20 "A Fleeting Passion"

Lin Zhao subtly stepped back a little and said, "...Go wash up!"

The two little ones, sensing their mother’s slight disdain, chuckled softly and quickly went off to wash their hands and faces.

The eldest poured water, the second fetched the soap, and the two boys worked together seamlessly.

Lin Zhao was busy bathing the twins.

The little ones, just over a year old, loved playing with water. The two chubby babies splashed with their arms, their faces lit up with joyous smiles.

The obedient third child, learning from his sister, also splashed water and smiled.

Though the warrant for Lin Che’s arrest had been withdrawn, Lin Che believed that as long as he dared to show himself, the Six Doors would surely be alerted again. His previous rescue of Li Xinluo in Kunlun Mountain could not be hidden from the Princess. Without absolute certainty, Lin Che had no intention of confronting the machinery of the Great Chu state directly.

He spoke as he took a cigarette between his lips and pulled out the strange letter he always carried with him.

Walking a few steps forward, Gale and the other entered another room, where yet another sculpture appeared before their eyes.

Mu Li dismissed Zhi Xia, lifted her teacup, and casually asked, her gaze drifting toward Ling Long, who was watering the flowers.

More than a hundred miles away at a military camp, over ten soldiers were gathered in a conference room, holding a serious meeting.

However, the troops eventually turned the tide of battle. Their superior numbers, combined with the experience of seasoned warriors hardened in combat, brought them victory.

Shen Lian steadied Lin Che with one hand, channeling a powerful and majestic inner force into him. Alongside it was a gentle yet overwhelming energy that suppressed the Yin energy within Lin Che’s body.

Mu Li withdrew a delicate silk handkerchief from her sleeve and softly wiped the sweat from his forehead. She whispered encouragement near his ear, her eyes resolute as they met his, hoping to instill confidence and comfort.

“Having heard what should not be heard, seen what should not be seen, and spoken what should not be spoken—are ten lashes really so heavy for him?” Nangong Mo asked solemnly, glancing first at Chu Yang, then at Yin Yue.

Yet, as a guest disciple who remained within the Shadow Moon Sword Spirit organization, even without any authority, no one dared to harm him.

The crucial point was Zhao Qing suddenly realized the stool beneath him was chillingly cold. To his shock, he wasn’t wearing a scrap of cloth. Fortunately, the place was sparsely populated, or others might have thought him a pervert.

Mo Lei was utterly exhausted tonight, her heart restless and uneasy. After being struck and sent flying by another punch, the bashful shyness they once shared when alone had vanished.

Qi Xiu immediately stood, but made no rush to strike. The city lord’s mansion was heavily guarded. Without anyone noticing, a silent figure appeared before him—surely a formidable expert. Caution was necessary.

“Master, though your Taoist name is ‘Silent Extinction,’ you are not heartless. Why have you come to this point?” You Lian spoke at this moment.

The main weapon of the viper was its speed and venom. Its sharp fangs sent a chill deep into one’s heart.

Tian felt a flicker of surprise—he had been rejected. How could such a person exist in the world? Was he not noble enough? Was his appearance truly that unattractive?

“That would make you my great-grandfather’s generation. Still, I hope you, as my elder, can help me seek justice for today’s matter.” Saying this, the man pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and handed it to Fifth Uncle.

Cheng Cheng, seeing Shanaido’s expression, suddenly understood. He had forgotten that Shanaido was a boy—making a boy act coquettish was indeed difficult.

Of course, he was not convinced. He could only admit the other’s luck was good, comforting himself as he continued to seek his target.

The scholar did not hesitate. Like Wang Yue, he extended his idle left hand to cover Wang Yue’s outstretched right hand. Both palms were clasped, yet there was no stalemate; at the same time, their wrists twisted, breaking free from each other’s grip, and once again they aimed a slap at each other’s faces.

Yang Tian was a man of great caliber, with a sixth sense as sharp as a leopard’s. Anyone shadowing him was immediately detected.