If you die, I will compensate you.

Chapter Title: 069 If You Die, I’ll Make It Up to You

“Stop, you beast!”
Zhu Xishi’s voice.
Like a switch that controls a train’s tracks, it swiftly altered Fang Rulai’s course, who had been running forward.
“A beast? Isn’t it a bit unfair for the little widow to call me that so soon? I haven’t done a thing yet!”
A lewd voice so repulsive it made Fang Rulai’s skin crawl in an instant.
She recognized him—Sun Chi.
Fang Rulai clenched her fists and sped up even more.
The sound of clothes being torn rang out.
Fang Rulai had already reached the edge of the wall, her fingers splayed wide as she pressed against the surface.
“Tsk tsk, little widow, your skin is so smooth, just like goat’s milk. Makes my heart…”
He didn’t finish. The sounds of a struggle erupted.
Had Zhu Xishi started fighting Sun Chi? Fang Rulai was sweating profusely, her body pressed against the wall as her fingers searched every inch. If the secret chamber she’d once been imprisoned in had a hidden switch, there was no reason this place wouldn’t. But why, after searching everywhere, had she found nothing?
Something slammed against the wall and rolled to the ground, followed by Sun Chi’s vulgar voice, “Humph, you want to challenge me? Even without the Dissolving Qi Powder, you wouldn’t be my match!”
Fang Rulai paused—Dissolving Qi Powder? Was it really necessary against Zhu Xishi?
Zhu Xishi’s voice followed, “Jinhua, Muzhijin? What’s wrong with you? Say something!”
Fang Rulai’s face changed. Muzhijin had fallen into Sun Chi’s hands? He couldn’t even utter a sound now? And what about Banxia? Did Guan Shiyin know any of this?
“Oh, so the little widow can feel fear? Ah, I remembered, you’re the new bride waiting to marry Chu Guan! Are you feeling sorry for your future husband being beaten up? Don’t worry, just beg me and I’ll let you…”
“Pah!” Zhu Xishi spat, cutting off his words, “You want me to beg you? Fine. Kneel before me and beg me to beg you, then maybe I’ll consider it.”
Fang Rulai nearly stumbled. Goddess turning into warrior in a second! Thirty-two points for Sister Xishi’s sharp wit. But with her weak skills, could she really face off against a martial arts master like that?
“Ha, little widow’s got a temper. Fine, you don’t have to beg. But if you don’t, you know what’ll happen…”
A lingering, unmistakable threat.
Fang Rulai pressed her ear to the wall, hearing a loud thump—something else slammed and bounced off, hitting the ground.
Zhu Xishi’s scream rang out, “Muzhijin!”
Sun Chi’s threat continued, “So, little widow, are you still refusing?”
“Sun! Chi!” Zhu Xishi’s words were icy, full of deadly resolve.
Fang Rulai quickly crouched and began feeling along the floor, determined to find the switch before Zhu Xishi did anything foolish. If not on the wall or ceiling, then…
Ah, there it was! Her finger caught on a protrusion in a wall crack, identical to the one she had just turned.
“Fine, I’ll beg you.” Zhu Xishi’s voice softened considerably.

It seemed Muzhijin had done something again, for the thud against the wall sounded for the third time.
Sun Chi clapped, “Jinhuaren, don’t rush, after I deal with the little widow, you’re next.”
Zhu Xishi snapped, “Sun Chi, don’t push your luck!”
Sun Chi laughed lightly, clearly dismissing her, “Little widow, think about how to beg me. Maybe if I’m happy, I’ll spare Jinhuaren today!”
“You…” Zhu Xishi tried to speak, but Sun Chi cut her off sharply.
“Strip. Do it yourself, for me to see!”
Zhu Xishi was trembling with rage, but still moved her fingers to the clasps Sun Chi had ripped open.
One clasp—if it were only her, she’d bite her tongue before letting this lecher defile her.
Two—she owed Muzhijin. If he hadn’t tried to save her, he wouldn’t have been poisoned by Sun Chi’s Dissolving Qi Powder and dragged in here with her.
Three—behind Sun Chi, Muzhijin lay against the wall, the section lit by an oil lamp slowly opening. What was happening?
Ah, Fang Rulai!
Fang Rulai pointed at her own collar, meaning: keep going! Distract Sun Chi so she could rescue Muzhijin.
Zhu Xishi’s expression didn’t change. Facing Sun Chi’s increasingly close gaze, her slender fingers reached for the fourth clasp.
“Su, my taste has always been impeccable. Look, look—this little widow, old enough to have two or three children, yet her skin is as smooth as a virgin. Wonderful, wonderful.” Sun Chi tossed off his outer garments and trousers, his attention utterly consumed by Zhu Xishi’s fiery figure. He didn’t notice Fang Rulai behind him, nor that his soft sword, wound around his waist, was thrown aside with his pants.
Drooling, Sun Chi moved forward, stripping off his inner garments. Fang Rulai quietly crawled to Muzhijin’s side. She poked him, and Muzhijin opened his eyes. Fang Rulai pointed behind herself, urging him to crawl out quickly.
Muzhijin stared in confusion, clearly not expecting Fang Rulai to appear.
Sun Chi’s voice came, “Little widow, I’m coming!”
Muzhijin looked back in alarm, just in time to see Sun Chi leap toward the nearly half-naked Zhu Xishi.
Beast! He would not allow it!
In a flash, Muzhijin’s eyes sharpened. His hand reached out, grabbing Sun Chi’s soft sword. With a flick of his wrist, the blade straightened, and without turning his body, he launched himself horizontally at Sun Chi’s back with all his speed.
His killing intent was palpable; Sun Chi sensed it halfway through.
Sun Chi whirled and aimed a palm strike at Muzhijin’s head, “Want to die? I’ll grant your wish!”
Fang Rulai shouted, “Sun Chi! Lin Wan’er killed Xu!”
What? Sun Chi was startled, his aim askew, and his palm landed on Muzhijin’s left shoulder.
Blood gushed from Muzhijin’s clenched jaw, but he didn’t stop, forcing all his remaining inner strength to accelerate.
The soft sword pierced Sun Chi’s left chest!
Using the momentum, Muzhijin forced Sun Chi against the wall before halting.
He turned his head and saw Zhu Xishi’s fair skin and crimson undergarment.
A complex emotion flickered in Muzhijin’s eyes; then, with a sweep of his left hand, he flung Zhu Xishi toward Fang Rulai behind him. “Go!”

Fang Rulai caught Zhu Xishi, and together they retreated into the secret passage.
To prevent further trouble, Fang Rulai immediately pressed the mechanism as they entered, while Zhu Xishi clung to the closing stone door, shouting, “Muzhijin, run!”
Muzhijin withdrew the sword and tried to leap back, but collapsed; the Dissolving Qi Powder had exhausted him.
Zhu Xishi tried to rush to help, but Fang Rulai held her back—Sun Chi, clutching his chest, was advancing step by step.
Fang Rulai’s eyes suddenly reddened, “Muzhijin, if you die, I’ll make it up to you!”
Zhu Xishi shook her head violently, “No, Rulai, don’t—”
Fang Rulai closed her eyes and pressed the door mechanism. Her last sight was Sun Chi raising his hand to strike the motionless Muzhijin.
“Go!” Fang Rulai dragged Zhu Xishi away.
Zhu Xishi, like a puppet, followed blindly, running forward in time with Fang Rulai.
They were close to the exit now, and both were fleeing for their lives, so they quickly escaped.
Outside, darkness reigned—no moon, no stars. The night sky was like a vast iron cauldron pressing down. Zhu Xishi could barely breathe, collapsing onto the ground.
She didn’t blame Fang Rulai for what she’d done. Anyone could see there was no way all three could escape. But why did Muzhijin have to be the one sacrificed? She’d rather it be herself.
Fang Rulai didn’t explain; she’d already said it—if Muzhijin died in this disaster, she would give her life to repay him!
But until then, until it was certain Muzhijin had died, she would never sit and wait for death!
“Banxia, come out!”
Fang Rulai shouted into the darkness, her voice trembling with anxiety she hadn’t realized. She wasn’t sure Banxia could still respond.
“Yes, mistress!” Banxia appeared, and Fang Rulai nearly cried in relief. Thank goodness, he was still here.
Zhu Xishi immediately pounced, “Quick, save Muzhijin, hurry!” She pushed Banxia toward the exit she’d just fled from.
Fang Rulai stopped her, “No, not now!” The secret of the passage was out; Sun Chi could easily set a trap inside. It was too narrow and dark—no matter how skilled Banxia was, he’d be at a disadvantage.
Zhu Xishi stamped in frustration, “Then hurry and think of something! If we wait any longer, Muzhijin might…”
“Banxia, raid the prison! Break open the cell doors, release the prisoners. Make as much noise as possible, the more prisoners the better.” Fang Rulai’s gaze was fierce. “You don’t need to kill anyone—just get the prisoners to fight the guards. Then, slip into the magistrate’s rear courtyard and set it on fire!”
If she couldn’t rescue directly, she would draw the enemy away!
She refused to believe the magistrate’s manor could remain calm in such chaos—Sun Chi would have no time for Muzhijin.
Banxia dashed off to obey, while Zhu Xishi clasped her hands and prayed, “Heavens, please protect—”
Fang Rulai slapped her hands away and strode off, “Enough with that nonsense. If he opens his eyes, would Sun Chi dare torment us this far? Come with me. Don’t think Banxia is enough—our tasks are just as important!”

This book is exclusively serialized.