Chapter 56: The Mask and the Schemes

Shui Jingxuan had captured Yi Fengxing and poured a bottle of mind-altering hallucinogenic drug down his throat.

When he woke again, he had already forgotten his identity as a disciple of the Qingcheng Sect, believing himself to be a true member of the heterodox faction.

Under the escort of several demon cult followers, he was sent ahead to the clan to trial-produce gunpowder.

Not long after they left, the pleasure boat gradually sailed into the town’s river channel. On both sides, rows of houses and taverns began to appear, and from time to time, the clamor of voices drifted from the shore.

Seeing this, Ji Wushuang took his beloved disciple back into the cabin. He took a paper-thin human skin mask from a brocade box, soaked it in a special potion, and prepared to put it on again.

He did not intend to reveal his true face until they returned to the demon cult.

Shui Jingxuan watched him press the mask bit by bit onto his forehead, smoothing it downward until it fit seamlessly, leaving no trace.

He sighed, “I never knew you had this skill, Master.” If he had, he would never have been fooled by that fake skin.

Ji Wushuang laughed. “I learned this technique years ago after capturing a Han spy. But at that time, my body was special, and I never left the cult unless necessary, let alone roamed the martial world. So I never used it.”

Shui Jingxuan nodded in understanding. His master had indeed been a hardcore homebody back then. Seeing that Ji Wushuang had now put on a different face, Shui Jingxuan became interested.

He walked over, leaned in to examine his face closely, occasionally rubbing and picking at it with his fingers, searching for flaws.

His disciple’s smooth fingertips roamed over his face, the warm, fragrant breath brushing against his eyelashes. It felt numb and tingling, an unbearable itch.

Ji Wushuang’s heart and lower abdomen burned. He reached out and pulled his disciple into an embrace, settling him on his lap. Bending down, he forcefully sucked on his thin lips.

Shui Jingxuan’s eyes held a smile as he passionately responded to his inexperienced kiss. They shifted angles, their tongues desperately entwining, deepening the kiss as if they wanted to devour each other. The room echoed with the sound of their kissing.

When the kiss ended, Ji Wushuang pulled back slightly, still holding his disciple’s lips, and whispered, “Kissing you with this face, does it feel strange?”

“You are you, just a mask. It makes no difference to me,” Shui Jingxuan chuckled lowly.

“That’s good.” Ji Wushuang sighed in relief, smiled contentedly, and continued to hold his disciple.

***

By now, the boat had long since docked. The servant sent to find the manor lord heard the heated commotion in the room and did not dare to disturb.

He retreated to stand guard and dutifully intercepted Jin Haofeng, who had come aboard seeking an audience.

Jin Haofeng had been unable to locate Ji Wushuang for the past two days, feeling uneasy and suspicious.

On top of that, the trusted men he had sent were all wiped out by the demon palace, not even touching a strand of Chen Yuanyuan’s hair. He had no choice but to swallow his pride and seek Ji Wushuang’s help again.

Jin Haofeng waited for a full hour. When the sounds inside finally subsided, he glanced at the servant, signaling him to announce his presence.

Both men were masters; even in the midst of intimacy, they had not let down their guard. They had long sensed the arrival of the servant and Jin Haofeng.

Hearing the announcement, Ji Wushuang continued to clean up the mess below his disciple, unmoved.

When his disciple gave the word, Ji Wushuang naturally agreed to see the visitor. He smoothed out his wrinkled robes, sat down beside his disciple, wrapped an arm around his waist, and said coldly, “Come in.”

Jin Haofeng pushed open the door and entered the room. The thick, musky scent hit him, and he raised an eyebrow. Seeing the handsome man nestled in Ji Wushuang’s arms, his eyes flickered.

He thought scornfully: So this is why Ji Wushuang was so impatient, he’s got his beloved into bed, carrying on this shameful business in broad daylight. Wasn’t this gentleman in red so proud before? In the end, he can’t resist the lure of power.

Though contempt filled his heart, Jin Haofeng showed nothing. He respectfully bowed to Ji Wushuang and treated Shui Jingxuan with courtesy, appearing quite deferential.

Shui Jingxuan didn’t need to guess to know what Jin Haofeng was thinking. In his eyes, the man was already dead, not worth paying attention to.

He didn’t even spare him a glance, just slightly closed his eyes and reached for a teacup to moisten his throat, which was parched after their activities.

Ji Wushuang also ignored Jin Haofeng, not even inviting him to sit. He let him stand there with lowered eyes. But when he turned to look at his disciple, his face was full of tenderness.

He took the teapot and cup, poured tea for his disciple, and carefully handed it to him, reminding him warmly, “Slowly, it’s hot.”

Do you still think I’m that little Axi from years ago? Shui Jingxuan was amused by his attentive care, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

He hummed softly and took a slow sip. The hot tea soothed his dry throat. He squinted, looking thoroughly satisfied, which made Ji Wushuang smile and stroke his back affectionately.

Jin Haofeng had never seen this side of Ji Wushuang, a man usually so decisive, ruthless, and cold, now so gentle and submissive. If it weren’t for the oppressive aura still radiating from him, he might have …

Only after settling his disciple did Ji Wushuang turn his face to look at Jin Haofeng, who stood frozen in place. He asked coldly, “What are you here for?”

Suppressing his resentment, Jin Haofeng cupped his hands and said, “I’ve come on official business, Manor Lord. Could you…”

Hearing this, Shui Jingxuan turned and cast him a sidelong glance. He merely curled his lips slightly and sat unmoving, showing no intention of leaving.

Ji Wushuang patted his shoulder reassuringly, then fixed his gaze on Jin Haofeng, his eyes sinister. “Speak openly. Shui’er is my man; there’s nothing he can’t hear.”

“Shui’er?” Shui Jingxuan nearly choked on his tea, then couldn’t help but smirk, his mouth twitching at the corners.

Ji Wushuang cast a glance at his rarely flustered disciple, his eyes full of amusement. When he looked back at the still-hesitant Jin Haofeng, his expression instantly turned icy.

“State your business and get out!” His tone was impatient, giving Jin Haofeng no face at all.

Jin Haofeng gritted his teeth, barely suppressing the murderous intent rising within him. Choosing his words carefully, he spoke obliquely, “I came to ask for your help, Manor Lord. Only you can accomplish this task.”

“Hmph! You sent people, and they all died, didn’t they?” Ji Wushuang sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. He had a very low opinion of Jin Haofeng’s abilities.

His disciple had taken the crumbling demon cult and built it up, its strength now rivaling many century-old martial arts families.

At the same age, Jin Haofeng had turned the vast Tingtao Manor into a mess and had recklessly entangled himself with rebels. The two were worlds apart.

Thinking this, Ji Wushuang looked at his disciple with pride.

His disdain was obvious. How could Jin Haofeng not hear it? But thinking of his grand plans, he had no choice but to endure. He nodded. “I am incompetent. Please, Manor Lord, extend your aid.”

“Whether I help or not depends on my mood. You can leave now.” Ji Wushuang neither agreed nor refused, leaving Jin Haofeng’s face purple with frustration. Then he dismissed him unceremoniously.

Jin Haofeng wanted to plead further, but seeing Ji Wushuang’s impatience and the chilling, eerie aura around him, he knew it would be useless to continue.

At worst, Ji Wushuang might attack him in displeasure. So he swallowed his anger, lowered his head to hide the killing intent in his eyes, and withdrew from the room.

Once he was far away, Shui Jingxuan set down his teacup and said leisurely, “He wants to kill you.”

“Heh, what a coincidence. I want to kill him too,” Ji Wushuang said, playing with a lock of his disciple’s hair, his voice concealing boundless murder.

Shui Jingxuan’s eyes sparkled with interest.

“Tingtao Manor has six divisions, covering scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Isn’t that just like the Six Ministries of the imperial court?

Running the manor like this, entangled with the Zheng family in Taiwan and the Heaven and Earth Society, anyone can see he harbors treasonous intentions.

He’s a hot potato; you’d better get rid of him soon. Before you leave, you need to silence everyone who knows your true identity, to avoid future trouble.”

Ji Wushuang agreed repeatedly, voicing no objection.

Shui Jingxuan’s eyes brightened as he continued slowly,

“He’s used you for five years. Before we leave, we should get some interest back. The martial world says Tingtao Manor is full of extraordinary people.

Our demon cult urgently needs talents skilled in geological survey, civil engineering, and business management. After we return, how about you gather these people and bring them to the cult?”

“Alright. Whatever you want, I’ll get for you.” Ji Wushuang nodded, smiling tenderly. After a moment, he added, “I also have a lot of valuables and weapons in my private treasury. When we get back, have a look. Take anything you like.”

Shui Jingxuan didn’t care about valuables, but weapons were another matter. The Qing court had just been established, the political situation was unstable, and civil unrest broke out frequently.

The government strictly controlled weapons; even with money, you couldn’t buy them. The demon cult followers’ weapons were already badly worn, barely usable.

Hearing Ji Wushuang’s offer was like quenching a pressing thirst. Shui Jingxuan smiled in relief.

The two discussed how to plunder Tingtao Manor, and their words sent chills down Jin Haofeng’s spine even from afar in the city.

At the same time, Wu Sangui had already led thirty-six iron cavalry and a hundred martial arts masters into Shu, renting a secluded courtyard and all surrounding houses to meet with Shui Jingxuan’s group.

📚 Also on NHV Novels

Love Counter Attack

BLDramalove

Read Now →
Not interested