Chapter 137 – 137

Chapter 137 - 137

After digesting the entire storyline of the original protagonist, only two words echoed in Nanyan's mind: preposterous! How could such a wonderful girl end up in that desperate situation?

Yuliu Yun clearly knew she had no martial arts skills, yet he still forced her out of the Xuan Cang Sect under the pretense of betrayal, pushing her onto a path of no return. If her father were still alive, would Yuliu Yun dare to treat her this way?

Or was it possible that Yuliu Yun's treatment of her contained a hint of revenge for their coercion into marrying her back then?

As for Zhao Xiuyan and Murong Tao, they showed absolutely no gratitude. The original protagonist had helped them infiltrate the Xuan Cang Sect's underground palace, facilitated a meeting between him and his fiancée, and finally assisted in concealing and letting the three of them escape. Wasn't that an act of kindness on her part?

Why could these two remain so indifferent and cold after she had been abducted by a flower thief, much less express gratitude towards their savior but instead consider using her identity to bargain for Lin Pianran?

How utterly ridiculous!

Was it solely because they had always been adversaries, or was it because she was from the Demon Sect that they showed her such ruthless disregard?

Did such people truly deserve the title of righteous knights?

Pah! The original owner of this body was a kind-hearted girl who had never done a single wrong. Her sole mistake, perhaps, was being an obstacle as the male lead's wife, hindering the rightful romance between the main couple, which ultimately led to her forced removal from the story.

A pack of two-faced, hypocritical men!

Southern Yan took a deep breath. If it weren't for encountering such a group of men, with the original owner's appearance and gentle nature, she could have easily married a decent man and lived a peaceful, happy life.

How regrettable and infuriating...

Southern Yan reviewed the plot. At this point, the male lead had already captured the female lead, who was traveling the martial world, and imprisoned her in the underground palace of the Dark Azure Sect.

From the beginning, he didn't realize his affection for the female lead; he only felt an inexplicable obsession with her. Due to her rejection and the pain she had inflicted on him, the male lead now harbored a mix of love and hate, with hatred predominating. Thus, after imprisoning Lin Pianran, he would periodically provoke her, mock her, and force her to do things against her will, making her endure the same suffering and humiliation he once experienced.

At this moment, the heroine had yet to be tamed by the male lead. She had her own beloved, her fiancé whom she adored.

He was the gentle and refined Zhao family's legitimate fifth young master, a true jade-like gentleman nurtured by a prominent family, not comparable to this drowning dog before her eyes.

Thus, Lin Pianran held an immense grudge against Yu Liuyun, who not only captured her but also came daily to provoke her.

How dare this stinky beggar grab her? This disgusting, odious tramp thought that by doing so, she would surrender?

Impossible! She would never yield in this lifetime!

Thus, whenever Yu Liuyun visited the underground palace, he was met with her scathing remarks. Occasionally, when her insults went too far, Yu Liuyun would lose control and strangle her, mocking her ruthlessly for her pathetic state, akin to a helpless, slaughtered dog. However, considering their past engagement, if she acknowledged her mistake and begged for mercy, he might spare her life.

But Lin Pianran was stubborn to the core; she refused to beg for forgiveness, even with her cheeks flushed from being choked. She continued to curse him as a delusional beggar, declaring that unless he had the nerve to kill her, she would never bow down to him in this lifetime.

Their relationship was a toxic cycle of hatred and violence, entwining them further. Instead of killing her, Yu Liuyun found himself increasingly driven by anger and losing his sanity because of her. Paradoxically, the more she treated him this way, the more persistently he sought her out, becoming more deeply attached to her.

Perhaps this was the inexplicable attraction between the male and female leads.

Just like now, after leaving the underground palace where he had just taunted her, Yu Liuyun had once again failed to gain any advantage over the female lead. Not only did he receive a verbal lashing, but he almost lost control and actually choked her to death.

The heroine, on the verge of losing consciousness from being choked, was only released at the last moment. It was then that she realized for the first time that this person truly intended to kill her; there was genuine animosity in his actions. This realization began to subtly shift her attitude towards the male lead. After all, fear of death was an inherent instinct, wasn't it?

Due to this transformation, the male lead's demeanor softened during his next visit to the underground palace, marking a slight improvement in their relationship.

Nan Yan composed herself and carried a freshly prepared osmanthus lotus seed soup from the kitchen, gradually making her way towards Yu Liuyun's courtyard.

This time, she adopted the persona of a gentle and refined lady, genuinely displaying a tender and compassionate nature. Even her speech was soft and melodious – perfect. She preferred such ladies; they were like a gentle knife, ideally capable of piercing straight into his heart.

Since her father passed away, Yu Liuyun had used the excuse that his daily practice might disturb her and promptly moved out of her courtyard, eager to be away.

Though they were officially husband and wife, they mostly led separate lives. Zhou Nanyan attempted to draw closer to him, but after being subtly rejected time and again, she eventually felt too awkward to persist. She believed that her actions lacked propriety and might irritate her husband.

But it seemed that he found her irritating no matter what she did, or even if she simply stood there doing nothing. Yet, for the person he liked, he would eagerly throw himself at them, even if they cursed at him or hurt him in their anger. It was utterly absurd!

Since their marriage, their meetings could be counted on one hand. However, Yu Liuyun visited the underground palace almost every few days to mock the female lead. How could this possibly foster closeness?

How could they bridge the gap without seeing each other?

Upon entering, Nan Yan immediately spotted Emperor Liu Yun sitting with his eyes closed in the study. Leaning back in his chair, he was resting, his brow slightly knitted together. That long and slender fair hand was gently pressing against his forehead, probably trying to alleviate some distress. It seemed he had just returned from the underground palace and hadn't gained any advantage from the female lead, thus causing this vexation.

South Yan gently set down the food box and then, bypassing the beaded curtain, softly called out to the slender, contemplative figure seated by the table with a tenderness that flowed like water, "Dearest husband."

It seemed that they were entirely lost in their thoughts, not having heard her voice.

Ordinarily, a martial artist wouldn't be so lax in their vigilance. It seems that this Yu Liuyun has been greatly provoked by the female lead this time.

Softly, Nan Yan approached Yulun's back, her gentle hands reaching out slowly. She placed them gently on his temples. The moment she made contact, the figure beneath her fingers trembled slightly and suddenly regained consciousness.

Almost instinctively, Yuliu Yun turned his hand around and grasped the small hand resting on his temple. With force, he pulled the person standing behind him forward. Without mercy, he then clutched the person's throat with that palm.

"Who are you...?"

Before he could finish, he met a pair of astonished eyes filled with surprise. The eyes were slightly moist, their black irises glistening like black pearls, clear and pure, exuding a gentle, ethereal vibe.

Nanyan seemed oblivious to the situation. After being pulled by Yuliu Yun, she didn't resist at all. She obediently leaned into his embrace, seemingly trusting and relying on her husband immensely.

Their current position was somewhat peculiar. Nanyan sat on Yuliu Yun's lap, looking at him softly.

"What's the matter?"

Under such a gaze, Yun Liuyun was briefly taken aback. However, he quickly recovered and released his grip on her hand. He then furrowed his brows and said,

"Why didn't you call out to me?"

"Didn't you know that martial artists are highly vigilant? Your sudden appearance behind me could make me instinctively think you're attempting an ambush. I might unintentionally injure you in such a situation. Don't do this again in the future."

He was quick to shift the blame onto her.

Hehe, don't think she's unaware.

The female lead could slap you and threaten you with a dagger without provoking a retaliation, so why does she have such endless demands when she just touches you? Where do all these quirks come from? Isn't it ultimately a double standard?

In any case, no matter how many mistakes were made, in the end, it's always her fault.

Although Nan Yan thought this in her heart, her expression remained as gentle as water on the surface.

Her eyelashes curled slightly, and she couldn't help stealing a glance at him, her voice tinged with slight confusion, "Are you still blaming me? I clearly called out to you several times, but you didn't hear me. Then, I saw you frowning, looking troubled, and I couldn't help feeling concerned. That's why I came over to give you a massage."

South Yan continued, extending her hand to gently press on his temples, all the while meeting his slightly resistant gaze.

Her hands were as soft as boneless petals, with warm and tender fingertips. The warmth they exuded was soothing as she massaged his temples, asking, "My husband, has something been bothering you lately? I've noticed your unease, and it worries me. Please don't exhaust yourself."

At first, Yu Liuyun felt a bit uneasy with her proximity, an inexplicable aversion to her touch. However, considering that she was his rightful wife, he didn't pull away.

Moreover, the pressure of her hands was genuinely comforting, and after a few gentle strokes, his body did relax significantly. Yu Liuyun let out a soft breath and allowed her to continue.

"There's nothing major, just routine matters within the sect. I can handle them on my own, so there's no need for you to worry."

Upon hearing his words, Nanyan's expression seemed to become somewhat helpless. Her actions slowed down, and after a moment of hesitation, she reached out and gently held his hand.

Their hands intertwined - his long and well-defined fingers with her delicate and soft ones. Raising her gaze, Nanyan looked at him earnestly and spoke in a gentle and soothing voice,

"I naturally trust my husband. But as husband and wife, I hope that if there is anything troubling you, you would share it with me, your wife. Even though I don't know martial arts, I can still help you brainstorm solutions."

By the end of her speech, her voice had softened and carried a hint of melancholy.

Yuliu Yun watched as his hand was gently held by hers, feeling almost no emotional fluctuation within himself.

He had never held any affection for the woman in his arms; he had married her only due to the former Sect Leader's request and coercion. The type of woman she was simply wasn't his preference.

Not to mention, he already had a beloved fiancée he had always longed to wed. Even if he hadn't, he would have still kept his distance from such delicate and weak women.

Yuliu Yun's eyes remained unperturbed as he gazed at the compliant and gentle woman before him. His heart seemed untouched by any ripples, and he merely stated calmly, "There really is nothing. You don't need to worry. As a man, it's not proper to bring external matters home. Besides, as the Sect Leader of the Xuan Cang Sect, if I can't handle such trifles, how could I command respect?"

"Enough about that. What brings you to see me today?"

Upon hearing his abrupt change of subject, Nan Yan inferred that he was losing patience. She decided not to push the matter further, understanding that haste makes waste.

She gently touched his waist, using his support to lift herself from his embrace. Then, she walked into the next room and returned with the food tray, her face beaming as she said, "I brought you something to eat, your favorite osmanthus and lotus seed soup. I instructed the servants to prepare it according to your usual light taste. Please try it and tell me if the flavor suits you."

Yuliu Yun nonchalantly acknowledged with an "Mm," then pointed at the desk. "Just put it there. I'll have it later when it's cooled down. Is there anything else? If not, I need to practice my martial arts."

Nanyan seemed slightly taken aback by his words. She pressed her lips together, yet they were so luscious, contrasting beautifully with her fair complexion. This inadvertently portrayed a delicate, pitiable appearance.

Yuliu Yun couldn't help but frown. He had noticed that his wife had been clinging to him more lately. In the past, she would indeed approach him, but whenever he mentioned having important matters or needing to practice, she would usually withdraw gracefully. Unlike today, she was gazing at him with such tender, irresistible eyes that were hard to ignore.

Yuliu Yun also pursed his lips, pondering for a moment. Eventually, he took the bowl of sweet soup from her hand and began to savor it spoon by spoon.

Indeed, the taste was delightful, a subtle sweetness infused with a hint of osmanthus fragrance. In years past, before his family's downfall, his mother would prepare such a osmanthus lotus seed soup for him to enjoy.

With this thought, Yu Liuyun couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia. If his mother were still alive, or if the Yu Family still existed, their current situation might not be as it is now.

Perhaps it was because he felt indebted for the meal, Yu Liuyun's demeanor towards Nanyan softened considerably. His gaze toward her held a touch more warmth than before, albeit only a slight one.

Sitting beside him, Nanyan's eyes involuntarily curled into a smile. As he savored the soup, she propped her chin in her hands, gazing at him with affectionate longing.

"Dearest, do you remember our first meeting?" Seizing the tender moment, Nanyan continued her charm offensive, seeking to deepen his impression of her.

Yuliu Yun responded with another "hum," then recounted, "I remember when I was serving as a test subject for my master and Doctor Poison. When you first came by and saw me covered in blood, you discreetly gave me a vial of wound medicine and some food, allowing me to persevere and survive."

His time as a test subject was far more miserable than his days as a beggar.

Yet, the thought of living on, regaining his strength, and living with dignity like a normal person kept him going through the ordeal.

He would rather die during the drug trials than spend his life begging in mediocrity.

Although he was grateful to Tianying Zhou for bringing him back to the Xuan Cang Sect, he was also aware that the man had ulterior motives.

Master Zhou had suffered severe internal injuries years ago, and remnants of toxins still lingered within him. Given his unique constitution, his experience as a medicinal person was a torturous one – he constantly tested various medications and curses for the previous leader to prolong his life.

Alas, all efforts were in vain; the fated would eventually meet their end. Hence, he never felt that he owed the former leader anything, for he had already paid his debts with his own flesh and blood.

The position of the Xuan Cang Sect's leader has always been held by the capable.

Nan Yan's words brought back memories of the past. Yu Liuyun expelled a sigh, suppressing the intricate emotions stirring within him. He turned to look at her and asked,

"Why bring this up now? Is there a problem?"

Nanyan shook her head. Seeing the man's obvious lack of recognition, she seemed somewhat displeased. She turned her face away and pretended to huff, then asked again, "Do you really not remember at all? Our first meeting wasn't with Senior Poison Doctor; it was even earlier than that. Think harder?"

Upon hearing this, Yuliu Yun looked at the man in puzzlement. If it wasn't at the Profound Azure Sect, then where could it have been?

He was certain that he had no recollection of this gentle and submissive woman in his memory.

Seeing him deep in thought but still clueless, Nanyan couldn't resist pinching the soft flesh on his waist, albeit gently, almost like a small animal tickling him.

Yuliu Yun's eyebrows twitched slightly. Perhaps it was his imagination, but he felt that his little wife's disposition had become more cheerful recently. She was no longer as reserved as before, blushing and lowering her head after just a few words, and eventually not daring to look at him at all.

Could it be that back then, due to our unfamiliarity, I was hesitant to approach him, but now, after being married for so long, I'm gradually revealing my true self?

Yuliu Yun placed his empty porcelain bowl on the side table and shook his head, "I really don't recall ever meeting you before. Could it be that you mistook someone else for me?"

Nanyan lifted her gaze to look at him. Seeing that he still had no recollection, she could only sigh in disappointment and continued, "It was about a year and a half ago. It was my first time leaving home. My father was dueling with a friend in Qingzhou City and said he would take me along to broaden my horizons."

"After we arrived, he left me at his friend's house to go fight and drink with others. Feeling bored alone in the room, I decided to go out for a stroll. But I accidentally got lost, and my maid disappeared too."

As she spoke, her expression turned more dejected, and she unconsciously tugged on his sleeve. Yuliu Yun paid no attention to this gesture.

"Right at that moment, a group of beggars seemingly appeared out of nowhere and surrounded me, saying they wanted to take me to play in the alley. That's when a young man dashed out from that very alley and chased the beggars away. That young man was you, my husband. Don't you remember?" As Nan Yan spoke, her expression brightened slightly, her moist eyes gazing at him affectionately.

Yuliu Yun pondered carefully; perhaps it did happen, but he had long since forgotten. Besides, it was just a trivial matter. Why would she hold onto it for so long?

Moreover, back then, he probably looked like a beggar himself. He might have refused to associate with the alley's beggars to preserve his last bit of dignity.

Since it was a matter of the past, there was no need to dwell on it.

South Yan observed his expression, and a smile involuntarily tugged at the corners of her lips. "Back then, my husband was dressed in rags, so I thought you were a beggar, just like them, coming to snatch my money. So, I took out a silver coin from my purse and placed it in front of you. But do you know what happened next?"

Yu Liuyun's eyelids lifted slightly as he glanced at her, now intrigued. "What happened? Did something occur?"

South Yan couldn't help but laugh. "After putting down the silver, I turned to leave. But you, after receiving that coin, seemed even angrier. You picked it up with a cold face and threw it right at me, hitting my head so hard that tears welled up in my eyes. Then, you turned around, looking at me in confusion."

"I was wondering back then how there could be such a foolish beggar who wouldn't even accept free silver, yet had the audacity to throw it at my head. You really didn't know your place."

South Yan chuckled softly. "From that moment on, I never forgot my husband. Later, when we met again at Senior Poison Doctor's place, it was our second encounter. Seeing you injured, I couldn't resist secretly slipping you medicine."

Yuliu Yun had a vague recollection now. Back then, he had already been reduced to a beggar, yet he stubbornly clung to his dignity and refused to accept charity from others. If anyone treated him like a beggar and offered alms, he would surely have thrown the money back at them.

It was coincidental that such a past existed between them. This realization amused Yuliu Yun, softening his gaze as he looked at his wife before him.

"So it was like that," he said, shaking his head gently, an imperceptible smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Seeing him smile, Nan Yan couldn't help but laugh along.

It was his nodding that inadvertently revealed a bloody scratch on his neck, as if it had been deliberately inflicted by a sharp object. The wound was still fresh. Due to the high collar of his clothes, Nanyan hadn't noticed it at first.

As he shook his head, the bloodstain on his neck became visible, causing Nanyan to instinctively grab his palm and stretch her hand out, speaking anxiously,

"Husband, how did you get hurt on your neck?"

As Nanyan spoke, she didn't pause in her actions. Before he could react, she swiftly and insistently pulled open his shirt.

Upon seeing the one-inch-long trail of blood extending from his neck to his collarbone, still slightly damp with fresh blood, Nanyan pressed her lips together. Her eyes moistened almost instantly. "Why would you get hurt all of a sudden? Who bullied you?"

Under his wife's worried gaze, Yuliu Yun instinctively averted his eyes. He then pulled at his clothes, attempting to conceal the wound. "It's just a minor injury, a scratch on the skin. Nothing serious, don't worry."

Yuliu Yun naturally didn't wish to delve into the matter because the wound was inflicted by Lin Pianran. That woman had gone to extreme lengths to escape.

Apart from refusing to eat and feigning illness, she had eventually pretended to commit suicide. Initially, he had been fooled, wondering how stubborn that woman could be.

But as he approached her, she abruptly pulled out a hairpin from her head and fiercely stabbed towards his neck.

Fortunately, he reacted swiftly enough to avoid being injured. Afterward, he choked her, demanding an apology and remorse, but she stubbornly refused. Frustrated, he slapped the stone table into pieces, only then did the woman become somewhat submissive.

The wound on his neck was likely inflicted during that struggle, but in the heat of his anger back then, he was oblivious to the pain. It was only now, with Nan Yan pointing it out, that Yu Liuyun became aware of his injury.

South Yan gently furrowed her delicate brows as she pressed against his palm. "Don't move. How can it not matter? It's such a long cut, and the blood hasn't even dried yet. Do you really think that your martial arts skills make you invincible in this world? You say it's fine with such a long wound. I've told you not to move, didn't you hear me?"

As Nan Yan spoke, she gently patted the hand that the person was using to cover their wound. After hitting them, she promptly turned around and rummaged through a small cabinet in the outer room, retrieving a red wooden box.

Inside were various healing tools: bandages, scissors, antiseptics, and more – all evidence of their long-term storage here.

Nan Yan returned promptly, cradling the crimson wooden chest in her arms.

For a moment, Yuliu Yun felt a strange sensation, as if something was amiss. Had his wife just glared at him? Her eyes were reddened, making one assume she was the one who had been hurt.

Moreover, it was inexplicable how this person could deliver reprimands with such tenderness. Most importantly, it made it strangely hard to refuse?

Nanyan pressed against his body to prevent him from rising and instructed the maid to bring a basin of warm water from outside. Then, she slowly leaned down, dipping her delicate, boneless fingers into the warm water. She wrung out the cloth and gently wiped the wound on his neck, bit by bit.

Due to their positions, with Yuliu Yun lying beneath her, he could easily see her face. To be fair, his wife's beauty was rare in the world. Her fine, dense brows were slightly knitted, her skin was white, and her lips had a delicate, rosy hue. She was a beautiful and gentle woman.

As she moved, a strand of hair that had originally hung by her chest gradually slipped down to his, creeping under his collar and occasionally brushing against his skin. It left him feeling a chilly, itchy sensation in that spot.

Nanyan seemed oblivious to his gaze, continuing her task with gentle movements. She was meticulous in her cleaning, cautious not to cause any discomfort. Now and then, she would lean in to blow softly, her cool yet soothing breath carrying a delicate fragrance that made Yuliu Yun suddenly feel uneasy. He found the wound not only painless but also slightly itchy.

Especially when this person mutters occasionally and, during more vigorous movements, promptly inquires if it hurts?

This fleeting moment transported Yu Liuyun back to his childhood, recalling the days when both his parents were still alive. Back then, his mother would react similarly. Whenever his father returned from a martial duel with injuries, whether major or minor, she would always be fraught with worry and anxiety, asking his father if he was in pain.

Next, he rummaged through a small cabinet to retrieve a pile of medicinal remedies, carefully tending to his father's wounds. As he cleaned the injuries, his long eyebrows knitted together just like those of the man standing before him now, filled with deep concern and anxiety.

He used to tease his father for being an old man who still whined to Mother about his wounds aching terribly. It was as if the injury would heal in no time, yet he complained so much! How embarrassing!

Now, somewhat, Yu Liuyun could grasp the emotions his father must have felt back then. Perhaps it was indeed natural to develop a sense of attachment when someone cared for you so deeply. After all, everyone yearns for attention from others.

With this thought, Yu Liuyun's mind returned to the present, and his gaze softly landed on the person before him. Her aura was pure, not at all resembling that of a martial world inhabitant. She seemed powerless, akin to those sheltered young ladies in the capital city. Such a woman had no place in their violent and ruthless world.

Her hands were spotless, untouched by the slightest trace of bloodshed. Yet, in this martial realm, even a child of ten would not hesitate to take a life.

Her hands were also incredibly soft, perhaps due to never having practiced martial arts or engaged in laborious tasks. Her fingers were delicate, as supple as the dough he used to knead with his mother in the kitchen. They might have been even softer and more refined, making it impossible for her to wield any weapon.

In the martial world, regardless of gender, limbs were generally strong and robust. Even the esteemed Miss Lin from the prominent family was different. She was pampered, willful, and self-centered. When it came to killing her betrothed, she acted without a moment's hesitation.

Lost in thought, Yuliu Yun found himself, without conscious effort, gripping the hand resting on his chest.

Nanyan paused in her application of the powder and lowered her head to look at him. "What's wrong? Did I apply too much pressure and hurt you? Should I be gentler?"

From his perspective, he could see her long, dense eyelashes, her delicate, upturned nose, and the lips that subtly parted as she spoke, revealing a hint of their rosy hue.

So engrossed was Yuliu Yun in his thoughts that he momentarily failed to register her words and maintained his position.

Nanyan didn't seem to mind. After finishing the application, she prepared to turn and tidy up the items on the desk. At this moment, he, perhaps subconsciously, tightened his grip.

Yan Nan was unintentionally pulled into his embrace.

She didn't resist. After a moment of slight surprise, she naturally settled onto his lap, leaning gently against him.

However, since Yu Liuyun remained lost in thought and silent, Yan Nan couldn't help but inquire, "What's with you today? Why are you acting so strangely? Did someone in the sect give you a hard time again? Did Senior Poison Doctor ask you to test another new medicine?"

After a moment of contemplation, she reached out to smooth his collar before continuing, "You're already the sect leader now, you don't have to obey their demands anymore. But seeing your perpetually furrowed brow, have you really encountered something troubling lately? You seem off somehow."

Yu Liuyun's brows were slightly knitted. When he regained focus, he saw the person in his arms looking at him with confusion. Recalling her words, he realized that it was she who seemed odd, not him.

Once upon a time, she would always be somewhat awkward and uneasy in his presence, but now her boldness had increased, albeit not by much.

Yuliu Yun absentmindedly held her fingers, lost in thought about recent troubles. He involuntarily frowned, then said, "It's nothing. I've merely encountered an adversary with whom I have a complicated history and who is rather tenacious. But it's of no concern; I'll soon make her realize that there are no unbreakable prideful bones in this world."

As Yuliu Yun spoke those last words, his gaze visibly turned colder.

Nan Yan understood the situation. It seemed this man's obsession with the female lead ran deep, making it difficult to sway him anytime soon.

Nonetheless, she maintained her innocent facade. Seeing him frown, she also slightly knitted her brows, asking worriedly, "Is she really that troublesome? Did she also cause your injury? Could this lead to danger for you?"

South Yan subtly hinted at his neck injury, and sure enough, Yu Liuyun's expression turned colder.

Unconsciously, he compared the person in his arms with his former fiancée. The woman in his embrace was gentle, considerate, and cared for him, while that foolish woman had deceived, humiliated, and once looked down on him. Now that he was the leader of the Dark Azure Sect, she still despised him. But what did it matter?

Wasn't she still obediently imprisoned in the underground palace of the Dark Azure Sect? No matter how she tried, it would be difficult for her to escape his grasp.

And he intended to break her pride, make her bow her head in apology, and pay for her past foolish actions!

The more Yu Liuyun thought about it, the angrier he became. In his agitation, he unintentionally exerted more force, causing South Yan to wince in pain, emitting a soft "hiss" from within his arms.

She then spoke with a hint of resentment, "My lord, what were you thinking about so deeply? Be gentle, you're hurting me."

Yuliu Yun snapped back to reality and instinctively released his grip. He awkwardly apologized, "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Does it hurt badly?"

Of course, it didn't hurt. She wasn't as fragile as a paper figurine. Pretending to be hurt was all part of the fun.

Nan Yan nodded and pursed her lips, presenting her slightly flushed wrist, "It really hurts, look, you've left a red mark."

Yuliu Yun examined the mark on the back of her hand. It was indeed slightly reddened, and because this person's natural skin tone was fairer than most, the redness stood out prominently.

Now, Yuliu Yun treated his wife with great respect. Their interactions were polite and courteous, as if they were still getting to know each other. Though they seemed unfamiliar, Yuliu Yun had no immediate intention of discarding her. After all, she was his lawfully wedded wife, and the entire Profound Azure Sect was a witness to their union.

Noticing the red mark on the back of her hand, Yuliu Yun fell silent for a moment before apologizing, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

South Yan blinked suddenly, then offered her finger to his lips. Her eyebrows seemed to hold a gentle spring-like charm as she looked at him softly, "No, apologies won't do. Just blow on it."

Upon hearing this, the man, who had been frowning in silence, froze for an instant.

His gaze landed on the gentle and radiant face before him.

Somehow, under the spell of an inexplicable impulse, Yuliu Yun lowered his head and blew gently twice. Finally, he asked, "Is it better now?"

Nanyan couldn't hold back her laughter anymore and let out a soft chuckle. She placed her hand on his chest and, taking advantage of his momentary surprise, leaned in to give him a peck on the corner of his lips. Afterward, she quickly retreated from his embrace and ran out.

It wasn't until her figure had completely vanished that Yuliu Yun came back to his senses.

He felt a sudden oddity. Unconsciously, he reached out to touch his slightly damp lips, furrowing his brow slightly. For a brief moment, his heart seemed to be tickled by the tiny claws of a newborn creature, leaving him with a tingling sensation.

It was as if a tranquil lake had been unexpectedly disturbed by a small stone, creating ripples that spread subtly across its surface.

After leaving the courtyard, Nanyan only came to a gradual halt once the man was completely out of sight.

She then clapped her hands, gathering her composure. The blush of shyness that had colored her cheeks earlier had vanished, leaving her with an extraordinary calmness.

She simply refused to believe that even if Yuliu Yun were truly a block of stone, she wouldn't be able to carve a crack into it.

Just you wait, you despicable man!