Taking Both in One Fell Swoop!

"That's right! I'm going to force their hand!"

Zhang Xu stood rooted in place, watching his father's departing figure. His chest heaved, and a ruthless resolve, born of desperation, gradually surfaced in his eyes alongside burning ambition.

The thought was like a poisonous vine: once it took root, it spread wildly, tightening around his reason.

His father had already made himself perfectly clear. It wasn't enough to do it—he had to do it cleanly and decisively!

Otherwise, how could a son who had failed to break through and couldn't even handle a minor task hope to compete with his steady, successful elder brother for control of the family?

He forced himself to calm down, casting aside the shame of failure and his fear of the turbulent times. He focused all his thoughts on this vicious, sordid plan.

The panic faded from Zhang Xu's eyes, replaced by a cold, almost pathological gleam of calculation.

The hardest part of the plan was finding a chance to be alone with Liu Yiyi.

He knew that woman's temperament all too well. She was aloof and proud, and had always looked down on him. There was no chance she'd accept an invitation from him personally.

Should he simply make a move? The Martial Academy was full of eyes and ears, and Liu Qingshi was a Transformation Strength expert. One careless step, and he'd be doomed.

What should he do?

Zhang Xu began thinking quickly.

He might have been flighty when it came to martial arts, but in matters of romance—and in probing people's desires and scheming against them—he was truly gifted.

Before long, his furrowed brow relaxed slightly, and a glint flashed in his eyes.

"Hu Tian... right, that kid Hu Tian!"

A clear way out of the deadlock came to him.

Wasn't Hu Tian, the new junior disciple he'd recently invested in so heavily and showered with favors, the perfect pawn?

"I'll have Hu Tian use his success in learning the fist technique as an excuse to thank his teacher, and host a banquet for Liu Yiyi!"

Zhang Xu's thoughts raced, and a cold smile curled his lips. "I've tossed that poor kid so many bones. It's time for him to wag his tail and do something for me."

But his smile quickly disappeared.

He knew Liu Yiyi well. She might seem aloof, but she was perceptive and extremely wary.

Even if Hu Tian invited her under the pretext of celebrating with a fellow disciple, she might not agree to come alone.

A careless invitation could put her on guard.

"What if... Hu Tian invited Su Yan too?"

Zhang Xu furrowed his brow again, his fingers tapping the tabletop absently.

Though Liu Yiyi and Su Yan had very different personalities, they were among the few women in the Martial Academy who got along and could talk to each other.

With Su Yan accompanying her, Liu Yiyi would be much less wary, and far more likely to accept the invitation!

At the thought, an even more insane, more greedy idea slithered into his mind like a venomous snake, stealing his breath!

Kill two birds with one stone!

If he was going to make a move, why not... take Su Yan too?!

Once the thought surfaced, it spread like wildfire, impossible to contain.

A scorching rush of excitement and shivers shot straight to Zhang Xu's head. Two unnatural spots of color bloomed on his pale cheeks, and naked desire and merciless resolve burned in his eyes.

"Right! That's it! Two birds with one stone! If I arrange everything properly, I can take them both..."

He could almost see the blood-pumping scene unfold before him. He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing.

In his eyes, the plan was audacious beyond belief, but not impossible.

The key was secrecy, speed, and... keeping everything under control afterward.

He knew that in the Zhou Kingdom, no matter how noble a woman's birth or how exceptional her talent, her reputation and chastity remained the heaviest shackles around her.

Once the rice was cooked, the deal was done.

Even if they hated him to the depths of their souls, for the sake of their family's reputation and their own, they would most likely have to swallow their rage and accept their fate. They might even... be forced to let him hold the scandal over their heads to keep it buried!

That was the confidence behind his madness, and one of the cruelest rules of this world for women.

"Hu Tian will be the bait. I need a place secure enough to keep busybodies away... Lake Heart Pavilion will do."

"I have to prepare the drug properly, so they can't fight back at all... I'll use that banned drug, Beauty Drunk!"

"Then I'll have to soothe them, negotiate with them, and maximize my gains..."

Zhang Xu sank entirely into his sinister plotting. One vicious scheme after another took shape in his mind, quickly linking together.

The gloom of his failed attempt to break through into Dark Strength seemed to lift completely, replaced by the feverish thrill of preparing for a dangerous "hunt."

He could already see himself not only winning back his father's favor, but taking those two...

"Hahahahahaha!!!!!!"

The more Zhang Xu thought about it, the more excited he became. He promptly summoned a trusted subordinate and sent him to the Martial Academy to give Hu Tian his instructions.

"Hm? Isn't that Zhang Xu's lackey, Zhang Wang? What's he doing here?"

Jiang Ye, seated at the gate and resting, narrowed his eyes.

He saw a man in black martial clothing, with an unfriendly face, hurrying toward the Martial Academy.

It was Zhang Xu's trusted subordinate, Zhang Wang, a skilled fighter at the peak of Bright Strength.

Zhang Wang looked hurried. Without even glancing at Jiang Ye, he strode straight into the Martial Academy.

In the quietest corner of the Inner Courtyard.

"Brother Hu Tian, Young Master Zhang Xu... has a small favor to ask of you."

Zhang Wang lowered his voice and spoke softly to Hu Tian.

Hu Tian had been spending time with Zhang Xu these past few days, and had already gotten to know Zhang Wang. At once, he puffed out his chest, his face breaking into a warm, slightly overwhelmed smile.

"Big Brother Zhang Wang! You're being too formal! Just tell me what you need. If it's something I can do, I won't hesitate!"

"Good! Straight to the point! No wonder the young master thinks so highly of you!"

Zhang Wang praised him, then glanced around. Lowering his voice further, he leaned close to Hu Tian.

"Here's the thing... Earlier, the young master unintentionally said some things that may have... offended Senior Sister Liu Yiyi and Senior Sister Su Yan."

"It's been weighing on him, like a thorn in his side."

"He's been wanting to find the right opportunity to host a banquet, apologize to the two senior sisters in person, and clear up the misunderstanding, so things won't be awkward between them at the Martial Academy."

He paused to study Hu Tian's expression, then continued.

"But you know what the young master's like... If he invites them directly, he's afraid the two senior sisters will refuse and make things awkward."

"And as it happens, today you learned your fist technique and entered the Inner Courtyard. That's a joyous occasion!"

"So the young master was wondering... could you use the excuse of thanking your teacher and celebrating your admission to invite the two senior sisters to gather at Lake Heart Pavilion?"

"Once they're there, the young master will naturally happen to show up, apologize in person, and clear things up."

Seeing Hu Tian listening intently, Zhang Wang patted his shoulder, his tone growing more earnest.

"Don't worry. Your task is just to invite the two senior sisters to Lake Heart Pavilion."

"Once they're there, the young master will take care of the rest. He won't put you in a difficult position."

"If this goes well, the young master will remember your kindness. And our brotherly bond? That goes without saying!"

Hu Tian nodded repeatedly, as if he'd finally understood. "So that's what it is! I always thought there was something... off between Senior Brother Zhang Xu and Senior Sister Su Yan. Turns out it was a misunderstanding!"

His face took on an expression of dutiful willingness to help, and he thumped his chest in assurance. "Don't worry, Big Brother Zhang Wang! Leave it to me! I'll find a way to invite both senior sisters!"

Before today, he wouldn't have dared speak to core disciples like Liu Yiyi and Su Yan.

But after learning the fist technique today, he was brimming with confidence. It felt as if he'd joined the ranks of the core disciples and could speak to them as an equal.

"Good! Young Master Zhang Xu was right about you, Brother Hu Tian. No wonder he's always treated you like his own little brother!"

Seeing Hu Tian accept the task with such confidence, Zhang Wang nodded. Then he reached into his robe, pulled out a neatly folded banknote, and insisted on pressing it into Hu Tian's hand.

Out of the corner of his eye, Hu Tian caught the words "one hundred taels" on the note, and his heart leaped. Still, he stifled his excitement and pretended to refuse. "Big Brother Zhang Wang! What are you doing? I'm helping Senior Brother Zhang Xu—that's only right! I can't accept this money. Take it back!"

"Now, now, Brother Hu Tian!" Zhang Wang pressed the banknote firmly into Hu Tian's palm and chuckled. "Because you and the young master are close—you're one of us—we can't let you go to all that trouble for nothing! It's a small token from the young master to celebrate your mastering the fist technique. You have to take it!"

At that, Hu Tian felt a surge of warmth and marveled at how right he'd been to follow his big brother. He stopped pretending to demur and pocketed the banknote.

About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea later.

Hu Tian glanced at Liu Yiyi and Su Yan, who had finally stopped practicing nearby, then took a deep breath. Forcing himself to look calm, he approached them and cupped his fists, trying to keep his voice steady. "Hu Tian pays his respects to the two senior sisters."

At the sound of his voice, Liu Yiyi gave him the faintest glance and showed no intention of speaking.

Su Yan, on the other hand, was always perceptive and gracious. When Hu Tian suddenly approached, a flicker of surprise passed through her lovely eyes, then a warm, radiant smile appeared on her face. Her voice was clear and bright. "What is it, Junior Brother Hu Tian? Did you need something?"

Hu Tian gathered himself and, following the lines Zhang Wang had prepared for him, spoke clearly, one word at a time.

"Senior Sister, I was fortunate enough to join the Martial Academy, and today I was lucky enough to learn the fist technique. It's all thanks to Master Liu's careful instruction. I'm deeply grateful, but have no way to repay him, so I thought... I'd host a modest banquet to express my thanks. I'd like to ask the two senior sisters to honor me with your presence..."

"Oh?" Su Yan raised her delicate brows. Her smile remained, but there was a playful note in her voice. "If you're thanking Master Liu, shouldn't you invite Master Liu? Why invite the two of us?"

Hu Tian had prepared for that question and hurriedly answered, "Master Liu is an important person, busy with countless affairs. I wouldn't dare disturb him lightly. So I thought... I could invite his daughter, Senior Sister Yiyi, and convey my respect through her."

"But... if I invited Senior Sister Yiyi alone, it would be a man and a woman together, which could invite gossip and harm her reputation. So... I took the liberty of inviting Senior Sister Su as well, so she'd have company. It would be more appropriate."

He stumbled over his words, but he managed to make himself sound thoughtful and considerate, careful not to overstep.

Su Yan looked at Hu Tian with some amusement. "So I'm just an afterthought, then."

"N-no... Senior Sister, that's not what I meant."

Hu Tian answered awkwardly.

Looking at his youthful face and the way he tried so hard to act mature, Su Yan felt some of her wariness ease.

Before today, she wouldn't have given a junior like Hu Tian, who ran with Zhang Xu, the time of day.

But Hu Tian had shown the potential to master a fist technique within seven days. As long as he didn't die young, he would surely become a core disciple of the Martial Academy.

Perhaps even more than that.

She had no intention of becoming close to him, but there was no harm in making a good impression and leaving room for future dealings.

As a young lady from a wealthy family, she had to consider more than most.

"Since you've invited us so sincerely, it wouldn't be right for your senior sister to turn you down."

As she spoke, Su Yan turned to Liu Yiyi and asked softly, "Yiyi, what do you think? Shall we go have a meal? It's been ages since we ate out together."

At that, Liu Yiyi's gaze shifted slightly. She hadn't looked at Hu Tian more than once the entire time; her eyes were on Su Yan. She gave a slight nod. "It does feel like it's been a long time since we ate out together."

Seeing them agree, delight suddenly shone on Hu Tian's anxious face. "Thank you, senior sisters, for honoring me with your presence!"

Dusk fell.

It was closing time again.

Most of the disciples had already left. Jiang Ye opened his sleepy eyes, and a glint appeared in them. "Tonight, I can attempt to break through into Dark Strength!"

Just then,

"Uncle Jiang!"

A loud voice rang out, full of its usual respect.

Shi Lei hurried over from inside the academy. Sweat from his hard training that day still glistened on his face, but his eyes were brighter and more resolute than before.

"Mm."

Jiang Ye gave a slight nod in greeting.

To his surprise, Shi Lei didn't leave after paying his respects, as he usually did. Instead, he walked up to Jiang Ye and stopped.

Then the young man carefully took a familiar little celadon bottle from his robe—the Blood Replenishing Pills Liu Qingshi had given him that day.

Shi Lei pulled out the cork without hesitation, poured two dark red pills with a faint medicinal fragrance into his palm, and held them out to Jiang Ye.

His movements were a little clumsy, but his gaze was utterly earnest. "Uncle Jiang, these pills... I hear they replenish your qi and blood and strengthen your sinews and bones. You're getting on in years, and your body needs nourishment... Please, take these."

Jiang Ye recognized the pills at a glance. His heart gave a start, then filled with complicated feelings.

For a disciple like Shi Lei, born poor and surviving on sweat and hard work, two Blood Replenishing Pills were worth far more than money.

Yet the boy was willing to give them to him, an old gatekeeper who was "nearing his end"?

Jiang Ye shook his head slightly and pushed the pills back. "Why would an old man like me need these? You're at a crucial stage of building up your qi and blood and preparing to break through into Bright Strength. These pills are vital to you. Take them back, and don't waste them."

"Uncle Jiang, if you hadn't opened my eyes last night..."

Shi Lei tried to insist, his eyes full of heartfelt gratitude.

"Boy, a little Blood Strengthening Soup is enough to nourish an old man like me. Give me any more, and my body won't be able to handle it."

Jiang Ye spoke firmly.

Hearing the words "my body won't be able to handle it," Shi Lei paused. He looked at the old man's face, aged but utterly calm and resolute, and seemed to understand something.

After a moment's silence, he stopped arguing. He solemnly put the two pills back in the bottle, corked it carefully, and tucked it close to his body again.

Then he stepped back and gave Jiang Ye a deep, respectful bow before turning and striding away, disappearing into the deepening night.

Jiang Ye stood quietly for a while, gazing in the direction Shi Lei had gone.

Outer Courtyard.

Lin Xiaohe hadn't gone home early like the other disciples.

She had deliberately stayed until the end, her fingers twisting the edge of her clothes as her gaze repeatedly drifted toward the moon gate leading from the Inner Courtyard.

She was waiting for Hu Tian.

Today, Hu Tian had formally joined the Inner Courtyard. His status had changed, and the sense of crisis in her heart was growing like a creeping vine. She had to seize the chance to take their relationship a step further—ideally, to settle something between them.

Then she saw a sight that made her heart clench.

Hu Tian wore an expression of ingratiating respect she had never seen before as he followed two figures out of the Inner Courtyard, one careful step at a time.

They were the two brightest—and most unreachable—pearls in the Martial Academy.

Liu Yiyi, cold as snow, and Su Yan, gentle and radiant.

As she looked at them, a trace of inferiority flickered through Lin Xiaohe's eyes.

Fortunately, she'd always been thick-skinned. After freezing for a moment, she put on a radiant smile and addressed the three of them.

"Senior Sister Liu Yiyi, Senior Sister Su Yan, Hu Tian..."

She had barely begun speaking when—

Before she could even finish, Hu Tian whipped around as if stung by a needle. The instant he saw her, his face darkened.

He darted to her side in a flash and, without a word, grabbed her and dragged her to a much more distant corner. The force made Lin Xiaohe stumble.

Hu Tian's voice was low, but his displeasure and irritation were unmistakable. His brows were tightly knitted, and his eyes were full of blame, as if she were some shameful nuisance.

Lin Xiaohe was stunned by his sudden hostility. The smile on her face froze, like a flower caught by an unexpected frost.

She looked at Hu Tian, flustered. Her voice grew timid without her meaning it to, tinged with hurt:

"Junior Brother Hu Tian, I... I was waiting for you. Didn't you say before that you wanted to try the sesame flatbreads I made myself? My mother specially prepared the best flour and sesame seeds today. I..."

"What flatbreads? I'm not interested!"

Hu Tian cut her off impatiently. His gaze flicked toward Liu Yiyi and Su Yan, who seemed to be looking this way from not far off, and his voice grew even more hurried and cold:

"Lin Xiaohe, listen carefully. Stay away from me from now on. I don't want the senior sisters getting the wrong idea."

At his words, Lin Xiaohe felt as if she'd been struck by lightning. She stood there, frozen solid.

The face that had been carefully arranged into a sweet smile drained of color, leaving only pallor and bewildered disbelief.

Why did those words sound so familiar?

Why were they so familiar? So grating?

In a flash, she remembered!

In full view of everyone in the Outer Courtyard, hadn't she spoken to Shi Lei, his face covered in scars and his eyes utterly lifeless, in that very same cold, cutting tone, so eager to distance herself, saying almost exactly the same thing?

But how had it happened, in the blink of an eye...

That line had become a poisoned boomerang, hurling back at her exactly as it was, striking her even more cruelly and humiliatingly?!

Was it retribution? A cycle of fate? Or was the world simply this absurd and cruel?

Lin Xiaohe stood there, dazed, watching Hu Tian turn away without a trace of reluctance. In an instant, his face lit up with a smile again, and he trotted back to Liu Yiyi and Su Yan, murmuring some explanation to them, his manner eager and servile.

The two graceful figures didn't even glance her way again. She might as well have been a speck of dust by the roadside. They took a few light steps and continued toward the Martial Academy's gates.

Hu Tian followed close behind, like the most faithful little pug.

"Uncle Jiang, we're off. Get some rest early."

At the gate, Su Yan gave Jiang Ye, who was sitting on a little stool, her usual gentle smile and greeted him in a clear voice.

She was always like this, unfailingly courteous, making people feel as if a spring breeze had brushed past them.

"Elder Jiang."

Liu Yiyi merely nodded. Her cool gaze rested on Jiang Ye for a brief moment, which counted as a greeting.

She had always been a woman of few words, but she had consistently shown basic respect for this old man, who had guarded the gate for decades.

Seeing the two most talked-about senior sisters of the Inner Courtyard take the initiative to greet Jiang Ye, Hu Tian, following behind them, didn't dare neglect his manners either. He hurriedly forced a smile and cupped his hands politely toward Jiang Ye. "Uncle Jiang."

Right after that, the three figures quickly disappeared into the sparse lamplight gathering along the long street beyond the gate and the deepening night. They receded into the distance, their outlines gradually blurring.

"Something's not right. Zhang Xu's lackey, Zhang Wang, came to the Martial Academy this afternoon, and tonight Hu Tian treated them to dinner."

Jiang Ye watched their blurred silhouettes, a cold glint in his eyes.

In his seventy years of experience, there was a nine-in-ten chance that something was wrong with this situation.

If Hu Tian had only invited Su Yan, Jiang Ye wouldn't have gotten involved. But with Liu Yiyi there too, that changed things.

Liu Qingshi had treated him well. Twenty years of shelter and protection, a rare taste of stability amid troubled times—those were genuine kindnesses.

And though Liu Yiyi was cool by nature, he had watched her grow up.

Whatever the reason.

He wouldn't stand by and let anything happen to Liu Yiyi.

"I'd like to see what sort of trick Zhang Xu is trying to pull."

A cold curve tugged at Jiang Ye's aged face.