Chapter 31: Are You Looking for Death?

Nangong Wentian’s eyes sparkled with secret delight at the turn of events.

“In that case, I’ll take the liberty of deciding for myself. I’ve founded an academy, and I’d like to invite you, Senior, to be the vice dean.” Nangong Wentian coughed to stifle his laughter. “Of course, if you’d rather be the dean, that’s fine! I’ll gladly be your vice!”

Murong Qingxue didn’t protest and answered slowly, “City Lord, there’s no need for such courtesy. Being vice dean is quite enough for me. And could you please arrange living quarters for us?” She gestured to herself and the rest of the Murong Clan.

“Xiaocui, hurry up. Go find a few empty courtyards next to Miss’s place for Senior and her people!” Realization dawned on Nangong Wentian as he shot a look at the maid beside him.

“Right this way, everyone! Let me show you to your rooms. Careful, Granny, take it slow!” Xiaocui caught the signal and greeted everyone warmly.

…………..

Inside her room, Nangong Lin sat at her desk, chin in hand. She was bored out of her mind, toying with a necklace. Suddenly, a wave of noise drifted in from outside. Her ears perked up—there was a commotion next door. Her eyes lit up as she dabbed on a bit of makeup and stepped out to investigate.

No sooner had she walked out than she saw lively figures bustling about in the neighboring courtyard, arms loaded with luggage. So someone had finally moved in. Nangong Lin stepped inside and found herself surrounded by a group of lovely young women, their features delicate as porcelain dolls. Murong Qingxue stood among them.

Wasting no time, Nangong Lin greeted everyone with a friendly smile. “Hi, everyone! I live right next door. Are you all new here? That means we’ll be neighbors from now on. If you need anything or have questions, just let me know!”

Murong Qingxue couldn’t help but be amused by the sight—Nangong Lin stood there looking adorably groggy, her hair a bit wild. Murong Qingxue’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “You must be Miss Nangong. I hope we get along from now on!”

A flicker of surprise crossed Nangong Lin’s face. “Have we met before, Sis? How do you know who I am? I don’t seem to recall you at all.”

Still smiling, Murong Qingxue shook her head. “We haven’t met, but I know you’re full of questions. There’s someone you probably know—Gu Qingyi. He’s the one who asked me to come here.”

Nangong Lin’s eyes went wide in sudden realization. “What? Brother Gu arranged this? Is he alright?”

“Back then, Young Master Gu was being hunted down, nearly on his last breath. His pursuers meant to finish the job.”

“I could tell something wasn’t right.” Murong Qingxue shook her head. “So I went to check and caught the whole scene. I stepped in—maybe they got scared of my strength, because those men took their own lives for fear of retribution.”

Hearing this, Nangong Lin’s face darkened as she muttered, “No wonder my chest ached that day. It turns out something happened to Brother Gu!”

“Thank goodness this beautiful and kind fairy helped him out, or I might never have seen Brother Gu again! Just the thought scares me.” Nangong Lin let out a sigh of relief, her affection for Murong Qingxue soaring. After all, who wouldn’t like such a gorgeous savior?

Locking eyes with Murong Qingxue, Nangong Lin asked, “Sis, what should I call you? My name’s Nangong Lin.”

“My name is Murong Qingxue. From now on, we’re neighbors—come visit me anytime!” Murong Qingxue replied softly.

Overjoyed, Nangong Lin grabbed Murong Qingxue’s slender hand. “That’s wonderful! Once you’re all settled, let’s go explore together. I’ll show you around!”

“That sounds good. Let’s get acquainted with the area.” Murong Qingxue nodded her agreement.

…………………………………..

Meanwhile—

Gu Qingyi had been walking nonstop for two days and nights.

After trudging over mountains and rivers without rest, he finally reached the woods outside Sky Sword City.

He looked at the high walls ahead and the giant words emblazoned on them—Sky Sword City. Relief broke onto Gu Qingyi’s face. “I’ve finally made it! Hahaha, I almost got lost!”

With long strides, he headed straight for the city gate.

An instant later, a pair of guards blocked his path.

“Stop right there! Beggars aren’t allowed in! This isn’t a place for the likes of you!”

“Yeah, filthy beggar! If you want to beg, go someplace else before I run you off myself!” The two gate guards sized him up with obvious disgust.

“See this sign? This is Sky Sword City. You don’t belong here. Get lost, don’t sully my sight!” one sneered, pointing at the plaque, nose in the air.

The other guard looked Gu Qingyi over and snorted, “Hey, isn’t this our Gu family’s young master? Gone missing for half a year, and now you show up looking like a beggar!”

His partner burst out laughing. “Hahaha, listen, I’m in a good mood today—crawl through my legs, and I’ll let you in! How’s that for a deal?”

Gu Qingyi glanced down at himself.

He had to admit, covered in dirt and dressed in rags, he really didn’t look any different from a beggar right now.

But there was no way a lowly guard at the Sword Qi Realm could get away with mocking him.

Gu Qingyi’s gaze turned icy as he flicked his wrist. “You two want to die?”

In an instant, the two guards were reduced to nothing but bloody mist, scattering like rain.

The crowd waiting to enter or leave the city froze in terror. “Ah! Murder!”

The commotion at the gate echoed through the city, drawing all the inner guards out at once.

“Who dares cause trouble in Sky Sword City? Tired of living, are you?”

Striding out at the head of his entourage, Li Ji surveyed the scene with narrowed eyes.

“Well, well. If it isn’t Young Master Gu—missing for half a year. Look at you now. Life on the outside must’ve been rough! Did you have to get yourself in such a state?” Li Ji taunted.

Gu Qingyi’s eyes were cold as ice as he calmly answered, “I just killed your two useless lackeys. Got a problem with that?”

Li Ji sneered. “What’s the big deal? A couple of nobodies—good riddance.”

Then he grinned slyly at Gu Qingyi. “By the way, Young Master Gu, I have some good news. Your ex-fiancée is marrying me in two days. You should come and raise a glass!”

“Of course, if you’d rather skip it, no hard feelings! I’ll even bring Lian’er to pay you a visit myself. I’m sure you won’t mind, right?”

The underlings around them all burst out laughing.

Gu Qingyi shot him a frosty look and strode forward, landing a solid kick in Li Ji’s gut.

Li Ji doubled over with a groan, curled up on the ground, then staggered back to his feet.

He waved off his servants who wanted to intervene.

With a wicked grin, Li Ji called out, “Out of the way! Make room for Young Master Gu’s grand return!” as if Gu Qingyi’s kick hadn’t just flattened him.

Watching Gu Qingyi’s retreating back, Li Ji shouted, “Remember! In two days, I’m throwing a huge feast at the Li residence. Hope you can drop by!”

“Are you out of your mind? I threw away what you’re now treating like treasure.” Gu Qingyi shook his head with a cold laugh. “Remember that kick today. Consider it a warning. If you show your face again, I’ll beat you every single time.”

“I’m in a hurry to get home, so you get a pass today. Next time, you won’t be so lucky. Keep that in mind.” Without another word, Gu Qingyi brushed past the crowd and headed for the Gu family estate.

Li Ji watched Gu Qingyi disappear into the distance. Where his grin had been, a chilling look now took over. He leaned in and whispered something dark to the servant at his side.