Chapter 138: 138

Chapter 138: 138

Yuliu Yun had always assumed that his wife had been impulsively driven by a sudden surge of enthusiasm the day before.

Once something has passed, it remains in the past.

After all, they hadn't seen each other for quite some time. It was only natural for a wife to feel affectionate towards her husband. Although he had taken her as his wife, he had never fulfilled certain intimate duties that a couple typically shares. This was because Yu Liuyun genuinely did not have feelings for her. Judging by the usual dynamics of a married couple, his treatment of her could indeed be considered cold. Thus, her occasional visits were not entirely unbearable.

Considering their relatively harmonious interaction the day before, Yun Luoyun didn't dwell on the matter too much.

Despite her unexpected and fleeting kiss that had indeed stirred a faint ripple within his heart, that slight emotional fluctuation was promptly dismissed by him.

Yuliu Yun's feelings towards his wife remained largely unaffected as of now.

Thus, when he emerged from his practice chamber early the next morning, his first response upon seeing his wife accompanied by her maid waiting in his study was not one of joy.

Instead, he involuntarily furrowed his brow, sensing a subtle annoyance. Why was she here again?

Had she perhaps developed a habit of this?

What on earth did she intend to do? Could it be that she genuinely imagined a lasting future with him, attempting to become genuine spouses?

Disregarding the feasibility of such a possibility, the mere fact that he didn't have any affection for a woman like her made it absolutely impossible. Besides, there was someone who held a special place in his heart... Her uninhibited closeness only made him feel profoundly uncomfortable.

For a moment, Yun Liuyun was at a loss for words. In the past, a mere hint from him would prompt her to leave obediently, but now things seemed different. Was it deliberate, or had she truly failed to grasp his intentions?

Oddly enough, every time she came to see him, she donned that gentle and considerate demeanor, making it incredibly difficult to reject her kindness. After all, she was still his legitimate wife, wasn't she?

Nan Yan didn't bother considering whether he could endure it or not. If he couldn't, then so much the better – she could use this period to irritate him. Right now, the title of his wife was still a useful tool.

As the recognized Lady of the Cult, everyone knew her. As long as she didn't act against the Xuan Cang Sect, these people, out of respect for the former cult leader, would take care of her as the Lady.

Because of this, Yu Liuyun had always shown her a certain level of respect, albeit a cold and distant one. By simply ignoring her, he avoided many complications.

So, early the next morning, Nanyan brought over a multitude of food from the kitchen, carefully packing them into a food container. After all, one doesn't refuse a smiling face. She was convinced that Yu Liuyun wouldn't be able to reject her kindness.

Yu Liuyun followed a strict schedule, rising at dawn to practice his martial arts. Despite his exceptional talent, he devoted no less effort than the average practitioner. With both talent and diligence, it was no wonder he had swiftly subdued the chaotic elements within the Xuan Cang Sect after the previous cult leader's passing. Through his prowess, he had risen to the position of cult leader, a role he genuinely deserved.

When Nanyan arrived, Yu Liuyun was still in the inner chamber practicing his inner energy cultivation techniques. He did not emerge, so Nanyan entered the room alone with the food box, while the maid was forbidden from entering by the outer door.

This person's study was unlike any she had seen before in the chambers of high-ranking officials and noble-born youths. Although there were numerous books, most were martial arts manuals from various schools and some disorganized military strategies. On the desk lay an open book on sword techniques, its pages worn and curled from countless readings.

Nan Yan approached for a closer look. Beside the bookshelf, she noticed a delicate small box made of sandalwood. Curiosity piqued, she casually picked it up.

Opening it, she found a jadeite peach blossom hairpin wrapped carefully in a handkerchief. The jade was lustrous and the craftsmanship exquisite, but alas, the pin was broken into two pieces.

Nan Yan's eyebrows lifted slightly as realization dawned upon her. This must be the engagement token that was accidentally stepped on by a servant back then.

Seeing how meticulously it was preserved, it seemed that Yu Liuyun truly cherished his youthful fiancée. Despite its broken state, he refused to discard it. It was unfortunate that such a beautiful hairpin had met this fate.

South Yan instructed a maid to fetch a ball of red thread. She then sat in that seat and carefully wrapped the broken part with the thread, round and round.

For some unknown reason, the owner of the hairpin had never taken it to be repaired. Perhaps they wanted to keep the humiliation and the deeds the female lead had inflicted upon them as a reminder?

When Yu Liuyun finished his internal cultivation and emerged from the inner chamber in the backyard, he was greeted by the sight of his gentle wife sitting on his designated seat, her back turned to him, engrossed in something. Maybe she was reading? But she didn't know martial arts; could she even understand what she was looking at?

Without giving it much thought, Yu Liuyun's brows knitted together upon seeing South Yan. Almost without hesitation, he asked, "What are you doing here?"

Hearing his voice, South Yan instinctively turned around. The broken hairpin was in her hand, one end tied with the red thread, while the other was being meticulously wound around the pin. It seemed as if the once-separated pieces were truly being reunited by her skilled hands.

Spotting the arrival behind her, Nan Yan offered an unguarded, tender smile of joy before softly addressing him, "My husband, you're back."

However, the moment her words faded, Yu Liuyun's expression shifted abruptly. Upon lifting his gaze and noticing the jade hairpin wrapped in a handkerchief in her hand, he instinctively rushed forward and snatched it away. With a cold stare, he interrogated her, "Who allowed you to touch my belongings? I didn't summon you here. What are you doing here?"

His words were undeniably impolite, delivered with a stern tone.

Even the maids outside, upon hearing the sudden escalation and chill in their master's voice, trembled in fear, not daring to lift their heads.

Observing her husband's intense reaction, Nan Yan appeared startled as well. She had never seen such emotional turmoil in him before. For a moment, she stood in slight bewilderment, seemingly unable to comprehend why he was so enraged.

Her moist, dark eyes stared at him, dazed for a moment before she regained her composure. She then raised the red thread in her hand and, feeling uneasy, explained while looking at his hairpin, "My lord husband, you've misunderstood me."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "I didn't break your hairpin. When I found it, it was already in two pieces. Seeing how carefully you wrapped it with a handkerchief, I realized it must be something very precious to you. So, I thought of using this red thread to bind it, hoping it could still be usable."

Nan Yan pressed her lips together, their color slightly moistened. "I didn't touch your belongings without permission. Please don't be angry, my lord husband."

After saying that, Nan Yan's long eyelashes involuntarily drooped, and she turned her face slightly away. Perhaps it was the first time she had been treated in such a manner by him; her expression clearly showed signs of hurt, casting a shadow over her mood.

Upon hearing her explanation, Yu Liuyun realized he had indeed misunderstood her. At that moment, his emotions had overwhelmed him, causing him to yell at her. Now, looking back, he acknowledged that it wasn't her fault.

Moreover, the hairpin was already broken; any further damage would merely add more cracks to its previous fractures. He realized his overreaction this time.

Thus, he softened his demeanor, and his tension dissipated immediately. Approaching her, he apologized, "I'm sorry, it wasn't your fault. I was just being impulsive."

"This is the only item left to me by my mother before she passed away. It was accidentally broken by someone previously, which is why I've become so sensitive about it. I don't want anyone else to touch it."

This explanation preserved both their dignities.

Nan Yan lowered her head, thinking to herself, What heirloom? Does he think I'm unaware of the truth? This is clearly a family treasure passed down from his mother for his future wife. The fact that the female lead refused to accept it, and it was then callously smashed by a servant, might be the root of the male lead's lingering sensitivity and aversion, isn't it?

Though these thoughts crossed her mind, upon hearing Yun Liuyun's apology and explanation, Nanyan's face immediately showed a hint of regretful awkwardness. She then stepped forward and held his wrist, her moist eyes filled with apologies as she looked at him, "I'm sorry, I didn't know it was a keepsake from your mother. It's all my fault for touching your belongings without permission."

"Never mind, it's just a small matter."

Yun Liuyun gently brushed away her fingers without any trace of emotion, then turned around to wrap the jade hairpin carefully in a handkerchief before placing it back into the silk box.

After completing this, he seemed to suddenly remember something and turned to look at her, asking, "Oh right, what brings you here today? Is there something else?"

In Nanyan's understanding, his underlying message was probably: If you don't have anything important, please don't disturb me. I'm busy, and even if I'm not, I don't particularly want to see you. So, be a good, quiet wife and return to where you came from.

Upon hearing this, Nanyan pursed her lips and gave a gentle smile, as if she couldn't comprehend the hidden meaning in his tone. She stepped forward to gently hold his sleeve and explained softly, "I've brought you some food. I know that you have to rise early for your martial arts practice every day and often don't have time to eat. After your practice, you're busy with various matters in the sect, which must be tiring."

"That's why I asked the kitchen to prepare some new dishes, tailored to the taste of Qingzhou City for your breakfast. Try them and see if you like them?"

Under Nanyan's affectionate and admiring explanation, Yu Liuyun found it difficult to continue his earlier reproachful thoughts.

He still understood the principle of not scolding someone who was being friendly. Besides, Zhou Nanyan had done nothing wrong; she merely loved and adored him, her husband, wholeheartedly.

However, despite this, Yu Liuyun felt uneasy. Her recent transformation left him with an odd sensation that things were slipping beyond his control.

This caused Yun Liuyun to frown barely perceptibly. He immediately stated, "These matters can be handled by the servants. As my wife, you should pay attention to your status. There's no need for you to trouble yourself with such laborious tasks."

Nan Yan naturally understood his meaning, but instead of getting angry upon hearing this, she took his hand and pulled him to sit in the outer room. Turning her head, she instructed that the breakfast items in the food box be taken out one by one.

As she did so, she smiled and said, "Isn't it a wife's duty to take care of her husband? What's wrong? Does my lord husband not like me doing these things for you?"

The food box was still warm, and the steaming rice porridge and side dishes they just took out were still hot. There were also familiar snacks like willow-leaf-shaped steamed dumplings, pan-fried buns, sticky rice cakes, and noodle soups, which were commonly seen in Qingzhou City. They evoked a sense of nostalgia as one looked at them.

Yun's family originally hailed from Songzhou, but his mother was from Qingzhou City. Hence, his mother would often make these snacks and meals for him when he was young.

Yet ever since the fall of his family, he seemed to have stopped enjoying such luxuries. During his days in exile, merely having a warm meal to fill his belly was considered fortunate. After joining the Flowing Mist Sect, his days were occupied with improving his strength and handling miscellaneous tasks, leaving him with no desire for such indulgences.

Hearing her words now and seeing that the dishes on the table resembled those his mother used to make, even Yu Liuyun, who had always found her intrusive, couldn't help but be touched. His expression softened involuntarily.

"No, it's not that I don't like them. I just worry that you might exhaust yourself. Didn't the doctor say that your health is fragile, and you shouldn't overexert yourself? Otherwise, you could easily fall ill."

Nan Yan thought to herself that this man would undoubtedly appreciate someone taking care of these things for him, but it just wasn't meant to be her. If the female lead were to prepare such meals for him obediently and utter a few gentle words, he would likely soften towards her in an instant, perhaps even eating two extra bowls of food.

Seeing the glint of amusement in his eyes, Nan Yan smiled and sat down beside him. She replied softly, "It's no trouble at all. I only need to guide them in learning new recipes; it's not too laborious. Husband, there's no need to worry about my well-being."

She then picked up a crispy glutinous rice cake with her chopsticks and placed it in his bowl, looking at him with anticipation and caution. "Try it and see if the taste is similar to what you had in Qingzhou before. If you like it, I'll ask them to learn more dishes, okay?"

Yuliu Yun couldn't refuse her. As husband and wife, such gestures were perfectly normal between them.

Though he didn't enjoy her proximity, he couldn't express his discomfort directly. Moreover, consistently rejecting her affection would seem abnormal.

So Yuliu Yun decided to remain silent and started eating peacefully. The food tasted delightful, reminiscent of what his mother used to make when he was young. Nan Yan, on her part, occasionally served him more dishes, creating a particularly tranquil and harmonious meal.

After they finished, the maidservants discreetly cleared the table and brewed a fresh pot of strong tea, placing it on the desk before respectfully retiring.

Initially, Yu Liuyun assumed that after their meal and conversation, it was time for this person to depart, as he would soon have to resume his sword practice.

However, when he turned to look at Nanyan, she was already gazing at him with her usual tranquil and gentle expression, her affection seemingly about to overflow from her eyes.

He understood her intentions, but understanding was one thing, while reason was another. That particular gaze still stirred discomfort within him.

Normally, when he displayed such impatience, his wife, no matter how reluctant, would obediently withdraw. But now, something seemed different.

Unconsciously, Yu Liuyun furrowed his brow, a hint of irritation visible in his eyes. He pondered whether he should gently remind her to leave directly.

Before he could speak, the person across from him suddenly pointed at his collar. "Husband, here..."

Confused, Yuliu Yun lowered his head for a glance but found nothing amiss. He then asked, "What is it? Is there something wrong?"

Nan Yan couldn't help but chuckle at his expression, her smile tinged with warmth. She approached him and gently fiddled with the fabric of his shirt near his chest. "Husband, you're so careless. Didn't you notice that your clothes are torn?"

"You are, after all, the Lord of a Sect. Wearing a robe with loose threads like this, aren't you afraid that your subordinates will mock your poverty-stricken appearance as their leader?"

She softly poked his chest with her finger, then opened the tear in his clothing to show him. Only then did Yuliu Yun realize the situation, though he remained emotionally unaffected.

This was quite normal for a martial artist; uneven force exerted during a move could easily tear clothes. It was nothing significant.

He was about to reassure her, saying it was no big deal and that she didn't need to worry. He would have told her she could go back if there were no other issues.

But his wife, standing before him, didn't give him the chance to speak.

Her fingers gently touched his shoulder, seemingly oblivious to his discomfort. Without hesitation, she took off his outer robe and, turning around, fetched a crescent-white robe from the closet. Then, with warmth in her voice, she said,

"Shall I sew it for you, my love? Back then, my father was the same. Whenever he fought or dueled, his clothes would often rip. Whenever Mother saw this, she would meticulously mend each torn garment for him."

Her words evidently stirred up memories of his own parents' relationship in Yun Liuyun's mind. His eyelids lifted slightly, and his gaze fell upon the wife before him, who was meticulously smoothing out his clothes.

She stood on tiptoe, her soft, fair fingers lifting slowly to adjust the collar of his robe and tuck back a strand of hair. Every movement was gentle and meticulous.

Yun Liuyun observed her quietly for a moment. When he caught sight of the affectionate anxiety in her eyes, he fell into a brief silence before calmly saying, "Forget it, do as you wish. Do whatever makes you happy."

After all, he could never give her what she truly desired. If that was the case, then accommodating her more in other aspects might serve as some form of compensation.

Nan Yan embraced the robe and a genuine smile lit up her eyes. She ventured cautiously, "Then, can I sit under that tree in the courtyard while you practice your swordsmanship? I promise I won't disturb you."

Yuliu Yun initially instinctively wanted to decline. Seeing her persistent requests, he felt it was somewhat excessive. Was she probing his limits bit by bit, he wondered?

This caused Yuliu Yun's brows to involuntarily furrow. But when he looked down at her eyes filled with warmth, remembering the breakfast she had brought him and that she would soon mend his robe, he now owed her so much that refusal was no longer an option.

He softly exhaled and turned his head, responding coldly, "As you wish. If you want to watch, go ahead, but remember to stay far away so you won't get accidentally injured during my practice."

Nan Yan naturally nodded in agreement. She gently smiled at him, still maintaining her quiet and submissive demeanor.

Yuliu Yun's gaze lingered for a moment. Seeing this, he didn't bother to respond further. He simply picked up the sharp sword hanging on the wall and walked out.

Excellent, everything was unfolding as she had anticipated, smoothly and without a hitch. Well, she simply refused to believe that this frog couldn't be boiled alive in tepid water.

The courtyard where Yu Lianyun currently resided was the main residence constructed by successive Cult Leaders. Her father had once lived there as well, but after her mother's passing, he refused to stay and had the place meticulously restored, preserving every blade of grass and tree.

In that courtyard, facing his sword practice area, there was even a swing chair made of bamboo and vine, originally built for her mother to rest during her leisure time.

Nan Yan instructed her maid to fetch the small bamboo basket she used for embroidery and sewing. She then sat on the nearby swing chair, directly opposite Yu Lianyun's sword training spot.

With a needle and thread in hand, she delicately balanced on the tip of one foot on a stone pedestal while the other foot occasionally tapped lightly. On her feet were exquisite crescent white embroidered shoes.

The shoe was adorned with a few pearls, and her dress was a lustrous moon-white, its silk tulle cascading from her knees to her toes.

With the skirt fluttering in the breeze, she delicately lifted her toes. As the wind swirled around, she gently swayed with the swing, as if she had swung her way into one's heart.

A martial artist's eyesight was keen, and despite the distance, he could still discern the gentle curve of her lips that slightly lifted.

Yet, she seemed entirely unaware, her gaze fixed intently on the robe in her hands. Each stitch was sewn with extraordinary care and attention.

This made Yu Liuyun find it impossible to calm his heart.

It was peculiar, perhaps because in the past, no one would dare to watch him practice his swordsmanship. Now, with one unexpected observer, even if she was his lawfully wedded wife, an inexplicable irritation stirred within him.

Maybe it wasn't annoyance, but rather a sense of unsettling disorder that he found hard to tolerate.

This inner turmoil was reflected perfectly in his current swordplay. He made several mistakes in his moves, stumbled in his steps, and even his breathing became irregular.

This only fueled Yuliu Yun's frustration further.

He spun around, wielding sword energy as he slashed forcefully at a nearby peach blossom tree, almost as if venting his emotions. In that instant, petals danced with the sword's aura, swirling through the air and settling gracefully upon her person.

Soft pink weeping cherries drifted down from the tree, twirling gently, landing on her raven-black tresses, her fair cheeks, and the modest, elegant dress she wore.

As if just realizing the petal rain cascading upon her, Nanyan lifted her gaze in surprise, her eyes shimmering with moisture. She noticed her husband had halted his actions, sword raised, gazing at her in silence.

She stood there, slightly dazed, before offering him an unguarded, tender smile. Her smile was as gentle as water, her eyes reflecting a tranquil pool, seemingly holding boundless affection.

"Dearest..."

She called him 'dearest', her eyes mirroring only his figure. This gentle and beautiful woman belonged to him, entirely and completely.

Even with Yun Liuyun's icy heart, the realization left him momentarily dazed. Unconsciously, he tightened his grip on the long sword in his hand.

Yuliu Yun took a deep breath. It was unclear whether it was the mesmerizing beauty of the falling cherry blossoms that had momentarily left him spellbound or the breathtaking smile that had graced the face of the person beneath the tree, an image that proved impossibly unforgettable.

Gazing at his wife's demeanor, Yuliu Yun found, for some unexplainable reason, the irritation in his heart unexpectedly began to subside gradually.

Breathing steadied, and the countenance returned to its former self, though upon closer inspection, one would notice that the gaze was indeed much gentler than before.

In short, Yu Liuyun's heart was indeed experiencing an unusual stir due to the person's persistent proximity.

From then on, Nanyan visited Yu Liuyun's courtyard every morning and evening to share meals with him. Occasionally, they would chat, with Yu Liuyun showing great enthusiasm when discussing martial arts techniques, explaining intricate steps that were difficult for others to grasp. Nanyan would listen attentively with her chin in her hand, pretending to be patient even if she didn't understand a thing.

At times, she would watch him practice swordsmanship. When beads of sweat formed on his forehead, she would effortlessly take out a handkerchief from her bosom and gently wipe away the perspiration on his face. The fragrance on the cloth was identical to her own, soothingly calming one's heart.

As days passed, the maidservants in the cult had come to realize the depth of the First Lady's affection for the Cult Leader. The fact that he didn't reject her attention made the servants believe that this couple truly cherished an extraordinary bond of love.

Yuliu Yun, initially resistant and uncomfortable, eventually grew accustomed to this new dynamic. Over the course of half a month, his aloofness towards Nanyan had indeed faded, and he found himself, perhaps unconsciously, caring more for his quiet and considerate wife.

Yet, Yuliu Yun didn't abandon Lin Pianran. That woman had become an obsession to him.

He was unsure of his feelings towards her - did he hate her or was he still concerned about her?

Perhaps both. He hated her for breaking her promise, for treating him so cruelly back then, but at the same time, he couldn't shake off the memories of their past affection.

Since he was fourteen, he knew that the bright and charming young girl would one day become his wife. From the moment she first arrived at the Yuliu residence, he was filled with curiosity about her.

Once upon a time, she would affectionately throw herself into his arms and coyly call him her betrothed brother. They had promised to be each other's spouse, to never leave one another for life. Yet, in the blink of an eye, she could so easily abandon him for another man, treating him like a beggar and spitting insults at him.

How could Mu Liuyun possibly accept this?

How could he let her off so easily?

Since she refused to yield, he would confine her until her dying day. He would make her kneel and plead for mercy, regretting her actions, before he would forgive her.

During her imprisonment, Lin Pianran indeed didn't attempt suicide anymore. She realized that the former fiancé who once cared for her, cherished her, and couldn't bear to see her hurt, had actually been ruthless enough to strangle her neck without hesitation. Was he truly intent on taking her life?

This shock abruptly jolted Lin Pianran awake. No, she couldn't continue like this. The tactics she had used before could no longer be employed.

She had to escape this wretched place as soon as possible, or there was a real chance that she would be killed by that odious beggar.

At this thought, regret and sorrow surged in Lin Pianran's heart. The most regretful thing she had ever done in her life was sparing his existence back then.

She had assumed such a person could only live as a beggar for a lifetime, but never imagined he would have a day of redemption.

Yet, even if he had turned his life around, it couldn't erase the fact that he was a devil. For survival, he had aligned himself with the hostile Xuan Cang Sect, living without any dignity.

Lin Pianran would never compromise out of fear.

She was the esteemed Miss Lin, with her own dignity and pride. He might as well just kill her right there; she would never kneel before a beggar to admit her mistake, for that would be more unbearable than taking her own life.

Yes, she had broken off the engagement, but so what?

With his status, could he truly expect her to endure hardship alongside him for a lifetime?

If he genuinely loved her, he should have had the self-awareness to marry a rural woman hastily and start a family, living out his days in mediocrity, never to cross paths with her again. That would have been the best outcome for both of them.

Yet, he himself had the audacity to present that broken hairpin and come to the Lin residence to ask for her hand in marriage. What was she supposed to do? Could she really marry him? How could that be possible? How could she accept such a notion?

Moreover, that marriage contract was merely a childish joke made in their innocent days. Back then, she did have a fondness for that spirited and caring little brother, but he had changed. He had transformed, so why wouldn't she be allowed to change as well?

Hence, it was only natural for her servants to chase him away. Was there anything wrong with that outcome?

If there was fault, it was his to bear first. He was the one who failed to recognize the situation and harbored unrealistic dreams of binding her to him for life.

Besides, she had long since fallen for someone else—Xiuyan was her true betrothed. A refined gentleman from an esteemed family, like a jade-like noble, was the kind of person she truly admired.

But why hadn't Xiu Yan come to rescue her yet?

This thought made Lin Pianran feel anxious and worried. As she gazed at the dim, skyless underground palace, a faint sense of fear crept into her heart. What if that bastard really intended to imprison her for life?

Contemplating such an outcome, she felt a momentary wish to never have been born. She desperately wanted to escape, to leave this damned place.

Lin Pianran clenched her fists and suddenly considered another possibility. Since Yu Liuyun wanted her to admit her mistake...

Wouldn't he show mercy and release her if she just apologized to him insincerely and took the blame?

With this in mind, Lin Piannian found it highly probable. If he wanted her to apologize, then she would apologize. After all, he wouldn't know whether it was sincere or not. As long as she genuinely apologized, what reason would he have to continue imprisoning her?

Thinking along these lines, Lin Piannian promptly called out to the guards outside, until their ears ached, forcing them to report the matter to their superiors.

Thus, Yu Liuyun, who hadn't set foot in the underground palace for almost half a month, received a message from Lin Piannian early the next morning. The woman requested an audience with him.

Upon hearing this news, Yu Liuyun felt a baffling mix of emotions, not joy or excitement, but rather, something peculiar.

He realized that during his recent close interactions with Nan Yan, he had unintentionally neglected the woman confined in the underground palace for a long time.

As thoughts raced through his mind, Yu Liuyun speculated that perhaps he had been too preoccupied lately, thus overlooking the matter. Or it could be that their previous encounters were less than amiable, making him subconsciously avoid her presence.

In any case, upon receiving this message, Yu Liuyun naturally couldn't ignore it. He promptly went to the underground palace and, as expected, after being confined for ten days or so, the person's arrogance had significantly subsided.

After their conversation,

Yu Liuyun quickly grasped her intentions, and a chill flashed in his eyes. Did this woman truly believe him to be foolish, unable to see through her insincere facade?

Did she genuinely think he would swallow her fabricated tales?

As expected, this meeting, too, ended on a sour note. Yuliu Yun mercilessly mocked and exposed from the outset the false remorse and apologies she feigned.

At first, Lin Pianran tried to reason her way out of it, but despite her endless stream of pleading, she found that the person standing before her remained indifferent throughout.

Lin Pantian could no longer contain herself and unleashed a torrent of insults. She called him a madman, a bastard, and declared that karma would eventually catch up with him. She insisted that no one in this world would care for him or truly love him, and he would never obtain the genuine affection of the one he yearned for.

"Yuliu Yun, what exactly do you intend to do? Even if I wronged you in the past, you've kept me confined for so long now. Shouldn't our scores be settled?"

Yuliu Yunque let out a cold laugh. "Neutralize? You wish to neutralize the enmity between us, is that it? Very well, allow me to remind you—do not forget your own status. Recall how your Lin family begged our Yü family for the marriage alliance. Now, you must fulfill that promise to me obediently."

Sure enough, Lin Pianran froze upon hearing this, bursting into tears and wailing as she pounded on the iron bars, scolding him for his delusions and swearing she would never agree in this lifetime.

She had made it clear that she no longer had feelings for him; why was he still clinging to their past engagement?

Hearing her relentless insults, Yu Liuyun's gaze darkened, and he struggled to suppress his fury. Finally, he scoffed coldly and turned away.

After being cursed out once more by that foolish woman, Yu Liuyun found it hard to quell his anger.

In the end, he sought out a few unruly subordinates within the sect and gave them a harsh lesson, venting his frustration completely.

Upon returning to the courtyard, he realized that his wife, who would usually be waiting inside the house, was absent that day.

Only the maid appeared, carrying a food tray. Upon seeing him, she quickly bowed her head respectfully and began setting the meal before him.

Yuliu Yun felt a twinge of curiosity and a hint of strangeness, prompting him to inquire subconsciously, "Where is my wife? Why hasn't she come today?"

The maid hesitated before responding, "Madam said she had matters to attend to and wouldn't be able to make it today. She also asked the Lord to remember to eat on time."

Feeling somewhat irked, Yuliu Yun didn't press the matter further. She could stay away if she wished; in the past, he had found solace in solitude when she was absent. It was unclear when this habit had formed.

Yuliu Yun spent the entire morning practicing sword techniques in the courtyard. The more he practiced, the more oppressive and uneasy he felt in his chest. Perhaps it was due to the aggravation caused by that mad woman earlier that day; his entire being seemed off-kilter all day long.

When it was time for dinner, the maid arrived again with a food tray. Without moving from his spot, Yuliu Yun's gaze instinctively swept behind her. Seeing no one there, his brows involuntarily knitted tighter.

After the maid had arranged the dishes, Yuliu Yun gazed at the array of delicacies and couldn't help but inquire, "Where is Lady? Is she not joining us for dinner? What could be so demanding today that it hasn't concluded after an entire day?"

The maid was momentarily startled before she bowed her head obediently, stuttering without giving a clear answer.

Observing her demeanor, the pent-up frustration that Yuliu Yun had endured all day began to boil over. With a cold glance at the servant standing by, he snapped, "Speak up, why are you looking down? I'm not asking for your life."

The maid's pale face betrayed her fear at the casual remark, and she promptly confessed, "Please spare me, Supreme Leader, my lady, she's – she's ill. She's been unwell since early morning and has been resting in bed. That's why she couldn't come today..."

Upon hearing this, Yuliu Yun's expression shifted dramatically.

In his hand, the chopsticks snapped unintentionally.

He lifted his gaze to glare coldly at the trembling servant before slapping the table with force, shattering the teacup on it. "Very well, indeed! None of you can be trusted. Do any of you even regard me as your Supreme Leader?"

"Why didn't you tell me the truth about your lady being ill?"

"Why didn't you tell me earlier? Why wait until I ask repeatedly before revealing the truth?"

"Are you all brainless? You let such a significant matter slip, waiting for me to inquire? A bunch of fools, all of you, get out and receive your punishment!"

Upon hearing this, the maidservants shuddered, their eyes reddening with grievance as they explained, "It's not like that, please spare us, Supreme Lord. Lady said that you've been overworking lately, so she specifically instructed us not to mention it, lest you worry..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Liuyun's anger subsided slightly.

He saw the maid kneeling on the ground, recognizing her as Nanyan's personal attendant. Though he was extremely impatient, he didn't pursue the matter further. "Enough, get up quickly. Knowing that Lady is ill, hurry back to attend to her."

"What are you doing kneeling here? Are you an eyesore to me?"

He said this without any intention of continuing his dinner. Turning around, he walked straight out and headed for Nanyan's courtyard.