HPDBC Chapter 23 A Place to Hide
Chapter 23 A Place to Hide
The entire city fell into a tense silence. Whispers rippled through the streets as people speculated about the Fang Clan's future and the ramifications of the mistress's actions. Fear of the Wu Clan loomed heavily over their conversations, with many contemplating fleeing Fang Clan territory to avoid being caught in the inevitable fallout.
"What the hell just happened back there?" Fang Jinyao hissed as she pulled Wen Ran aside. Her chest rose and fell with uneven breaths, her fiery demeanor cracking under the weight of the situation. Though bold and outspoken by nature, even she fully grasped the enormity of what she had done. A sharp pain coursed through her temples, the stress threatening to overwhelm her. Not only had she likely doomed her family to face the wrath of the Wu Clan, but she now had to answer to her great-grandfather—a prospect that chilled her to the bone. Yet, her biggest fear remained losing Wen Ran. Where could she even hide him now?
"Not much," Wen Ran said with a casual shrug, his indifference cutting through the tension like a blade. The chaos didn't bother him—it worked to his advantage. If things escalated, it might just provide the perfect opportunity to eliminate two threats at once.
Fang Jinyao stared at him, speechless. His calmness in the face of what felt like certain doom was unnerving. In just two days, her entire world had turned upside down, and the man standing before her was at the center of it all. This Wen Ran was like a stranger, night and day different from the man she had fallen in love with. Worry crept into her heart, twisting it tightly. What exactly had changed him so much?
"I need a place to lay low," Wen Ran said suddenly, his tone matter-of-fact. "Can you arrange something? I want to focus on cultivation. If I train hard, I'm certain I can achieve a lot."
Those words made Fang Jinyao's heart clench. She couldn't help but recall how much Wen Ran had suffered in the past for his inability to cultivate, how deeply it had hurt him. It had been his greatest pain and her greatest weakness. Even if he doesn't remember who he was, she thought, that part of him hasn't changed—the part I fell in love with. He never gives up. Her gaze softened, her golden eyes shimmering with affection as she looked at him.
"Fine," she said quietly. "I can arrange that. For me, it's not a big deal. But you have to promise me one thing—stop causing trouble. Hide yourself well. If my father or grandfather catches you, you'll die... even with my protection." Her voice broke slightly as she looked down, her shoulders slumping. Her watery eyes betrayed the turmoil within her.
This is so annoying... Wen Ran thought bitterly, masking his irritation with a neutral expression. This girl is such a headache. I can't wait until I can drop this act and get far away from here.
But for now, he smiled faintly and nodded. "I promise."
Inside, the room was lined with shelves packed with books and scrolls. Cultivation manuals and teachings filled the space, their value immeasurable.
"This house is perfect for you," she said proudly. "Take your time. Rushing cultivation isn't good for your foundation, and if you have any questions, just ask me! I can even be your master!" Her chest puffed out with pride, her enthusiasm almost childlike.
Master? Wen Ran nearly laughed aloud at the thought. You couldn't teach a fish to swim, let alone me. But outwardly, he nodded graciously. "Thank you so much. I don't think I can ever repay you for this."
He had no intention of repaying her, of course. This girl is too naive. She's handing me everything on a silver platter.
"Wen Ran, don't be silly," Fang Jinyao said, her face flushing again. "I don't need your thanks or repayment. All I want is for you to be happy..." Her words trailed off, and before Wen Ran could respond, she rushed out of the house. "See you later! I just remembered I have something else to take care of!"
And with that, Wen Ran was left standing alone in his new home.
"I have to admit, I'm pretty lucky in this life," he muttered to himself, smirking as he took in the space. "Maybe that's the heavens paying me back for how unfairly fate treated me in my past life." He laughed at his own joke, settling into the room.
Sitting down cross-legged, he pulled out the pouch he had bought from the old man and fastened his copper bracelet around his wrist.
"Let's see if I can reach the sixth or even seventh layer tonight," he said, his voice low and full of anticipation. His eyes gleamed with madness and desire as he began to channel his energy, ready to immerse himself in the power within.