Flower Stealing Master

Hearing Zhang Sanfeng’s words, Ren Yingying’s heart instantly leaped to her throat. Whether the engagement could be annulled or not hinged on this very moment.

Xia Qingqing cast a subtle glance at Song Qingshu. Seeing no indication from him, she steeled herself and responded, “I wonder what matter involves Miss Ren?”

Zhang Sanfeng spoke slowly, “I heard that not long ago, you and Miss Ren agreed to an engagement?”

“That’s correct,” Xia Qingqing nodded, unable to suppress a resentful glance at Song Qingshu. Meanwhile, Song Qingshu kept his gaze fixed forward, pretending not to notice her expression.

“Initially, I should be offering my congratulations, but on my way here, I heard there might be some hidden circumstances behind this marriage…” Zhang Sanfeng hesitated, glancing around at the others. Given Song Qingshu’s current status, Zhang Sanfeng, despite being an elder, needed to consider his dignity. With so many onlookers present, suggesting the annulment outright would seem too abrupt. “Qingshu, I’d like to have a private word with you.”

“Is that so?” Xia Qingqing instantly noticed Zhang Sanfeng’s hesitation and realized he found it inconvenient to speak openly. However, facing Zhang Sanfeng—this legendary martial artist—alone was daunting, so she hesitated to agree right away. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

At this moment, Ren Yingying spoke up first, “Master Zhang, I’ll go with you. After all, some things I need to address personally.”

“That works as well,” Zhang Sanfeng agreed readily.

Seeing Xia Qingqing’s hesitation, Ah Jiu leaned over and offered, “Song-lang, I’m also curious about what Sister Ren has to say. Let me accompany you.”

Xia Qingqing was delighted. With Ah Jiu by her side, she felt reassured that no matter what happened, she would have support.

Ren Yingying frowned slightly, thinking to herself that Song Qingshu’s martial arts were unfathomable, and with Ah Jiu—another martial expert—present, she would have no chance to resist if something happened. After all, Zhang Sanfeng was Song Qingshu’s grandmaster, not hers. Moreover, due to past misunderstandings, Zhang Sanfeng had always seemed somewhat displeased with her.

Her gaze involuntarily shifted to Song Qingshu. An idea struck her, and she pointed at him, saying, “This also involves him, so he should come along too.”

Xia Qingqing and Ah Jiu were already contemplating ways to bring Song Qingshu along. Hearing Ren Yingying’s suggestion, they were secretly overjoyed but suppressed their delight, feigning displeasure. “Bring him along?” Xia Qingqing asked with a frown.

Zhang Sanfeng explained from the side, “Indeed, this matter also concerns him.”

Xia Qingqing finally nodded reluctantly. “Fine, then.”

Song Qingshu quietly gave Xia Qingqing a thumbs up, marveling at her impressive acting skills.

Xia Qingqing led the group to a quiet room nearby. Zhang Sanfeng then began, “Qingshu, this is about your engagement with Miss Ren. It seems Miss Ren has feelings for someone else…”

As Zhang Sanfeng spoke slowly, Xia Qingqing’s expression grew darker. She was already upset about Song Qingshu quickly finding another fiancée, but for that fiancée to come and propose breaking the engagement was another matter entirely.

After Zhang Sanfeng finished, he added earnestly, “Qingshu, Miss Ren is not a suitable match for you.” However, he refrained from openly stating Ren Yingying’s past indiscretions in front of her.

Xia Qingqing frowned and replied, “Grandmaster, ordinarily, I wouldn’t refuse your request. However, this engagement was promised by Leader Ren and concerns the alliance between the Sun Moon Holy Cult and the Golden Serpent Camp. It’s no longer just a personal matter but a significant issue, so Qingshu cannot easily agree.”

Hearing this, Ren Yingying panicked and stood abruptly. “Song, stop dreaming! I’d rather marry a pig or a dog than marry you!”

Ah Jiu’s face instantly turned cold. “Miss Ren, don’t overestimate yourself. In terms of looks, there are plenty of women in our circle who surpass you. In terms of martial arts, you’re even more lacking. As for status, the saintess of the Sun Moon Holy Cult isn’t that prestigious. My husband is a man of unparalleled elegance. You don’t deserve him, and he has no romantic interest in you. Let me make this clear: my husband isn’t interested in you but in the Sun Moon Holy Cult behind you.”

Ah Jiu was usually gentle and rarely lost her temper. However, hearing Ren Yingying belittle Song Qingshu ignited a fiery anger within her.

“You!” Ren Yingying’s chest heaved with rage. The two women had a strained relationship due to Ah Jiu’s former role as a Ming Cult saintess overseeing the Sun Moon Holy Cult. Though they maintained superficial harmony, Ren Yingying had never expected Ah Jiu to show no mercy this time. ℝΑℕÖ𝐁Ę𐌔

Seeing Ah Jiu like an enraged lioness, Song Qingshu was stunned, his mouth slightly agape. Soon, he realized she was defending him, which moved him deeply.

Zhang Sanfeng was equally taken aback. He hadn’t expected all of Song Qingshu’s women to be so formidable. Reflecting on his solitary life over the past century, he felt relieved. At least he had lived freely and avoided the complications of dealing with such women, allowing him to focus on martial arts.

Ah Jiu’s outburst left the room in an awkward silence. 

Xia Qingqing coughed lightly to break the tension and interjected, “Miss Ren, didn’t you agree to this engagement yourself back then?”

Recalling the fake marriage arrangement, Ren Yingying blushed and hurriedly explained, “I had no choice. My father used Brother Chong’s life to threaten me. If I didn’t agree, Brother Chong’s life would have been in danger.”

“And now you’re not afraid?” Ah Jiu snorted coldly.

Ren Yingying smirked faintly and grabbed Song Qingshu’s arm. “I’m not afraid now. Recently, Brother Chong had a fortuitous encounter, and his martial arts are now on par with my father’s. Naturally, he’s no longer a threat.”

Xia Qingqing and Ah Jiu exchanged a glance, then asked in unison, “You mean he’s your Brother Chong?”

“Of course!” Ren Yingying huffed and discreetly pinched Song Qingshu’s arm.

Receiving her signal, Song Qingshu stepped forward and bowed to Zhang Sanfeng. “Linghu Chong greets Master Zhang. I apologize for previously concealing my identity.”

Zhang Sanfeng smiled faintly. “I was wondering when such a brilliant swordsman appeared in the martial world. So you’ve inherited Feng Qingyang’s teachings—no wonder. But remember, the character for ‘lust’ hides a blade above it. Alas…”

He had heard of the Mount Hua Sect’s announcement that its senior disciple was expelled for associating with a devil cult woman. However, Zhang Sanfeng hadn’t paid much attention to these junior affairs at the time. He hadn’t expected to become involved in the matter himself.

“Linghu Chong greets the Golden Serpent King and the Ninth Princess.” Linghu Chong then saluted Xia Qingqing and Ah Jiu.

Xia Qingqing wore a peculiar expression. “Your identity is indeed surprising.”

“Linghu Chong” shrugged helplessly. “It’s all the tricks of fate.”

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