Jun Moxie was rarely serious, but when he spoke with gravity, it always carried the weight of a promise! During this time, Guan Qinghan had learned this fact intimately, but precisely because she knew it so well, it brought her fear and dread!

When Jun Moxie spoke with that somber expression, it was gospel. What he said, he did. Without exception!

No one could ever change his decision. Not when facing the threat from the Blood Soul Manor previously. Not his declaration to protect her now. And not his words spoken to her today!

“The world knows me as a dissolute rake, utterly lacking in talent,” Jun Moxie offered with a wry smile. “In truth, I really don't understand women’s minds, nor do I know how to court or express affection. Perhaps, at a time like this, I should be trying to soothe you… whispering sweet nothings and buttery lies.” He paused. “You really have sacrificed a great deal for me. I am not entirely heartless, but I… I truly don’t know how to say it.”

“I have never been in love! Never,” he confessed, coughing slightly. “Yesterday’s incident—well, in this life, it was actually my first time too. It still aches a bit, I’m not lying. It’s not just you who is uncomfortable; I am too. My legs are still a little shaky, and I feel dizzy. I’m only admitting this to you; I’d be too embarrassed to say it to anyone else.” Jun Moxie grimaced, looking genuinely awkward.

In that instant, Guan Qinghan desperately wanted to laugh. She was a maiden herself; how could she possibly understand these matters? Having just gone through that ordeal, tasting the bliss of the Divine Union for the first time, she was in considerable pain below. Why would she want to laugh? Yet, hearing Jun Moxie say that, she genuinely felt the urge.

For this notorious playboy to utter such words seemed unbelievable. But looking at Jun Moxie’s expression, Guan Qinghan found herself unable to smile; despite the oddity and embarrassment etched on his face, she could tell from his tone that he wasn’t lying. It seemed completely from the heart.

Could it actually be true?!

The Heavenly Fragrance’s foremost rake, legendary for bullying the weak and being utterly depraved—was he truly a virgin? Impossible! If he claimed that some of the ladies near Spirit Mist Lake were still virgins, that might carry some credibility. But Jun Moxie…

Guan Qinghan didn't quite catch that Jun Moxie said “in this life,” or perhaps even if she had heard it, she wouldn't grasp the implication hidden within those two words.

Guan Qinghan’s eyebrows furrowed momentarily before her expression chilled once more. Jun Moxie waited, and seeing that Guan Qinghan remained tight-lipped but her expression had softened somewhat, he breathed a sigh of relief. “Actually, last night… I was drugged,” he admitted. “My mind was completely muddled, and I just kept forcing myself. Honestly, I didn’t feel much myself. Thinking back now, it’s such a shame…”

Guan Qinghan never expected the young man to suddenly interject such a statement while speaking so seriously! She instantly flushed crimson with shame, spitting out a curse under her breath.

Jun Moxie’s statement was merely a test. Seeing that the usually aloof Guan Qinghan hadn't erupted in fury over his audacious, clumsy words, his courage swelled. He stood up, intending to draw her into his embrace.

Guan Qinghan gasped and quickly retreated two steps. Tears streamed down her face again, and she said coldly, “What happened today was unavoidable; it was a mistake from the start. I agreed to save you, not just for you, but as the sole descendant of the Jun family. Even though we shared that accidental intimacy, it doesn't grant you the right to treat me with such casual disrespect! Jun Moxie, we cannot make mistake upon mistake, compounding the error! You… do not presume to act insolently toward me again.”

Jun Moxie’s hands froze mid-air, his expression shifting several times. After a long, long moment, he slowly lowered them. “If you can’t accept it now, we can discuss it later… However, you are my woman, and you can’t escape that! When we return, regarding your status, the Jun family will exert its greatest effort. The matter of Third Uncle adopting you as a god-daughter will be celebrated with a grand banquet, attended by all the notable figures in the capital. That should help diffuse things slowly. After that, I will definitely marry you.”

“Who, who said I would marry you?” Guan Qinghan was both embarrassed and furious, having never encountered such an overbearing man. He hadn’t spoken a single sweet word, yet he was already claiming her in marriage!

“Whether you marry me is your business. Whether I marry you is mine,” Jun Moxie retorted, raising an eyebrow, a wicked smile playing on his lips. “Come, beauty. You’ve worked hard for a day and a night; I know you must be exhausted. Rest now.”

Guan Qinghan’s face instantly burned red, then turned as white as ice. She stared at Jun Moxie and spoke every word deliberately: “Jun Moxie, stop playing those cheap tricks on me. Don’t make me look down on you! You can forget everything that happened today. Go report back to Grandpa; the old man will settle accounts with you! I would rather die than stay here.”

Jun Moxie chuckled, “I said I’m sending you back to rest, I didn't say you had to stay here.” He added slyly, “Perhaps you, my esteemed sworn older sister, jumped to the wrong conclusion?” Guan Qinghan’s eyes blazed with fury, her fingers trembling as she pointed at him: “You—you… Scoundrel! Scamp! That’s my sworn older sister!”

Jun Moxie roared with laughter. “Look what you’re saying. If you are Third Uncle’s adopted daughter, aren’t you automatically my sworn older sister?”

Guan Qinghan was livid, whipping her sleeve around and turning to leave. But as she took a step, a searing, tearing pain shot through her lower body. She staggered, managing to stay upright, large beads of cold sweat breaking out on her forehead—she couldn't even walk!

Almost an entire day of ecstatic torment had left the delicate, newly awakened woman completely spent. Furthermore, Jun Kaifei’s brutality the night before had only added insult to injury—Guan Qinghan was near collapse! Seeing this, Jun Moxie swiftly darted forward, bent down, slipped his left arm under her neck, and cradled her with his right arm around the back of her knee, lifting her just as one would a baby. He walked outward, chuckling softly, “Don’t be afraid, I’ll take you back!” Guan Qinghan was shocked and mortified! If he carried her back like this, how could she ever show her face again? She struggled violently.

Jun Moxie firmly restrained her body, preventing any further movement, and walked steadily out. Guan Qinghan was overcome with shame, burying her head deep into his chest, unsure if she was hiding from being seen by others or hiding from seeing anyone herself.

As soon as they exited the tent flap, there was a surprising lack of sound. The surroundings were completely deserted. The night was already deep; an absence of people was only natural. Guan Qinghan calmed slightly, but the embarrassment of being held by Jun Moxie surged back. Her ear pressed against his chest, listening to the steady thump-thump of his heartbeat, her senses began to swim.

Jun Moxie returned her and was immediately chased out. He let out a wry smile and returned to his own tent, channeling his internal spiritual energy with full force to quickly restore his stamina. Because the efforts of the Young Master in refining his power had reached a state of purity, he managed to normalize within just over half an hour.

The Young Master stood up, stretching his limbs, and muttered softly, “What happened today truly felt like a dream. I wonder if this counts as a spring dream that leaves no trace behind…” His figure flickered, and he vanished from the camp tent in an instant.

Jun Moxie had not forgotten that he still owed a promise!

A promise he could not and should not break!

King Xiong, Xiong Kaishan, and King Crane, He Chongxiao—they had given their all to help him settle the matter of the Blood Soul Manor. He still owed them for their pledged agreement! Therefore, tonight was the last chance to repay that debt.

It was also the best chance, given how significantly his strength and capital had just increased!

Jun Moxie disliked owing debts, whether debts of favor or of money, especially when the other party had made the initial sacrifice and exerted their full power to fulfill their part!

Even though the incident had escalated and eventually spiraled beyond everyone’s control, at its root, it was because of his request. Thus, Jun Moxie could not be faithless.

What’s more, this action resulted in the eradication of the Blood Soul Manor, eliminating a massive potential disaster!

Especially now that Guan Qinghan was his woman… The act of eliminating the Blood Soul Manor now felt even more satisfying to Jun Moxie.

Dare to fight me for my woman? Damn it, I’ll crush you!

So, the moment he recovered, he immediately left, fully deploying the Yin-Yang Evasion technique, speeding straight toward the Heavenly Punishment Forest!

Just as his silhouette vanished, about fifty feet away, a sudden surprised sound echoed. One person murmured, “What’s going on? Why has that brat’s aura disappeared again? Such astonishing speed, it surpassed my perception.”

After a pause, another voice replied, “Sister, why bother over it? No matter how fast the brat is, with the Jun family’s main force assembled here, the monk may escape, but the temple cannot! Do you fear he can truly flee?”

Two light chuckles followed, and silence returned.

The Capital City, Heavenly Fragrance City!

Ever since Jun Wuyi led the army out to campaign, the situation in Heavenly Fragrance City had been in constant, incremental flux. Today, two major families clashed, and the Emperor stepped in to mediate; tomorrow, conflicts arose again, followed by formal remonstrances…

In short, the Imperial Guards were being dispatched with increasing frequency, and many subtle shifts in official posts were occurring quietly. His Majesty the Emperor was vigorously promoting younger scholars, employing a delicate, subtle method—visible yet unnoticed—to gradually infiltrate all departments through entirely legitimate procedures. Meanwhile, some aging officials, or those holding little influence or low rank within the great clans, were either transferred or ordered into retirement…

It was truly a flawless, undetectable tactic of supreme finesse!

Though these individuals held little significant weight, and few paid them mind, having three or five removed today, five or six tomorrow, and so on for nearly two months, meant that the political landscape had undergone a revolutionary transformation!

As for the higher echelons of power, while the great clans still retained crucial influence, it was clearly evident that a significant portion of the subordinates under their command had been replaced by newcomers or members of other clans, rather than their trusted aides.

This process proceeded like a spring breeze dissolving into the soil. By the time the major clans realized something was amiss, the spring rain had become as precious as oil. And just as they were about to take countermeasures, they were forced to halt.

They were too preoccupied with internal affairs!

Because intense undercurrents were surging within the clans themselves. Someone had spread rumors claiming that all the talented individuals accompanying Jun Wuyi on the expedition were those meticulously groomed by their respective families. Whoever returned safely would be the designated heir to the next family head.

This news immediately sparked an enormous upheaval!

Recommending a novel for the female readership, which is ours! Asking on behalf of Little Foolish for a few recommendation votes. Our Little Foolish sister is striving to climb the rankings… Everyone please lend a hand so the little loli can surge ahead! (To be continued)