The Arch-Enemy Must Not Become a Wife

Other people were killed by Chu Xuan without hesitation, but he was hesitant with Haitang’s granduncle, who had attended the wedding at the Dao Palace; he held back from delivering a fatal blow, causing the beautiful head to misalign a bit from the attack direction, or else the opposing party wouldn’t just lose half of their body.

Gu Haitang heard his words, tears fell uncontrollably once again, she nodded repeatedly, choking out: "Thank you, I know what they did to you justified any revenge, but still thank you for sparing them for me."

Chu Xuan reached out to wipe away the tears from her face, his voice gentle: "Don’t cry, you’ve shed too many tears for me already; and thank you is unnecessary, between us, saying thanks feels like we’re strangers."

Moved, Gu Haitang hugged Chu Xuan, fearing he was merely a dream. She struggled to hold back her tears and said: "What happened next?"

So Chu Xuan told her about Qingqing’s heart for heart exchange, and Haitang, hearing about his severe injuries, felt quite distressed. Knowing they reconciled because of this made her feel a mix of emotions.

Then he went on to talk about switching cultivation techniques, his current plan, and even his future plans.

"At least for now, the conflict between the Shangguan family and me is irreconcilable; I don’t want you to feel caught in the middle, so before the final outcome is determined, don’t go back for now."

Gu Haitang learned that Chu Xuan decided to reclaim the "Celestial Evil Demon Venerable" identity, which made her worry a bit, "Is it really okay to take action at such a grand event?"

"You know, there are senior cultivators from the three righteous sects here. Although last time they supported you, it’s different this time, you being a genuine demon, they won’t just stand by."

Chu Xuan shook his head, "I have my own judgments."

Haitang hesitated a bit, "I certainly won’t go back to the Shangguan side, but over the years, with my mother’s help, I’ve secretly established contact with the ’opposition’ within the family."

"As I’ve said, not everyone unconditionally supports the old generation."

"Some are parents, some are Dao companions, or children, all buried at Shangguan Yu’s hands; how can they not harbor hate? It’s just that openly they dare not hate."

"Actually, upon learning of your appearance, they felt delighted, believing the family’s curse might finally end."

"However, the opposition isn’t entirely united; some believe the family’s power should be focused on seizing that treasure from you so no one will have to sacrifice again."

"Another part hopes Shangguan Yu dies, for such a cannibal demon to continue lording over them, year after year – how could they stand it?"

"They’ve even considered ’colluding with the enemy,’ but lack the channel, afraid of being discovered by Shangguan Yu."

"Anyway, they represent a force; I think we should strive to win them over."

Chu Xuan was less optimistic, "But as you said, they ’dare not hate,’ at most they might just feign compliance when Shangguan Yu issues orders, but what can they do beyond that?"

"Not to mention intelligence," Gu Haitang seriously added: "If they receive any top secret information, they’ll notify me at first, and I’ll immediately pass it to you."

Chu Xuan chuckled, "Do you think Shangguan Yu knows about the existence of this ’opposition’?"

Gu Haitang hesitated for a moment, but nodded.

"Since he knows, do you really think he’d let them get any useful information? Not killing them would be Shangguan Yu being merciful."

"But, but..." Gu Haitang wanted to argue a bit more.

Chu Xuan waved his hand, "I’m not opposing you, just advising you not to put too much hope in them and be cautious about Shangguan Yu possibly exploiting them."

"To me, the key point is still Shangguan Yu himself; as long as he’s eliminated, all problems can be easily resolved."

"Failing that, no matter what the ’opposition’ does behind the scenes, at most it will only hinder the family’s efficiency."

Gu Haitang nodded, "Even if it’s just to hinder the family, making them face difficulties everywhere is good; remember, there are people within the Shangguan family who stand on your side."

She didn’t wish for Chu Xuan to show mercy, because once conflict arises, such considerations are difficult to maintain; hopefully, both sides will suffer fewer casualties.

Chu Xuan nodded, "Alright, let’s stop discussing these serious topics. It’s rare to meet again after so many years, and time is limited."

He looked down at Haitang, his eyes filled with some tenderness, "Back in the Ruo Wood Secret Realm, you asked if I would be as heartless as Du Shaoling, who refused to write poetry for Haitang."

"I said: Of course not."

"But later, I was so cruel to you; did you ever hate me?"

Gu Haitang held his hand, placing it against her face, her eyes filled with hopeful brilliance, "I don’t hate, truly. I’ve hated Qingqing and myself but never you."

Chu Xuan felt guiltier, "Haitang, I know you love me deeply, even humbly. It’s only through many experiences that I’ve reached today’s realization."

"Haitang, I’m sorry for so much; loving someone may require mutual compromise, but not to be as humble as dust."

Gu Haitang nodded with a smile, "I understand, but I don’t regret falling in love with you."

"Hmm," Chu Xuan kissed her forehead, "When all is settled, let’s have a grand wedding, alright?"

Gu Haitang’s eyes couldn’t help but redden again, feeling this happiness came too quickly, too unexpectedly, she choked out: "Really?"

"Really, this time I’ll definitely marry you, no one can stop me."

Chu Xuan laughed lightly, lowering his head to kiss Haitang’s soft lips, receiving her passionate response.

Ji Mingyu, watching this scene, felt more sadness than anger, wondering when he would be shown such gentleness too...

After a long while, their lips parted, and Gu Haitang, her cheeks flushed, looked at Chu Xuan with deep affection, "Do you remember? Back in the secret realm, you casually picked a blooming Haitang flower and pinned it in my hair."

"You said, ’The beauty of Haitang lies both in its elegant posture and its graceful spirit.’ I still remember that."

"After returning from that time, I used my Daoist techniques to let that Haitang flower take root and grow into a new Haitang tree."

"In this way, when the old tree grows old and the new one reborn, with blossoms blooming and fading, it feels like your affection is always by my side."

"I’ve planted that tree inside the Purple Heaven Jade Mansion, right next to my cave dwelling. Whenever I miss you, I just gaze at it longingly; when can you accompany me to see it?"

Chu Xuan’s nose tingled upon hearing these words, tears filled his eyes as he deeply inhaled, holding back the tears, earnestly replying:

"I will, I’ll accompany you there someday, but please forgive me, as there are many things binding me now..."

Gu Haitang smilingly cupped his face, "Alright, alright, I’m not demanding you go back with me now, just remember there’s such a matter."

Then, shifting the topic, she suddenly asked: "Tell me about Qingqing. After your reconciliation, has she always been by your side? Did you guys do all that ought and ought not to be done?"

Just moments ago, deeply touched, Chu Xuan was now a bit awkward, "This, this..."

Seeing this scoundrel hesitating, Gu Haitang felt a surge of jealousy and anger, "Fine, I’m not talking to you anymore!"

She turned away angrily, cursing in her heart at Duanmu Qing for being a traitor! Where was the promised mutual support? Did you just go ahead and steal my man first??

Chu Xuan hurriedly embraced her from behind, soothingly saying: "Haitang, listen to me. I wanted to wait for the future too, but Qingqing wouldn’t allow it..."