“Since you were told to do it, you do it. Don’t know how? Don’t know how to say it? Most girls know needlework. Looks like all you can do is swing a sword or handle a spear.” Luo Mingyu couldn’t help but chuckle, reaching out to pat Ling Ruoxi’s little head. He nodded and said, “But that’s exactly why I like you. I’ll keep this incense pouch—it’s your first one, after all.”
“Pfft!” Ling Ruoxi almost choked on her own spit, patting her chest helplessly. “I can’t help it—I don’t know how to do this. Why don’t you choose something simpler? I’ll definitely help you finish it. As long as it’s not cooking or sewing, I can do anything!” She patted her little arm, not wanting the man in front of her to underestimate her; she wasn’t some weakling.
Luo Mingyu chuckled softly. “Haven’t I seen everything on you already? What’s wrong with patting your arm? Has it grown muscles? Let me see.” He reached out, wrapping his arms around her waist and pinching her little arm.
Dizzy from Luo Mingyu’s touch, Ling Ruoxi struggled. “Don’t pinch me, I—”
“Hm? What’s wrong?” His low voice was a bit hoarse. The man holding her showed a proud glint, patting her small rounded buttocks. His lips curved upward. “You… haven’t been hit in a long time. I said, don’t hurt yourself—even for me, it’s not allowed.”
“Luo Mingyu, I…” Shivering slightly, Ling Ruoxi met his eyes and drew a deep breath. A faint smile curved her lips. “Fine. If it’s you, don’t blame me!”
With that, she suddenly lunged into his arms, fiercely kissing Luo Mingyu’s lips.
The proud man chuckled softly, hooking her closer. It seemed he hadn’t punished her in a long time…
A breeze stirred, carrying a soft whistling sound. The Danhuai Tower was a complete mess: overturned tables and chairs scattered across the floor, wall murals destroyed, leaving only empty windows. It looked like a desolate place, with a chilly wind blowing through, making a mournful sound.
“Who entered Danhuai Tower? And all in one night…” East Yang Ze’s expression changed drastically. This was a place he valued greatly, and now it was ruined. Even he could no longer remain calm.
He lifted his brows slightly, clenching his fists, staring coldly ahead.
Bai He quickly surveyed the area. The purple bamboo energy within was still present. She exhaled in relief. “It’s still here, just hiding. I really don’t know who would go to such lengths to get the purple bamboo.”
“This is dangerous. Let’s summon the purple bamboo today,” Qingyi said softly. Purple Dou Qi suddenly appeared in his hands, rapidly enveloping the surroundings to prevent anyone from entering. “The barrier is set. Ruoxi, now use the Demon-Slaying Qin. Bai He, please sing and dance freely.”
“Alright.” Bai He nodded. She wore a flowing blue dress with water sleeves, like a fairy born from the water. As the Demon-Slaying Qin’s notes sounded, a streak of purple light, like lightning, flew directly into Ling Ruoxi’s arms.
“Pfft!” Her hands trembled. Ling Ruoxi stared in shock—this was the purple bamboo! But it was only about fifteen centimeters long, slightly trembling, its purple light restrained, actively moving into Ling Ruoxi’s storage ring.
Hiding her excitement, Ling Ruoxi continued playing the Demon-Slaying Qin. Only she—and perhaps Luo Mingyu behind her—knew her subtle movements. Who would have guessed the purple bamboo would respond immediately to the first note?
After the piece, Danhuai Tower remained quiet.
“Lower the barrier. Seems like the music scared the purple bamboo. You three, stay alert,” Luo Mingyu said softly, a faint smile at his lips. He pressed Ling Ruoxi’s slender fingers on the strings, teasing them lightly.
Qingyi paused, unsure of Luo Mingyu’s intent, but followed his plan, lowering the barrier. The pleasant music rippled outward in waves.
The entire space trembled. The seated man smiled softly, while the performer on stage danced and sang, constantly scanning the surroundings.
“Buzz!” The next moment, the purple aura erupted at the stairs, slowly moving outward as if pulled by an invisible force.
“Now!” Qingyi and Silver Wolf dashed forward, chasing the purple bamboo energy. East Yang Ze moved swiftly but was slightly slower. The purple bamboo suddenly paused, then darted in another direction.
“Quick, intercept it!” Silver Wolf shouted, reaching for the bamboo. The Demon-Slaying Qin slightly restrained it, preventing it from reaching full speed, but even so, Qingyi and Silver Wolf couldn’t catch it.
Meanwhile, East Yang Ze found the bamboo repeatedly moving toward him. He leapt, trying to grab it, but the bamboo was too fast. Just as it was about to reach the exit, a delicate figure snatched it instantly, the cold glint in her eyes flashing. She turned and landed to the side, laughing coldly: “Hahaha, ridiculous! So this is what the purple bamboo looks like, and now it’s in my hands!”
“You… aren’t you Third Miss? How… have you recovered from being foolish? Hand over the purple bamboo! Ordinary people can’t handle it!” Even with the Demon-Slaying Qin sounding, the bamboo’s protective aura had disappeared, but would reappear if the music stopped.
Yue Ling smiled coldly, holding the purple bamboo. “Yes, I am Yue Ling. What, don’t recognize me? Yesterday you humiliated me in front of everyone—forgotten completely? I’ve risked everything to get this purple bamboo!”
She snapped off a piece of the fifteen-centimeter bamboo with a “crack” and swallowed it. The purple bamboo’s energy coursed through her body, her eyes glowing fiercely. She roared, eyeing the remaining piece, hesitating before shoving it into her mouth in a flash.
But this time, she failed—the pale yellow figure snatched the bamboo, swallowing it with a cold smile: “Unexpected, huh? Purple-Rank, what now? The bamboo is mine!”
“Ah, so you’re the one who destroyed Danhuai Tower!” East Yang Ze shouted angrily.
The woman smirked, raising her brow. “Oh? Seems I offended Your Highness? But this tower deserved to be destroyed. My strength has grown—I could even make you into wine, right?”
“Wine? That’s disgusting!” Silver Wolf glared at her, nearly vomiting.
She laughed coldly, wiggling her fingers. “Oh? Sounds like you don’t like eating human flesh? That’s a rare delicacy. Once you taste it, you’ll see how delicious it is. I’m sure you’ll like it.”
“Like it? Get lost. Even if you swallow the bamboo, you’re only at Purple-Rank. You think you can fight us?” Silver Wolf’s brows arched, glaring.
“Fight? I don’t need to fight you. With the bamboo, I can catch East Yang Ze. As for you… don’t let me find a way to defeat you one by one.”
She leapt toward the exit.
But… the figure collided with the barrier like lightning, making the entire tower tremble.
Silver Wolf held his ears, chuckling: “Don’t rush off. Since you’re here, stay a while longer.”
Yue Ling’s face went pale; she clutched her neck and stomach in pain, glaring at everyone.
Qingyi waved and laughed: “No rush. Forgot to mention—the purple bamboo was just a stick. I also added a little something on it. Do you still like it?”
“You!” Yue Ling’s face paled, clutching her stomach in agony. “You’re so despicable! A bunch of Purple-Rank Dou Qi Masters, using such lowly tricks to harm me!”
“Hey, hey! Let’s be clear—we didn’t harm you. You brought it upon yourself. And you, a mere Blue-Rank, we never intended to attack you. The problem is… you were greedy.” Silver Wolf smirked.
Angry, Yue Ling’s eyes blazed. “So you’re really this kind of people. Crown Prince, did you see clearly? The ones stabbing you in the back won’t have a good end!”
“Don’t talk nonsense! If it weren’t for you, the purple bamboo would’ve already appeared!” East Yang Ze shouted. Previously, he wouldn’t have offended a Blue-Rank, but now…
The woman’s eyes gleamed as she continued: “Think carefully. I may be Blue-Rank, but I’ve stayed here all along. They are Purple-Rank, here for the bamboo. If they leave, who can protect you?”
East Yang Ze froze, realizing the truth—if these people left, he’d be vulnerable.
“Go on, as if we’re just Purple-Rank.” Silver Wolf yawned, pressing East Yang Ze’s shoulder, smiling. “Forgot to tell you—we’re from Duanyun. Your Jinshui and Duanyun are connected. Later, we’ll write to Duanyun’s emperor, recommending East Yang Ze as king. Tell me, will Jinshui’s emperor care then?”
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