Chapter 6: Hua Xiangwan’s Dangerous Game

 

Hua Xiangwan said nothing. Her hair was messy as she silently watched Lingnan lose control.

Seeing Hua Xiangwan quiet for so long, Lingnan turned around.
“Young Master, what’s wrong?”

“Lingnan, wake up,” Hua Xiangwan reminded calmly. “If you’re tired, go to bed early. Don’t dream.”

“Young Master, you must have confidence in yourself…”

“That is the lineage of the Sword of Inquiry.” Hua Xiangwan sighed, knowing Lingnan didn’t grasp the seriousness of the situation. “It’s already enough that we’ve managed to take down Shen Xiuwen. Don’t dream about Daoist monks like that.”

“But we’ve offended the Heavenly Sword Sect,” Lingnan argued, voice edged with worry. “It’ll be difficult for you to pursue anyone now. You might as well find someone reliable and work hard with him.”

“No.” Hua Xiangwan’s refusal was sharp. “He isn’t just the Sword of Inquiry—his master is Xie Changji.”

“So what?” Lingnan looked puzzled. “Lingbei said Sword Master Wenxin was trapped in the realm of life and death his whole life, and his disciples were only registered under other names. Lord Qingheng barely lets his disciples enter that realm. He has many disciples, but only a handful have even seen him. One more or less for Xie Wushuang doesn’t matter. If Xie Wushuang agrees, Lord Qingheng won’t interfere.”

“That won’t work either.” Hua Xiangwan shook her head.

Lingnan tugged at her sleeve, voice low. “Young Master, you’re about to become the Demon Lord’s person…”

“That’s why you have to listen to me.”

Hua Xiangwan cut her off with a warning look.

Seeing there was no room for persuasion, Lingnan reluctantly dropped her sleeve, whispering, “Yes.”

Noticing her disappointment, Hua Xiangwan softened her tone. “Shen Daojun is capable, and things are going well between us. Don’t be sad. Trust my judgment.”

Lingnan muttered, almost sulking, “Young Master, you chose Xue Zidan and Wen Shaoqing yourself…”

Hua Xiangwan nearly choked at the memory of those ill-fated choices.

“Stop talking! You’re cuter when you’re quiet.”

The night passed in conversation, until they finally reached Zuizhen Town before dawn.

The Heavenly Sword Sect had already contacted a small local sect, arranging lodgings. Their disciples took the upper rooms, while members of Hehuan Palace were thrown into the woodshed.

After setting guards, Shen Xiuwen approached. “Young Master Hua, please rest for a while. Once you’re settled, Senior Brother Xie invites you to the guest room.”

“Thank you.” Hua Xiangwan bowed, though her heart sank—Xie Wushuang’s questioning was inevitable.

As soon as Shen Xiuwen left, her companions crowded in.

“Young Master, what’s going on?”
“Have they discovered our plan?”
“Why the woodshed?”

“Enough,” Hua Xiangwan silenced them. “The Heavenly Sword Sect suspects us of colluding with Mingluan Palace.”

Faces darkened with confusion and worry.

Finally, one disciple hesitated. “Then… can the marriage proposal still succeed?”

Hua Xiangwan sighed, her head aching. “We’ll do our best. The rest is fate. For now—give me a new hairstyle. Maybe I can turn this around.”

At once, her followers set to work. Some washed her face, some combed her hair. They dressed her in white, crafting a delicate, understated beauty—simple at first glance, yet full of hidden intention. Her eyes shimmered like autumn water, fragile but captivating.

Just then came a knock at the door. “Young Master Hua, are you ready?” Shen Xiuwen’s voice.

Lingbei leaned close. “Young Master, time is short. At least leave the Dream Seal on him tonight.”

Though Hua Xiangwan disliked such methods, she nodded. “Don’t worry.”

Lingnan, brimming with excitement, clasped her hand. “Do your best. Capture Xie Wushuang if you can. If not, Shen Xiuwen will do.”

Hua Xiangwan twitched, pushed Lingnan aside, and opened the door.

A faint fragrance drifted out. Shen Xiuwen’s gaze lifted, caught by her face—natural beauty shaded with elegance.

“Shen Daojun?” Hua Xiangwan greeted gently.

Startled, he stammered, “I’m sorry, I—”

“Why apologize?” Her confusion seemed so genuine that it eased his nerves.

“Thank you, Young Master. Please, this way.” He stepped aside.

As they walked, she asked, “Does Daojun Shen know why Daojun Xie summoned me?”

“It’s just a misunderstanding,” he reassured. “Senior Brother Xie only wants clarity.”

Hua Xiangwan sighed, looking worried. “But he’s so cold. What if he punishes me?”

Shen Xiuwen chuckled softly. “Young Master, you are our guest. How could there be punishment without cause?”

Her smile brightened, her voice teasing. “Then I’ll trust you not to abandon me, Shen Daojun.”

He froze, flustered, but she let the moment drop, steering the talk to trivial matters.

As the lobby drew near, she paused, turned, and whispered, “Do you know why I came to the Heavenly Sword Sect?”

“Young Master Hua?” he asked, bewildered.

She stepped closer, tiptoeing, her fan shielding their faces as her breath brushed his ear.

“Because I’ve fallen for someone in the sect.”

Her voice was soft, hoarse, dangerously alluring. At the same time, her fingers traced a subtle magical seal against his skin.

“Care to guess who it is?”

Shen Xiuwen froze, cheeks burning, utterly speechless.

Satisfied, Hua Xiangwan turned away, striding into the main hall.

The heavy door slammed shut. Shadows thickened.

Xie Wushuang sat above her, cold as ice, his gaze sharp.

Suppressing her distaste, Hua Xiangwan smiled sweetly and bowed. “Thank you, Daojun.”

“The Hehuan Palace’s plot against my sect’s disciples,” Xie Wushuang said flatly. “Young Master Hua should give me an explanation.”

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