Adding Insult to Injury

Seeing Niu Youdao slink away with his tail between his legs, Chu Fengping felt thoroughly satisfied, as though he had vented a breath of foul air. Yet the humiliation and anger in his heart remained hard to quell. The most important purpose of this visit had not been achieved, and it was difficult for him to truly be happy.

He had not expected this either. He had thought he had seized Niu Youdao's weak spot, thought that striking at this time would leave Niu Youdao no choice but to submit, thought it was a sure thing. Who could have known that Niu Youdao would refuse his demand? How was he supposed to bear that?

Likewise, he knew that sending out a female disciple like this was hardly anything honorable. If it succeeded, it could be called a fine match, and the disgrace would pass. But since it had failed, he would feel ashamed over this matter for the rest of his life. How could he not be humiliated and angry?

How could banishing Niu Youdao and driving him into a dead end possibly wash away that shame?

"Stop!" A woman beside him suddenly gave a sharp cry.

He turned back and frowned. It was none other than his own female disciple, Xiao Ruying—the very one he had intended to marry to Niu Youdao. She had stepped forward now, seemingly unable to endure it any longer. He immediately warned in a deep voice, "Ruying!"

This time, however, Xiao Ruying ignored her master.

Hearing the call, Niu Youdao stopped and turned back. He saw a fairly pretty woman, but the Baleful Intent on her powdered face made it clear at a glance that she had come with ill intent.

He did not know this woman, but he had seen her before. He