Chapter 57: Radiance Like Brocade

With a flick of his finger, a surge of energy shot forth, entering Chen Lishi’s body. Chen Lishi cried out in terror, “What… what have you done to me? My whole body hurts!” Ling Xiao’s face remained indifferent as he replied, “It’s nothing much. I simply reversed the meridians within your body, letting you experience the most excruciating pain imaginable.”

Panic swept over Chen Lishi. “Spare—” Yet, before he could finish the word, he let out a horrific scream. Every blood vessel in his body swelled violently, writhing beneath his skin like twisted worms. Then, with a sickening crack, Chen Lishi’s body exploded, turning him into a bloody corpse.

The Chen family—annihilated.

It was a scene both brutal and tragic, yet not a single soul spoke up on their behalf. Firstly, none dared challenge the might of Ling Xiao. Secondly, the Chen family was hardly deserving of pity.

Having dealt with Chen Lishi, Ling Xiao no longer spared him a glance. He walked straight to Mu Yiren, gently took her hand, and swept a cool gaze around the hall. Every person who met Ling Xiao’s eyes immediately lowered their head, unable to withstand his gaze.

“From this day forward, Mu Yiren is your mistress.”

“We greet the Young Mistress!” Hundreds of voices rang out in unison, causing Mu Yiren’s cheeks to flush a delicate pink as her heart hammered in her chest.

She was, after all, just an ordinary girl. Even as a company president, she had only ever managed common folk. Yet here, every one of these people was wealthy or powerful—many were far more distinguished than she could ever hope to be. Some among them were even figures she had always admired from afar. And now, every last one knelt before her. It was so surreal, it felt like a dream—one she could hardly believe.

“Please, rise… there’s no need to kneel; the floor is cold.”

As soon as she spoke, Mu Yiren felt her face grow hot with embarrassment. She felt like a naïve girl who had never seen the world. Yet, not a single person present dared show her the slightest disrespect—for Mu Yiren was Ling Xiao’s woman. That alone was reason enough.

“Thank you, Young Mistress!” Only after voicing their gratitude did the crowd stand, forming two neat lines, the solemn air making the atmosphere tense.

Mu Yiren bit her lip, stealing a glance at Ling Xiao. He smiled calmly, took her hand, and led her out the door.

“There’s no need to be afraid. As my woman, you are the queen of the world. No one would dare mock you.” Mu Yiren nodded, half-understanding, half in awe.

With countless eyes upon them, the two entered the car and returned to Jiangzhou Grand Hotel. Throughout the ride, Mu Yiren clung tightly to Ling Xiao’s hand, unwilling to let go for even a moment, as if afraid he might disappear again.

Once they reached their room, Xiu’er discreetly excused herself, leaving the two alone. Ling Xiao withdrew his hand briefly to brew a fine cup of tea for Mu Yiren.

“You probably haven’t eaten yet. Have some tea first; I’ve already asked Xiu’er to prepare some porridge for you.”

“Thank you.” Mu Yiren nodded obediently, cradling the teacup in her hands, her wide eyes stealing glances at Ling Xiao from time to time. Each time Ling Xiao looked up, she would shyly lower her head, her bashful charm making it impossible for him to look away.

The world was full of beauty and grace—Ling Xiao had seen countless women more beautiful and elegant than Mu Yiren. But of all the rivers in the world, only this ladleful from the Weak Water could quench his heart.

“If you have questions, just ask. I know there must be many things you want to know.”

Mu Yiren bit her lip, setting down the teacup. “Three years ago, when I called for you in the mountains, why didn’t you answer me?”

Ling Xiao let out a wistful sigh. “At that time, my parents had been murdered, my legs broken—I had fallen to the lowest depths. I wasn’t sure I could give you a future, so I chose silence.”

“Don’t you think you were selfish? Do you know how I survived these past three years? If not for my longing for you, I might have followed my parents into death back then.”

“Every cause has its effect. Three years ago, just your search for me cost your parents their lives. If you had found me and brought me back, I fear neither of us would be here today.”

Mu Yiren sighed softly. “It’s such a pity—my parents and yours are all gone, never to accompany us again. Curse that accursed Hua family!”

Ling Xiao’s eyes narrowed. “The Hua family will pay for what they’ve done—sooner or later.”

“You must avenge them.”

“I will.”

Silence settled between them again. Three years apart, and now, with Ling Xiao’s true identity revealed, Mu Yiren was bashful, unsure how to speak.

“By the way, did you visit Grandpa?”

Ling Xiao nodded. “I did. In two days, it will be his seventieth birthday. Come home with me for the celebration.”

Mu Yiren shyly glanced at Ling Xiao and lowered her gaze.

“Where have you been these past three years? And how did you not only recover your legs, but also become so powerful?”

“Three years ago, the master of Ghost Valley saved me, healed my legs, and taught me to cultivate. He awakened some… very distant memories within me.”

“Ghost Valley—is that some martial arts sect?”

“That’s right. I’m now the young master of Ghost Valley and the head of the War God Hall.”

“That’s incredible!” As Mu Yiren spoke, Xiu’er entered with a bowl of porridge, smiling as she set it down. “That’s not all! Our young master is also a major general in the Dragon Division!”

Mu Yiren gasped. Truth be told, she didn’t fully understand titles like "young master of Ghost Valley" or "head of the War God Hall." But "major general" was something she understood all too well.

“Ling Xiao, you’re only eighteen—how can you be a major general?”

“In the Dragon Division, rank isn’t determined by age, but by strength. My abilities are sufficient, so I was naturally conferred the rank of major general.”

Mu Yiren felt a pang of inferiority. “I can’t believe you’ve become so powerful in just three short years.”

How could Ling Xiao not notice the disappointment and self-doubt in her eyes? He took the porridge from Xiu’er, waved her away, then sat beside Mu Yiren. Scooping up a spoonful, he held it to her lips.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m the young master of Ghost Valley, a major general in the Dragon Division, or anything else. None of that matters. Everything I’ve achieved—was for you.”

Those simple words filled Mu Yiren’s heart with sweetness. She opened her mouth, took the spoonful of porridge, and swallowed it down.

“Don’t try to fool me with sweet words. You’ve lied to me before—I won’t be so easily tricked again!”

“Silly girl.”

“I’m not silly!”

“Yes, you are.”

They bantered as they ate, laughter and warmth filling the room, love flowing between them, saturating everything around.