I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 146: Lest a Hundred Punches Come

The Prefect suddenly summoned him.

Shen Heng and Ning Li's expressions changed slightly. They exchanged a glance and both sensed an unusual chill.

Bai Yuntian unconsciously tapped the armrest with his fingers, and Long Zheng also suppressed his smug expression.

Xie Yuanyou frowned, looking extremely agitated.

No one asked another question; a heavy and uneasy atmosphere filled the air.

The decree issued by the Prefect was clearly not just a simple question.

Unfortunately, everyone had no choice but to go, whether they wanted to or not.

…………

The main hall is surrounded by high walls, with green tiles and red doors, and gilded animal bells hanging from the eaves, which tinkle gently in the wind.

The stone lions on both sides of the gate raise their heads, as if to suppress the imposing presence of the visitors.

Passing through the front courtyard, the bluestone path stretches straight ahead, with the vermilion-lacquered pillars on both sides looking brand new, and several old plum trees with gnarled branches, their fragrance wafting in the air.

The guards in the side hall stood in rows, their armor gleaming coldly, their hands on the hilts of their swords, their expressions stern.

Inside the main hall, a high table stood in the center, where Prefect Huang Yao sat in the main seat, dressed in a dark black official robe, his face solemn, his eyes revealing a scrutinizing intent.

To his left stood Ni Quanwen, the magistrate of Canglan Academy, dressed in a blue robe. He possessed an elegant demeanor, yet exuded an undeniable aura of authority.

Sitting to the right was Elder Wei Fan, whose temples were slightly gray and whose sharp eyes seemed to see through people's hearts.

Beyond them, to the side of the hall, stood Tong Tianyang, the First Deputy Chief of the First Division, dressed in black with a tall crown, his expression indifferent as ice, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd as if weighing something.

The four men, though of different statuses, all held high positions of power. Their gathering together created an oppressive atmosphere in the entire government office that made it difficult to breathe.

As soon as Xie Yuanyou and the others entered the hall, Prefect Huang Yao's face was ashen, and he began with a cold, sharp question: "How have you been doing your job in the First Hall? Why are you always picking on your own people!"

The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a thunderbolt, instantly freezing the air in the hall.

No one dared to answer; all eyes turned to Xie Yuanyou.

Xie Yuanyou cursed inwardly. He had never wanted to get involved in this matter, but now he was being put on the spot.

He could only brace himself and bow, saying in a deep voice, "Your Excellency, I am not speaking without reason. There is solid evidence in this case, the chain of events is complete, and it is sufficient to convict the perpetrator."

Before he finished speaking, the eyes of several bigwigs in the hall tightened simultaneously, as if waiting for him to produce solid evidence.

Ni Quanwen spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable weight, "Last time, you also said the evidence was conclusive. And what happened in the end?"

His gaze swept directly over Xie Yuanyou and Long Zheng. "Why do you always make things difficult for the once-in-a-century talent of Canaan County?"

With that one sentence, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze.

Tong Tianyang, the deputy director of the First Division, spoke up with a stern face, "What evidence do you have? Xue Xiang is someone who was just given a reward by the central government. You just arrest him like that?"

Even if there were genuine evidence, it should have been reported to the department first. Doesn't the First Division work under the leadership of the First Department?

Xie Yuanyou felt a chill run down his spine, and sweat rolled down his temples.

Footsteps approached from outside the hall, followed by a hoarse voice.

"My lords, I apologize for disturbing you."

As they were talking, an elderly man with white hair and beard entered with his hands clasped in front of him. He had a gentle and refined demeanor, yet he exuded a scholarly air that was not to be underestimated.

He was dressed in a dark blue long robe with slightly wide cuffs. As he walked into the hall, his gaze calmly swept over everyone present.

Ni Quanwen's expression changed slightly. He stood up to greet him, cupping his fists and saying, "So it's Headmaster Shen. It's been a long time."

Shen Fanghe was the headmaster of Baishui Academy. Ni Quanwen had personally listened to his lectures and held him in high esteem, so he had to treat him with courtesy.

Shen Fanghe cupped his hands and said, "I have come today because I heard about Xue Xiang's case and have come to express my concern."

He paused, his gaze calm, yet as clear as still water.

"After all, there are many rumors circulating in the city that Xue Xiang is at odds with powerful families. So, if anything happens to Xue Xiang, people will say that it was done by these powerful families."

Rumors are just rumors, but if such public opinion persists, it can become a hidden danger.

"I have come here only hoping that the government will conduct a fair trial and investigate the case thoroughly, so as to dispel the lingering worries in the hearts of the deceased."

The atmosphere in the hall froze.

Shen Heng, Ning Li, Xie Yuanyou, and Long Zheng all breathed a sigh of relief. With Elder Shen's arrival, the pressure on them was greatly reduced.

After some polite exchanges, Prefect Huang Yao's gaze fell on Tong Tianyang, the Deputy Chief of the First Division. "Since this matter falls within the First Division's system, Deputy Chief Tong, do you think it's better for you to handle the investigation, or for Xie Tang to do it?"

Tong Tianyang's gaze shifted, "Since the case occurred in Canaan County, it is only natural that the First Court of Canaan County should handle the trial."

"Thank you, sir. You will preside over the trial. If a verdict cannot be reached today, my First Division will intervene."

Xie Yuanyou's brows twitched slightly, inwardly groaning, but he could only bow and accept the order, "Yes."

After everyone was seated, Xie Yuanyou didn't waste any words and immediately ordered someone to bring Xue Xiang up.

Footsteps sounded outside the hall, and chains rattled softly.

In a short while, Xue Xiang was escorted into the hall by two guards.

As soon as he entered, he raised his head and shouted loudly, "Injustice! I have been serving the public with all my heart, yet I have been framed. Your Excellencies, please investigate!"

The room fell silent; some people watched coldly, while others secretly observed.

Xie Yuanyou frowned, then suddenly raised his hand and slammed the gavel down, the crisp sound echoing in the hall. "Xue Xiang, if you are truly wronged, you may shout as much as you want in court today."

After stopping Xue Xiang, Xie Yuanyou began to introduce the case, "Ever since the Zhengyi Hall closed the case last time, the prestige of the Spiritual Property Clearing Room has soared in the county."

However, a rumor has begun to circulate that the Spiritual Property Clearing Room is secretly adjusting the order of cases to put pressure on the families and sects involved.

His voice was very low and heavy. "Immediately afterwards, the United Trading Company organized a charity auction, auctioning several paintings and calligraphies at high prices, claiming that all proceeds would be donated to the relief center."

Ironically, the families and sects involved in the case all happened to send representatives to participate in this charity sale.

He turned his gaze to Xue Xiang, his voice turning cold, "According to the investigation, the cheapest piece of calligraphy and painting sold for two hundred spirit stones, and that piece of calligraphy and painting—is neither an antique nor the work of a famous artist."

Xue Xiang, is this true?
Furthermore, is that United Trading Company related to you?

Xue Xiang said loudly, "I am aware of this matter, and the charity sale was a public affair. As for the United Trading Company, I do indeed hold some shares."

However, I do not agree with the idea that those people participating in the charity sale constituted bribery in disguise.

Large clans and sects, when their granaries are full, know etiquette; who doesn't have a bit of kindness and good intentions?
Their willingness to contribute financially is ultimately a good thing.

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall paused slightly.

Ni Quanwen and Wei Fan exchanged a glance across the crowd, their hearts skipping a beat at the same time.

This explanation is far-fetched.

They knew perfectly well that the families involved in the case were not known for their benevolence.

If they truly had good intentions, they wouldn't have bothered traveling thousands of miles to Suiyang Town to attend such a charity sale, especially since it happened to be held under the name of a business company with a stake in Xue Xiang.

Xie Yuanyou sneered and said, "It seems you won't shed a tear until you see the coffin."

He waved his hand, "Summon the witnesses!"

Immediately, more than ten people were invited up, each dressed elegantly and with a dignified bearing. They were representatives from various families and clans who had participated in the charity sale.

Under Xie Yuanyou's questioning, these people, one by one with a calm or somewhat smug expression, testified in public that the reason they bought those paintings and calligraphy was not because of the paintings themselves, but to curry favor with Xue Xiang.

Some even stated that they did indeed benefit afterward, as they were not initially targeted in the spiritual property cleanup room's arrangements.

A murmur immediately broke out in the hall.

Xie Yuanyou placed his hands on the table and said coldly, "That's the truth. Xue Xiang, what else do you have to say?"

Xue Xiang remained calm and slowly said, "Since the beginning of the year, the Spirit Property Cleanup Room has been undergoing rectification and has not yet officially started work, so naturally no spiritual property has been cleaned up."

It's perfectly normal that they weren't targeted.

Xie Yuanyou slammed his fist on the table and stood up, shouting, "Lies! Did you take their money or not?"

Xue Xiangdao said, "If they buy the items at the charity sale, the organizers will naturally accept them."

Xie Yuanyou stared intently at him and sneered, "So, you've accepted it."

Xue Xiang nodded frankly, "We did receive the money, but all the proceeds from the charity sale were donated."

Xie Yuanyou snorted and said, "You donated it? Then where did you get the 1,500 spirit stones from when you went to the Guangfeng auction?"

As far as I know, even the United Trading Company wouldn't receive that much money in a year, right? Even with your salary, it's far from enough.

He lowered his voice slowly, "And the money those people donated through the charity sale was exactly a little over 1,500. Could it be such a coincidence?"

Shen Heng couldn't suppress the smile on his lips.

Ever since he received the mission, he has been like a cheetah lurking in the shadows, keeping a close eye on Xue Xiang's every move.

He sensed something was up as soon as the United Commercial Group's charity sale began.

He was secretly shocked by Xue Xiang's sophisticated methods of accepting bribes, and he also realized that his chance to kill Xue Xiang with one blow had come.

He secretly accumulated resources, slowly planned, and proceeded step by step. Finally, he found Xue Xiang's fatal flaw.

He cannot afford to lose.

The Shen family can't afford to lose either.

The major families of Canaan could not afford to lose either.

Without taking down Xue Xiang, the major clans will lose face and prestige, and will no longer be able to awe the world.

If Xue Xiang is not defeated, there will be a backlash, and no one can bear the consequences.

Fortunately, it's all finally over.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, a witness requests an audience. The visitor identifies himself as the Second Master of the Observation Division."

A deacon hurried inside and reported.

Suddenly, everyone turned to look at Xue Xiang.

Everyone knows that Xue Xiang and Song Tingfang, the Director of the Fengshi Bureau, both belong to the Tongjiang School.

At this moment, the arrival of people from the Fengshi Bureau clearly indicated that Song Tingfang had sent them to exert pressure.

"It's no use, the chain of evidence is closed."

Shen Heng sneered inwardly.

After a dozen or so breaths, Xiao Guanshui, the Second Hall Master of the Wind Watching Division, stepped in.
He was slender and composed, with sharp eyes like an eagle. After scanning the crowd in the hall, he bowed to the officials according to official etiquette.

After the ceremony, Xiao Guanshui said, "I was shocked to learn that Xue Xiang is involved in a bribery case related to a charity sale. I happen to know the inside story and have come here to testify."

Xie Yuanyou said, "Master Xiao, let me say something."

If you are to say that Xue Xiang donated the proceeds from the charity sale to the relief home, and you were there to witness it.

I advise you to refrain from using such rhetoric.

Xie Yuanyou, having spent so much time in criminal law, was all too familiar with such remedial measures.

“I wasn’t present, but our Lord Si Zun was.”

After Xiao Guanshui finished speaking, he took out a stone from his pocket that was exactly the same as the recording stone that Xue Xiang had seen at Guangfeng Trading Company.

As Xiao Guanshui focused his mind, the stone revealed streaks of white light, which converged and cast shadows in the air.

In the scene, Xue Xiang personally hands a heavy money box to the head of the relief home. The head of the home opens the box on the spot to check the amount, then clasps his hands together, moved to tears of gratitude.

Song Tingfang was standing to the side.

The image shifts to a stack of receipts bearing the official seal of the relief center, the handwriting clearly legible, and the amount of silver exactly matching the "charity sale proceeds" Xie Yuanyou had just mentioned.

Xiao Guanshui said in a deep voice, "Vice President Xue was afraid that someone would misinterpret this matter, so he asked Director Song of the Observation Division to be a witness."

Considering that verbal testimony was insufficient and that some might still not believe him, Song Si-zun personally went to the relief center, retrieved a recording stone, and recorded the video as evidence.

The people in the hall fell silent for a moment, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Shen Heng felt a sudden boom in his head, the world spinning around him, his ears ringing, and even the back of the chair he was sitting on seemed to lose its support, almost causing him to fall over.

He suddenly understood, he understood everything. This was Xue Xiangbu's bait, and he swallowed it whole.

But how could he possibly anticipate the enemy's move? How is that even possible...?

Xue Xiang stared at Shen Heng with a smile, feeling extremely pleased.

He certainly didn't have the ability to anticipate the enemy's moves; he just knew in his heart that he had to set up alarm devices before accepting bribes.

The so-called alarm device is to prevent powerful families from causing trouble at charity sales.

Xue Xiang knew that this charity sale was like a salted fish, placed under the pillow of the old cat, the aristocratic family.

If you let an old cat rest its head on a salted fish, it might be able to endure it for a day, but not two. It will eventually be unable to resist taking a bite.

Once the old cat takes that bite and is overwhelmed by the saltiness, he can finally eat his fish in peace.

The most crucial element of this entire alarm system is the witness, a witness who can prove that he did not receive the money.

There is no more suitable witness than Song Tingfang, the head of the Bureau of Observation.

Xue Xiang had done all this and was just waiting to see when the alarm would sound.

Of course, his trip to Guangfeng Trading Company was essentially a catalyst to accelerate the process. He hadn't expected that Shen Heng and his group had been itching to act for so long; his visit to Guangfeng Trading Company acted like a catalyst that exploded immediately.

Right now, not only have they gotten Shen Heng and the others into trouble, but Guangfeng Trading Company has also been dragged into it.

After all, this case could no longer be kept secret.

It's one thing that Xue was killed, but the government's press conference cleared Guangfeng Trading Company of any wrongdoing.

Now the situation has reversed; Guangfeng Trading Company has become a black hole for luring and ensnaring officials, a slaughterhouse-like place.

Once you leave this impression, no business should ever open again.

This is precisely why Bai Yuntian was extremely unwilling for Shen Heng and others to arrest Xue Xiang at Guangfeng Trading Company.

Shen Fanghe, who had been sitting steadily, suddenly leaned forward, coughed violently, his face turned from white to red, and even the blood vessels in the corners of his eyes became visible.

He didn't say a word, got up and left.

Ni Quanwen and Wei Fan exchanged a glance, their expressions extremely complex, a mixture of relief and anger gradually igniting in their eyes.

Lord Huang Yao frowned deeply, his gaze sweeping over everyone present like a sharp blade, his heart filled with vexation.

Ning Li's face was ashen, his fingertips tightened slightly, and his eyelids twitched uncontrollably. Bai Yuntian had already slumped into his chair.

The dragon's front was as black as charcoal, and its lips trembled slightly.

Xie Yuanyou's forehead was covered in sweat. If it weren't for the occasion, he would have rushed forward and given that good-for-nothing Long Zheng a few hundred slaps.

The group of witnesses who had just been gritting their teeth and pointing fingers at Xue Xiang in court now looked as if their bones had been pulled out.

Some people collapsed to the ground, their eyes vacant and lifeless.

Suddenly, someone cried out in panic, "Master Shen Heng! You must do justice for us! We were ordered to testify, and now..."

Xie Yuanyou waved his hand in disgust, and the man was immediately dragged out.

The atmosphere in the hall was so heavy that it seemed as if even the air itself had frozen. Any sound was like a crack striking the surface of ice, crisp and deadly.

Shen Heng suddenly felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.

It's over, it's over.

In the last battle at Zhengyi Hall, they failed to protect Wang Bodang and others, and instead these people were exiled thousands of miles away, severely damaging the reputation and authority of the aristocratic families.

This time, they were just as unable to protect those who had been tricked into pointing fingers at Xue Xiang.

If the accusation is false, the perpetrator will be found guilty of making a false accusation, a serious offense.

At this moment, the accusations against Shen Heng were tearing apart the golden armor of the aristocratic families.

The foundation of a prominent family lies in its network of connections and its rich heritage.

If allies, disciples, and dependents are repeatedly ruined, disgraced, and their families destroyed, then who will be willing to risk their lives for them in the future?

Who else would give face to these powerful families?
Thinking of this, Shen Heng felt a tightness in his chest, as if a huge boulder was pressing down on him, making it difficult to even breathe.

Ni Quanwen grunted, "Time and time again, it's time for Canaan County to be properly reorganized."

In my opinion, the atmosphere of officialdom reflects the atmosphere of scholarship; I, ​​as the head of the temple, have failed in my duty.

Upon hearing this statement, Huang Yao had no choice but to stand up and leave, admitting his guilt.

Xie Yuanyou was even more terrified. If Canglan Academy were to make trouble because of this, his student status would be in jeopardy.

"Your Excellencies, rest assured, the First Division is in charge of the state's laws and regulations and will never sit idly by while those who falsely accuse meritorious officials go unpunished. The First Division will personally oversee the case of the false accusation against Xue Xiang."

Tong Tianyang's muffled voice was like thunder. Long Zheng could no longer maintain his balance and collapsed to the ground.

…………

Deep inside the prison, the light was dim.

The walls are built of bluestone, and a slight dampness seeps out from between the stones, like the bottom of a well that has never seen the sun for many years.

A copper oil lamp burned in the corner, its flame flickering quietly, casting long, thin shadows.

Zhao Huanhuan sat cross-legged on a wooden couch covered with a hemp mattress, her back straight, but she couldn't hide the weariness between her brows.

Her clothes were neat, the cuffs were spotless, and the ribbon at her waist was tied perfectly.

The prison was far more dignified than people imagined.

Beside the wooden couch stood a table and a chair, on which lay tea, fruit, and even a few books.

Occasionally, prison guards would deliver meals, their movements respectful, as if they were receiving a temporary guest rather than treating prisoners.

But she knew that all this composure was nothing more than an illusion, like a caged bird.

From the moment she was arrested and imprisoned, she understood that this was Xue Xiang's retaliation.

He suspected he was the mole.

He suspected that he had cooperated with the aristocratic family's actions.

Doubting yourself is setting a trap for him.

Thinking of this, her chest tightened slightly, as if a cold stone was pressing down on it.

She is not afraid of imprisonment.

What she fears is genuinely feeding the dog.

The oil lamp in the corner crackled, sparks rising and falling, just like her thoughts these days.

It shone brightly and warmed us, but ultimately faded into silence.

“Those who are pitiful often have something hateful about them.”

Zhao Huanhuan deeply regretted that she had finally shown genuine affection, only to receive such a return in return.

Suddenly, the heavy clatter of the iron gate's bolt echoed slowly through the corridor.

The key turned, making a soft, metallic clanging sound.

With a creak, the door was pushed open, and a tall, slender figure appeared in the doorway.

Under the lamplight, Xue Xiang stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes calm as still water.

Zhao Huanhuan remained seated on the wooden couch, not even lifting her eyelids.

Xue Xiangmai stepped inside and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

Zhao Huanhuan slowly raised her eyes, a faint sneer appearing on her lips.

"hypocritically."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a hint of coldness. "Have you had enough fun, Lord Xue? How else do you want me to cooperate? A whip? Or iron clamps? Kill me or torture me, it's all up to you."

Xue Xiang smiled slightly, dragged over a chair, sat down, and quietly admired the alluring woman.

Even while in prison, this man's every smile and frown still captivated hearts.

She chuckled softly, but the light in her eyes was as cold as a knife. "No need for interrogation, I did it."

"It means I colluded with powerful families."

"It was I who leaked the information about the charity sale."

She spoke very quickly, as if she wanted to expel all the pent-up frustration in her chest in one breath.

Xue Xiang sighed deeply, "I offered my heart to the bright moon, but the bright moon shines on the ditch."

His eyes were calm, yet tinged with a hint of regret. "I thought that Sect Leader Zhao was so intelligent that he would surely understand my deeper meaning."

Zhao Huanhuan stared at him, her eyes slightly shimmering.

"Though Xue was cunning in his life, he never betrayed his friends."

Xue Xiang's gaze softened. "Sect Leader Zhao is cooperating with me, though in secret."

But the aristocratic families knew the truth perfectly well.

In Canaan, the powerful families dare not make things difficult for you.

But government offices remain, officials come and go; Xue will eventually be transferred.

He paused, his tone slightly somber, "If I leave, how will Sect Master Zhao cope in Canaan County?"

These words were like a muffled thunderclap, rolling through Zhao Huanhuan's heart.

Her breath hitched, and the light in her eyes changed slightly.

She got it.

Xue Xiang's attempt to seize him was a deliberate pretense of a falling out.

All they wanted was to put on a protective layer for themselves.

Zhao Huanhuan's eyes suddenly felt hot.

Over the years, she has collaborated with officials before.

Without exception, everyone only wants to use and possess themselves, treating themselves as objects that can be exchanged at will.

Negotiating prices coldly, settling accounts coldly.

Only Xue Xiang thought so thoroughly and far ahead for himself.

Having never been treated so gently before, she had considered countless possibilities during her three days in prison, but dared not even imagine this one.

This warm sentiment pierced through her years of defensiveness.

It shattered the thin layer of ice in her heart.

Tears welled up instantly.

She raised her hand to wipe it away, but the more she wiped, the more there was.

Xue stepped forward, wanting to comfort her, but didn't know where to begin. He thought of handing her a handkerchief, but there was no such thing in the talisman.

He was at a loss when Zhao Huanhuan suddenly reached out and hugged him tightly.

The force carries with it a complete dependence and reliance.

Warm breath brushed against my neck.

The moment their skin touched, it felt as if an electric current surged through their veins.

Xue Xiang felt a slight tremor in his chest.

A strange yet intense emotion is quietly creeping into my heart.

Suddenly, Zhao Huanhuan's sadness was choked off by a hard object that had quietly risen.

Her pretty face flushed red, and she quickly stepped back, spat lightly, and turned away.

Xue Xiang felt extremely embarrassed, realizing that his cultivation was still inadequate. He could not control his blood sugar, blood pressure, and insulin secretion, let alone the mere corpus cavernosum.

Zhao Huanhuan was secretly delighted. With her high emotional intelligence, she didn't want Xue Xiang to feel awkward, so she changed the subject and asked how the case was going to be handled.

She has been arrested by Xue Xiang for three days, but it has been ten days since the First Division took over the case.

Xue Xiang said, "The case has been closed."

All those who made false accusations were convicted, and the First Court delivered its verdict in court. Shen Heng, the mastermind behind the accusations, was stripped of his official rank, escorted back to his hometown, and barred from ever holding office again. Thirty percent of his family property was confiscated to atone for the crime of making false accusations.

Ning Li, lacking any official rank or title, was sent to a region outside the prefecture to perform three years of hard labor. The other sects and family representatives involved in the case were either fined or expelled from the prefecture.

Even Guangfeng Trading Company was fined three thousand spirit stones, severely damaging its vitality.

Xie Yuanyou was transferred after failing to handle two cases successfully.

Long Zheng, in cahoots with Shen Heng, was dismissed from his official post and sent to serve in the border regions.

Zhao Huanhuan said softly, "Lord Xue, you've mastered a clever trick of feinting and deception. Even I was kept in the dark. How could they not fall for it?"
This young lady simply cannot understand where you, at such a young age, acquired such strategic acumen.

Xue Xiang said, "I don't have any strategies; I'm just used to being kind to people."

Zhao Huanhuan covered her mouth and chuckled. The handsome young man in front of her was so pleasing to the eye, but then she felt sad about her own past.

Xue Xiangdao said, "You will still be in charge of the charity sale, but this time you will stay in the shadows and don't need to show your face."

Zhao Huanhuan agreed, "After this experience, no one will dare to lay a hand on you easily again. It's better to get a good beating than a hundred punches later."

However, even if they start making money now, it's too late to exchange it for Foundation Establishment Pills.

Xue Xiang said, "Of course I know that. It's not too late to make a breakthrough after I return from the Refining Realm."

After saying that, he stood up and told Zhao Huanhuan to get ready so he could leave.

Zhao Huanhuan stepped forward, half-blocking Xue Xiang's path, a smile playing on her lips, and said softly, "May I ask, Lord Xue, if I have truly made a mistake this time, how will you punish me?"

As she spoke, she leaned slightly closer, so close that their breaths mingled, her eyes sparkling with a hint of provocation.

Xue Xiang's expression remained unchanged. "Then you'll see another side of me. Go to the dark underworld and inquire about the legend of the Whip Woman Hero."

After saying that, he strode out the door.

Zhao Huanhuan was stunned for a moment before she realized what she meant. Then she couldn't help but laugh and thought to herself, "It would be good if you could just talk a good game."

(End of this chapter)