novelraw Chapter 294: Oh No, He Learned Something Useful!
Chapter 294: Oh No, He Learned Something Useful!
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation.
“Are you sure the last traces of her presence stopped here?”
“Yes, is there a problem?”
Hua Tu scratched his ear and looked up at the towering courtyard wall, puzzled.
Yu Zhao’s expression remained cold, her eyes flashing with a hint of frost.
Of course, there was a problem.
The place they were standing in was none other than the back alley of the Tu family’s old residence.
In other words, the last location where Han Xin Lan was seen wasn’t anywhere random—it was at the Tu family estate.
On that day, Tu Hua Zhang had confidently sworn that Han Xin Lan had never set foot in the Tu family estate. Tu Yun Tian also acted completely unaware. Believing them, Yu Zhao, along with Mo Ci and Jing Nan, had dismissed their suspicions.
Looking back, it was naïve. They had fallen for their lies and wasted so many precious days.Yu Zhao glanced at the sky and turned to leave.
“Yu Zhao, where are you going? Aren’t we looking for her?”
Hua Tu hurried to catch up, utterly confused.
“It’s still early. We’ll come back and act tonight.”
Hua Tu seemed to understand, somewhat, and obediently followed her instructions.
For the past few days, the two of them had roamed Southern Wind City by day and returned to their inn at night.
Their routine had become so regular that other guests at the inn were accustomed to it. When they saw the duo heading back early today, they exchanged knowing glances filled with playful speculation.
Not long after, Southern Wind City’s most popular storybook saw an update:
**”Domineering Sovereign Reunites With Past Love, Leaving Jealous Husband Heartbroken.”**
…
**Nightfall.**
Yu Zhao and Hua Tu leapt from their window and climbed down the inn’s walls.
Following their earlier route, they headed straight for the Tu family’s old residence.
On the way, Yu Zhao reminded Hua Tu, “Once we’re inside, I’ll cast a concealment spell to hide your presence. No matter what happens, you must remain silent.”
“Understood~” Hua Tu’s exaggerated tone sent a chill down Yu Zhao’s spine.
“Hua Tu, what are you doing?!”
Confused, Hua Tu asked, “Don’t women like it when people talk to them in this tone?”
Yu Zhao was about to refute when she recalled yesterday’s play at the tavern. The scene where the dainty husband spoke in such a voice to the Sovereign had the audience of female cultivators roaring with laughter.
Yu Zhao: …
Oh no, he actually learned something useful.
“Not everyone likes it. Even if they do, there are conditions.”
“What conditions?”
Hua Tu’s eyes lit up with curiosity.
Yu Zhao answered plainly, “The person using that tone has to be someone they’re fond of or have feelings for.”
For instance, if Hua Tu spoke to her like that, it would be ridiculous.
If Lan Zi Yu or Quan Ye did the same, it would be nothing but loathsome and detestable.
That was the difference.
“And you…”
Hua Tu looked at Yu Zhao’s indifferent profile and swallowed his question.
Some things were better left unsaid.
The rest of the journey passed in silence.
…
In less than half an incense stick’s time, they arrived at the back of the Tu family residence.
Hua Tu, now fully serious, rubbed his hands eagerly. “So, we’re climbing in from here?”
“No. We’re using the main entrance.”
“The main entrance?”
“Yes.”
Yu Zhao had chosen the main entrance to take an unconventional approach.
Given their conspicuous return to Southern Wind City, the Tu family was surely aware of their movements and their rekindled suspicions. If they were guilty, they would anticipate an infiltration attempt, especially near the back gate. They might even have traps prepared to capture unwelcome visitors.
Though Yu Zhao was confident in avoiding any snares, she preferred not to court unnecessary risks. Besides, she was already familiar with the layout near the main entrance from her previous visit.
Thus, Yu Zhao and Hua Tu entered through the front gate without issue.
…
To Yu Zhao’s surprise, the residence seemed quiet. Aside from patrolling guards and a few servants, there were no signs of an ambush.
The silent grandeur of the Tu family’s old mansion exuded an air of noble sophistication.
Yu Zhao signaled Hua Tu with a hand gesture.
Hua Tu nodded and stood still for nearly two incense sticks’ time. Activating his **Three-Eyed Leopard** ability, he finally detected a faint, nearly dissipated trace of energy in the air.
Rubbing his sore eyes, Hua Tu motioned for Yu Zhao to follow him as he headed toward the main hall.
As Yu Zhao’s expression grew darker with each step, her aura became downright chilling by the time Hua Tu stopped.
The location was unmistakable—it was the very hall where Tu Hua Zhang had entertained Yu Zhao and her companions.
Yu Zhao was certain now: Tu Hua Zhang was deeply implicated. Even if he wasn’t the mastermind, he undoubtedly knew Han Xin Lan’s whereabouts.
Extending her divine sense, Yu Zhao strode purposefully toward the rear courtyard, her every movement radiating lethal intent.
Hua Tu grinned wryly.
Whoever dared provoke Yu Zhao… was doomed!
He couldn’t help but think of the latest chapter in the city’s popular storybook:
**”Domineering Sovereign and the Dainty Husband…”**
Heh! The title was spot on. The Domineering Sovereign truly lived up to her name.
…
Meanwhile, Tu Hua Zhang sat meditating in his chambers.
Having been stuck at the Golden Core late stage for centuries, he had recently begun an arduous push toward the Nascent Soul stage and was particularly diligent.
A sudden chill crept up his spine.
His eyes snapped open, darting around the room. The elegant refinement of his features twisted into something grotesque as panic overtook him.
Seeing nothing unusual, he exhaled deeply. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he could not calm his mind to re-enter meditation.
This had never happened before.
Could it be…
Memories of the three female cultivators from Hundred Flowers Valley—and the woman taken away by his clan’s ancestor—flashed through his mind, filling him with regret.
He had lied.
If he’d known then that Han Xin Lan was the woman Tu Yun Tian had longed for, he would never have allowed the ancestor to take her away.
But it was too late now.
Han Xin Lan was likely long dead, reincarnated into another life.
The sins he had committed could only be atoned for in his next life.
“Tu Hua Zhang, you vile scoundrel! Why wait until your next life to repay your debt? I demand your life now!”
A sharp, grating voice suddenly echoed through the room.
Tu Hua Zhang’s eyes flew open, terror overtaking his features.
“Who’s there? Who dares play tricks? Show yourself!”
“Tu Hua Zhang, don’t you remember me? You tricked me into that hall, drugged my tea, and sold me off to others! I will never forgive you!”
“Han Xin Lan?! How are you here? Where is the ancestor? I demand to see the ancestor!”
“The ancestor? Your ancestor is dead! Gone!”
“Impossible! The ancestor can’t die—not without passing on the techniques! He can’t be dead!”
“Didn’t they say sacrificing boys and girls would extend his life? He gathered enough offerings, so why did he still perish?! Ancestor! Ancestor!”
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