43rd Break: Fool 

In the outskirts of the capital, there lies a bungalow. There lived a family of three, but who are now tied up and in their mouths were a cloth to prevent them from making any noises. The woman who tied them up is a practitioner, and the family of three already knows this thus they don't dare to disobey the woman, for this woman could kill them easily.

"Damn it…" the female practitioner cursed under her breath as she bit her lip while she paced back and forth inside the house, looking anxious.

She knows that she was being followed ever since that day that she was discovered by that man who fought against her after she went to the Meng residence to check whether Meng Ruyan really died or not. If he did, then her mission was considered a success. But, if not…

"Leader…" she muttered and clenched her fists.

Five years ago, after she poisoned the food intended for Meng Ruyan, she immediately left after she received a letter summoning her to return to jianghu since something happened to their sect. She had to return urgently. But, she never thought that return of hers would be filled with many twists and turned. It was only until five years later that she has found the time to return to the capital and confirm whether Meng Ruyan really died. If not, then she has to kill him again!

It was unfortunate that someone discovered her.

"Wait – " she muttered as she froze. Her pupils shrank when she thought of something. "Why did they have a practitioner in their residence?" she asked when she recalled the man who fought against her. "It couldn't be…?" her eyes widened in shock when she realized something. I was discovered?! She thought, stunned.

If she was discovered, then it is reasonable that the Meng family would hide practitioners in their residence to protect Meng Ruyan.

"But – " her brows knitted when she remembered something.

Meng Zixin didn't seem to know that she is a practitioner, so her cover should not have been blown off yet. Meng Zixin is an idiot… or is she, really?

Her eyes narrowed as she gnashed her teeth in anger. "Did she play me?!" she asked. Her voice rose in anger when she thought of Meng Zixin just acting a fool to fool her. This couldn't be! Were they just waiting for her return to catch her?!

No wonder… it is no wonder then that they warmly welcomed her inside. Then, when she left, they had someone to kill her!

"Damn it!" she cursed as she kicked the table, and the table along with the chairs all fell to the floor. She has to leave… she has to leave now!

She immediately went to the door, but only to stop. What if Meng Ruyan is still alive? She thought and froze. Then, she recalled that guy who fought with her didn't have a killing intent. So, he must be trying to catch her and interrogate her!

"Damn!" she cursed as she punched the wall. Meng Ruyan must still be alive! She has to kill him!

The family of three watched her with their eyes wide in horror, thinking that she has gone mad as they looked at her bloodshot eyes and murderous expression. They felt fear, afraid that she will finally kill them!

The female practitioner ignored them, though, as she immediately opened the door and hailed a carriage to take her to the capital. She had to kill Meng Ruyan now! Isn't the capital 'lively' lately because of that elixir? But, she doesn't care about the elixir. Instead, she will take advantage of this to kill Meng Ruyan! The Meng family would then blame it on the other practitioners of jianghu! Then, the emperor would be at war against the jianghu!

Thinking this, the female practitioner chuckled. Her eyes are filled with malice. The more chaotic the jianghu is, the better! And it would be best if the palace would also join! With the emperor's army against the practitioners of jianghu, the entire land will be shed with blood. The jianghu will definitely lose, though, since they would not be able to fight the emperor's army.

The jianghu will then end! The vengeance is hers!

"Hello, lady." A voice called, pulling the female practitioner from her thoughts as she descended the carriage.

The female practitioner turned and saw a man standing not far from her. Because she was buried in her thoughts, she didn't notice him approached her.

"What?" she asked, feeling impatient.

The man didn't seem to see her impatience as he smiled at her. "May I invite this lade for a meal?" he asked and motioned to her an inviting gesture.

The female practitioner frowned. She still has to kill Meng Ruyan and doesn't want to be delayed, but then she needed to confirm whether Meng Ruyan is still alive.

So, she smiled at him. "Sure." She answered with a nod.

The man's smile became brighter and he walked beside her as they head towards one of the inns. "This lady is in a haste earlier. Were you going somewhere?" he asked.

"Yes." the female practitioner nodded and acted shy. Her expression also softened. Don't men like demure maidens? Then, she will act demure to ask him some questions!

"Where are you off to? Maybe I can have the honor to send you?" the man asked.

"I want to buy my friend's brother a gift." The female practitioner answered through her gritted teeth. She still hasn't forgotten that Meng Zixin fooled her! "I heard that her brother was sick lately… maybe it could cheer him up." she explained and smiled a fake smile.

"This lady is so thoughtful." The man spoke. "Since it was for her brother, then maybe I can help?" the man suggested.

The female practitioner nodded as her eyes flashed. "Yes… thank you." She looked at him. "Do you know what Meng Ruyan likes?" she finally asked.

"'Meng Ruyan'?" the man muttered in surprise. "So, the gift is for him?" he said.

"Yes." she nodded in affirmation. "I heard that he was sick… did you hear how he is now?" she asked him.

The Meng family is a wealthy and also famous family so if a family member was sick, it would definitely be worthy of news. Wasn't it the case when Lin Ze broke his engagement to Meng Ruyan before? But, since this news was already suppressed by other news and it has been a while, the female practitioner didn't hear it.