"Young Master, who are we investigating?" the Second Master asked.

Lin Xiao spoke with a grave voice, "The manager of my wife's bar, Uncle Zhong."

The old man's behavior tonight had been far too strange. Lin Xiao had to investigate him.

"Okay. Anything else?" the Second Master asked with a smile.

"You may leave."

The Second Master chided him with a laugh, "You little rascal. I haven't seen you in just a few days, and you're already acting like a big shot!"

Lin Xiao chuckled. "I'm just kidding, don't take it seriously!"

"Kidding my ass. How's the search for the Mountain River Map going?"

"So far, we've discovered that the Mountain River Map was split into four pieces. One of them is in Jinling City, but we still don't know who has it," Lin Xiao said solemnly.

"Split into four pieces? Who did it?"

"I don't know. We're still investigating!"

The Second Master responded, "Understood. The Heavenly Machine Pavilion is also on the case. If there's any new information, tell me immediately, and I'll do the same."

"Yes, sir!"

"You brat, be careful out there on your own. It's not just the Ghost Medicine Sect targeting you anymore. The Asura Hall has found out you killed their disciple, and they're probably going to make a move on you. With your cultivation, the Asura Hall itself isn't much of a threat, but as they say, it's easier to deal with the devil than his demons. I was going to give the head of the Asura Hall a heads-up, but the First Master's thinking is that since you made this mess, you should be the one to clean it up. Consider it a part of your training. You need the experience!"

"I know, Second Master. Don't worry. I'm the disciple trained by you seven old monsters. To put it bluntly, that trash is nothing in my eyes."

"Good lad. I do like that world-defying confidence of yours."

Lin Xiao smiled.

"By the way, hurry up and recover your cultivation. After all, we old folks can only rest easy when your power is back where it belongs!"

This matter left Lin Xiao feeling rather frustrated. To be frank, it's not like I don't want my cultivation back. My current realm might be decent, but that's only because I haven't faced any true experts. If I did, they'd crush me in an instant. But with Su Qingning's current attitude toward me, getting my cultivation back is going to be anything but easy.

"Second Master, I'll work hard!"

"Don't just say it, do it! If you have to, just lay your cards on the table. Reveal your identity and background. I refuse to believe she'd still reject you after seeing how powerful you really are!"

"Second Master, I wish it was that simple, but the truth is, it's not. Don't you guys worry about it. I'll handle it!"

"Alright, if you say so, what more can I say? You are the disciple of us seven old geezers, and you're our hope. If you ever run into a problem you can't solve, you must tell us. Remember, no one in this world can bully you, and we will never allow anyone to bully you. Understand?"

Lin Xiao was deeply moved by his words. If there was anyone in this world who would be unconditionally good to him, who would give everything for him without asking for anything in return, it would be his seven masters and his senior brother, the Human Emperor.

"You old fogey, why are you getting all sentimental in the middle of the night? I'm hanging up."

"Fine, hang up then," the Second Master laughed.

Lin Xiao promptly ended the call.

Though the call was over, Lin Xiao found himself lost in memories. He thought of many things, remembering the days his seven masters imparted their skills to him and all they had sacrificed for him over the years. Lin Xiao had always felt lucky. Even though he was an orphan who didn't know his parents, he had met his seven masters. Although the seven of them were extremely strict with him, Lin Xiao knew it was all for his own good.

Just as he was lost in thought, Pei Donglai's call came in.

Lin Xiao answered it.

"Captain, I've delivered them," Pei Donglai said respectfully.

"Good. Did you give them my message?"

"I did, but..." Pei Donglai hesitated.

"Spit it out!"

Pei Donglai quickly continued, "Captain, the Zhao Family is courting death. Not only did they refuse to apologize, but they also told me to let you know that they would stop at nothing to kill you!"

Lin Xiao let out a cold laugh.

"Captain, I'm right outside the Zhao Family's estate now. Just give the order, and I'll go in and slaughter them all!" Pei Donglai said, his voice brimming with killing intent.

Lin Xiao replied calmly, "There's no need. It's getting late, so you should head back. Don't keep Yan Zhi waiting. As for the Zhao Family, I'll pay them a personal visit to settle this."

Zhao Qingqing was the one who poisoned Su Qingning, causing her to lose her virginity to him. That incident was a nightmare for Su Qingning, a wound so deep she feared it would never heal. Lin Xiao had to make the Zhao Family kneel before her and apologize. Only then could the wound in her heart begin to heal.

Lin Xiao's words were commands to Pei Donglai. As much as he wanted to butcher the entire Zhao Family right then and there, he dared not disobey his captain.

"Understood, Captain. If you need anything, just call!"

"Good."

They both hung up.

After about half an hour, Lin Xiao received a text from Su Qingning saying he could come in.

Grinning, Lin Xiao entered the room.

Su Qingning had indeed finished her bath and was lying on the bed, wearing a silk nightgown. Her hair was still damp, and her cheeks were flushed. She was as enchanting as a lotus blossom fresh from the water.

Seeing Lin Xiao staring at her, Su Qingning gave him a coquettish roll of her eyes.

"You perv, are you busy?"

Lin Xiao laughed. "Not at all. What can I do for my lovely wife?"

"Hmph. If you're not busy, you can dry my hair."

Lin Xiao's heart leaped with joy. She's actually asking me to dry her hair! This is a great sign. A girl's hair is important; she wouldn't let just anyone touch it. This must mean she's not as hostile toward me as she was at first. This is definitely good news!

"Your wish is my command!" Lin Xiao said with a wide smile.

Su Qingning sat down in a chair.

Lin Xiao took the hairdryer and began to dry her long, black tresses. The warm air sent strands of her hair dancing, and every so often, the tips would brush against his face, carrying a captivating, fresh scent.

Lin Xiao's heart stirred.

"Your hair is absolutely captivating," he murmured. "Let me be the one to dry it for you for the rest of our lives."

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