Liu Xiaoyu stayed in the Ding Shan Marquis’s mansion for a few days, always feeling worried and wanting to go out to find her sister.

She was originally a golden carp in the Jinhua River. She was the only one in the entire clan who cultivated magical powers, but she had not yet fully transformed into a human form. Unexpectedly, on the day she went out to play with her sister, she bumped into an amber jujube tree that had double fruits. She let her sister eat the bigger one, which increased her cultivation by 500 years, and she ate the smaller one, which increased her cultivation by 300 years.

The two sisters finally gained the ability to transform into human forms.

However, just after eating the amber jujube, a wicked turtle spirit suddenly appeared and tried to devour the two sisters. They fled and got separated.

She had previously told her sister to meet at the South Gate City, so she arrived early at the South Gate City to wait.

Unexpectedly, when she reached Li’s Village outside the South Gate City, she met a handsome human boy. He seemed to be a noble marquis, but he was kind and gentle. He approached her and greeted her, asking about her name and background.

She immediately said her name was Liu Xiaoyu and that she was the daughter of a fisherman by the river, and she got separated from her sister and was looking for her in the South Gate City.

The young boy kindly invited her to stay at his house and said he was Xia An, the Young Marquis of the Ding Shan Marquis’s mansion. He could use the power of the mansion to help her find her sister, guaranteeing that they would find her soon. Searching on her own would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Although Liu Xiaoyu was a monster and had lived for many years, she had never left the Jinhua River and lacked experience in the mortal world. With just a few words, she was convinced by the Young Marquis to enter the mansion.

In this unfamiliar place, the young boy was gentle and considerate, and with the innocence of a young girl, she quickly developed feelings for him. She thought of him as her ideal husband, just like in a legendary story, meeting her beloved one as soon as she arrived in the mortal world. She only needed to find her sister and they could get married and live a happy life.

However, after a few days, she began to feel that something was not right. The Young Marquis would leave early and return late every day, busy with his own affairs, and only occasionally came to see her. He had no news about her sister.

She didn’t suspect Xia An’s words, but she was worried that her sister was naive and if she didn’t have the “good luck” of meeting Xia An, what would happen to her?

So she couldn’t hold back anymore and went out to find Xia An, wanting to tell him that she also wanted to go out to find her sister. Maybe their sisterly bond would help them find each other quickly.

The servants in the mansion had become familiar with her over the past few days, so she easily reached the outside of Xia An’s study. She found that the room was brightly lit and he should be inside.

Just as Liu Xiaoyu approached, she heard a conversation from inside the study.

In the study.

Xia An, the Young Marquis, was caressing a long and ancient jade qin on the table, marveling, “This is an ancient sandalwood spirit. It could have been made into an heirloom magical tool, but instead, it’s just a useless qin. What a waste.”

“For you, Young Marquis, it may be a waste, but for someone who loves the qin, it is an invaluable treasure.” The steward in front of the desk flattered with a smile, “The Marquis also spent a lot to obtain this qin. He entrusted it to you, so make sure not to disappoint his efforts.”

“Even with this Sandalwood Yin Qin, it’s only a stepping stone to get closer to Xue Lingxue. It will take a lot more effort to win over the contemporary prodigy of Nan Yin Fang.” Xia An laughed, “My father really found me a good job.”

“I heard from the palace that Shen Qingyan from Nan Yin Fang is likely to become the Crown Prince’s consort. Xue Lingxue is on good terms with her. If she can marry into our mansion in the future, Young Marquis, your future will be promising.” The steward flattered, “Your skills in wooing girls are exceptional, perfectly utilized.”

“You make it sound like I’m a parasite.” Xia An glanced at him and said, “If it weren’t for Xue Lingxue being a beauty among mortals, I wouldn’t have agreed.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” The steward nodded repeatedly.

Usually, the disciples of Nan Yin Fang’s inner sect would not talk about personal relationships at this time. Even if there was a romantic connection, it would only be announced after the competition among this generation’s top disciples had ended. Otherwise, it would greatly affect their popularity, which had been proven through many painful lessons in the past.

However, although it was not announced publicly, there were still many pre-arranged relationships. After all, no one would know if they talked privately.

This would not affect Xia An’s determination to pursue Xue Lingxue.

Although Xue Lingxue was an unattainable goddess to countless people, she was not completely out of reach for Xia An, a young marquis from the royal family with the surname Xia.

Anything was possible.

And according to Xia An’s past experience, the more of a goddess someone was, the less likely anyone would dare to approach her, making it easier to succeed. As long as he could get closer to her, enter her life, it was not as difficult as imagined to capture her heart.

“By the way, have you talked to my father about the business?” Xia An asked.

“He is aware, but he is currently at a critical breakthrough and doesn’t have time to deal with these mundane matters… So, you’ll have to handle it for now, Young Marquis.” The steward helplessly said.

“Ah, my father’s talent is so great, but he still can’t reach the peak of the sixth realm even after spending so many resources. If it weren’t for this human trafficking business, the entire mansion would have been dragged down by him. Why doesn’t he give up?” Xia An said with a hint of sarcasm.

“If the Young Marquis gives up, he will have a peaceful death.” The steward dared not say more and could only smile, “Strive for it. When you reach the seventh realm, a whole new world will open up.”

“A peaceful death…” Xia An sneered.

The meaning behind his laughter was clear: So what?

The steward naturally dared not say more about this father-son relationship. All he could do was pretend not to have heard and smile.

They were chatting and laughing inside the room, but Liu Xiaoyu, outside, felt her heart grow cold. She was naive, but not foolish. She could clearly understand the meaning behind Xia An’s words.

So the man she thought was her beloved was just a deceitful villain?

Thinking this, she wanted to leave this place immediately. But as she turned around, she couldn’t help but let out a cry of surprise, “Ah…”

Behind her, a tall and thin figure had appeared without her noticing. This person was dressed in black, with a cold and indifferent expression, silent like a ghost.

“Hehe.” Seeing that Liu Xiaoyu had discovered him, the person in black sneered, without hesitation, he raised his hand and pressed it on her head.

Bang.

With a single palm, Liu Xiaoyu fainted instantly. Even though she had cultivated for hundreds of years, her monster body had no resistance.

The Young Marquis rushed out of the room upon hearing the sound, and seeing the situation, he called out, “Lu Shi?”

“Young Marquis…” the black-clad man called Lu Shi said coldly, “This little girl was eavesdropping outside and I discovered her.”

“How long has she been here?” Xia An asked.

“It should have been a while.” Lu Shi replied.

“Ah…” The Young Marquis shook his head and sighed, “What a pity. I thought she was innocent and wanted to have a pure love affair. It’s a real shame.”

“In that case, shall I kill her?” Lu Shi said naturally, skillfully placing his hand on Liu Xiaoyu’s head.

“Hey, don’t waste it.” The Young Marquis waved his hand, “Take her to the cabin outside the city and sell her with the next batch of goods.”

“Yes.” Only then did Lu Shi withdraw his hand, picked up Liu Xiaoyu, and disappeared in an instant.

After watching Lu Shi’s figure disappear for a while, Xia An sneered and said, “I wonder what kind of freak he is. He has no interest in women but is in a hurry to kill them.”

“Hehe…” The steward must have been accustomed to Xia An’s behavior of speaking ill of others behind their backs. All he could do was smile and respond, “Lu Shi is from the Seven Killings lineage of the Tianxing Asura Art. He may be a bit ruthless, but as long as he is loyal to our mansion, it’s good.”

“Seven Killings…” Xia An turned around and entered the room, saying, “Let him teach me. I’ve always been told that I have no affinity for cultivation. I don’t even know what treasure inheritance he has. Tsk.”