14: The Weak Lady Zhao

Yes, Chen Xuan was perfectly clear about the subsequent plot.

The General Zhao in front of him was not the real General Zhao at all; the true General Zhao had already been killed by him.

What he coveted was simple: Zhou Wan'er herself and a Zhou Family Secret Realm she knew about, which contained a treasure that could help him regain his "youth."

However, that thing might indeed have a miraculous effect on men, but it was useless for those who didn't have it!

"System, open the Mall and exchange for a Golden Core Stage experience card!"

"Ding, 5000 Heaven's Mandate Value deducted. The experience card has been delivered."

Looking at his dwindling Heaven's Mandate Value, Chen Xuan shook his head helplessly. This damned System's Mall items were ridiculously expensive; just an experience card had almost emptied his coffers.

He couldn't even afford the next level, the Nascent Soul experience card! And there were even more terrifying items like Pangu Essence Blood and Great Master Golden Core, which were even more ridiculously expensive, starting at tens of millions, making him hesitate.

"Forget it, I'll go check out what's going on with Zhou Wan'er first!"

With that, Chen Xuan greeted Lin Shuiyao and headed to the City Lord's Mansion. Upon arrival, General Zhao personally welcomed him and led Chen Xuan to Zhou Wan'er's residence.

Zhou Wan'er's residence was located in the very center of the City Lord's Mansion. The entire courtyard was exquisite and elegant, with numerous maids, clearly a residence of a wealthy family.

"This is it. My Consort Wan'er, I entrust her to you, Master Chen!" General Zhao cupped his fists.

"Not at all, I merely do business for money, Zhao City Lord, no need for such formality!"

Chen Xuan then entered the room, closing the door on General Zhao, and saw Zhou Wan'er lying on the bed.

This was a beautiful woman with a classical temperament. Her appearance was noble and elegant, her hair meticulously combed, and her delicate makeup made her appear even more dignified.

Zhou Wan'er Reference

Even Chen Xuan couldn't help but glance at her a few more times. With such beauty, it would be strange if she wasn't coveted by others; even he felt the urge to learn from Prime Minister Cao.

After staring for a while, Chen Xuan finally remembered the main business.

Although he knew nothing about medicine, he knew what was going on with Zhou Wan'er.

She was not sick at all; she was faking it.

The reason was that on the day of her marriage, she was attacked. General Zhao and his accompanying eunuch, who protected him, went out to fight together, but only a heavily injured General Zhao returned.

At first, she didn't feel anything was wrong. After all, as a Princess, she had encountered assassinations before, and these were not too rare for her.

But as time went on, problems arose.

Because General Zhao was severely injured at the time, the two did not have a wedding night but slept separately.

However, after General Zhao's injuries healed, he consistently avoided Zhou Wan'er. Although he treated her with courtesy, he always maintained his distance.

Then, more than ten years passed, and during this period, General Zhao never touched Zhou Wan'er once!

Zhou Wan'er didn't mind this. If she hadn't lacked Cultivation talent and was merely a Mortal, how could her royal father have married her off to General Zhao? Now that he didn't touch her, it was actually a good thing!

But as time passed, her so-called "husband" began to restrict her in various ways, and he subtly inquired about the Secret Realm entrance she knew. Now, he even forbade her from stepping out of the City Lord's Mansion!

There was no other way; she had to find a way to save herself. But in such a large Flame Feather City, there was not a single person who could pose any threat to General Zhao!

It wasn't until Chen Xuan's appearance that she saw a glimmer of hope.

...

"Master Chen, have you noticed any problems?"

"Huh? You're not asleep?" Chen Xuan was startled. The main reason was that Zhou Wan'er was asleep in the original text, so Chen Xuan thought Zhou Wan'er was unconscious.

Zhou Wan'er's pale face flushed upon hearing Chen Xuan's words.

It's not like you kept staring at me for a whole quarter of an hour! Who could keep pretending then! Especially since this boy seems to like women her age, there's Lin Shuiyao as an example!

But precisely because of this, Qin Feng came to cause trouble, otherwise, she wouldn't have known that Chen Xuan's strength could reach the Golden Core Stage!

"No, I just woke up and then I saw you, Master Chen."

Although she was very worried that Chen Xuan might have some ideas about her, at present, Chen Xuan was indeed her only lifeline. If she didn't grasp it, everything would be over!

"Madam, no need to be so polite, just call me Chen Xuan."

"Hmm, Chen Xuan... Young friend, can you discern the symptoms on my body?"

"I haven't been able to discern them yet; I still need to take your pulse."

"Alright ~"

Zhou Wan'er helplessly extended her wrist. Chen Xuan grabbed it, placed his hand on Zhou Wan'er's wrist, and began to take her pulse, gently stroking.

Zhou Wan'er trembled all over, her face showing a fragile, pitiful, and frightened expression, which made Chen Xuan furious.

What was wrong with this woman? Her face was practically screaming "Come and bully me"! If this wasn't the City Lord's Mansion, Chen Xuan would definitely make her taste some bitterness!

Soon, Chen Xuan released her hand and no longer looked, simply because one more look would make him explode. (Kun Kun meme)

"The situation seems even worse than I imagined."

Zhou Wan'er's face showed a hint of disdain. How could she not know her own situation? This Chen Xuan was just a quack!

"What exactly is wrong with me, Master Chen... Chen Xuan!"

"You ate too much this morning, indigestion!" With that, Chen Xuan picked up the pastries on the table and began to eat them himself.

"..."

Zhou Wan'er's face instantly turned crimson.

She didn't! She clearly only ate a little bit!! Just so General Zhao wouldn't suspect anything!!

Also, what he just ate was what she had eaten this morning...

"But my body..."

"Alright, Zhao Consort, your body is very healthy, and there are no problems. Perhaps you just ate too much this morning; next time, eat a little less."

Looking at the annoying Chen Xuan in front of her, Zhou Wan'er clenched her fists tightly.

But she thought of her current predicament, sighed, and took out the note she had prepared earlier, handing it to Chen Xuan.

'Since he can tell I'm faking illness, he definitely has the strength and intelligence to help me!' Zhou Wan'er's heart was filled with hope.

However, Chen Xuan didn't even look at it and directly returned it to Zhou Wan'er.

"Any conflict between you, Zhao Consort, and Zhao City Lord is not something I can resolve, so you should seek someone more capable. Farewell."

After speaking, Chen Xuan turned around, preparing to leave, but he was timing it, walking very slowly.

Then, a pattering sound was heard; it was Zhou Wan'er, barefoot, chasing after him. In an instant, her arms wrapped around Chen Xuan's.

"Don't, don't go, Chen Xuan, you really can save me! I know this request is difficult for you, but... but..." Zhou Wan'er clutched Chen Xuan's arm tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.

Hope turned into despair in an instant. Let alone her, a Mortal, even a Cultivator wouldn't be able to bear it!

"Alas, Zhao Consort, why are you making things so difficult! You and Zhao City Lord are husband and wife; why not just speak directly instead of coming to trouble me!"

Zhou Wan'er hugged him even tighter. Remembering her grievances over the past few years, sometimes she couldn't even leave her own courtyard, and tears instantly streamed down her face.

"Chen Xuan, the situation is far more complex than you imagine. As long as you can help me, I... I am willing to pay any price."