Chapter 31 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

"What is going on here?" Bai Lian pushed open the door, interrupting the servants who were about to throw punches at the old herbalist. By now, a sizable crowd had gathered, making the scene especially noisy. She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, her delicate brows furrowed slightly, with a hint of displeasure in her voice. "Causing such a ruckus at someone's doorstep in broad daylight, who do you think you are?" "You don't even recognize the renowned young master Xie from Tai Xu Manor? How bold of you!" piped up a hunched man who had stood behind the young man all the while. He didn’t look very old but had a sharp, unpleasant voice that grated on the ears. His pointed, thin features only added to his rat-like appearance. Judging by his tone, it was he who had ordered the servants to beat the old herbalist. No matter how one looked at him, he seemed like the kind of malicious steward that accompanies some rich playboy, causing immediate dislike. Bai Lian curled her lips and replied, "Is young master Xie some sort of royalty? Why should I know him?" "Hey, you little—" "Enough." At that moment, Xie Cai, who hadn't spoken, raised his hand to cut off the insult. "Normally, I grant you leniency, allowing you to act lawlessly outside as if I am unaware.” "But now, in the presence of a lady, you show such lack of manners. Should you disrespect her, I will deal with you myself!" "Yes, yes! This servant has offended madam, this servant is blind and foolish, deserving of punishment!" Before Xie Cai had finished speaking, the steward's attitude did a complete turn, and he began smacking his own face with fervor. Xie Cai ignored this drama, turning instead to the old herbalist, who was still sitting weakly on the ground. With a stiff smile, he said, "Elder, I apologize sincerely for just now. Here is a small token, a banknote, though it isn't much, it carries my respect." "So... so much... Thank you, young master!" The old herbalist gratefully accepted the note—enough to ensure he lived comfortably in Suzhou for life. After expressing his gratitude several times, he left quickly grasping the banknote, oblivious to a few figures who discreetly followed him from the crowd. Bai Lian watched this unfold, wanting to warn him, but seeing his slightly manic expression and the way he kept glancing around made her doubt he was unaware of the situation. He surely understood the perils of possession yet chose to forge ahead recklessly. Good advice cannot save those destined for doom; were she to caution him, he might just blame her instead. She sighed softly in her heart. For wealth, people are willing to risk their lives. Even as an immortal, she was powerless in such matters. After the old herbalist left, Xie Cai turned to Bai Lian, still with that smile that seemed more a chore than a genuine expression of warmth. It was as if the play of manipulating emotions just now was merely a trivial amusement for him. He clasped his hands in a formal greeting. "I am Xie Cai of Tai Xu Manor. I heard madam has been distressed over not being able to bear a child, seeking remedies far and wide to no avail, so I came to offer my assistance." "My servant acted foolishly, imposing upon you; I hope madam can forgive us." Only now did Bai Lian truly scrutinize Xie Cai. Among the people of Tai Xu Manor, only Xie Cai and the steward possessed any cultivation. Xie Cai was approximately at the ninth level of the Phoenix Initial Stage, while the steward was merely at the fourth. However, the steward’s aura was murky and unstable, indicating his cultivation had been boosted through devious means, preying upon mortal life-essence. Conversely, Xie Cai's energy felt robust and well-founded, not like some depraved cultist. Yet Bai Lian couldn’t help but notice that his smile seemed uncomfortably rigid, as if he wore someone else's face. She glanced up slightly, lips curling, dismissing, "Those renowned doctors couldn't help me, what makes you, a young master in your twenties, able to provide a solution?" "Just because you're some young lord of Tai Xu Manor?" In truth, she had been taken in by Gu Qingqing to Taihua Sword Sect at sixteen and only began cultivating for three years, barely turning nineteen—making her even younger than Xie Cai. But her current persona required her to act more like an experienced married woman, taking on a big sisterly tone. As for why she started cultivating at sixteen—a protagonist under eighteen couldn’t pass a censorship review. Bai Lian’s tone was slightly sharp, surprising Xie Cai. The tofu-beauty before him didn’t seem like the gentle, soft-natured person the rumors suggested. Instead, she seemed to have a core of iron beneath her gentle exterior. This was, in fact, exactly to his liking. A truly meek woman would hold no thrill in conquest; only those who seemed soft outside but hid strength within offered real excitement in the claiming. So, he contained his temper, speaking placidly, "Madam is new to Suzhou, so it’s understandable if you haven’t heard of Tai Xu Manor. But surely you've heard of the Joyful Temple?" At the mention of Joyful Temple, Bai Lian’s casual demeanor shifted, her eyes lighting with interest. She asked hurriedly, "Do you, ah, master Xie, have a way to connect with the masters of Joyful Temple?" Got her. Xie Cai smirked slightly, saying, "I am fortunate enough to have caught the attention of Master Yuanfa, who accepted me as his disciple." "A disciple of Master Yuanfa..." Bai Lian covered her mouth in feigned surprise, eyes wide with admiration. This filled Xie Cai with conceited satisfaction—women were indeed predictable creatures, be it their craving for power or wealth. In the entire city of Suzhou, no one surpassed Master Yuanfa of Joyful Temple in influence, not even the Tang family. His father’s choice to betray their alliance and submit to Joyful Temple had clearly been the right move. "So, madam, do you now trust that I can assist you?" "Yes, yes." Bai Lian laughed lightly, stepping aside. "Then please come in, master Xie, let us discuss this further." "In that case, I gratefully accept your hospitality." Xie Cai motioned for his servants to remain outside as he and his steward entered Bai Lian’s rented house. As soon as they stepped inside, they saw Mu Jian Li standing rigidly. Bai Lian instantly rushed over, clinging to her arm. “Husband~,” she blinked, “Let me introduce, this is young master Xie from Tai Xu Manor. He can help us contact Master Yuanfa of Joyful Temple!” “We can finally have children!” “Is that so.” Mu Jian Li’s smile appeared forced. She was not made for such deceit; she preferred the simplicity of direct confrontation. Moreover, the man’s inappropriate gaze on Bai Lian made her uneasy. “In that case, I owe young master Xie my gratitude. Should my wife bear a child, I will be endlessly thankful.” She spoke, unconsciously emphasizing “my wife” to assert her claim. Xie Cai, sensing her hostility, brushed it aside. For such obstinance only made the conquest sweeter. No matter how handsome he might be, he was still just a mere mortal. “How does young master Xie plan to help us contact Master Yuanfa?” Bai Lian snuggled into Mu Jian Li’s embrace, inquiring with seemingly innocent curiosity. Xie Cai had his answers ready, replying smoothly, "In a few days, Master Yuanfa will visit Tai Xu Manor for my grand ancestor’s four-hundredth birthday. I shall naturally introduce you then." "Until then, you may reside at my manor for a few days." With that, his hidden intentions now fully unveiled. Once Bai Lian and Mu Jian Li entered the gates of Tai Xu Manor, leaving would be no easy feat. Bai Lian understood his schemes well but had other concerns on her mind. A cultivator at the Lyric Heart level could not surpass three hundred years of life. Yet according to Xie Cai, his ancestor was about to celebrate a four hundred-year milestone. This implied that the ancestor of Tai Xu Manor might have achieved cloud ascension. Still... neither she nor Mu Jian Li had encountered such an ancestor in their previous lives. She met Mu Jian Li’s gaze, each seeing mirrored apprehension in the other’s eyes.