You provoke me first

Baili Jia Jue narrowed his eyes, experiencing a sensation he had never felt before—being approached in such a bold manner. Reflecting on how people used to fear and flatter him, he furrowed his brows slightly. In this world of contrasting hierarchies, it was clear that this audacious girl possessed more courage than those women who typically fawned over him.

Of course, he didn't intend to kill her.

On the side, Helian Jiao'er rolled her eyes and spoke softly, attempting to calm the situation. "Your Highness, my sister didn't mean to anger you. Perhaps you've heard rumors about her arrogance and extravagance..."

The word "extravagance" carried a clear implication, and everyone present understood its meaning.

The ladies from the other families, already filled with shame over Helian Weiwei's past actions, now looked at her with even more contempt in their eyes.

Baili Jia Jue raised his lips slightly, his expression inscrutable, and his eyes held a hint of mockery as he gazed at Helian Jiao'er.

Unaware of the brewing storm, Helian Jiao'er daydreamed about having Baili Jia Jue turn around and strike up a conversation with her.

But as Baili Jia Jue redirected his attention, his ivory-white fingers raised Helian Weiwei's chin a bit, his eyes slightly lowered, as if about to kiss...

What is this?

Didn't he hear what she just said?

Helian Jiao'er seethed with jealousy, tightly clutching the handkerchief in her hand until it deformed.

However, Baili Jia Jue ignored her completely. He suddenly pressed closer, his breath almost suffocating, so close that Helian Weiwei could smell the faint scent of sandalwood emanating from his body, mixed with the coldness of a stranger and an indescribable scent that choked her nose...

"Woman, remember, you provoked me first!"

He uttered those threatening words near her earlobe, causing Helian Weiwei to furrow her brows. She grabbed the blood-red cloak on her body and watched as Baili Jia Jue turned away, his sleeves fluttering, his eyes flickering.

Even after Baili Jia Jue left, the residual sense of oppression lingered, suffusing the air in the pear garden under the starry sky.

After a moment, Aunt Mei let out a heavy sigh of relief. "Miss, how dare you speak to the Ghost Temple in such a manner just now?"

"It's fine," Helian Weiwei replied indifferently, stretching lazily. "Aunt Mei, let's go back."

Aunt Mei hesitated. "But what about the wound on your forehead?"

"Don't worry, I won't let this injury go in vain." Helian Weiwei blew her bangs away coldly. She had just arrived in this world and had yet to sort things out. But she was determined that those who had slandered her would pay dearly for their actions!

Meanwhile, after Baili Jia Jue departed, Helian Guangyao noticed Helian Weiwei leaving as soon as he turned around, and a faint uncertainty flickered in his heart.

Was this the grace that his useless daughter should possess?

But Helian Guangyao, who had never paid much attention to Helian Weiwei, didn't dwell on it. He immediately turned his attention to Murong Changfeng.

Murong Changfeng appeared somewhat absent-minded, gazing in the direction Helian Weiwei had gone, lost in thought.

"Master, what is Miss Helian up to now?" Sixi, the scholar, couldn't help but speak up from beside Murong Changfeng. His tone dripped with disbelief, and his eyes widened.

"When did she ever approach you like that before? Now she's doing the opposite, clearly trying to distance herself!" Sixi stated.

Upon hearing this, Murong Changfeng fell silent, his handsome face expressing a strong sense of disgust.

Helian Guangyao noticed this and chuckled heartily. "Young Master, please don't concern yourself with the Minister's useless daughter. It's a trivial matter and not worth your attention."

Murong Changfeng glanced at Helian Jiao'er, who lowered her eyes shyly, and a smile curved his lips. "General Helian, rest assured. Jiao'er is now a member of the Taibai Academy, and with her cultivation in martial energy, as long as she wins the annual martial arts conference at the academy, I will introduce her to the Master. Perhaps she will have the opportunity to become a martial cultivator."

Martial cultivation...

Helian Jiao'er held her breath, her little face lighting up.

Martial cultivation was the dream of every martial artist, as it could significantly enhance combat abilities. However, creating one's own martial cultivation was a rarity, as it required reaching a certain level of cultivation and possessing the talent for deciphering martial arts techniques.

If she could find a renowned teacher to guide her...

Helian Jiao'er raised her eyes. "At last year's martial energy test, Young Master was also present. Among the martial artists of the same age, there were very few who surpassed me. I will definitely win!"

Helian Guangyao nodded, stroking his beard with pride, reveling in the thought of his daughter's accomplishments.

On the other hand, after returning to her residence, Helian Weiwei didn't immediately retire to her room. Instead, she gazed at the nearby garden, her eyes narrowing.

Since her mother's death, this place had been abandoned. Despite its ideal location, offering warmth in winter and coolness in summer, it had been locked away with heavy iron, firmly sealed off.

It's time to revisit it!

Helian Weiwei retrieved the white jade key hanging around her neck and snapped open the lock.

Aunt Mei looked at her in surprise. "Miss, didn't you say that you would have nightmares if you opened this garden?"

"Not anymore," Helian Weiwei replied calmly, her eyes gleaming with determination. She approached the study without hesitation, taking in the changed furnishings. The sandalwood rocking chair her grandfather had loved before his passing had been sold off by the Su family.

The Helian Mansion of today was a mere shell, stripped of its former glory.

Helian Weiwei stood alone in the ancient, empty study, her fingers trailing across the bookshelves. Her gaze was cold and unwavering.

Someone must have searched this place!

The room's contents appeared jumbled, but not overtly so. It seemed orderly, as if it had been disturbed and restored. Anyone else might not have noticed, but Helian Weiwei, experienced and perceptive, immediately saw through the subtle details.

Due to these minute clues, only she could detect the changes at a glance!

Helian Weiwei's fingers halted on an old manuscript, a relic from a bygone era. It contained numerous inscrutable texts she couldn't understand.

As she opened it, the wooden window shook violently, as if something was about to burst through the door!