106: drunk

The moonlight, like light gauze, gently covered the eaves of the City Lord's Manor, outlining the architecture and draping the entire residence in a layer of mysterious silver radiance.

In the garden, the night breeze brushed past, carrying crystal-clear dewdrops that slid off the delicate petals, spreading bursts of refreshing fragrance across the ground like a serene and beautiful painting.

Situ Jun lay on the bed, sleeping soundly. In his dream, he seemed to have become a fearless explorer, crossing mountains and ridges, thoroughly enjoying the excitement and joy brought by the unknown.

Lin Suwan took light steps, quietly entering the room for fear of waking the sleeping Situ Jun.

She reached out her slender hand, gently tucking in the corners of Situ Jun's quilt. Her gaze was full of tenderness, yet beneath that tenderness, there was a faint, hard-to-detect trace of worry.

Hong Mei huddled in a nearby corner, her cheeks slightly flushed as her bright eyes stared intently at Situ Jun, her heart full of shyness and attachment. The emotion in her gaze was like a flower blooming in spring, pure and passionate... Meanwhile, in the distant border garrison, the atmosphere was so oppressive it made it hard to breathe.

A man with a scar on his face knelt on the ground with a "thud." Sitting before him was a middle-aged man with a gloomy face and sinister eyes—Bei Batian.

He exuded an aura that made one shudder, as if he were a demon from the depths of darkness.

"Manor Lord, we searched all along the official road leading to the Xihua Sect until we reached the border of the Qin Dynasty, but we still haven't found a single trace of Madam Liu!"

The scar-faced man was full of confusion, his helplessness evident in his expression. His voice carried a slight tremor, clearly showing his fear of Bei Batian.

Bei Batian slammed the table, the immense force causing the teacup on the table to jump. It nearly fell to the floor with a "clatter."

"Useless! A bunch of useless trash! You even lost track of a woman; what use do I have for you?"

His voice boomed like muffled thunder in the room, and a raging fire burned in his eyes.

"Manor Lord, could Madam Liu have taken a detour back to Northern Border City?"

The scar-faced man spoke cautiously, his body trembling slightly for fear that his words would further provoke Bei Batian.

A flash of ruthlessness crossed Bei Batian's eyes:

"Regardless of whether she returned to the Northern City Manor! Go, investigate. Conduct a thorough investigation into where Liu Xuaner went and if she followed Young Master Zhuang's carriage!"

He spoke word by word, each one seemingly carrying a cold killing intent.

"Yes, Manor Lord!"

The scar-faced man retreated as if granted a great pardon, scrambling away in a hurry, fearing that staying even a second longer would put his life in danger.

Bei Batian leaned back in his chair, a cold light flickering in his eyes as he murmured to himself:

"It seems Xuaner harbors a deep resentment toward me..."

There was a hint of imperceptible regret in his voice, but it was mostly cold indifference.

Meanwhile, over at the Mine Tunnel under the cover of night, Zhu Changpo was busy with a group of subordinates at the entrance.

Outside the Mine Tunnel, the newly extracted Ore was piled up like a mountain, shimmering with a strange luster in the dim light.

"The Lord has ordered that every piece of Ore must be checked carefully. If you dig up any special Ore, you must turn it in! The Manor will provide appropriate rewards!"

Zhu Changpo shouted to the miners, his voice echoing outside the cavernous Mine Tunnel.

Although the miners were already exhausted, covered in dust with clothes soaked in sweat, they could only force themselves to respond weakly under Zhu Changpo's intimidation.

Suddenly, a miner dug out a pitch-black stone from the waste pile and shouted:

"Lord, does this stone meet your requirements?"

Hearing this, Zhu Changpo walked over quickly and snatched the Ore from the miner's hand.

The surface of this Ore was covered with fine patterns, and it was pitch-black and shiny, faintly emitting a dark glow.

He scrutinized it for a long time but couldn't see how this black lump related to treasure; he only felt it was somewhat peculiar.

He also wondered to himself if this was a rare material, but he feigned composure and encouraged them:

"Regardless of whether it meets my requirements, as long as you think it's special, you can turn it in at the Stewards Office to receive a reward."

After speaking, he put away the Ore, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes, and then shouted loudly:

"Everyone, perk up and listen! If anyone else finds a strange Ore, report it immediately, and you will be handsomely rewarded!"

Zhu Changpo shouted, his voice carrying an unquestionable authority.

The miners responded weakly one after another, secretly complaining in their hearts. They knew that what awaited them next would only be even more grueling labor.

The next morning.

The first rays of sunlight shone through the window onto Situ Jun's face. He slowly woke from his dream, the ultimate joy from it still lingering in his mind, especially the figure of Lin Suwan, which remained vivid in his memory.

He rubbed his temples, recalling everything from last night, and couldn't help but give a bitter smile.

He got up, dressed neatly, and let out a sigh.

At this moment, Lin Suwan walked in with a glowing face. The crimson at the corners of her eyes from last night had not yet faded, adding a bit more charm to her appearance.

She gave a charming smile and said:

"Did you sleep well last night, my husband?"

Her voice was like an oriole leaving a valley, melodious and pleasant.

Situ Jun gave a bitter laugh and said:

"Don't you know if I slept well? If it weren't for my high Cultivation, you would have snapped my waist. I really wonder if you've cultivated some Martial Skill like the 'Immortal Binding Rope'."

Lin Suwan covered her mouth and laughed, her smile as bright and moving as a flower blooming in spring:

"I think you enjoyed it quite a bit. When I have time, I'll go to the Martial Skills Office to see if there are any vine-type Martial Skills to study thoroughly."

Situ Jun's lips twitched, and he pretended to be fierce as he said:

"Then how about I have a good contest with you now, before you learn that kind of Martial Skill?"

Saying this, he rolled up his sleeves and walked toward Lin Suwan, a hint of playfulness in his eyes.

Lin Suwan was startled, and her face instantly flushed like a ripe apple. She shushed him and said:

"Trying to bully me again, shameless! Go check on Hong Mei; that little girl worked hard all night and still woke up so early."

After saying that, she fled without looking back, her skirt fluttering as she left behind a faint fragrance.

The sun gradually rose until it was above the treetops. The playful magpies had already flown from the eaves to the shade of the trees, their chirping adding a touch of vitality to the morning.

Situ Jun bid farewell to Lin Suwan and Hong Mei, then headed toward his own residence.

The little girl at home, Cherry, was still waiting for him. He had to comfort her properly before he could go to the Mine Tunnel.

Returning to the courtyard, Situ Jun called Cherry into the room and gave her patient and careful instructions before heading out.

Cherry hid in the room with a flushed face, not daring to see him off. Her willow-leaf eyebrows were slightly furrowed, full of resentment toward Situ Jun.

Thinking of Situ Jun's "bullying," she gritted her silver teeth and grumbled incessantly:

"Just say what you have to say, but you had to get handsy and bully me. I'm afraid I won't be able to go out today. Even if I am a maid, you can't oppress people like this!"

That look was both cute and aggrieved.