Early the next morning…
Ye Chen wandered through the bustling streets of Yanjing City, buying all kinds of delicious food, as well as finely crafted jade bracelets and hairpins.
Most of the things he bought were gifts for Zhao Ling’er and Jiang Qingshu. The two girls were obedient and thoughtful, not only cultivating diligently but also taking care of Ye Chen’s daily needs. They were respectful and courteous, which made Ye Chen quite fond of them.
Naturally, Ye Chen wasn’t stingy and picked out more gifts for his two disciples. At present, he lacked nothing, especially not spirit stones. He spent lavishly—though this expense was nothing to him, not even a drop in the bucket.
“Make way!”
A burst of shouting echoed through the lively street…
The sound of galloping hooves approached rapidly!
The townspeople on the road panicked and scattered.
A few richly dressed young noblemen rode their horses through the street, followed by a group of attendants and guards.
Some civilians who couldn’t dodge in time and got injured didn’t even dare to curse. They could only complain inwardly.
Ye Chen stood by the roadside, watching those arrogant dandies gallop past. He recognized them at a glance.
In his previous life, it was these very men who had forcibly assaulted Su Nianwan in the forest outside the city.
At the time, Ye Chen happened to pass by and intervened to save her, killing all of those noble sons on the spot.
He had acted out of kindness—yet Su Nianwan bore a grudge against him for a thousand years over it. In the end, she joined forces with several other ungrateful traitors and killed him during the critical moment of his breakthrough.
“If you enjoy being violated so much, then I’ll let you have your wish.”
“This life, don’t expect me to save you again…”
“You want to soar like a phoenix? That depends on whether you live long enough…”
Thinking back to Su Nianwan’s betrayal in his previous life, Ye Chen felt a fire rise in his chest.
He immediately lost the mood to keep shopping. Turning toward the direction those dandies had ridden off to, he flashed and disappeared from the spot.
…
Outside the city…
Su Nianwan was once again dressed lavishly and seductively. Her appearance was a mix of innocence and allure, enough to ignite any man’s desire.
She had arrived at the forest early in the morning to wait.
“It should be today, right?”
“Why hasn’t His Highness the Crown Prince come yet…”
Su Nianwan was growing impatient, her heart anxious and restless.
She had already wandered this forest several times over the past few days, but unfortunately had yet to encounter any noble sons out on a hunt.
She was on the verge of breaking down from her current impoverished life. Her mind was consumed by one desire—to catch the eye of a noble young master, be taken back to his manor, and live a life of luxury and indulgence.
“Hyah!”
“Whoosh…”
The sound of galloping horses came from within the forest…
Su Nianwan’s heart jumped. A flash of joy crossed her face—her opportunity had arrived!
This was her chance to marry into wealth. Her heart surged with excitement.
She quickly adjusted her appearance, pulling down the off-shoulder sleeves of her dress to reveal more snow-white skin—tempting and alluring.
Su Nianwan had great confidence in her looks. In her previous life, even without dressing up, she had caught the attention of those noble sons who fought over her in a lustful frenzy.
Now that she had deliberately dressed seductively, she believed she would completely captivate them.
She followed the sound of the horses with increasing urgency, her heart full of longing.
Everything was going according to her plan.
“Your Highness, slow down…”
“I think there’s a deer over there…”
“Zhang Lao’er, let’s see who shoots better!”
Amid loud shouts and laughter, several young noblemen galloped through the forest.
Suddenly, a dazzling figure appeared in their line of sight!
They froze on the spot, stunned.
“Whoa…”
They quickly reined in their horses, stopping in place, but their eyes remained glued to the beautiful woman not far ahead. Their hearts raced as greedy smiles spread across their faces.
“She’s gorgeous!”
“Can’t believe we ran into such a stunning beauty in this forest…”
“Hurry, hurry over there!”
The lead young nobleman dismounted excitedly, tossed aside his bow and arrows, and rushed forward.
The others followed, lecherous smiles spreading across their faces.
Seeing the bait had been taken, Su Nianwan curled her lips into a faint smile. Instead of going toward them, she turned and walked in the opposite direction.
The footsteps behind her grew closer.
Su Nianwan quickly masked her expression, pretending not to notice as she walked ahead, her heart burning with anticipation.
“Beauty, what’s your name?”
“Why are you here all alone in this forest? It’s dangerous!”
“Why not come play with this young master?”
A well-dressed young man stepped in front of Su Nianwan, pretending to be serious as he spoke.
But his eyes roamed up and down her curvaceous figure, his mouth practically watering…
The other noble sons had also arrived, surrounding her and blocking the path.
Su Nianwan immediately recognized the man blocking her path—he was the current Crown Prince. The others were also sons of noble and powerful families.
She lowered her head, feigning fear, and said in a soft, timid voice, “This humble girl’s name is Su Nianwan. I live in a nearby village…”
“Please, gentlemen, let me pass. I just want to go home…”
Her delicate voice made their hearts itch.
Looking at Su Nianwan, who was seductive and delicate like a flower about to bloom, how could they possibly let her go?
Their lust burned even hotter.
“Miss Su, it’s still early. Why rush home?”
“How about… you have some fun with us?”
The lead nobleman grinned wickedly. He could barely restrain himself. Seeing there were no outsiders around, he immediately pounced on Su Nianwan, frantically tearing at her clothes.
Rip! Rip!
The sound of fabric being torn only further excited the perverted hearts of the young noblemen.
“Come on! Hold her down!”
“Take off her skirt!”
“With that figure, that face, even Yanjing’s best courtesan can’t compare!”
“She’s on par with Spring Fragrance House’s top girl!”
The forest filled with chaotic shouting.
Su Nianwan, a delicate girl, had no strength to resist…
Not that she ever truly intended to fight back.
“What are you doing…”
“Let me go! Let me go!”
“Help! Help!”
“Please don’t do this, I’m still pure…”
Su Nianwan screamed in fake panic, pleading pitifully as a sly, satisfied smile flashed across her face.
She knew they wouldn’t listen—but she still had to scream.
First, to make herself look like a respectable girl. Second, to stir their protective instincts.
She had spent days plotting for this moment.
Only if they fell for her would she be able to achieve her goal—transforming into a phoenix by clinging to a powerful branch.
Before long, the sound of applause echoed through the forest…