Chapter 395: Chapter 395

Once I appear, I’ll be like a fish in a jar, with no escape.

Wen Zhixing didn’t mind and sniffed the air. Apart from the smell of fried fruit snacks, a faint aroma of wine also hung in the air.

Instead of heading directly to the Lu Mansion, he followed the scent through the bustling crowd to the front of a tavern.

Before even entering, the melodious sound of a zither reached his ears.

Wen Zhixing stepped inside.

The tavern had two floors. The ground floor was a large hall with a stage built in the center. On the stage, several brightly dressed young girls were dancing gracefully, accompanied by musicians. The second floor had what they called private rooms. This place didn’t feel like a tavern but rather like Baihua Tower, the kind where they performed arts but didn’t sell themselves.

Wen Zhixing chose not to go to the second floor but randomly found a spot to sit on the ground floor.

The ground floor was bustling. It had been a long time since he experienced this feeling. This worldly sensation, being amidst it all, made him feel oddly comfortable.

After ordering a few small dishes, Wen Zhixing contentedly enjoyed the scene before him.

Of course, this was just on the surface—behind the scenes, he had already contacted Shao Zhengze. Shao Zhengze likely had the easiest access to Lu Shangxing.

The next moment, inside the Lu Immortal Mansion, Shao Zhengze, who was cross-legged on the ground meditating to heal his injuries, suddenly had a golden light flash on his brow.

A phantom figure slowly appeared before him and Feng Ruoli.

"Greetings, Sir." Feng Ruoli and Shao Zhengze immediately rose to pay their respects.

"No need for formalities." Wen Zhixing gestured with his hand as if to help them up, his gaze sweeping over them.

Feng Ruoli looked the same as ever; there was no significant change in her. Shao Zhengze’s injuries, however, seemed much improved. At least the severed tendons in his hands and feet were definitely no longer an issue. As for other internal injuries, judging from his pale face, it was clear he still needed more time to recuperate.

"Sir, have you already arrived?" Feng Ruoli asked, sensing the distance between them, a hint of pleasant surprise in her voice.

Wen Zhixing’s arrival significantly boosted her sense of security. Even though Wen Zhixing’s strength wasn’t particularly impressive, she just felt that everything was settled and all would be well.

"Mhm." Wen Zhixing nodded, his eyes carrying a reassuring look.

As more time passed since her enslavement, Feng Ruoli’s emotional reliance on him only deepened.

"Shao Zhengze, are you confident you can kill Lu Shangxing?" Suddenly, Wen Zhixing turned his gaze to Shao Zhengze.

"Ah, Sir... you want me to kill Lu Shangxing?" Shao Zhengze, standing nearby, flinched at his words, his body shuddering violently.

No, Sir, you’re overestimating me far too much. If it were before, I might have had a chance, but in my current state, how could I possibly kill Lu Shangxing? Most importantly, isn’t he essentially sending me to my death? Even if I did succeed, would there be any way out for me? Sir, be reasonable!

Feng Ruoli was also startled upon hearing this. She too felt the task was exceedingly difficult.

"What, you’re not confident?" Wen Zhixing frowned.

Shao Zhengze was speechless. What do you think? Is this something I can actually do?

"Shao Zhengze, believe in yourself. You can do it," Wen Zhixing encouraged.

Shao Zhengze’s face immediately flushed crimson as he stammered, "Sir, I... I really can’t..." Follow current novᴇls on novel⸺fire.net

"Don’t worry, I’ll assist you," Wen Zhixing said indifferently.

"Sir, are you serious?" Shao Zhengze’s eyes widened, finally realizing this wasn’t a joke. He had thought Wen Zhixing’s earlier words were just said in passing, but now it seemed he genuinely meant it.

"Of course, I’m serious." Wen Zhixing nodded, stating plainly, "You just need to get close to Lu Shangxing. I will use a technique to immobilize his divine soul. Then, you can strike and end his life."

Upon hearing this, Shao Zhengze couldn’t help but swallow hard. He was terrified. No way. He’s actually entrusting such an important task to me?

"Shao Zhengze, I believe in you. You can do it!" Wen Zhixing looked at Shao Zhengze with a grave expression, as if to say, "I am entrusting you with a heavy responsibility; everything depends on you."

Shao Zhengze was his servant, and Wen Zhixing could very well force him to agree. Shao Zhengze couldn’t possibly refuse. However, doing so might cause Shao Zhengze to expose himself out of fear or some other emotion. What he wanted was a foolproof plan. As long as Shao Zhengze performed his part well, the operation would proceed much more smoothly.

"I... I... I... I can do it!" Trembling under Wen Zhixing’s gaze, Shao Zhengze finally steeled his resolve and agreed.

These members of the Lu and Qin Families, they all looked down on him from the bottom of their hearts. He felt they considered him merely a minor character, always the one to take the blame. If that was the case, then he would show them that he, Shao Zhengze, was not someone to be underestimated!

"Don’t worry about what comes after. I will handle the aftermath for you," Wen Zhixing said, nodding in satisfaction.

He had originally wanted to enslave Lu Shangxing, but on reflection, he realized it wouldn’t work. Lu Shangxing’s status was too high; enslaving him would undoubtedly expose his own hand. That would be troublesome. So, he decided to go all the way and simply kill him. Then he would use the Fortune Divine Devil Skill to take his place. Neither the Qin Family nor the Lu Family would ever suspect he was right under their noses.

"When I send the signal, make your move..."

Having arranged these matters, Wen Zhixing had intended to leave immediately. But out of the corner of his eye, he caught Feng Ruoli watching him silently.

After a moment’s thought, Wen Zhixing said, "Feng Ruoli, just stay here and rest easy. Once this matter is resolved, I will take you away."

Feng Ruoli’s face immediately lit up with a smile. Her adoring eyes seemed to glisten as if brimming with moisture as she parted her soft lips slightly. "Yes, thank you, Sir."

Her voice was soft and tender, warming Wen Zhixing’s heart.

Wen Zhixing’s figure paused for a moment before slowly disappearing.

"It’s about time to head to the Lu Immortal Mansion." In the tavern, Wen Zhixing drained his bowl of wine, preparing to enact his plan.

The next moment, he shook his head with a smile. Looks like I forgot there are still two Fortunes to unlock, and I haven’t collected today’s Fortune Fragment either. He had almost forgotten these daily tasks. Because of the Inborn Divine Ability, I haven’t collected Fortune Fragments for two days. I definitely can’t forget today.

Huh, the Fortune Fragments on that person... Wen Zhixing’s gaze shifted toward a patron in the tavern.

Above this person’s head, an abundance of golden and Purple Fortune Fragments shone, complementing each other. A single glance told him this individual was of no ordinary status.

Yet, the moment Wen Zhixing’s gaze rested on this person, their eyes met his.

「At that moment, inside the Lu Immortal Mansion.」

Outside Feng Ruoli’s small courtyard, the array method that had been sealed shut finally deactivated. With several rumbles, the scene inside was revealed.

Moonlight shone down. Inside the house, windows and doors were wide open, and the candlelight was bright. The figures of Feng Ruoli and Shao Zhengze were clearly visible to those outside.

The maids waiting outside the courtyard finally heaved a collective sigh of relief. It had been more than two days. The wait was so long they had begun to worry something might have gone wrong. Some had even wanted to forcibly open the array method, but Shao Zhengze, from inside, had stopped them.

Just then, Shao Zhengze stepped out of the house. He faltered on the stairs, his steps unsteady, his face terrifyingly pale. In stark contrast, Feng Ruoli appeared to be glowing with health.

"Tsk... No holding back, huh..."

Some exchanged glances and secretly clicked their tongues.

Two days had passed, and Shao Zhengze looked half-dead. Their gazes involuntarily drifted to Feng Ruoli; this woman certainly had her ways. She had managed this much without any cultivation; what more if she had it?

What they didn’t realize was that Shao Zhengze had not yet recovered from his injuries. It was nothing like what they were imagining.

Seeing Shao Zhengze leave, people finally entered the house. Noticing that Feng Ruoli’s cultivation was still sealed, they retreated, reassured.

Shao Zhengze, feigning nonchalance, hummed a tune as he walked away.

In the deserted, dark shadows, Shao Zhengze’s face turned terribly grim. "Lu Shangxing, Lu Shangxing," he muttered, "don’t blame me. I have no choice either." Every man for himself; the heavens strike down those who do not fend for their own. Even if his relationship with Lu Shangxing had been good before, this time, he had to sacrifice Lu Shangxing to save himself.