Let’s Be Friends

Qin Gou’s expression turned serious as he gently patted Mu Man’er’s soft, trembling back. “I recently heard news that you’ve become an adopted princess of the Tian Kun Dynasty and are hosting a martial arts marriage contest. That’s why I summoned you here. But it seems things aren’t as simple as they appear, are they?”

Reluctantly pulling away from his embrace, Mu Man’er nodded repeatedly, her face filled with distress. “Master, I’ve been tricked! I went to the Tian Kun Dynasty to return what I had taken and to sincerely apologize to those I had wronged. At first, even the Tian Kun Emperor was kind and forgiving, welcoming me with open arms. But as time went on, they started coming up with excuses to prevent me from leaving.”

Qin Gou’s eyes flashed coldly. “Is that so?”

“On the surface, they treated me with warmth and respect, but whenever I brought up leaving, they became unyielding. When I finally decided to sneak away, the emperor’s chief eunuch stopped me with overwhelming force. That’s when I realized I was already under house arrest. Eventually, under the emperor’s threats and bribes, I had no choice but to become his adopted daughter. But now he wants to marry me off to the Marshal’s family! It’s clear he intends to keep me in the Tian Kun Dynasty forever!” Mu Man’er’s voice trembled with frustration and exhaustion.

Her face pale, she continued, “I managed to convince the emperor to allow the martial arts marriage contest as a way to buy time and draw attention to my plight. But the contest is a sham—the winner has already been decided. It’s going to be the eldest son of the Marshal’s family, not his disabled third son as originally planned.”

“The Tian Kun Dynasty dares to act so arrogantly,” Qin Gou said, his tone icy. “Did you tell them you’re my disciple? Do they not fear me coming to settle this personally?”

“I told them, but instead of being scared, they were thrilled. They realized I wasn’t just a hostage—I had a powerful background. That’s when they decided to switch my ‘husband’ from the disabled third son to the eldest son, who’s far more capable,” Mu Man’er said, her small nose wrinkling in anger. “The Tian Kun Emperor is ambitious. He wants to use your name and connections to expand his territory and revive his dynasty. He even said that since I’m now his daughter, my marriage is his decision to make. If you object, he’ll just prostrate himself and beg for forgiveness, but he won’t change his mind.”

“Such audacity,” Qin Gou muttered, his expression dark. “The Tian Kun Emperor is bold and cunning, willing to take great risks to achieve his goals. But he made the mistake of targeting my disciple.”

“Master, you have to save me! I don’t want to get married! Besides, you know my true form is like that of a girl barely over ten years old. How could I possibly endure the horrors of married life?” Mu Man’er wailed, shaking Qin Gou’s arm desperately.

Qin Gou nearly choked, his face turning red. “You little brat! Why did you have to say that last part? I was already feeling sorry for you, and then you had to ruin it!”

Mu Man’er scratched her head sheepishly, flashing a sweet smile. “Hehe, I was just too scared and desperate. I had to exaggerate a little to make sure you’d come quickly.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t abandon you. I’m already near the Tian Kun Dynasty and will come as soon as I can,” Qin Gou said with a wry smile, his tone filled with affection. “But until I arrive, you must be careful and protect yourself. I don’t want to see you suffer any more.”

“Yes, Master. I’ll do as you say,” Mu Man’er replied, her eyes sparkling as she smiled obediently.

—

Three days ago, all the male disciples, except for Chi Yuchao, had departed for the Tian Kun Dynasty under the Lone Shadow Saintess’s leadership.

Now, Chi Yuchao was left feeling particularly lonely. In the Mystic Maiden Palace, the only person he knew was Chen Keshua. But the chubby disciple could talk endlessly about food, a topic Chi Yuchao had no interest in. They simply couldn’t connect.

The Rebirth Tower held no appeal for him either. Although the Palace Master had mentioned that outstanding male disciples might gain access to the palace’s secret technique library, Chi Yuchao doubted he still qualified after Ling Cuiyan had publicly revealed his true gender. The humiliation had spread like wildfire, leaving him unsure of his standing.

Frustrated, he abandoned his disguise entirely, which only led to some female disciples subtly asking if he had any intention of formally joining the Mystic Maiden Palace. The mere thought nearly made him explode with anger.

At this point, Chi Yuchao had only one goal: to leave this place as soon as possible and return to his familiar home on Blood-Drinking Slope.

—

Chi Yuchao sat in a stone pavilion, a tall peach blossom tree swaying gently in the breeze nearby. Beneath the tree stood a figure, motionless, as if fused with the blossoms. The person had been there even before Chi Yuchao arrived and hadn’t moved since.

Curiosity piqued, Chi Yuchao approached.

Sensing his presence, the figure spoke, their voice soft and androgynous. “Do you also enjoy admiring the flowers?”

Chi Yuchao glanced at the person and was immediately struck by their beauty. It was as if a deity of snow had descended to the mortal realm. Their ethereal appearance was almost otherworldly, leaving Chi Yuchao momentarily dazed.

Regaining his composure, Chi Yuchao replied, “I’ve been coming here every day at noon. I know there are forty-two blossoms on this tree, but I wouldn’t say I’m particularly fond of flowers.”

“You’re mistaken. There are forty-three blossoms now. A new one has bloomed—it’s the most beautiful of all,” the person said with a smile as radiant as spring flowers and autumn moons. Their words carried a melancholic charm that tugged at the heart. “Ordinary people wouldn’t notice the number of blossoms. You must be a lonely soul, tired of life in the Mystic Maiden Palace.”

“Aren’t you the same? You counted more accurately than I did,” Chi Yuchao said with a shrug and a wry smile.

“Indeed. I didn’t expect to find a kindred spirit in a place like this,” the person replied, turning to face him. Their clear, bright eyes held an infinite sadness, evoking a sense of pity.

“Zhao Xinting,” the person introduced themselves, extending a hand. “Shall we be friends?”