Chapter 20 The Reason: "Faster, my husband."

(twenty)

Chu Li's legs went weak, and she stumbled to her feet. Despite falling to her knees several times, she managed to stand up and escape from the house. She didn't know where she was going, but she knew one thing.

Shang Xinglan is a vengeful ghost who crawled out from the banks of the Yellow Springs River at the bottom of a precipice, seeking to take her life.

She didn't want to die; she had barely managed to live to this day.

Tears streamed down her chin, but Chu Li pushed open the door without noticing and ran frantically toward the courtyard gate. Halfway there, she suddenly remembered her Yin Yin.

"Yinyin, Yinyin!" She went back into the house, picked up the little cub who was eating snacks, and carried him away. The little cub was bewildered as she held him in her arms, not understanding what had happened.

"Mother, what's wrong?" the little boy asked worriedly. "Your forehead is covered in sweat, are you scared?"

Chu Li seemed not to hear him, and carried him to push open the courtyard gate.

Her palm slammed against the solid door, producing a dull thud. No matter how much she pushed and kicked, the door remained unmoved, as if it had been cast from black iron. Despite using all her strength, the door did not even crack open.

She pounded on the courtyard gate in despair, shouting, "Help! Is anyone there? Help!"

"What life are you trying to save?"

The only one who responded to her was Gu Ye, who was repairing the roof. He rested his chin on his hand and chuckled as if watching a show, "Madam, you're always so busy. Aren't you tired of thinking about escaping all the time?"

Chu Li leaned helplessly against the courtyard gate, curling up in a ball while holding the cub. She had no other way to escape.

Tears streamed down her face, and the little boy frantically wiped them away with his tiny hands, looking like he was about to cry himself. "Mother, don't cry, what's wrong?"

His attempts to comfort her only made Chu Li cry harder.

Shang Xinglan will not let her go. She is doomed. She will never see Yinyin again and will not be able to watch him grow up. After Shang Xinglan dies at the age of twenty-five, Yinyin will become a child without parents like her and live a tragic life just like her.

She doesn't want to.

The little boy was terrified. He kept wiping away her tears and hugged her tightly, gently patting her back like Chu Li had comforted him when he was little. "It's okay, it's okay, Mommy, don't be afraid..."

Chu Li couldn't stop crying, as if she wanted to cry out all the tears she had shed over the past five years.

Gu Ye sat on the roof for a while, wondering what to say, but then he remembered that this was Wuming's family matter, so he had to look away and continue reinforcing the roof.

After a long while, Chu Li cried until she had no strength left, and her eyes were sore and painful.

She then realized that Shang Xinglan hadn't chased after her with his knife.

Seeing that she had stopped crying, the little boy put his arms around her neck and asked cautiously, "Are you feeling better?"

Chu Li sniffed, wiped away her tears, and whispered, "Much better."

Although she didn't know how Shang Xinglan had survived, or whether he was a demon, now that he had come knocking on her door, she was ready to face the consequences whether she stuck her neck out or not.

She had no way out; at least the baby was his child, and Shang Xinglan wouldn't harm the baby.

Moreover, the little boy probably won't end up as pitiful as she was. They have a lot of money, and she can give that money to Aunt Wang. Aunt Wang is a good person and will treat the little boy well and raise him properly.

At worst, after Shang Xinglan dies, he might entrust the cub to Gu Ye or Yan Xinbai for care. These two subordinates are loyal to him and will certainly not mistreat the cub. Even if they are two demonic cultivators, it doesn't matter, since the cub doesn't have a better place to go right now.

Chu Li mentally planned out the future of her little one, and felt a sense of relief.

The day has finally come.

There was a line in a book that Shang Xinglan used to teach her, "Retribution is inevitable," which must have been referring to her.

"Yinyin," Chu Li called him softly in a hoarse voice, reaching out to brush the sweat-dampened hair from his forehead, "You are a good child, the best child in the world, your mother will always love you."

The little boy leaned against her, nodding through sobs.

Chu Li carefully examined his small face, deeply imprinting his nose and eyes in her heart, then slowly took a deep breath and released his hand.

"I'm fine now. I haven't fed the chicks yet. Yinyin, go feed them."

The little boy stared at her blankly until he saw a smile squeeze out from Chu Li's lips. Only then did he realize that she was really much better. He obediently went to the chicken coop to feed the chickens, but his eyes still kept drifting towards her.

Chu Li approached the house with heavy steps, half-concealing herself as she peered into the door frame.

Inside, half of his body was bathed in the glow of the setting sun. His slender fingers held a vermilion brush, quietly adding color to the mask. The mask gleamed with an eerie, blood-red sheen in the sunlight, and the already drawn patterns were a vibrant, almost dripping red.

His eyelashes cast fine shadows on his face, obscuring his emotions. He seemed to sense something and looked toward the door.

Chu Li shuddered, instinctively pulling her head back, her heart skipping a beat.

The same face, the same lightning marks, the same curse—there can't be two Shang Xinglans in the world.

He actually lied to her, saying it was a strange disease, and even lied to her that he had fallen in love with her at first sight.

He really did come for revenge; otherwise, why would he have changed his appearance and disguised himself to return? How much must he have hated her, to the point that the one destined for ascension fell into the demonic path and became a demon lord?

Chu Li closed her eyes, not daring to think any further.

Even if it's a certain death situation, she has to fight for herself.

She steeled herself and went inside, locked the door behind her, and then walked slowly toward him with her head down.

The other person didn't speak, or even look at her, but quietly fiddled with the mask, as if the mask was more attractive than her.

Chu Li bit her lip, forcing herself to speak, "Husband."

The only response she received was the soft scratching of the pen tip across the mask; Shang Xinglan continued sketching the mask's design as if she hadn't heard a thing.

Seeing that he ignored her, Chu Li pursed her lips, her gaze lingering on the mask in his palm, secretly cursing him in her heart.

That area was already covered in color, and they kept painting it.

If it were in the past, Chu Li would have clung to him without hesitation until he was willing to talk to her.

But things are different now. Shang Xinglan is no longer the good husband who would endlessly tolerate her. He has been pretending for so long, probably waiting for an opportunity to take revenge, but she exposed him in advance.

Chu Li was extremely annoyed, but dared not provoke him too much, so she could only stand far away and watch him secretly.

It was terrifying. Five years had passed, and she thought she had forgotten what Shang Xinglan looked like. But when that face reappeared in front of her, it was as if he had never left the room. He was still the same as she remembered, with a noble and refined appearance, and a gentlemanly demeanor in his every frown and brow.

No wonder they wear masks.

This face doesn't look like a demon at all; it looks like a righteous immortal. Did he wear a mask because he was laughed at by other demons?

Chu Li couldn't help but think about the five years Shang Xinglan spent falling into demonic possession, losing his memory, becoming a demon, and killing whoever he didn't like. Those must have been the most carefree period of his life.

When did the memory begin to return?

Chu Li racked her brains, finally remembering the memorial tablet she had shown him that day. Her face turned pale and then black; she wished she could go back to that day and smash the tablet to pieces.

It would be better to keep it a secret and let Shang Xinglan die carefree in the last five years of her life, wouldn't that be better?

Chu Li pursed her lips, belatedly realizing that she was subconsciously trying to exonerate herself.

The book says that people should reflect on themselves, and she has learned to do so now, but she often forgets about it.

It was her fault, she knew it.

There's no way to make up for it, and she knows that.

No one in the world could possibly have mercy on the person who killed them; wouldn't that be foolish?

Chu Li took a futon from the cabinet, tiptoed and placed it a few feet in front of Shang Xinglan, and then obediently knelt down on it.

Noticing her movement, Shang Xinglan finally turned to look at her, her brows furrowed.

"I know you won't forgive me. You can kill me or torture me all you want. I owe you this." Chu Li's voice was soft as she pleaded with him. "But Yin Yin is still so young. He's only five years old. How will he survive without his parents? After you kill me, could you please entrust him to Aunt Wang?"

The sound was so faint that it was almost drowned out by the noisy chirping of insects outside the window.

Her palms were sweaty. Chu Li stared at his cold gaze, but received no response for a long time. Just as she was about to say something more, he suddenly interrupted her with a cold voice.

"Stand up."

Chu Li trembled slightly and obediently stood up.

This tactic worked as expected.

Shang Xinglan hated seeing her kneel down the most, and even when taking her to meet elders, she never made her kneel down.

As for the reason, Chu Li knew very well: because she had knelt too much when she was a beggar, Shang Xinglan would remember her as a beggar whenever he saw her kneeling, and probably disliked her weak knees.

She looked up at Shang Xinglan, still feeling like she was dreaming. The person she thought she would never see again suddenly appeared in front of her, a feeling that was both familiar and strange.

Shang Xinglan looked at her indifferently and slowly extended his hand.

Chu Li was stunned for a moment, her heart skipped a beat, and she tentatively placed her hand on it, but the other person ruthlessly avoided it.

"Medicine packet".

It turns out he didn't want to hold her hand.

That's true, why would he want to hold her hand? There's no need for him to pretend anymore.

I didn’t expect him to even know about her stealing medicine. Could it be that he hadn’t slept and was deliberately trying to see what she was planning to do?

Chu Li withdrew her hand somewhat awkwardly, took out the small medicine packets from her sleeve and put them back on the table. After hesitating for a moment, Xie Liyi, who was bound by shackles, came to mind, and she said in a low voice, "Xie Liyi is innocent. He is a very good person. Can you let him go?"

Upon hearing her words, Shang Xinglan paused briefly and then gave a faint scoff.

"Your brother is good in every way."

Chu Li lowered her head even further, twisting the hem of her clothes in shame, her voice growing weaker, "I shouldn't have lied to you, I'm sorry."

For some reason, she asked hopefully, "Did you poison him and lock him up because you were angry with me?"

If so, does that mean that Shang Xinglan still has feelings for her?

Shang Xinglan narrowed her eyes slightly, looked away from her face, picked up her pen and continued to touch up the colors. "What do you think?"

Her tone was somber; she had clearly guessed wrong.

Chu Li was now completely convinced that Shang Xinglan hated her; the two short years of marriage they had shared had been completely worn away by her.

"Go ahead and do it."

She wiped her eyes, lowered her head, and placed the storage ring containing gold and silver valuables on the table. It was money left for the little one, mostly given to her by Shang Xinglan, enough for the little one's food, clothing, and other necessities for a lifetime.

Shang Xinglan still ignored her, as if she couldn't see or hear her at all.

Chu Li waited for him to speak for a long time, feeling as if she were being slowly sliced ​​to death with a dull knife. She was anxious and panicked, and even felt a little irritated.

He's already taken his revenge, so what more can you do to torment her?

He did it on purpose, knowing full well that she couldn't stand him ignoring her, yet he deliberately left her hanging.

Since that's the case, she should do it herself; at least she'll die a quick and painless death with less suffering.

Chu Li pursed her lips, turned and left the house. She picked up a kitchen knife from the kitchen and was about to slash her neck when her arm suddenly became immobile.

A cold, deep voice came from behind, filled with chilling anger, "Who gave you permission to do it yourself?"

Chu Li felt a sharp pain as her wrist was gripped tightly, causing her to release the cleaver. Suddenly, she realized she could move her body again.

She turned around, only to be slammed against the wall, her back pressed against something icy cold.

Shang Xinglan grabbed her face with great force, as if she wanted to strangle her to death. "I said I wouldn't kill you, it's only for Yinyin's sake."

Every word he spoke was chilling: "You want to die? Not so easy. You'll have to pay back the debt you owe me slowly."

Chu Li grasped his hand, looked at him expectantly, and nodded with a wronged expression.

Shang Xinglan paused slightly, withdrew her hand, and said coldly.

"Get lost."

Chu Li never expected him to say such heartless words. Her lips turned deathly pale, and she trembled as she leaned on the small table to support herself as she walked out of the kitchen. She was met by the little boy looking at her with a worried expression.

“Mother,” the little boy came forward and took her hand, whispering, “I’ve finished feeding the chicks.”

She bent down and hugged the little boy's thin body, trying to suppress her trembling voice, and whispered, "Yinyin is so good, Mom will sleep with you tonight."

The little boy wanted to say that he could sleep alone, but seeing her restless look, he swallowed the words back and nodded gently.

In the east room, Chu Li closed the door tightly and slumped onto the bed with a sigh of relief, her legs already too weak to move.

She never expected Shang Xinglan to spare her life. It was Yinyin who saved her; without Yinyin, she would surely be dead today.

Yinyin is her lucky star.

The little boy struggled to pull a pillow out of the closet, climbed onto the bed, placed it next to his pillow, and was suddenly hugged tightly.

Chu Li breathed a long sigh of relief, as if she had survived a disaster, and said softly, "Mother can watch you grow up now."

Hearing this, the little one blinked, puzzled, and said softly, "We were always going to be together anyway."

He would follow his mother wherever she went; they would live together for the rest of their lives and never be separated.

Hearing his words, Chu Li chuckled and pinched his cheek, "We won't be able to be together when you grow up, because Yin Yin will have to get married then."

The little boy blushed and buried his face in her arms, saying, "I won't get married."

"What about Xiao Liu from Jixiang Village?"

The little boy's ears turned even redder, and he buried his face in her arms, saying in a muffled voice, "Xiao Liu is a friend."

Chu Li was amused by his shy appearance and grabbed the little boy to tickle his soles. "Who embroiders a handkerchief for a friend? Do you think your mother doesn't know that?"

The little boy pounced on her in embarrassment and covered her mouth, saying, "Stop talking."

He embroidered a new handkerchief to return to her because Xiaoliu lent him her handkerchief to wipe her sweat, but he knew his mother would tease him if he told her.

The door creaked open suddenly, and Chu Li froze instantly, her heart, which had just settled down, pounding again.

She turned her head to look, and Gu Ye leaned lazily against the door, beckoning to her, "Madam, the master is looking for you."

Chu Li shrank into the corner of the soft couch, her eyes red-rimmed, and asked, "What do you want from me?"

Didn't you tell her to get lost?

"I don't know, he only said he wanted to see you." Gu Ye was also surprised to see Shang Xinglan take off his mask. He thought the mask was part of his face and it was the first time he had seen him take it off.

Chu Li knew that her retribution had come, and she didn't know how Shang Xinglan would retaliate. She reluctantly kissed the little boy's forehead and silently followed Gu Ye away.

Upon entering the inner room, Chu Li had just stepped inside when Gu Ye slammed the door shut behind her and locked it with a click.

Slightly breathless, Chu Li looked up at the person drinking tea at the table and took a half step back.

“I told you last night that I would treat you the same way every day from now on.”

Shang Xinglan calmly sipped her tea. "Go to bed."

After he finished speaking, Chu Li was slightly taken aback.

He does seem to have said that, but... what kind of retaliation is this?

Although she was very tired last night, as far as revenge was concerned, it didn't bother her at all.

And sometimes it's quite comfortable.

Chu Li stared at him blankly for a long time. When she saw him put down his teacup and his brows furrow slightly, she immediately came to her senses, trembling as she took off her shoes and socks and climbed into bed.

She obediently unbuttoned her clothes, but her eyes couldn't help but steal glances at Shang Xinglan.

Could he possibly think that sleeping with her against her will is revenge?

That would be incredibly stupid.

Chu Li didn't dislike sharing a room with Shang Xinglan; otherwise, why would she have drugged his tea in the first place? She liked Shang Xinglan's face and his body; everything about him was perfect.

Five years had passed, and he seemed to have become even more handsome. She really wanted to know how he had survived, but she was afraid that asking would stir up his emotions and remind Shang Xinglan of what happened that day, which would be a huge loss.

She stripped herself naked, crawled into bed, and cautiously peeked through the blanket.

"Then what?"

He pressed his fingertips against the edge of the teacup until they turned white, then gently released them after a moment.

He picked up the scissors and trimmed the candle wick.

Heaven and earth merged into one, an endless expanse of black. Chu Li felt a pang of disappointment; she wanted to see his face again.

I heard the rustling sound of fabric rubbing together, and then the soft quilt was pulled back.

Shang Xinglan did nothing, not even touching her, but simply lay down quietly next to Chu Li and fell asleep.

Chu Li waited a while, then couldn't help but ask, "When does it start?"

Hearing her words, Shang Xinglan slowly opened her eyes in the darkness and said calmly, "I will not do what you want me to do."

If she is willing, he cannot grant her wish.

Chu Li: "..."

What's this?

Only a child would deliberately go against her like that, right?

Shang Xinglan truly died because of her soft heart. Even her revenge was so weak and powerless. If it were her, she would have thrown her enemy into a pot of boiling oil twice before doing anything else.

But then he thought about it again and realized that he couldn't do anything about her. They already had a child together and had been married twice. If Shang Xinglan were to hit her, the little one would hate him to death if he found out.

He did indeed consider Yinyin's feelings, which is why he went easy on her.

My little lucky star, my little lucky star, Mommy loves you the most.

Chu Li was incredibly grateful that she hadn't aborted the baby.

She tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep no matter what she thought about the person lying next to her, Shang Xinglan.

Chu Li turned around, quietly holding her breath as she watched his back. She didn't know how long she watched, but finally felt a little sleepy.

Just as I was about to lose consciousness, a very soft and faint voice suddenly came from the silent night.

"Chu Li".

In an instant, Chu Li woke up with a start, and mumbled a groggy "Hmm?"

After a long silence, just as Chu Li thought he was hallucinating, Shang Xinglan spoke again, and one sentence instantly woke Chu Li up, banishing all his drowsiness.

"I'll only ask you this once: what exactly did I do wrong?"

Chu Li suddenly opened her eyes wide, opened her mouth, but couldn't say anything.

After a long while, Shang Xinglan, not receiving a reply, chuckled to himself.

"Never mind."

Upon hearing his words, Chu Li's fingers curled slightly, but she remained silent, pretending to be asleep, and closed her eyes.

The world fell silent. Shang Xinglan didn't ask any more questions, got up, got out of bed, and left.

The door closed gently, Chu Li's eyelashes trembled, and she tasted a bitter saltiness on her lips.

She couldn't tell him.

How should I put it? Was it because she was too selfish that she cruelly killed him?

She eloped with the merchant because, after marrying into the merchant family for some time, Shang Xinglan showed no signs of ascension, and the Thunder Scar Curse did not diminish.

Leihen couldn't possibly diminish her power, because she wasn't a true Yin-type woman at all.

The merchant sensed something was wrong, and rumors began to circulate throughout the house. Even the servants dared to gossip in front of her, saying that she was an imposter who had stolen someone else's jade pendant and was living a life of luxury under someone else's identity.

How could she refute that the jade pendant, the birth date, and even the name did not belong to her, but to the deceased A Chu?

Chu Li lived on thin ice every day, fearing that her identity would be exposed.

However, six months after their marriage, news suddenly spread from the Northern Territory that there was a second Heavenly Maiden. This Heavenly Maiden was rumored to be a highly accomplished disciple of a certain immortal sect, of noble status, and vastly different from Chu Li, who was a beggar.

No one expected this to happen, not even Chu Li. She thought A Chu was the only woman with the Yin destiny, but there was actually a second person in the world with the same fate as A Chu.

When Shang Xinglan learned of this, he tentatively asked her if she knew of any other people in the world with the same fate.

Chu Li felt extremely guilty, so she pretended to be wronged and cried loudly until Shang Xinglan promised not to ask again.

But the merchants weren't as easily fooled as her husband.

That night, the head of the Shang family summoned her and Shang Xinglan and questioned them in public why Chu Li couldn't reduce the curse. Chu Li knew that after receiving the news, the head of the family was convinced that Chu Li was an imposter.

She was speechless, sweat pouring down her forehead, unable to come up with any excuse.

At that moment, Shang Xinglan stood in front of her.

He said that Chu Li was destined for misfortune, and since they were already married, he should trust her.

He argued with the head of the family, who then angrily ordered someone to calculate Chu Li's fate.

Chu Li was startled. She knew that if she really let someone tell her fortune, she would be exposed on the spot, and she couldn't bear the consequences of deceiving the merchants.

Before she could come up with a solution, Shang Xinglan spoke first.

He wanted to take her away.

"They don't believe you, but I do."

Shang Xinglan held her hand tightly, her eyes filled with unwavering determination—a look she would never forget.

He thought that the patriarch wanted to replace Chu Li because he disliked her past as a beggar. Shang Xinglan never doubted whether she was the true daughter of the Heavenly Yin.

"Achu, let's go. Let's leave this place, anywhere is fine."

The patriarch was furious, unable to accept that the person he had nurtured for so many years to ascend to immortality had been taken away by an imposter like Chu Li.

"You have no right to sever ties with the Shang family. You were born with divine bones, which were given to you by the Shang family's bloodline. Otherwise, who you take with you or elope with has nothing to do with the Shang family!"

Upon hearing this, Shang Xinglan drew his knife and casually tossed it to the ground.

“Take it out, and I’ll give it back to you.”

Chu Li stared at him in shock. No one had ever gone to such lengths for her before, all because he believed in her.

Finally, Shang Xinglan removed the immortal bone, leaving his skin torn and flesh ripped open, blood and gore everywhere. He returned the immortal bone to the Shang family in exchange for this, allowing him to leave with Chu Li.

Before leaving, the patriarch only looked at Chu Li and sneered.

"Don't forget, you signed a marriage contract governed by the will of Heaven. You will kill him, and you will kill yourself."

At that time, Chu Li did not understand what that sentence meant. She only thought that the head of the family was venting his anger. It wasn't until Shang Xinglan brought her to Xiaofushan and built their own house that they had their own home.

Shang Xinglan lost his immortal bones, but Leihen's curse remained, and he spent a long time on his sickbed.

He always apologized to Chu Li, saying that once he felt better, he would take her to live in a better house.

Chu Li didn't blame him. On the contrary, she really liked their house. When she was homeless, her dream was to have a warm little home like this, a home of her own, a home that no one could drive her away.

Her only regret was that she shouldn't have given the immortal bone to the merchant.

That originally belonged to Shang Xinglan; it wasn't something he inherited from her bloodline.

Despite Shang Xinglan's words of comfort, Chu Li felt no joy whatsoever.

"Achu, don't worry about me."

"Even without immortal bones, I can still ascend to heaven."

Her pupils contracted sharply as she suddenly understood the implication of the patriarch's words that day.

Shang Xinglan cannot ascend to immortality because he is born with a curse. Without the help of the Heavenly Yin Maiden, he will not be able to overcome his tribulation and will die before the age of twenty-five.

— By taking him away from the merchant and keeping him by her side, Chu Li personally cut off his path to survival.

Similarly, when she married Shang Xinglan, she signed a Heavenly Marriage Contract. The most important clause in the contract was that the husband and wife would overcome tribulations together and ascend to immortality together.

Even if Shang Xinglan can truly ascend, Chu Li, using a false identity to help Shang Xinglan overcome his tribulation, will not possess the true Heavenly Yin Fate and will only be killed by his lightning tribulation.

You will kill him, and you will kill yourself.

So that's what this sentence meant.

Chu Li stared in astonishment at Shang Xinglan, who was still planning for the future. There was not much time left before the tribulation of turning twenty-five.

He was destined not to belong to her.

Chu Li didn't want to die either.

She wanted Shang Xinglan to stay with her forever, yet she didn't want to share the inevitable calamity with him. Chu Li absolutely forbade Shang Xinglan from going to find the real Heavenly Yin Maiden, from looking at anyone else with such tender eyes, and from showing the same kindness she had shown her to another person!

Chu Li prayed that Shang Xinglan's cultivation speed would slow down after she lost her immortal bones. She was willing to spend the last five years of her life with Shang Xinglan, and not to ascend to immortality, but to die by her side.

The better Shang Xinglan treated her, the more Chu Li wanted to possess him forever.

In this lifetime, you can forget about leaving her side.

After living in Xiaofushan for a year, Shang Xinglan's injuries improved. Aside from his cultivation time, he would take her to pick flowers on the mountain, and he would weave gardenia wreaths and bodhi seed bracelets for Chu Li. He learned to cook and became an excellent cook; Chu Li often ate everything clean and never went hungry again. He also took on the chores of washing clothes and fetching water, never letting Chu Li do them.

It was only after eloping to Xiaofushan that Chu Li witnessed Shang Xinglan's childlike side.

He hates pigs, sheep, and cows, dislikes manure and stench, and can only accept raising chickens at home.

He always has to dress presentably when he goes out. Or rather, he's dressed to the nines. He won't wear ugly clothes; he has to be flashy and eye-catching.

Another thing Chu Li couldn't understand was that he was very particular about etiquette, demanding this of himself and others. Shang Xinglan insisted that Chu Li not wolf down his food and that Chu Li must apologize when he did something wrong.

Even if the village idiot accidentally bumps into him, he will scold the idiot for being impolite and unruly, and then give the idiot a long lecture on how to apologize.

However, Chu Li could accept all of this. After all, he was a young master from a noble family who had not experienced the trials of the world and did not know how unreasonable and tyrannical the world of ordinary people was.

Before eloping, she always thought that Shang Xinglan would secretly look down on her for being a beggar. Now it seems that in his eyes, there is no distinction between noble and lowly people.

She didn't dislike this naivety; occasionally, she found it quite amusing to watch Shang Xinglan reason with a fool.

When they had nothing to do, they would stroll hand in hand through the village, buying groceries and clothes like any ordinary couple. Of course, they would also bicker, but it was always a minor squabble, and Chu Li always won.

At that time, Chu Li really liked him.

Fate is truly cruel; the more she cherished something, the more it seemed to be taken away from her.

One night, Shang Xinglan mysteriously led her to the edge of a cliff.

He excitedly told Chu Li that he had broken through the Tribulation Transcending Stage.

Seeing that she didn't understand, he patiently explained to Chu Li what the Tribulation Transcending Stage was, and that after the Tribulation Transcending Stage, one could ascend to become a True Immortal.

After saying that, Shang Xinglan raised his hand and waved it, instantly leveling the mountain opposite the cliff. He excitedly embraced Chu Li and whispered, "Isn't that amazing? When we ascend to immortality, you'd better prepare well to become an immortal with me... Chu, what's wrong? You look so pale?"

Chu Li listened in a daze, feeling as if she were in a snowstorm, with a bone-chilling cold.

Shang Xinglan was a true prodigy. Even without that immortal bone structure, even though he was tormented by the curse every moment and became extremely weak and frequently vomited blood at night, he was still a prodigy.

Even so, he still managed to reach the Tribulation Transcending Stage through his tireless efforts day and night.

Chu Li thought darkly, "If only he were just a useless person like me."

That day was the first and last time she argued with Shang Xinglan.

She forbade Shang Xinglan from cultivating anymore, or she would divorce him.

Upon hearing the words "divorce," Shang Xinglan was also provoked and repeatedly questioned her about why.

"There's no reason why. If you continue cultivating, we'll divorce and never see each other again, in life or in death!"

Chu Li demanded that he obey her, but Shang Xinglan looked at her intently for a long time before whispering, "I will die."

"Divorce or death, I don't understand why you're giving me this choice. Tell me why."

No longer cultivating means being unable to ascend, and being unable to ascend means dying at the age of twenty-five.

Chu Li had many opportunities to confess to him that her identity was fake, but she simply couldn't bring herself to say it.

The mere thought that Shang Xinglan might leave her to find the Heavenly Yin Maiden who could help him survive and ascend to immortality drove her almost insane.

"I won't listen if you don't give me a reason."

After saying that, Shang Xinglan said nothing more and turned to leave.

Chu Li stepped forward and grabbed him, but Shang Xinglan broke free.

He turned to look at her, his eyes filled with emotions Chu Li couldn't decipher, and then sat down on the edge of the cliff to meditate without looking back.

What she hated most was Shang Xinglan's appearance.

He completely ignored her from head to toe, deliberately leaving her hanging, as if whatever she said was insignificant in his eyes!

Chu Li couldn't help but grab his hand, saying willfully, "I told you, you're not allowed to cultivate anymore, or I'll divorce you right now!"

"A reason!" Shang Xinglan shouted angrily. "I've asked you many times, a reason!"

He got angry at her.

He still hated her.

Looking at his angry expression, Chu Li felt her blood gradually cool. She didn't have the courage to gamble on whether he would be willing to face certain death for her sake, and she was even less willing to see him stand beside another person.

The reason is that she is too selfish.

Wanting everything, but unwilling to give anything in return.

That's settled then.

The moon emerged from the dark clouds, its light as cool as water. Chu Li looked at the person in front of her with pity.

When the lightning strikes, it's when he's in the most pain and weakest.

She was his wife, so she knew this better than anyone else.

—Chu Li killed him.

*

The next morning, Chu Li got up earlier than usual.

With Shang Xinglan gone, Gu Ye and Yan Xinbai are probably cultivating again.

She picked some fresh vegetables covered in dew from the garden and then took out a few eggs to cook.

Shang Xinglan wanted to get revenge on her, and she was willing to do anything, as long as she wasn't killed, her life would continue as before.

While cooking, Chu Li suddenly remembered something.

She wiped her hands on the cloth, took three buns from the steamer, and sneakily walked towards the west room.

I knocked on the door, but no one answered.

Chu Li gave it a hard push, and it actually got in.

Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Shang Xinglan had already killed Xie Liyi? Otherwise, since he knew that she had stolen the medicine bag for Xie Liyi yesterday, he should have locked the west room.

Chu Li hurried inside, only to see Xie Liyi in the corner looking at her with a mixture of surprise and delight, "You got the antidote?"

Shang Xinglan didn't kill him, and the chain didn't go off either.

Chu Li paused for a moment, then placed the three buns in his palm. "Have something to eat."

Upon hearing this, Xie Liyi closed her eyes, understanding everything immediately. "Failed?"

Chu Li paused for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Don't worry, he has regained his memory and should not kill innocent people indiscriminately in the future. That's why he didn't kill you."

Shang Xinglan was the kindest person in the world; it was she who drove him to become a demon.

"A demon wouldn't indiscriminately kill innocents?" Xie Liyi seemed to have heard an extremely ridiculous joke. She took a deep breath and said, "He's a demon. You actually believe what a demon says? You're incredibly stupid. I'll continue to think of other ways. You just need to do as I say..."

Chu Li frowned, grabbed a steamed bun, and stuffed it into his mouth. "Eat yours."

Xie Liyi spat out the steamed bun, gritted her teeth, and said, "Don't tell me you really want to spend the rest of your life with him. He's a demon!"

The steamed bun rolled to the ground, and Chu Li was really angry now. She punched him hard, "Who gave you permission to spit it out? Do you know how much a steamed bun costs?"

Xie Liyi was suddenly punched, and winced in pain, saying, "It's hot."

Chu Li: "..."

She sighed, peeled off the dust from the bun, and handed it back to him.

"Let's discuss this matter carefully. My life is in danger right now, and I have no choice in the matter," Chu Li said softly. "From now on, I'll secretly bring you meals. Three knocks on the door will mean it's me, understand?"

Xie Liyi remained silent, clearly still very unwilling.

Just as Chu Li got up to leave, Xie Liyi finally spoke in a hoarse voice, "I've stopped fasting, so there's no need to risk worrying about me. You slowly gain his trust, and then help me deliver the message to the Cangshan Sect."

Chu Li walked to the door, turned back to look at him, and said, "I understand."

Gain Shang Xinglan's trust.

He really dared to say that it was harder than climbing to heaven.

Shang Xinglan will never trust her like she used to.

After leaving the west room, Chu Li closed the door and turned around, only to be met with a pair of gloomy and cold eyes.

She felt a chill run down her spine, and before she could even open her mouth to explain, the other person turned and left without hesitation.

Chu Li hurriedly followed him into the house, whispering behind him, "I'm just afraid he'll starve to death at home. Don't overthink it. I have no intention of joining forces with him to escape again. Besides, the antidote isn't in your possession..."

Shang Xinglan suddenly stopped in his tracks, and Chu Li, unable to stop in time, bumped into him.

She rubbed her sore nose, and a cold voice came from above her head, "You don't need to explain. What does it have to do with me?"

Chu Li looked up at him, a sudden tightness in her chest, "Okay."

Anyway, he resents her, so he probably doesn't care who she talks to.

“Then I’ll tidy up the west room; it’ll be more comfortable for him there,” Chu Li said deliberately. “He’s a good person, kind and upright. I like him.”

Her fingers, hidden in her sleeve, gradually curled up. Shang Xinglan turned to look at her, his tone even more somber, "Get out."

Chu Li's heart skipped a beat, and her eyes quickly reddened.

She hated it when he talked to her like that, she really hated it, and she wouldn't allow it!

"Fine, I'll never get in your way again!"

She wiped her eyes, and just as she was about to turn and run out of the house, the door in front of her slammed shut with a bang, even though there was no wind.

A cold hand reached out from behind and grabbed her neck.

Chu Li looked terrified and frantically grabbed his hand, thinking he was going to strangle her, but was instead pressed down on the table.

Her dress was lifted up, and Chu Li's eyes widened in astonishment as her legs were raised above her waist.

"Shang Xinglan!"

Embarrassed and angry, she disregarded all hatred and resentment, her fingertips digging into his hair as she gritted her teeth and whispered, "You can't do this..."

It's so early in the morning, what if Gu Ye and Yan Xinbai walk in, or the little one wakes up for breakfast... How will she face them afterward? She might as well be dead!

Shang Xinglan looked down at her coldly, gripping her waist without saying a word.

Chu Li quickly fell silent. She bit her lip in frustration, but couldn't help looking at the other person.

You still care, don't you?

There must be a little bit, otherwise why would they treat her like that?

She slowly sat up, leaning close to his ear. Shang Xinglan frowned slightly as he heard Chu Li's soft, tender voice.

"Faster, my husband."

Her heart skipped a beat, and Shang Xinglan's eyelashes trembled slightly as if she had been burned, causing her to look away from her fragrant lips.

"Shut up."

-----------------------

Author's Note: Star: I tried to force love, but she seems to enjoy it [angry][angry]