From his previous life to this one, as an assassin, Jun Moxie had never truly experienced deep emotion, let alone ventured into matters of love. Should he need to satisfy his physical urges, it was merely an occasional transaction with women of the pleasure quarters, paid for with genuine gold and silver.

Because he simply could not afford love.

Even the King of Assassins could not afford it!

To love someone meant gaining a tether, establishing a home; it meant giving adversaries and enemies a greater target on his back. Jun Moxie had witnessed countless assassins meet tragedy because of their families...

It wasn't that he feared his family dragging him down, but rather, he feared bringing ruin upon them!

The agony of losing loved ones, whether oneself or one's kin, was an excruciating torment!

Therefore, he dared not, truly dared not.

Since arriving in this world, he had encountered numerous beauties: be they Guan Qinghan, Dugu Xiaoyi, Princess Lingmeng, or the young princess of Fengxue Silver City, Han Yanmeng. Any one of these women was a peerless beauty, a rarity beyond measure. Some were aloof and proud, others charmingly naive, some possessed noble grace, and others were brilliantly astute—truly like the orchid and the chrysanthemum, each magnificent in her own right. Jun Moxie admired them greatly, even felt genuine affection for them. Yet, he always restrained himself, never daring to cross that boundary. He knew well that Dugu Xiaoyi loved him to the core, but Jun Moxie remained hesitant, unable to make a decision.

It wasn't hesitation, but rather, a constant calculation.

Although he held a special feeling for Guan Qinghan, Jun Moxie had never shown the slightest hint of it.

Because Jun Moxie didn't yet know if he could currently bear the responsibility of a family—at least within his own heart, he wasn't ready.

But he never imagined that through this twist of fate, this strange confluence of events, he had, completely unconsciously, inexplicably taken Guan Qinghan's virginity! In this world, he had his first woman!

He could remain indifferent to women of the sensual world, no matter how beautiful or enticing; even engaging in fleeting pleasures and revelry with them, he could forget them the next moment. But with Guan Qinghan, he absolutely could not! In reality, the moment he opened his eyes, saw Guan Qinghan beside him, and understood the whole sequence of events, an inexplicable sense of responsibility, coupled with a tender affection, settled in Jun Moxie’s heart!

Responsibility! Responsibility towards a woman!

Jun Moxie understood this feeling clearly. Though it had appeared without reason, he did not reject it. In fact, he found it remarkably comforting.

Though he didn't yet know Guan Qinghan's true thoughts, Jun Moxie had already determined:

This woman, starting today, is my woman! The first woman acknowledged by Lord Xie!

Jun Moxie gently stroked Guan Qinghan's soft, long hair spread across the pillow, feeling a quiet sense of peace within his heart. It was as if, in this world, he finally had a companion, an inseparable connection.

This feeling was truly wonderful.

Perhaps... having ties, having tenderness, wasn't as terrifying as he had always imagined... A faint smile touched Jun Moxie's lips. He leaned down lightly, gently pressing his forehead against Guan Qinghan's, and whispered softly, "I'm sorry... and thank you!"

Then he stood up and walked out. His physical stamina was indeed astonishing; the exhaustion from the intense release moments before had eased almost instantly, allowing him to recover significantly, bringing his formidable spiritual energy back online. His divine sense already perceived five or six people waiting outside, seemingly waiting for him to emerge. Jun Moxie knew exactly who they were and why they were there.

After all, the commotion inside the tent that day had been considerable, lasting for such a prolonged period...

It would be strange if Third Uncle and the others didn't take some action. Jun Moxie managed a wry smile, already anticipating the storm of fury awaiting him outside...

After all, the news that Third Uncle, Jun Wuyi, had nullified the marriage arrangement between Guan Qinghan and the Jun family had not yet spread. To the whole world, Guan Qinghan was still his sister-in-law... and his actions today were tantamount to having defiled his own sister-in-law...

But Jun Moxie had no desire to evade it, nor would he. He did it, so what? A true man, having acted, fears no admission. Could he not bear the happiness of one woman? What sort of man would he be then?!

I must face this! No matter how violent the tempest, I can endure it! And I alone must bear it!

As Jun Moxie stepped out, Guan Qinghan, still partially submerged in the aftermath, blinked her eyelids and slowly opened her eyes. Two lines of tears silently tracked down the corners of her eyes, yet a faint, satisfied, almost-smile touched her lips.

Is this what they call the feeling of 'home'?

Is this the feeling of having a 'husband'?

Moreover, this feeling... is truly... warm... and I long for it.

Although she had suffered greatly and lost face this day, there was little regret in her heart. Moreover, given Jun Moxie's condition at the time, she hadn't even had the chance to hesitate.

It could even be said that if she had wanted to leave then, she absolutely could have. Therefore, regardless of the reasons, it could be said that what happened today was her willing choice...

Especially the tenderness and care Jun Moxie had shown just now, while he mistakenly believed she was still unconscious—that made her feel... genuinely sweet! Because what Jun Moxie did then was entirely born from his innate gentleness, done without the pretense of her being awake. This masculine tenderness stirred a massive wave within Guan Qinghan's heart.

It was the absolute sensation of being cherished!

It's so warm, so warm that I... want to cry.

Guan Qinghan's tear-stained smile was like a morning rose, dew-kissed yet blooming beautifully—so captivating. But then, remembering her current awkward status, a shadow of sorrow suddenly fell upon her...

What should I do? This is truly... an entanglement...

When Jun Moxie emerged, a cold sweat had indeed broken out on his brow.

This cold sweat wasn't entirely about having taken Guan Qinghan today; it was because... Jun Moxie could tell that although he felt terrible, Guan Qinghan must have suffered far more. After all, he possessed his powerful physique plus the damn drug's influence. While he was lost in the haze of the medicine, that almost mechanical action had lasted an entire day—how much had Guan Qinghan endured?

He didn't even know how utterly ferocious he had been at the time!

Afterward, when he saw Guan Qinghan, she was practically on the verge of death! Thank heavens... it hadn't continued... even for another half hour, Guan Qinghan might have perished here, fading away like a beautiful dream...

So close!

So perilous!

Thankfully, the medicine Dugu Xiaoyi administered, while potent, wasn't entirely beyond reason. And thankfully, Guan Qinghan’s own cultivation was not weak; having trained since childhood, her constitution was far superior to ordinary women, allowing her to barely withstand the day's ferocity. Otherwise, things would have been truly disastrous...

What Jun Moxie didn't know was that Dugu Xiaoyi’s dosage wasn't just "not entirely beyond reason"—it was utterly excessive! The girl, fearing the rice wouldn't cook properly, had spared no mercy, emptying the entire small pouch.

If Jun Moxie hadn't possessed his unique constitution, and if the spiritual energy of the Hongjun Tower hadn't played a massive role in nourishing his body while dissolving a significant portion of the drug's power, he might still be engaging in battle now. Even if he could sustain it, what about Guan Qinghan?

Jun Moxie exited the tent with a pained, wry smile. Though he had recovered slightly, his legs still felt airy and weak, like treading on cotton, a sensation of floating on clouds. As he walked, his legs grew soft...

Damn it, this stuff really drains one’s energy. I thought it felt pretty good just a moment ago...

Jun Moxie didn't pause to consider that he had been engaged in non-stop activity for nearly ten hours. This level of high-intensity, high-frequency exertion—the fact that he could still stand and walk now was nothing short of a miracle...

If anyone doubts it, try doing ten hours of non-stop push-ups... I guarantee you won't be able to stand afterwards...

Jun Wuyi and the others looked utterly conflicted and depressed, watching Jun Moxie stagger toward them, their faces a mix of amusement and distress. The little girl Dugu Xiaoyi sat stunned on the ground, watching him sway toward them, and suddenly overwhelming grief seized her, causing her to burst into loud sobs, crying with deep regret and sorrow...

Jun Moxie paused in surprise: You drugged me, lit the fire, and then you ran away, and now you're crying? What the hell do you have to be upset about?

He was unaware that Dugu Xiaoyi was currently experiencing the complete agony of a plan backfiring spectacularly—trying to accomplish something only to cause the very outcome she feared most, orchestrated entirely by her own hand. The complex feelings boiling inside her were indescribable...

Her intention was to force the situation, claim him as hers once the 'deed' was done. Who knew the rice would cook so perfectly, but she, afraid of the heat, wouldn't take a single bite, letting the one person she least wanted to benefit reap all the rewards? How could she not be utterly depressed?

Seeing Jun Moxie now, her mind instantly recalled Guan Qinghan, who had 'gained the most' inside, and the accumulated grievance, anger, and frustration surged up. Unable to speak, she simply wailed to the heavens...

Before Jun Moxie could approach, he saw Ying Bokong suddenly give him a thumbs-up. The gazes of Dongfang Wenqing and the other two maternal uncles were also strange, full of playful intrigue and deep meaning.

Jun Wuyi, watching the two of them with dark circles under their eyes, couldn't help but look exasperated. He asked his nephew gruffly, "You're out? How do you feel? Where's Qinghan? How is she?"

Truthfully, Third Master Jun's greatest concern wasn't the young master, despite his weak appearance and haggard expression. He was safe, after all. His primary concern and worry were for his goddaughter, Guan Qinghan. Although Third Master had analyzed that Qinghan willingly endured this to help the young master neutralize the poison, Qinghan's nature was always fierce. If she suddenly felt she had lost her purity and took her own life, that would truly spell disaster!

"Uh... I'm fine, just a little weak in the legs... Sister-in-law... ah, ah, Qinghan is still asleep... she's fine too..." Jun Moxie scratched his head, replying with extreme embarrassment. He instinctively called her 'sister-in-law,' but the moment the word left his mouth, he remembered: Guan Qinghan was now his woman. How could he still call her that? It felt so strange...

He was surprised not to be scolded upon emerging. Given his Third Uncle's character, he should have been furious, cursing him out loud, perhaps even breaking his legs on the spot. But this strange expression left Jun Moxie utterly bewildered...

Had Third Uncle lost his mind from anger?

"That long? Even an iron man's legs would be weak by now..." Ying Bokong rolled his eyes. "You managed to walk out, kid... your constitution is indeed impressive."

"Good nephew! That's the spirit! Five shichen! A full five shichen! Your stamina, Third Uncle bows to you in utter admiration! Truly remarkable!"

Dongfang Wendao grinned widely, clapping Jun Moxie on the shoulder, his eyes crinkling with mirth. "Worthy son of the White Robe Marshal! Based on this ability alone, your future children will easily fill ten mahjong tables! The Jun family is truly set for prosperity... Uncle supports you!"

Jun Moxie, already weak, nearly collapsed from the force of the clap. Hearing that last sentence, black lines instantly formed on his face!

What kind of thing is that for an uncle to say? What does this have to do with the White Robe Marshal today?

Indeed, Dongfang Wenqing roared in anger, shouting, "Third Brother, when you return, report immediately to the Hall of Discipline for punishment! How dare you, as an uncle, utter such words! Have you no shame? You utter scoundrel!"

"Brother Moxie..." Dugu Xiaoyi rushed over, still crying loudly, and hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry... I didn't know... I, I, I shouldn't have left! Waaaaah..." Dugu Xiaoyi was heartbroken. My cooked meal was eaten by someone else...

But Dugu Xiaoyi didn't realize that given the dosage she used, Guan Qinghan, who was older and possessed stronger Profound Qi cultivation, had barely managed to hold on. Had it been her instead, she absolutely would not have survived. That would have resulted in a genuine tragedy...

And a massive tragedy at that! Things really would have turned upside down... Imagine if Elder Dugu found out that his most precious granddaughter had been that way to death in bed... the consequences would have been unthinkable.

Jun Moxie was too depleted at the moment to dodge. The girl's body slammed into his embrace. Seeing Dugu Xiaoyi weeping torrentially, struggling to catch her breath, his heart softened.

"Alas, I know the full story now. I know your intentions were pure," Jun Wuyi muttered after a long pause, ultimately finding nothing more to say, and waved his sleeve dismissively. "As long as you're fine, that's what matters. I will immediately write a letter to inform your grandfather about the situation; he must be the one to decide how to handle this."

He turned to leave, but after a few steps, he spun back, gritting his teeth. "For the next few days, you little beast... you stay honest with me!! If you dare think of anything else, I will personally break your legs, do you hear me?!"

Third Master Jun actually started referring to himself as 'Laozi' (an assertive, often rough way to say 'I') and cursed freely... this showed the extent of his rage! Especially the final sentence, delivered with fierce intensity, his face grim, before he swept away.

Jun Moxie repeatedly agreed, his expression awkward to the extreme...

Heavens, so Dugu Xiaoyi already confessed. No wonder I wasn't scolded. But such an absurd situation...

Sounds of movement whistled past him; Ying Bokong and the three uncles disappeared, leaving only the parting advice: "Rest well, don't deplete your essence..."

"Brother Moxie..." Dugu Xiaoyi clung to him tightly, lifting her teary eyes pleadingly. "You... you're not angry with me, are you?"

Angry?

Truthfully, Jun Moxie was somewhat angry, even very angry! In both his lifetimes, this was the first time he had been so miserably schemed against, and he had been brought down by such a little girl... It was humiliating.

But undeniably, there was also a flicker of secret delight in his heart.

He was clearly quite popular, wasn't he? The little girl even resorted to drugs just to keep him! Besides, if this hadn't happened, he wouldn't have managed to get Guan Qinghan into his bed either...

Could this be considered a blessing in disguise, a fortunate accident born from misfortune?

Guan Qinghan was twenty-one today, four and a half years older than Jun Moxie. Moreover, the marriage alliance between the two families had just been dissolved by Jun Wuyi. Next, the families would surely worry about Guan Qinghan’s future marriage prospects... After all, in this era, remaining unmarried at twenty-one was considered aging, so naturally, they were anxious.

But no matter what, Jun Moxie felt he didn't even have the right to be nominated; because even though the engagement was broken, nominally, she had once been his elder sister-in-law! That fact was undeniable. Given the Elder Master's rigid principles and the current public opinion, such a thing was absolutely impossible for him to allow!

He would rather forcibly separate the couple than permit such a scandal to exist! Once it became fact, what would people say? 'Sister-in-law and younger brother-in-law had improper relations before, unchaste, shameless, and licentious...'

These were factors that had to be considered. Jun Moxie himself was utterly unconcerned with such gossip, but were the two great families unconcerned? Was Guan Qinghan unconcerned?

Thus, for the two of them, there seemed to be absolutely no hope! Even though it was now an established fact, there were still countless hurdles to overcome!

But today, guided by the strange whims of fate and Dugu Xiaoyi's reckless action, they had stumbled into a situation where Guan Qinghan was... well, 'taken care of.' This meant that no matter how many difficulties remained, this wife could not easily escape!

Now the consideration wasn't avoidance, but rather how to weather the storm... One approach was passive, the other active; these were worlds apart, incomparable.

Though the process was unbelievable—a confluence of strange events—it had reduced many future variables!

To hell with it! At worst, I'll act unilaterally. Who dares gossip? I'll do as I please. Other people's opinions, worldly gossip, to me, they are but a fart!

Once it stinks, it's over...

So, amidst his frustration, Jun Moxie felt a secret burst of satisfaction. Thinking this way, he didn't feel so angry anymore. Moreover, Dugu Xiaoyi's primary motive was only to keep him for herself, unwilling to see him snatched away. Though she was young and ignorant, and her good intentions led to disaster, as long as no one was seriously hurt—it wasn't a major offense.

Jun Moxie didn't believe he could shout angrily or strike a girl who loved him so deeply. But he couldn't just let her off the hook either! Ignorance isn't a crime, but allowing ignorance to cause severe consequences is a crime! If he didn't properly caution her today, what would happen if this little girl caused trouble again in the future?

After all, today's events nearly led both of them to an untimely death...

"You're not angry?! Think about it yourself—if it were you, wouldn't you be angry?" Jun Moxie pondered for a long time before saying slowly.

"But I... sob sob... I was wrong..." Dugu Xiaoyi sobbed, wiping her tears, and burst into a fresh wail. "I should have eaten it myself! Sob sob..."

"I am very displeased with this incident!" Jun Moxie huffed coldly. "I do not wish for anything like this to happen again!"

"Yes, yes... I won't dare again... I really won't dare anymore... My heart..." Dugu Xiaoyi nodded frantically, a mixture of relief and a slight ache in her heart. After this event, the little girl seemed to have matured significantly.

"En, I'll go back and properly learn from my mother, ask her clearly... I'm truly sorry about today..." The little girl fidgeted, rubbing her clothes...

Jun Moxie staggered, nearly collapsing. He gasped for breath, almost suffocating. This kind of thing... asking her mother to learn about it?

"Since you're not angry? Then... now that Sister Guan has successfully 'cooked' the meal, do you still want me?" Dugu Xiaoyi asked persistently, her round eyes wide open.

"Th-this question, let's discuss it later..." Jun Moxie felt sweat breaking out on his forehead.

"I don't care! I cooked you!" Dugu Xiaoyi pouted. "But Sister Guan took the ready-made benefit! Sob sob... It's all my mother's fault for not explaining clearly to me... I really didn't know cooking rice meant that..."

Jun Moxie was drenched in sweat; he had genuinely lost all desire to be angry, wanting only to escape as quickly as possible... The sexual education of this era was truly... astounding...

After much persuasion, he finally managed to send the weeping Dugu Xiaoyi back. Jun Moxie, utterly drained both physically and mentally, circulated the Creation and Transformation Technique within his body and staggered back toward the tent...

“A farce!” After the profound silence settled, a low voice drifted from the great tree where the five supreme masters had once leaned. The sound was soft, cold, yet remarkably gentle, possessing both the untouchable arrogance of an icy peak and the commanding grace of one who surveyed the world from above.

Merely by hearing this voice, one could discern that the speaker was undoubtedly a towering figure among humankind.

“Indeed, but the only one who has profited from this farce is that young man, Jun.” Another crisp, melodious voice responded.

Unbeknownst to anyone, two people were already concealed within the boughs of this great tree. Stranger still, the five supreme masters had been standing directly beneath it just moments before, entirely unaware! This revealed just how terrifying the cultivation levels of these two individuals must be!

“Gained a benefit? Not necessarily. However, based on the intelligence we’ve gathered, Guan Qinghan absolutely should not have associated with this scoundrel. Yet now, they are sleeping together. This is a variable—and one that will bring considerable embarrassment to the Jun family. We shall see how the Jun family handles this matter,” the first voice murmured thoughtfully.

“Regardless of how the Jun family handles it, the repercussions of this incident will be significant,” the crisp voice replied with a hint of schadenfreude. It continued immediately: “Big Sister, since you intend to take this boy as your apprentice, why haven’t you acted? Wouldn’t it be far simpler to just seize him and bring him back?”

“Take him as an apprentice? He wishes! I only intend to torment him!” The first voice seemed to grind its teeth. “This detestable rogue—if it weren't for… I would have torn him into a thousand pieces myself long ago!”

“Ah? Big Sister, this—this couldn't be? With this boy’s minuscule cultivation, how could he possibly have offended you?” The crisp voice sounded astonished.

【Ti: Dear Readers, the current chapter has reached the final page of this volume】