Chapter One Hundred and One: The Incident with Meng Qiyan
The next day, Shi Qingyan took her medicine and returned to her original form.
Sang Zhe couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful.
No longer could he enjoy the luxury of a petite and adorable daughter to spoil.
That day brought another piece of good news: Zhang Xiaoying returned from her family’s home.
She joyfully burst through the door, eager to enjoy some time with Sang Zhe after their long separation.
“Husband! Your servant has returned—”
And then, as soon as she opened the door,
Zhang Xiaoying locked eyes with Yu Xia, who was cleaning.
Her previously uplifted smile slowly turned cold.
“Your kindness is overflowing these days, isn’t it? Even bringing home stray cats and dogs.”
Such a strong attack!
Yu Xia was just there to cook and clean, after all…
After explaining the situation, Zhang Xiaoying still looked at Yu Xia with a hint of coldness and authority.
Yu Xia, on the other hand, was so nervous that she bowed her head deeply, not daring to utter a word.
“…Forget it.”
Long after, Zhang Xiaoying finally averted her gaze: “It’s just that I’ve been managing the household alone, and it’s been a bit much.”
“Having Aunt Yu help out isn’t such a bad thing after all.”
Upon hearing this, Sang Zhe immediately beamed and gave Zhang Xiaoying’s face a quick peck.
With such an understanding, gentle, and considerate wife, it surely must be a blessing earned over several lifetimes.
Yu Xia also let out a sigh of relief, lowering her head again: “Thank you, Lady.”
Seeing Yu Xia’s humble and respectful demeanor, Zhang Xiaoying could only quietly sigh.
Forget it.
She had long been mentally prepared for her husband’s choices.
…
That night’s little reunion ceremony was particularly intense and sweet.
After some affectionate moments, Sang Zhe finally managed to bring up Meng Qiyan’s situation with Zhang Xiaoying.
“Are you implying,” Zhang Xiaoying said slowly, “that those fairies who were corrupted by you are still watching closely for your return?”
Sang Zhe nodded pitifully.
“Meng Qiyan actually wanted to meet you, but I’m a bit worried about letting you two meet—”
“Sure!” To his surprise, Zhang Xiaoying accepted quickly and decisively.
This left Sang Zhe momentarily stunned.
“Since she wants to meet, what reason do I have to back down?”
“After all…” Zhang Xiaoying’s expression reverted to that initial cold and calm demeanor she had when they first met, “even if it’s about taking a concubine, doesn’t it have to be approved by the legitimate wife?”
She emphasized the words “legitimate wife” with fierce determination.
Sang Zhe couldn’t help but shiver a bit.
Oh no.
It felt like if these two women truly met, the suffering he’d endure would be monumental.
——
——
As the saying goes, blessings may not be misfortune, but misfortune cannot be avoided.
The next day, Sang Zhe anxiously brought Zhang Xiaoying to the Heavenly Punishment Department building, standing in front of the separate courtyard that belonged to Meng Qiyan’s team.
Taking a deep breath, Sang Zhe gathered his courage and knocked on the door.
To his surprise, the one who opened the door wasn’t Meng Qiyan.
It was another fairy he had corrupted.
Stepping into the courtyard, Sang Zhe noticed the girls inside were nervously looking at him and the Zhang Xiaoying behind him.
Many of them wore anxious expressions on their faces.
“What’s wrong? Where’s Meng Qiyan?”
“Sang Zhe-gege,” one fairy looked at him with a pitiful expression. “Sister Meng went out on a mission and hasn’t returned for two days.”
“We can’t even reach her on the communication device, and we’re all worried.”
Hearing this, Sang Zhe’s expression went from nervous to serious.
“Did she tell you what mission she was on?”
“Not sure, but it seems she was attempting to compete with the righteous sects for the training resources left by the Water Moon Sect…”
“I’ll go find the Sect Leader and Vice Sect Leader.” Sang Zhe turned to Zhang Xiaoying, “You stay here and take care of them.”
Zhang Xiaoying nodding understandingly.
“Don’t worry, husband, I’ll handle it here.”
Sang Zhe looked gratefully at Zhang Xiaoying.
He had complete trust in his wife.
…
Upon entering Tang Yubbing’s office.
As soon as he knocked and walked in, Sang Zhe realized the situation might be serious.
Not only were Tang Yubbing and Hua Jianglian there, but the heads of other departments and even Yan Rouwan had gathered.
Everyone seemed to be intensely debating something.
“Sang Zhe? What are you doing here?”
“May I ask, Sect Leader, is this meeting regarding Meng Qiyan from the Heavenly Punishment Department?” Sang Zhe inquired.
Tang Yubbing and Hua Jianglian exchanged looks, resigned: “We initially wanted to keep this from you.”
“Indeed, the Heavenly Punishment Department has encountered some troubles.”
“After Master Yu Xia was captured, the training resources left by the Water Moon Sect have been a target for several nearby sects.”
“In fact, we, the Demon Cultivators, had some intentions as well, but there hadn’t been much opportunity to share the spoils.”
“A few days ago, we heard news that the Floating Feather Palace and the Pond Fish Sect, the two closest sects to the Water Moon Sect, have already clashed over resource competition.”
“So Meng Qiyan took some of the Heavenly Punishment Department’s subordinates to see if they could take advantage of the chaos.”
Upon hearing this, Sang Zhe began to piece together what was happening.
“…Is this a trap?”
“Exactly.” Tang Yubbing rubbed her temples, looking a bit overwhelmed: “In reality, the Pond Fish Sect and Floating Feather Palace have likely reached a secret pact to first deal with us before splitting the Water Moon Sect’s assets.”
“The news being leaked was intentionally bait laid for us.”
“Sadly, although Meng Qiyan was cautious and sent a message to the company before acting, she still got trapped in the Water Moon Sect’s protective formation.”
Hua Jianglian scoffed, “Hmph, those righteous types just know how to use these petty tricks all day long. They never dare to face us directly.”
“You don’t need to worry, Sang Zhe. Since Meng Qiyan has joined our Demon Cult, she’s one of us.”
“Anyone who dares to threaten our people, I will personally go and rescue them,” she declared, patting her chest confidently.
Just as Tang Yubbing was about to speak with a frown, Sang Zhe quickly interrupted:
“Since they have Meng Qiyan trapped in a formation rather than capturing or killing her, it means they’re after more than just this little fish.”
“If the Sect Leader goes in person, it might just be falling into their trap.”
Tang Yubbing had the same thought.
However, she couldn’t convince Hua Jianglian, and when she heard Sang Zhe speak, she looked gratefully at him.
Hua Jianglian pouted, “So what should we do? This Sect Leader doesn’t want to leave her subordinates in danger.”
Of course, they couldn’t just stand by and watch.
Meng Qiyan had already been betrayed once.
Sang Zhe wouldn’t let her go through that pain and despair again.
But it was also true that Hua Jianglian couldn’t take action right now; the other side was probably already prepared, just waiting for her to fall into their net.
If they absolutely had to choose an unexpected person for this situation…
Just as the higher-ups of the Demon Cult were at an impasse, Sang Zhe’s voice suddenly resonated in the room:
“Um.”
“I actually have someone in mind.”
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