Ye Zhiqiu, You Damn Bastard

"Is that Cao Jinxiu? She doesn't look all that special."

"Wasn’t she the one who broke off the engagement with Ye Zhiqiu? I wonder if she regrets it now."

"Tsk, tsk. She lost Ye Zhiqiu but gained Lu Yun. Hard to say if it was worth it—Ye Zhiqiu’s potential is limitless. He might not even be inferior to Senior Brother Lu Yun."

"From what I gather, the Sect Leader and the elders seem eager to recruit Ye Zhiqiu. If he joins the Qingyun Sect, I wonder if I’ll have a chance with him."

"Ye Zhiqiu is really handsome, no less than Senior Brother Lu Yun."

"Ah, how enviable Cao Jinxiu is—betrothed to Ye Zhiqiu, now marrying Senior Brother Lu Yun. How did she get so lucky?"

Throughout the Qingyun Sect, whether among the guests or the disciples, everyone was talking about Ye Zhiqiu.

These words inevitably reached the ears of Cao Jinxiu and Lu Yun.

Though Lu Yun was displeased, he didn’t act on it—Lu Mengran’s strict upbringing had left its mark.

But Cao Jinxiu was different. The moment she returned to her room, she was nearly consumed by fury.

"Ye Zhiqiu, you deserve to die!"

"Why did you have to rise to prominence? Why did you have to come to the Qingyun Sect?"

"You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? Just to humiliate me?"

"If you won’t let me live in peace, I won’t let you live either."

Her eyes burned with hatred—for Ye Zhiqiu, and even resentment toward Lu Yun for his inaction.

As the Young Sect Leader, he couldn’t even handle something like this? What a useless fool!

"No, I can’t just sit back and wait. If Ye Zhiqiu is accepted into the Qingyun Sect, he’ll surely become a core disciple, maybe even receive special training."

"Given the talent he’s shown, even Lu Yun’s position as Young Sect Leader might be at risk."

"No. I can’t let him succeed."

Her resentment hardened into cold, murderous intent. Ye Zhiqiu… had to die.

Late at night, when no one was around, Cao Jinxiu slipped out of her room.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Uncle Tu."

Uncle Tu opened the door, surprised to see Cao Jinxiu standing outside at such an hour. "Young Mistress, what brings you here so late? Is something wrong?"

"Let’s talk inside."

"Very well."

Once inside, Cao Jinxiu fixed him with a grave expression. "Uncle Tu, you’ve protected me since I was a child. Today, I need your help with something. You must agree."

"What’s troubling you, Young Mistress?"

"My duty is to ensure your safety. What’s happened?"

"Could it be… Ye Zhiqiu?"

Uncle Tu was no fool. The murderous aura around Cao Jinxiu made it obvious—someone had provoked her beyond reason. And in the Qingyun Sect right now, only one person could evoke such a reaction.

"You want me to kill Ye Zhiqiu?"

"Do you realize the consequences?"

"Sect Leader Lu Mengran might never approve your marriage to Lu Yun."

"Young Mistress, think carefully."

Uncle Tu was far more level-headed. Killing someone within the Qingyun Sect? The repercussions would be severe.

Moreover, if Ye Zhiqiu died, Lu Mengran’s opinion of Cao Jinxiu would plummet. How could he ever allow such a woman to marry his son?

This plan would backfire spectacularly.

"Uncle Tu, I know what you’re worried about. And yes, if Ye Zhiqiu dies, everyone will suspect me."

"That’s why success depends entirely on you."

"Uncle Tu… for my sake, I’m afraid you’ll have to bear the burden."

At these words, Uncle Tu stiffened—then understood.

Cao Jinxiu wasn’t just asking him to kill Ye Zhiqiu. She wanted him to take the blame entirely. That way, she could feign ignorance, play the grieving victim, and even "righteously" condemn him to clear her name.

It was a flawless plan—except for the fact that it required sacrificing the man who had guarded her since childhood.

"Uncle Tu, I know you love me most. You won’t refuse me, will you?"

Tears welled in her eyes as she gazed at him pitifully.

Uncle Tu sighed deeply.

"Fine."

"Enough."

"This old man’s life was saved by your grandfather. Consider this repayment to the Cao family."

"Young Mistress, don’t worry. After killing Ye Zhiqiu, I’ll take full responsibility. No one will ever know you were involved."

"I only hope that in the future, you’ll live a peaceful, happy life."

"Even if it costs me my life, it’ll be worth it."

Seeing her scheme succeed, Cao Jinxiu exhaled in relief—though she masked it beneath a veil of sorrow. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched Uncle Tu’s hands.

"Uncle Tu, I’ve wronged you!"

"If there were any other way, I’d never ask this of you."

"But you know… in the Qingyun Sect, you’re the only one I can trust."

"I—"

With that, she dropped to her knees before him.

Uncle Tu was stunned.

No matter what, Cao Jinxiu was the Cao family’s Young Mistress, and he was merely a servant. How could he accept such a gesture?

"Young Mistress, no! This is unacceptable!"

"Please, rise at once!"

He hurriedly helped her up, watching her tear-streaked face with a heavy heart.

Memories of Cao Jinxiu growing up flashed through his mind. In the end, he could only sigh.

He had raised her. He knew exactly what kind of person she was.

Yet he still agreed—not just out of gratitude, but because he had always treated her as his own.

Even if she asked for his life, he would give it willingly.

"Young Mistress, be careful when you leave. Don’t let anyone see you."

"Leave the rest to this old servant."

"You… take care."

With that, Uncle Tu left the room and headed straight for Xiaoyun Peak.

As she watched him disappear into the night, Cao Jinxiu wiped away her tears, a faint smile curling her lips.

"Ye Zhiqiu, how dare you challenge me?"

"Who do you think you are?"

"Such a pity. Uncle Tu was so loyal. Well, I’ll just have to ask the family to send someone else."

She sighed regretfully before slipping back to her room under cover of darkness, as if nothing had happened.

Uncle Tu moved like a shadow, concealing his presence as he arrived at Xiaoyun Peak.

Earlier, Cao Jinxiu had learned where Ye Zhiqiu was staying and relayed the information to him. Now, he flew silently toward the wooden cabin where Ye Zhiqiu resided.

Before reaching the wooden cabin, Uncle Tu pushed open the door and charged inside. Without a word, he struck Ye Zhiqiu, who lay on the wooden bed, with a single palm strike!

Bang!

The blow landed squarely on the other’s chest. Uncle Tu’s face lit up with triumph—only to freeze in the next instant.

Something was wrong.

He had definitely hit his target, so why…

“I’ve been waiting for you for ages.”

“Having fun?”