Chapter 45: A Viper’s Fangs, a Wasp’s Sting

Ni Hao.

He was no stranger to Su Yi either. During his time as the Sword Chief of the Blueriver Sword Manors outer sect, Ni Hao was already an influential figure of the inner sects East Court.

They were acquainted, but they hadnt interacted much.

As for the hint of cold disdain Ni Hao had let slip earlier? Su Yi didnt mind in the least.

Well, now youve seen me. If theres nothing else, you and Ni Hao can leave, said Su Yi flatly; he was clearly kicking them out!

Nan Ying was surprised. It seemed she dared not believe such impolite words had come out of Su Yis mouth.

After a moments silence, she turned apologetically to Ni Hao. Senior Apprentice Brother Ni, can Senior Apprentice Brother Su and I have a quick private chat?

Okay, but dont take too long. Martial Uncle Zhou is waiting for us at the Li Family estate. Ni Hao nodded, ignoring Su Yi completely. He turned and left the courtyard.

Su Yi furrowed his brow, but in the end, he decided to hear what Nan Ying had to say.

Lingxue, go inside and wait for me, he said softly.

Wen Lingxue sensed that the atmosphere was a bit off. She grunted her acknowledgement, then turned and entered Su Yis room.

Soon, only Su Yi and Nan Ying remained beneath the locust tree.

For a moment, Nan Ying stared at him from up close. Then, her lips rose into a faint, playful arc, and she stuck out her jaw. If I hadnt come, I would never have learned that youd sunk so low.

She now seemed like an entirely different person. She was no longer modest, gentle, or elegant. Her beautiful features were contorted with undisguised pride and disdain.

How glorious was the former Sword Chief of Blueriver Sword Manors outer sect? Who would have dared believe that youd wind up as nothing but a disgraced live-in son-in-law, the butt of Guangling Citys jokes? Nan Ying giggled. Well? How does it feel? Awful, right?

So, you came here to bear witness to my shame? Su Yis eyebrows shot up. He couldnt help but mock himself.?Three years! How could I have fancied a fickle, untrustworthy woman like her for so long?

Thats right! I came here to laugh at you! Nan Ying didnt even try to deny it. She jeered, You were once the outer sects Sword Chief. I did everything I could to flatter you and win you over. Every time I saw you, I had to pretend to worship and revere you.

I thought that so long as I stuck with it, youd smoothly enter the inner sect, and that once you did, you could lend me a hand and get me in too. Whod have thought that before becoming an inner sect disciple. Youd lose your cultivation and become nothing but trash?!

Her chest heaved, her pretty face contorted with hatred. I poured three years of hard work into you, all for nothing!

Su Yis furrowed brow gradually relaxed, and he said flatly, So, youre saying that when you were by my side, you never had any real feelings for me?

Obviously! Nan Ying didnt even hesitate. She was looking forward to seeing the hurt look in his eyes and watching him lose his temper.

But she soon discovered that Su Yi was still perfectly calm.

His indifferent bearing made her immensely uncomfortable.

Finally, she recovered her usual composure and smiled radiantly, But its fine. After you were reduced to nothing but trash, I found someone else. Senior Apprentice Brother Ni Hao and I are together now.

Hes a disciple of the Inner Sects East Court, an incomparably dazzling figure at Blueriver Sword Manor, the man of the hour. Even before your accident, you wouldnt even have been worthy of carrying his shoes!

And with his help, I entered the inner sect half a year ago. My current position is far beyond a crippled live-in son-in-law like you!

The more she spoke, the more self-satisfied she seemed; it was obvious that she was deliberately trying to provoke and humiliate Su Yi.

But to her surprise, Su Yis expression didnt so much as ripple.

Dont you have anything to say? Nan Ying couldnt help but ask.

I just feel a bit sorry for Ni Hao, said Su Yi casually. Hes nothing but a tool to you. Youre sure to kick him right out the door the second you find someone better to cling to. Fllw ew stories at n/v(e)lb/in(.)com

Nan Ying froze, then smiled faintly. Su Yi, oh, Su Yi. Im surprised; it seems youve gotten much smarter since we last met.?Youre?right, but theres no way Ill admit it to anyone now.

Su Yi nodded. I can understand that.

You understand nothing! Nan Ying laughed coldly. I only became an inner sect disciple half a year ago. If you hadnt wasted three years of my life, I could have done it much faster!

Su Yi sighed to himself.?Those three years, I sure was blind.

This woman isnt just fickle; shes nothing but a whore whod resort to any means necessary to climb higher up the ranks!

Su Yi thought about it, then said seriously, Your methods and shrewdness are still lacking. Someone truly capable wouldnt reveal their true ugly nature just to vent a bit of resentment. Even the phoniest, most black-hearted hooker has to maintain a beautiful exterior.

In response, Nan Ying only grinned, baring her teeth. So, you finally blew your top and resorted to insults? Let me tell you: in other peoples eyes, Im gentle, modest, pure, and considerate. Even quite a few members of the sects prior generation have developed feelings for me!

Even if a crippled live-in son-in-law like you says Im a whore, wholl believe you? She laughed with incomparable glee.

Junior Apprentice Sister, its getting late. Ni Haos voice transmitted from beyond the courtyard.

Suddenly, Nan Yings smile faded, as did her viciousness, hatred, and resentment. A look of faint concern and vulnerable beauty took their place.

Her bearing was modest, and she was stunningly beautiful, graceful and elegant.

Su Yi shook his head. Who would have guessed all of this was an act?

Su Yi, you and I already belong to two different worlds. It doesnt matter how bitter or unwilling you feel; all you can do is lodge under anothers roof like an ant and live on in degradation. In the future, Ill inevitably soar to prominence, reaching heights you can only look up to but never reach!

Nan Ying drew closer, her gaze heartless and indifferent.

Remember, she whispered, Tell no one about what happened today, or else who knows what I might do?

She smiled faintly, then turned to leave. Of course, even if you do tell people, no one would believe a crippled live-in son-in-law like you!

Su Yi watched her departure. He couldnt help but rub his nose and laugh.

This was for the best; if nothing else, hed untied one of his mental knots. There was no need to pine over a debased woman like her.

It was just like they said: A vipers fangs, a wasps sting, neither is poisonous as the heart of a whore.

Brother-in-law. The door silently opened, and Wen Lingxue walked inside. However, her expression was unsightly, and when she looked at Su Yi, her gaze carried a hint of concern.

You heard that? asked Su Yi.

Not clearly, but I heard part of it, said Wen Lingxue indignantly. That woman is simply vile! Ive never seen anyone so shameless in my life! If Id known shed come with ill intentions, I wouldnt have brought her here.

Theres no shortage of people like her out there, said Su Yi, smiling and tousling Wen Lingxues hair. Theres no need to concern yourself with her.

Suddenly, he noticed that although it had only been a week since theyd last seen each other, the girls aura had undergone a subtle transformation.

Did you start Refining Sinew? asked Su Yi in surprise.

Wen Lingxue immediately flashed him a radiant smile.

Its because that technique you taught me is amazing, she said, beaming. Its only been seven days, but its like Ive been reborn.

Su Yi smiled too, then instructed, When cultivating, there is no greater taboo than haste. Remember to stabilize your foundations and temper yourself. You mustnt be greedy for faster progress.

Wen Lingxue nodded firmly. Ill keep that in mind.

Right, are you planning to participate in the Dragons Gate Banquet? asked Su Yi.

She shook her head, then lowered it, as if avoiding his gaze. Brother-in-law, I came here today in part because theres something I have to tell you.

Su Yi was stunned. What is it?

She whispered, Tomorrow morning, Uncle Wen Changjing is taking me and my father out of the city. Were going to Heavens Origin Academy to visit my sister. Well be gone for at least half a month, and Uncle said that you couldnt come with us.

.

She sounded dejected and helpless.

Are you afraid Ill be upset? Haha, no need to worry. Su Yi couldnt help but laugh and comfort her.

It was clear she was concerned about him; there was no other reason shed be so worried over something so minor.

Then, Brother-in-law Do you have anything youd like to tell my sister? A letter would work too; I can deliver it to her for you, said Wen Lingxue crisply.

Su Yi planned to say no, I dont, but when he saw the young womans expectant gaze, his heart softened.

He was well aware that she still hoped he and her sister could reconcile and repair their relationship.

Alas, although she didnt know it, he and Wen Lingzhao thought of each other as strangers. There was no rift between them, nor any relationship to repair.

The reason they were estranged, the reason they couldnt stand each other, was their marriage itself.

The Jade Capitals Su Family had forcefully intervened from the shadows, and the Wen Family matriarch cooperated, leaving Wen Lingzhao no choice but to marry, unjust as it was.

But it wasnt like he?wanted to marry into the Wen Family, either!

How about this? You can deliver a letter?for?me. Su Yi thought about it, then walked into his room and hurriedly scrawled out a line of text.

When he returned, he carried a sealed envelope, which he passed to Wen Lingxue.

You ought to feel more assured now, right? he said with a smile.

Wen Lingxue accepted the envelope and carefully put it away. Mm!

Just as she was about to leave, Su Yi gave her one final instruction. Remember, you are not to teach your sister the secret art I gave you.

Dont worry, Brother-in-law. That secret stays between us; theres no way Id tell anyone else. Wen Lingxue waved, then skipped off in delight.

Wen Changjing is going to visit Wen Lingzhao at Heavens Origin Academy; he probably doesnt plan to participate in the Dragons Gate Banquet at all. It seems that Wen Lingzhao and her status as a Grandmasters disciple is more important.?Su Yi stood in the courtyard, his arms behind his back.?But thats to be expected. A Grandmasters disciple is enough to intimidate every major power within Guangling City. So long as the Wen Family holds this trump card, theyll have no need to fear any changes in Guangling Citys situation.

He shook his head.

He could roughly discern what the woman who was nominally his wife was thinking.

Shed undoubtedly resented and opposed this marriage right from the start, which spurred her to grow stronger and stronger, all for the sake of seizing an opportunity to annul their marriage.

Did her hatred extend to him or not? Su Yi didnt know, and he didnt care.

He was actually eager for her to dissolve their marriage; it would save him the trouble of doing it himself.

Suddenly, Steward Hu Quans voice rang out from beyond the courtyard gates. Sir, theres a guest here to see you.

Chapter end