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World's First Traitor System (202)
🕑 Added 2024-06-06 17:00:08 +0000 UTCChapter 202 - A Play of Two Women
Outside the Rivers and Mountains Pavilion at the Fan residence, a sense of serenity hung in the air. Sage Ruler Han Yue had visited the Fan residence several times, but each visit had been unannounced, and this trip was no exception. She found herself drawn to the picturesque beauty of the pavilion, with its miniature mountains, tranquil waters, and meticulously crafted landscape.
After a leisurely stroll around the artificial lake, Han Yue's spirits soared. Only one thing marred her otherwise perfect mood—the absence of even a single osmanthus tree within the vast estate. She adored osmanthus trees with their fragrant blossoms. She often imagined herself practicing swordsmanship under the moonlight, with Fan Li watching, mesmerized by her grace and skill. The thought brought a mischievous smile to her lips.
"Once Fan Li is finished with his business, I must insist that he plants a few osmanthus trees." She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she failed to notice someone approaching.
"Planting trees in the Fan residence? Why should that be your decision?"
A woman's voice, cold and distant, laced with a hint of animosity, shattered Han Yue's reverie. Turning, she recognized the speaker—Lu Fubao.
"You?" Han Yue was baffled. She sensed Lu Fubao's hostility, but couldn't recall ever having offended her. However, aside from her elder sister, Supreme Sage Ruler Yao Guang, there were few individuals in the world who intimidated Han Yue. Lu Fubao, even with her evident hatred, posed no threat.
‘This is Fan Li's home,’ Han Yue thought to herself. ‘I mustn't cause him any trouble.’ It was an unexpected thought, one that surprised even Han Yue.
"You are the Imperial Noble Consort, aren't you?" she asked, a faint smile playing on her lips, choosing to ignore the other woman's icy demeanor. "Master Yan's funeral is over. Shouldn't you be returning to the palace? Staying here at the Fan residence could damage both your reputation and Fan Li's."
Her advice was sincere. As Xiang Chong's adoptive mother, Han Yue considered Lu Fubao, the former Emperor's consort, to be her junior. An elder shouldn't bicker with a younger, especially within Fan Li's home. It was imperative for her to maintain decorum and, above all, avoid embarrassing Fan Li.
"Silence!" Lu Fubao snapped, her patience wearing thin. Yan Yuan's burial had left her emotionally drained, and she lashed out without thinking. "What right do you have to speak about my senior brother's funeral?"
To Lu Fubao, the entire Brahma Sound Pure Land was an enemy, especially these aloof and arrogant Sage Rulers. Unbeknownst to her, Han Yue had been in seclusion during the ambush outside Mount Yunmeng and was completely unaware of the events that led to Yan Yuan's death.
Lu Fubao's unwarranted attack infuriated Han Yue, but she forced herself to remain calm. ‘Don't be angry. Don't cause trouble for Fan Li.’ she reminded herself.
Taking several deep breaths, she managed to suppress her rage. "I meant no ill will. I was merely offering advice. If the Imperial Noble Consort finds my words offensive, then please excuse me."
In the past, Han Yue, with her characteristic pride, wouldn't have tolerated such disrespect. Even she was surprised by her own restraint.
Their conversation had reached an impasse. Han Yue turned to leave, seeking solace in the beauty of the lake's opposite shore.
Just then, Fan Li emerged from the Rivers and Mountains Pavilion, bidding farewell to the three envoys.
"What's going on?" he asked, noticing the tension between Han Yue and Lu Fubao.
"Fan Li, I was merely taking a walk by the lake. I did nothing to provoke her," Han Yue said quickly, hoping to avoid any misunderstanding.
Fan Li ignored her, rushing to Lu Fubao's side. "Are you out of your mind?" he whispered urgently. "Why would you provoke someone like her?"
The memory of his near-death experience at Han Yue's hands was still vivid in his mind. He had just finished burying Yan Yuan; he didn't want to arrange another funeral, especially not for Lu Fubao.
"I…" Lu Fubao's heart sank. Her emotions, already fragile, crumbled at the sight of Fan Li. Her tears were threatening to spill over. She couldn't hold back any longer, throwing herself into Fan Li's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Fan Li, his thoughts pure and unclouded, gently patted her back, offering words of comfort. However, to Han Yue, witnessing this scene from afar, their embrace took on a different meaning entirely.
‘Those two? How dare he!’
She was suddenly reminded of Fan Li's reputation—a traitor. In a flash of anger, she rushed towards them, pulling them apart.
"You can't do this!" she said sharply.
Fan Li, caught off guard, stumbled backward, landing on the ground.
"You!" Lu Fubao cried out, consumed by grief and anger. Sage Ruler Yao Guang had already humiliated her earlier at the mourning hall. Now, another Sage Ruler from the Pure Land was manhandling Fan Li?
Ignoring the vast disparity in their cultivation levels, Lu Fubao lashed out. With a wave of her hand, she conjured a formation.
"Nine Heavens Shocking Thunder Array!" she shouted.
In an instant, a bolt of lightning descended from the sky, targeting Han Yue’s head. It was Lu Fubao's second strongest attack formation. Although not as powerful as the Eight Hells of Heat, it could be deployed quickly and took effect instantly.
The roar of thunder echoed through the air, followed by a blinding flash of light. Dust and debris were obscuring the scene. A pungent smell of ozone lingered.
"Audacious!" Han Yue's voice, cold and furious, cut through the haze. Her voice was steady and powerful, suggesting she was unharmed.
"Be careful!" Fan Li shouted, finally regaining his composure.
Without hesitation, he stepped in front of Lu Fubao, shielding her with his body. He had no fear of death. He was merely a clone; his original body remained safe.
The dust settled, revealing four ethereal swords, their tips hovering inches from Fan Li's forehead, throat, heart, and dantian.
Fan Li broke out in a cold sweat. He had dared to shield Lu Fubao because he knew this was merely a clone. But the power of the Four Swords of Zhu Xian – Immortal Execution, was immense. Even if his clone perished, the residual energy could easily tear Lu Fubao apart.
He couldn't block those swords. But the four swords remained suspended in mid-air and Fan Li remained unharmed. Their master had restrained them.
Han Yue stared at Fan Li with disappointment and contempt.
The man and the woman locked gazes, a silent confrontation stretching for what seemed like an eternity.
"Fan Li, there are countless women in the world, yet you choose to lower yourself like this? I am deeply disappointed in you."
With a flick of her wrist, she dispelled the Four Swords. She turned and walked away towards the imperial palace.
The crisis had passed without injury, but a sense of unease lingered.
Fan Li let out a wry chuckle. What a mess!
"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" Lu Fubao inquired.
She had regained her composure, realizing her outburst had nearly cost Fan Li his life. She was filled with regret.
Her concern was palpable as she examined Fan Li from head to toe, searching for any sign of injury.
"I'm fine," he assured her. "Not a scratch." He was physically unharmed, but the experience had shaken him to his core.
"I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I lost control."
During their time at the Azure Cloud Sect, a bond had formed between them. She couldn't help herself. She embraced Fan Li tightly.
He stood there for a moment, stunned, assuming she was still shaken from the encounter. He didn't realize that Han Yue, hidden behind a thick camphor tree on the opposite shore of the lake, had returned, silently watching their embrace…
