The burst of the day. The second and fourth updates will be delivered! Begging for monthly tickets! From his past life to this one, as an assassin, Jun Mo Xie had never truly experienced emotion, let alone delved into love. If he needed to satisfy physical needs, it was merely the occasional transaction with gold and silver to buy fleeting companionship.

Because of this, he truly could not afford love.

Even the King of Assassins could not afford it!

To love someone meant gaining a tether. To have a family meant providing opponents and enemies with more leverage against oneself. Jun Mo Xie had seen countless assassins whose families led to tragedy.

It wasn't the fear of his family implicating him; rather, it was the fear of him implicating his family!

The pain of losing loved ones—whether for himself or for them—was an excruciating torment!

So, he dared not. Truly, he dared not.

Since arriving in this world, he had encountered quite a few stunning beauties: be it Guan Qinghan, Dugu Xiaoyi, Princess Ling Meng, or that little princess from Silver Snow City, Han Yan Meng. Any one of these women was a peerless beauty, one in ten thousand, difficult to find. Some were cold and aloof, some charmingly naive, some dignified and noble, and others ice-clear and intelligent—truly a display of orchids and chrysanthemums, each excelling in their own way.

Jun Mo Xie genuinely appreciated them, even held favorable feelings.

But he always restrained himself, never daring to step over the line. He knew clearly that Dugu Yi was infatuated with him to the very core, yet Jun Mo Xie remained hesitant, unable to make a firm decision.

It wasn't indecision, but rather… constant weighing of consequences.

Even though he held a unique feeling for Guan Qinghan, Jun Mo Xie had not revealed the slightest bit of it.

Because Jun Mo Xie did not yet know if he could currently bear the responsibility of a family—at least in his own heart, he was not ready.

But he never expected that, through this strange twist of fate, this ghostly intervention, and completely without conscious effort, he had inexplicably taken Guan Qinghan’s virginity! In this world, he had his first woman!

Toward women of the pleasure quarters, no matter how beautiful or enticing, Jun Mo Xie could remain indifferent; even if he engaged in fleeting merriment and extreme pleasure, he could turn and forget afterward. But toward Guan Qinghan, he absolutely could not! In fact, the moment he opened his eyes, saw Guan Qinghan beside him, and grasped the sequence of events, a sense of responsibility, along with a strange tenderness, inexplicably settled in Jun Mo Xie’s heart!

Responsibility! Responsibility toward a woman!

Jun Mo Xie understood this feeling well. Although it had appeared inexplicably, he did not reject it; rather, he felt an unexpected warmth.

Though he didn't know Guan Qinghan's true thoughts yet, Jun Mo Xie had already determined: This woman, from today forward, is my woman! She is the first woman acknowledged by the Evil Lord!

Jun Mo Xie gently stroked Guan Qinghan’s soft, long hair spread across the pillow, feeling a silent tranquility in his heart. It was as if, among all these people, he finally had a companion, an inseparable connection.

This feeling was truly wondrous. Perhaps… having a tether, having tenderness, wasn't as terrifying as he had always imagined. A smile touched the corner of Jun Mo Xie’s mouth. He leaned down slightly, pressing his face gently against Guan Qinghan’s forehead, murmuring low, "I'm sorry… and thank you!"

Then he stood up and walked straight out. The physical stamina of the Young Master was indeed astonishing; the fatigue from the extreme exertion of the previous period had subsided momentarily, allowing him to recover significantly, along with the return of his formidable spiritual power. His divine sense perceived that five or six people were waiting outside, seemingly anticipating his exit. Jun Mo Xie knew exactly who they were and why they waited.

After all, the commotion inside the tent throughout the day had been considerable, lasting for such an extended duration…

It would be strange if Third Uncle and the others didn't take some action. Jun Mo Xie managed a wry smile, already guessing the storm he would face upon stepping out.

Currently, the news that Third Uncle Jun Wu Yi had dissolved the marriage arrangement between Guan Qinghan and the Jun family had not yet spread. To the entire world, Guan Qinghan was still his sister-in-law, and his actions this time amounted to consuming his own sister-in-law.

But Jun Mo Xie had no intention of evading, nor would he. If he did it, he did it. What was the big deal? A true man, having done something, should not fear admitting it. Could he not even bear the happiness of one woman? What kind of man would he be then?!

I must face it! No matter how fierce the storm, I will endure it! Only I will bear it!

As Jun Mo Xie stepped out, Guan Qinghan, still on the bed, blinked her eyelids lightly and slowly opened them. Two streams of tears silently slipped from the corners of her eyes. Yet, her face held a faint, satisfied, almost tearful smile.

Was this the feeling of a so-called "home"?

Was this the feeling of having a "husband"?

It turned out, this feeling truly was… good, something to be clung to.

Although she had suffered greatly and lost face that day, she held little regret in her heart. Moreover, Jun Mo Xie’s condition at the time left her no room for hesitation. In fact, she could have left if she had wanted to. Therefore, regardless of the reason, it could be said that what happened today was with her consent.

Especially just now, when Jun Mo Xie, believing she was still unconscious, showed such gentleness and consideration—it made her feel sweet, genuinely sweet! Because everything Jun Mo Xie did then was under the assumption that she hadn't woken up, meaning it sprang entirely from the depths of his heart. This display of masculine tenderness stirred up a massive wave within Guan Qinghan’s soul.

It was the feeling of being utterly cherished!

It’s so warm, so warm that I… want to cry.

Guan Qinghan’s tear-streaked smile was like a morning rose, glistening with dew yet blooming beautifully—so moving. But then she recalled her current awkward status, and suddenly her spirits sank into melancholy…

What should I do? It’s truly… fate’s cruel joke…

When Jun Mo Xie walked out, he was genuinely breaking out in a cold sweat.

This cold sweat wasn't because he had just taken Guan Qinghan, but because… Jun Mo Xie could see that while he was uncomfortable, Guan Qinghan was likely suffering far more. After all, he possessed a powerful physique and the effect of that damnable medicine. While he was lost in a drug-induced haze, his actions, driven by instinct, lasted nearly an entire day. How much did Guan Qinghan have to endure?

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

Afterward, when he saw Guan Qinghan, she was nearly clinging to life! Fortunately… it didn’t continue further; even half an hour more, and Guan Qinghan might have perished from it.

So close!

So dangerously close!

Fortunately, the drug Dugu Bu Yi administered, while potent, wasn't entirely reckless. Fortunately, Guan Qinghan’s own cultivation base wasn't weak, and her physique was sturdy; her vitality naturally surpassed that of ordinary women, allowing her to barely withstand the ferocity of that time. Otherwise, it would have been truly disastrous…

What Jun Mo Xie didn't know was that Dugu Yi’s dosage wasn't slightly excessive—it was outrageously excessive! That girl, afraid the rice wouldn't cook properly, had held back nothing, using the entire packet without a shred left.

If not for Jun Mo Xie’s unique constitution and the massive contribution of the Hongjun Pagoda’s spiritual energy—which nourished his body while dissolving a significant portion of the drug—he might still be engaged in battle now. Even if he could sustain it, what about Guan Qinghan? Jun Mo Xie exited the tent with a bitter smile. Though he had recovered somewhat, his legs still felt weak and soft, like stepping on cotton, a feeling of floating on clouds. As he walked, his legs threatened to give way.

Damn it, this really drains the energy. I thought I felt pretty good just now.

Jun Mo Xie didn't consider that he had been exerting himself non-stop for nearly ten hours. Such high-intensity, high-frequency strenuous activity—the fact that he could still stand and walk now was a miracle among miracles…

If you don't believe me, try doing ten hours of non-stop push-ups, and I guarantee you won't be able to stand up.

Jun Wu Yi and the others looked utterly conflicted and dejected, watching Jun Mo Xie approach with his legs swaying. Their expressions were strange, a mixture of laughter and tears. The little girl Dugu Xiaoyi sat stunned on the ground, watching Jun Mo Xie stagger closer, and suddenly, sorrow overwhelmed her, causing her to burst into loud, regretful, and desolate sobs.

Jun Mo Xie froze: You administered the drug, lit the fuse, and then ran away yourself. Now you’re crying? What the hell do you have to be wronged about?

He didn't realize that Dugu Xiaoyi’s heart was completely filled with the bitterness of trying to steal a chicken only to lose the bait, of a plan backfiring spectacularly. The very outcome she most feared had been manufactured by her own hands, and the complex flavors in her heart were beyond description.

Her original intention was to solidify the relationship and claim him outright. Who knew that the 'rice' cooked so smoothly, but because she thought the rice was too hot, she didn't eat a single bite, letting the person she least wanted to have it take all the spoils? Wasn't that enough to make her depressed to death?

Seeing Jun Mo Xie now, she was instantly reminded of Guan Qinghan, who had reaped the major benefit inside. The accumulated grievances, anger, and frustration surged up. Unable to speak, she simply wailed to the heavens.

Before Jun Mo Xie could approach, he saw Ying Bokong suddenly give him a thumbs-up. Then, Dongfang Wenqing and the other two maternal uncles looked at him with similarly strange, teasing, and meaningful gazes.

Jun Wu Yi stood by, watching his nephew with a complex expression between laughter and tears, asking gruffly, "You're out? How do you feel? Where’s Qinghan? How is she?"

Truthfully, Third Master Jun was far more concerned about his adopted daughter, Guan Qinghan, than his Young Master. Although the Young Master looked unsteady and worn out, he had emerged safely. He was worried that the strong-willed Qinghan might have taken this loss of chastity too hard and ended her own life, which would truly spell disaster!

"Uh, I'm fine, just a bit weak in the legs… Sister-in-law, she, ah, ah, Qinghan is still asleep… she’s fine too." Jun Mo Xie scratched his head, replying with extreme awkwardness. He instinctively called her Sister-in-law, but only after the words left his mouth did he recall that Guan Qinghan was now his woman. How could he still call her Sister-in-law? How strange that felt.

Not being scolded upon exiting made the Young Master a little uncomfortable. Given his Third Uncle’s personality, he should have been furious and verbally abusive. Even… breaking his legs on the spot wouldn't have been impossible. But this expression left Jun Mo Xie utterly baffled.

Had Third Uncle lost his mind from anger?

"That long? Even iron men’s legs would be weak by then," Ying Bokong rolled his eyes. "You managed to walk out, kid. Your physical quality is indeed impressive."

"Good nephew! Stamina is key! Five hours! A full five hours! This kind of waist strength, Third Uncle admires you profoundly! Truly remarkable!"

Dongfang Wendao grinned widely, clapping Jun Mo Xie on the shoulder, laughing until his eyes crinkled. "Deserves to be the son of the White-Clothed Marshal! With this skill, you’ll certainly have enough children and grandchildren to fill ten mahjong tables! The Jun family is truly prospering now! Uncle favors you!"

Jun Mo Xie, already physically weak, nearly collapsed from the clap. Hearing those words, his expression darkened involuntarily!

What kind of talk was that? How could an uncle say such a thing? What did this incident have to do with the White-Clothed Marshal?

Indeed, Dongfang Wenqing erupted in fury, shouting, "Third Brother, report to the Hall of Discipline immediately upon returning to receive your family punishment! How can you say such things as an uncle? Have you no shame? You bastard!"

"Brother Mo Xie…" Dugu Xiaoyi rushed over, sobbing loudly, clutching him tightly. "I’m sorry, I didn’t know… I, I, I shouldn’t have left! Waaah!" Dugu Xiaoyi was heartbroken; the meal she had prepared was eaten by someone else!

But Dugu Xiaoyi didn't know that given the dosage she administered, even the older and more advanced Guan Qinghan had barely managed to endure it. If it had been herself, she absolutely could not have handled it, and it would have led to an unparalleled tragedy.

And it would have been a monumental tragedy! The heavens might have turned upside down! Imagine if Old Master Dugu knew his most precious granddaughter had been brutally… well, that… to death in bed—the consequences would have been unthinkable.

Jun Mo Xie was far too depleted at that moment. He didn't even manage to dodge as the girl’s body slammed into his embrace. Seeing Dugu Xiaoyi weeping piteously, crying until she couldn't breathe, his heart softened involuntarily.

"Alas, I know the whole story now. I know this was unintentional on your part. Let it rest for now." Jun Wu Yi moved his lips several times, finally finding nothing to say, and flung his sleeve:

"It’s good that you’re alright. I will immediately write a letter informing your grandfather about how this should be handled; your grandfather should make the final decision."

Saying that, he turned to leave. After a few steps, he suddenly turned back, gritting his teeth, "For the next few days, you little beast… behave yourself! If you dare think of anything else, I will personally break your legs, understood?!"

Third Master Jun actually referred to himself as 'old man' and swore crudely, indicating the extent of his rage! Especially that last sentence, delivered with sharp intensity, his face grim as he swept away.

Jun Mo Xie repeatedly agreed, his expression exceedingly awkward.

Heavens, so Dugu Xiaoyi had already confessed. No wonder he wasn't scolded. But such a preposterous event…

With a whoosh, the sound of movement echoed nearby. Ying Bokong and the three uncles vanished without a trace, leaving only…

"Live! Rest well, and don't let your kidneys suffer!" Dugu Xiaoyi still clung to him tightly, looking up pitifully, "You, you aren't angry with me, are you?"

Angry?

To be honest, Jun Mo Xie was indeed a little angry, even very angry! For the first time in two lifetimes, he had been plotted against so miserably, and it was by such a little girl—too humiliating.

But undeniably, there was also a faint sense of secret delight.

He was quite popular, wasn't he? Didn't the little girl resort to drugging him just to keep him?

Besides, without this incident, how would he have ever managed to get Guan Qinghan into his bed?

Could this be considered a blessing in disguise, a fortunate outcome from disaster?

Guan Qinghan was twenty-one years old, four and a half years older than Jun Mo Xie. Furthermore, the marriage ties between the two families had just been severed by Jun Wu Yi. Next, the families would surely worry about Guan Qinghan's marriage prospects. After all, in this era, being unmarried at twenty-one was already considered late. How could they not be anxious?

But no matter what, Jun Mo Xie felt he didn't even have the chance to be nominated; because even though the engagement was dissolved, nominally, she had once been his sister-in-law! This fact could not be denied. Given the Elder Master’s rigidity and prevailing public opinion, such a thing could never be allowed to happen! They would rather beat the couple apart than permit such a scandal to exist! Once it occurred, what would people say? 'Sister-in-law and younger brother-in-law engaged in prior illicit relations, immoral, shameless,' and so on.

These were factors that had to be considered. Jun Mo Xie, with his inherent wickedness, didn't care about them, but did the two great families not care? Did Guan Qinghan not care?

Therefore, the two had absolutely no hope! Even though it was now a fait accompli, they still had countless hurdles to overcome!

But today, through the absurd meddling of Dugu Xiaoyi, Guan Qinghan had been… well, that happened. This way, no matter how many obstacles remained, this wife could no longer run away!

Now the consideration wasn't avoidance, but how to get through it—one path was passive, the other active; they were worlds apart, incomparable.

Although the process was bizarre and accidental, it reduced many future variables!

To hell with it! At worst, I’ll be headstrong, and who the hell dares to gossip? I’ll do as I please, and who can stop me? The opinions of others, worldly discourse—in my eyes, it’s just a fart!

Once it stinks, it’s over…

So, amidst his gloom, Jun Mo Xie held a trace of hidden triumph. Thinking this way, he wasn't so angry anymore. Besides, Dugu Xiaoyi’s initial intention was merely to keep him for herself. She couldn't bear to see him snatched away. Although she was young and ignorant, her good intentions led to mistakes, but as long as no real harm was done, it wasn't a major offense!

Jun Mo Xie wouldn't bring himself to yell at or strike a girl who was deeply devoted to him. However, he couldn't just let her off the hook either! Ignorance wasn't a crime, but if ignorance led to serious consequences, it became a transgression! If he didn't teach her a lesson today, what would happen if this little girl acted up again in the future?

One must remember that today’s incident nearly led both of them to an untimely death!

"Aren't you angry?! Think about it, if you were in my shoes, wouldn't you be angry?" Jun Mo Xie pondered for a long time, then slowly said, tears suddenly streaming down: "I should have eaten it myself, woohoo…"

"I am very unhappy about this incident!" Jun Mo Xie snorted coldly, "I do not wish for a similar event to occur again!"

"Yes, yes, yes… I won't dare, I really won't dare anymore. I'll change," Dugu Yi nodded frantically, feeling immense relief mixed with a dull ache in her heart. After this incident, the little girl seemed to have matured considerably.

"En, I'll go back and study carefully with my mother, ask clearly…" The little girl fidgeted, rubbing her clothes anxiously, "I'm truly sorry about today."

Jun Mo Xie staggered, nearly falling over. He gasped for breath, nearly suffocated. Something like this… asking her mother to teach her about it?

"Since you're not angry anymore? Then… you ate the cooked meal with Sister Guan, so do you still want me?" Dugu Xiaoyi asked relentlessly, her round eyes wide open.

"Uh, that question, let's discuss it later…" Sweat beaded on Jun Mo Xie's forehead.

"I don't care! I cooked you!" Dugu Xiaoyi pouted, "But Sister Guan ate you, taking advantage of the ready meal! Waaah!" It was all my mother's fault for not explaining things clearly to me. I really didn't understand. Cooking rice meant that…"

Jun Mo Xie was drenched in sweat; he had truly lost the capacity to be angry, thinking only of escaping as fast as possible. The sex education of this era was truly… appalling!

After much coaxing and persuasion, the crying Dugu Xiaoyi was finally sent back. Jun Mo Xie, both mentally and physically exhausted, circulated the Kai Tian Zao Hua Gong within his body and staggered back toward the tent.

"This was a farce!" When everything settled into silence, a low voice emerged from the large tree where the five supreme masters had previously stood. The voice was faint and cold, yet gentle, possessing both the aloofness of the absolute peak and the composed grace of one looking down on the world.

Simply by hearing the voice, one could tell that the speaker must be an ultimate figure of the mortal realm.

"Yes, but the only one who benefited from this farce was that gentleman." Another crisp, melodious voice chimed in.

Hiding in the branches of this great tree were, impossibly, two people, and the strangest part was that the five great masters standing directly beneath the tree moments ago had noticed nothing! This spoke volumes of how terrifying their cultivation levels must be!

"Benefited" might be an overstatement; however, based on the intelligence we've gathered, Guan Qinghan absolutely should never have allied herself with this scoundrel. Yet now, they are sleeping together. That is a variable—one that will cause the Jun family considerable embarrassment. We shall see how the Jun family chooses to handle it," the first voice drifted lazily.

"No matter how the Jun family handles it, the fallout from this incident will not be..." the crisp voice sounded rather gleeful. It quickly followed up, "Big Sister, since you intend to take this boy as an apprentice, why haven't you made a move? Wouldn't it be simpler to just seize him and bring him back?"

"Take him as an apprentice? He dreams too much! I only intend to torment him!" The first voice sounded as if she were grinding her teeth. "This detestable bastard! If it weren't for... I would have torn him into a thousand pieces with my own hands long ago!"

"Ah? Big Sister, this, this... surely not? With Yun Bu Zi's meager cultivation, how could he possibly have offended you so deeply?" The crisp voice responded with shock. (To be continued)