Chapter 278: Uncle's Youthful Arrogance
If you were to ask Qiao Wan, she couldn't really say what her ideal love would be like. Although she does appreciate good looks, passion will always fade. What she truly desires is a partner who respects and understands her, walking by her side.
And so, this unlucky college girl from another time continued to talk about life's topics to this demon realm's lord all night long, fighting off sleep. She even used "The Lady of the Camellias" as an example, telling the story of Marguerite to this demon lord.
The more she talked, the more Qiao Wan started to feel that something was not quite right. This demon lord, Pei Chunzheng, had not even established a complete and organized worldview! If she had to describe him in one word, it would be "chaotic."
The matter of getting married was quickly put on the agenda. In the following days, Chu Jiaojiao would always accompany Qiao Wan. Sometimes, they would sit down and have a few cups of tea with the stylish brother. They got along very harmoniously.
Compared to true geniuses like Xie Xingzhi, Qiao Wan's talent was actually far behind. But she made up for it with her diligence and wide range of knowledge.
Having seen many geniuses fall, Mei Kangping, a wise old fox, actually admired Qiao Wan's calm and steady demeanor. Especially a Qiao Wan like this, it made him unable to help but think of that man who he hated so much.
Qiao Wan was surprised to find that the stylish brother always looked at her with a strange gaze, filled with faint nostalgia.
"... Every time you look at me, I feel like you're looking at someone else through me." One day, Qiao Wan couldn't help but bluntly point it out.
Mei Kangping didn't hide it either and calmly said, "Just reminded me of your old man."
"I... Dad?"
Mei Kangping glanced at her again and finally showed a bit of elder-like thought on his face. "Qiao Wan, you bear a striking resemblance to him."
"But his natural talent far surpasses yours."
Qiao Wan earnestly replied, "...I don't think it's necessary to single out this point, senior."
To everyone's surprise, Mei Kangping chuckled lightly while shaking his folding fan. "But this serious and down-to-earth character is exactly the same."
It's really strange that he is not Su Buhuo's biological child, yet their personalities are strikingly similar, about eighty to ninety percent alike.
It's not polite to pry into other people's past, but for some reason, Qiao Wan felt quite curious about this father of the original body.
Perhaps noticing her conflicted expression, Mei Kangping impatiently closed his folding fan, tapped the table, and jeered, "Just ask whatever you want to ask."
After a pause, Qiao Wan finally asked, "What kind of person is Senior Su?"
If you ask about Mei Kangping , Su Buhuo , what kind of person are they?
As soon as Mei Kangping thought, two big words flashed in his mind.
"Traitor."
He and Su Buhuo , or you can say Mei Yuanbai , knew each other since they were young and had a friendship where they would compete to see who could pee the farthest.
Unfortunately, since he was young, he could never pee as far as him.
It is said that in the mortal realm, there is a silly saying that girls who pee far will marry far away. And indeed, in a certain year and month, Su Buhuo rudely ran away.
Since he was young, the education he received was all about "glory for the demon realm". Even though Mei Kangping has strange purple demonic patterns on his face, he is actually from a prestigious family, born into the "Mei family" with wealth and influence, well-versed in poetry and rituals. And as he grew up, it was only natural for him to become a civil servant for the demon realm, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the demon realm, giving his all.
The demon realm is his home.
The young man, Mei Kangping, couldn't understand why demons were considered "evil" while the cultivation world was seen as "good." He disliked those who claimed to be righteous but judged others and took justice into their own hands. Who gave them the right to judge someone's good and evil?
Just because the demon realm was considered evil, did it mean that they deserved to be confined to a desolate and barren place? Why did the cultivation world get to take all the valuable resources?
Why? Why did the demon realm have to hide in the impoverished wilderness with their heads held low?
The young man, filled with rebellious indignation, often grabbed his ally, Su Buhuo, and angrily questioned him.
And his ally, Su Buhuo, felt the same way.
Later on, the young man, no longer filled with rebellious indignation, changed his perspective. He decided to roll up his sleeves and take direct action.
So the two close friends, like brothers, made a pact. For the glory of the demon realm, they would charge forward. They would conquer new territories and ensure everyone could live a better life, free from constant struggles.
He couldn't match Su Buhuo's level of cultivation, but his mind was slightly sharper. As a result, one specialized in internal affairs, while the other focused on external affairs, both assisting the Emperor Shiyuan. The iron hooves of the demon realm quickly destroyed the mountains and rivers of the cultivation realm.
The scattered cultivation realm was defenseless against the united demon realm.
At this moment, Mei Kangping and Su Buhuo had a disagreement.
Su Buhuo thought it was enough.
But Mei Kangping wondered, why? Why should these weak cultivators be allowed to rule over them for so many years?
In front of the demon realm is the cultivation realm, and behind it lies an impassable sea. With extremely limited resources, the people of the realm were even resorting to killing each other.
This world has always been dominated by the strongest.
Since they were only focused on becoming immortals, Mei Kangping thought coldly, why not just give these prime lands to the people of the demon realm? After all, they have no desire to become immortals.
Su Buhuo had said that he was the type of person who, once he made up his mind about something, would stick with it no matter what. Mei Kangping felt the same way.
Gathering his thoughts, Mei Kangping paused while holding his folding fan, unable to resist stealing another glance at Qiao Wan.
He looked down on the cultivators of the immortal realm, thinking that they were scattered and only focused on their own interests, while the demon realm was the strongest.
By involving Jia Yin in the battle, the troublemaker in front of them had disrupted the balance between the demon realm and the immortal realm. Although he wasn't completely at ease with the demon clan, Mei Kangping now had to worry and plan all over again.
Mei Kangping was furious. Qiao Wan had angered him almost to death, making him dislike her even more. He thought she was just as troublesome as Su Buhuo, always causing problems for him.
On the other hand, Qiao Wan couldn't help but feel that this punk-looking senior, despite appearing old and grumpy, with a poisonous tongue and a bad temper, seemed strangely familiar. It was like a...meowing and playful cat.
But as long as she mastered the skill of "stroking the fur," her interaction with this trendy senior became harmonious.
This skill could even be used on Pei Chunzheng himself.
During this time, Pei Chunzheng would often come to see her. At first, Qiao Wan was a bit nervous, afraid that they would have to do things couples do. But the young man did not make any inappropriate moves.
They would sit shoulder to shoulder, with one of them talking enthusiastically and the other listening attentively.
"That's about it."
"All great wills must obey the same principle: we must be kind, lively, and true. Evil is nothing more than emptiness, and we should be proud to do good..."
"I think kindness is the most wonderful quality of humanity, and there's nothing to be ashamed of."
Finally, Qiao Wan cleared her throat, ending today's "humanitarian" lesson, and looked up at the young man in front of her.
Pei Chunzheng. suddenly snapped back to reality from their conversation. He looked closely at Qiao Wan. and whispered softly, "The wedding dress is ready. Tomorrow, I will send someone to deliver it to you."
His hand inside his sleeve tightened involuntarily.
As they spent more time together these days, Pei Chunzheng's heart became more uncertain.
But it's okay. Trying to convince himself, Pei Chunzheng forced a calm demeanor.
Soon, very soon, he and Qiao Wan will be married.
Just the thought of the upcoming wedding ceremony made his mouth dry, his head dizzy, and his heart thump loudly in his chest.
Qiao Wan's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
Knowing that her wedding dress was ready meant that time was running out for her.
Could it be that they won't be able to get married here?
Today's classes came to an end, and Qiao Wan silently waited for Pei Chunzheng to leave. However, for some reason, whether it was because the wedding was imminent or he felt insecure, the young man, for the first time, did not move.
He hesitated for a moment, then reached out a pale and skinny wrist from his wide black robe. He tightly grabbed her dress and silently held her close.
His forehead lowered, burying his head deep in her neck.
Qiao Wan also hesitated, slowly extending her hand and gently patting the young boy's back to comfort him.
The candlelight flickered softly as the two embraced each other in silence throughout the night.
It wasn't until early the next morning that Pei Chunzheng finally left. Despite his appearance, which resembled a sickly and reckless person on drugs, Qiao Wan knew that Pei Chunzheng was actually quite diligent.
Just as Pei Chunzheng had said, in no time at all, the wedding dress arrived.
The wedding dress wasn't much different from the ones Qiao Wan had seen in historical dramas. It was a vibrant red color and very elaborate.
Perhaps it was because of her position as the "Queen of Magic," but the bridal gown in front of her was much more solemn compared to the other bridal gowns Qiao Wan had seen before. The collar and cuffs of the gown were green, and the stockings and waistband were also green. There were golden cloud and dragon patterns, as well as pearl and jade ornaments hanging from the waist. Under the rosy scarf, there were gold and jade pendants hanging. The patterns of mountains, rivers, lakes, seas, and sun and moon adorned the back. At first glance, it looked dignified and magnificent.
Pei Chunzheng specially brought a few maids to help her change into the gown.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable, Qiao Wan adjusted the pale yellow innermost coat and paused, surprised as she asked, "Where is Jiaojiao?"
Upon careful thought, it seemed like she hadn't seen the little girl since the beginning.
The maid in front of her also paused and said, "It seems like we haven't seen her since this morning?"
"Did Miss Mu take her away?"
Just then, there was a sudden announcement at the door.
The person who came in lowered their eyes and said, "Miss Qiao, Miss Mu...Miss Mu says that if you have time, please visit her in her palace."
Qiao Wan's heart sank.
It was the girl named Mu Xiaoxiao. These past few days, she had attempted to visit her many times, but each time, Qiao Wan politely stopped her at the palace gate.
In that moment, Qiao Wan didn't even bother to wear her wedding dress. She immediately grabbed the sword from the table and walked out expressionlessly, much to the shock of the maids.
Honestly, after watching so many palace dramas with her mother, Qiao Wan wasn't naive enough to think that this invitation held any good intentions, especially during such a sensitive time like the fitting of the wedding dress.
Qiao Wan furrowed her brows and walked quickly alongside the maid who announced the visit, but they were stopped by the guards at the palace gate.
"Please halt, Miss Qiao," the guard respectfully said, "Let me report first."
Qiao Wan paused, put away her sword, knowing it was just a show of authority, and didn't say much.
After a short while, the guard came back out, looking troubled. "Miss Mu just woke up from her nap and is still getting ready. She said her current appearance is not suitable for receiving guests. Please wait a moment, Miss."
Qiao Wan : "Can you please tell our taoist friend to inform Miss Mu to hurry up?"
After waiting for a while, there was still no sound coming from the palace gate,
Qiao Wan finally lost her patience.
Immediately, to the astonishment of the accompanying maid, Qiao Wan dashed out in one step!
"Stop, miss!" the guard sternly shouted, but the girl swiftly kicked him out of the palace gate!
The remaining guards immediately surrounded her, but Qiao Wan quickly dodged their attacks and ran off without stopping.
"It's... it's you!!" one of the maids still inside the hall screamed as soon as she caught a glimpse of Qiao Wan 's face.
Recognizing her as the one who had kicked her before, Qiao Wan kicked her out without hesitation and swiftly knocked down another with a well-executed chop.
In this way, she fought her way to the inner hall, killing any opponents she encountered, be they gods or buddhas.
Mu Xiaoxiao , who was still in the midst of preparing herself, stood up in shock and confusion, her black hair cascading down to her waist: "Qiao... Martial Sister Qiao Wan?"
As the words had not yet been finished, Miss Qiao watched as Qiao Wan took a step forward and kicked her forcefully in the waist. Miss Mu was instantly knocked to the ground.
Mu Xiaoxiao cried out in pain and cold sweat immediately trickled down her face. In the next moment, the young girl emotionlessly grabbed her by the collar of her clothes.
"Where is she?"
Withdrawing the unsheathed sword, the sharp edge of the blade pressed against the young girl's delicate skin. Miss Qiao's eyes emitted a cold and determined light as she questioned her forcefully.
The maid who had rushed over was completely stunned. She never could have imagined that Miss Qiao would act so quickly. In the blink of an eye, the battle had already ended.
Watching Miss Qiao, who was dressed in a wedding gown, confidently kick away Miss Mu, the maids couldn't help but tremble in fear.
Indeed, in the face of brutal fighting skills, all schemes and tricks were nothing but paper tigers!
