Chapter 63

The following days passed peacefully until one afternoon, when Ji Chun encountered a villager on the mountain path who handed him a letter from Doctor Mu. The envelope bore Mu Miefeng's name. Recognizing the sender, Ji Chun abandoned his tasks and hurried home.

Su Ran was meditating when he sensed Ji Chun's abrupt return. Completing his breathing exercises, he emerged to find the monk clutching a letter with uncharacteristic gravity. "What happened?" Su Ran asked as Ji Chun guided him to sit.

"A letter from Mu Gongzi," Ji Chun said solemnly, unfolding the parchment reading the letter together.

Mu Miefeng reported being stationed in Xiyou County with Ouyang and Liangyi Sect members when a mysterious assailant attacked. Ouyang Yixun and several leaders sustained injuries; the Liangyi Sect leader died instantly—his wounds matching those on the original Ouyang leader's corpse, confirming this was their quarry. Mu Miefeng and Xue Yao remained to treat the wounded while investigating rumors of an Di Mang's presence.

Most crucially, Mu Miefeng revealed they'd discovered a method to preserve Su Ran's life after consulting Yisheng Valley archives. They would arrive before Su Ran's delivery date. The letter concluded with warnings against rash action—the Di Mang affair might be more complex than anticipated.

Ji Chun exhaled in relief—the medical solution lifted the dread that had shadowed him for months. Yet Su Ran's expression darkened. The mysterious fighter's emergence suggested Di Mang's legend was materializing. His last intelligence from covert cult operatives was outdated by a month; developments had outpaced expectations. That multiple masters fell to one opponent spoke of terrifying prowess.

The room grew heavy with unspoken thoughts. Three months remained until their secluded life would end, until Su Ran—no longer burdened by pregnancy—could reenter the martial world's fray. Ji Chun studied his partner's pensive profile, knowing ambition simmered beneath the domestic calm. Their fates remained entwined with Di Mang: Su Ran sought to strengthen the Demonic Cult, Ji Chun was bound to Bai Dao's mission. The peace between them was always borrowed time.

A knock interrupted their reverie. Young Liang Zheng stood at the gate, posture impeccably straight from Su Ran's training. "Ji Shushu, my parents invite you both to dine."

Seeking distraction from the letter's weight, Ji Chun ushered the boy inside while fetching Su Ran. The trio proceeded to the Liang household where Liang Daosan served dinner with unusual hesitancy.

"Did you have something to say?" Su Ran finally prompted when her furtive glances persisted.

Doctor Liang shot his wife a warning look, but she countered with a glare of her own before venturing, "Have you... had dealings with Wang Ergu's family?"

Su Ran's blank expression prompted Ji Chun to explain: "Only minor assistance when asked. Why?"

Liang Daosan twisted her apron. "She's been spreading vile rumors about your household. Says you keep a... a shrewish wife—ill-tempered, and man like, who domineers over her husband..."

Su Ran's chopsticks clattered against the bowl. The memory of that covetous village woman resurfaced, tightening his jaw.

"Oh, I'm a shrew, am I?" Su Ran's fingers drummed against the table, each tap crackling with restrained fury.

Liang Daosan wrung her hands. "Su Gongzi, forgive me for repeating such gossip. But Wang Ergu has poisoned the whole village's ears. If she ever learns you're actually... well, with her troublemaking reputation..." Her voice trailed off meaningfully.

Ji Chun's fists clenched under the table. He regretted every interaction with that venomous woman now. Insults against him he could endure—but sullying Su Ran's name? Unforgivable.

"Next time," Su Ran murmured, eyes glinting like honed steel, "I'll rip that tongue from her mouth." The casual threat hung in the air, freezing the Liang family mid-breath. This wasn't the aloof neighbor they knew—this was a predator baring fangs.

Liang Daosan's chopsticks slipped from nerveless fingers. Even Ji Chun stiffened at the undisguised bloodlust before discreetly pressing a knee against Su Ran's—a silent plea.

"My apologies for the outburst." Su Ran smoothed his expression with visible effort, resuming his meal. Ji Chun marveled at the restraint; the old Su Ran would never have softened for peasants' sensibilities.

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Moonlight pooled on the doorstep as Ji Chun barred the gate—only for a simpering voice to pierce the night.

"Wang Ergu?" He kept the door half-shut, voice arctic. The woman who'd maligned Su Ran stood clutching embroidered linen like a battle standard.

"Zhen'er stitched this for you!" She thrust forward a handkerchief, its peony motif straining for delicacy. "Such tedious work, all to thank—"

"Unnecessary." Ji Chun didn't blink. "My wife awaits."

Undeterred, Wang Ergu leaned closer. "Such a dutiful husband! Speaking of which, Zhen'er will be alone tomorrow night while we're away. Perhaps you could—"

"No." The door clicked shut on her gaping face.

Beyond the threshold, Wang Ergu's ingratiating smile curdled. That creature inside—neither proper woman nor deserving wife—dared deny her daughter this golden opportunity? Her nails scored the gate's woodgrain. There were other ways to pry open fortunes...