On the main street of Red Cliff Town, Lin Zhiwei followed Zhou Kai’s instructions to the letter.

She feigned a clumsy stumble and crashed into a sugar-figure stall, scattering brightly painted candy dolls all over the ground.

Immediately after, she “accidentally” rammed into several passersby.

Zhou Kai had given her specific orders: If you see that crazy cripple, beat him up! Let’s see him try to scare me again!

The crowd erupted in an uproar.

“Aiyoo! What has gotten into the Young Mistress of the Su Residence?”

“How can she be so rude?”

“Quick, go inform the Town Head! Scholar Su’s wife is acting like a shrew in the streets!”

Zhou Kai watched the chaos with leisure, asking quietly, “Zhiwei, feel anything strange?”

Lin Zhiwei concentrated for a moment, then shook her head slightly. “Aside from that stern voice appearing in my mind again, warning me about ‘improper behavior damaging womanly virtue,’ there is nothing else.”

Zhou Kai stroked his chin. “Heh. Don’t tell me it’s just a scarecrow that gives verbal warnings?”

Before his words could fade, the sound of hurried footsteps approached.

The Town Head’s stern, square face appeared at the street corner. His gaze shot like lightning toward Lin Zhiwei as he strode forward.

The surrounding townsfolk—phantoms constructed from soul power—parted to the sides, automatically clearing a path.

“A’Zhu!”

The Town Head stopped directly in front of them, his voice thick with anger and disappointment.

“As a woman of the Su family, well-versed in the classics, you should understand Propriety, Righteousness, Integrity, and Shame! In broad daylight, under the clear sky, you create a scene in the bustling market, shoving people and causing injury? What kind of behavior is this?!”

He pointed a shaking finger at her.

“Your actions not only disgrace the Song Family, but you have also completely stripped your husband, Scholar Su, of his dignity! Scholar Su is a man of noble character and high morals—how could he tolerate you tarnishing his family’s reputation like this?!”

The Town Head’s lecture was righteous and severe, his spittle practically spraying onto Lin Zhiwei’s face.

Lin Zhiwei blinked her large, innocent eyes and very naturally shrank behind Zhou Kai, adopting the persona of a frightened little wife.

Zhou Kai, however, nearly burst out laughing.

His internal bullet screen was scrolling madly:

Just this? Is this it?!

Daddy had his pants off waiting for the climax… Pfft, I mean, my expectations were maxed out! Where is the thunderous wrath I imagined?

Where is the powerful backlash from the rules? Where is the dark lightning from the heavens, the evil possession, the descent of Eldritch Horror?

After all that buildup, it’s just being pointed at and scolded by the Town Head? And then symbolically draining a tiny, almost negligible speck of Divine Sense?

Zhou Kai felt cheated. The “Big Trouble” of Red Cliff Town was seriously false advertising! This wasn’t even as painful as a mosquito bite.

Suppressing his laughter, he looked at the Town Head’s dead-serious face. He had only one thought:

What exactly is the master of Red Cliff Town playing at?

To create such a massive, realistic town—where every blade of grass, every brick, and every street was tangible—was a huge investment of power. And the result was… this?

Was this place specifically designed to educate children? To tell them to study hard and improve themselves every day?

Zhou Kai cleared his throat and shot Lin Zhiwei a look.

Lin Zhiwei understood immediately. She lowered her head, her voice trembling with grievance and lingering fear.

“The Town Head’s lesson is correct. A’Zhu knows she was wrong. A’Zhu won’t dare do it again.”

The Town Head’s expression finally softened. He turned his authoritative gaze toward Zhou Kai.

“Nephew Su! ‘To regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world’—if you cannot even manage your own wife, how will you shoulder great responsibilities in the future?”

He huffed, hands behind his back.

“For today’s incident, you share the fault of lax supervision! I hope you will look out for yourself and ensure your wife does not engage in such disgraceful, morally corrupting behavior again!”

Zhou Kai quickly clasped his hands and bowed deep. His face was a mask of “sincerity” and “remorse,” looking ready to swear an oath to the heavens.

“The Town Head’s teachings are wise! This humble one will return home and enforce strict discipline, showing no leniency! Please rest assured, Town Head, the Su family’s reputation will not be allowed to gather dust!”

Only then did the Town Head nod in satisfaction.

He stroked a non-existent beard, delivered a few more pompous admonitions—clichés like “a woman without talent is virtuous” and “the husband is the guide of the wife”—before finally turning away.

He paced off with an official’s gait, basking in the awed gazes of the townsfolk. His retreating figure radiated a distinct air of self-satisfaction, as if thinking, ‘Another day successfully maintaining the harmony and stability of Red Cliff Town.’

Once the Town Head was far enough away, Zhou Kai couldn’t hold it back anymore.

Pfft—

He burst out laughing.

Lin Zhiwei also covered her mouth, chuckling lightly. “Husband, this Town Head… he acts like a pedantic old scholar. It’s quite amusing.”

Zhou Kai was overjoyed. “It seems Red Cliff Town is no dragon’s den or tiger’s lair. It’s merely a Paper Tiger.”

The heavy stone in his heart vanished, replaced by intense curiosity. What exactly was the mastermind behind this trying to achieve?

“Zhiwei,” Zhou Kai’s expression turned serious.

“When the gong-striker appears tonight, I estimate I’ll still pass out. Your Divine Sense already far exceeds the limits of this place. Carefully investigate the rule: ‘Midnight, the turn of Yin and Yang, the living shut their doors.’ See what that is all about.”

He smirked. “I want to see what other tricks this town can pull.”

Lin Zhiwei nodded gently. “Husband, rest assured. Zhiwei understands.”

Returning to the Su Residence, Zhou Kai settled Lin Zhiwei in, instructing her to meditate and regulate her breath first.

He then headed straight for the courtyard that, according to his memories, belonged to Qing Shuang.

At this moment, Shen Hanyi—playing the role of “Qing Shuang”—was practicing her sword forms in the courtyard.

She was dressed in practical martial attire, gripping an iron sword. Her movements were sharp and fierce, the sword wind whistling with a palpable, chilling intent.

Zhou Kai plastered on a “Su Moran”-style smile, brimming with barely contained excitement, and quickened his pace.

“Qing Shuang! Qing Shuang!”

Hearing him, Shen Hanyi sheathed her sword with a clean, precise motion. She turned her cool gaze toward him.

Her handsome, valiant features were now framed by the identity of “Qing Shuang.” Under this persona, she lost some of that icy aloofness that kept others a thousand miles away, gaining a touch of worldly humanity.

“What are your orders?” Her voice remained cool, yet it fit the tone of a loyal guard perfectly.

Zhou Kai took a few steps forward and, without any hesitation, grabbed her hand.

“!”

Shen Hanyi’s body visibly stiffened.

Her wrist instinctively tensed to break the hold, to throw him across the yard. But feeling the warmth of Zhou Kai’s palm—and seeing the sincere, eager, even somewhat foolish smile on “Su Moran’s” face—she ultimately restrained her instinct to counterattack.

She merely furrowed her brows.

“Qing Shuang, I have incredible news!” Zhou Kai said excitedly, his eyes frighteningly bright. “Just now, A’Zhu… A’Zhu told me!”

He tightened his grip on Shen Hanyi’s hand, his tone earnest and imploring.

“A’Zhu said that you and I have been together since childhood. Though you are called a guard, in truth, we are as close as siblings. She also considers you a sister! The bond between the three of us is extraordinary, and naturally, we should stay together for all our lives!”

He took a breath, his eyes shining.

“She also said… she said she wants me to marry you properly and gloriously as soon as possible! The two of you won’t be distinguished as wife and concubine; we’ll never be separated again!”

Shen Hanyi’s cool eyes widened noticeably.

She opened her mouth as if to speak, but the words died in her throat.

Her usually placid face flushed with an extremely faint hint of red, like a glacier touched by the glow of sunset.

Seeing the Sword Immortal’s rare, dumbfounded expression, Zhou Kai chuckled inwardly. He doubled down on his performance, striking while the iron was hot.

“Qing Shuang, since we were young, you’ve always been by my side. Although the Su family took you in, I have seen everything you have done for the Su family, and for me. I have kept it all in my heart.”

He stepped closer, invading her personal space.

“In my heart, you ceased being just a guard long ago. You are an indispensable person in Su Moran’s life!”

He gazed into Shen Hanyi’s eyes, his look burning and sincere.

“Qing Shuang, I know you must have feelings for me too. Before, bound by status and propriety, we both buried these affections deep. Now, even A’Zhu has given her approval. What is left to fear? Marry me, Qing Shuang! Let me take care of you for the rest of our lives!”

If these words had come from the real Su Moran, they might have held some credibility. But coming from Zhou Kai, combined with his Oscar-worthy acting, they managed to sound moving and heartfelt.

Shen Hanyi’s eyelashes fluttered.

She had never anticipated that “Su Moran” would be so direct, so fervent. Nor had she expected that A’Zhu, having just entered the household, would already be arranging a concubine for him.

Before she could sort through her chaotic thoughts, Zhou Kai spread his arms and pulled her into a tight embrace!

Shen Hanyi’s body went rigid. Her mind went blank.

The unique fragrance of a young woman filled Zhou Kai’s senses. Without hesitation, he lowered his head and accurately captured her lips.

“Mmph…”

Shen Hanyi’s pupils contracted sharply!

She wanted to push him away. She wanted to resist. She wanted to draw her sword and slash this scoundrel!

But Zhou Kai’s kiss was domineering and passionate, leaving no room for refusal. She had never experienced such a thrilling, electric sensation.

More importantly, deep within “Qing Shuang’s” memories, the feelings for “Su Moran” seemed to ignite at this exact moment. The borrowed emotions flooded her system, leaving her momentarily flustered and weak in the knees.

Lips and teeth intertwined. Breaths mingled.

Time seemed to stand still.

A moment later, Shen Hanyi suddenly snapped back to her senses. Summoning strength from somewhere, she shoved Zhou Kai away!

Her cheeks were flaming red, her eyes panicked. Her breathing was ragged, her chest heaving violently. A layer of mist tinged her eyes, carrying three parts shy annoyance and five parts utter confusion.

“N-no… not yet!” Her voice trembled. “We must wait… wait until I’ve formally entered the household!”

Having said that, as if she had expended all her energy, she didn’t dare look at Zhou Kai again.

She turned and fled like a startled deer, rushing back to her room and slamming the door shut with a loud BANG!

Zhou Kai stood where he was, touching his lips.

He savored the lingering taste of the melting iceberg, murmuring to himself.

“Hah, so you know to wait until after the wedding? The constraints of this ‘Qing Shuang’ identity seem quite significant…”

He grinned, a hunter looking at a trap well set.

“But sword cultivators are a stubborn bunch. Once you find the right leverage, they crumble. No rush, no rush. We’ll take it slow…”