Shi Kun was displeased by Ji Xiaoxi’s statement. “Miss Ji, don’t you find your words incredibly meaningless?”

Ji Xiaoxi’s face reddened as she knew that her analysis had been far too vague. In truth, her medical knowledge told her that it was unlikely that the Evanescent Lotus could restore someone’s ki meridians, but she chose to present the possibility anyway, in order to help Zu An.

Before she could respond, Jiang Luofu cut in. “She’s doing her job by clearly listing the possibilities. Why are you saying that her words are meaningless?”

Shi Kun belatedly realized that Jiang Luofu was Ji Xiaoxi’s little aunt, and recoiled a little. He’d been too agitated by Ji Xiaoxi speaking up for Zu An, and had forgotten about their relationship. He quickly apologized. “Pardon me. I misspoke.”

“The two of you insist on your own statements. As there is no conclusive evidence, nor any eyewitnesses here to prove that either of you are right, I’m not in a good position to decide who is right. Therefore, the academy will launch a detailed investigation into this matter. We will especially examine the cause of death of those who lost their lives in the dungeon, their backgrounds, and who they associated with. I trust that the truth will come to light soon,” said Jiang Luofu in a serious tone.

As she spoke, her eyes lingered meaningfully on Shi Kun.

Shi Kun’s heart skipped a beat, but he kept his gaze steady and replied, “Thank you for redressing my grievances, Principal Jiang.”

As long as he wasn’t incriminated on the spot, any other outcome was acceptable to him. He believed that the Shi clan should have enough resources to work this case in his favor.

On the other hand, Chu Chuyan frowned, clearly unhappy with this verdict. She knew that there would be no conclusive evidence since access to the dungeon had already closed, and the powerful Shi clan would surely do everything it could to prevent Shi Kun from being found guilty.

As for Zu An, he simply shrugged casually. He had expected such an outcome, since this was no minor matter. Declaring Shi Kun guilty would mean sentencing him to capital punishment. Even though she was Brightmoon Academy’s principal, Jiang Luofu wouldn’t dare to take such a gamble unless they had definite proof on the matter.

It was because of this that Zu An had resorted to the simplest method to resolve the matter earlier on. However, he hadn’t considered that Shi Lezhi would be camping in the area all this while.

Jiang Luofu clapped her hands and said, “Enough. All of you are to report your encounters and gains from the dungeon to the academy. Don’t worry, the academy will not attempt to confiscate anything you have acquired. This procedure simply allows our teachers to provide you with some constructive advice and pointers on how you can best use what you’ve gained lest you go astray in your cultivation. Of course, we’ll also be compiling the information for your juniors so that they can use your experiences as guidance.

“Once you’re done, head home and rest. You have three days to freshen yourself up!”

The crowd cheered in delight. The period of time spent in the dungeon had been extremely tense. They had been constantly worried about unknown dangers lurking about, while desiring to stumble upon a fortuitous encounter that would allow them to leap ahead of the other students. The constant accumulation of stress had left them incredibly exhausted, so this short break was more than welcome.

As the crowd gradually dissipated, Pei Mianman noticed that Chu Chuyan was still engaged in a conversation with Qiao Xueying, and made use of the opportunity to walk over to Zu An’s side. “Does our agreement still hold?” she asked.

Zu An blinked. “What agreement?” 

This woman is simply too seductive. Her peach-blossom eyes twinkle as if they’re smiling, and her gaze can easily melt the heart of any man. I’m lucky to have the number one beauty as my wife, which has greatly raised my resistance toward beauties. If not, I might have just fallen for her trap.

Pei Mianman sighed softly and said in an irritated tone, “I knew you’d forget about the promise we made one another.”

Zu An stared at her, speechless.

What’s with your tone? You’re acting as if I’m an unfaithful man letting you down… Although, honestly, could any man really bear to abandon a woman like you?

“It looks like you have no intention of finding the accounting book for me,” said Pei Mianman, reining in her smile.

Zu An replied with a shrug. “You didn’t help me get close to Chu Chuyan either.”

Chu Chuyan and I have gotten so close to one another that the distance between us was even negative at one point in time. Do you think I still need you to play the matchmaker now?

Pei Mianman had also thought of this point as well. “It looks like the two of you have gotten much closer after all the time spent in the dungeon. Hah, if I’d known that things would turn out this way, I would have gone along with you as well.”

Her words caused Zu An’s face to contort strangely. If you had gone along with us and ended up getting your ki meridians collapsed as well, wouldn’t I have had to save the both of you, then?

He thought about the laborious effort he’d have to endure to save them and replied in a serious tone, “Indeed, it would have been good if you had tagged along with me.”

Pei Mianman was stunned, not understanding the meaning behind his words. There was something really weird about his expression, and she couldn’t help but pull her clothes more tightly around her. “I didn’t help you out previously because I didn’t think that you would be able to settle your differences with Chu Chuyan so quickly. Why don’t we do this instead? We’ll keep our previous promise, but I’ll offer you something else instead. What do you think?”

“What can I ask for?” asked Zu An with a smile.

“Your smile looks a little frightening,” said Pei Mianman, although she didn’t show the slightest hint of fear on her face. “What do you want?”

“If I say that I want you, would you agree to it?” asked Zu An.

“You’d have to try asking for it in order to know,” replied Pei Mianman with a dangerous smile.

Zu An carefully assessed her seductive eyes for a moment before finally shaking his head, saying, “Forget it. I don’t want to be a scumbag who messes around with my wife’s close friend.”

Pei Mianman’s smile froze.

Why do his words sound so awkward? You’ve tried to seduce me so many times before, but all of a sudden, you’re acting like a gentleman?

If you aren’t that kind of person, are you trying to say that I’m the one who is trying to seduce you?

You have successfully trolled Pei Mianman for 256 Rage points!

“How about this? I haven’t thought of my condition yet, so I’ll let you know after making up my mind. For the time being, I’ll try to keep a lookout for the accounting booklet on your behalf,” said Zu An. 

Since Chu Chuyan was officially his wife now, there was no way he would allow an outsider to undermine the Chu clan’s businesses. However, he was worried that Pei Mianman would attempt to recruit someone else if he turned her down, which would make it much harder to guard against her. 

Since that was the case, it would be better for him to go along with this for the time being, so that he could see what she was up to. 

Yeap! That’s totally my intention. It’s definitely not because she has huge breasts!

“That’s a wise decision~” Seeing that Chu Chuyan and Qiao Xueying were making their way over, Pei Mianman directed a flying kiss toward him before departing, leaving behind a seductive smile.

“What did you tell her that made her so happy?” asked Chu Chuyan suspiciously.

“I said that I would take her in as my concubine in the future, so that she can call you ‘big sister’. That made her so happy that she simply wouldn’t stop smiling. Ah, I guess she really lusts after my body,” remarked Zu An.

Chu Chuyan and Qiao Xueying exchanged similar glances.

This fellow sure is as shameless as ever!

Chu Chuyan hesitated for a moment before remarking, “It would be best for you not to rile her up. Despite her gentle and amicable appearance, she’s actually incredibly vicious. Her black flames can easily reduce you to ashes. You’d best make sure not to let your guard down around her.”

She was afraid that Zu An would accidentally provoke Pei Mianman. If her friend really chose to burn him to cinders on a whim, there would be nothing she could do to save him.

However, she belatedly realized that her words sounded a little too naggy, so she quickly added, “I’ve already spoken to Snow, and she’ll be bidding her farewell soon.”

“Bidding her farewell?” Zu An was surprised.

Qiao Xueying nodded in response. “I’m thankful to Miss Chu’s care and concern over the years, but my identity is a sensitive matter. It’s not suitable for me to continue to remain here.”

“Why are you only thanking her? What about me? I also took good care of you as well!” remarked Zu An in displeasure.

Qiao Xueying was hardly pleased with his statement.

She gritted her teeth furiously and said, “If anything, you should be the one thanking me instead!”

Zu An smiled sheepishly and said, “Fine fine, we’re both thankful to one another, all right? Besides, you didn’t make much of a loss anyway. As long as you work hard in your cultivation, you should be able to recoup the loss in your lifespan.”

Qiao Xueying fell silent. She knew that he was speaking the truth. The enhancement of her aptitude would allow her to cultivate at a much faster rate, thus recouping some of her lost lifespan. 

In truth, she didn’t mind having used her Half Life’s Fate anymore. Whenever she thought about Zu An rising from a puddle of blood in the dungeon to protect her, she felt that it wasn’t such a decision to give him half of her lifespan. Unfortunately, Zu An just had far too foul of a mouth, and she always ended up bickering with him whether she wanted to or not.

Chu Chuyan looked at them suspiciously. “What are the two of you talking about?” 

“Nothing much,” replied Qiao Xueying with a shake of her head. Somehow, she didn’t want to let Chu Chuyan know about this matter.

Zu An also reined in his smile and asked, “Are you really leaving?”

Qiao Xueying nodded. “There are things I need to settle back at the capital. I have many brethren whom I need to save.”

Zu An sighed deeply and said, “What a pity. We only just got to see each other again, and all of a sudden, we’re already parting ways. Oh well, I wish you a smooth journey, then.”

Qiao Xueying had a complicated look on her face. She looked at him and Chu Chuyan for a moment before offering her blessing to them. “I wish you and Miss Chu a happy life together.”

“Why are you suddenly bringing me into this?” Chu Chuyan’s face swiftly turned red. She had always intended for her and Zu An to be a couple in name only, and she never thought that they would end up consummating their marriage in the dungeon. This unexpected development had now derailed her plans, leaving her at a loss as to how she should face Zu An in the future.

Because of all this, Qiao Xueying’s words caused her to stomp her feet furiously, and she walked away out of embarrassment.

Qiao Xueying hesitated for a moment before saying, “The young miss might look cold on the surface, but she’s actually a little girl who harbors many fantasies. She tends to be very shy when it comes to such matters, so don’t pay too much heed when she suddenly gets angry. Give her some time, and I believe that she’ll come to accept you.”

The two of them had spent many years together, so she had a good grasp of Chu Chuyan’s character.

A gentle smile spread across Zu An’s face. He hadn’t known Chu Chuyan for a long time, but he already had a rough idea as to what kind of person she was. “I know. Let’s not talk about her now. Will we meet again in the future?”

“If fate permits, we’ll meet again.” Qiao Xueying had no idea what brought her to say those words, but her face quickly turned bright red. Then, she turned around and left in a fluster, leaving behind just a trace of her fragrance. 

Not too far away, Shi Kun looked at the trio and spat coldly, “How dare Qiao Xueying betray me!”

“I’ll get rid of that traitor for you tonight,” said Shi Lezhi.

However, Shi Kun shook his head as a chilling smile appeared on his lips. “No, it would be far too much of a pity to simply kill her. She’s a rare beauty after all, not to mention an elven princess. I’ve never laid my hands on her before, only because she has given her all in serving me thus far. However, since she has chosen to turn her back on me, there’s no reason for me not to make full use of her assets.”

A smile which was implicitly understood by all men spread across Shi Lezhi’s face. Clearly, he had committed his fair share of such acts over the years. “I understand. I’ll capture her and bring her to you.”