DTSFCII Chapter 3

Early the next morning, disciples sent by Fang Yun came to urge Xue Qing to wake up, bathe, and change clothes. The new clothes made by the embroidery workshop were also delivered. Liu Ying was sent by Fang Yun to greet Qiao Yijun at the foot of the mountain. Xue Qing knew she had no way out, so she dismissed all the female disciples from the room and changed into the new clothes. The outfit was indeed plain, with a white base and blue floral patterns, without any other embellishments. Once she wore it, she resembled a blue-and-white porcelain vase. Fortunately, Xue Qing’s face was attractive enough that she wouldn’t lose her elegance no matter what she wore.

Xue Qing was twisting and turning, admiring her figure in the bronze mirror, when she suddenly heard creaking sounds coming from the nearby bookshelf. In the original story, Xue Qing had set up mechanisms in her room, including a hidden chamber and a secret passage leading directly to the foot of the mountain, all for the purpose of meeting with Yan Ming secretly. Could it be that Yan Ming, that ill-fated god, had already finished his escapades and returned so quickly?

Xue Qing thought about calling the disciples outside the door, but before she could open her mouth, the entire bookshelf rotated ninety degrees, and Yan Ming emerged from behind it. Just as described in the book, he had a captivating face, with delicate features that lacked femininity. There was a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth, his eyes carried a fierce intensity that could tear people apart at any moment. His attire was disheveled, revealing well-defined muscles, and faint scars on his body that confirmed the saying, “There are no weaklings in the desolate wasteland”.

“After a few days of not seeing each other, my Qing’er has become even more beautiful,” Yan Ming said with a sharp gaze, accompanied by a wicked smile.

Xue Qing trembled all over, feeling like a sheep with a white base and blue porcelain patterns, locked in the same pen as the wolf. As long as she dared to act recklessly, the wolf would bite her neck. Xue Qing took two steps back, timidly responding to Yan Ming, “Long time no see, I’ve missed you.”

Yan Ming swiftly approached Xue Qing, lifting a strand of her hair and sniffing it, saying, “I heard your martial arts have been crippled. Is it true?”

Nervousness gripped Xue Qing as she suddenly remembered Yan Ming’s character setting. He had engaged in a compromising act with her, but he merely saw her as a disposable pawn. If he believed she had lost her value, he would surely kill her to eliminate any loose ends. Xue Qing recalled the method her novel counterpart used to escape this fate. She had persistently cling on to him, making him believe that she was still enchanted by him and that she remained his loyal pawn.

What is modesty in the face of life and death? When it comes to survival, even chastity becomes insignificant. Xue Qing suppressed her inner fear and leaned into Yan Ming’s embrace. “For you, even if I were to sacrifice my life, it wouldn’t matter. Senior Sister intends to arrange a marriage between me and Qiao Yijun. She invited him to Lingyu today, but I don’t want to see him. I only want to see you.”

“Qiao Yijun is a senior disciple of the Wudang Sect. Daoist Siyou highly values him and entrusts him with most of the sect’s affairs. It would be good if you could get closer to him and gather some information for me.” As Yan Ming spoke, he caressed Xue Qing’s body. Being flirted with by such a handsome guy should have been an enjoyable experience, but if you knew that this handsome guy was a ruthless villain who toyed with people’s hearts without hesitation, you would feel nothing but a cold sweat in your heart, devoid of any pleasure.

“You know very well that my heart belongs to only you. How could I have the intention to be involved with other men?” Xue Qing twisted her body in Yan Ming’s embrace, appearing as if she was letting him take advantage of her. In reality, she was trying to prevent Yan Ming’s wandering hands from touching any inappropriate areas. Well, this subtle expression is quite inaccurate because no part of her body should be touched by him. She wanted to maintain a distance of ten feet from this man.

“Be obedient. When I unify the world, you will be the mistress of all.” Yan Ming looked at Xue Qing “affectionately,” his eyes were beautiful and seductive, but sadly lacking any genuine emotions.

Xue Qing felt that if she didn’t agree at the right moment, the part connecting her body and head might snap, so she nodded compliantly and said, “Okay, for you, I’m willing to do anything.”

“This is the woman worthy of my love,” Yan Ming said, as he let Xue Qing lean against his left arm. He leaned over, pressing his lips against her cheek, moving towards that hint of vermilion. Xue Qing felt her thigh being pressed by something foreign, and a red alarm sounded in her mind.

Her brain only gave the command to “escape,” and Xue Qing forcefully pushed Yan Ming away, retreating back against the wall, locking eyes with him. Yan Ming, who had never experienced the anger of having a good moment interrupted, was furious that this woman, who granted his every desire, dared to push him away. Instantly,  a murderous intent arose in him. He approached Xue Qing step by step, his sharp fingertips lifting her chin. “What’s this? Are you trying to pretend to be a chaste and virtuous woman now? Weren’t you ecstatic when I left my mark on you as my beloved?” With that, he pulled down Xue Qing’s collar, revealing half of her alluring chest. On the upper left side, a dark butterfly tattoo seemed poised to take flight.

“No, no, it’s not that. Qiao Yijun is coming soon, and it will be dangerous if someone finds you,” Xue Qing hurriedly explained, her face adorned with a saintly expression of compassion and concern for others.

Yan Ming’s expression softened, and he gently caressed Xue Qing’s face with the hand that was holding her chin. “Alright then, my whereabouts must not be exposed, and you must also conceal your identity. I’ll leave for now, but next time I’ll take good care of you.” After saying that, Yan Ming swiftly retreated back into the hidden chamber behind the bookshelf. The creaking sound reverberated, and the bookshelf returned to its original appearance.

What a graceful movement, Xue Qing admired in her heart. She waited until she was certain there was no sound before finally allowing herself to relax and breathe. The first thing she did was to call several female disciples to accompany her. Getting involved with a murderer in this lawless place, wasn’t this just asking for trouble?!

The sun had just reached its peak in the sky when Liu Ying returned, fulfilling everyone’s expectations by bringing Qiao Yijun. Fang Yun led Qiao Yijun into the study that was usually used for handling official matters, pretending to discuss the future of martial arts with him. Other disciples were dismissed, while Fang Yun instructed Xue Qing to brew a pot of fine tea.

Xue Qing had a disciple bring the tea leaves and personally filled the pot with water. Carrying the steaming teapot, she entered the study where Fang Yun and Qiao Yijun were seated, one in the host’s position and the other as the guest, engaged in a warm conversation. Upon seeing Xue Qing enter, Qiao Yijun stood up and greeted her with a bow, saying, “Martial Aunt Xue Qing, how is your health?”

Xue Qing’s hand trembled, almost spilling the tea. This was her martial nephew? He clearly looked older than her!

“I’m much better now, no major issues.” Xue Qing placed the tea on the table and added with a forced polite address through gritted teeth, “Respected nephew.”

“There’s no need for such formality, Young Master Qiao. Qing’er is two years younger than you. Just address her by name will do,” Fang Yun coaxed Qiao Yijun, believing that breaking societal constraints is the first step in developing a relationship.

“I have always respected Martial Aunt Xue Qing and would never dare to address her without proper etiquette,” Qiao Yijun said solemnly.

Xue Qing felt that it would be better for Fang Yun to give up. The greatest distance in the world is not between the ends of the earth or different telecommunication networks but between a talented man and a beautiful woman standing together while he called her “aunt.”

“Sect Leader Fang Yun, our master has been eager to hear your opinions regarding the martial arts alliance,” Qiao Yijun sat back down and eagerly brought up the purpose of his visit, after Xue Qing took her seat.

Xue Qing took a sip of tea and listened attentively to their conversation. The martial arts alliance also had a significant impact on her because, in the novel, the martial arts alliance was led by Xiao Guiying, the supporting male character who beheaded her. No, she couldn’t let Xiao Guiying become the leader of the martial arts alliance.

“The desolate wasteland is becoming increasingly rampant. It is incumbent upon us righteous individuals to unite and stand together against the enemy. If we form an alliance, Lingyu Sect cannot shirk its responsibility. However, we don’t know who should take the lead,” Fang Yun said.

“In terms of contributions to martial arts and fighting against the desolate wasteland, no sect can rival Lingyu Sect. Master hopes that Sect Leader Fang Yun can take the lead in leading the martial arts alliance,” said Qiao Yijun, bowing his head respectfully.

“Daoist Siyou jests. I’m just a mere female practitioner who has passed her prime. I may have the intention to serve, but I’m lacking the physical stamina. It has been twenty years since the last bloodshed in the desolate wasteland, it’s better to entrust the martial world to the younger generation. Although Qing’er would have been a good candidate, it is unfortunate that this catastrophe occurred. Lingyu Sect is willing but lacks the necessary strength this time. Please ask your master for forgiveness,” Fang Yun replied.

Qiao Yijun hurriedly said, “Of course not, of course not. I will certainly convey to my master the difficulties faced by Lingyu Sect. My master is also concerned about the martial world’s situation. The moment news of the establishment of the Martial Arts Alliance emerged, there were already people itching for action.”

“Are you referring to Kunlun Palace? Rest assured, with me around, that old bone should rein in their ambitions.” Fang Yun said with a hearty laugh. Despite her middle-aged appearance and plump figure, no one in the martial world dare to underestimate her. Otherwise, Lingyu Sect’s current status wouldn’t have been preserved.

“With these words from the Sect Leader, Master and I can be at ease. I will hurry back to inform my master.” Qiao Yijun stood up joyfully and bid farewell with a clenched fist.

He’s leaving already? Xue Qing felt that the outfit she was wearing wasn’t worth it; it was too plain and lacked a sense of presence. Qiao Yijun hadn’t even looked at her directly from the start to the end. Xue Qing tugged at her dress and accompanied Qiao Yijun down the mountain with Fang Yun. She firmly believed that it wasn’t because she lacked charm, but rather Qiao Yijun, this supporting character, was not fortunate enough to have a scene with her!

“Take care on your journey, virtuous nephew.” Xue Qing waved the silk handkerchief in her hand to bid farewell to Qiao Yijun. Receiving guests and seeing them off, why did her activities today resemble those of some kind of service industry personnel?

Just before parting ways, Fang Yun suddenly asked Qiao Yijun, “Young Master Qiao, in your opinion, which young hero in the martial world today can be called an outstanding talent?”

Qiao Yijun replied without hesitation, “If we are talking about talent and martial arts, it is only the Lord of Eastern Qi Pavilion, Xiao Guiying, who truly impresses me.”

Alright, Xue Qing felt that she should give more thought to the sphere around her neck.

Xue Qing didn’t mention to Liu Ying the incident where Yan Ming nearly choked her to death. She simply discreetly mentioned that the large rat hole behind the bookshelf should be blocked. Liu Ying, of course, knew exactly what Xue Qing was referring to. That secret passage was the one Xue Qing had instructed him to dig and now she suddenly wanted it blocked. He couldn’t quite figure out what Xue Qing had in mind, but he happily filled the secret passage with rubble. At least this way, Yan Ming would no longer have free access to the Lingyu Sect. He was glad that Xue Qing was no longer completely submissive to Yan Ming and was able to keep him out.

Even after blocking the rat hole, Xue Qing couldn’t let her guard down. Yan Ming’s profession is quite special – he is the male protagonist! He possessed immense powers and even if his head were cut off, he could still survive for ten days or half a month. Moreover, he’s just trying to catch a minor supporting female character like her. Life is not easy, no matter what era you live in. Before transmigrating, she had to guard against perverts, hooligans, and creeps in the disorderly modern world. And now, after transmigrating into the chaotic martial arts world, she has to guard against the male lead, the female lead, and even the supporting male characters. Being a supporting female character is tough enough, let alone being someone who used to twist her ankle while dancing Irish jig and sipping sweet Irish whiskey in her past life. She can’t afford to get hurt!