Chapter 17: Group Cheating (Part 2)

Further communication and confirmation required; Mu Xueyan, completed.

Sure enough, Lin Fan was the partner Mu Xueyan had chosen, so he had to be brought along to raise his cultivation.

Holding Mu Xueyan in his arms, Lin Fan asked, "My dear wife, do you know where Xue Yao is right now? You know, back then, I also tricked Xue Yao using my identity as a fake Divine Lord."

"Xue Yao? She comes to practice swordplay with me from time to time, but most of the time, she stays at the Xuanyin Second Sect."

"Alright!"

Lin Fan gently patted Xue Yan's soft waist. "Yan Yan, let's go. Let's first ask Cuier what she thinks and see if she is willing to be my third wife."

Mu Xueyan said coquettishly, "How could she possibly refuse? You are the Canglan Palace Master, handsome and wealthy. No girl could reject you. Let's go and bring Cuier into the family."

In a corner of a valley within the Tianyin Palace of the Xuanyin Qin Sect, surrounded by towering ancient trees, quiet and deep, Cuier's courtyard was situated right here.

With a creak, the simple courtyard gate was slowly pushed open, making a soft sound.

Mu Xueyan held Lin Fan's arm as they stepped into the courtyard. She scanned the surroundings but saw no one.

She raised her voice and laughed, "Cuier, come out quickly! We've come to bring you into the family!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the door of the pavilion in the center of the courtyard cracked open, and Cuier's slightly sleepy figure emerged.

She rubbed her eyes, and upon seeing who it was, she immediately perked up, stepping aside slightly to bow. "Cuier greets the Palace Master and the Palace Master's wife."

Mu Xueyan teased with a light laugh, "You're about to become a Palace Master's wife yourself, so don't be so formal."

Cuier was stunned, clearly failing to react in time, her face filled with astonishment. "Me?!"

Lin Fan took over, his tone gentle yet firm. "Yes, Cuier. I have always kept you in my thoughts. I came back this time to ask for your heart—are you willing to become my third wife?"

Cuier lowered her head slightly, her expression solemn. After a moment of contemplation, she said softly, "Let's go inside first. It's windy outside; let's talk indoors."

Lin Fan and Mu Xueyan exchanged a smile and followed Cuier into the pavilion, their hearts filled with a bit more gravity and anticipation.

The pavilion's main hall was simple and clean. In the center sat a tea table woven from green bamboo, emitting a faint bamboo fragrance.

A few wooden chairs were neatly lined up against the wall. Though simple, the place exuded a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Only after Lin Fan and Mu Xueyan sat down did Cuier respectfully take a seat.

She gently poured green tea for them and slid the cups in front of them.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Cuier suddenly knelt on the ground, a solemn expression on her face. "Lord Palace Master, please forgive Cuier for not being able to comply. I only wish to have a simple husband who can revolve around me every day and live a simple life. I hope you can grant me this."

Lin Fan was taken aback and hurriedly stepped forward to help her up. "Stand up, let's talk properly, talk properly."

But Cuier shook her head and insisted, "No, please let Cuier finish speaking."

"Alright, go ahead."

Cuier's eyes grew red, but her expression remained firm. "For nearly ten years, Cuier has often thought of the days when I was young, stealing bird eggs and catching fish in the river with the Young Master. I have gradually come to realize that all I want is a simple life with someone who can always be by my side. Please do not force Cuier."

Lin Fan let out a long sigh, a complex emotion flashing through his eyes. "I understand, Cuier. Stand up. I won't force you."

Cuier stood up, her expression filled with relief and gratitude.

Lin Fan took one last look at her and gently patted her arm. "You will find that person who can always be with you. If you are ever bullied, come find me, and I will stand up for you."

"Mhm!" Cuier nodded vigorously, glistening tears welling up in her eyes.

Lin Fan turned to call out to Mu Xueyan, "Xue Yan, let's go."

Mu Xueyan was stunned for a moment until Lin Fan's voice snapped her back to reality. She caught up with Lin Fan, her heart filled with surprise and emotion.

After leaving the courtyard, Mu Xueyan couldn't help but look back at Cuier. "I didn't expect her to actually refuse such an opportunity."

Lin Fan sighed and said helplessly, "If she's unwilling, then so be it. We should think about how to explain to Xue Yao that I'm a fake Divine Lord."

Mu Xueyan waved her hand dismissively. "How else can you explain it? Just tell her directly."

Lin Fan was instantly stunned. "Tell her directly?"

Mu Xueyan smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry, Xue Yao is very easy to talk to. Besides, you didn't take advantage of her, and you even taught her such a powerful sword technique. It counts as a merit, not a fault."

Lin Fan was still feeling guilty, his voice dropping a bit. "But… I just captured her teacher too, and even sent her to work in the fields to experience the life of a peasant woman."

Mu Xueyan paused in her tracks, feeling her heart leap into her throat. "Who did you say?"

Lin Fan scratched his head. "Poetry Immortal Yu Xuanji."

"Poetry Immortal Yu Xuanji?" Mu Xueyan looked shocked. "It's over. I can't save you this time. You're on your own."

Lin Fan smiled bitterly. "Is it really that serious?"

"What do you think?" Mu Xueyan massaged her temples helplessly. "She is the mentor Xue Yao respects the most! You sent her to farm—Xue Yao is probably going to fight you to the death."

The two chatted as they walked, spanning several kilometers with each step. As they stepped lightly through the Void Realm, the world flew past. In the blink of an eye, they had arrived at Xue Yao's courtyard in the Xuanyin Second Sect.

Looking at the elegant little courtyard before him, Lin Fan began to plan how to open his mouth, while Mu Xueyan sighed softly, "I hope Xue Yao is easy to talk to, otherwise you are in deep trouble."

Lin Fan took a deep breath and raised his hand to knock on the courtyard gate.

"Master?"

A crisp voice came from inside the courtyard, accompanied by light footsteps.

The courtyard gate was pulled open. Xue Yao was wearing a light blue dress, her long hair falling smoothly, her cold temperament carrying a hint of softness.

Seeing Lin Fan and Mu Xueyan, Xue Yao revealed a faint smile. "What brings you two here?"

Lin Fan gave a dry laugh. "I have something I'd like to chat with you about."

Xue Yao tilted her head and stepped aside. "Then come on in."

The three sat down around the stone table in the courtyard. Xue Yao personally poured a few cups of tea, her gaze sweeping lightly over Lin Fan. "Master, surely you didn't come this time just to visit your disciple?"

Mu Xueyan secretly clicked her tongue, thinking that Xue Yao was indeed clever, seeing right through the situation at a single glance.

Lin Fan set down his teacup, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "Uh… actually, there's something I want to confess to you."

Xue Yao took a sip of tea and said calmly, "Go ahead, I'm listening."

Lin Fan cleared his throat. "When I told you before that I was the Divine Lord… it was actually a lie."

Xue Yao's teacup paused slightly in her hand, but she quickly regained her composure. "I see."

Lin Fan was somewhat surprised. "Are you not angry?"

Xue Yao smiled. "Master, the fact that you impersonated the Divine Lord for our sake was also a way of showing appreciation for talent.

Besides, Master helped me Master the Void Power, a fortune that even God Kings yearn for. I couldn't be more grateful.

What's more, Master bestowed upon me the Snow Spirit Frost Flower Art which surpasses the Heaven Rank, and even gave me such a wonderful Senior Sister. These past years, Senior Sister Xue Yan and I have often practiced swordplay together and have been very happy.

All of this was given by Master, so how could I blame you over the empty title of Divine Lord?"

Lin Fan instantly breathed a sigh of relief. "You are so easy to talk to."

Mu Xueyan couldn't help but chime in, "See, I told you Xue Yao is very easy to get along with."

However, Xue Yao changed the subject. "But…"

Lin Fan's heart leaped into his throat again. "But what?"

Xue Yao said slowly, "I heard that my Master, Poetry Immortal Yu Xuanji, was recently captured by someone to farm? And she's even experiencing the life of a peasant?"

Cold sweat broke out on Lin Fan's forehead, and he braced himself to reply, "Uh… well…"

Mu Xueyan shook her head and sighed, "It's over. Xue Yao, let's just pass judgment on him directly."

Xue Yao gave a soft laugh. "Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for Master. However, Poetry Immortal Yu Xuanji is the person I respect the most. Master must give me an explanation for this matter."

Lin Fan smiled bitterly. "Alright, I will definitely invite her back and apologize to her."

Xue Yao nodded calmly. "That's good then."

The atmosphere finally eased, and Lin Fan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Mu Xueyan couldn't help but tease, "It seems you're really lucky. Xue Yao is truly so understanding."

Lin Fan smiled helplessly. "What else? I still want to live for a few more years."