Chapter 33 Twin Lotuses

The lights at the former site of Sigumen were on until late at night for several days in a row.

Li Lianhua's injuries gradually improved under Yao Mo's meticulous care and Di Feisheng's constant surveillance. Although she still couldn't use her internal energy, she was able to get out of bed and walk slowly.

That afternoon, the autumn sun was warm. Li Lianhua, draped in her outer robe, sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, watching Fang Duobing and Su Xiaoyong direct the disciples of the Four Gu Sect and the former members of the Golden Yuan League to repair the house and clean the courtyard. The two factions, once sharply divided, had become much more relaxed after their battle in the water prison and the recent days of interaction. While not entirely close, the tense atmosphere had at least eased considerably, and they occasionally even offered each other a helping hand.

Di Feisheng leaned against a nearby pillar, his arms folded, his gaze fixed on Li Lianhua, as if the clamor surrounding him had nothing to do with him. His expression remained stern, but compared to the freezing cold he'd been in the past few days, it had softened considerably.

Li Lianhua withdrew her gaze and looked at Di Feisheng beside her. Suddenly, she said, "A Fei."

Di Feisheng turned his gaze over.

"The Sigu Clan and the Jinyuan Alliance...both suffered heavy losses after this battle," Li Lianhua said calmly. "Although Jiao Liqiao has been defeated, the remnants of his evil are still roaming the martial arts world. I'm afraid the turmoil will not cease. What are your plans for the future?"

Di Feisheng said without thinking, "The Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance no longer needs to exist."

Li Lianhua was slightly startled.

Di Feisheng walked up to him, looked down at him, and said in a tone of statement rather than negotiation: "You don't have to be bound by the past when it comes to your four-door relationship."

He glanced at the busy figures and said in a low but clear voice, "Since you're a freshman, why not be more thorough?"

Li Lianhua instantly understood what he meant. A flicker of surprise flashed across her eyes, and then she fell into deep thought. Merging the Sigu Clan and the Jinyuan League? This idea was too shocking. The two factions had been entangled in grievances for years, so how could this be easy?

"I know what you're thinking." The sound of a flute interrupted his thoughts. "Grudges belong to the dead. The living should focus on their future. Those who don't want to stay can leave. Those who are willing to stay," he returned his gaze to Li Lianhua's face with an unquestionable certainty, "will only have one identity."

"What identity?" Li Lianhua asked subconsciously.

"Someone from Lotus Tower." Di Feisheng answered crisply, "You are the owner of the tower."

Li Lianhua's breath hitched. He hadn't expected Di Feisheng to be so determined, actually wanting to completely dismantle the Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance and integrate it with him as its leader?! This was definitely not Di Feisheng's usual style.

"What about you?" Li Lianhua raised her eyes and looked into his eyes.

Di Feisheng leaned forward, his hands resting on either side of the stone table, trapping him within a small space. His gaze blazed as he spoke word for word, "I belong to the Lotus Tower owner." His tone was calm, yet it carried immense force. "I think the title of 'Husband of the Tower Owner' is a good one."

"..." Li Lianhua's cheeks suddenly felt hot, and she almost choked on her own saliva. What the hell is this person?

But looking into Di Feisheng's extremely serious eyes, there was no trace of joking or testing in them, only complete seriousness and... a kind of almost pious surrender. He offered his power and his past to him, in exchange for the title and qualification to stay by his side and protect him.

A chorus of mixed emotions washed over him, ultimately fading into a soft sigh, a touch of helplessness, yet more of an indescribable feeling of emotion. He knew this was perhaps the best way to resolve past grievances and offer both factions a fresh start. It was also the most important promise Di Feisheng could make.

"Okay." Li Lianhua nodded gently, a shallow but real curve forming at the corner of her lips. "Then... as you say."

Once the decision is made, action will be taken with great vigor and determination.

Di Feisheng summoned Wuyan and several surviving, loyal leaders of the Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance. Li Lianhua also invited Shishui, Yun Biqiu, and other former members of the Four Clan.

When Di Feisheng announced expressionlessly the dissolution of the Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance and all willing followers would join the newly established "Lotus Tower" and respect Li Lianhua as the sole owner, everyone in the room was shocked.

The Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance was stunned, but no one objected. They had witnessed Di Feisheng's regard for that man, and had even received his life-saving grace. They knew that only by doing so could they truly escape the quagmire of the past and gain a "new life" recognized by their Lord.

The Sigumen were even more shocked. Shi Shui and the others looked at Li Lianhua with complicated expressions, which eventually turned into a long sigh of relief. Li Xiangyi's era had long passed. If he could find peace and continuity in this way, perhaps it would be the best outcome.

Fang Duobing opened his mouth wide for a long time before closing it. He poked Su Xiaoyong and whispered, "Di Feisheng... is he using the entire Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance as a betrothal gift?"

Su Xiaoyong covered his mouth and laughed so hard that his shoulders shook.

In the days that followed, the Sigumen site became increasingly bustling. Those unwilling to stay collected their travel expenses and departed. Those willing to stay were registered and assigned tasks based on ability, regardless of their former sects. Repairs and expansions, procurement of supplies, filing of files, and guard training were all carried out in an orderly manner.

Di Feisheng left all the tedious matters to Wuyan, Shi Shui and others to deal with, while he himself "guarded" Li Lianhua around the clock to help her recover from her injuries.

Li Lianhua was helpless: "After all, I was once the leader of the Si Gu Sect. These matters..."

"You are the owner of the Lotus Tower," Di Feisheng interrupted him, wrapping a thick cloak around him and saying in a tone that did not allow for negotiation, "Just take care of him with peace of mind. The subordinates will take care of the trivial matters."

He paused, looking at Li Lianhua's still pale face, and his voice deepened: "If you continue to bother me, I will drive them all away, and we will have peace and quiet."

Li Lianhua: "..." He had completely witnessed this man's tyranny.

Yet, every night, after Li Lianhua had retired to sleep, the light in Di Feisheng's study remained on late into the night. Any important matters requiring the landlord's decision would eventually and quietly reach his desk. He would quickly review them, annotate them, and process them with the utmost efficiency before sending the results for execution, ensuring everything proceeded smoothly without disturbing Li Lianhua's rest.

He was willing to hide behind the scenes and clear all obstacles for him, just so that he could be a leisurely owner of the building who "appreciates flowers, drinks tea, and fishes".

Half a month later, Li Lianhua's injury recovered greatly.

The plaque reading "Lotus Building" was officially hung on the newly renovated gate. The calligraphy was vigorous and freehand, with a subtle hint of the lotus's charm. It was written by Li Lianhua herself.

Under the plaque, the former members of the two factions gathered together. Although their clothes had not yet been unified, their mental outlook had been completely renewed.

Li Lianhua, dressed in a turquoise robe, stood at the front of the steps, still looking lazy, but his eyes were clear and calm. He said nothing much, just a few simple words about working together and letting bygones be bygones, then announced that there was only one rule for the building: "Have a clear conscience and walk freely."

Everyone responded with a roar.

Di Feisheng stood slightly to his side, knife in hand as always, his face stern as he swept his gaze over the crowd below, carrying an invisible intimidation. No one dared to neglect the host just because he seemed easygoing.

After the brief ceremony, everyone dispersed and went about their own business.

Li Lianhua turned around and looked at Di Feisheng behind him. He smiled helplessly and said, "That's good. I'm afraid I'm the most idle landlord in history."

Di Feisheng took a step forward, put his arm around his waist very naturally, and led him to the backyard: "It's good to have some free time." He lowered his head and whispered in his ear, his breath warm, "If you really have nothing to do, why not spend more time with your husband."

Li Lianhua's ears instantly turned red, and she nudged him lightly with her elbow in annoyance, but did not struggle to break free.

The sunlight was shining brightly, shining on the two people walking side by side, lengthening their shadows and blending them intimately.

The past grudges seemed to have been blown away by the wind. A new story quietly unfolded in the Lotus Pavilion where twin lotus flowers grew.