Villain: After I died, all the heroines cried themselves to sleep.

Chapter 256 She's my wife!

"What kind of shoddy product is this sword? It's completely useless!"

Luo Zheng held the broken sword in his hand, cursing inwardly.

At this moment, he swam swiftly through the Han River, dodging the enormous monster chasing him from behind.

He had already confirmed that the monster was the so-called River God's true form.

It was a vicious dragon with a dark red body.

When the evil dragon, driven by the shaman, suddenly attacked the altar, Luo Zheng was actually prepared.

After all, it's not like he hasn't been assassinated before.

Even luring the evil dragon into making a move was part of his plan.

Shen Xie brought Zhang Mo to visit the River God, saying that the River God was a demon and that he wanted to lure him out and kill him.

Luo Zheng believed their story.

Because this world possesses mystical spiritual power, it is not surprising that demons and monsters appear.

The outdated customs mentioned by Sui Qin do not deny the existence of the River God, but rather deny the practice of sacrificing a living person to the River God by taking a wife.

Therefore, Luo Zheng's original plan was to imitate Ximen Bao's rule over Ye by throwing the shamans into the water to lure out the true form of the River God, and then have Zhang Mo kill him.

As a result, the shaman didn't fall for the trap and directly tore through the disguise to attack Luo Zheng.

But it doesn't matter, since the River God has appeared anyway.

The real surprise was...

Luo Zheng's sword broke, causing him to be swept into the Han River by a giant wave before he could react.

"If I hadn't kept a backup plan, I might have really fallen for the sorcerer's trick."

Luo Zheng felt the power of the water-repelling talisman in his arms.

He was on the third floor this time.

Those who follow Taoism in this world wield the power of following the natural way.

Luo Zheng also had some knowledge of making amulets.

As the villain, he cautiously instructed Zhang Mo in advance to create this water-repelling talisman.

Therefore, Luo Zheng activated the talisman the instant he fell into the water.

It allows them to move freely in the water.

"Awooooo!"

The rampaging evil dragon let out a chilling roar and chased closely behind Luo Zheng.

If they were on land, Luo Zheng might not be afraid of it.

Unfortunately, being in the water and without any suitable weapons, they could only rely on water-repelling talismans to deal with the situation.

Luo Zheng had to get rid of the evil dragon behind him before the water-avoiding talisman lost its effect.

Suddenly, he spotted a natural cave underwater.

Without the slightest hesitation, Luo Zheng immediately crawled inside.

The cave was pitch black.

After swimming for an unknown amount of time, Luo Zheng found himself in an air chamber.

The air chamber was about the size of a room, and its interior faintly glowed with a precious light.

Under the radiant light, Luo Zheng saw a human figure lying in the air chamber, holding a precious sword.

"Even villains can have miraculous encounters?"

Luo Zheng was surprised, thinking he had encountered some kind of immortal inheritance.

He was about to step closer to take a look.

Suddenly, the figure slowly sat up.

"Is...who's here?"

A soft, melodious girl's voice came from the air chamber, carrying a hint of weakness and timidity.

Luo Zheng really didn't expect there to be any living people here.

He continued to walk forward, and the girl immediately shrank back warily.

"Who...who are you?"

"I am just like you, a person in distress, being chased by a vicious dragon. In desperation, I took refuge here."

Luo Zheng shrugged and glanced at the sword in the girl's arms.

"So even a gentleman has encountered that evil dragon..."

Upon hearing this, the girl breathed a slight sigh of relief and temporarily lowered her guard.

She hesitated for a moment, but finally spoke.

"A wise man might as well stay here for now; that evil dragon seems to dare not approach this place."

"Then I shall respectfully comply."

Luo Zheng cupped his hands in greeting and sat down opposite the girl.

Of course, things are probably in complete chaos outside right now, so he can't really stay here and wait for rescue.

He was actually after the sword in the girl's arms.

They're practically saying, "This treasure is meant for me."

So Luo Zheng pretended to get close to the girl.

The poor girl was naive and innocent, and it wasn't long before Luo Zheng disarmed her, and she revealed her experiences.

"I am the daughter of the royal family of Chu. A few days ago, I was preparing to cross the Han River by boat to return to my country, but I encountered a vicious dragon stirring up storms and was unfortunately swept into the water. When I woke up, I found myself here."

"I see……"

Luo Zheng nodded solemnly.

He finally understood why Shen Xie had helped him slay the evil dragon.

What noblewoman? The girl before me is most likely the daughter of the Crown Prince of Chu.

Shen Xie stayed in Hanyang because the girl accidentally fell into the water, and he tried every means to kill the evil dragon and rescue the girl.

"May I ask how to address a lady?"

Luo Zheng casually asked a rude question.

The girl felt a little embarrassed and answered shyly in a low voice.

"A gentleman may call me... Ji Mi."

"Ji Mi?"

Luo Zheng's eyes widened.

Holy crap, she's my wife!

This is no joke.

In her predetermined fate, Princess Ji Mi of Chu was one of the ten beauties in the harem of King Zheng of Liang.

At that time, King Zheng of Liang swept across the north and was extremely arrogant. In order to befriend King Zheng of Liang, King Chu married Ji Mi, who was known as the most beautiful woman in Chu, to King Zheng of Liang.

At that time, Ji Mi already had someone she loved, but she had no choice but to submit to King Zheng of Liang. She often felt sorry for the world and lamented the misfortune of life.

According to Luo Zheng's analysis, Ji Mi's beloved was likely Xiang Yun, the chosen one.

This led to Xiang Yun's subsequent restoration of Chu and destruction of Liang.

So, a system mission was waiting for me here...

Luo Zheng's lips twitched slightly.

So, could the sword Ji Mi is holding be her dowry sword...?

Why is the gentleman somewhat surprised?

Ji Mi's shy voice pulled Luo Zheng back to reality.

"Nothing much, I just think the name 'Shunu' (淑女) is really pleasant to hear."

Luo Zheng casually brushed it off, then nonchalantly inquired about the sword in Ji Mi's arms.

Ji Mi was unaware of Luo Zheng's thoughts and made no attempt to hide them from him.

"This is not my sword. It suddenly appeared beside me when I woke up here."

"This divine sword possesses a spirit; it is likely this very sword that protected you, sir, preventing the evil dragon from approaching. Would you be so kind as to lend it to me for a look?"

Luo Zheng borrowed a sword from Ji Mi.

"This sword has never been owned; if you wish to see it, then take it."

Ji Mi handed the sword in her bosom to Luo Zheng.

Luo Zheng took the sword and slowly drew it out.

A wondrous light shone in the darkness, and two characters were faintly engraved on the sword's blade—

Tai'a.

"It really is the Tai'a Sword."

Luo Zheng thought to himself.

This was once a national treasure of the Chu Kingdom.

It was also part of Ji Mi's dowry when she married into the Liang family, and later became Liang King Zheng's personal sword.

Whether or not to get married can be discussed later, but he definitely wants the dowry sword.

"This is a divine weapon! The evil dragon dares not approach this place because it fears the divine power of this sword!"

Luo Zheng sincerely praised.

As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Ji Mi.

"Lady, do you wish to leave this place? With the help of this sword, we can repel the evil dragon and escape to safety."

"A gentleman may go as he pleases; he need not concern himself with me."

Ji Mi shook her head gently, her expression carrying an unconcealable sadness.

"I am not good at swimming, and I should have died if I had fallen into the water. I just happened to escape with my life."

"At first I thought I would die alone here in loneliness and desolation. It is my great fortune to have met a gentleman before I die. I only hope that you will not forget that I once met Ji Mi here."

"If you ever encounter people from Chu searching for Ji Mi, tell them that Ji Mi did not die, but has transformed into a free spirit bird, and will fly to her southern homeland in the spring..."

"..."

It is said that the people of Chu have always been filled with sorrow.

Was this guy always like this?

Luo Zheng listened to the girl's melancholic words, which rose and fell in tone.

Expressionless.

"I'm sorry."

He approached Ji Mi directly, untied his belt, slipped it around the girl's waist, and tied her tightly to himself.

"My lord, what is the reason for this?"

Ji Mi's flustered and shy voice came from behind.

"Of course, I'll take the lady with me when I leave."

Luo Zheng answered as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

There's no reasoning with a sentimental woman like that.

"But I'm not good at swimming, and I'd only be a burden to a gentleman..."

"If the lady does not cherish her own life, then I will. To me, the lady is an indispensable and important person, and I will save you no matter what. Therefore, the lady need not say more."

Luo Zheng resolutely blocked the railway.

This concerns system tasks and is therefore of paramount importance.

If anything were to happen to Ji Mi, the story would have to be put on hold.

"A gentleman..."

Upon hearing this, Ji Mi was unsure what to think.

It seemed that they sensed the seriousness and solemnity in Luo Zheng's words.

She leaned gently against Luo Zheng's back.

No further words were said.

……

Everything is ready.

Luo Zheng carried Ji Mi on his back and activated the water-repelling talisman in his arms to protect the two of them.

He then jumped into the water and quickly left the underwater cave.