Madam Han held her pipe in one hand. Seeing Ye Yunchi remain silent, she tossed the Azure Dragon Divine Gift to Xie Jinhuan.
"Junior Sister, you really are bewitched. My talent may fall a little short of yours, but I know a hundred times better than you what men and women in this world are like. I'm only keeping this sword for you out of regard for our elders, to leave you a way back.
"When you can prove you've passed your trial of worldly attachments and won't be deceived by a man again, I'll give it to you."
Ye Yunchi was merely unsure whether she could withstand the drug's effects; she did not believe she had truly fallen in love.
Besides, Madam Han's heart had remained as still as water after taking it, and Xie Jinhuan had been equally unruffled after being afflicted with Lust Locust Snake Venom. She had read the sages' books since childhood; surely her self-control could not be worlds apart from theirs.
Seeing Madam Han use this as an excuse to withhold the heirloom, Ye Yunchi thought it over, then accepted the vial and swallowed a pill.
"I've taken it. Give me the sword!"
"Heh... foolish child."
Madam Han's gaze was complicated. With a soft sigh, she carried her pipe deeper into the cave.
"If you're still a virgin in three days, come get the sword yourself."
"What do you mean? How could I-"
Ye Yunchi tried to block her path again, but as the pill entered her stomach, a scorching heat flooded her limbs and bones. A jumble of thoughts surged into her heart like the tide.
That painting today was so beautiful...
Xie Jinhuan remained unmoved even under Lust Locust Snake Venom. He truly is a gentleman...
*He's just a little too rash.