But in the end, only a handful of people noticed them carrying Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang away.
Under the influence of the intelligence-lowering aura, even those who sensed something was amiss soon forgot all about it.
"Move along, move along. Just wait here for Grandmaster to recover." Bibi Dong's subordinates borrowed Gangzi's name to usher them away.
"Come on, let's go."
Before long, the crowd gathered outside the bookstore slowly dispersed.
Watching this, Bibi Dong felt a lingering fear of the special ability Yu Xiaogang possessed.
If she hadn't heard that bastard Lu Mingchuan—and that scoundrel Yu Xiaogang—muttering to themselves in their hearts, she might have fallen for it too.
Just look at those ordinary Soul Masters and commoners who had only been there for an hour or two. They practically worshipped everything Yu Xiaogang said.
Upstairs in the teahouse.
"What is it? Can't take your eyes off the Saintess?"
Tang Yuehua sat down beside Lu Mingchuan with a teasing smile, though the injured ankle made her wince from time to time.
Hearing her tease, Lu Mingchuan froze for a second. Then, the actor in him took over.
He raised his head to gaze at the azure sky, then sighed and pushed himself up with the help of the wooden railing.
He walked over to the table behind him, looking carefree as he lifted his teacup and twirled it between his fingertips. "How could I? The Saintess is the bright moon, while I'm no more than a firefly. Am I worthy of her?"
His sorrowful expression was truly pitiful.
"Oh? But I heard the Saintess beat that fellow up today. Maybe she really has accepted you?"
Tang Yuehua had pointed out that the person below was Bibi Dong because she wanted to confirm just where Bibi Dong stood in his heart.
As for how she knew what had just happened, Tang Yuehua would only say this: don't ask about a woman's sources.
Come on, girl. You're the one who usually tells me not to be so sweet on Bibi Dong. And now you want to watch me perform as a lovesick playboy? Are you treating me like a monkey?
I don't care whether she beat Yu Xiaogang or not. I'm covering my eyes with both hands and acting.
As long as I'm sad enough, I won't get any more of that dog-licking plotline.
Why does a rich young master have to be a devoted dog just because he's the villain? I refuse to accept it.
Bibi Dong, who had just left the bookstore, paused in her tracks.
"Saintess, what's wrong?" The Spirit Hall members behind her all turned to look at her.
Bibi Dong waved her hand. "Go on ahead. I want to have some tea and calm down. I'll leave in a little while."
That little waste Tang Yuehua was definitely gossiping about her with Lu Mingchuan. How could she not care?
She'd always thought Lu Mingchuan was especially annoying, only to find out that all his devotion to her had been an act.
After the people from Spirit Hall had gone ahead,
she headed toward the teahouse.
Bibi Dong didn't go upstairs. Instead, she found an inconspicuous corner downstairs, changed into a robe, and sipped her tea.
Her gaze fixed on the floorboards above.
"So what if she accepts me? You've never been in love. You don't understand what it feels like to have your heart cut to pieces." Lu Mingchuan downed his tea.
You dried-up old flower. I bet you've never even touched another man's hand, and yet you're lecturing me about love.
The flames of war had reached her, leaving Tang Yuehua looking a little stunned.
And who was he calling a dried-up old flower?
She was only more mature-looking than most people. How was she old?
"Mingchuan, your teacher has failed you."
Go on, act. Your teacher is even better at it than you.
Lu Mingchuan stopped what he was doing and looked at Tang Yuehua, who had suddenly buried her face in her arms and begun crying on the table opposite him.
Had he somehow said something that struck a nerve?
That didn't make sense. After being a good-for-nothing for so long, her mental fortitude should be about the same as his.
He put down his teacup and walked over to Tang Yuehua.
Though he really wanted to peek under the table and see whether she was crying for real, he was afraid he'd find snot instead of tears.
He didn't know whether to stand there or offer comfort, let alone how to do it.
Tang Yuehua's muffled voice suddenly sounded from her arms. "Your teacher is at fault. I shouldn't have let you..."
She still felt a little guilty.
She'd taken money to teach Lu Mingchuan etiquette and guide his conduct, yet she hadn't made much of an impact on his behavior. She'd failed in her duty.
Lu Mingchuan felt a headache coming on.
"Tea... you..."
He'd nearly called her an old hag.
How could he not understand? Tang Yuehua had suddenly found her conscience and wanted to extend his lessons for a while longer.
Guys, Huazi is eating well too. She's gone and claimed Spirit Hall's ten-billion subsidy.
I know you've got a conscience, and a big one at that, but why are you being so conscientious now?
Normally, I'd be your last student at Spirit Hall. Once you've finished teaching me, you should be heading back to the Clear Sky Sect.
Tang Yuehua's tearful expression suddenly froze.
How did this young man know what she'd been planning before she made up her mind?
She hadn't planned on continuing to take money to teach him. She simply wanted to set Lu Mingchuan on the right path.
In her eyes, Mingchuan wasn't a bad child. He just had a strange personality.
The bad reputation he'd gained around Spirit City had all come from pursuing Bibi Dong. Now that he was reinventing himself as a cold, aloof heartthrob, she was sure that if she taught him properly from now on, she could turn his reputation around.
Tang Yuehua discreetly rubbed the corners of her eyes. Once she felt she'd done enough, she looked up at Lu Mingchuan.
"You're the last student of Moonlight Pavilion, teacher. When I think of how poorly I taught you, I feel I don't deserve to be a teacher."
Her fair face made her red-rimmed eyes all the more striking.
"You really cried?" Lu Mingchuan murmured, admiring Huazi as a woman of genuine feeling.
She worked so hard every day to teach him those things. If she'd chosen another path, she might have become an intellectual renowned throughout the Soul Master World.
Unfortunately, he had no interest in listening.
Huazi, don't cry. You'll open Moonlight Pavilion again someday—and might even become a lady with great influence.
Who in Heaven Dou doesn't know Tian Dou Hua?
Tang Yuehua heard Lu Mingchuan's thoughts trail off halfway through, and her curiosity itched unbearably.
Fortunately, he didn't leave her waiting long.
Too bad the idea sounds better than it works in practice.
Make connections with the nobles of Heaven Dou City and expand her network.
Moonlight Pavilion? She might as well start the Yuehua Chamber of Commerce. At least she could gather rare treasures and gain the ability to evolve her Martial Soul.
But she probably doesn't know Martial Souls can evolve.
Martial Soul Evolution?
Bibi Dong and Tang Yuehua were both stunned when they heard that.
They'd only ever heard of Martial Soul Mutation. They'd never heard of evolution.
Too bad your dear big brother doesn't spare a thought for you, his little sister. Otherwise, if Tang San knew how useless you were, he could at least leave you some scraps of Martial Soul Evolution.
Huazi's even got the hots for her own brother. In reality, you, Tang Xiao, and Flender all have something in common.
Tang Yuehua didn't know what Flender and her big brother had in common, but she knew Lu Mingchuan well enough to know it couldn't be anything good.
Before you continue