirit and asked, “Sister-in-law, what do we do with Tiedan’s soul fragment? How does he return to his body?”

Tiedan must still be back in their village, right? Would they have to take the spirit back there? She didn’t know if Xiao Wange would even agree to go—it was a hassle.

Xiao Wange said, “Wait a moment. When your mother, your eldest sister’s husband, and Tiedan’s body arrive, I’ll return the soul fragment to him.”

Qin Xiaoling blinked in surprise. “Sister-in-law, you mean… my mother and my eldest brother-in-law are coming?”

Xiao Wange nodded, her lips curved in a faint smile. “They should be here in about five minutes.”

Qin Xiaoling’s face lit up with joy. Great! Her mother was bringing Tiedan! It would all be fine once they arrived.

She didn’t doubt a word Xiao Wange said—everything she said was true.

Hou Dayong also didn’t doubt her. He glanced at her, admiration for her growing deeper.

But Qin Xiaole’s body trembled, her heart racing.

Zhou Yangxu and her mother were bringing Tiedan. How could they be coming at this moment? Did they know something?

She dared not think she could hide anything from them. She feared Zhou Yangxu might have encountered a powerful person helping him.

Five minutes later, there was a knock at the door, and Qin Xiaoling’s mother’s voice rang out.

Qin Xiaoling’s smile couldn’t be contained. She looked toward the door and said to Xiao Wange, “It must be my mother and brother-in-law. It has to be them.”

Xiao Wange didn’t reply, just raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly.

Hou Dayong quickly went to the door. Opening it, he saw Qin Xiaoling’s mother and Qin Xiaole’s husband outside.

Zhou Yangxu, Qin Xiaole’s husband, carried a child. The child looked seven or eight years old, but his expression was vacant, like a fool.

Hou Dayong said, “Mom, brother-in-law, you’re here.”

Qin Xiaoling’s mother’s face was still angry, though slightly less so in front of Hou Dayong.

She looked at him. “Where’s your eldest sister? She’s here, right?” She glanced inside the room.

Hou Dayong stepped aside to let them in.

Qin Xiaoling’s mother crossed the threshold, frowning at Qin Xiaole. She immediately rushed over.

She raised her hand and slapped Qin Xiaole. “You wretched girl! Are you even human? Are you human?!”

Qin Xiaole’s head jerked from the blow, leaving five red handprints on her face.

She covered her face and looked at her mother. “Mom…”

“Don’t call me mom! I don’t have a daughter like you!” Qin Xiaoling’s mother shouted, her eyes filled with disappointment and anger.

Zhou Yangxu stepped in with Tiedan. He looked at Qin Xiaole with the same disappointment and sadness.

He had known his wife was not a good woman, but he hadn’t imagined she could be this cruel—hurting even her own son!

“Mom, it’s good you brought Tiedan. He’s missing a soul fragment, which is why he’s so vacant. Now that the fragment has been found, we just need to return it to him, and he’ll be fine,” Qin Xiaoling explained.

Qin Xiaoling’s mother frowned, looking at her in surprise. “How do you know Tiedan is missing a fragment? Did that wretched Qin Xiaole tell you?”

“No, Mom, it’s Sister-in-law,” Qin Xiaoling said, introducing Xiao Wange. “This is our commander’s wife. She’s very skilled—she noticed a little ghost near us and gave us a peace talisman…”

She went on to explain everything in detail.

After hearing it, Qin Xiaoling’s mother hurried to Xiao Wange, gratitude and admiration shining in her eyes. “Thank you, comrade. Thank you so much.”

Xiao Wange smiled faintly. “No need to thank me. Let’s return Tiedan’s soul to his body first.”

Her mother nodded. “Ah… alright, comrade. Thank you for your trouble.”

Xiao Wange said, “No trouble,” then looked at Zhou Yangxu. “Bring the child here.”

Zhou Yangxu felt admiration and gratitude for this beautiful commander’s wife. He carried the child over to her.

Xiao Wange had him place the child down, then cast a spell to return the faint, barely visible soul fragment to Tiedan’s body.

After about three seconds, Tiedan’s previously vacant eyes cleared.

He looked first at his father, then his grandmother, then at Qin Xiaoling and Hou Dayong. Surprised, he asked, “Why am I here? How did I come to Aunt’s house?”

Seeing Tiedan normal again, his grandmother couldn’t help but cry with joy. She held him, patting his back. “He’s normal now. Finally, Tiedan is back to normal.”

Zhou Yangxu, too, couldn’t hold back tears.

He looked at Xiao Wange. “Comrade, thank you. Really, thank you so much.”

Xiao Wange waved her hand. “No need.”

She then turned to the still-controlled Tang Huaijing, raising an eyebrow, her tone lazy. “The child is safe. Now it’s your turn.”

Tang Huaijing’s eyes filled with fear. He didn’t doubt that she would come for him.

He tried to say something, but he was immobilized, unable to utter a word.

As he panicked, a force suddenly grabbed him, dragging him toward the window.

Tang Huaijing rejoiced. It must be someone from the Tang Sect saving him! They would surely rescue him, not let him perish here.

But…

Xiao Wange raised her hand and waved at him. The force dragging Tang Huaijing dissipated into nothingness.

Tang Huaijing: “…”