"Heh heh, meeting by fate after a thousand miles. Miss Dugu, we are truly fated to meet again," Jun Mo Xie chuckled, saying casually. His tone and expression were exactly like when they first encountered each other outside the entrance of the Qian Jin Hall.

Yet, Young Master Jun himself never imagined that while this sentence was barely different from the original one, falling upon Du Gu Xiao Yi's ears, it carried several layers of complex meaning.

Fated? He said they were fated to meet! Alas, even if they were truly fated, what use was it! Even if they met every single day, what good would it do? Wouldn't the two great families still oppose them?

The immense joy that blossomed in Du Gu Xiao Yi upon hearing Jun Mo Xie’s voice instantly turned into a faint wistfulness: If it weren't for Little White today, wouldn't I have missed seeing you again? Wouldn't we have been fated not to meet?!

Du Gu Xiao Yi was no ancient monster living through two lifetimes; she was truly just sixteen, the same age as Mo Xie previously, merely a young and innocent girl in the bloom of spring.

At her age, and under the backdrop of this era, she couldn't truly grasp the subtle intricacies of affection or love. She had only heard before that Jun Mo Xie was utterly dissolute, a worthless rake, notorious for countless wicked deeds, which instilled in her a deep revulsion, compelling her to punish him whenever she encountered him—nothing more than that.

But since that encounter outside the Qian Jin Hall, she felt that this rake, though glib and smooth-tongued, handled matters with remarkable order and propriety, and he seemed like an entirely different person from the Jun Mo Xie she had previously known.

That meeting sparked a great deal of curiosity in Du Gu Xiao Yi; moreover, the way Jun Mo Xie played the role of the pig eating the tiger—humbling several other young masters—gave her a thrilling sense of satisfaction. Then, when they met again at the Divine Weapon Scroll, witnessing another side of Jun Mo Xie where he acted completely shamelessly, she couldn't help but feel disgusted again. Yet, only later did she realize that she had misunderstood him once more!

The single word "again" instantly made Du Gu Xiao Yi’s disposition incredibly delicate: I misunderstood him for so many years, bullying him all that time. Yet, he never once offered a defense, and every time, he would indulge my bullying. If his true capabilities were meager, it would be understandable, but he is clearly very intelligent; now I've misunderstood him again.

Thinking this way, Du Gu Xiao Yi's heart felt even more a mix of complicated emotions. Although the former Jun Mo Xie had used clever tricks to swindle the Meteorite Iron from her hands, leaving her indignant, she quickly considered that perhaps the iron was so crucial that he had to trick it away, or perhaps shrewd resourcefulness was his true nature? Why was this person's true face so hard to discern? And why did he deliberately hide himself!

These were, of course, conclusions Xiao Yi drew afterward. As for the time she was tricked, the young girl had always been proud and high-spirited. To be bullied by someone she had bullied countless times before, and the reason being her own misjudgment while he played the deceptive role—it was hard for her not to feel deeply slighted; thinking further, I've misunderstood him for so many years and bullied him so many times, yet he seemed not to care at all—this thought suddenly felt wrong to her, and upon returning home, she burst into tears.

She cried while recalling the experiences of those years. Reflecting on the precarious situation of the Jun family over those years, she gradually felt that Jun Mo Xie had truly endured a great deal; a faint ache began to stir in her heart.

As for telling her father she had been bullied by Jun Mo Xie, it was merely the spoiled tantrum of a little girl feeling wronged.

Who knew that when she ventured out, she received news that Jun Mo Xie’s life or death was unknown, which struck her heart like a heavy hammer. After years of misunderstanding him, before she could even utter an apology or make amends, was he just going to die like that? Thinking of this, Du Gu Xiao Yi felt even greater self-reproach. A child with troubles in their heart cannot conceal them; naturally, she lost her appetite. For days, she contemplated this problem, and slowly, Jun Mo Xie’s place in her heart ascended to a remarkably high position.

For this matter, Du Gu Xiao Yi had inquired about the Jun family from her grandfather. Upon learning of the turbulent situation surrounding the Jun family, she naturally found a justification for Jun Mo Xie’s dissolute behavior in her mind: So the Jun family was in such danger; he was sacrificing his reputation for the sake of his clan, enduring humiliation and carrying a heavy burden. It must have been so hard for him; he is only about my age, yet he has borne so much. No wonder the contrast between his previous and later appearances was so stark; such a responsible young master, willing to sacrifice for his family...

When she then learned that Jun Mo Xie was injured while rescuing the Princess (the girl instinctively interpreted "reporting news to the Princess" as "bravely rescuing the Princess"), leading to his uncertain fate—what a chivalrous heart he possessed!

Thus, Jun Mo Xie transformed in Du Gu Xiao Yi’s eyes, shifting from an absolute rake to a responsible young nobleman, a "dashing young hero." Such a transformation was truly heaven and earth shattering, an immense, sweeping change!

A maiden's heart, when favorably inclined toward someone, naturally interprets everything that person does through the lens of nobility, greatness, and chivalry. Thus, while Du Gu Xiao Yi worried for Jun Mo Xie, she had already unilaterally rehabilitated his reputation in her heart...

Then, later, upon unexpectedly hearing Jun Mo Xie’s voice in Sheng Bao Hall, the joy that sprang from her core was beyond words; it was like a treasured item, lost and suddenly recovered. Furthermore, her pet, Little White, was unexpectedly so affectionate toward Jun Mo Xie! The little girl was even happier, knowing that little creature ignored everyone else except her, yet it showed affection to that scoundrel—what did that signify?

Up until this point, Du Gu Xiao Yi still hadn't clarified what feeling she truly held for the "scoundrel" Jun. But when her father and brother went to cause trouble for Jun Mo Xie on her behalf, after understanding the entire chain of events, Du Gu Xiao Yi truly asked herself for the very first time: Could it be that I actually have feelings for that scoundrel? Do I really like him? Is this what it feels like to like someone?

This feeling, it was truly, truly... "marvelous."

Thus, in the following days, although annoyed by the rash interference of her family and best friend in her affairs, it was undeniable that her heart was filled with a deep sense of panic, a faint apprehension, and a touch of embarrassment. Even without meeting him, eventually, whenever she thought of Jun Mo Xie, she thought of the possibility that she liked him. The moment this thought surfaced, her heart would pound, her face would flush, and she would eagerly anticipate their next reunion...

A maiden’s sentiments are inherently elusive, like poetry and dreams, filled with endless fantasy. Du Gu Xiao Yi, raised with innate nobility, could indeed be considered a favored daughter of heaven. Yet, these subtle stirrings of the heart were no different from those of an ordinary peasant girl.

It could be said that this inexplicable affection was forcibly cultivated under the pressure and interference from multiple directions.

If Princess Ling Meng hadn't made reckless guesses earlier...

If the elders and juniors of the Dugu clan hadn't made a commotion at the Jun residence and allowed the situation to fade gradually...

Then, Jun Mo Xie would have remained, at most, a very enjoyable playmate in Du Gu Xiao Yi’s heart—a very interesting, very reliable person. Nothing more! It is believed that this very interesting playmate would inevitably have become a passerby or a memory in her life as she grew older and the distance between them increased!

But with all these parties intervening, Du Gu Xiao Yi became increasingly unable to let the matter rest. The more she thought, the more extraordinary Jun Mo Xie seemed, and thus she became entangled in her own self-made trap.

Now, upon hearing Jun Mo Xie’s voice, Du Gu Xiao Yi’s heart suddenly leaped wildly, as if she had just done something illicit. When she saw Jun Mo Xie appear before her, Du Gu Xiao Yi didn't know what she was thinking; her face instantly flushed scarlet. The very first thought that surged through her was to turn and flee: Do I really have fate with him?! Oh heavens, this is too embarrassing!! Du Gu Xiao Yi instantly covered her burning, pretty face.

"Jun family little thief, you certainly have your tricks. You have broadened Ye Mou's horizons. For Miss Dugu’s sake, you truly spare no effort," Ye Gu Han watched him coldly. Although he didn't know what methods Jun Mo Xie used to make Du Gu Xiao Yi’s Iron Winged Leopard cub so affectionate toward him, it was undeniable that this was a massive weapon against Du Gu Xiao Yi—one could even call it a finishing move!

Du Gu Xiao Yi's affection for Little White was witnessed by all; and now, Little White's closeness to Jun Mo Xie undoubtedly placed Du Gu Xiao Yi under Jun Mo Xie's immense threat at all times. This was an exceedingly dangerous situation!

High-level Mystic Beasts, apart from their masters, would never easily show favor to outsiders. Ye Gu Han, though unable to grasp the mystery, found it incredible, yet he had already pre-judged that Jun Mo Xie must have used some underhanded methods on this Mystic Beast cub. Otherwise, how could this be?

If a high-level Mystic Beast could be so close to a human—and such a notoriously dissolute rake at that—then Mystic Beasts would hardly be considered rare treasures!

"What? Tricks? What tricks!" Jun Mo Xie was slightly frustrated. Who did I offend now? Why are you all so hostile and glaring the moment you see me? Heaven knows, I haven't done anything at all! It’s clearly that little lecherous beast that threw itself into my arms the moment it saw this Young Master. While it is true that this Young Master is dashing, handsome, and unparalleled, why would I take a fancy to such a small creature!

This Young Master is the genuine, bona fide, victim here, alright?

"Jun family little thief; quickly return the Mystic Beast cub to Miss Dugu?" Ye Gu Han was secretly rejoicing in his heart. Fortunately, he was escorting Du Gu Xiao Yi. Otherwise, without his protection, Du Gu Xiao Yi would surely have fallen into Jun Mo Xie's trap tonight. If anything unspeakable had happened between them, the consequences would have been truly dire. No, I absolutely must thwart this little thief's scheme!

"Listen here, that Ye Gu Han, aren't you meddling a bit too much? Guard your princess properly. Why interfere in other people’s business? Who do you think you are, interfering in the matters between me and the little girl!" Jun Mo Xie had initially intended to return the little Mystic Beast anyway, but Ye Gu Han's words suddenly made him feel irritated.

(Hmph. I need to say a couple of things here. Regarding the issue with Du Gu Xiao Yi in this chapter, I hadn't originally intended to explain it. But recently, many people in the review section have been raising this question: Why would Du Gu Xiao Yi fall for Jun Mo Xie? Why? This question has been asked from before the book went on sale until now. And many readers are genuinely perplexed, feeling it was somewhat abrupt, while some others, heh heh, perhaps fueled the fire. Slowly, this issue has begun to trend toward becoming a weapon used against Xie Jun. Well, I suppose I have no choice but to ramble on a bit. Thus, this chapter, "The Nine Revolutions Maiden's Heart," came into being. Brothers and sisters, please forgive me. Since I've started, I'll address the other issue as well: Many people say this book is the same as the previous one, which baffles me. Which plot point is entirely identical to the last book? If having a similar world setting counts as being the same, then our Chinese ancient history has repeated itself five thousand times! We read stories, we read plots, not just settings. I won't explain this issue again in the future. True fans of this book won't care about this; and for those who dislike it, any explanation from me will be futile.)

(Up to this point, I have weathered storms alongside my brothers, forging the glory of Xie Jun. You all know my working style; I visit the review section daily. And for some valuable comments, I always reply. Seeing familiar names, I feel a sense of closeness and extend a welcome.)

(Here, I thank the friends who offered constructive criticism. Every review critiques the book; it is precisely this group of friends who have helped me improve Xie Jun step by step. So, thank you again.)

(However, there are some people who watch this book, follow it, and read it with great interest—they can even spot typos in the text, reading with such meticulous detail—yet they repeatedly shout, "It's unreadable; anyone who reads it is a fool!" Every time I see such attacks, I nearly die laughing. Truly, you all make me so happy; one can actually be this brainless!)

(There are also some aimless attacks, even launched before reading the book. I can only thank you all once more. Because you have once again given me an opportunity for narcissism: A tree standing out in the forest will inevitably be felled by the wind. Therefore, I become proudly arrogant, heh heh. Thank you for providing me with spiritual satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, things I wouldn't have enjoyed otherwise.)

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