The Arch-Enemy Must Not Become a Wife

Qingqing was a bit nervous, "What does ’falling out’ mean?"

Chu Xuan, still angry, said, "It means writing books till you’re poor, falling onto the street, and that Bai Xiaosheng, it seems he won’t understand pain until I beat him up."

In the cultivation world, there are methods that rely on the aura of human dynasties for cultivation, and some sects require experiential training in the mundane world, like when Chu Xuan aided the couple Ayue and encountered Dragon Tiger Mountain’s [Celestial Master Tao].

Thus, in the Capital Region, it’s not difficult to encounter cultivators, and naturally, one can gather quite a bit of useful intelligence.

Chu Xuan figured the matter of the Grotto Heaven was about to settle down, taking Qingqing to the Capital City to see the lantern festival, and bought the latest intelligence about himself from "Wugen Ping" in passing.

He found the first half a bit alarming; it seemed he should hide away and focus on cultivation for a while.

But when he got to the latter part, he almost laughed with anger!

What "Heart-bewitching Evil Technique"? What "Peach Blossom Evil Eyes"? Isn’t this tarnishing my reputation?

Luckily, the intelligence finally mentioned that the Grotto Heaven was severely displeased with the rumors involving their elders, and was sending people to dispel the rumors and also searching for Bai Xiaosheng, who "fabricated the rumors."

Actually, he wasn’t the main culprit, but since the source of the rumor couldn’t be found for the time being, he, the author, had to take the blame.

Finally, according to the latest from Wugen Ping, Bai Xiaosheng was urgently drafting articles to dispel the rumors, emphasizing that the notion of having mastered a secret technique to bewilder people’s minds was merely rumor without evidence, urging not to spread falsehoods.

This time he’s truly afraid; if he were to be resented by such a giant entity as the Grotto Heaven, the consequences would be far more severe than being individually resented by Shangguan Haitang or Duanmu Qing in the past.

Qingqing, understanding why Chu Xuan was so angry, covered her mouth and laughed sneakily, "In my view, this is wonderful; I’d like to see which lady will dare approach you casually from now on."

Today, she donned a chest-length crossed-collar ruqun, with a white undershirt and a pink skirt over it, her waist was slender, yet her bosom was full and rounded, perfectly supported by the fitting ruqun, akin to ripe fruits on slender branches.

Her oval face was delicate and fair, her willow-leaf eyebrows curved elegantly, and beneath her almond-shaped eyes with long, slanted corners, her nose was graceful, and her lips were a moist red.

Her jet-black hair was styled into a drooping bun, with double rings and decorated with silver and emerald hair ornaments; one side’s ponytail was drawn to her right shoulder, this styling lent her a gentle and composed aura.

Chu Xuan knew Qingqing had dressed meticulously today; looking up at her again, he still felt his heart flutter, easing his anger considerably.

Qingqing blushed slightly, lowering her head and softly said, "Darling, don’t keep staring."

Both had disguised themselves today; Qingqing only made slight adjustments, while Chu Xuan transformed into a white-robed, fan-wielding nobleman, looking every bit a carefree scion of a wealthy family.

This disguise work was the old métier of the evil celestial; he did it with practiced ease.

It’s worth mentioning that the beauty’s head was now tucked in a white pouch, the one specially given by the little snow ermine earlier.

This way, if there truly were an emergency, she could independently rush out to protect her master, unlike last time in the Six Souls Banner, where she couldn’t come out without Chu Xuan’s permission.

At this moment, Chu Xuan smiled as he took Qingqing’s hand, strolling on the bustling streets with crowds around.

As evening fell, no matter whether they were from wealthy families or ordinary ones, lantern shelves were set up with colorful lanterns hung at the entrances.

Looking from street head to street tail, the lanterns piled layer upon layer, with vibrant and dazzling colors.

Some lanterns depicted characters from the Four Books or Thousand Family Poems; others had lantern riddles pasted on them, with people guessing around, gaining small prizes for correct answers.

A high platform was set up in front of the City God Temple with singers performing opera; by the river, lotus glass lanterns were lit and released downstream, making the river glow brightly, truly delightful.

Even places like government offices and temples had lamp posts and frames with "Celebrate Lantern Festival" or "Joy with the People" written on them.

Others were racing lion lanterns, some setting off fireworks, and the sound of gongs and laughter intertwined, with crowds gathered to watch performances.

The strolling songstresses, each as captivating as blooming peaches, sang tunes from "Plum Blossom Fall" that resonated everywhere.

Most couples in the city walked hand in hand to lively places to watch the lanterns.

Even those not wanting to squeeze with the crowd, carried small stools to sit by their doors, snacking on melon seeds and candied fruit while observing the passing laughing men and women.

Wine vendors sat at the street sides, some indulging in loud singing, surrounded by the sounds of silk string music, with dense lantern colors stretching from afar to near, their resplendent lights seemingly connected to the sky.

Chu Xuan and Qingqing mingled with the crowd, moving with the flow, relaxing to experience the human world aura.

Qingqing finally saw what Chu Xuan described as "Lanterns numbering thousands, like a river of stars pouring onto the human world," "No mountain without lanterns, no lantern without seats, no seat without people, no person without singing and music" looked like.

Her heart was filled with emotion, feeling that it was even more bustling than the scenes in her dreams.

At this time, Chu Xuan excitedly pulled Qingqing to guess lantern riddles.

An elderly scholar with a copper gong excitedly declared beneath the lanterns, "Whoever guesses right will gain a prize, be it the Four Treasures of the Study, a pot of fine wine, cakes, sugar figures, brocade silk flowers, rabbit lamps, fish lamps, pick at will."