The Sorrowmender

Chapter 30 – Lady Compromise

The woman made no attempt to hide her intentions and calmly said, "Mister, you're joking. I'm just kindly reminding you."

Since the other party had laid their cards on the table, Xu Qingzhou decided to drop the pretense as well. He snapped his folding fan shut with a loud "clap," the force of which startled the surrounding flames, causing them to flicker.

As all eyes focused on him, a faint chill appeared in his gaze, yet he maintained a facade of a smile as he said, "I, Xu, cannot stand being threatened, especially by someone weaker than me. If I dared to come here openly, I can leave the same way today. A mere thousand men are nothing to me. If the Lady doesn't believe me, feel free to test it."

As he spoke, he glanced around, his gaze coldly sweeping over the room. "Let's see if it's my blood that stains this place, ending my life, or if I tear this place down and erect a thousand solitary graves."

"I am a scholar, and I value reason. We can discuss it with words or with fists. The choice is yours, Lady."

Read the most updated version of this novel and other amazing translated novels from the original source at "pawread dot com"

His voice was steady and powerful, resonating like a distant bell, echoing in the ears of those present.

The mention of erecting a thousand graves was so domineering that even Ning Feng, who had lived a life of bloodshed, was moved.

The martial artists lurking in the shadows also grew tense. This Mister Forgetting Worries, though a scholar and only at the Acquired Realm, First Layer, exuded an inexplicable pressure that was suffocating.

They couldn't help but feel a sense of fear, as if they were looking at a sleeping beast that, once awakened, would bring about a scene of blood and corpses.

Cultivators felt this way, let alone the ordinary maidservants, whose legs were already trembling, faces full of panic, thinking only of fleeing this place of trouble.

The Lady's expression grew more complicated, her eyes also showing signs of shock.

This Mister Forgetting Worries truly made her see him in a new light. His aura completely overshadowed hers, making him seem like the one in control, leaving her momentarily indecisive.

Even if she suspected Xu Qingzhou was bluffing, she wouldn't gamble. As Ning Feng thought, compared to what was in her heart, Ning Feng had value, but was also worthless.

She wouldn't disregard the bigger picture for a mere Ning Feng.

After a moment of silence, the woman made her choice, or rather, it was the choice she had prepared from the beginning.

"Though you are a scholar, Mister, you are a true hero. I admire you."

She first complimented him to ease the tense atmosphere, then called out to Ning Feng.

"Ning Feng."

Upon hearing this, Ning Feng loosened his grip slightly and responded with a cupped fist, "Lady, what are your orders?"

"Since Mister Forgetting Worries has specifically asked for you, you will go with him from now on and follow his instructions. Do you understand?"

Though Ning Feng's heart was filled with joy, having spent thirty years in the world of swords and blades, he had long cultivated a calm demeanor. At this moment, he remained as composed as ever.

"Ning Feng, at your command!"

With that, he stepped forward from behind the Lady and stood beside Xu Qingzhou.

The woman looked at Xu Qingzhou and softly asked, "Mister, does this work for you?"

Xu Qingzhou tapped his folding fan, smiling subtly like a spring breeze in the deep night.

"It works."

"But let me make it clear, if you can't solve the worry in my heart, don't blame me for turning hostile."

Xu Qingzhou raised an eyebrow and confidently replied, "If I can't solve the worry in your heart, there's no need for you to act. I'll offer my head myself, adding another solitary grave to the barren hills outside this inn."

Seeing Xu Qingzhou speak with such certainty, the woman said no more and gave instructions to those around her.

"All of you, leave."

"Yes!"

"Ning Feng, you leave as well."

Ning Feng showed no intention of moving at first, instinctively looking to Xu Qingzhou for approval. Only after receiving a nod did he bow with cupped fists, slowly retreat, and exit the inn like the maidservants and house servants.

This scene did not escape the woman's notice. She shook her head slightly and sighed.

"Aye—what an ungrateful dog. Just changed masters and already forgot the original one."

Xu Qingzhou, hearing this, couldn't resist a quip.

"Perhaps the Lady didn't care for him properly. Besides, people are people; they can't be compared to dogs."

"Mister, with your vast knowledge and eloquence, I can't outtalk you. So, Mister, shall we begin?"

Xu Qingzhou glanced at the moonlight outside the window; it was past midnight.

With a flick of his sleeve, as if performing a magic trick, a thick book appeared on the table, slowly opening to reveal its pure white rice paper.

"Lady, please give me your hand."

The woman didn't hesitate. Though propriety dictated that men and women should not touch, she had come all the way from Linfeng City to this realm to find Xu Qingzhou, knowing his rules. Before solving worries, there was a process of touching hands.

She rolled up her wide sleeve, revealing a hand as white as snow, and extended it toward Xu Qingzhou.

"Mister, please."

Xu Qingzhou smiled knowingly, seeing that she was prepared. He didn't overthink it or hesitate.

He reached out and touched it, but only for a brief moment before withdrawing his hand.

He wasn't joking; this woman was capricious and ruthless. He didn't want to cause unnecessary trouble. Besides, he was a gentleman and wouldn't take advantage of the situation.

His swift action left the woman a bit puzzled. She blinked and asked uncertainly, "Is that all?"

It wasn't that she didn't trust Xu Qingzhou, but it was so quick. How could he discern anything in such a short time? Her skepticism was understandable.

Xu Qingzhou, however, was unfazed and confidently replied, "Naturally."

Hearing this, the woman slowly retracted her hand, covering it again with the dark golden sleeve of her robe, her gaze wandering as she looked at Xu Qingzhou.

If Xu Qingzhou had truly discerned something from her palm lines with just a touch, she wouldn't believe it even if she were beaten to death.

There must be another method. She even wondered if Xu Qingzhou's hand-touching was just a pretense to satisfy some personal quirk.

But upon reflection, that didn't seem right. Xu Qingzhou was not only exceptionally capable but also well-mannered and handsome.

With talent, ability, and looks, he certainly wouldn't lack women at his feet, so it wouldn't come to that.

This could only mean that he was truly extraordinary, able to perceive with a single touch, like an immortal.

Xu Qingzhou didn't care what the woman was thinking. He only wanted to get it done quickly and shock her, so she wouldn't dare to put on airs with him.

He then dipped his fingertip in the tea and drew a line in the book, stirring up a gentle breeze.

"Come, let me see what worry brought you here from afar..."