Invincible Soul Emperor

His wife immediately feigned innocence. "How can you say that about me! I discussed it with him beforehand, but I didn’t know he would suddenly back out! Why are you blaming me?"

Zheng Ming snorted coldly. "If you’re not to blame, then tell me what we should do now! The treasures might have already been stolen!"

Seeing how furious Zheng Ming was, his wife finally sighed and comforted him. "Darling, let’s not worry about whether the treasures have been stolen for now. Ye Qingchen must have been seriously injured protecting them, so our efforts weren’t for nothing!"

Her words seemed to console Zheng Ming. He nodded with a grim face. "You’re right. That guy probably can’t even get out of bed now! Our efforts indeed weren’t for nothing!"

As Zheng Ming reassured himself, his wife saw her chance and waved the servants away. "Alright, that’s enough. You’re dismissed."

"Darling, it’s getting late. Let’s go back to sleep. If that man won’t help us, we can just hire someone else to get the treasures back."

His wife soothed him as she pushed him back into the room. In truth, she didn’t care whether the treasures were recovered. As long as Ye Qingchen paid the price, she was delighted.

「The next day.」

As expected, Ye Qingchen was nowhere to be seen. Zheng Ming prepared to go with Xue Feng to repair the barrier on the back mountain.

"By the way, Lord Xue, why haven’t we seen young Master Ye today?" Zheng Ming asked tentatively.

Xue Feng didn’t live with Ye Qingchen. Ye Qingchen was staying at an inn outside the estate, so Xue Feng had no idea what he was doing.

"Zheng Family Head, we’re going to repair the barrier. We don’t need him for that, do we?" Xue Feng said slowly.

Zheng Ming slapped his forehead. "Right! Haha, look at me, I completely forgot. We’re repairing the barrier; we don’t need his help."

Zheng Ming watched Xue Feng’s expression and gloated inwardly. Xue Feng probably has no idea what happened to Ye Qingchen. And even if he found out, what could he do? He can’t blame us! Still, I’d love to see the miserable state he’s in now!

The two led the members of the Zheng and Xue families toward the back mountain in a great procession to repair the barrier.

Meanwhile, Zheng Xiao sat in pain in her courtyard, her body covered in medicinal salves.

"My daughter, rest assured! Your father and I have already gotten revenge for you. Ye Qingchen probably can’t even get out of bed now. No, he might already be dead!"

Zheng Xiao’s mother patted her hand with a smile. Hearing her mother’s words, the pain in Zheng Xiao’s body miraculously lessened considerably.

"Mother! It’s all thanks to you! Otherwise, I would have been bullied for nothing!" Zheng Xiao was deeply moved.

Her mother waved her hand dismissively. "You’re my daughter! How could I let you be hurt for nothing? Just focus on recovering at home for now. Once the Xue Family leaves, you can go out and find as many men as you want. I won’t stop you!"

Zheng Xiao’s face lit up. "Thank you, Mother! You’re the best!"

After her mother left, Zheng Xiao sat smugly in her courtyard.

"Oh, Ye Qingchen," she muttered to herself, "I bet you never imagined you’d end up like this. I gave you a choice before, but you refused it. Well, look what happened. This is the only ending for you. Life doesn’t give second chances. Hahaha, consider this your final lesson!"

The thought of Ye Qingchen’s miserable state sent a thrill of excitement through her.

"Tsk, it’s a shame I’m injured. Otherwise, I’d go see for myself what a pathetic state you’re in!"

As Zheng Xiao was muttering to herself, a shadow suddenly fell over her.

"Zheng Xiao, when it comes down to it, all of this is because of you!"

Somehow, Xiao Xiao had appeared right behind her.

Startled by the sudden voice, Zheng Xiao nearly fell out of her chair.

"Heh, so it’s you! I was so focused on dealing with Ye Qingchen that I forgot all about you, you little wench!"

Zheng Xiao rose from her seat, her gaze fixed fiercely on Xiao Xiao as if she wanted to tear her to shreds.

Xiao Xiao narrowed her eyes and said slowly, "I knew you were behind all this!"

"So what if I was? Ye Qingchen must be suffering now, right? Of course, it’s all thanks to me! You’re just his servant girl. Did you come here to get justice for your young master?"

Contempt filled Zheng Xiao’s face.

The red and black light in Xiao Xiao’s eyes grew more intense.

"I’ll have you know, my young master is resting perfectly fine at the inn! Don’t think your little tricks could ever harm him!"

Hearing this, Zheng Xiao burst into derisive laughter.

"Little girl, still trying to act tough? Who taught you that? Was it your young master? Hahaha, that’s hilarious! There’s no need to put on a brave face at this point!

"But, based on what you’re saying, your young master probably isn’t dead yet! Still, with so many people fighting over those treasures, even if he’s not dead, he must be half-crippled. Maybe he’ll end up paralyzed and need you to take care of him for the rest of his life!"

Zheng Xiao recounted the events in a taunting, sing-song voice.

Xiao Xiao’s expression grew darker. "Zheng Xiao, you will pay for what you’ve done! Your entire Zheng Family will pay for it!"

Zheng Xiao paid her threat no mind. "Pay the price? How ridiculous. What can you do by causing a scene here instead of going home to take care of your master? Still, since you’re so pitiful, I’m willing to help you out. Take these coins and use them to pay for your young master’s treatment!"

Zheng Xiao took a few coins from her pocket and tossed them carelessly at Xiao Xiao’s feet. The gesture was deeply insulting, and Xiao Xiao was on the verge of exploding.

"Miss! Miss!"

Suddenly, Uncle Wang’s voice came from the doorway. In that instant, the crimson in Xiao Xiao’s eyes receded, and her gaze cleared.

"Uncle Wang, what is it?" Zheng Xiao tilted her head, looking toward the door.

Uncle Wang walked in and was startled to see Xiao Xiao standing before his young lady. For some reason, he found Xiao Xiao deeply unsettling. He couldn’t help but remember the day he saw her standing behind the Demon Beast King.

Seeing Uncle Wang staring blankly, Zheng Xiao shouted impatiently, "Uncle Wang, what is it? Why the rush?"

His lady’s voice snapped him back to his senses.

"Ah, Miss, the young master just sent word that more hands are needed to repair the barrier. He’s asked me to go. I’m afraid you’ll be alone today."

Zheng Xiao had thought it was something serious. Hearing his explanation, she waved her hand in annoyance.

"Uncle Wang, if my father wants you to go, then go. I’m in the Zheng estate. Who would dare to come in here and lay a hand on me?"