Misty Rain of the Old Times

Her expression froze, a tear still clinging to the corner of her eye. Guo Qingxue's mind went blank for a moment, and she almost couldn't process what was happening. After a while, she stamped her foot and said with a troubled expression, "Brother Chen, how could you do this?"

I told myself I would listen to him, but listening to him means going home. What should I do?
"Just a simple, rebellious, and somewhat willful little girl. You think you can be controlled?" Chen Xuan spread his hands and said, "What else do you want? Do you intend to stay and live with me?"

Just a moment ago she was crying in distress, but now, upon hearing this, her pretty face flushed red, and she lowered her head slightly, saying shyly, "If Brother Chen agrees, then...it's not impossible. I'd be more than willing, and I'll definitely take good care of Brother Chen."

I just said it casually, and you actually took it seriously?
Chen Xuan was dumbfounded and speechless for a moment, then said, "Do you know what this means?"

"I know, it means I'm with Brother Chen," she said happily, her face full of longing and anticipation.

She's being incredibly naive and hasty. Even someone in the martial arts world wouldn't so easily entrust their future to someone they've only met a few times, even with the premise of a seven-year search.

And have you considered your parents' feelings? They raised you with so much hardship, and you haven't even enjoyed a few days of family happiness. In the end, your precious little cabbage ran off with a pig. What kind of logic is that?

Amused by her, Chen Xuan walked closer to the pavilion, casually sat down, crossed his legs, and looked her up and down. The girl's heart fluttered, and she felt uneasy and a little scared, thinking that Chen Xuan was going to touch her inappropriately. She suppressed the urge to run away.

Although she is naive, she is an adult after all and knows what she should know. However, when the time came, she was somewhat at a loss.

Chen Xuan didn't do anything, but instead laughed and said, "Putting everything else aside, aren't you worried about being beaten to death by your parents?"

"No, my father and mother love me so much. They've never hit me or even spoken harshly to me since I was little. They always let me do whatever I want," Guo Qingxue blurted out.

With a twitch at the corner of his mouth, Chen Xuan thought to himself that the current head of the Cold Mountain Sword Sect and his wife were probably doting fathers. However, he also understood that their indulgence of Guo Qingxue was only in small matters. When it came to matters of lifelong importance, what parent would let their child have their way?
Before Chen Xuan could say anything, Guo Qingxue smiled brightly, her face streaked with tears, and said, "Besides, if Father and Mother knew that Brother Chen and I were together, they wouldn't just scold me, they'd probably be overjoyed."

Of course! With Chen Xuan taking the initiative to admit at the Tai Xuan Sect that he was Yang Guo from back then, the speed at which news spread in the martial arts world was unimaginable. Eight years ago, he was able to kill Liu Zhenwei, who was even stronger than the previous generation of the Cold Mountain Sword Sect, with a single sword strike from a distance. Now, eight years later, he is a true grandmaster. With all the information gathered, it is now obvious who was responsible for the events that happened in the capital last year.

It's impossible for the current Guo family head and his wife not to know these things. Once they find out that their daughter has followed Chen Xuan, even as a concubine, they'll probably be laughing in their sleep. It's an incredibly auspicious thing, and they won't blame her. They'll probably even give their daughter a lot of instructions to serve her well.

Perhaps people in the martial arts world care about their reputation, especially those from prestigious sects. It would be incredibly shameful for a daughter to become a concubine. But it depends on who she becomes a concubine for. If it's Chen Xuan, who would dare to gossip? They would be too busy envying him to even think about it. It's a blessing that you can't ask for. Not only is it not shameful, but with the backing of a young master like Chen Xuan, the Cold Mountain Sword Sect could rise to a higher level in a short time and it wouldn't be impossible for it to rival the Wuxiang Temple and the Taixuan Sect.

Guo Qingxue's words sent a flood of thoughts through Chen Xuan's mind, leaving him speechless. Despite his usual laziness and indifference, he was well aware of what his age and strength represented.

"So Brother Chen, you have to keep your word," she said. She was initially a little afraid that Chen Xuan would touch her, but now she couldn't wait to confirm it and even subconsciously took a step towards Chen Xuan.

Raising his hand in a gesture to stop, Chen Xuan looked at her in astonishment and said, "Wait a minute, what do you mean by keeping your word? Did I promise you anything?"

"Brother Chen, you can't do this. I'm not a child anymore. How can you go back on your word? I said I wouldn't marry anyone but you, and you even asked my parents for their opinion. Doesn't that count as a promise?" Guo Qingxue said, looking aggrieved.

Chen Xuan was immediately baffled. How did the logic in your little head connect?
Forget it, once a rebellious girl has made up her mind about something, nothing can change it. Besides, trying to reason with a girl is just making things harder for yourself, and if the people around her go against her, they might go to extremes.

Since threatening her with her parents wasn't working, Chen Xuan decided to try a different tactic. He looked her up and down, a malicious glint in his eyes, and asked, "You really want to stay?"

"Of course, I've been searching for Brother Chen for so many years, and I've finally found you. I never want to be separated from you again," she said earnestly. But Chen Xuan's eyes and expression at that moment made her nervous and scared, but not disgusted. She felt more shy and at a loss.

She had at least some experience in the martial arts world, and even if she wasn't very experienced, she had seen all sorts of people. Normally, if other men showed her that kind of expression, she would probably have stabbed them through the heart with a sword long ago. But she couldn't get angry at Chen Xuan, whom she had been longing for.

Then Chen Xuan nodded, still with that mischievous look, and continued, "Although I've said it before, I still want to ask you again: do you know that I will be marrying Princess Fuyao soon?"

Guo Qingxue was of course aware of this news. Chen Xuan's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over her head, making her much more sober. Her eyes darkened, and she nodded stubbornly, saying, "I know. Brother Chen will marry Princess Fuyao on the third day of the third month. The news has already spread far and wide. At that time, Princess Fuyao will become Brother Chen's wife."

As she spoke, she felt heartbroken and distressed. The Brother Chen she had been searching for for so many years had actually married someone else. Why not her? What did she have that was better than her... Well, it seemed there was really nothing to compare.

Nodding, Chen Xuan continued, "Since you know that, why are you still willing to follow me? Aren't people supposed to be selfish?"

"Of course I'm willing. Of course I also hope that Brother Chen only likes me, but I know that's impossible. Men are supposed to have three wives and four concubines. Even my father had several confidantes besides my mother. How much more so for someone as outstanding as Brother Chen?" she said, but her heart ached terribly.

Chen Xuan is a normal person, and it's inevitable that he fantasizes about having multiple wives and concubines. Moreover, he was born in this era, where everyone takes it for granted. He hasn't taken that step yet, and he still feels a bit conflicted. To put it bluntly, he's being sentimental; he wants it, but he's also a little hesitant to let go.

He continued with a wicked grin, "Since you know all this, you should understand what it means to be with me, right?"

Actually, Guo Qingxue hadn't thought that much about it before coming. Now that she'd calmed down a bit, her mind was a little confused, but she wasn't stupid; she understood everything. With a mix of sadness and grievance, she nodded truthfully, "I know. Now that I'm with Brother Chen, I'm yours. I'm a concubine, and I don't dare covet the position of the principal wife. I only ask for Brother Chen's affection. If my sisters bully me in the future, I don't dare ask for favoritism, but please don't let me suffer too much. I don't care about anything else."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan thought to herself, "Since you understand everything, why are you so stubborn? What are you thinking at such a young age? You're so beautiful, and there aren't many people more outstanding than you in every way. Why are you so fixated on me? Besides, we've only met a few times. Are all the men in the world dead?"

Yu Guang couldn't help but glance again at the peach tree swaying gently in the setting sun and breeze. Finding no reasoning effective, Chen Xuan decisively grinned mischievously, revealing a slightly embarrassed expression, and threatened, "Since you already know, why not seize the day? If you want to stay and live with me, then come to my room to serve me in bed later. My bed is quite large and soft." "Huh?"

When Chen Xuan suddenly said that, Guo Qingxue was completely stunned. Her mind went blank, and she subconsciously took a few steps back, as if Chen Xuan was some terrifying prehistoric beast that was about to devour her.

Leaning back like a lord, Chen Xuan still sizing her up with a lewd expression, his eyes seeming to see right through her clothes. He chuckled, "What? Serving you in bed? Don't you understand? You wanted to be with me, right? This is what you wanted. Don't worry, you're so beautiful, I definitely won't hold back."

Guo Qingxue, her mind blank, trembled upon hearing this, took two steps back, and waved her hands nervously and fearfully, saying, "This...this...how can this be? I just want to be with Brother Chen. It's too fast. I'm not ready yet. We need to spend at least some time together..."

This was so sudden that the young girl was completely taken aback. She had only just found Chen Xuan today, and she had never considered offering herself to him directly. Otherwise, what would she be considered? She wasn't that kind of person.

Besides, she is the daughter of the head of a prestigious sect. Even if it is dishonorable for her to be someone's concubine, there should at least be a sense of ceremony. I don't need a grand wedding, but there should be some witnesses from relatives and friends.

Where is there a Chen Xuan like this? He only expressed his feelings for her for less than two hours, and he can't wait to have her body. Moreover, judging from his tone, she will definitely suffer a lot!

Seeing that she was genuinely frightened and not faking it, Chen Xuan decisively stood up, his expression filled with lust, and approached her step by step, saying matter-of-factly and impatiently, "Aren't concubines just there to please me? It's a matter of mutual consent, and this is my house. If you want to become my woman, of course you have to let me do whatever I want with you. If you please me, I might give you some kindness in the future. Otherwise, you can expect to be neglected by me. Don't worry, no matter how much noise we make, no one will hear us. Come on, come inside with me—no, right here, my little lady, your husband is here."

As he spoke, Chen Xuan not only made a gesture to put his arm around her waist, but also reached out towards her chest, clearly intending to take off her clothes.

"No, you can't! How could you do this to me in broad daylight, especially in public? You have guests here! Brother Chen, I beg you, please give me some time, okay? I'll do whatever you say from now on," Guo Qingxue said, backing away step by step, her voice choked with fear. She clutched her chest tightly with both hands, her heart aching terribly.

Seeing this, Chen Xuan became even more unscrupulous, grinning and saying lewdly, "Anyway, you'll be mine sooner or later, so what's wrong with pleasing me now? Little lady, don't resist, the more you resist, the more excited I get, haha, I'll take you as my concubine today, and we'll perform the most virtuous ceremony right here. Come on, please me, I'll definitely torment you and make you remember it for the rest of your life. Take off your clothes yourself or should I help you? Haha, I'll do it, tearing your clothes to shreds like peeling a shell will definitely be a wonderful thing. Come on, be good, let me see what kind of beautiful figure is hidden under your clothes..."

It was just to scare her. Chen Xuan's heart was as calm as still water. This posture was aimed at what she or the girl cared about most. He was very careful. Otherwise, if he used sweet words, it might backfire and she might actually give in. He couldn't really do it, could he?
"How could this happen? How could you do this? Brother Chen, why are you such a person? You can't treat me like this!" Guo Qingxue said sadly as she retreated step by step, her voice choked with sobs, tears streaming down her face, her eyes blank and bitter, clearly her worldview had collapsed.

This girl may be naive, but she's definitely not stupid. To prevent her from realizing her mistake and making things worse, Chen Xuan continued, "You've only met me a few times. You'll get to know what kind of person I am later. Be a good girl and don't resist. Or perhaps you like things more intense, young lady? Heh, just what I want. Here I come! Scream! The louder the better, the better!"

As he provoked her with his words, Chen Xuan directly reached out and touched her collar, pulling it aside to reveal a glimpse of a pinkish-white undergarment.

"You... how could you treat me like this? What do you take me for? Brother Chen, I... I'll never talk to you again!" Guo Qingxue said, her voice choked with sobs, her expression sorrowful. She glanced at him with bitter disappointment, then turned and used her lightness skill to fly away quickly. In two leaps, she was already on the treetops more than ten feet away, tears falling one by one.

Upon seeing this, Chen Xuan cursed inwardly, thinking, "I've done all this, and you just say you're ignoring me? If we weren't sisters, shouldn't you be utterly disappointed and cut all ties with me forever?"

With a thought flashing through his mind, Chen Xuan played his part perfectly, laughing loudly, "Little lady, where do you think you're going? You've stirred up my anger and think you can just walk away? Not so easy. You can't escape from me. You like playing this game, huh? I'll play along. Haha, so this is the kind of thing you like."

As they were talking, Chen Xuan appeared in front of Guo Qingxue like a ghost, and she almost bumped into his arms.

At this moment, Chen Xuan stood on the treetop, pulled open his collar and pretended to hug her, which frightened Guo Qingxue so much that she quickly dodged away. However, after she leaped several feet, Chen Xuan reappeared in front of her.

Already feeling distressed, and unable to escape it even once or twice, Guo Qingxue thought that Brother Chen really didn't want to let her go. If he took her body like this, would he still care about her in the future? But she was powerless to resist him.

With mixed feelings, she had a sudden inspiration and shouted, "Brother Chen, stop chasing me! Little Sister Zhou Xiaomiao has fallen into the water! Go save her!"

"Little lady, don't try to fool me..." Chen Xuan said this, but pretended to have been tricked and stopped to look for Zhou Xiaomiao.

Zhou Xiaomiao was naturally fine. By the time he turned around, Guo Qingxue had already appeared a hundred feet away in a few leaps, which was already the rooftop of the bustling city.

Seeing this, Chen Xuan said with annoyance, "They actually lied to me. It's not a good time to make a move in the downtown area. I, your master, still cherish my reputation. You've really disappointed me. What a spoilsport!"

Guo Qingxue had already run far away, but she vaguely heard Chen Xuan's words. Her heart was filled with bitterness. She had failed to make Brother Chen happy, and he must hate her to death. How could she ever see him again? But she couldn't just give herself to him in broad daylight.

The panicked girl was momentarily lost and confused.

Only after her figure disappeared did Chen Xuan withdraw his gaze, straighten his clothes slightly, and regain his composure. He thought to himself, "I've finally scared her away. She probably won't come looking for me again, right? I'm in this state. No girl could accept it unless she's out of her mind."

Hopefully, this won't cause her psychological trauma.

'My acting skills are pretty good, right? Was I a little too much?' Chen Xuan thought to himself. Afterwards, he couldn't help but feel a chill. He had really gone all out to scare the girl away.

Of course, while scaring Guo Qingxue, Chen Xuan had secretly sent a telepathic message to Du Juan, asking her to send Zhou Xiaomiao and her brother away, wondering what they would think if they saw him like that.
Although he scared Guo Qingxue away, it's easy to imagine how lost and upset she must have felt after leaving like that. It's easy for something to go wrong if they're not careful, so Chen Xuan plans to have Du Juan keep a close eye on her until she calms down… (End of Chapter)