fraud

Lin Wanrong, upon noticing a touch of desolation in Qin Xian'er's expression, couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This celestial maiden, if not for her constant clamor for violence, exudes a remarkable gentleness. If only she could change her temperament at some point, that would be truly wonderful. Yet, immediately, he ponders, if she were to alter her disposition, would she still be Qin Xian'er? It's indeed a paradox.

Miss Xiao observes Lin San in apparent collusion with the White Lotus Cult's she-devil, and upon seeing the severed red thread, feels a twinge of displeasure. Furious, she exclaims, "You she-devil, so detestable!"

Lin Wanrong sighs, "Miss, don't blame her; she's a pitiable soul."

Miss Xiao snorts, "She is your beloved, naturally, you'd speak up for her."

Lin Wanrong looks at Xiao Ruoyu in surprise, "Miss, using such crude terms like 'beloved,' you're actually saying that?"

Miss Xiao blushes, whispering, "If I want to say it, I'll say it. This she-devil, I don't know what kind of bewitching charm she possesses to captivate a scoundrel like you."

She is the renowned courtesan of Jinling, Qin Xian'er of the Miaoyu Brothel. Indeed, she has a seductive charm, Lin Wanrong thinks. However, this secret must not be revealed to you.

With Qin Xian'er joining the White Lotus Cult's side, the situation takes a different turn. Qin Xian'er's martial prowess is extraordinary, single-handedly felling several guards, and the White Lotus bandits swiftly regain the initiative.

Seeing Qin Xian'er fight so desperately, Lin Wanrong secretly becomes anxious. This foolish girl, why is she risking her life like this? Xu Wei's methods against the White Lotus Cult are well-known; why persist in such recklessness? Let your fellow disciples hold the line for a moment; you should run away quickly. Among the White Lotus Cult, Lin Wanrong only has a favorable impression of Qin Xian'er; as for the others—deal with them as it comes.

Miss Xiao witnesses a killing for the first time, exclaims in shock, quickly turning her head away, unable to bear the sight of blood.

Lin Wanrong hastily shields her, saying, "Turn your head away quickly, don't watch."

Miss Xiao lightly acknowledges, relieved to see him protecting her. However, glancing at the severed red thread still entangled on his foot, she can't help but shiver slightly. After a brief look at Qin Xian'er, engrossed in the fight, she bites her lip and snorts in anger. Her eyes reveal a complexity even she can't fully comprehend.

Around Xu Wei, guards accumulate rapidly, and several large boats approach swiftly. Countless soldiers with bows and arrows aim at the boats, ready to release upon command.

Xu Wei loudly declares, "Criminals of the White Lotus Cult, drop your weapons and surrender. I will spare your lives."

In the midst of the speech, several more bandits are cut down. Only four or five remain, fierce but retreating. They dash toward Lin Wanrong and Miss Xiao's location.

Among them is the leader who attempted to assassinate Xu Wei earlier—Lin Wanrong immediately recognizes him as the once pitiful Land Zhongping.

In a panic, Land Zhongping pays no attention to Lin Wanrong, shouting loudly, "Today's failure, retreat immediately." The other four leap, intending to jump into the lake.

Qin Xian'er, seemingly oblivious to the call, glances lightly at Lin Wanrong, a somewhat forlorn expression on her face. With a long whistle, she soars into the air, heading straight for the archers.

"Release the arrows!" With Xu Wei's command, countless arrows are shot towards Qin Xian'er, surrounded and defenseless. Despite her unparalleled martial skills, facing such a dense arrow rain is futile, akin to a moth flying into a flame—certain doom.

Suddenly turning back, she smiles at Lin Wanrong, her eyes filled with helplessness, infatuation, and more profound expectations.

Witnessing this, Lin Wanrong panics. Oh no, this girl is seeking her own death. Just a young age, why choose to emulate suicide? Thinking of Qin Xian'er's past acts of risking her life, warning of dangers within the White Lotus Cult's lair, though prejudiced against other women, she has shown deep affection and loyalty to him. He cannot bear to see her in distress.

In his urgency, Lin Wanrong has no other option. With a flash of inspiration, he shouts, "The she-devil of the White Lotus Cult, meet your end!" With that, he rushes forward.

Miss Xiao, seeing him charging into the arrow rain, becomes greatly alarmed. Hastily, she says, "Lin San, don't—"

But Lin Wanrong has already charged ahead, paying no heed to her calls. Miss Xiao thinks, what kind of enchanting woman is that veiled figure, to make you disregard even your life? Seeing Lin San charging fearlessly, Miss Xiao clenches her teeth and lightly steps forward, following him.

Xu Wei, who values Lin Wanrong, is surprised to see him getting so close to the last White Lotus Cult member. Anxiously, he waves his hand, saying, "Stop—" The barrage of arrows immediately ceases.

Qin Xian'er, suspended in mid-air, witnesses Lin Wanrong charging recklessly. Tears shimmering in her eyes, she breaks into a smile. It's as if a sudden surge of spirit has come over her. Swiftly wielding her longsword, she deflects the arrow rain, landing on the boat completely unharmed, directly facing Lin Wanrong.

"Got them, got them!" A shout rings out. Lin Wanrong turns to look, and it's the several bandits, including Land Zhongping, who had escaped earlier. They have been captured in a massive fishing net, jumping and struggling on the net, all dressed in black. From a distance, they look like several large black fish.

A faint smile appears on Xu Wei's face. Lin Wanrong thinks, this old man is quite skilled. Judging by the current situation, it seems he had planned it all in advance. Xu Wei's reputation as a formidable figure is well-deserved. While he has no fondness for the White Lotus Cult, seeing the people caught in the net, Lin Wanrong feels a sense of relief. However, with Xu Wei's methods, he fears that Qin Xian'er won't be let off so easily, which makes him worry.

"Brother Lin, come back quickly." Seeing Lin Wanrong getting so close to the last White Lotus Cult member, Xu Wei feels anxious and hastily says.

Lin Wanrong cast a glance at Qin Xian'er and whispered, "Why are you so desperate, even willing to sacrifice your life?"

Qin Xian'er, her beautiful eyes teary, but with a smile on her face, responded, "I simply wanted to see if you, sir, have me in your heart and whether you would worry for me. If you hold me in your heart, you will surely save me. If I don't exist in your heart, then living in this world would lose its charm, and dying would be preferable."

Oh, this girl has a stronger personality than I do. She goes to such lengths, risking her life, but it turns out she was just testing me, to see if I would rescue her. Is it worth sacrificing even your life for such a trivial matter? It's a bit exaggerated.

"Do you know now?" Lin Wanrong said, amused and somewhat exasperated. Dealing with Qin Xian'er, a gentle yet stubborn woman, was indeed challenging.

"I treat you as you treat me," Qin Xian'er sweetly smiled. Though separated by a light veil, one could still sense the captivating smile on her face. Seeing Lin Wanrong charging through the arrow rain just now, she naturally felt comforted. The words she spoke were genuinely heartfelt and profoundly sincere.

Oh no, oh no. The words this girl said deeply moved me. Charm is truly irresistible.

Qin Xian'er's eyes were full of tenderness as she gazed at him. If not for the surrounding people, she might have already thrown herself into his arms. Speaking secretly in front of others, it still looked like a hostile situation. It felt as exhilarating as having an affair when seen by outsiders.

At this moment, besides being moved, Lin Wanrong suddenly felt a strange sensation. Having a girl who cares for you, occasionally feeling jealous—these are indeed attractive qualities for a man. Of course, it would be even better if the jealousy doesn't escalate to violence. Men's thoughts are indeed fickle.

"Lin Xiaoge, you must not risk yourself. Hurry back," Xu Wei shouted loudly. Miss Xiao, walking slowly, wanted to follow Lin San, but was urgently stopped by Xu Wei's guards.

Alas, now is not the time for romance. Land Zhongping and the others have been captured by Xu Wei. How can I find a way to let Xian'er escape?

Xu Wei's words reminded him. Lin Wanrong signaled to Qin Xian'er and said loudly, "White Lotus Cult's demon, you plundered our Xiao family in the past. Today, I cannot spare you."

Hearing this, Qin Xian'er chuckled and quickly put on a serious face, cooperating with him, "If you want to fight, let's fight. No need for so much talk." After speaking, she brandished her longsword towards Lin Wanrong, but the aim was way off.

Lin Wanrong quickly dodged and retreated a few steps, standing on the side of the boat.

Miss Xiao, however, understood in her heart. These two must be acting. The woman is infatuated with Lin San. How could she possibly harm him? You deceiver, the young miss stomped her foot angrily.

Xu Wei hurriedly said, "Lin Xiaoge, don't engage in combat. Come back quickly."

However, the call was already too late. The last member of the White Lotus Cult, in a flash, reached Lin San, and with both hands, hugged him. Lin San yelled, and the two of them fell into the lake together.

"Where is the felt net?" Xu Wei urgently approached the side of the boat and shouted loudly. However, the previously laid felt net had already been activated during the capture of other White Lotus Cult bandits. Now, where could they find it? Seeing the soldiers about to shoot arrows into the water, Xu Wei hurriedly shook his hand, saying, "Don't."

Miss Xiao saw the White Lotus demoness nestled in Lin San's arms, falling into the water together. It didn't seem like a hostage situation but rather a deeply affectionate scene. Deceivers, all deceivers, the young miss gritted her silver teeth, feeling a deep sense of frustration.

However, seeing Lin San fall into the water, she couldn't help but feel increasingly anxious. This scoundrel, who knows if he can swim or not? What if he can't—this person, for the sake of her, is he disregarding even his own life?

The more Miss Xiao thought about it, the more frightened she became. Concentrating on the lake surface, she carefully searched, but the water remained calm, with no sign of the two figures.