214: Chapter 214 Tang Xiaowu, don't blame me, Tang Liu, for not showing any mercy.

Listening to Tang Liu's long-winded speech.

On Shen Lingfu's pure and flawless face, there was not the slightest ripple of emotion, only her large eyes flashed slightly.

She curled her lips in amusement deep down.

The reason she had been willing to lower her status to associate with Tang Liu, a mere commoner with no background, was simple.

It was nothing more than to show off her sense of superiority in front of Tang Xiaowu.

After all, the academy had listed her and Tang Xiaowu together as one of the four great talented women of the academy.

So, Shen Lingfu wanted to let Tang Xiaowu see.

That Tang Liu, who had previously been infatuated with her, was nothing more than a bootlicker who would wag his tail as soon as she beckoned when he was in front of her.

This feeling of trampling someone else's possession under her feet while leaving the other party helpless had once made Shen Lingfu unable to extricate herself from excitement in countless late nights.

But after interacting these past few days, Shen Lingfu discovered with some discouragement.

That Tang Xiaowu now had her heart completely set on Chen Shanzhi, not even bothering to spare a glance for Tang Liu.

No matter how she showed off in front of Tang Xiaowu, the other party didn't even frown, completely treating Tang Liu as air.

This made Shen Lingfu feel very bored.

Moreover, Tang Xiaowu's indifference made Shen Lingfu feel that her obsequiousness over these past few days was simply as foolish as a clown.

Since she couldn't find any pleasure in humiliation from Tang Xiaowu.

Then this useless bootlicker had completely lost the value of being kept on a leash, as far as she, Shen Lingfu, was concerned.

On the contrary, the way Chen Shanzhi had easily made Ouyang Wanqing lower her head on the stage earlier made Shen Lingfu's mind active again.

"Lingfu, you're not speaking, does that mean you agree?"

Seeing her silent, Tang Liu assumed she was shy, the fervor in his eyes intensifying, and he eagerly stepped forward half a step.

"Senior Brother Tang..."

Shen Lingfu tilted her little head, her dark hair swaying with the movement, her large eyes filled with innocence and apology.

She sighed softly and weakly, her long fingers twisting together in embarrassment, her voice sweet and shy:

"I'm really sorry, Lingfu has some family matters to attend to recently. Father is urging me, so tonight... I'm afraid I won't be able to spare any time."

As Shen Lingfu spoke, she secretly stepped back half a step, increasing the distance between them.

Before the disappointment in Tang Liu's eyes could spread, Shen Lingfu slightly raised those innocent large eyes and said softly and reasonably:

"Besides, although Young Lord Chen doesn't have a good reputation usually, he is, after all, the captain of our patrol squad. As a team member, it is really inappropriate for me to speak ill of the captain behind his back like this."

Shen Lingfu clenched her small hands nervously in front of her, saying timidly in a low voice:

"Furthermore, the captain defended the medal at the Martial Arts Arena today, which can be considered as winning glory for our squad. As a team member, logically and emotionally, I should go over now and personally congratulate His Highness the Heir."

"Senior Brother Tang, I won't chat with you for now; let's talk another day."

These words not only tactfully declined Tang Liu's invitation completely.

They also stood on the moral high ground, subtly reprimanding Tang Liu for his petty behavior of gossiping behind backs.

And finally, she established a perfect image of caring for her teammates.

It must be said, Shen Lingfu is worthy of being the successor of Treasure Pavilion.

Tang Liu's face, which had been wearing a flattering smile, stiffened in an instant.

His heart, which had been full of anticipation, was doused with a bucket of ice water by Shen Lingfu's gentle yet cutting words.

Tang Liu's smile froze on his face somewhat stiffly; he felt as if his hot blood was instantly stuck in his throat, unable to go up or down.

"Ah... that's right, that's right."

After a full few breaths, he gave a dry, embarrassed laugh and hurriedly made small talk to cover his awkwardness:

"Miss Shen, please go ahead. It was Tang who was a bit abrupt; naturally, I shouldn't delay your business."

"Thank you for your understanding, Senior Brother Tang Liu."

Shen Lingfu waved her little hand sweetly at Tang Liu, then turned around decisively, not even having the thought to look at him one more time.

Tipping her toes, she trotted quickly toward the direction of Chen Shanzhi, like a pink butterfly.

A breeze blew by, hitting Tang Liu's face with a chill.

He stood motionless on the spot, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fists, creating the sound of bones grinding together.

Tang Liu's gaze pierced through the crowd, and his eyes instantly turned blood-red.

He stared at Shen Lingfu's graceful back.

Watching her walk to Chen Shanzhi's side with a hint of shyness, tilting her little head.

Looking up at him with that pretty face—which had never shown such vivid liveliness in front of him—she greeted Chen Shanzhi with a hint of admiration.

She even said something playful that made Chen Shanzhi burst into laughter.

"Crack..."

Tang Liu's teeth were almost bitten to pieces in his mouth.

His eyes were instantly filled with scarlet jealousy and resentment.

It was clear that in the three years before entering the academy, that playboy Chen Shanzhi...

...spent every day like a spineless dog, shamelessly following behind Shen Lingfu, presenting all sorts of rare treasures.

And although Shen Lingfu politely refused each time, she had never truly drawn a line with Chen Shanzhi.

In the eyes of others, Shen Lingfu had always kept Chen Shanzhi on a leash.

And the reason Tang Liu spared no cost to approach and please Shen Lingfu...

...besides coveting the wealth and resources of the Treasure Pavilion behind her...

...the deepest psychological reason was to snatch this woman away from Chen Shanzhi.

Then show off in front of Chen Shanzhi, letting him know that the woman he had pursued for three years, I, Tang Liu, caught in an instant.

Tang Liu originally thought he was about to succeed.

After all, lately, every time Shen Lingfu saw him, she would smile so gently.

Every time he sought to discuss zither lessons with her, she never refused.

But every time Tang Liu wanted to pierce that layer of paper, Shen Lingfu could always use various excuses, which he couldn't find any fault with, to avoid it without leaving a trace.

And just now, Shen Lingfu's performance finally made Tang Liu understand.

It wasn't because of other problems at all, but because of that Chen Shanzhi!

It must be that lecher Chen Shanzhi, still harassing Shen Lingfu just like before.

And because Shen Lingfu was simple-minded and couldn't refuse, plus she feared the power of the Marquis of Zhenguo, she had to play along with Chen Shanzhi.

Shen Lingfu must be afraid that if she broke that window paper with him, he would get hurt because of this matter.

That was why she always found excuses to avoid it whenever he wanted to break through that window paper.

Thinking of this, Tang Liu couldn't help but feel a bit moved.

Shen Lingfu was indeed always thinking of him.

And the instigator of all this was that villain Chen Shanzhi!

Thinking of this, the anger in Tang Liu's heart could not stop bubbling up.

And as his emotions fluctuated out of control, the Divine Turtle Art inside his body began to operate crazily, with strands of true essence emerging in his major aperture.

Ever since he obtained the other half of the Divine Turtle Art from Village Chief Grandpa last time.

His Cultivate speed was simply so fast it made one's scalp tingle.

Now, he had quietly knocked open all nine major aperture gates throughout his body!

Reaching the Xuanguan Nine Apertures.

Tang Liu calmed his mood and stared fixedly into the distance.

There, Shen Lingfu was surrounding Chen Shanzhi, chatting and laughing.

And further away, that Tang Xiaowu, who used to be by his side but now spent every day fussing over Chen Shanzhi.

Was also walking with small, shy steps, heading happily toward Chen Shanzhi's direction.

"Tang Xiaowu..."

Tang Liu stared fixedly at Tang Xiaowu, at that profile that was breathtakingly beautiful under the sunlight.

Deep in his eyes, that trace of struggle was instantly swallowed by extreme coldness.

In his mind, he involuntarily recalled the words that the man in black had said to him this morning.

As long as he took Tang Xiaowu to that small courtyard.

And fed her this Medicinal Pill before taking her over.

Then he would be able to join their faction and become one of them.

Thinking of this, Tang Liu took a deep breath.

He grinned, revealing a cruel and ferocious smile:

"Since that's the case... then don't blame me for disregarding our past ties."

Tang Liu didn't look at the stage again; turning around with his head lowered, he silently vanished into the dispersing crowd.