172: The villa incident

After a long journey of half a month, he finally returned to that quiet Separate Courtyard in the suburbs of Hailu City. This Separate Courtyard carried his memories and concerns for the past three years. At this moment, it stood quietly before his eyes, exuding a warm aura under the soft sunlight.

The moment Shen Guyan stepped into the Separate Courtyard, the originally tranquil atmosphere was completely broken. Gu Yue had been waiting anxiously in the courtyard. Although she had received the news beforehand, the moment she saw Shen Guyan's silhouette, her eyes instantly filled with tears.

Hearing the commotion, Shen Yue also quickly walked out from inside the house. The two women could no longer suppress their inner emotions and rushed towards Shen Guyan.

Gu Yue was the first to tightly hug Shen Guyan, her voice choked with sobs as she said: "Brother, you've finally returned. These past few days, I've been on tenterhooks every day, terrified that you might encounter some misfortune..."

Shen Yue also immediately threw herself onto Shen Guyan, tears shimmering in her eyes. Even though Shen Guyan had used the azure dragon imprint to send her word that he was safe, it could not stop the longing in her heart: "Do you know how worried I was about you? Where on earth have you been all this time..."

Shen Guyan felt slightly moved, but considering that the people from the Holy Spirit Cult were right behind him, he had to gently pat their backs and comfort them tenderly: "Alright, alright, didn't I come back safe and sound? I've made you worry."

While speaking, Shen Guyan used the azure dragon imprint to convey a message to Shen Yue, telling her not to expose his identity as a member of the Shen Family.

At this time, Nalali and Lan Fozi had also followed Shen Guyan into the Separate Courtyard and were quickly noticed by Gu Yue and Shen Yue.

Nalali had lively eyes and an air of playfulness and spontaneity about her. She curiously examined her surroundings, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, revealing a faint, elusive smile. Meanwhile, Lan Fozi seemed simple-hearted; seeing this touching scene, her eyes were full of envy.

As it turned out, Shen Guhong had long received notification from Leng Yaozhu and knew well that Shen Guyan's return this time might bring along individuals with special identities. To avoid unnecessary trouble, he had left the Separate Courtyard early with the Shen Family personnel, so Nalali and Lan Fozi did not see them.

"Those are two Titled Douluo; are you sure you can handle them? Should we call for people from Shrek..." Shen Yue responded with worry in her heart.

"These will be my future assets, I hope you can trust me, Sister." Shen Guyan signaled with his eyes.

Nalali hopped over to Shen Guyan's side and tilted her head, asking: "Brother Yu, is this your home? It feels so warm. But, is it just Major General Shen and your little sister here? I clearly felt the lingering aura of others; where did everyone else go?"

As expected of a Super Douluo! Shen Guyan felt a tightness in his chest, but he maintained his composure on the surface, smiling as he explained: "Nalali, those were just some servants and children adopted by Major General Shen; they probably went to attend to other matters. There are many affairs in this Separate Courtyard, and they are always busy."

Nalali blinked, half-believing, but did not ask further.

Lan Fozi smiled and said to Shen Guyan: "Gongzi Yu, your Separate Courtyard has such a serene environment; it truly is a pure land. It's just that seeing them so worried about you earlier, your relationship must be very good, right?"

Shen Guyan nodded slightly, combining it with his current external identity as he said: "Indeed, ever since... fortunately, everything passed safely."

Shen Guyan turned his head and said to Gu Yue: "Gu Yue, arrange guest rooms and properly host Brother Lan and Miss Nalali."

Gu Yue nodded slightly. Although she felt some resistance towards these two uninvited guests, she still said politely: "The two of you, please follow me."

Nalali and Lan Fozi immediately followed Gu Yue towards the guest rooms, the former not forgetting to give Shen Guyan a flirtatious wink.

After they left, Shen Yue anxiously asked in her heart: "Little Brother, why did they come back with you? One of them seems to be the Evil Soul Master who took you away in Shrek City! Are you not afraid of death?"

Shen Guyan sighed softly and conveyed his thoughts: "Sister, both Nalali and Lan Fozi are members of the Holy Spirit Cult. Shen Hong took our Shen Family members away to avoid exposing my identity as a direct descendant of the Shen Family. The Holy Spirit Cult acts in mysterious and treacherous ways, and I don't want to put the Family in danger."

Shen Yue widened her eyes in surprise: "The Holy Spirit Cult? That notorious Evil Soul Master organization from ten thousand years ago? That Super Douluo is actually an Evil Soul Master from the Holy Spirit Cult? Little Brother, how could you be with them?"

Hearing this, Shen Guyan hurriedly comforted Shen Yue: "Sister, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I have my own plans for returning with them this time. Just during this period, you and Gu Yue must be extra careful and try to minimize contact with them."

Shen Yue knew she couldn't sway him, so she nodded with worry and said: "Little Brother, no matter what, Sister... supports all your decisions, but you must be careful yourself and keep an eye on their movements."

Shen Guyan looked at his sister's firm gaze, and a long-lost warmth filled his heart. No matter when, this gentle-as-water sister would always firmly stand by his side.

That night, Nalali and Lan Fozi stayed at the Separate Courtyard. Nalali had a lively personality and spent the whole afternoon running around the Separate Courtyard, full of curiosity about all the designs Shen Guyan had brought to this continent. One moment she ran into the garden to fiddle with the courtyard Shen Guyan had designed, and the next she went to the kitchen to sneak snacks of Jianghu specialty dishes, leaving the Separate Courtyard in disarray, occasionally doing some unexpected things that left people both annoyed and amused.

Lan Fozi, on the other hand, had a simple Heart-Nature. Although she found everything in the Separate Courtyard novel, she was generally quiet and had no trace of being an Evil Soul Master. She even often chatted with Gu Yue and Shen Yue, sharing her experiences on the continent, appearing to have no ulterior motives, just purely wanting to make friends with everyone. But Gu Yue and Shen Yue remembered Shen Guyan's instructions and kept their distance, not daring to reveal too much information.

Night fell like ink, pressing heavily over Hailu City, and the Separate Courtyard appeared exceptionally quiet under the moonlight. Nalali tiptoed out of her room, like a cunning cat, walking silently towards Shen Guyan's room. She was wearing a light, thin nightgown, which was faintly visible under the moonlight, outlining her graceful figure.

Arriving at the door of Shen Guyan's room, Nalali gently pushed the door open. The door hinge made a faint "creak" sound, which was exceptionally clear in the quiet night. Shen Guyan had not fallen asleep and was sitting by the window, pondering strategies to deal with the two from the Holy Spirit Cult. Hearing the sound, he frowned slightly and turned to look at the door.

Nalali walked into the room with light steps, a charming smile on her face, but a different kind of light flickering in her eyes.

"Brother Yu, it's so late, and you're still not asleep." She said in a coquettish voice, which echoed in the silent room, carrying a hint of ambiguity.