Want to practice magical skills

During their duel, the two had already left the Xiao family and arrived at an open area, without worrying about being overheard.

Xiao Qingxuan lowered her eyelids, her eyelashes trembling slightly. After a while, she said, "Speaking these words to you is of little use. I prefer to handle my own affairs without interference from others."

Qin Xian'er giggled, "Senior sister, matters of mutual attraction between men and women are beyond rescue. Since it cannot be saved, one should go along with it. Following the will of heaven is the right path. Why suffer like you? However, if you're interested in him, it doesn't guarantee that your wishes will be fulfilled. He already has someone in his heart."

Xiao Qingxuan coldly said, "Lin Wanrong and I are like-minded friends. It's not as unbearable as you think. Even if you like him, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll succeed. He already has someone in his heart."

Qin Xian'er giggled, "No need for senior sister's reminder. I already know. I have my own way of dealing with it. But since senior sister cares so much about him, are you really just like-minded friends? I observe that his actions and style are completely different from yours. I wonder how the term 'friends' applies to you two."

Xiao Qingxuan remained indifferent, and after a while, she said, "Today, I won't fight with you. If you are fond of him, go take care of him. He is busy and has no one by his side. I'm afraid for him—"

She bit her lip, not finishing her sentence. Qin Xian'er listened to her words and stopped arguing. She sighed softly, "He indeed has a stubborn temperament. I informed him secretly some time ago to leave the Xiao family. He hesitated. Today, I tried to inform him again, but couldn't find him. I wonder why he is reluctant to leave the Xiao family. It turns out he can't bear Miss Xiao, that little enchanting fox."

Xiao Qingxuan thought, 'You may be an enchanting fox, but you can't really be called a Miss. But considering Lin Wanrong's unique personality, it's quite something.' She sighed, "I wonder who can persuade him. I suggested he learn martial arts for some time, but he bluntly refused. I don't know what he's thinking."

Qin Xian'er giggled, "It seems senior sister also has such thoughts. I gave him many martial arts classics, but he didn't even glance at them. Despite his peculiar character, he is quite likable. I don't know whether to be annoyed or pleased with him."

Xiao Qingxuan, hearing her straightforward words, thought, 'This Qin Xian'er is indeed a straightforward seductress, speaking so easily.' After a moment's thought, she smiled, "Actually, we underestimated him. Although the classics we gave him are sought after by others, at his age, starting from scratch without some extraordinary opportunities would be difficult. Even if he practices, he might only learn a few basic moves, unable to withstand the cunning enemies of your White Lotus Sect."

Qin Xian'er gave her a glance but didn't argue. Xiao Qingxuan continued, "Both of us have been practicing martial arts since childhood, consuming numerous elixirs. After years of guidance from the elders, we have achieved our current skills. He is just an ordinary person of his age. If he takes our classics, the ordinary cultivation methods will be useless for him. Yet, he would still owe us a favor. A smart person like him wouldn't make such a losing deal."

Xiao Qingxuan chuckled at the shrewdness of that cunning merchant, which was unique in many ways. Qin Xian'er, showing a smile on her face as well, realized that two opposing women had found common ground.

Suddenly, Qin Xian'er looked at Xiao Qingxuan and said, "Senior sister, you understand him so well; you might have fallen for him."

Xiao Qingxuan was startled and found it hard to believe she uttered such words. Luckily, she had practiced calming techniques since childhood, quickly reciting a few lines to compose herself.

Qin Xian'er remained silent for a while, then sighed, "Senior sister, we keep fighting each other, but we are still connected to him. Is this our fate as women?"

Xiao Qingxuan glanced at her, thinking, 'Although you're a seductress from the White Lotus Sect and he is a man with a dark side, who knows who will win in the end when you, a seductress, and a man with a dark side, meet.' After some contemplation, she felt it was irrelevant to her, and quickly regained her composure. The fierce battle between the two women just moments ago unexpectedly turned into a silent agreement, making one reflect on the wonders of the world.

Qin Xian'er thought for a while and suddenly smiled, "Senior sister, after thinking about it, it seems you pose the greatest threat to me. If I weren't here, he would undoubtedly fall for you. If I don't eliminate you, I won't be at ease."

Without further ado, she leaped forward with swift movements, her delicate fingers swiftly pointing out like flashes of lightning towards Xiao Qingxuan. The women who were just engaged in a fierce battle now shifted to a deadly confrontation. The change in expressions on these two adversarial women was enough to make one marvel at the wonders of the world.

Xiao Qingxuan helplessly shook her head. A seductress was still a seductress, regardless of how she transformed. She didn't stand idle and swiftly moved her slender jade fingers, grabbing all the hidden weapons, which, upon closer inspection, were silver needles.

Qin Xian'er giggled, swiftly retreated, and her voice echoed from a distance, "Senior sister, I have to take care of him now. Be careful. I will definitely kill you."

Xiao Qingxuan sighed as she watched Qin Xian'er's departing figure. This seductress might genuinely care for Lin Wanrong, but judging by her appearance, she seemed to have some difficulties within the White Lotus Sect. Could she really protect him completely?

"Miss—" a gentle call interrupted Xiao Qingxuan's contemplation. She turned around to find her maid, Xiuhuo.

"How are things?" Xiao Qingxuan asked.

"It seems that group of people has left the city. I followed them for a while, left some marks, and then returned," Xiuhuo replied.

"As long as we can find them, it will be manageable," Xiao Qingxuan said, turning to leave.

"Miss, should we request some soldiers from Jiangsu?" Xiuhuo hurriedly asked.

Xiao Qingxuan thought for a moment, "White Lotus bandits have been rampant in Jinling recently, and they might have some connection with the government. I don't trust the Commander of Jiangsu, Cheng De. Besides, I don't have the military token to mobilize him. There are only patrol soldiers under the governor of Jiangsu, and sending them won't help. Our priority now is to rescue Lin Wanrong. We can deal with other matters later."

Xiuhuo nodded, following behind Miss. The two slender figures disappeared into the twilight.

Meanwhile

, Lin Wanrong was oblivious to these events. He felt frustrated. He was just a servant, and it was acceptable for them to rob the Xiao family. Still, dragging him along—what was going on?

He was being led side by side with Miss, and she was looking at him with confusion. Apparently, she thought, "I am the master of the Xiao family; robbing me is understandable. But why did they take you, a servant?"

Lin Wanrong bitterly smiled. Did she think he willingly came along this time? Damn it, it's definitely a set-up.

Both of them were restrained and unable to move or speak. Miss was looking at the woman in front of her with suspicion. She probably thought, "I am being robbed, and you are a servant. Why did they take you too?"

Lin Wanrong felt a bit helpless. The situation was dire, and even if they shouted, it would be futile. The surroundings were filled with bandits, and they were just beginning to head out of the city. It was a wild area; shouting wouldn't do much good. Lin Wanrong was a smart guy and wouldn't do something foolish like that.

He blinked at Miss, smiling, "Miss, this time, it's not that I want to come. I have no choice."

Miss Xiao blushed. The last time they shared a ride, he used force. She glared at him, wondering why he would have such thoughts at a time like this.

"I see that these bandits seem to treat you well, Miss. I wonder if they want to invite you back to be their leader's wife. But don't worry, Miss. Even if I have to risk my life, I will snatch you back," Lin Wanrong laughed.

Miss Xiao, irritated, said, "You're talking nonsense." Although she was captured, having this cunning servant with her eased some of her fears. She slowly relaxed.

The carriage continued to sway, moving away under the cover of the night. Despite the recent scare, Miss Xiao gradually fell asleep.

Lin Wanrong observed her sleeping form with a furrowed brow, seemingly burdened by numerous vexations. Gazing at her somewhat pallid cheeks, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This young lady bears an immense amount of pressure; not only does she navigate the complexities of the business arena and manage the affairs of the Xiao family, but she also finds herself entangled with bandits. Undoubtedly, her challenges are formidable. After contemplating for a while, his eyelids grew heavy as well.

This time, I've been thoroughly bullied. If I manage to escape, regardless of the cost, I must procure some age-old ginseng or millennium polygonum multiflorum to fortify my strength. Lin Wanrong lamented deeply within his heart.

In his perception, those formidable martial arts experts from wuxia novels enhanced their prowess with such substances—invigorating their spirits, cleansing their marrow, undergoing a rebirth, impervious to the strongest blows. The efficacy, akin to the effects of Viagra and Indian oil, fascinated him.

Divine techniques, divine techniques, the desire to cultivate divine techniques—before succumbing to slumber, this was Lin Wanrong's utmost aspiration.