Phew!
Liu Qingquan let out a long breath, comfortably leaning against a rock by the spring.
I’ve always heard you talk about how nice this hot spring is, I’ve been wanting to come forever, finally finished my studies, Mother’s still busy cultivating, so I could finally make it!
Liu Qingyan reminded her, Don’t neglect your cultivation when you get back, or Mother won’t go easy on you.
I know, I know! Liu Qingquan waved her hand, reached for a grape from the wooden tray on the bank, half-emerging from the water, revealing the swimsuit she wore.
Indeed, when Lu Zheng learned Liu Qingquan was joining them at the hot spring, he went back to buy her a swimsuit.
Liu Qingquan was his sister-in-law, after all, Lu Zheng didn’t want any awkward situations, so precautions were necessary, a white one-piece swimsuit solved the mixed bathing issue perfectly.
What’s this swimsuit made of? It’s pretty comfortable, Liu Qingquan tugged at it, tightly fitting, Is it some kind of fish skin? Doesn’t seem like it!
Don’t worry about it, just wear it, Lu Zheng said irritably.
At first, Liu Qingquan didn’t care and refused to wear it, almost making Liu Qingyan leave her behind, she was all pitiful and reluctant when she put it on.
But once she wore it, her attitude flipped completely, she started loving the outfit, saying it was very comfortable.
Then she got Liu Qingyan and Shen Ying touching and examining it, their eyes looking at Lu Zheng with a hint of expectation.
Fine, fine! Everyone gets one! Lu Zheng could only nod, But you’re with me, you don’t even need this thing…
But it’s so pretty, Liu Qingyan said, touching Liu Qingquan’s swimsuit.
Lu Zheng: (ー_ー)!!
Alright, you’re right, and also…
Lu Zheng chuckled, rubbing his chin, pondering what kind of swimsuits to get for the two women.
Why does your smile look so mischievous, Lu Lang? Shen Ying asked.
Lu Zheng immediately denied, I’m not, I didn’t, don’t talk nonsense!
You did, you did!
Liu Qingquan nodded repeatedly, Brother-in-law’s definitely thinking something bad!
At her words, Liu Qingyan and Shen Ying caught on.
Pfft!
Tch!
Lu Zheng: (°ー°〃)
Lu Zheng sighed helplessly, Is this really how you see me now?
Liu Qingyan was by Liu Qingquan’s side, a bit far from Lu Zheng, but Shen Ying was right next to him, so she reached out and grabbed his incriminating evidence.
What do you think? Shen Ying said pointedly.
Cough, cough!
Lu Zheng cleared his throat, Misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding, it’s just that this hot spring water promotes blood flow, relieves stasis, nourishes essence, and boosts spirit, very effective!
Pfft!
Tch!
Lu Zheng: ╮(￣▽￣)╭
With Liu Qingquan there, the three couldn’t do anything too playful, so they just soaked in the hot spring, ate snacks, and relaxed.
…
This time, they were lucky, no demons disturbed their bath, but instead of returning to Tonglin County after leaving Baiquan Valley, they headed to Wuxiu Manor as guests.
Sister Cai? Liu Qingquan blinked, I remember you mentioned her before, Sister, you said you lost contact with her.
Exactly, we reconnected recently, she lives at Wuxiu Manor, today’s a good day to visit and get familiar, Liu Qingyan said.
In the past, even knowing the way, Liu Qingyan wouldn’t have dared to go alone.
But now, having studied *Flying Feather Riding Glow Sword Scripture*, *Nine Transformations Blood Refining Method of the Heavenly Demon*, and *Moon-Illuminating Scripture*, Liu Qingyan’s cultivation had advanced, she gained more offensive techniques and the confidence to protect herself.
Shen Ying briefly told Liu Qingquan about Wuxiu Manor, and Liu Qingquan was intrigued.
Really? Five sisters at Wuxiu Manor! Liu Qingquan said excitedly, That means more people to play with me?
Pop!
Ouch!
All you think about is play, if you don’t finish your studies, Mother won’t let you out.
Woo, Liu Qingquan rubbed her head, I know!
Moments later, they rounded a winding mountain path, and Wuxiu Manor came into view.
Is Cai Niang here? Liu Qingyan’s clear voice carried into the manor.
Qingyan’s here!
Hu Cainiang appeared instantly at the manor’s gate, her eyes sparkling, a smile on her face, Young Master Lu and Madam Shen are here too, sisters, come out to greet our guests!
Lu Zheng: …
Then Hua Yixing in yellow, Lin Jing’er in a purple skirt, Yu Mingxin in a black gauze skirt, and Bai Ting’er in white appeared at the gate, a flurry of chatter, dazzling Liu Qingquan.
So many sisters!
Oh, what a cute little girl, is this Qingyan’s sister? Hu Cainiang pulled Liu Qingquan over, Very alike.
Greetings, Sister Cainiang!
No need for formalities, come in!
Hu Cainiang, holding Liu Qingquan, led the way back into the manor.
The other four women, having heard about Liu Qingyan from Hu Cainiang, greeted them and welcomed Lu Zheng’s group inside.
For this deliberate visit, Lu Zheng and the others brought plenty of gifts.
Fresh fruits, braised chicken, roasted duck, pastries, snacks, all packed in two large wooden boxes.
They settled in the front hall, Liu Qingquan already hitting it off with the lively Yu Mingxin, both pulling the shy Bai Ting’er to sort through the food in the boxes.
This is the peach blossom pastry Sister Shen made, this is milk candy and chocolate Brother-in-law prepared, so delicious…
These are cherries, I’ve never had such sweet ones before, you all have to try them later.
…
As they chatted casually, the topic turned to the ghost manor incident in Xiahe Town.
By the way, Liu Qingyan asked, What happened to that Young Master Ji Zizhen afterward?
I sent him back to his home in Yingshan Town, his wife came out to receive him, Hu Cainiang said, shaking her head, As for what happened after, I don’t know.
Lin Jing’er smirked, A lustful scholar who can’t see himself clearly, his vital yang depleted, yet he still wanted to take Third Sister as a concubine, even asked her to help treat him.
…
Lu Zheng then learned that Ji Zizhen thought Hu Cainiang fancied him, wanting to use his scholarly status to settle in the mortal world, so he ordered her to find medicine to restore his vital yang, promising to take her as a concubine, and if he rose to high rank, he’d grant her the title of an honored lady.
Has he read too many storybooks, thinking he’s a literary star descended to earth, destined for wealth and glory? Lin Jing’er said disdainfully, Thinking Cainiang sought him out because he’s special? Hmph, Cainiang finds someone new every month!
Lu Zheng: …
I’m not talking about you, Lin Jing’er added, If you wanted to take Third Sister as a concubine, she’d definitely agree.
Lu Zheng: …
Just as he was about to change the subject, Ji Zizhen’s voice rang out from outside Wuxiu Manor.
Master! Right here, this manor houses a few harmful female demons!
