17 Zhu Ying

"Xu Han, don't think you can freely insult me just because I can't defeat you," Zhu Ying protested, her face burning with anger. She always despised being called a child because her appearance didn't match her age, thanks to her cultivation technique.

Xu Han responded, his voice icy, and a cruel smile played across his face. "Oh, really? You're quite bold now with the law enforcers here. But remember, they won't always be around to protect you."

Zhu Ying was the younger sister of Brother Zhu, a peculiar pair indeed. The stark contrast in their appearances often led people to question whether they were truly related by blood. One resembled a colossal elephant, while the other appeared as a petite loli, creating a striking contrast.

Zhu Ying adored her older brother deeply. When Brother Zhu was beaten five years ago by Xu Han, she attempted to avenge him. Yet, she was defeated by him and this defeat had sparked her ultimate goal - to overcome Xu Han and avenge his brother. And from that point on, she dedicated herself solely to cultivation, with little time for anything else besides eating.

Just one day ago, when she discovered that her brother had been defeated by Xu Han once again, an overwhelming rage consumed her. However, despite her deep desire for vengeance, she found herself powerless and helpless. All she could do was hold herself tightly and immerse herself in cultivation.

However, upon hearing news of a murder within the sect, she rushed to the scene, as such occurrences were extremely rare. When she arrived, she saw Xu Han, which instantly ignited her anger. However, she managed to control herself and assessed the situation.

Noticing the presence of law enforcers, she devised a plan to teach Xu Han a lesson. Believing that Xu Han was a battle enthusiast who would engage in fights over trivial matters, she deliberately provoked him in front of the law enforcers, hoping to goad him into starting a fight.

Normally, the law enforcers wouldn't intervene in fights, but given the gravity of the current situation, they would not tolerate any brawling and might even penalize the initiator.

However, things didn't go as planned. Xu Han discovered her scheme, and to her dismay, he turned his attention towards her. The memory of her face covered in bruises flashed before her eyes, sending shivers down her spine. Filled with fear, she made a quick decision to flee, realizing that escape was her best option.

"Um... I can't quite grasp what you're saying," she managed to say, feigning ignorance. "I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave."

With that, she swiftly turned and disappeared into the bustling crowd, refusing to cast a glance behind her.

Her mind was set on a plan—to embark on a mission that would take her outside the sect for an entire year. She believed that by doing so, she would ensure Xu Han wouldn't pursue her. She regarded this approach optimal, as Xu Han's strong commitment to staying within the confines of the sect.

"Humph!" With a disdainful snort, Xu Han turned and also departed causing a murmur among the onlookers.

"Phew! For a moment there, I really thought Xu Han was going to lose it and attack her, forcing the law enforcers to intervene," one observer commented.

Another chimed in, "I also thought but what a pity."

"I really want someone to put that bastard in his place," someone exclaimed passionately as he continued: "His haughty demeanor and superior attitude are absolutely infuriating!"

Overhearing their conversation, a girl interjected, "Why don't you say that in front of Brother Xu? Let's see if you'll still have that mouth hanging open." Her words instantly made them shut up.

But the silence didn't last long as the conversation quickly shifted to Zhu Ying's predicament. "Who's going to protect Zhu Ying, though? She might have escaped today, but what about tomorrow?" someone wondered aloud.

A concerned voice added, "Even Brother Zhu might not be safe from Xu Han's wrath."

"In all honesty," a tentative voice chimed in, "considering that Brother Zhu is still in the hospital recovering, do you truly believe Xu Han is capable of such ruthlessness?"

A heavy silence hung in the air, providing an answer to his question. Undeterred, he asked again, only to be met with the same resounding silence, confirming the truth with a simple "yes."

…

"I'll let her off this time," Xu Han mused.

It wasn't because he was being soft-hearted due to her gender, but rather because he was set to leave for the inner court soon. With the aid of Immortal Simulation, he was certain he'd achieve a breakthrough to the Qi gathering realm within a month.

Pondering over how Xu Han managed to make such rapid progress in a short span of time, he realized that hiding it completely was simply impossible. Breaking through to the Qi Gathering realm would create significant disturbances in the surroundings, making it difficult to conceal. The only way to make it vanish would be if Xu Han possessed the knowledge and skill to create formations. However, forming intricate formations required cultivators of the Qi Gathering realm or higher.

So, there was no longer a need for him to exhibit such cruelty. If he continued on this path, he'd likely breed disdain and rebellion, rather than fear causing him more trouble.

As these thoughts occupied his mind, he found himself back at his courtyard. There, he saw Lingxi, who was busy tidying the house. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Lingxi quickly averted hers, her heart pounding audibly in the silence. Observing her unease, Xu Han advised, "Your mental health seems a bit off today. You should take a break."

"But..." Lingxi began to protest, but Xu Han gently placed his hand on her head, maintaining his usual cold demeanor as he countered, "Your health is more important than cleaning the courtyard. Go rest."

"Yes... Yes, master," Lingxi replied meekly, and hastily retreated.

Xu Han understood what she was feeling; he wasn't oblivious to these matters. Yet he chose to play ignorant. It wasn't that he didn't have needs related to those "exercises," but he believed that entertaining such feelings for her would cause more harm than good.

For instance, what if her mother had some form of location detection on her that would activate when her daughter lost her virginity? If she discovered what had transpired, she might come after his head.

Lost in his thoughts, Xu Han headed towards the garden. There, he took a seat on a rocking chair, gently setting it in motion with a light push as he closed his eyes.