Chapter 80: Chapter 80

As if drowning in water, Jian Huan unconsciously held her breath.

Her heart was in turmoil, and within those few moments, her mind raced with countless thoughts.

But all those blushing, heart-pounding imaginings came to a halt when she remembered one crucial matter.

He still hadn’t repaid his debt.

Jian Huan’s chaotic mind instantly regained its rationality. The shimmering light in her eyes faded, and the fluttering deer in her heart was swiftly crushed by the loud clattering of an abacus in her mind.

The debt of a hundred thousand spirit stones between her and him was based on his desire to break off their engagement.

If he no longer wanted to break it off, then this debt she had been fixated on for three years would no longer hold.

Thinking even further, if she didn’t want to marry him, wouldn’t she end up owing him a hundred thousand spirit stones instead?

Even if, just maybe, she felt a tiny bit of something for him… she’d have to wait until he repaid the debt first.

Money was everything, and she wasn’t about to spend any on a man right now.

With this in mind, Jian Huan straightened up instantly and, without hesitation, pushed Shen Jizhi away. Her eyes darted around, and she blurted out, “So, do I owe you money now?”

The surrounding bubbles instantly dissipated into shadows.

Shen Jizhi: “…”

Jian Huan thought for a moment, then pulled out a small pouch embroidered with mandarin ducks from her Mustard Seed Pouch. She held it up tentatively and asked, “How much did you spend?”

If it was a lot, could she just refuse? But Jian Huan kept this thought to herself, not daring to voice it aloud.

Shen Jizhi’s temple twitched, and he took a deep breath, saying nothing.

Jian Huan glanced up at him, her clear black-and-white eyes studying his expression. She pointed slightly and whispered, “You don’t look too good…”

Shen Jizhi looked down at her deeply, and Jian Huan shrank back, sensing something unfriendly in his gaze.

He pressed his lips together, then suddenly raised his hand and lightly pressed against Jian Huan’s slender shoulder. With a slight push, he sent her tumbling out of the window.

“Hey, Shen Jizhi!” Jian Huan’s eyes widened in shock. Caught off guard, she flipped mid-air and landed unsteadily on the ground.

The musician on the bed was awakened by the commotion. He blinked sleepily toward the window, and upon seeing that it was Miss Jian, he promptly flopped back down and pulled the blanket over his head, understanding the situation perfectly.

Young lovers meeting in the middle of the night—best not to look, best not to listen.

Shen Jizhi stood by the carved window, ignoring the musician. His light brown eyes reflected Jian Huan’s flustered face as he said calmly, “I won’t charge you. Consider it an apology for pushing you. Are we good now?”

Without waiting for Jian Huan’s reply, Shen Jizhi decisively closed the window.

Jian Huan hugged the bag of fruit, watching his silhouette retreat from the window. The deliberate expression on her face faded.

She stood there for a moment, head lowered, then turned and ran off into the night with the bag of fruit.

Inside the room, Shen Jizhi paused and let out a soft sigh.

The Flying Illusion Daughter Red that Shen Jizhi was using to bait his master would take three days to brew. Over the next three days, he busied himself in the bamboo grove—crafting artifacts, meditating, and practicing his sword skills. He didn’t seek out Jian Huan.

Jian Huan didn’t come looking for him either.

It wasn’t until Mei Yi sent Tao Hong to summon Shen Jizhi that he went to fetch Jian Huan.

As if nothing had happened three days prior, she handed him the white cloth bag and asked, “Hey, Shen Jizhi, why does Mei Yi always avoid me and only talk to you in private?”

Shen Jizhi smoothly took the bag back. Just as he was about to speak, Jian Huan continued on her own, “Is it because she thinks I’m too clever and might see through her intentions, causing trouble between you two?”

Shen Jizhi gave her a sidelong glance, shook his head lightly, and decided it wasn’t worth elaborating.

The two followed Tao Hong into Mei Yi’s residence.

The front courtyard was filled with plum trees, lush and green despite the absence of blossoms.

Hidden behind the plum grove was a quaint and elegant reception hall. Mei Yi sat in the host’s seat, waiting. Hearing the commotion, a gentle smile appeared on her face, and she quickly stood up to look over. When she saw Jian Huan, she was momentarily caught off guard and instinctively turned to Shen Jizhi: “?”

She had only asked Tao Hong to bring Shen Jizhi.

“She already knows everything,” Shen Jizhi said as he took a seat. “I didn’t want to have to explain it to her later.”

The table was set with tea and pastries, each item exquisitely prepared.

Jian Huan’s eyes lit up at the sight, and without waiting for an invitation, she naturally reached for a piece of almond pastry. She winked at Mei Yi, who was looking her way, and said, “Sister Mei, don’t mind me. Just pretend I’m not here.”

Mei Yi: “…”

Mei Yi lowered her gaze, picked up her teacup, and took a small sip, her thoughts swirling.

She gently set down the vibrant ceramic cup and handed Shen Jizhi a small sandalwood box she had been hiding in her sleeve. “This is the elixir I promised you.”

Shen Jizhi accepted it and opened it to inspect its contents.

Jian Huan leaned over to take a look.

The elixir was smooth and white, emitting a faint glow—clearly something of great value.

Jian Huan’s eyes widened with desire. She wanted one too, but this was part of Shen Jizhi and Mei Yi’s private dealings.

Just like how she and Baili Dao had their own secret collaboration back then, the money from that hadn’t been shared with Shen Jizhi, so she couldn’t very well ask for a share of this now.

With a soft thud, Shen Jizhi closed the box and gave her a meaningful look before storing it in his Mustard Seed Pouch.

“And this—” Mei Yi unrolled a scroll in front of them, revealing a map. “This is the layout of the Dark Hall.”

At this, both Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi focused intently on the map.

Jian Huan furrowed her delicate brows and asked Mei Yi, “You said the city lord is in seclusion in the Dark Hall, but why isn’t his seclusion location marked on the map? Not even his residence is shown.”

Mei Yi smiled bitterly. “Because I don’t know where it is.”

Jian Huan raised an eyebrow: “?”

“I only know he’s in seclusion in the Dark Hall. I overheard that by chance, but as for the exact location, I couldn’t find out.” Mei Yi lowered her gaze, staring at the brown tea in her cup. “He’s very cautious and still doesn’t fully trust me.”

“However,” Mei Yi looked up, her gaze fixed on Jian Huan, “you can directly confront the fish. If the fish is in danger, the city lord will appear, and you can strike then…”

As she spoke, a flash of ferocity crossed her eyes, tinged with a hint of madness.

But as if realizing something, she quickly suppressed it and returned to her gentle demeanor. “That should suffice.”

“I’ve given you the elixir and the map,” Mei Yi said softly. “When do you two plan to act?”

Though her words were slow, Jian Huan detected the urgency hidden within.

Currently, the two were laying low at Mei Yi’s residence, relying on her to cover their tracks. Naturally, they had to accommodate her wishes.

After a moment of thought, Jian Huan said, “Seven days from now.”

Mei Yi’s brows furrowed instinctively. “The city lord has been in seclusion for some time. I’m afraid he might emerge any day now…”

Jian Huan observed her expression and countered, “Then what does Sister Mei suggest?”

Mei Yi smiled uneasily. “Could you act in three days? That would be more secure.”

Jian Huan’s dark eyes flicked to the left, exchanging a glance with Shen Jizhi, and she silently agreed for now.

Late at night, deep in the bamboo forest.

Shen Jizhi placed the musician, who had been rendered unconscious by a sleep talisman, under a bamboo tree and placed an empty wine cup in his hand.

Ahead, Jian Huan walked over carrying two jars of freshly dug-up wine. She placed one jar three steps away from the musician and opened the lid.

Strangely, when they had buried the wine three days ago, its aroma had been intoxicating. Now, however, the scent had faded, like the faint fragrance of osmanthus in autumn—subtle yet irresistibly alluring.

After setting up the scene, the two retreated to a secluded corner, waiting for Gu Shan to take the bait.

Shen Jizhi pulled out a small wine pouch from his robe and held it out to Jian Huan.

Jian Huan handed him the remaining jar of wine, a hint of worry in her voice. “What if it doesn’t work?”

“It will,” Shen Jizhi said with absolute certainty. He used his spiritual energy to transfer the wine from the jar into the pouch, stopping after a moment and handing the pouch to Jian Huan.

Jian Huan took it without thinking, grabbed a nearby water bottle, and began pouring water into the pouch.

Once it was full, she sealed the pouch and tied it to her waist, silently grumbling to herself.

This guy is so confident. What if he’s wrong?

Shen Jizhi took out two wine cups, cleaned them meticulously with a cleansing spell, and poured a cup of wine. He handed it to Jian Huan and asked nonchalantly, “Want some?”

The engraved wine cup was smooth and round, and the hand holding it was slender with neatly trimmed nails that fit perfectly against the fingertips.

Jian Huan glanced at the cup, then at his hand, and instinctively sniffed the air, swallowing a mouthful of saliva.

But.

Jian Huan shot him a wary look.

When Shen Jizhi offered something for free, there was always a catch.

She had already eaten his fruit and was now about to drink his wine. If this continued…

This was how people fell into the abyss, step by step.

Shen Jizhi may appear refined and noble on the surface, but deep down, he’s full of cunning schemes. If he wanted to manipulate someone, he could strip them down to their last thread.

Jian Huan couldn’t let him take the lead. She had to find a way to seize control of the situation.

Jian Huan leaned back slightly and refused, “I won’t drink.”

Shen Jizhi’s brows twitched slightly. “Really not drinking?”

“Mm,” Jian Huan replied, keeping her gaze fixed on her nose, resisting temptation. “I’ve quit drinking.”

Shen Jizhi clearly didn’t believe her. “Quit drinking?”

Jian Huan crossed her arms, her refusal even more resolute. “Yes, drinking harms the body.”

Shen Jizhi didn’t press further. He took the wine back and brought the cup to his lips, savoring it quietly.

The young man’s hair was tied up with a wooden hairpin, his white robes soft and flowing. His delicate profile seemed to glow faintly in the night, and the faint, lingering aroma of wine in the air was subtle yet incredibly alluring.

Jian Huan stole a glance, then quickly looked down, playing with her fingernails.

After a while, she thought seriously for a moment and suddenly asked, “How much does a jar of Flying Illusion Daughter’s Red cost outside?”

Shen Jizhi replied indifferently, “About six hundred spirit stones.”

Jian Huan’s hands paused, and she straightened up a little.

He glanced at her and added, “A cup is probably around ten spirit stones?”

Jian Huan: “!”

Without hesitation, she reached out her hand toward him. “Then I’ll have a cup with you. It’s kind of sad watching you drink alone.”

Shen Jizhi’s tone was faintly teasing. “No, no, drinking harms the body.”

Jian Huan waved it off. “It’s fine. A little drink is good for the soul.”

Shen Jizhi looked down at her for a moment, then poured her a fresh cup.

Jian Huan held the cup, taking small sips. The taste was so rich and smooth! And for some reason, it seemed to get more fragrant the more she drank. Soon, the small cup was empty.

Her dark eyes darted around as she handed the empty cup back.

Shen Jizhi took it, his eyelashes fluttering slightly. “Want more?”

Jian Huan pretended to hesitate. “Well… maybe just one more cup.”

“Unfortunately, with me, you only get one cup at a time.” He sealed the wine jar and put it back into his Mustard Seed Pouch. His amber eyes glimmered as they fixed on her, and he said softly, “If you want more, come back next time.”

Jian Huan: “…”

This man was truly cunning, playing the same game as merchants who give out free daily login rewards.

She let out a soft scoff.

Too bad for him, she was the type to take the freebie and uninstall the app without a second thought.

Bring it on.

Jian Huan leaned back against the tree, crossing her legs, and gave Shen Jizhi a meaningful smile.

Shen Jizhi: “?”

Liu Hu couldn’t sleep at all.

After escaping from Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi that day, he had been hiding in the shadows for a long time. He spotted a black-clad guard who was about his size and had a thick beard—a perfect disguise.

Liu Hu managed to kill the man and took on his identity, blending into the dark palace, living a comfortable life.

But tonight, he caught a whiff of an incredibly enticing wine aroma. It was so alluring that it made his heart itch, and he felt like he couldn’t rest until he had a taste, as if thousands of ants were crawling all over him.

After a moment of hesitation, Liu Hu quietly got up, careful not to alert anyone, and followed the scent to a bamboo grove.

He hid among the bamboo, peeking through the leaves to survey the scene ahead.

A man in white robes lay drunk on the ground, and beside him was a jar of wine.

The aroma in the air was irresistible. Liu Hu’s eyes locked onto the wine jar, unable to look away. He didn’t care if it was a trap. Crouching low, he darted toward the jar.

The moment Liu Hu rushed forward, a small black stone-like object was hurled at him from the side with pinpoint accuracy.

Liu Hu reacted quickly, his body moving on instinct. His foot slipped on the rocky soil, kicking up a cloud of dust and causing a shower of bamboo leaves to fall from the branches.

But the stone wasn’t an ordinary stone. When it reached a certain point in the air, a flexible yet sturdy spiritual iron wire burst open like a firework!

Liu Hu had no time to dodge. A large net descended, trapping him tightly inside.

With their prey caught, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi emerged from the shadows, walking toward the struggling Liu Hu. Their steps seemed slow, but they covered the distance in an instant, arriving in front of Liu Hu in the blink of an eye.

The more Liu Hu struggled, the tighter the net became. He stopped moving, his eyes peering out from behind his thick beard, glaring at the two.

Through the net, Jian Huan smiled sweetly at him and waved. “Hi, old friend. It’s been a few days. I’ve missed you. How have you been?”

Liu Hu: “…”

Heaven help him, it was these two brats again!

Falling into their hands, did he even stand a chance of survival?

Liu Hu opened his mouth to shout, hoping to attract attention and escape in the chaos.

But before he could make a sound, Jian Huan quickly stuffed a wine pouch into his mouth.

Almost instinctively, Liu Hu took a sip.

Such good wine! The flavor was captivating, with a hint of something familiar.

But—

Liu Hu took another sip, smacking his lips.

It was a bit watered down.

“Old friend, let’s make a deal,” Jian Huan said, clapping her hands and squatting in front of Liu Hu. She pointed first to Shen Jizhi, then to herself. “If you follow us and do as we say, not only will we get you out of here, but we’ll also give you a pouch of this wine every day. How about it?”