Chapter 26 [VIP] The Martial World (7)

Chapter 26 [VIP] The Martial World (7)

After a while, the lingering fragrance in the air finally began to dissipate as the incense burned out.

Nan Yan washed up hastily, her hair still undone, and hurriedly put on her clothes. As soon as the door opened, she rushed toward Xiao Guanxue's courtyard.

She passed through a secluded and tranquil corridor, with the sounds of cicadas and birds gradually emerging.

The sky was just beginning to lighten, and the morning mist still lingered in the valley, creating a cold yet serene atmosphere reminiscent of a heavenly realm.

It was a breathtakingly beautiful scene, yet someone, oblivious to it, shattered this tranquility with the sound of kicking a door.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Nan Yan forcefully knocked on the wooden door opposite her, her palms turning red from the impact, completely disregarding the pain, "Xiao Guanxue, come out right now! Did you do this... you despicable, shameless villain?"

Nan Yan's face was pale, her eyes brimming with tears, "Even if you wanted to take revenge for Sumo, you shouldn't resort to such despicable means. I always thought you were an honorable gentleman. I was mistaken. I never expected you to stoop so low, to harm a woman with such vile tactics. You scoundrel, open this door right now..."

"Open this door..."

Xiao Guanxue, having just finished washing up, was still groggy when he heard a series of angry shouts and curses outside his door.

The voice was familiar; he had just interacted with that woman yesterday, so he knew who it was. But why would she come to berate him out of the blue?

Before he could sort out his thoughts, the woman outside seemed to have noticed the movement inside. The intensity of her kicking increased, as if determined to break down the door.

"Come out... you villain..."

Xiao Guanxue's headache worsened with the noise, especially irritated by the woman's incessant accusations of being a villain and employing shameless tactics.

Anyone would be infuriated by such unprovoked and harsh criticism.

"What exactly does this woman want to do?"

"Why is she plotting something out of the blue?"

"Moreover, what have I done to be accused and framed by her in such a manner?"

Xiao Guanxue, frustrated, barely opened the door and was about to ask, "What exactly do you want?"

But before he could get the words out, he saw her charging at him like a madwoman, clutching a hairpin and aiming straight for his heart.

Even for someone as experienced as Xiao Guanxue, this scene took him by surprise. What was she doing? Did they have such a deep grudge that she needed to retaliate in this way?

Apart from their verbal spat yesterday, he couldn't recall doing anything to harm her. Yet, she seemed intent on killing him?

"What on earth are you trying to do!"

Xiao Guanxue's expression turned cold, his movements quick as he grasped her wrist. With a slight force, the hairpin dropped to the ground with a "snap." Nan Yan, pulled off balance, nearly stumbled into him.

"You have the nerve to ask me what I'm doing?"

"You know very well what you did to me. I thought you were a gentleman, annoying but at least compassionate as a healer. But I didn't expect you to stoop to such despicable means to harm me..."

Tears welled up in the girl's eyes, her face a picture of aggrieved anger, her furious gaze almost piercing.

"You... you are utterly shameless!"

Xiao Guanxue had no idea what she was ranting about, feeling like her irrational words were as annoying as a swarm of flies buzzing around his head, giving him a headache.

"What nonsense are you talking about? I haven't done anything."

This was an utterly baseless accusation.

Trying to contain his impatience, Xiao Guanxue caught a glimpse of her disheveled clothes and the slightly reddened skin at her neckline. He awkwardly turned his face away, not daring to look any longer.

Nan Yan continued her tearful accusations, "Now you even want to deny it? Are you saying these marks on my body weren't caused by your despicable actions?"

"I knew you were up to no good, calling yourself a divine doctor. You're nothing but a hypocrite."

Xiao Guanxue was infuriated by her words. He had no quarrel with her; why was this woman singling him out for such treatment?

"You..."

He wanted to say something, but before he could, she had cornered him so effectively that he couldn't get a word in.

"What 'you'? You feel sorry for Sumo, seeing her bullied by me yesterday, so you harbor resentment and seek revenge, right? If you have any grievances, just say them. But why... why would you do something so malicious?"

Xiao Guanxue was completely baffled, genuinely not understanding what was happening. How could she be so unreasonable?

Then, catching a glimpse of the red rash on her neck, and upon closer inspection of her face which had been hidden under a veil, he noticed similar rashes. He had only seen her tearful eyes before, but now he realized her face was also affected.

Xiao Guanxue seemed to understand something. He frowned, stepped forward, and directly lifted her sleeve to check her wrist. Seeing the same rash there, he finally began to piece things together.

"You've been poisoned?"

At this, Nan Yan's anger intensified, tears uncontrollably streaming down. Her once clean veil was soaked with tears. In frustration, she tore off the veil and threw it to the ground.

"Still denying you poisoned me? You only had to look once to know I've been poisoned. It must have been premeditated, leading to my current state..."

Xiao Guanxue opened his mouth, but found himself at a loss for words.

Her ability to turn the tables on him was infuriating.

He was a doctor, after all; wasn't it natural for him to recognize the symptoms of poisoning at a glance? Moreover, he recognized the poison – it likely came from the flowers and plants in his garden.

"But those flowers and plants are non-toxic by nature. I have no reason to harm her. Could this be a misunderstanding?"

"It's fortunate that I haven't lost my senses. Being defamed and scolded to the point of speechlessness is indeed unprecedented. If it were any other woman behaving so unreasonably, I would have used a poison needle on her by now."

"I want to explain, but the flower poison is indeed related to me. I have to soften my tone to calm her down first, 'I didn't poison you, I have no reason to harm you.'"

"Bah, how can you say you have no reason? Isn't your affection for Sumo reason enough?"

Nan Yan's eyes were red from crying, her breathing erratic and labored. Her originally pale cheeks had taken on a flush, making her appear extremely frail.

"But Xiao Guanxue knew this was all a facade. The lady's skill in acting differently in front and behind others was quite formidable."

"Hearing her bring up Sumo again, I felt a wave of embarrassment and irritation. It's aggravating for anyone to have their secrets repeatedly exposed, especially by someone as troublesome as her."

"What nonsense are you talking about? Why drag others into this? If I really wanted to poison you, I'd ensure to mute your voice first, so you wouldn't be able to wrongfully accuse innocent people like this."

"So you finally admit it, huh? You're thinking of muting me? Let me tell you, if you dare to bully me, I'll have the guards of Mingyue Mountain Villa burn down this shabby valley to the ground!"

"Her petulant and spoiled nature is indeed on full display."

“……”

"Xiao Guanxue was left speechless, wondering if Xie Yu really knew what kind of person his little sweetheart was."

"So much for being gentle and considerate."

"Rubbing his aching brow, I felt that speaking another word to her might kill me with frustration. So I bluntly said, 'Do you want this poison cured or not?'"

"As soon as I said this, the crying on the other side finally stopped."

Nan Yan suddenly looked up, her eyes red from crying, appearing washed and bright like they had been cleansed with water, and stared at him doubtfully, "What did you say? Can this poison... be cured?"

Xiao Guanxue nodded, "Of course, it can be cured." He knew the poison he cultivated himself would have a remedy.

The young lady gave him a sharp look, her long, dark eyelashes dripping with tiny tears. Far from intimidating, she looked rather vulnerable, "Then why aren't you hurrying to cure me?"

Her commanding attitude was quite natural to her.

Nan Yan was extremely itchy; if the poison on her body wasn't cured, the red rashes on her hands would only get itchier. She lifted her sleeve, revealing her wrist which had turned significantly redder. She wanted to scratch but dared not, and her eyes reddened again as her breathing became more labored.

"Aren't you going to hurry up?"

Unable to help herself, Nan Yan urged him again.

Xiao Guanxue gave her a sideways glance, irritated. This woman was asking for help yet so brazenly demanding, truly oblivious to her own audacity.

Intending to teach her a lesson, he deliberately moved slowly.

"Rushing me is useless. The poison isn't lethal, but it lasts a long time. I need to study it a bit."

Nan Yan seemed to catch on to his intentions, getting so angry that she punched him in the chest, her voice slightly hoarse, "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Are you dragging your feet just to make me suffer? Let me tell you, if you don't cure this poison right away, I'll go and bully your beloved."

Xiao Guanxue frowned upon hearing this.

He felt this woman was utterly unreasonable.

Not wanting to argue with her, he lifted her sleeve, revealing her fair skin turned red and scratched in places – clearly, the lady couldn't resist the itch and had scratched herself. If she applied any more force, she might even break the skin.

He took out a silver needle, intending to cure the poison first.

Nan Yan instinctively withdrew her hand at the sight of the slender silver needle glinting coldly, her eyes warily fixed on him, "What are you going to do with that?"

Xiao Guanxue's eyebrows lifted slightly, amused to see the usually fearless woman apprehensive. He explained with a straight face, masking his teasing intent.

"Naturally, I'm going to cure your poison first. Fortunately, the toxicity on your body isn't strong. A few needle pricks and you'll be fine."

"However, to remove the red rashes on your body, I need to prepare a new medicine. You'll have to wait a bit longer. Let me apply these needles first."

Upon hearing this, Nan Yan immediately realized his intentions. He was clearly using the guise of curing her as an opportunity for revenge.

"Such a petty and malicious man."

But if he wanted to play a game, Nan Yan was more than willing to join in.

She instinctively retracted her hand further and hesitated, "Wait a moment..."

The young lady looked up at him, her recently tear-streaked, pale eyelids faintly blushed. Despite the rashes marring her face, it only added to her pitiful appearance.

"Is there... no other way to cure the poison? That needle is so long, it looks terrifying. Can't you use a shorter one?"

Xiao Guanxue softened for a moment at her vulnerable look. It wasn't about being smitten, but rather the natural protective instinct men have towards women.

"Indeed, why am I fussing over trivialities with a fragile woman?"

But then he reconsidered, knowing she was adept at deceiving. Who could say whether this display wasn't just an act?

With that thought, Xiao Guanxue gave her a few more scrutinizing glances, then placed the acupuncture set on the table. The array of silver needles shimmered chillingly, enough to make one's scalp tingle, "It's just a few needle pricks. If the lady is unwilling, feel free to seek someone more skilled."

"Remember, the longer you delay, the itchier it will get. If you end up scratching your face raw and scarring it, don't blame me for not warning you."

As he made to leave, the person behind him immediately grabbed his sleeve, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance in her eyes.

"Stop right there."

The girl looked at the row of silver needles, feeling a shiver down her spine. She touched her face apprehensively, worried about the consequences Xiao Guanxue mentioned. How could she face anyone if her fears came true?

Resolutely, she extended her hand, presenting her wrist like a piece of jade, clearly signaling him to proceed quickly.

Xiao Guanxue lifted his eyelids slightly, giving her a fleeting glance. As he picked up a silver needle and was about to begin, Nan Yan intentionally flinched.

Xiao Guanxue, finding her troublesome, firmly grasped her wrist, warning in a cold tone, "Don't move, or it'll hurt more, and don't blame me."

Just as he was about to insert the needle, a voice from behind interrupted them.

"Yan Yan?"

Xie Yu, who had arrived unnoticed, now stood in the courtyard, his dark eyes quietly observing the overly intimate figures inside.

"What are you doing in Xiao Guanxue's courtyard?"

Nan Yan said nothing. She was facing away from him, hurriedly covering her face, seemingly concerned about being seen in her current state.

Xie Yu's gaze fell on Nan Yan's disheveled hair. Seeing her indifferent demeanor, he couldn't help but think of the words she had said to him the previous evening.

A sense of unease uncontrollably welled up inside him, prompting him to call out her name instinctively.

"Yan Yan, come out."

There was no response from inside.

Xie Yu grew increasingly agitated, recalling the conversation he had with Sumo the night before.

For some reason, Sumo's attitude towards him had become unusually indifferent.

She had said some perplexing things, insisting they were just friends and that he should not seek her out anymore...

After persistent questioning, she finally spoke angrily, "If you want to know why, go ask your dear childhood friend."

Xie Yu was taken aback, unable to comprehend her sudden change in behavior.

But her sudden mention of Nan Yan made him suspect. Had Nan Yan said something inappropriate to her, or had she been deceiving him all along?

So, early in the morning, Xie Yu went to Nan Yan's courtyard, wanting to ask what she had said to Sumo yesterday.

But after searching, he found no one and heard some noise from the neighboring courtyard on his way back.

That's how he ended up here.

He hadn't expected to witness this scene – their entangled posture resembling intimate lovers, with Yan Yan clutching his sleeve and Xiao Guanxue gripping her wrist...

In that moment, Xie Yu felt an uncomfortable sensation throughout his body, a sense of restlessness and unease bubbling up in his chest. It was as if an invisible thread was tugging at his heart, causing him immense discomfort.

This sudden, unfamiliar emotion almost made him rush forward to separate them.

He restrained himself, clenching his fingers tightly to suppress the overwhelming feelings of frustration and agitation, and then took a few more steps forward.

"Yan Yan, aren't you coming over?"

Nan Yan looked anxious but kept her face covered, not missing the opportunity she had just seized. There was no way she would go over to him now.

As she was facing away from Xie Yu, she couldn't see his expression, but from his tone, she could guess that he was probably angry.

She remained silent and didn't move. Xiao Guanxue, frowning, wanted to explain something but was abruptly stopped by Nan Yan grabbing his sleeve, half-threatening, half-embarrassed:

"Don't go. If you dare tell Brother Yu about my current state, I will... never forgive you."

Nan Yan's threats were delivered with practiced ease.

Hearing this, Xiao Guanxue immediately understood her thoughts.

Women value their appearance the most, especially how they look in the eyes of their beloved. How could she want Xie Yu to see her in such a disheveled state, with her face covered in red rashes and her clothes in disarray?

What puzzled him, however, was why she said this to him. Was he not a man? Did she have no sense of shame in front of him, and no concern for her own image?

Xie Yu witnessed their interaction. Seeing Nan Yan unwilling to come over and instead tugging and pulling with another man, he felt an inexplicable surge of anger in that moment.

"Yan Yan, what’s wrong with you today? You’ve been silent since just now. Are you not feeling well?"

He walked straight up to them, grabbed her wrist, and tried to pull her away.

However, his action clearly frightened Nan Yan. She exclaimed, slapped his hand away with considerable force, even reddening the back of his hand.

Xie Yu's hand froze in mid-air.

At this moment, Nan Yan was too anxious to care about his feelings and threw herself into Xiao Guanxue's arms.

"Don’t touch me..."

The girl's voice was hurried.

With her head down and her long hair covering her face, Xie Yu couldn’t see her expression.

The divine healer, whom she clung to tightly, was completely frozen, stiff as a rock, unable to react for a long time.