Chapter 41: Recovered Memories

A dazzling array of sumptuous dishes lay spread out before them.

After a simple meal together,

Nangong Lin glanced at the two with curiosity and asked, “Aunt, Sister Xiao’er, why isn’t Brother Gu here?”

Shen Yue and Gu Qingxiao exchanged a glance before shaking their heads.

Shen Yue spoke with a troubled expression, “Miss Nangong, it’s like this. My son returned home half a year ago, but after bidding farewell, we’ve had no word from him since.”

Hearing this, Nangong Lin felt her legs give way and collapsed to the ground.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she muttered to herself, “How could this happen? I’ve searched for so long and found nothing. Could something really have happened to him?”

Unable to bear the thought, Nangong Lin crouched on the ground and burst into tears.

Gu Qingxiao, unable to watch Nangong Lin suffer, stepped forward to comfort her. “Sister Nangong, don’t be too upset. My brother is blessed with good fortune. He’ll be fine. Try to relax.”

“Really? Then why can’t I find him?” Nangong Lin’s red-rimmed eyes met Gu Qingxiao’s as she pressed for answers.

Suddenly, Nangong Lin recalled the moment they parted. She had given Gu Qingyi a necklace—a matching pair that could track each other’s location. She pulled out the glowing necklace from her bosom, identical to the one Gu Qingyi wore.

“This is it! With this, I can definitely find Brother Gu!” Nangong Lin stared at the necklace, her heart soaring with wild joy as she gripped it tightly.

“Aunt, Sister Xiao’er, I know how to find Gu Qingyi now. I’ll set out right away!” Nangong Lin turned to them with resolute determination in her gaze.

Seeing her urgency, the mother and daughter duo asked with concern, “Miss Nangong, why not stay the night before leaving? It’s getting late, and the roads could be dangerous.”

“No, I can’t delay. Every moment I wait, something could happen to Brother Gu. I must go now!” Nangong Lin shook her head at their plea, let out a long sigh, and mounted her horse, galloping off into the distance.

Shen Yue and Gu Qingxiao watched the scene unfold, their hearts heavy with worry as they murmured, “Please, come back safely.”

…

At the gates of Sky Sword City,

numerous guards stood watch.

The most dangerous place often turns out to be the safest.

They lounged lazily, yawning, when a sudden clamor of hooves echoed behind them. Startled, they turned to see a red horse charging straight toward them.

One of the guards squinted and roared in fury, “Look, it’s that little wench! She’s walked right into our trap. Stop her now!”

Nangong Lin took in the scene, tightened her legs around the horse’s back, and gave a firm pat to its flank. The horse, spurred by pain, leaped into the air.

It soared over the guards with ease.

In an instant, Nangong Lin vanished without a trace.

By the time the stronger cultivators among them reacted, she had already slipped beyond the reach of Sky Sword City’s influence. They could only give up, frustrated.

In their plan, the main gate was the most perilous spot. Plus, Nangong Lin was just a powerless young girl in their eyes.

Convinced she’d never dare come this way, they had mobilized their forces to scour the city instead.

By the time they realized their mistake, it was far too late.

…

In Xiaoxi Village,

Gu Qingyi and Qin Wan were tenderly caring for a parasol tree they had planted together. Under their attentive nurture, the tree was beginning to thrive.

“Brother Mu, look! The parasol tree has so many new buds. I’m sure it’ll grow into a towering giant soon!” Qin Wan beamed at the flourishing tree, her smile bright as she turned to Gu Qingyi.

It had been half a year since Gu Qingyi lost his memory.

He stared blankly at the parasol tree, and without warning, fragments of memories began to trickle back—though not fully.

A sharp pain stabbed through Gu Qingyi’s mind.

He clutched his forehead, his face twisting in discomfort, though the pain soon faded away.

Qin Wan noticed his distress and asked with worry, “Brother Mu, are you okay? Should we visit the village doctor?”

Gu Qingyi waved her off, his voice calm. “No need. I’m fine now. Just a minor issue.”

Seeing his insistence, Qin Wan could only let it go.

…

Meanwhile,

Nangong Lin was crossing several towering mountains.

Parched and weary, she spotted a large estate not far ahead and headed toward it without a second thought.

Little did she know, this was the home of Wang Jia!

Nangong Lin approached, eyeing the intricately decorated, luxurious gate. She hesitated for a moment before knocking firmly.

She called out softly, “Is anyone there? I’ve traveled a long way and would like a bowl of water. I can trade a spirit stone for it if that’s convenient.”

Soon, the noise at the gate caught someone’s attention.

A servant hurried over. “Miss, please wait. I’ll inform the master!” After opening the door and giving Nangong Lin a strange, appraising look, the servant turned and dashed off.

Nangong Lin stood there, waiting patiently.

Inside the courtyard,

the servant raced to Wang Jia’s room.

Kneeling, the servant exclaimed with excitement, “Master, a beautiful young lady is at the gate! She’s asking for a bowl of water. What do you think?”

Lying in bed, Wang Jia stirred at the words.

He leaped up, flung open the door, and stared at the servant with a lecherous grin. “Really? This is perfect!”

Wang Jia, with his hefty frame, shuffled forward.

Supported by the servant, the pair soon reached the gate. The moment Wang Jia laid eyes on Nangong Lin, raw desire flared in his gaze, his eyes gleaming with greed.

“Stunning! Absolutely gorgeous! That delicate face, that striking figure—she’d be a delight to savor!” Wang Jia barely restrained himself, muttering under his breath. He coughed lightly to mask his emotions.

Putting on a kindly facade, he said gently, “Miss, please come in. I’ll show you the hospitality of this house. I won’t charge a thing and will ensure you’re well taken care of.”

Nangong Lin eyed Wang Jia, who resembled a bloated pig. Though she felt a twinge of disgust, this was the only household for miles, so she followed him inside.

The Wang family estate reeked of nouveau riche excess, with gold adorning every corner. The sprawling grounds were equipped with every luxury imaginable.

Even Nangong Lin couldn’t help but be taken aback as she took it all in.

“This man knows how to indulge,” she thought, her lips twitching as she pressed forward.

Wang Jia’s sinister gaze flickered over Nangong Lin as he whispered to himself with a dark chuckle, “Young girls always fall for shiny things. Soon enough, she’ll be completely under my control!”

The thought made his heart race with glee. He led her to an extravagantly decorated room, where a table groaned under the weight of exotic delicacies.

Nangong Lin’s eyes lit up at the sight of the feast, though Wang Jia mistook her hunger for greed over his wealth.

Rubbing his hands together excitedly, Wang Jia’s lips curled into a sly smile, as if his scheme was already succeeding.

Entranced by Nangong Lin, Wang Jia could hardly wait to have her completely. He eagerly pulled out a chair for her.

Nangong Lin took the seat, thinking to herself, “This man may look unappealing, but he seems kind at heart. Truly, appearances can be deceiving.”

Wang Jia flashed a wicked smile. “Miss, go ahead and try everything. It’s all for you. I won’t take a single coin. Eat to your heart’s content!”

Nangong Lin didn’t hold back and began to devour the food with gusto.

Watching her feast, Wang Jia’s grin grew wider, impossible to conceal. Sensing the moment was ripe,

he tested the waters. “Miss, what do you think of all this? Are you satisfied?”

Nangong Lin assumed he was asking about the food.

She replied cheerfully, “Everything is delicious. I’m very pleased!”

Wang Jia took this as a sign his plan had worked.

“If I were to offer you the role of mistress of this house, would you accept?” he asked bluntly.

“What? Uncle, what are you talking about? Mistress of the house?” Nangong Lin dropped the chicken leg in her hand, staring at Wang Jia with suspicion.

Seeing her play dumb, Wang Jia’s tone turned harsh. “Miss, are you really that clueless? I suggest you think carefully before you answer. You know what I mean.”

His expression darkened, his hands fidgeting restlessly.

Nangong Lin instantly realized this old fox had been scheming against her, using the feast as bait to test her. Fine, she’d play along for now.

Feigning ignorance, she said, “Uncle, I really don’t understand. Please don’t be so harsh. I’m scared.”

Wang Jia, fed up with her act, dropped all pretense.

He snarled viciously, “Little wench, I’ve given you too much face, making you think I’m easy to deal with! You’re a lamb in a tiger’s den now. There’s no escape. Surrender quietly!”

His demeanor shifted to something sinister as he lunged toward Nangong Lin with greedy hands.