Chapter 517 - 255: Incompetent Son

Chapter 517: Chapter 255: Incompetent Son

"Your filial piety is admirable, Ouyang, and I am truly impressed. As for this matter... I agree to speak to the Nie Family on your behalf and do my best to mediate. But I cannot guarantee what their decision will be.

But rest assured, I will do my best."

"Chen!"

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Ke’s eyes lit up, his voice trembling with excitement:

"Words can’t express my gratitude! In the future, Chen, if there’s anything you need, I will go through fire and water to repay you for this kindness!"

Hearing Ouyang Ke’s heartfelt vow of gratitude, the corner of Chen Sheng’s mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.

’The sense of absurdity was about to boil over.’

Fortunately, he was quite composed and quickly suppressed those strange emotions, saying with a serious expression:

"’Going through fire and water’ is a bit much. Just remember this, Ouyang: today, you owe me one."

"Good! It’s a deal!"

Ouyang Ke nodded emphatically, engraving this promise deep in his heart.

In his eyes, Chen Sheng now seemed larger than life—a true friend who offered help in a time of need, a man of great chivalry.

With Chen Sheng’s promise secured, Ouyang Ke felt as if he had found his pillar of support. The weight in his chest lightened. Excusing himself, he hurriedly turned and rushed back to his mother’s study.

’I have to tell Mother this good news right away and put her mind at ease. I can’t let her make a decision she’ll regret out of a moment of weakness or a desire to protect me.’

Inside the study, Lady Lan was still sitting alone, her heart in turmoil.

When she heard footsteps that had just left now returning, she looked up in surprise. Ouyang Ke had departed with a face full of fury, but now he seemed much more spirited, his expression holding the certainty of someone who had found a solution.

"Mother."

Before she could ask, Ouyang Ke spoke with a solemn air:

"I just went to plead with Chen for his help, and he has agreed to ask the Nie Family to mediate. With the Nie Family backing us, Mother, you don’t have to worry anymore. You especially don’t have to wrong yourself or do anything against your will for the sake of the sect or for me!

I’ll take care of everything!"

Lady Lan, however, froze upon hearing his words. It was as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her head, and a chill ran through her entire body.

’Chen Sheng... agreed to help?’

’Help with what?’

’Help her fight back against the person coercing her?’

’What... What in the world is going on?’

In a flash, a thought suddenly struck her.

’Could it be that Chen Sheng would rather suffer the backlash from his Dragon Yang Gu King—even sacrifice some of the miraculous effects of his Dragon-Singing Celestial Cicada—than accept me and give me a proper status?’

’Is that why he just went along with Ke’Er and agreed to "help"?’

’Was his real intention to completely sever this path of dual cultivation?’

This speculation made Lady Lan’s heart clench. A wave of panic and unease washed over her.

Chen Sheng was one of Yunzhou’s top prodigies with a profound foundation. Even without the Dragon Yang Gu King, his future cultivation path would still be bright, given his talent and resources.

But she was different.

Her own talent was far from the best. The cultivation she possessed today was largely thanks to her Simurgh Phoenix Jade Butterfly.

’If I can’t resolve my Gu King’s backlash and the imbalance of Yin and Yang, my cultivation path might very well end here!’

’Could it be...’

’Have I overestimated my own charm and what I bring to the table?’

’In Chen Sheng’s eyes, was my status as Nanzhao’s most beautiful woman, combined with my position as a Sect Leader, still not enough to make him offer the title of Co-Wife in exchange for a mutually beneficial arrangement?’

’No!’

’I have to find out what Chen Sheng is really thinking, and I have to do it now.’

’The very foundation of my cultivation path is at stake. There’s no room for ambiguity or wishful thinking!’

"Mother?"

Seeing that his mother showed no joy after hearing his words—instead, her expression shifted and her gaze grew distant as if lost in profound shock and thought—Ouyang Ke couldn’t help but call out to her.

"Alright... I understand."

Lady Lan forced herself to calm down and managed a rather unnatural smile.

"Inspector Chen is truly warm-hearted and chivalrous... He deserves a proper thank you. I... I will go thank him personally a little later."

"Exactly!"

Ouyang Ke couldn’t agree more. His opinion of Chen Sheng had reached its zenith, and he even considered forging a closer bond with him.

"Chen is a righteous man, always eager to help those in need. He’s truly someone worth befriending. If he wouldn’t mind it, I would even like to become sworn brothers with him, so we can support each other in the future!"

"Absolutely not!"

The words flew out of Lady Lan’s mouth, her voice sharp with urgency.

The moment the words were out, she realized she had lost her composure and quickly softened her tone.

"That matter... isn’t urgent. Things are too complicated right now. It would be better... to wait until the dust settles before we discuss this further. It won’t be too late then."

’Are you kidding me?!’

’If Ouyang Ke actually becomes sworn brothers with Chen Sheng, how could she and Chen Sheng ever discuss marriage?’

’The family hierarchy would be a complete mess!’

’More importantly, it would mean the path of dual cultivation is severed for good, and that’s something I can never accept!’

Ouyang Ke was taken aback by his mother’s vehement reaction. But seeing her tense expression and remembering that these were indeed troubled times, he nodded.

"You have a point, Mother. I was being thoughtless."

"You... You should go for now. And remember, don’t mention what we discussed today to anyone. I... am a little tired."

Lady Lan was utterly exhausted. She waved a dismissive hand, wanting only to be left alone to sort out her thoughts.

"Yes, Mother. Rest well. I’ll take my leave."

Seeing the weariness on his mother’s face, Ouyang Ke didn’t dare disturb her any longer. After a respectful bow, he quietly exited the study.

The door closed softly, sealing the candlelight and Lady Lan’s complicated, unspeakable worries within the room.

Lady Lan leaned back in her large chair, her fingertips unconsciously massaging her temples as a torrent of thoughts flooded her mind.

Regardless of Chen Sheng’s true intentions, she had to confirm them with him face-to-face as soon as possible.

She refused to believe that Chen Sheng would so easily give up the immense benefits of uniting their Yin-Yang Gu Kings.

But the news Ouyang Ke had brought filled her with uncertainty.

’It seems I’ll have to pay another visit to Inspector Chen tonight.’

Lady Lan gazed out the window at the heavy darkness, her expression gradually hardening with resolve.

Her cultivation path was on the line. She had no way to back down.

——————

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Time for the spicy part.

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