Chapter 6: An Arrow Severing an Arm.

For a moment, Qian Junyou failed to react and nearly agreed on the spot. He couldn’t even hide from her fast enough, yet she wanted him to marry her as his principal wife!? What was this? A threat?

There was no way he could agree! Besides, she was a female lead. Wouldn’t this be slapping the protagonist in the face and courting death? He might as well just pour oil on his own grave.

The resolute Bai Shuxi repeated herself once more. As the number one talented lady in the capital, her mind was still quite sharp… most of the time.

Since she had already come to the pleasure quarters to plead, she had come prepared with the “determination to die.”

If she could marry into the Prince Rui’s residence, her father would become Prince Rui’s in-law and would be entered into the imperial clan registry!

With that connection, there would be some room to maneuver. At worst, her father would only be exiled to the border.

“No… this, how could this be possible? Miss Bai… aren’t you the number one talented lady in the capital? Aren’t you the number one beauty in the capital? Are you really willing to lower yourself to someone like me—a playboy, a profligate son?”

“Young Master is joking. None of that matters anymore. Or are you saying… you still want to see Shuxi struggle in pain? Still want to see Shuxi’s unwilling expression?”

Bai Shuxi spoke through gritted teeth, mocking herself, while Qian Junyou once again felt the deep malice of this world.

“This… is definitely not possible. Miss Bai, please reconsider and make another request!”

“Young Master… are you trying to go back on your word?”

Bai Shuxi felt a chill in her heart. Was he even unwilling to marry her now?

Had he truly lost all interest in her?

Three days ago he had still greeted her with smiles, yet three days later he had suddenly lost interest? No matter how she thought about it, it didn’t make sense…

Or perhaps everything just now had been an act? He was simply waiting to see her miserable state?

After all, he could just wait until she was completely desperate, sent to the pleasure quarters, and then redeem her… That would be the most fitting approach for him.

She was like a fish on the chopping board waiting to be slaughtered, yet she had seriously considered what request to make. How naïve.

Qian Junyou felt as if he had a hundred-degree fever. Not only was his body out of his control, his brain was also dizzy and his consciousness half-drunk, half-awake.

“I just think… you marrying someone like me would be too much of a loss. There must be better men in this world who suit you more, for example…”

Completely disappointed, Bai Shuxi nevertheless laughed coldly and said:

“Young Master! There are only the two of us here. There’s really no need to beat around the bush. What exactly do you want? Please just say it straight!”

Qian Junyou couldn’t take it anymore. This girl was simply too stubborn. He clenched his fist and roared directly:

“Straight your sister! Can’t you understand human speech?! I’ve said it countless times already—I can’t help you! If the Prince Rui’s residence helps you, the Prince Rui’s residence will be finished too! What use would it be for you to marry me?!”

This was already the most he could say. He couldn’t possibly tell her that he had read the script and that evidence was hidden in his own house, could he?

Bai Shuxi closed her eyes, gently raised her head, and took a deep breath. Was he acting, or was he truly like this?

A noble son who normally didn’t care about court affairs at all and only knew how to eat, drink, and have fun—why was he so firmly convinced that helping her would bring ruin to the Prince Rui’s residence?

No matter how she thought about it, something felt wrong.

Because this morning when Bai Shuxi had come to the Prince Rui’s residence, she had encountered Prince Rui who was just leaving. In her desperation, she had already tried pleading with Prince Rui and received the reply—

“This Prince does not mind, but… this matter, please discuss it with Junyou.”

And before that, an extremely high-ranking and powerful figure in the court had personally pointed the way for the Bai family—

“This time, aside from the Emperor, throughout the entire dynasty, only Prince Rui can save Lord Bai!”

Bai Shuxi gently loosened her sash, slipped off her light gauze skirt, revealing two snow-white, slender legs. With vacant eyes, she continued walking slowly toward Qian Junyou.

“Didn’t I tell you? Don’t come over!”

“…”

“Stop!”

“…”

Bai Shuxi completely ignored him and continued approaching Qian Junyou with tears in her eyes.

Qian Junyou gritted his teeth. He couldn’t die like this!

Rather than dying like this, it would be better to first try having his father plead for her and see what happened? See exactly what evidence was hidden in the house?

Even if he had to die, he should at least maximize the benefits and gather all the information.

“Enough! This young master agrees! You stand still first!”

Bai Shuxi frowned and stopped in confusion.

“Move back! …Further back—!”

The evil intent’s control over Qian Junyou’s body receded like the tide, slowly withdrawing from his skin.

Half-lying on the long chair, Qian Junyou breathed a sigh of relief. However, he hadn’t specified what exactly he was agreeing to.

Marry her? Naturally impossible!

Bai Shuxi stared with wide eyes, somewhat bewildered.

From last night until now, the Prince Rui’s heir had either deliberately avoided her or kept a great distance from her. What exactly was he planning?

She even felt that the Qian Junyou before her seemed a little unlike Qian Junyou…

Qian Junyou rubbed his temples, which felt numb and painful. What kind of hell mode was this? After calming down for a moment, he said:

“Miss Bai, how about this: This case is inherently complicated and full of suspicious points!

I will discuss it with Father and have him privately consult with the Emperor first to temporarily delay your father’s transfer to the death prison.

Then, I’ll help you think of other solutions. If there really is no other way, then… I’ll consider pleading for you or marrying you. That should be fine, right?”

Completely confused, Bai Shuxi stood there in a daze. What had happened to this usually arrogant and domineering Prince Rui’s heir these past two days?

Why had he suddenly become so easy to talk to? Even so polite?

Was he… really… Qian Junyou? Had he been possessed by someone?

“Young Master… why are you unwilling to directly ask Prince Rui to plead for my father? Why go through such a big detour? With Prince Rui’s relationship with the Emperor…”

“Miss Bai! Why do you think your father is being sent to the death prison? Someone is sabotaging this case! And it’s definitely not just one or two minor officials—it’s a massive interest group.

It’s a faction! A gang! To reach this level, they have at least infiltrated key organizations like the Court of Judicial Review and the Imperial Censorate!

If the Prince Rui’s residence steps in to help at this time, we will definitely become the target of all arrows. They want to bring down the Prince Rui’s residence at every moment!”

Qian Junyou spoke with tightly furrowed brows, his words clear and logical.

Hearing these words, Bai Shuxi could hardly believe her ears. This was completely different from the Qian Junyou she had known before!

This profligate son who only knew how to idle away his days and wait for death could actually think of all this? And it seemed he even had some understanding of the case.

Three days ago, Qian Junyou would never have been able to say such things… Had she been overthinking?

Before, he didn’t even know what the Six Ministries were! He knew nothing about the Cabinet, the Court of Judicial Review, or the Imperial Censorate, let alone officials forming factions and cliques.

In the past, conversations with him never went anywhere! He only knew about the Emperor, Prince Rui, and a few princes… Could someone change so drastically in just three days?!

Either he had been pretending before, or the current him… was fake!

Otherwise, there was no way to explain it. In her heart, Bai Shuxi silently made two bold guesses, but none of that mattered right now.

Indeed, she had always felt that her father’s imprisonment in the death prison was a false accusation, and the most likely culprit capable of doing so was the Prince Rui’s residence.

But if it wasn’t the Prince Rui’s residence, then the force behind this was truly horrifying. The mastermind was also a character who could not be underestimated!

Half-believing and half-doubting, Bai Shuxi stared at Qian Junyou’s face and said:

“Then if there is no other way, will Young Master marry me as your wife as I said earlier?”

Here it comes again. Doesn’t she find it awkward? What’s wrong with this dead girl’s brain? Why does she insist on dragging the hatred onto me? Although extremely frustrated, Qian Junyou still patiently continued:

“If there’s no other way, I’ll help you plead again. If pleading doesn’t work, then I’ll marry you. Is that okay?! A gentleman’s word is worth four horses—once spoken, it cannot be taken back!”

Bai Shuxi held her breath, her expression somewhat surprised. Had she wronged him? If he truly had ill intentions, why would he agree to these things?

Although her reddened eyes still had tear stains, a relieved smile appeared on her face. It had not been easy to reach this point.

Although she didn’t know whether he would keep his promise, this was all she could do now. Qian Junyou had no reason to lie at a time like this.

If the Prince Rui’s residence really couldn’t help her, this might be the best outcome. She suddenly felt much lighter on her shoulders. The nerves that had been tense for the past two days finally had room to breathe.

She looked up at the candlelight on the ceiling and let out a deep sigh, as if she had been granted redemption and absolution.

“Thank you, Young Master, for your great kindness and mercy! Shuxi will never forget this favor for the rest of her life!”

Mentally and physically exhausted, Qian Junyou finally breathed a sigh of relief. He plopped down on a nearby stool, looked at the disheveled Bai Shuxi, and said:

“Put your clothes on first! It’s getting late. Go home and rest early.”

“Then, Young Master… do you need Shuxi to… do anything for you?”

Bai Shuxi stared with wide eyes and asked tentatively, but how could Qian Junyou dare? He wished she would stay far away from him!

“No need. If you rise smoothly in the future or achieve immortality, just remember to spare my life.”

Hearing this, Bai Shuxi found it truly incomprehensible. Qian Junyou wanted nothing in return? Why would he help her?

Why had he suddenly lost interest in her after just three days?

And… why did he look at her as if he had seen a ghost?

“Young Master, why… do you keep such a great distance from Shuxi?”

“I’m afraid of you, okay?”

Bai Shuxi didn’t understand. Driven by curiosity, she kept probing indirectly. She took small steps and tentatively moved a few paces closer.

“Go away! What are you doing—! Didn’t I say not to come over?!”

Qian Junyou’s reaction was extremely intense, startling Bai Shuxi.

“Why… though?”

“Why so many whys?”

“Can’t you… tell Shuxi?”

Bai Shuxi pursed her lips in dissatisfaction and secretly glanced at Qian Junyou. Qian Junyou suddenly felt she was extraordinarily annoying!

“You’re really annoying! Even if I told you, you wouldn’t believe it!”

“As long as Young Master says it, Shuxi will definitely believe it!”

Bai Shuxi spoke with full confidence. Qian Junyou could have refused outright! But in truth, he had been holding it in for a long time. He had already died seven times! And he had no one to confide in…

Looking at her serious expression, he hesitated for a moment before finally speaking:

“Seven times! Just because you got close to me, I died seven times! Every time you approached me, a man in black clothes would suddenly jump out like a madman from who knows where and stab me to death with a sword!”

“Pfft—!”

“What are you laughing at?!”

Bai Shuxi couldn’t hold back and laughed out loud at his vivid description.

Qian Junyou suddenly felt like he had been tricked! As expected, she was a rotten woman who toyed with people’s feelings!

“Young Master… are you a nine-tailed fox? The kind with nine lives?”

“I revive every time I’m stabbed and return to the night of the Hero Soul Festival! I’ve already lived through the Hero Soul Festival eight times! …Forget it, I knew you wouldn’t believe me!”

“Shuxi believes you! When Shuxi was little, she also couldn’t tell dreams from reality. After having nightmares, she wouldn’t dare sleep the next day!”

“Are you deliberately picking a fight today? Believe it or not, I won’t help you anymore?”

Seeing that Qian Junyou seemed angry, Bai Shuxi quickly waved her hands and said:

“No no no, Shuxi was wrong! I won’t joke anymore. Then… why does that man in black want to kill you?”

“Go ask him yourself. Why are you asking me?”

“Then call him out and let Shuxi ask him!”

Qian Junyou suddenly felt this girl was just being glib. He laughed coldly and said:

“Heh… call him out to kill me?”

“It’s fine. If he really comes, I’ll protect you!”

Qian Junyou was slightly stunned by these words, then turned his head away. This girl clearly didn’t believe him. Her confidence made him feel somewhat uncomfortable…

Reaching Foundation Establishment eighth layer at her age was indeed talented, but the combat strength of Foundation Establishment eighth layer was probably far from enough…

He turned back, about to say something, when he suddenly noticed the man in black standing right behind her!

Although the height was wrong, the clothes were exactly the same. At this moment, he stood on the terrace outside the window, drawing a bow aimed straight at Bai Shuxi’s heart.

“He’s behind you—!”

The flying arrow tore through the scene that was about to end, shooting toward Bai Shuxi’s heart…

At the critical moment, whether out of instinct or a call from the bottom of his heart, Qian Junyou sprang forward and pushed Bai Shuxi away with all his strength.

The arrow’s target became Qian Junyou’s elbow, piercing straight through his arm.

Blood spurted out. The severed arm flew like a knocked-over bowling pin and landed in the far corner of the room.

“Ah—! —!”

The intense pain stirred his brain nerves. His agonized screams filled the entire room. He felt as if he was about to grind his own teeth to pieces.

The power of this arrow was considerable. The archer’s cultivation was likely not low. If it had hit Bai Shuxi, she would probably have died on the spot.

Another black-clothed swordsman appeared on the terrace, engaging the archer. The two began fighting on the high platform, but Qian Junyou had no time to pay attention.

“Young Master, you… are you okay? Don’t move, I’ll help you stop the bleeding!”

Bai Shuxi, scared out of her wits, was stunned for several seconds before she roughly understood what had happened. She hurriedly got up to help Qian Junyou stop the bleeding, tearing off strips of cloth from her clothes in a panic to bandage him.

“Damn it, don’t… come over…”

Bai Shuxi’s body temperature, fragrance, and the touch of her skin quickly penetrated Qian Junyou’s body, tempting the other “soul” inside him.

The evil power in his heart ignored his body that had been numbed by pain and began fighting for control.

The voices of those demons in his ears kept calling to him, inviting him to break free from the shackles of the flesh.

His brain felt as if it would explode. The suddenly swelling power seemed ready to tear open his chest and snap his neck.

He could even feel those grotesque creatures surging from the abyss into his body, swarming under his skin and between his muscles, rushing toward his brain.

“Young Master, bear with it. Sit up first.”

The panicked Bai Shuxi tightly bandaged his arm, helped him up, and supported him onto the long chair. Too many things had happened tonight for Bai Shuxi to process.

She had never expected that the profligate son tonight would seem like a completely different person.

The power of that arrow just now—if it had hit her, she would have died instantly!

Yet she could never have imagined that the one who would desperately push her away at the critical moment would be this… originally greedy and lustful noble young master.

Perhaps she had misunderstood him? Perhaps he had never been the kind of person she thought he was? Perhaps she had simply been prejudiced before?

Recalling her previous attitude toward him and the words she had said, Bai Shuxi suddenly felt a pang in her heart.

But Bai Shuxi’s gentle palms pushed down Qian Junyou’s last line of defense. Darkness encroached from the edges of his vision toward the center, seizing control of his body.

“Young Master, bear with it. Don’t move… Ah—!”

The demonic-Qian Junyou rose up furiously, madly pinning Bai Shuxi down onto the long chair. All reason had been completely stripped away.

Bai Shuxi looked at Qian Junyou. His pupils suddenly turned blood-red, as if he had become an entirely different person!

The two black-clothed men on the terrace seemed to sense something unusual. They stopped attacking each other. The archer laughed coldly:

“See? You shouldn’t have stopped me. It’s too late now. Go fulfill your promise!”

After speaking, he turned and disappeared into the night. The swordsman in black walked into the room, sword in hand, heading toward Qian Junyou.

Qian Junyou used every ounce of his strength to resist that power, but it was completely useless. His back began to throb faintly. Habitual conditioned reflex told him—

Death was getting closer and closer! The muscles on his back and heart, which had been stabbed seven times, began to twitch!

Some pain does not become numb no matter how many times it is endured. He could already recall the agony of his muscles, skin, and heart being torn open by that steel blade!

It was like the feeling before a needle pierces the skin during an injection. At this moment, he only wanted to sever his own soul. Even euthanasia would feel like happiness.

Just as Qian Junyou, following the will of that evil ghost, leaned down to kiss Bai Shuxi, the cold steel blade arrived as expected. He could feel that killing intent!

It was coming! It would soon tear through his muscles and ribs and pierce straight into his heart!

But at that very moment, Bai Shuxi suddenly grabbed his shoulders, leaped up, spun around, and pinned Qian Junyou beneath her instead!

The familiar pain and death did not arrive.

Instead, the sharp sword pierced Bai Shuxi’s skin and penetrated her body. Blood dyed the white fabric red…

Qian Junyou only felt her slender, tender hands gripping his shoulders tightly, as if he could sense her pain. She whispered something softly beside his ear…

She tried to breathe, but her torn lungs would not allow her to draw air… until suffocation. It was a long and painful process.

Her delicate body acted like a shield, blocking in front of him, before collapsing into his arms. For the first time in seven consecutive deaths, he had avoided the black-clothed man’s sword!

‘Bai Shuxi?!’

Why would she block the sword for him? Because of that joking remark earlier? No… perhaps it was to make him save her father?

This sudden accident bought Qian Junyou a brief moment of clarity, but the filthy whispers beside his ears did not disappear. Looking at Bai Shuxi in his arms, the demonic will quickly surged back.

The black-clothed man gripped the sword still embedded in her body and seemed unwilling to give up. Qian Junyou could tell what he intended to do. He wanted to dodge, but control of his body was no longer his.

The sharp sword completely pierced through Bai Shuxi’s body and continued onward, stabbing through both Qian Junyou and the long chair behind him!

All illusions and evil whispers shattered, replaced by heart-wrenching pain…

After an unknown amount of time, when Qian Junyou opened his eyes once more, time had been rewound again, returning him to the familiar scene of despair—the night of the Hero Soul Festival.

“Young Master! The carriage has been prepared!”