Chapter 44:

Yan Zhi nearly snapped the jade pendant in her hand, completely ignoring Cen Wuwang’s words. Under the corridor, Cen Wuwang and Xue Ying stood facing each other. Cen Wuwang stood on the platform, being Xue Ying’s elder, while Xue Ying was his defeated opponent.

Beneath the platform, Xue Ying was obscured by a cluster of coral, the soft glow of the night pearls failing to illuminate her face or her heart. She tilted her head slightly upward, as if gazing at Cen Wuwang in admiration of the pioneer who had walked the path of swordsmanship before her.

But no matter how great he was, being a homewrecker was intolerable.

“I disagree.”

Yes, that’s right. Yan Zhi silently cheered Xue Ying on, encouraging her to stand up against authority and defend her own interests. In matters of love, there was no respect for teachers or reverence for elders—only victory and defeat.

But what Xue Ying was really thinking was: *I finally found a tool, why should I share him with Cen Wuwang? If Cen Wuwang uses this opportunity to advance further in swordsmanship, wouldn’t I never get Bailu back?*

Cen Wuwang gazed at Xue Ying beneath the coral tree. The deep red coral cast a rosy hue on her face, making her seem even more captivating than usual.

Far more beautiful than his current body.

If they truly competed, he would undoubtedly be at a disadvantage again. Emotional highs and lows allowed for reflection on mistakes and savoring the nuances of experience. Unlike previous times, this was different. Before, he had always been the one cheated on—now, he was the one doing the cheating. The shift in identity brought a change in mindset, which could further his swordsmanship.

He had to persuade Xue Ying. “Does he treat you well?”

Though their relationship was superficial, Xue Ying still praised Feng Yuemian generously, lamenting that he wasn’t the type to two-time and thus couldn’t become a seasoned scoundrel.

“He treats me very well. You don’t need to worry.”

Yan Zhi nearly blurted out, *Wow, listen to that dialogue! Senior Cen, do you like Xue Ying or hate her?*

Wait—Yan Zhi suddenly realized—was this the legendary twisted love?

*I don’t love you, but I hate seeing you happy with another man. You can only cry for me, never allowed to leave my sight.*

Yan Zhi had already plotted the beginning and end of a grand love story, just waiting for a skilled writer to flesh out a hundred-thousand-word epic. The problem was, Cen Wuwang was the Dragon Clan’s designated crown princess—how could she elope with someone?

A runaway bride sounded romantic, but if the Dragon Clan was the one being cheated on, Yan Zhi would commit murder.

She hurriedly advised Cen Wuwang, “Children grow up and form their own opinions. Senior, just let the Taoist go her own way.”

Since Yan Zhi was speaking up for her, Xue Ying didn’t mind being treated as a generation younger and nodded along. Who she dated was none of Cen Wuwang’s business—unless he returned Bailu to her.

Cen Wuwang gave Yan Zhi a dismissive glance, not bothering to engage with her.

No matter how much Yan Zhi jumped around, she was just an outsider forcing her way in—what did she matter?

To get things done, one had to focus on the key issue.

“If he remains devoted to you, it will only harm your swordsmanship. Instead of clinging to each other for centuries only to suffer the pain of separation, why not have a passionate, heart-wrenching romance? It will deepen your emotions and allow for rapid growth in the shortest time.”

Cen Wuwang added, “This is wisdom from experience.”

Yan Zhi almost asked, *Just how experienced are you to say something like that?* before shifting her thoughts to another matter.

*If Cen Wuwang becomes the crown princess, will she force Ao Fugui to cheat too…?*

Probably… maybe… likely… yes.

Before Yan Zhi could reflect on whether making Cen Wuwang the crown princess was right or wrong, Xue Ying pondered for a moment and slowly spoke.

“That makes some sense.”

Yan Zhi, “…”

Strike while the iron is hot—once this opportunity passed, it wouldn’t come again. Sensing Xue Ying’s hesitation, Cen Wuwang pressed on, feeding her more twisted logic. “Two people are inconvenient. Three is faster.”

Yan Zhi nearly collapsed against the wall. Sure, *three’s a crowd*, but that didn’t justify being a homewrecker.

She tried to reason with Xue Ying. “Taoist, matters of the heart are the hardest to interpret. Even with all my scheming, I dare not make reckless claims about love.”

Who knew if love would lead to betrayal? Even mantises murdered their mates. If Feng Yuemian found out he was being cheated on by these two, embarrassment would be the least of their worries—what if he snapped and dragged everyone down with him?

Seeing Xue Ying deep in thought, Yan Zhi sighed in relief, thinking she had gotten through to her. She considered herself half a friend to Xue Ying and didn’t want her to take a wrong step and become a fallen woman, crying alone under the covers years later.

“The Prime Minister means that in this relationship, the two of us will have different gains.”

Yan Zhi nodded—that was one way to put it…

“Which means someone might end up with nothing. That’s great!”

Xue Ying’s voice was sweet. “I’ll be waiting for Senior Cen’s cultivation to regress.”

Preferably plummet, complete with inner demons, so she could reclaim Bailu and kick Cen Wuwang down the ladder.

Bailu was hers. The title of Sword Immortal was also hers.

As for her master? The sooner he died, the sooner he could reincarnate.

Hearing Xue Ying’s rebellious words, Cen Wuwang didn’t get angry but calmly laid out the facts.

“In swordsmanship, if you don’t advance, you regress. Tempering your emotions—if you don’t succeed, you die.”

Before Xue Ying could rejoice, Cen Wuwang doused her with cold water. “Except for me.”

Wisdom from experience was no joke.

Master and disciple locked eyes, their sword auras erupting like lightning and thunder—a clash between masters. Even though Yan Zhi knew nothing of swordsmanship, she could tell their skills had reached the pinnacle. She couldn’t help but marvel—the Tai Xuan Sect was truly formidable, full of hidden talents. They deserved every bit of their reputation.

“Today you win against my sword. Come back tomorrow and try stealing my man.”

Cen Wuwang glanced at his pink dress, seemingly puzzled. “Why can’t I steal you instead?”

Yan Zhi, “…”

*So that’s it! No wonder Xue Ying kept pushing Cen Wuwang—you two are actually…*

The Dragon Clan’s crown princess could *not* be a lesbian. Bisexual was also unacceptable!

There was no room for negotiation. No matter how much Yan Zhi argued, Cen Wuwang insisted on tagging along the next day. After much deliberation, Yan Zhi decided to give one final evaluation. If things didn’t work out, she’d remove Cen Wuwang from the crown princess candidate list.

Because of this, when Xue Ying set out, she wasn’t just accompanied by Cen Wuwang—Yan Zhi was there too.

“Prime Minister?” Yan Zhi coughed awkwardly. “The Taoist has been in the East Sea for some time, and I’ve yet to fulfill my duties as host. Since I have time today, why not let me show you both around?”

She added, “The more, the merrier.”

Xue Ying glanced between them and critiqued Yan Zhi. “I have plans today. If Senior Cen wants to come, fine—but why are *you* here? Looking for some excitement?”

Yan Zhi said, “Taoist, you misunderstand.”

Xue Ying replied coldly, “As everyone knows, the Prime Minister is my rumored ex. Now I’m going to meet my current boyfriend. If you don’t find that exciting, is there something *even more thrilling* you haven’t told me?”

Yan Zhi nearly choked before clutching her chest and saying, “Fine, I *am* here for excitement.”

Cen Wuwang gave Yan Zhi an approving look. *So this is why Cangwu enjoys cuckolding people—it’s a scholar’s taste.*

*You politicians really have twisted preferences.*

With their own agendas, the trio headed to yesterday’s market, where Feng Yuemian had been waiting for some time. He had deliberately chosen a crowded place—the more witnesses, the better. That way, word would reach Cen Wuwang’s ears. Even if it didn’t make him spit blood, being tied to Cen Wuwang would boost Feng Yuemian’s reputation.

*If you want drama, I’ll give you drama.*

Feng Yuemian was brimming with confidence as he unfolded today’s itinerary: first, a meal, then pearl diving, followed by a martial arts tournament. Knowing Xue Ying loved sparring, he thought watching underwater combat styles would be both romantic and educational.

*Truly brilliant*, Feng Yuemian preened, almost strutting like a peacock—until he looked up and saw *three* people approaching.

Xue Ying. Cen Wuwang. Yan Zhi.

Nearby, sea clans whispered, “Isn’t that the Prime Minister? Who’s that beside her?”

“The Prime Minister’s rival in love.”

“Haven’t you heard? The crown princess candidate and the Prime Minister are fighting over one woman. The scene was so intense it made people blush.”

Feng Yuemian stood frozen, his face devoid of expression—until Xue Ying walked up, took his arm, and sweetly called, “Mianmian.”

The sea clans gasped. “Heavens, is this a harem?”

“What do you know? This is what it means to be irresistible.”

Feng Yuemian’s expression stiffened, especially under the sea clans’ pitying gazes. He pulled Xue Ying aside and pointed at the two trailing behind.

“What’s going on?”

Before Xue Ying could answer, Cen Wuwang spoke. “I heard from Xue Ying that you wish to be a *sacrificial daoist*, using yourself to temper her swordsmanship. Such resolve is admirable. Since you’re helping one, why not help two? Would you be willing to lend me your aid as well?”

Feng Yuemian had never found human speech so baffling. *Help one, help two—what does that even mean?*

“Explain.”

Xue Ying cut to the chase. “She wants to be the other woman.”

Feng Yuemian, “…”

Cen Wuwang remained unfazed. “I know Xue Ying’s temperament well—she loves the sword, is obsessed with the sword. If you remain devoted to her for eight hundred years, your emotions will stagnate, benefiting neither of you. Why not try a different approach and introduce a third party?”

Feng Yuemian was livid. “Are you insane? Who dates two people at once? Even if it’s just acting, I’m not the type to play both sides!”

He refused to tarnish his avian dignity. A clean breakup was one thing, but if he became known as a womanizer, how would he ever find a mate again?

Xue Ying comforted him. “Don’t worry, Mianmian. It’s not one—it’s two. The Prime Minister says she wants in too. An ex returning as a reformed rogue, a current lover begging pitifully—wouldn’t that make your devotion even more touching?”

Feng Yuemian: *All I feel is my head turning as green as Cangwu’s.*

Yan Zhi found Feng Yuemian vaguely familiar but couldn’t place him. Treating him as an ally, she maintained a comradely attitude and tried to console him. “Look, Xue Ying strings you along, you string Cen Wuwang along—it’s a beautifully interlocked, harmonious relationship.”

Xue Ying nodded. “It’s perfect. No one will know.”

Feng Yuemian, “…”

*Screw your ‘harmonious relationship’! Since when is cuckolding described so elegantly? Are you all out of your minds?!*