Chapter 79: The Commander Wishes to Meet; Truly a Born Enchantress
The next morning at dawn, an unexpected guest arrived outside the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion.
Wu Ruyue, unlike her usual simple martial attire, was dressed today in a pale long gown embroidered with autumn chrysanthemums.
She wore light makeup, her high ponytail loosened and tied into an immortal’s coiffure, revealing her slender, snow-white neck.
She had lost her usual brisk air, replaced instead with a touch of serene elegance.
The guards at the gate were briefly dazzled before recognizing her as the famed female Martial Champion of the capital, and hurried off to report.
Within the Emerald Bamboo Courtyard, Shen Yanzhou was being attended by an unfamiliar maid as he washed and dressed neatly.
He had dreamt last night that Shen Tian’s remnant soul had revived and was angrily cursing him, filling him with nearly a hundred units of negative emotion.
Upon waking, Shen Yanzhou immediately checked his panel—and laughed.
It seemed it wasn’t just a dream.
“Currently there are over 300 points of negative emotion. That’s enough for me to add points three more times—but there’s no rush.”
He was in excellent spirits.
Soon, a report came from outside the Emerald Bamboo Courtyard.
It was first conveyed to Yu Chenyu, and only after her approval did a maid come to notify Shen Yanzhou.
“Wu Ruyue has come?”
Shen Yanzhou wasn’t surprised that Wu Ruyue sought him out—he knew she had spent a few days at the Chilin Guards headquarters.
He guessed that the matter of the Martial God’s inheritance must have drawn attention from the upper echelons, prompting further investigation.
Yu Chenyu gave him a sidelong glance.
“That Miss Wu seems quite attentive to you.”
Shen Yanzhou chuckled.
“Shall I bring her over to meet Mother?”
Yu Chenyu gave a soft snort, too lazy to respond.
The two met in a pavilion outside the Emerald Bamboo Courtyard.
“You look beautiful today.”
Shen Yanzhou said with a smile, clearly noticing her change.
Previously, she was always bare-faced, like a lotus emerging from clear water—natural and unadorned.
But today, she wore powder and rouge, a lovely gown, and her immortal coiffure added an ethereal charm.
Compared to before, she carried much more of a woman’s allure.
At first, Wu Ruyue seemed a bit uneasy—she rarely dressed like this.
But upon hearing Shen Yanzhou’s compliment, though shy, she was visibly pleased.
Her delicate fingers that had been nervously clutching her skirt hem relaxed, and her whole demeanor softened.
“I’ve been at the Chilin Guards headquarters the past few days. The rumors spreading in the capital—are they true?” she asked.
“Of course, they’re true,” Shen Yanzhou replied with a smile, unbothered by the possibility of eavesdroppers.
“And the Demon Suppression King… toward you?”
Wu Ruyue hesitated, restraining her words.
After all, they were within the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion, so she could only hint with her eyes.
“As you can see, I’m doing quite well. Father doesn’t mind my false heir identity at all. From the looks of it, once the true heir is brought back, he intends for us to get along.” Shen Yanzhou shrugged carefreely.
Wu Ruyue was momentarily stunned, suspicion rising in her heart, but with many people around, she said no more.
“I came today because the Commander of the Chilin Guards wishes to meet you,” she said, turning to business.
“So soon?”
Shen Yanzhou was a little surprised, then recalled what Yu Chenyu had mentioned yesterday—perhaps Emperor Mingde intended to summon him.
Had Yu Chenyu already caught wind of this?
Did she also have spies in the palace?
The Commander of the Chilin Guards was none other than the current Emperor Mingde’s Grand Eunuch, Lord Wei—the chief of all eunuchs, a man of immense influence.
“Yes, I took the liberty of mentioning the Hidden Moon Mountain incident before the Commander, and you were brought into the matter as well,” Wu Ruyue said, taking a token from her waist and showing it to him.
One side was engraved with mountains and cranes, and the reverse bore the character “Wei.”
A single glance told Shen Yanzhou it was indeed Lord Wei’s personal identity token.
That man held Wu Ruyue in such high regard?
“You’ve found me quite the umbrella of protection,” he said with a knowing smile, understanding her intention.
“After all, it should have belonged to you,” Wu Ruyue said softly, still feeling guilty.
She was doing what she could to make amends with Shen Yanzhou.
Yet the recent rumors in the capital puzzled her—how had Shen Yanzhou suddenly gained the power of the Dragon-Elephant Realm and broken through to the Sixth Rank, joining the Dragon-Tiger Institute?
Just how many secrets did he still hide?
Of course, she had long known Shen Yanzhou possessed real strength—after all, when they first met at the Spring Greeting Pavilion, he had displayed extraordinary swordsmanship.
At that time, she had almost thought he had already broken through to the Fourth Rank, the Grand Master Realm.
Therefore, she didn’t think much about the Martial God’s inheritance.
“Since it’s Lord Wei who wishes to meet me, then I’ll go see him,” Shen Yanzhou said.
The two then left the mansion together.
Shen Yanzhou didn’t bring Chunchao or Elder Mo along.
However, Ran Yi, who had been ordered by Shen Jingxiao to monitor his movements, ground her teeth in secret and reluctantly followed them from afar.
She was a Martial Grandmaster of the Fourth Rank—her cultivation far above Shen Yanzhou’s current level.
Yet, having personally witnessed the duel between Shen Yanzhou and Shen Jingxiao, she dared not follow too closely.
Shen Yanzhou and Wu Ruyue walked side by side down the long street, appearing like a perfectly matched pair, heading toward Chilin Street where the Chilin Guards headquarters was located.
Vendors shouted from both sides of the bustling street, merchants and travelers hurried past, carts rolled by laden with goods—a scene filled with the warmth of common life.
“Have you had breakfast?” Shen Yanzhou asked casually.
Though he possessed Sixth Rank martial strength, his Daoist cultivation was also at the Sixth Rank.
At that moment, he lightly extended his divine sense, letting his spirit drift slightly out of his body, and immediately sensed Ran Yi tailing them.
Following someone in broad daylight without concealing herself—indeed, martial experts lacked divine sense techniques like the Heavenly Eye, but Daoist cultivators, by extending their spirit even a little, could perceive such things clearly.
“Seems that no matter what world it is, there are always people slacking off on the job…”
Shen Yanzhou smiled.
Ran Yi, being a Grandmaster, would naturally sense the faint ripple of his spirit if she were a bit more attentive.
But clearly, her heart wasn’t in it.
She was merely following Shen Jingxiao’s orders—to monitor Shen Yanzhou and record what he did.
A pitiful worker indeed.
Shen Yanzhou shook his head lightly, recalling the fate of the “Four Fiends” in the original story.
After the Demon Suppression King, Shen Jingxiao, failed in his rebellion and was besieged by the great clans, Hantian Commandery fell into chaos.
The Demon Suppression Army lost its command, and the army was crushed.
In the end, Shen Jingxiao fled to the Southern Border, vanishing into the lands of the alien demons.
As for the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion in the capital—it was wiped out.
The Princess Consort Yu Chenyu, thanks to her meritorious report and the protection of her natal family in Tianshui’s Qilin City, was safely escorted back to the Sword Lodge.
Of course, by that time, the original body was already dead.
Kui had died defending his master.
Jiao had fled with Shen Jingxiao to the Southern Border.
Zheng’s life or death remained unknown, with no trace left behind.
Only Ran Yi had surrendered at the very first opportunity.
Yet while being escorted back to the capital with the defeated troops, the death curse within her suddenly erupted.
Unwilling to let her dying appearance become too hideous, she took a stalk of straw and strangled herself, ending her own life.
“Not yet.”
Wu Ruyue shook her head.
She had come early in the morning, afraid that Shen Yanzhou might not be there later.
“Then let’s find somewhere to eat.”
At Shen Yanzhou’s current cultivation realm, he naturally did not feel hunger.
He merely wanted to find a place to sit—and incidentally, to have a talk with Ran Yi.
The Four Fiends might have seemed like Shen Jingxiao’s most trusted followers, but in truth, each harbored private intentions—obedient and loyal only on the surface.
Perhaps he could first turn Ran Yi to his side… After all, who could resist the temptation of “driving the big carriage.”
“Alright.”
The two of them came to a restaurant.
It was clear that Shen Yanzhou was a regular there; as soon as he entered, the waiter recognized him.
But having also heard the rumors circulating over the past few days, the man froze repeatedly.
The shopkeeper beside him quickly rushed over, wearing a flattering smile.
“Young Heir Shen, please, this way inside…”
Though Shen Yanzhou was the false heir, he had lived in the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion for so many years.
With his current status and strength, obtaining an official position in the capital would be an easy task.
As a shopkeeper, he was naturally not as shortsighted as a mere waiter.
Shen Yanzhou nodded slightly, not paying any attention to this trivial episode.
Wu Ruyue, on the other hand, being attentive by nature, noticed the waiter’s subtle change in expression.
No matter what, Shen Yanzhou was no longer the true heir of the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion, and many people’s attitudes toward him had clearly shifted.
Perhaps she could speak on his behalf before that Commander and secure him some small official title—so people would not treat him with such disdain.
They then took seats by the window on the second floor.
Through the window, ripples could be seen glimmering on the distant river, the morning sun scattering across the surface like fragments of silver.
Painted barges were already beginning to pass, servants from the brothels carried chamber pots to be washed by the lakeside steps, while farther upstream, the rhythmic pounding of women washing clothes mixed with the laughter of children splashing into the water—a vivid scene of human life.
“Bring a beggar’s duck, roast spring chicken, marinated pork, and a basket of hot buns—thin ones with beef filling, no scallions.
And two warmed pots of Bamboo Leaf Green…” Shen Yanzhou withdrew his gaze and placed his order.
“The two of us won’t be able to finish that much.”
Wu Ruyue thought he had ordered far too much.
Then, she couldn’t help recalling the time they’d taken refuge together in that cave—Shen Yanzhou’s cooking skills were quite good, especially his roasted fish and baked sweet potatoes.
A faint curve appeared at the corner of her lips.
Sharing breakfast with Shen Yanzhou under the morning sun—it felt like a strangely fresh experience.
Almost like the peaceful days of a newlywed couple…
Pah! How shameless!
Wu Ruyue softly scolded herself, her cheeks inexplicably flushed, and she quickly pushed away such chaotic thoughts.
“Not just the two of us,” Shen Yanzhou said with a smile.
“Eh?”
Wu Ruyue blinked in surprise.
Who else?
“I’ve had someone tailing me since early morning. Aunt Ran probably hasn’t eaten yet—why not invite her along?”
At the mouth of a nearby alley, “Aunt Ran” stood cloaked in a slightly oversized mantle, beneath which she wore a black gown embroidered with lotus flowers.
The skin exposed at her neck was smooth and white as snow.
She was quietly watching the restaurant ahead, looking a little bored.
Her figure was taller and fuller than most women’s.
Though she could have used secret techniques such as the Bone-shrinking Art to compress her form, she refused—she enjoyed the feeling of towering over others.
Still, when she went out, such a striking figure easily drew attention, so she often wore a wide cloak to conceal herself.
Just then, Shen Yanzhou’s familiar voice entered her ears through sound transmission, as if he were teasingly speaking beside her.
“How did this brat notice me?”
“Could it be my Grandmaster cultivation is fake?” Ran Yi froze, startled.
She had completely hidden her aura—there was no way Shen Yanzhou could see her from that corner.
Did he have some magic artifact or treasure that could pierce her concealment?
“The Young Heir is quite considerate—knowing his Aunt hadn’t eaten yet. Just in time; I happen to be hungry.”
“Then I won’t stand on ceremony.”
Ran Yi smiled, sending her reply through sound transmission as well.
Her silvery laughter was naturally soft and alluring, like a feather gently brushing against the ear.
She no longer concealed her presence and walked confidently into the restaurant, heading straight for the window seat on the second floor.
Wu Ruyue was still puzzled about who Shen Yanzhou meant, when suddenly a cloaked woman appeared, casting a long shadow that exuded a strong sense of pressure.
Wu Ruyue was already tall herself, yet compared to this woman, she seemed delicate and petite.
And she could tell the figure was a woman—the faint fragrance surrounding her was like a blooming peach grove, intoxicatingly sweet.
“Miss Wu, long time no see.”
Ran Yi smiled brightly as she lifted her hood, revealing a face more dazzling than peach blossoms in March—her lips a soft, alluring red, her eyes gleaming like rippling water.
Even Shen Yanzhou had to admit—this woman truly deserved the title of a born enchantress.
Her voluptuous figure and seductive grace could make countless men willingly kneel beneath her skirts.
It was no wonder the original body had secretly peeked at her often—it was perfectly understandable.
Unlike him, who simply appreciated her beauty openly.
“L–Lady Ran Yi.”
Wu Ruyue, having trained for many years in the Southern Border, instantly recognized her and rose to pay her respects.
No wonder the scent had seemed familiar—it was the same rich fragrance of peach blossoms.
“Miss Wu, no need for such formality. We’re in the capital now, not the barren Southern Border. Here, everyone minds their own standing. You can just call me Aunt Ran…”
Ran Yi waved her hand lightly, her face ever adorned with that charming smile.
She shifted her hips slightly, adjusted her cloak, and lowered herself gracefully onto the same bench as Shen Yanzhou.
Shen Yanzhou suspected she had done it intentionally—she nearly sat on his lap, pushing him to the edge of the bench.
Wu Ruyue hadn’t expected Shen Yanzhou and Ran Yi to be so familiar—sitting so close in public.
Ran Yi’s figure was so tall and voluptuous that, from the side, it almost looked as if Shen Yanzhou were sitting in her lap—or perhaps the other way around.
Watching the scene, Wu Ruyue felt something strange and vaguely uncomfortable.
Wasn’t this supposed to be breakfast with Shen Gongzi?
Still, she said nothing and simply asked, “Lady Ran Yi, when did you return to the capital?”
“You and Young Master Shen seem quite close, don’t you?”
Ran Yi smiled mischievously.
“I only just came back. Ah, you wouldn’t know—this rascal was so naughty as a child! I used to carry him in my arms all the time. Once, he even peed on me…”