Chapter 95: The Sovereign Jun Moli

Just as An Ran’s words fell, and while Yu Jinglan was still lost in his smug fantasies, Jun Moli, lying on the couch, suddenly spat out a mouthful of black blood, nearly covering An Ran’s back entirely.

Yu Jinglan, standing slightly to her left, was caught off guard and could not dodge in time. Some of the blood splattered onto his handsome face, causing his expression to darken even further. He wiped the black blood from his face, his cold, narrow eyes narrowing into slits as a murderous glint emerged. His chilling gaze seemed as though it could tear Jun Moli to shreds. A cold, mocking smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. *Very well, very well indeed...*

"Master!"

Zhaoyang and his two companions shouted in unison, their eyes filled with terror. Standing at the doorway, each held a sword in one hand while pressing their wounds with the other. With blood stained on their lips, they watched Yu Jinglan with nervous, vigilant eyes, wary that he might suddenly strike.

An Ran glanced sideways at Jun Moli, her heart sinking with mounting anxiety. She needed to take his pulse and perform acupuncture immediately, or his life would be in jeopardy! Yet, Yu Jinglan stood in the way; if she moved, he would surely follow, and with his speed, he would decapitate Jun Moli in a single stroke.

"Ha ha..."

A gloomy, frigid laugh echoed through the quiet medicine room. The five types of poisonous creatures kept in the hidden compartments began to stir restlessly. The poisonous toad let out a "gurgling" sound, the venomous snake flicked its red tongue with a "hiss," and the other three creatures skittered about, emitting a faint "rustling."

After the laughter subsided, Yu Jinglan’s perfect, handsome face appeared even more chilling and inscrutable. His voice was arrogant and bloodthirsty. "I had intended to tear him limb from limb and feed him to the dogs, but it seems I won't have to get my hands dirty after all. Those who dare to contend with me deserve nothing but death!"

"Brother Lan!"

An Ran stared at him with emotionless eyes, though beneath her calm surface, a turbulent storm was brewing. She was deeply shocked by his cruelty and bloodthirstiness. She had always thought of Yu Jinglan as a king with a more imposing presence and a more overbearing nature than others, but this was a side of him she had never seen before!

In her heart, Yu Jinglan had been like a sunny older brother, caring for her even more attentively than her own brothers, who were filled with jealousy and restlessness. Whenever she recalled those memories, her heart felt warm. Although she had never reciprocated his care and attention, she had always cherished that warmth.

And now, for the sake of a man he had only met twice, Yu Jinglan was revealing such a vicious and cruel side. Was his heart truly as sunny and warm as she had once believed?

"Is that so? I wonder why the new Emperor of Yeyue, who claimed to be ill and resting at the palace, has appeared here? Are you aware of the penalty for conspiring to murder a prince of Xuanyue? Is the new Emperor of Yeyue truly prepared for war with Xuanyue?"

As these words echoed, everyone in the room turned in horror toward the source of the voice. This authoritative, imposing tone belonged to Jun Moli, who had been spitting black blood only moments ago!

"Master!"

Zhaoyang and his companions were startled once more. Could their master have reached such a state? Or was this... a final flash of brilliance before death?

An Ran turned in astonishment to see Jun Moli leaning halfway up on the couch, his robes already neatly fastened. He looked like a king returning to his throne. His unruly, defiant gaze had replaced his previous gentle, jade-like demeanor. A cold smirk played on his lips as he watched Yu Jinglan as if observing a play. The black blood around his mouth made him look slightly comical, but it did nothing to diminish his flamboyant, kingly aura.

Of all the people in the medicine room, none were more shocked than Yu Jinglan. Jun Moli’s words were a resounding slap to his previous arrogance. His boastful remarks had been countered by Jun Moli’s sudden awakening—and his words were sharp enough to cut.

He had clearly spat black blood and looked like a dying man; how could he have awakened so suddenly? Furthermore, his speed in dressing and leaning back against the couch had been faster than Yu Jinglan’s eyes could track. Was he a man or a ghost? Last night, Yu Jinglan had mocked him, claiming his reputation as the "God of War" was bought with money, but it now seemed Jun Moli had been hiding something all along!

However...

Yu Jinglan met Jun Moli’s gaze without flinching. Their eyes locked, sparking with unseen friction. Their long black hair swayed without a breeze, and the smiles on their faces grew more pronounced. Suddenly, Jun Moli withdrew his gaze and fixed his eyes on An Ran, his expression turning as gentle as water. "Ran'er, do you know that it was your sincerity that awakened me?"

"Pfft—"

Hearing Jun Moli’s nauseating remark, Yu Jinglan spat out a mouthful of old blood, though he quickly swallowed it back down with a twitch of his throat. His cold, furious eyes locked onto Jun Moli, his teeth grinding audibly, and his fists clenched until his knuckles cracked.

"Surely the Prince of Li isn't experiencing a final burst of energy before death?"

Yu Jinglan asked, seizing the opportunity before An Ran could speak, his tone filled with schadenfreude. His words echoed exactly what An Ran was thinking. Having been poisoned by the Five Venoms, it was impossible for Jun Moli to be this spirited unless it was a final resurgence—or unless his martial arts had reached such a peak that his self-healing capabilities exceeded their wildest imagination.

But if that were the case, why would Jun Moli have easily fallen victim to the Miao border tribes' gu poison? It was a contradiction. An Ran grew increasingly suspicious, yet the gu poison in Jun Moli’s body was real; it had nearly cost him his life twice over. Why?

"New Emperor of Yeyue, if you do not leave now and stop disturbing the intimacy between me and my destined princess, I shall show you exactly what a 'final burst of energy' feels like!"

In the blink of an eye, Jun Moli stood before An Ran, leaving only a phantom image on the couch!

*So fast!*

Jun Moli’s words were clearly a threat. Yu Jinglan, being no fool, understood perfectly. He gritted his teeth and glared at Jun Moli. *Fine, very well... Jun Moli, just you wait!*

"Ranran, you are a citizen of Yeyue and my destined Empress. Come back to the palace with me!" Unconsciously, while Yu Jinglan’s anger was directed at Jun Moli, the words that spilled from his sour throat carried an overbearing and unquestionable tone, even bordering on a threat toward An Ran.

Pain flickered in An Ran’s eyes, but she closed them briefly, and when she reopened them, they were clear once more. She turned to Yu Jinglan, her face cold and her eyes like a deep, still well, filled with firm resolve. "An Ran Residence is my home; I will not return to the palace with you. Besides, no one can command what I must do, where I should be, or who I should be with... In any case, Brother Lan, as the new Emperor of Yeyue, you have no right to interfere in my affairs! I am not suited for the constraints of the palace; I should not be your Empress."

An Ran’s sharp, relentless words forced Yu Jinglan to retreat step by step. His heart felt as if it had been stabbed by a dagger, and the one holding the blade was An Ran herself. *How can she be so cruel, saying such heartless things? Ranran... I am the only one who truly loves you! Jun Moli is merely using you to heal his illness!*

Yu Jinglan’s eyes were filled with grief as he looked at An Ran. Alas... her eyes, like the rest of her, remained as calm as water after she spoke, without the slightest ripple.

He admitted his tone had been a bit harsh, carrying a hint of command. But he was a sovereign, a child of destiny, and his inherent kingly authority was fused with his personality; it was only natural for him to be overbearing. Furthermore, his anger was aimed at Jun Moli, not her.

He hadn't forced her; he really hadn't. He was only speaking the truth. War between the two nations was likely; the situation at the border was restless. Not only he, but Jun Dingyue also wished to expand his territory. The only way to expand territory was through war—the victor is the king, the loser the bandit; everyone wants to be the winner. His visit, ostensibly to build friendly relations, was merely a pretext. He could search for An Ran while scouting Xuanyue’s military secrets, sending information back to Yeyue to prepare. Once he returned safely, he would launch a surprise attack, catching Xuanyue off guard!

If An Ran remained in Xuanyue and her identity were exposed, she would be hunted as an enemy spy, and she would be in trouble. Jun Moli, regardless of whether he loved her, would never sacrifice the entire nation of Xuanyue to protect her alone. Therefore, only he could offer An Ran a wholehearted, true love; only he was worthy of her!

"Ranran, I only have your safety in mind. You know my heart. Please, do not be deceived by someone who plays the fool to eat the tiger..."

"Does the new Emperor of Yeyue mean to say that Ran'er cannot distinguish right from wrong, or see the good and evil in human nature?"

Yu Jinglan adjusted his mood, trying to soften his tone, but Jun Moli snatched the words away, deliberately twisting their meaning in front of An Ran! He turned his gaze toward Jun Moli, who looked back with a smile, his eyes clearly challenging: *Go ahead, bite me!*

Yu Jinglan was furious. *That damn Jun Moli!*

"Jun Moli, you brought this on yourself!"

Yu Jinglan let out a roar, his handsome, overbearing face twisting into a grimace. He channeled his internal energy and, catching Jun Moli off guard, struck out with a palm. But the next second, he regretted it. The green snake sword wrapped around An Ran’s waist somehow coiled around his wrist, binding him tight. With a sharp tug, the blade dug deep into his flesh. Fresh blood quickly seeped out, dripping onto the floor with a rhythmic *tap, tap.*

An Ran snapped out of her trance and quickly retracted the green snake sword. The blade remained unstained by the blood and coiled back around her waist, hanging a few inches down on the left side, looking no different from a beautiful belt!

"Brother Lan..."

"Ranran, you actually出手 injured me for his sake? Heh..." Yu Jinglan laughed as if he had heard the funniest joke, or witnessed a play that started in joy but ended in tragedy, his laughter laced with desolation.

The woman he had cherished for twelve years had been blinded by a devious prince from another nation, and now she had actually wounded him, treating him as an enemy... *Heh heh heh... Why is this joke so hilarious!*

"Brother Lan..."

"Jun Moli, it is you who made Ranran turn against me. Today, I must fight you to the death!"

"Very well!"

Everyone thought Yu Jinglan was taking advantage of the situation, deliberately provoking the heavily wounded Jun Moli. But Jun Moli merely smiled faintly and declared aloud, "Very well!"

"Master!"

"This room is too cramped to stretch our limbs, and we might damage the treasures Ran'er has painstakingly raised. Shall we step outside the courtyard to fight?" Jun Moli glanced at An Ran, who remained quiet but inwardly unsettled, and looked toward Yu Jinglan.

"Very well!"

Yu Jinglan did not drag his feet; he only regretted that he had been a split second slower than Jun Moli in considering An Ran’s treasures, feeling a surge of resentment and regret.

As Jun Moli passed An Ran, he quietly squeezed her hanging hand, whispering for her not to blame herself or worry, before walking out with graceful strides. At the door, he casually snatched the sword from Zhaoyang’s hand!

His steps were steady, his breathing even—did he look like a man who had just been severely wounded? Was this really a final flash of brilliance?

Zhaoyang looked at his empty hands, stunned. How many years had it been since he had seen his master display such dominance?

"Ranran, once I kill Jun Moli, you will return to Yeyue with me immediately! We shall not stay another day!" With these words, Yu Jinglan chased after Jun Moli. He had to kill him and take An Ran away!

Yu Jinglan was filled with panic. The longer he stayed in Yue City, the more pressure he felt from Jun Moli. *Long delays lead to trouble; I must kill him with one sword stroke to sever An Ran’s attachment. Even if she has no such attachment, I cannot let him live another day!*

Outside, the courtyard had turned into a battlefield!

Jun Moli and Yu Jinglan stood on opposite ends of the rooftop, keeping a safe distance. Each held a sword, their eyes locked in angry, silent confrontation. Yet, both radiated such a dangerous aura that one could feel the crushing pressure from three zhang away.

Suddenly, with tacit agreement, both infused their internal energy into their swords. The two blades clashed with a *bang*, the sword aura so terrifying that the surrounding roof tiles were shattered and sent flying.

As the two masters clashed, Zhaoyang and his companions were forced back by the sheer force of the aura. Though they longed to witness the fight, their own lives were at stake, so they remained inside, seeing only the flying debris.

Their movements were blindingly fast; the two figures intertwined until it was impossible to tell them apart. One could only guess based on the colors of their robes, but in the blink of an eye, even those shadows vanished!

*Bang!* After a final crash, both landed in the courtyard. The aftermath of their energy shattered the potted plants An Ran had arranged just days ago, and a strike against a wooden pillar left a deep, carved mark!

After an exhilarating battle, the two stood in opposite corners, smiling at each other. If they were not rivals in love, and certainly not enemies, they might have been heroes appreciating heroes, sharing wine and laughter. But for them, such a friendship was destined to be impossible in this lifetime.

Jun Moli’s eyes held a hint of playfulness, while Yu Jinglan’s were filled with shock. Jun Moli had fought him to a draw without using his full strength—if he fully recovered, what a terrifying existence he would be!

"I never expected the new Emperor of Yeyue to be not only resourceful but also so profound in his martial arts. I am impressed!" Jun Moli’s words sounded like praise, but they made Yu Jinglan’s face sink, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. *Damn him!*

Jun Moli appeared to be complimenting him, but every word implied that Yu Jinglan was inferior. Yu Jinglan was "resourceful," yet he had been played like a fool; and since he was currently fighting a "severely wounded" man to a draw, what did that say about his own martial arts? Truly "impressive" indeed!

"Jun Moli, don't be too smug!" Yu Jinglan always felt there was something sinister about Jun Moli. Last night, he couldn't even withstand his palm wind, and now they were evenly matched—he must be hiding some world-shaking secret. Once he uncovered it and revealed it to the world, the people of Xuanyue would drown him in their spit!

"I shall wait and see!" Jun Moli laughed lightly, completely disregarding Yu Jinglan.

An Ran emerged from the medicine room, looking coldly at the ruined flowers and scattered debris in the courtyard. Her voice was icy. "Both of you, clean this up and get out of An Ran Residence immediately!"

With that, she disappeared around the corner!

Liehuo was still sleeping like a dead pig on the couch, oblivious to the tension outside. But Zhaoyang and his two companions were stunned by An Ran’s words. She had dared to command the monarch of one nation and a prince of another to clean her courtyard—and not only that, she had told them to "get out" once they were finished!

How much courage and presence did it take to utter the word "get out"?

Looking at the two who had caused the destruction, neither showed a hint of anger. Even his own master was actually smiling, as if he had just heard the most beautiful song in the world...

They had been assigned to the young lady, and their future was indeed bright. If the young lady became the Princess of Li, the master would be a true henpecked husband, and since they were the princess’s subordinates, they would be a cut above the rest, ha ha...

Thinking of this, even the cold faces of the Han brothers softened slightly.

The young lady was truly imposing!

"New Emperor of Yeyue, this is our joint masterpiece. The courtyard is split in two; one half each!" Jun Moli showed no shame, but rather seemed proud, his face still wearing a gentle smile as he spoke cheerfully!

With that, he began to tidy his half! Zhaoyang stood to the side, his heart bleeding—his former master had commandeered his sword and was now using it to pick up withered flowers and grass. What a waste!

Yu Jinglan’s face was now as dark as the bottom of a pot. Compared to Jun Moli, he truly looked like he had just crawled out of a kitchen stove. He couldn't understand how Jun Moli, a majestic prince, could do menial chores so happily. He wondered if he was born to be this way!

"Jun Moli, you win this time!"

To avoid further angering An Ran, Yu Jinglan followed Jun Moli’s example and began to clean the courtyard. But he had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, pampered and protected his whole life—how could he do such manual labor? Jun Moli would look up from time to time, shaking his head with a playful expression, and then continue cleaning!

The more Yu Jinglan watched, the angrier he became. He sheathed his sword, tapped his toes, leaped onto the roof, and left rapidly.

If Jun Moli wanted to humiliate his own dignity, then let him have it—let him clean the whole courtyard by himself! *Hmph!* For a dignified emperor to debase himself like Jun Moli—he wouldn't, and he couldn't!

"Master, you are amazing, you actually drove that emperor away!" Zhaoyang, seeing that Jun Moli was unharmed, swept away his previous gloom and walked over with a smile, having forgotten his own injuries.

Jun Moli’s face suddenly turned cold. He knew exactly what Zhaoyang was scheming—trying to get his sword back. That was fine...

"Master..." Zhaoyang suddenly felt a chill down his spine and dared not meet Jun Moli’s eyes. His master seemed to have changed into a different person again.

"Hmm, I see your injuries are relatively light, so please trouble yourself to clean the courtyard thoroughly and restore it to its original state! Make your future princess happy!"

As Jun Moli spoke, the Han brothers immediately feigned "serious injuries" and leaned against the door, grateful they had stood far back earlier. This task was simply too arduous; such a job was only fit for someone as experienced as Zhaoyang!

The two brothers exchanged a glance and slipped away!

Zhaoyang stood in the twilight, looking at Jun Moli with pleading eyes. *Master, you can't just discard the donkey once the grinding is done!*

"Don't curse me in your heart, or I really might kill you and stew you!" Jun Moli threw the sword to Zhaoyang and left with a graceful, light-hearted stride.

"Master... my injuries are the worst of the three!"

After Jun Moli left, Zhaoyang slumped in despair. There was no helping it; he was too stubborn to admit that among the three, his martial arts were the weakest!

As soon as Yu Jinglan returned to the palace in a rage, he began to dance his sword frantically in the garden. The accompanying ministers and attendants didn't know what had happened, but none could fathom why the Emperor would be so enraged after a nap.

They looked at each other, none daring to step forward to ask for fear that the Emperor’s sharp blade might accidentally "snap" them in two!

Half an hour later, Yu Jinglan stopped his frantic slashing. He was drenched in sweat, and with a dark face, he carried his sword toward the pavilion. The garden behind him was a chaotic, tragic sight!

"Quick, prepare the Emperor’s bath! Immediately!" The head eunuch glanced at the ruined garden, shivering in fear. Suppressed by the chilling aura radiating from Yu Jinglan, he raised his shrill voice to give orders.

"Yes!"

The eunuch’s order was followed by maids rushing to the kitchen to fetch hot water!

In moments, the bath was ready. The head eunuch left two beautiful maids to attend to Yu Jinglan, then withdrew cautiously, wiping cold sweat from his brow. His heart finally settled a little.

The Emperor was terrifying; truly, accompanying a monarch was like accompanying a tiger. One wrong move and one’s head would be gone!

"Your Majesty, please bathe!" The maid tested the water temperature and bowed gracefully, her voice dripping with sweetness.

Yu Jinglan remained silent. He rose, walked around the screen, and spread his arms. The two maids stepped forward to undress him, eyes lowered, until only his undergarments remained.

Yu Jinglan’s physique was enough to make any woman gasp: a bronzed, solid chest, broad shoulders, narrow hips, eight-pack abs, and powerful, long legs. As he stepped into the tub, the perfect lines of his back were enough to stir anyone’s imagination.

One maid retreated to guard the door, while the other began to gently wash him. On the screen, the candlelight cast two shadows. The quiet room was filled only with the crisp sound of water!

"Ah—"

Suddenly, the maid let out a startled cry, followed by a splash of water. Two entwined shadows were cast upon the screen.

The maid at the door gasped, covering her mouth, then quickly lowered her head. *See no evil, hear no evil!*

A while later, the room was filled with the sound of water, a woman’s low moans, and a man’s heavy breathing. Half an hour later, the intense battle subsided, and the room returned to silence.

Yu Jinglan stepped out of the tub, leaving the maid limp and breathless against the side. The maid at the door saw him emerge naked and immediately lowered her head to wipe away the water, preparing to dress him.

But as soon as she finished wiping him and turned to fetch his clothes, she was pulled into his arms. His sexy voice whispered in her ear, "Just now, were you jealous too, hmm?"

"This servant dares not, this servant dares not, please spare my life..." The maid shook her head in terror, her beautiful eyes filled with panic, her voice trembling... She dared not covet the Emperor; a dragon among men was not something a lowly servant could hope for!

"Dares not? What if I give you the opportunity?" A playful expression flashed across Yu Jinglan’s handsome face, and a rebellious smile tugged at his lips.

Since *she* didn't care, since she didn't care how many women he had or who they were, why shouldn't he enjoy the most exquisite pleasure in the world?

Even if there was no love, just the act itself—couldn't it bring excitement, joy, heartache, and sorrow?

He loved seeing them submit to him, hearing their most moving, melodic cries. He, Yu Jinglan, was the true child of destiny, the true king, the hegemon who would unite two nations and one territory... *Ranran, you will return to my side!*

"Your Majesty... Ah—"

The maid’s mind wandered, and her thin robe was torn to shreds by Yu Jinglan. With a *whoosh*, her clothes fell away, leaving her exposed before him like a plucked chicken!

After the rain had passed, Yu Jinglan pushed the maid away. He glanced at her with contempt and said coldly, "After returning to Yeyue, move into the Xihua Palace!"

The trembling maid froze, then looked up in shock, her heart filled with indescribable excitement. *Xihua Palace...*

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The maid knelt on the couch, kowtowing in gratitude. Moving into the Xihua Palace meant she would be a master, a woman of the Emperor...

"Get out and order someone to prepare clean water again! I want to bathe!"

"Yes!"

The maid ran out naked. The head eunuch was so shocked he nearly screamed. But hearing her order, he ignored her lack of modesty and ran to the kitchen, covering his eyes.

The maid’s legs went weak, and she collapsed to the ground. Fortunately, no one dared to approach the Emperor’s pavilion without permission, and the guards on the stairs were facing away. If she had been seen, even if she were lucky enough to survive, she would never be able to move into the Xihua Palace!

Thinking of this, she scrambled to her feet and ran toward the secluded pavilion at the back of the corridor...

***

An Ran returned to her bedroom and ordered Xi'er to prepare bath water, wanting to wash away the stench. Jun Moli’s mouthful of black blood had soaked her thin shirt, wetting her back. Her sense of smell was keen, and the unpleasant odor lingered, making her feel nauseated.

"Miss, the water is ready, and I’ve added fetal chrysanthemum. After you finish soaking, I’ll bring more hot water for you to wash again!" Xi'er had completely forgotten the events of that day and no longer acted timid or fearful in An Ran’s presence.

"Take these clothes and burn them!" An Ran threw her outer robe to Xi'er and waved her hand, signaling her to leave.

Xi'er left with the blood-stained clothes and locked the door behind her.

An Ran was wearing only a silk bodice. She bypassed the screen and walked to the wooden tub. With long, slender fingers, she unfastened the ties. The bodice slipped away, revealing skin as white and delicate as mutton-fat jade, a waist so slender it could be held in one hand, and a graceful, alluring figure...

"Who's there!"

An Ran suddenly radiated killing intent. A murderous glint flashed in her calm eyes. As she spoke, three silver needles flew out in three different directions!

"Ran'er, you are so heartless..." Jun Moli suddenly appeared in the room, playfully catching the silver needles between his fingers. His voice was filled with endless heartbreak and grievance.

"Jun Moli, what are you doing here?" Hearing the familiar voice, An Ran’s killing intent instantly vanished, her eyes clearing. She took off her trousers, hung them on the screen, and stepped into the tub.

Jun Moli’s eyes caught a glimpse of that alluring, blood-pumping figure. Though it was only for a split second, it was enough to make his breathing erratic, his face flushed red, and his body painfully stifled!

"Ran'er, I missed you so much. A moment apart feels like three autumns!" Jun Moli gathered his wandering thoughts and said, acting as if it were the most serious matter in the world.

An Ran rolled her eyes, feeling speechless at his words, yet a strange feeling glided through her heart. What it was, she couldn't say—or perhaps, she didn't dare to try.

On the roof, the Han brothers had finished taking their medicine and changed into clean clothes to resume their watch. Who would have thought that upon their return, they would hear such nauseatingly sweet words? Their "eternal iceberg" faces cracked as they struggled to maintain their composure. *Their former master, he...*

*Thump, thump.* After two muffled sounds, two figures clutching their backsides vanished, and the roof returned to silence!

Jun Moli looked at his empty fingers and smiled with satisfaction. A "gentleman on the beam" deserved such a fate—a needle in the backside!

An Ran shook her head slightly, ignoring the "grudge" between the three. She hadn't expected Jun Moli to barge in without her clothes, so now she could only soak in the water and wait for him to roll away on his own!

"Ran'er, why aren't you concerned about my injuries from the battle with Yu Jinglan? I was really hurt very badly!" Jun Moli immediately collapsed onto a stool, performing his one-man play with great effort, all to entice An Ran to join in the act!

After a splash of water, An Ran’s calm voice came from behind the screen. "Aren't you still alive? When you're about to die, I’ll personally 'care for' you!"

An Ran was not only ruthless in her methods, but her tongue was also tipped with poison. Jun Moli felt the sting, his expression stiffened, and his words stuck in his throat like a fishbone!

An Ran was truly speechless. If it were anyone else, she would have beaten them out of the room by now. Keeping him here while he rambled on and on—he had returned to the nagging Jun Moli of before. Could the arrogant, dominant Jun Moli she saw at dusk have been an illusion? Was it possible he had been possessed by a ghost?

"Jun Moli, have you left?"

After a quarter of an hour, An Ran could no longer feel Jun Moli’s presence in the room. She found it strange—why had he left? She called out, but no one answered, and to her surprise, she felt a slight sense of loss.

Just as she was about to step out of the water, a magnified face suddenly appeared before her, so clear she could see every tiny pore. An Ran was startled and cried out, "Ah—"

"Ran'er, is it exciting?" Jun Moli’s face wore a devilishly charming smile. He leaned even closer, his sexy thin lips parting, his eyes full of mischief!

*So fast!*

After the shock, An Ran regained her senses. The distance between them was so small they could have touched. She could clearly feel his warm breath and hear his strong, powerful heartbeat...

*Damn it, this man is not sick at all!*

*He’s been faking it the whole time!*

Otherwise, how could a patient with severe, unhealed injuries have such a strong, powerful heartbeat?

*Jun Moli!*

"How long do you intend to keep pretending?" An Ran asked softly. Her words made Jun Moli’s heart skip a beat. *Could she know?*

"Ran'er, what are you talking about?" Jun Moli feigned ignorance, struggling to keep a smile on his face as he played the fool!

"Your martial arts..."

"I am so grateful to you. If you hadn't used so many treasures to save me, and if I hadn't happened to hear Yu Jinglan’s damn voice, I’d probably still be unconscious for days... Ow... my head is spinning... spinning..."

With that, Jun Moli immediately used his hand to support his head, feigning weakness, while his eyes traced the line of An Ran’s neck through his fingers—her collarbone, her white, rosy, delicate skin, and further down... *Damn those flowers, they blocked the view!*

An Ran scoffed inwardly. *Pretend, just keep pretending. Let’s see how long you can keep up this ghost story!*

Suddenly, feeling a burning gaze fixed on a certain part of her, An Ran’s expression darkened. *Damn it, men are truly all the same!*

"Ah—"

Just as Jun Moli was feeling annoyed by the wild orange blossoms floating on the water, An Ran raised a hand and slapped him across the face. After another cry, five distinct finger marks appeared on his bronzed cheek!

"Ran'er..." Jun Moli forgot about pretending to have a headache. He clutched his face, looking at An Ran with immense grievance, and called out softly.

He had taken a slap and no longer cared about the orange blossoms. The burning pain on his face stimulated his brain, and his only thought was: *This face is now unfit to be seen!*

"Get out quickly! If you’re this rude again, wait and see how I deal with you next time!"

An Ran pushed Jun Moli, turned him around, and kicked his backside from the water. Jun Moli clutched his face and stumbled away.

"Ran'er..."

"If you don't get out, I’ll call for help. Don't blame me if the Prince of Li’s reputation is completely ruined!" An Ran threatened, suppressing a laugh, though her eyes held a watery smile.

"Then I’ll come to see you tomorrow... no... you already told Zhan Lun that I’m critically ill and can't return to the Prince of Li’s mansion or marry the Princess of Li, so I’ll go find An Yue and have him arrange a place for me to stay!"

Jun Moli used An Ran’s own words to clarify his position, then slipped out the door. He would have An Yue prepare a comfortable room; he was going to continue "faking" his illness and stay here long-term!

An Ran was amused by his antics, and her heart felt much lighter. A moment later, she suddenly remembered his words, and her smile stiffened. *Damn Jun Moli, how dare he lie to her—when she told Zhan Lun those things today, he was clearly unconscious!*

After her anger faded, she suddenly remembered her appointment with the Ghost-Faced Man tonight and immediately collected her thoughts.

"Xi'er, Xi'er!"

"Coming, Miss, right away!"

An Ran called out twice before hearing Xi'er’s response.

Moments later, Xi'er arrived with two sturdy maids carrying two buckets of water.

When the maids left, An Ran soaked in the water, washing away the petals, and asked, "Did you burn them?"

"Yes, Miss, all of them. I even buried them in the backyard!"

"Good! I want to rest now. You may go!"

"Yes, Miss!"

After Xi'er left, An Ran stepped out of the tub. Apart from the faint scent of orange blossoms, there was no trace of the foul, bloody stench.

She changed into clean, simple clothes, blew out the candle, and her figure instantly vanished from the room.

The late autumn wind was piercingly cold. After a few leaps, An Ran stood on the roof of the abandoned General’s Mansion, gazing toward the direction of the pavilion. Since he had an appointment with her, he would find her!

By the third watch, when all was silent, the mournful weeping sounded once more from the pavilion. An Ran was startled and immediately approached, leaping onto a pavilion overlooking the water.

The sound in the pavilion ceased abruptly, and a sharp voice pierced the air, striking An Ran’s eardrums: "You really did come!"