Roaring Dragon-Chapter 119: He’s Here

Outside the window, the silver moon hung like frost.

Lin Wanyi was dressed up beautifully, sitting primly at the round table, calculating the accounts with brush in hand. A small lamp glowed on the table, beside it a food box kept her prepared dinner warm—just in case Xie Jinhuan showed up late.

Nearby, there was a thick stack of silver notes. Some were from her personal savings, some entrusted to her by Xie Jinhuan, and others drawn from her family funds.

With nothing to do at home earlier that day, she had considered going out to buy a few new outfits. But around noon, her senior Bu suddenly came over asking to borrow a large sum of money for some “big job.” When she asked for details, he only gave her a mysterious grin and asked for thirty thousand taels, promising a ten-percent return.

Such an enormous sum—Lin Wanyi naturally wanted to refuse. But Missing Moon Manor hadn’t just taught her cultivation; when her father had been gravely ill, they’d also given her a rare life-saving herb.

With the Manor Master’s kindness weighing on her, she couldn’t outright reject them, so she decided to discuss it with her man first before deciding.

After all, Xie Jinhuan was very capable. If something went wrong, maybe he could help get her silver back...

So this is what Mom meant by having a man you can rely on...

No wonder she always told me to marry someone competent.

But relying on a man obviously came with risks—he’d shamelessly cuddled up with her to sleep yesterday. If he tried something again today...

If Zisu doesn’t come soon, this auntie’s afraid she’s gonna...

Knock knock~

Just as her thoughts were spiraling, someone knocked at the door.

Startled, Lin Wanyi quickly stashed her account book, tidied her dress slightly, and composed herself into a proper, dignified posture before going to the door.

“You’re finally here? Why bother knocking—mmph!”

Before she could finish, the white-robed scoundrel outside pulled her into his arms like they were newlyweds reuniting after a long separation. He kissed her hard, then tightened his grip around her waist and lifted her off the ground, carrying her into the room.

?!

Lin Wanyi had kissed him before, but not like this. Taken completely off guard, her mind went blank. By the time she realized what was happening, she was already being laid onto the embroidered bed.

Thump—

You lecher! What do you think you’re doing?!

As he pinned her down, Lin Wanyi kicked her legs helplessly, then tried biting his tongue in panic. But the bastard on top reacted quickly—he pulled away and covered her mouth.

“Shh—someone’s following me.”

“?”

Lin Wanyi froze, then quickly frowned.

“If someone’s tailing you, then just slice them up! Why the hell are you kissing me?!”

Xie Jinhuan wasn’t even sure if that “cool sword girl” was still tracking him, but just in case, he’d resorted to this tactic... though he couldn’t deny it was partially on purpose.

Holding down the bespectacled beauty, he said earnestly:

“I’m not sure if she’s still outside. Let’s act out a scene. I’ll listen for movement, you just pretend a little...”

??

Pretend? This is just you taking advantage of me!

Pinned beneath him, Lin Wanyi’s face flushed bright red as she twisted and struggled, but she couldn’t escape. After a few moments of resistance, she gave up, shut her eyes tight, and resolved to neither fight nor cooperate—ostrich mode.

But with a man and woman like this, pressed together lip to lip, it was impossible to keep the heart calm...

As his tongue gently parted her lips, Lin Wanyi felt her heart nearly leap out of her chest. In just a few moments, her hands were resting lightly on his shoulders, her breath unsteady:

“Haa~...”

Xie Jinhuan quietly had his ghost wife monitor the surroundings.

Half a quarter of an hour passed. No one approached.

Looks like that sword fairy had backed off...

Xie Jinhuan was about to pull away, but Lin Wanyi, flushed and shy, seemed to be enjoying herself. Stopping now would seem rude...

“Haa~...”

By the time Lin Wanyi regained her senses, her mind was a blur. She quickly opened her eyes and began shoving at him, flustered:

“You... don’t overdo it! Is she gone or not?!”

Xie Jinhuan turned toward the door, his expression serious:

“Still not sure.”

“You—”

Lin Wanyi wasn’t some naive little maiden. Her gaze sharpened:

“Move your hand first!”

“Oh... sorry...”

Xie Jinhuan chuckled softly, got up, and checked the door:

“Okay, we’re clear. She’s gone.”

“You are... unbelievable!”

Still burning with embarrassment, Lin Wanyi quickly sat up and adjusted her clothes. She wanted to scold him, but was afraid of provoking more teasing. Instead, she hugged her chest and turned away with a huff:

“Hmph...”

Xie Jinhuan didn’t push further. He walked to the table and opened the food box.

“You brought me food again? I’ll dig in now. Still have things to do afterward.”

Lin Wanyi was still catching her breath. When she heard that, her expression turned puzzled:

“Where are you going?”

“Found a lead on the Dark God Cult. Need to check it out.”

“?”

She inhaled softly. She’d wanted to say “I waited for you all day...”, but that didn’t feel right, so she changed it up, her words a mix of annoyance and concern:

“You’re just the Princess’s bodyguard. Why push yourself this hard? Even righteous heroes need rest...”

Xie Jinhuan did want to slack off. But his father had been ruined by the Dark God Cult—those bastards had to die.

“Don’t worry. I’m efficient. I’ll be back soon to keep you company.”

Lin Wanyi pursed her lips. Watching him eat her carefully prepared food like nothing had happened made her want to get mad—but she didn’t know how.

After a short silence, she walked over and said:

“No dinner for you tomorrow. Kindness gets taken for weakness...”

Xie Jinhuan smiled with crescent-shaped eyes and gently apologized:

“I really was being tailed. Won’t happen again. Here—have some pickled radish.”

“What do you take me for?”

“My sweetheart, of course. C’mon, open up—ah~”

?!

Lin Wanyi was so embarrassed she wanted to vanish into the floor. She turned away, dodging left and right, but eventually gave in to his coaxing and reluctantly opened her mouth—only to blush like a ripe apple.

...

The warm lamplight illuminated the steaming dishes on the table.

A man and woman sat side by side. The man ate heartily, the woman sat gently at his side. Though they weren’t overly affectionate, she poured him drinks from time to time. The scene looked just like a husband returning home from a long day, doted on by his shy new bride.

At first, Lin Wanyi was a nervous wreck. But seeing Xie Jinhuan eat seriously—and aside from teasing her, not laying another hand—she gradually calmed down. While pouring another cup, she said softly:

“Xie Jinhuan, I... I want to discuss something with you.”

He paused mid-bite, glancing at the soft, curvy glasses girl beside him:

“Thinking of getting engaged?”

“Pah! Who said I’d marry you?!”

She shot him a glare, then frowned:

“It’s serious. My sect contacted me today asking for silver. Promised ten percent interest. But it’s a big amount, and I can’t decide...”

?

Xie Jinhuan thought here we go again. At least she wasn’t asking him to fork it over first, or this could’ve been a real trap.

“Hmm... Just give it to them. If Missing Moon Manor dares scam you, I’ll raze their ancestral hall—ow! Why hit me?”

Lin Wanyi slapped his shoulder lightly: “That’s my sect! You can’t just raze their ancestral hall! If the money’s lost, just help me get it back.”

“Deal.”

With his assurance, Lin Wanyi felt much more at ease. She poured him another drink...

...

A quarter hour later.

Xie Jinhuan stepped out of the bedroom. Lin Wanyi stood at the door, seeing him off.

“Be careful. I’ll keep the door open. Come back early.”

“Don’t worry. I’m very efficient at killing people.”

He waved casually. After she went inside, he leapt up and scanned the nearby buildings:

“That tall beauty’s not still tailing me, is she?”

Ye Hongshang, perched with her parasol, scanned the area:

“She’s not around.”

Satisfied, Xie Jinhuan vanished into the night—heading straight for Ye Shiyong’s residence...

Outer City, Ye Shiyong’s Residence

Though Baron Ye Shiyong held noble rank, he lived frugally. He had purchased only one home in the Watergate Street district near the outer city wall.

Past midnight, the white-haired Ye Shiyong carried a food box through the corridor, then leapt into the well in the rear courtyard. He pressed a hand against the stone wall, and with a glimmer of light, a hidden stone door slid open, revealing a stairwell descending into darkness.

Rustle... murmur...

Faint voices echoed from below:

“See? I told you—Li Gongpu was no match for that freak Xie Jinhuan. Took the bait, lost his whole estate...”

“Zhou Ming’an may have been killed by Xie Jinhuan, but the looting—that probably wasn’t him...”

“Hard to say. Honestly, I was surprised Li Gongpu survived the night. But he was clearly setting a trap... probably won’t last past tonight...”

...

Carrying the food box, Ye Shiyong descended into the underground chamber.

The place reeked of medicine. Two beds were pushed together, dice and trashy novels scattered about.

He Can had recovered enough to sit, resting one hand on his knee as he dramatically spun tales. Incense Master Zhang Chu still had bandages wrapped around his waist. Bored while recuperating, he was trying to predict Xie Jinhuan’s next move.

Seeing Ye Shiyong enter, He Can immediately straightened up:

“Elder Ye, what’s Xie Jinhuan been up to today?”

Zhang Chu turned as well, curious.

Ye Shiyong set down the food «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» box and didn’t disappoint:

“Just today at the Linde Hall, Xie Jinhuan performed a lethal Nuo melody—shocking the court and smacking the Northern Zhou envoys right in the face. The emperor rewarded him handsomely. At this rate, he’s unstoppable.”

Zhang Chu had heard many reports lately and now felt like an idiot for trying to assassinate such a freak in the Golden Tower. He frowned:

“Strong martial arts and peerless tracking, fine. But music too? Nuo melodies... aren’t those sacred arts of the Wuist sects?”

He Can slapped his forehead:

“Right! Before the incident at the Peony Pool, my master said Xie Jinhuan’s lover might be from Missing Moon Manor. His origins are murky, but his abilities are godlike. What if he was trained by Grandmaster Sikong to re-enter the Central Plains?”

Ye Shiyong sat down: “Already checked. Not one of Sikong’s disciples. To know so many arts... likely from the Hidden Immortal sect. This kid’s too unpredictable. Best course is to avoid alarming him and let him and Li Gongpu kill each other.”

He Can shook his head: “That guy’s cursed. I bet ten taels Li Gongpu dies tonight.”

Ye Shiyong frowned: “With how much favor Xie got from the emperor today, Li Gongpu might panic and act first. Who kills who isn’t certain.”

“Then I’ll bet against you—see who dies first...”

Zhang Chu waved it off and changed the subject:

“How’s the Blood Demon Pill plan coming along?”

Ye Shiyong ignored He Can and thought for a moment:

“So far, smooth. The Third Lord is overseeing it personally. We’ve created several diversions—should be foolproof. Once you recover, go lend a hand.”

He Can opened the food box, then peeked over:

“Want me to help too? Even failure teaches you something. If I’m to rely on the cult later, I need a chance to earn merit.”

Ye Shiyong shook his head:

“You’re not one of the Dark God Cult. You’re Taishu Dan’s disciple. People say ‘like master, like student’...”

He Can said seriously: “I’ve been dragged down by his reputation. Fine—then from now on, I sever ties with Taishu Dan. Vengeance can wait till the next life.”

“That’s exactly the kind of thing Taishu Dan would say. Looks like you’ve learned well.”

“Hey—?!”

...

As the three chatted, Ye Shiyong eventually packed up and left the chamber.

Seeing no hope with Ye Shiyong, He Can turned to his bedridden comrade:

“Chief Zhang, we’ve shared a bed for days. You should know my character by now...”

Zhang Chu nodded: “When you walk the righteous path, you’re cowardly. Walk the crooked path, and you’re hesitant. Walk the demonic path, and you still think you’re human—but everything you do is evil.”

“Hey—?!”

He Can opened his mouth, trying to respond—

BOOM—

Bricks and stones exploded from above!

The underground chamber fell silent.

Zhang Chu snatched up the blade beside his bed, looking up:

“We’ve been exposed?!”

He Can frowned: “Unlikely. Maybe it’s just Xie Jinhuan coming to kill us.”

“How would he even find this place?!”

“I was wondering the same about the corpse pit and gambling ship. Where’s the back exit?”

“...Huh?”