Chapter 145: Lofty Cloud Hairpin, Graceful Brows. Bright Without, Fresh Within - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

Chapter 145: Lofty Cloud Hairpin, Graceful Brows. Bright Without, Fresh Within As Chang'e's voice echoed through the air, rain began to fall across the world. But the rain that descended upon the Wuhuang tribe was no ordinary rain. It was heavy water. Each drop weighed a staggering three thousand catties. Descending rapidly from the high heavens, it shattered the shields surrounding the Wuhuang tribe's puppets in mere moments. A single droplet upon the skin would bore a bloody hole. Even bones were crushed under its weight. In such apocalyptic devastation, the puppets of the Wuhuang tribe were swiftly reduced to pulp. The ground they stood upon transformed into an absolute dead zone. No life remained. "Withdraw!" The tempest vanished like smoke in the wind. The world returned to its pristine clarity. Yet wielding such formidable magic through the red silk ball left Chang'e in no better condition. She had expended more than half of her divine power. Full recovery would take at least three days. Her once cool and distant demeanor now seemed frailer and more vulnerable. Staring at the aftermath, Daji's beautiful eyes were filled with disbelief. Hundreds of the Wuhuang tribe puppets, revered as the pinnacle of their sorcery. Vanquished just like that? "Sister Chang'e, you're truly powerful." "But why do the myths and legends paint you as a weak woman, who betrayed Hou Yi and conspired with his servant to steal the elixir of immortality..." Having spoken, Daji regretted her words, fearing she had angered the goddess Chang'e. "Is that how the stories are passed down?" Chang'e's gaze was sorrowful, her expression deeply saddened. Daji keenly noticed her emotions, hinting that the ancient myths might vastly differ from real history. "Sister Chang'e." "Aren't the tales of later generations decided by those in power?” “I won't mention it again. Let's head back..." ... In the tavern's backyard, Su Mo and Xu Miaoyin were deep in practice. "Miaoyin, how effective is this golden pill of mine?" "Su Lang, where did you learn this technique?" "I feel as if the true energy within me is about to break through." "The Snow Maiden's skill is also on the verge of reaching its pinnacle." "Once reached, it will manifest outwardly, concentrate inwardly, conceal shadow within, transforming true energy into essence." “Although it may not achieve innate sage communication, it's still a rarity in martial arts.” Hearing about such remarkable results, Su Mo's expression turned even more smug. "I learned it from a remarkable sage." "Plus, I possess an extraordinary talent to produce it infinitely." "Today, take a few more of these pills." "Seize the momentum." "Let your Snow Maiden's skill break through to the final stage!" Xu Miaoyin's cheeks flushed slightly. "Though effective, the method of consumption is a bit..." ... The next morning, Su Mo awoke from a gentle slumber, his body wrapped in Xu Miaoyin's warmth. Her skin, supple and luminous, seemed to glisten with a faint light. And her long black hair had undergone a transformation. It now appeared as if woven from silver threads, resembling moonlight itself. She exuded an extraordinarily pure aura. This was the natural change that occurred as her Snow Maiden's skill reached its zenith. Her hair now mirrored that of the legendary Snow Maiden of the Great Snow Mountain. ... Observing the now even more enchanting Xu Miaoyin, Su Mo couldn't help but sigh in wonder. Now, his wives would no longer have to worry about aging or the loss of beauty. Just the night before, he had offered twenty more golden pills. Allowing Xu Miaoyin to break through to perfection in one bold move. He wondered if Fei Lingshuang's martial arts would also advance with the liquid golden pill. Su Mo vaguely remembered. Her martial arts were known as "Ten Transformations of the Dust Heart." In simulations, she had reached sage communication at the eighth transformation alone. He pondered what realm the tenth transformation would bring. At that moment, Xu Miaoyin murmured softly, gradually awakening. Gazing at her hair in the morning light, Xu Miaoyin felt a tinge of sadness. She had always favored her jet-black locks. More critically, she worried about Su Lang's thoughts. Would he still find her beautiful? With these thoughts, Xu Miaoyin anxiously met Su Mo's gaze. Seeing the concern in Xu Miaoyin's bright eyes, Su Mo immediately reassured her. "Worried about your hair?" "Miaoyin, there's no need to be too troubled." "Your white hair now makes you even more beautiful than before." "You're like a spirit born from snow and ice." As he spoke, Su Mo twirled a strand of her hair around his finger, awed by its radiant beauty in the morning light. Without light, Xu Miaoyin's hair was pure white, yet with illumination, it shimmered with various colors. It gave Su Mo a unique thrill. If such a hair dye existed on Earth, every salon's doorstep would be worn out. Thus, Xu Miaoyin's heart was filled with sweetness at Su Mo's words. Lightly, she wrapped her snow-white arms around Su Mo's neck. "Really?" Amidst her fragrant scent, Su Mo nodded repeatedly. "Absolutely." "My Miaoyin is the most beautiful woman in the world." Xu Miaoyin's heart swelled with joy, though she teased. "And what about Fei Lingshuang or Huang Qingwan?” “Aren't they beautiful?” “I think you're just saying what you think one moment and something else the next.” “Ah, men." In Xu Miaoyin's mind, Fei Lingshuang and Huang Qingwan's beauty didn’t fall short of her own. Hence, she often felt a sense of rivalry. Afraid of being outshone. Now with her hair transformed, the sense of competition grew stronger. Su Mo smiled helplessly, comforting Xu Miaoyin. "Darling, everyone has their own unique beauty, and to me, you are matchless. You shouldn’t compare yourself to others." "Besides, do you think your hair doesn’t look good?" "Personally, I find it breathtaking." "Really?" "Of course it is!" "Then, I won't compare anymore." Listening to these sweet words by her ear, Xu Miaoyin wished to cling to Su Mo all the time. "Su Lang." "Hmm?" "I'm only at the second stage of the Yi Jin Jing technique. Do you have more golden pills?" "More than enough!" ... ... The days passed smoothly for Su Mo. Because of Fei Lingshuang earlier, the tavern had been operating on a semi-open basis. Now that Fei Lingshuang and her three maids had left for the Blood-Clad Tower’s headquarters to handle affairs, Su Mo gained ample free time. Although the wealthier citizens had moved out of Linjiang City, leaving it relatively deserted. However, his excellent culinary skills ensured many returning customers. Almost half of Linjiang City’s residents came to eat at his tavern. The general's mansion had even recruited some new retainers. Every day, Huang Qingwan would dispatch these retainers to help clean the tavern and assist in the kitchen. So besides cooking, Su Mo spent his days practicing with Xu Miaoyin. The innate Shaoyang Sword, combined with the True Martial Treasure Sword and Fiery Sun Righteous Qi, wielded immense power. Su Mo felt that if he encountered the black bear spirit again, he could defeat it with a single strike. However, Su Mo's greatest desire was to learn the true Sword Immortal techniques. Sword Immortal techniques could not only allow him to fly with his sword but also decapitate foes from a thousand miles away. Such prowess was beyond any martial skill a martial artist could offer. Imagine this: as you walk along, a sword ray descends from the horizon, and the next second, your head is gone. Scary or not? Su Mo surely found it terrifying. His body hadn’t yet reached the point where it could withstand a flying sword. If a Sword Immortal targeted him. Death would be certain. After sending off the last table of patrons and the retainers responsible for cleaning, Su Mo prepared to head to the backyard to practice swordsmanship with Xu Miaoyin. Before he could leave, Chunzhu and Shaoyao rushed in. It was early summer now, and Chunzhu was dressed lightly. Her azure gauze dress elegantly accentuated her alluring figure. After Huang Qingwan summoned her previously, she hadn't stayed with Su Mo since. She only occasionally visited when she missed him, to consume some of his golden pills. Nurtured by Su Mo, the youthful innocence of Chunzhu had faded, replaced by a charming allure. She radiated with mesmerizing beauty. Meanwhile, Shaoyao still appeared frail, seeming as if a strong wind could knock her over. "Chunzhu, you're here," Su Mo said, setting aside his work and walking towards the two women. Chunzhu stepped forward and wrapped her arm around Su Mo's. "Brother Su," she said affectionately. Su Mo didn't hesitate to embrace her back. Their relationship was well known, and Shaoyao watched with envy, admiring Chunzhu for finding such a reliable companion in Su Mo. "Brother Su, the lady asked you to bring the account book to the manor for a review," Chunzhu said. Her words suggested a simple task, but it was clear that Huang Qingwan merely missed him. Su Mo, understanding the underlying message, grabbed the account book and called out to the backyard, "Miaoyin, I'm heading to the General's manor to review the accounts. The food's kept warm in the pot; don’t forget to eat." "Alright," Xu Miaoyin replied. With that, Su Mo accompanied Chunzhu and Shaoyao to the General's manor. Although General Guo had passed away seven years ago, the court continued providing a generous pension, ensuring the manor's comfortable lifestyle, even accommodating hundreds of maids and attendants. In the inner courtyard, Huang Qingwan sat gracefully on a carved stone bench under a pavilion, gently fanning herself with a round fan. She wore a pink embroidered peony gauze dress, its hem elegantly trailing on the ground, enhancing her poise and charm. She hadn't noticed Su Mo's approach, her eyes filled with hopeful anticipation of their reunion. Gesturing Chunzhu and Shaoyao to wait outside the courtyard gate, Su Mo approached with the account book in hand. Quietly coming up behind Huang Qingwan, he suddenly lifted her from the bench. "Ah!" she exclaimed, startled, her delicate body struggling slightly. "Who is it?" Feeling the unusually strong grip of the intruder, Su Mo playfully buried his head in her neck, further teasing her. Smelling the familiar scent, Huang Qingwan's initial resistance softened. Relief and delight fluttered across her features as she turned, her small fists playfully hitting Su Mo's chest. "Su Steward, you scared me!" Drawing her into his embrace, Su Mo inhaled her intoxicating fragrance. "Qingwan, did you miss me?" Huang Qingwan's eyes misted at his words, a touch of reproach in her voice. "It’s been so long since you came to see me. I almost thought you’d forgotten about me!" Tears welled in her eyes, and Su Mo, alarmed, tenderly cupped her face, kissing away her tears as if to erase all her grievances. "Qingwan, that was my fault. Don’t cry, your tears break my heart." "You rogue, do you even have a heart?" Huang Qingwan murmured, eyelashes quivering, as she melted into the comfort of Su Mo's embrace, savoring their reunion. The couple indulged in each other's presence for a long while, unaware of Chunzhu and Shaoyao peeking from outside. Chunzhu, watching the scene, was filled with admiration. However, as concubine maids, both she and Shaoyao were meant to serve their master alongside the lady of the manor. Now that Huang Qingwan was with Su Mo, there was no reason for her to feel upset; she could still serve her Brother Su. Shaoyao nudged Chunzhu, whispering, "Aren't you jealous?" Chunzhu rolled her big eyes. "What for? Besides, if the lady marries Brother Su, you’ll be coming along too." She teased, glancing over Shaoyao's frail figure resembling that of Lin Daiyu. "Brother Su is extraordinarily strong. Can you handle it?" Embarrassed, Shaoyao's cheeks turned crimson at the suggestive comment, and she retaliated by tickling Chunzhu. "You cheeky girl, let’s see if you beg for mercy." "Ha-ha, stop tickling me," Chunzhu protested. Inside, hearing the laughter from outside, Su Mo and Huang Qingwan decided to retreat indoors. "Su Steward, shall we go inside?" Huang Qingwan suggested. "As you wish, my lady," Su Mo responded. In the room, Su Mo gently guided Huang Qingwan to her dressing table. In the mirror, her beauty was undeniable, reminiscent of verses from "The Ode to the Nymph of the Luo River": her shoulders so delicate, waist slender; her neck gracefully extends, and her pristine skin is exposed. Her natural beauty required no embellishment, and her lofty cloud coiffure, graceful brows, vermillion lips, and bright teeth shone. Her captivating eyes and enchanting dimples completed her elegant demeanor, exuding a gentle allure that scintillated with each word. Su Mo massaged her shoulders lightly, while Huang Qingwan, realizing the romantic turn their afternoon might take, blushed deeply, a mix of anticipation and trepidation. In the mirror, her tender, affectionate gaze met her own reflection, her eyes sparkling like spring waters. "Su Steward...," she started softly. Instead of responding, Su Mo bent down on one knee, gently removing her delicate white silk-embroidered shoes and stockings. Entranced by the exquisite beauty of her feet, Su Mo softly caressed them. "My lady, your feet are simply beautiful." Mortified, Huang Qingwan bit her lip and shyly turned her head away. "Su Steward, don't look." Setting the shoes aside, Su Mo rose and whispered in her ear, "My lady, today while you fanned yourself in the pavilion, you captivated my entire being..." The warmth of his breath sent a shiver down Huang Qingwan's spine, her entire body tingling under the spell of his words... With that, Su Mo scooped her into his arms, as a barely audible voice escaped her lips, "Please, my lord... be gentle..." ... Su Mo stayed overnight at the manor, departing before dawn. Walking through the still-dark streets, he was buoyant with happiness. Without a doubt, Huang Qingwan's embrace was the world's most comforting haven. Especially with both Chunzhu and Huang Qingwan bearing such incomparable beauty, even the thought made his heart race with delight. Sadly, Yuluo Niang did not join them. Since consuming the golden pills, she had been immersed in her cultivation, claiming that her power would soon rival that of a thousand-year demonic spirit. She said she had to prepare for the impending celestial tribulation, hence her relentless practice on the woven net. As Su Mo reached East Street, he noticed an elegant woman standing outside his tavern. Thanks to his partial night vision, he could see her clearly. Nangong Liuli! Surprised, Su Mo wondered what had brought her here. Wasn't she supposed to never return to Song after completing her task according to the simulated storyline? What could possibly have drawn her to his place now? A subtle sense of unease flickered within him. She was a notorious killer, a sword immortal at that, and he knew he was no match for her. For a brief moment, uncertainty paralyzed him, unsure if approaching her would lead to a swift demise at her sword. While he hesitated, grappling with indecision, Nangong Liuli suddenly turned, her cold eyes locking onto Su Mo! (The chapter ends here.)