Chapter Seventy-Two: Acquiring the Zejin Qin

Yun Chuxue's first target was the Southern Yue Empire. Crossing over mountains and rivers, she arrived at the plains where the Southern Yue Empire stood tall.

The Southern Yue Empire rose above the plains, its cities easy to attack but difficult to defend. Yet, this very fact showcased the empire's strength, allowing it to rank among the four major empires. Its military prowess rivaled that of the other three empires.

Yun Chuxue's target this time was the southernmost city of the Southern Yue Empire — Xue Ming City.

Xue Ming City was quite distant from the imperial capital of the Southern Yue Empire. Yun Chuxue's target was Xue Chengyu, the son of the city lord, because he possessed one of the Four Divine Artifacts — the Zejin Qin.

Yun Chuxue briefly disguised herself and arrived at the city gate, contemplating how she could silently obtain the Zejin Qin from Xue Chengyu. Just then, she overheard some sensational news.

"Have you heard? The son of Lord Xue is hosting a grand banquet. It's said he's got himself a beauty and is quite pleased. He even plans to exempt Xue Ming City from taxes for three years."

"Really? What a stroke of luck. I wonder who this beauty is to make the young lord so infatuated."

"That's unclear, but tax exemption is indeed quite favorable."

"I heard it's happening at the largest tavern in Xue Ming City. He's inviting everyone who's someone in the city. It seems he's not far from inheriting his father's position."

"Is that so? That's not good news."

...

Yun Chuxue smirked inwardly. "Xue Chengyu, here I come."

Seated across from Xue Ming City's Xue Family Tavern, Yun Chuxue contemplated how to obtain the Zejin Qin from Xue Chengyu as quickly as possible.

"The son of the city lord must have many skilled guards by his side. Forcibly taking it from him would not only consume time but also risk alerting others, making it difficult to obtain the remaining two Divine Artifacts."

Moxi's disdainful voice echoed in her mind, "Yun Chuxue, when did you become so indecisive? Just charge in and take it. Why bother with such trouble?"

"...I want to, but it might alert others."

"Didn't I easily handle the situation in the Western Cloud Empire? This is just a small city."

Yun Chuxue was speechless. It was clear that she succeeded in the Western Cloud Empire only with help, but Moxi's reminder did give her a hint.

The wielder of the Four Divine Artifacts must hold a high position in the Demon Sect, so Lord Xue must be a significant figure within the sect.

Xue Ming City was the strongest city in the Southern Yue Empire apart from the capital, with many more mercenaries than other cities. Therefore, Yun Chuxue could only resort to strategy, not brute force.

At that moment, Yun Chuxue noticed some maids carrying gold and silver jewelry entering the Xue Family Tavern, sparking an idea in her mind.

"That's it."

With that, she disappeared from her spot.

Inside the Xue Family Tavern, local dignitaries of Xue Ming City were reveling in the banquet, accompanied by singing and dancing. The atmosphere was jovial.

Yun Chuxue, disguised as a maid, mingled among them, feeling disgusted by the scene.

"I didn't expect Xue Ming City to become like this."

"Really? Did you think it was better before?"

"At least it was much better than now."

"I..."

Before Yun Chuxue could finish, a soldier in military attire shouted, "Hey, what are you doing standing there? Come over and help."

"Yes, yes." Yun Chuxue hurried over, cursing inwardly, "Scoundrel, daring to speak to me like that. I'll kill you when I leave."

After finishing her tasks, Yun Chuxue followed some maids to their living quarters.

The place was dilapidated, with dozens of people cramped into one large room, extremely crowded.

Yun Chuxue lay on the far right, lost in thought.

"Did you hear? The young lord has a new woman, extremely beautiful, like a celestial goddess."

"Of course, we all heard. She's been with the young lord every night for the past few days. It's said she came to ask a favor from the young lord, which is why she offered herself."

"Is that so? What kind of favor could be so exaggerated?"

...

The young lord mentioned was Xue Chengyu, and the woman... who was she? To go to such lengths for a favor, it seemed clear what Shen Yueru was up to. Letting out a sigh, Yun Chuxue left the place.

The next day, at the banquet, Xue Chengyu was in high spirits. Someone boldly asked,

"It's been said that the young lord has acquired a divine artifact. Can we have a look?"

The crowd echoed in agreement, eager to see. Xue Chengyu waved his hand, "To be honest, I have a beautiful woman with me who wants to borrow the Zejin Qin. So, today, the Zejin Qin is not on me. Another day, I'll show it to you all."

"Alright, if the young lord says so, we won't ask further. Come, young lord, let me toast to you."

"Hahaha, sure."

Upon hearing this news, Yun Chuxue knew where the Zejin Qin was. Quietly withdrawing, she made her way to the top floor of the tavern.

Dressed as a maid, Yun Chuxue encountered no trouble from the patrolling soldiers. Some asked her what she was doing, and she replied, under the young lord's orders, she was going to attend to Miss Shen.

Thus, Yun Chuxue navigated through layer upon layer of obstacles until she finally reached the top floor.

The atmosphere at the banquet was truly nauseating.

Yun Chuxue gently opened the door and saw Shen Yueru sitting heavily at the table, her food untouched.

"Miss, the young lord sent me to retrieve the artifact."

Shen Yueru frowned, but her suspicion soon dissipated.

Yun Chuxue closed the door behind her and walked in, standing politely on the opposite side.

Shen Yueru slowly handed it over, "Not good."

In a swift motion, Yun Chuxue snatched it from Shen Yueru's hand.

Shen Yueru drew her sword, glaring angrily at Yun Chuxue.

"Who are you?"

Yun Chuxue transformed back into her previous appearance, her black hair flowing and her white dress draped elegantly.

"Can't you tell? Of course, it's me."

"Yun Chuxue..." Shen Yueru gritted her teeth, her chest heaving with anger, her eyes filled with murderous intent.

Yun Chuxue sat down calmly and said, "Shen Yueru, I know why you're here, but you don't have to do this. I'm sorry for what happened with Xinyue. Don't ruin yourself over trying to kill me."

Shen Yueru sheathed her sword and sat down, silent.

Yun Chuxue continued, "Since you started plotting against me, to using your body to gain an opportunity to kill me in the underground chamber of the Western Cloud Empire, I won't blame you. Because you're Xinyue's sister, I wouldn't care how promiscuous you were in the past. But now you have a husband and a child. Do you think it's fair to them?"

"It's all because of you. You took away my sister, took away the person I loved the most. Shouldn't I hate you for that?"

Yun Chuxue lowered her gaze. "You can still stop now. You don't know the plot of the Demon Sect's leader, the harm it brings is immeasurable..."

"It's too late. If you leave now, maybe there's still time. Considering the time you saved me, I won't hold it against you."

Shen Yueru was moved by Yun Chuxue's plea, but she couldn't turn back.

Yun Chuxue held Shen Yueru's hand gently and said, "I won't spare those who have wronged you. Take care of yourself."

With that, Yun Chuxue broke the window and left, taking the Zejin Qin with her. Xue Chengyu sensed it and immediately halted the banquet, rushing with his men towards the top floor.

Bursting into the room, Xue Chengyu saw Shen Yueru sitting unharmed, the food on the table untouched. He walked up to her angrily, grabbing her hand forcefully, and roared, "Shen Yueru, where's the Zejin Qin?"

Shen Yueru replied calmly, "Yun Chuxue infiltrated and disguised herself as a maid. I wasn't paying attention and got robbed."

Xue Chengyu looked in the direction Yun Chuxue fled, smashing the table beside him. Then, he turned to his men and ordered, "Send people to chase her down. She can't have gone far."

"Yes."

After his men left, Shen Yueru attempted to leave but was grabbed by Xue Chengyu. She frowned and said, "Xue Chengyu, what are you doing?"

"Since the Zejin Qin was stolen, you should compensate me, shouldn't you?"

Xue Chengyu grinned wickedly.

"What?" Shen Yueru's expression changed.

Xue Chengyu threw Shen Yueru onto the bed and, before she could react, tapped her forehead, sealing her spiritual power.

Shen Yueru stared at him, her eyes filled with murderous intent.

Xue Chengyu began torturing Shen Yueru for a full day.

A day later, Xue Chengyu left the room satisfied, leaving behind Shen Yueru lying weakly on the bed.

Tears had long turned her into a sobbing mess. Helplessly, she could only watch Xue Chengyu's departing figure, grinding her teeth in anger.