Do as I say, understand

Li Siyi paced back and forth in the courtyard after finishing the diary, completely devoid of any desire to cultivate.

If it were any other time, she would have already immersed herself in cultivation.

Ever since the auction, Li Siyi had been tirelessly cultivating day and night.

Unlike someone who always lazed around, Li Siyi was not lacking in perseverance. She worked hard every single second.

But now, her heart was in turmoil.

What should she do? How could she resolve this?

Should she just stay indoors and avoid being kidnapped by Hong Guang?

No, if she didn’t follow the plot, Su Luo would definitely complain and blame her for everything.

She might as well follow the plot. It wasn’t like she cared about him; she just felt sorry for him when he saw the plot deviate and started whining.

She could follow the plot, but if it deviated slightly, it wouldn’t be her fault. For example, if Lin Xuan didn’t show up, that couldn’t be blamed on her, right?

Li Siyi thought it over and decided, alright, this was the plan.

Hmph, trying to cut ties with me? Not happening.

So she made some preparations and then went out, waiting for Hong Guang to arrive.

Without any surprises, Hong Guang spotted Li Siyi from the shadows and began to harbor ill intentions.

Hong Guang made his move, and Hong Guang was captured instead.

“So you’re Hong Guang, huh?” Li Siyi already had her sword pressed against his neck.

Hong Guang was stunned.

First, he was shocked that a young girl could be so fierce.

Second, he wondered, am I really that famous?

To be fair, it wasn’t entirely Hong Guang’s fault. Li Siyi’s cultivation level was much stronger than in the original plot, and she had the Third Elder secretly protecting her. Capturing Hong Guang was a foregone conclusion.

To prevent Hong Guang from using any demonic techniques, Li Siyi had the Third Elder cripple most of his cultivation and then fed him various poisons and sedatives to suppress him.

At this moment, Hong Guang’s inner thoughts could be summed up in one sentence: “Fellas, can you believe this? I’m a demonic cultivator, and even I’m not as ruthless as her.”

Finally, Li Siyi asked, “Do you want to live?”

Hong Guang felt like vomiting blood. What’s the difference between this and death? You might as well just kill me with that sword.

But his survival instincts made him nod obediently.

Because Li Siyi had given him a sliver of hope. Although most of his cultivation was crippled, his foundation wasn’t damaged. As long as he lived, he could eventually recover.

“Alright, I’ll only say this once. Do as I say, understand?”

“Yes, yes.”

To survive, Hong Guang was willing to do anything, no matter how difficult or humiliating.

But after hearing her instructions, Hong Guang’s expression turned puzzled, with a hint of bewilderment.

What kind of strange request was this?

Even the Third Elder was confused. He had thought Li Siyi had something important in mind, but it turned out to be this?

“Little Siyi, are you sure about this?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t understand. Didn’t you always dislike Su Luo?”

“People change, Third Elder. Do you trust me?”

“Of course I trust you. I just don’t trust that Su Luo kid...”

“Alright, just consider this my moment of whimsy.”

“Fine. You’re the future of our family. If you say so, I’ll support you.”

With the Third Elder’s cooperation, Li Siyi’s “disappearance” became much easier to arrange.

...

As expected, news of Li Siyi’s disappearance reached Su Luo.

Su Luo immediately sent members of the Su family to search for her, and he himself rushed out to look as well.

After searching for a while, Su Luo dispersed his companions and found a quiet place to rest.

He wasn’t in a hurry because he already knew where she was.

In the past, when he had to perfectly follow the plot, Su Luo would have to act anxious even in private, constantly searching for Li Siyi without a moment’s rest. It was exhausting.

Now, he just had to wait for the right time. Besides, if Li Siyi was in danger, the system would alert him, so there was no need to rush.

As the sun set, Su Luo quietly admired the view, feeling a slight improvement in his soul.

It was almost time.

Su Luo headed toward a cave.

At the entrance, he began his act.

Su Luo called out Li Siyi’s name repeatedly, rushing into the cave with apparent urgency.

“Siyi, where are you? Are you here? Answer me!”

Soon, he found Li Siyi. Beside her was Hong Guang, who was brewing a pot of pitch-black medicinal liquid in a large cauldron.

Finally, you’re here.

Hong Guang was on the verge of tears. He had been brewing the medicine from morning till night, and the liquid was almost gone. These were precious materials he had painstakingly collected, and now they were being wasted. It was heartbreaking.

There was no helping it. Li Siyi didn’t know when Su Luo would arrive, so she had Hong Guang prepare everything in advance.

In the original plot, Hong Guang had been injured by the Seven Stars Sword Sect when he captured Li Siyi, and it took him half a day to recover before he could start brewing the medicine.

This time, although his situation was worse, Li Siyi didn’t give him any rest.

What else could he do? To survive, he had to grit his teeth and endure.

Little did he know that this endurance would not only exhaust him physically and mentally but also drain his precious savings.

For a moment, he even considered killing Su Luo out of frustration. If he couldn’t kill the girl, he could at least take it out on this guy.

But he quickly dismissed the thought. In his current state, he wasn’t even sure if he could kill Su Luo. Besides, if the girl favored this guy, he couldn’t be that weak.

So, he prepared to play his part.

“Siyi, are you okay? Don’t be afraid, I’m here to save you.”

“It’s you, isn’t it? The one who kidnapped Siyi. I suggest you let us go and turn yourself in to the Li family.”

Su Luo first expressed concern for Li Siyi, then arrogantly addressed Hong Guang, completely disregarding him.

“You think I’ll listen to you? You’re not going anywhere either.”

Hong Guang sneered, though internally he was deeply frustrated.

He had initially thought the girl had some grand plan, but it turned out she just wanted him to act in a play where this guy would “save” her.

A beauty orchestrating a hero-saves-the-damsel scenario? How creative.

But realizing he was just a pawn in their little game, Hong Guang felt utterly exasperated.

“Fine, I’ll take you down and rescue my beloved Siyi.”

With that, Su Luo charged at Hong Guang, throwing a punch full of openings.

Hong Guang was puzzled. A bit weak, aren’t you, kid? You talk big, but this is all you’ve got?

If I were at full strength, killing you would be as easy as slaughtering a chicken.

But now, he couldn’t afford to hurt the guy.

So, Hong Guang didn’t put much effort into his counterattack.

After a few exchanges, Hong Guang started holding back, and eventually, he let himself be defeated.

This was what Li Siyi had asked for.

But with just one strike, Su Luo was sent flying, clutching his wounds and screaming in pain.

“It hurts! It hurts so much! Aaaaaah!”

Hong Guang: ......

What the hell? You’re this weak? I barely even touched you!

Su Luo struggled to stand but immediately collapsed again, his face filled with resentment. “I never thought I’d become your prisoner too.”

Hong Guang’s mind raced as he recalled Li Siyi’s instructions.

“Stage one: fight Su Luo and let him defeat you. If possible, end it at stage one. If Su Luo collapses instantly, don’t question it—just move to stage two.”

Hong Guang grabbed Su Luo’s leg and tossed him next to Li Siyi.

Su Luo ignored his pain and said to Li Siyi, “Siyi, don’t worry. I’ll free you.”

But no matter how much he struggled, Li Siyi remained bound.

Hong Guang clicked his tongue in mock admiration. “Buy one, get one free. Couldn’t ask for a better deal.”

“Let us go, or the Li and Su families will make you regret it.”

“Letting you go isn’t out of the question, but first, let’s play a little game. If you do as I say, I’ll release you immediately.”

“What game? No, you have to let us go.”

“No game? Seems like you don’t understand your situation.” Hong Guang pretended to move in to beat Su Luo.

Su Luo immediately caved. “Alright, I’ll play.”

Hong Guang was utterly speechless. Every time, this guy robbed him of the chance to show off. Weak and cowardly, yet he couldn’t do anything about it. How infuriating.

But the show had to go on.