Chapter 113: Back in a Flash

The place was well-maintained and free of dust, everything appearing just as it had been years ago. Uncle Liang had been keeping it clean. As the estate’s steward, he managed the daily affairs of the household with diligence.

Beyond the domestic staff, what truly unsettled the martial arts world were the mysterious guards of Ye Manor. While their reputation inspired fear, no one had ever seen their true faces. Some even chose to believe they did not exist, perhaps because they remained hidden among the common servants.

Even the ordinary guards possessed formidable skills, having been trained by the Ye family for generations. By absorbing external techniques and constantly refining their own, the Ye Manor held a deified status in the martial arts world. No one dared to challenge them, and the manor rarely acted openly; whatever they did in the shadows remained unknown to all.

Yet, Ye Xuan understood the nature of the manor all too well. At least within his own perception, he knew that beneath the surface of this tranquil place lay a darkness—a darkness so profound that it consumed everything, a depth no one dared to touch.

"Uncle Liang, thank you for taking such good care of this place."

"It is what the Master ordered, sir. I merely followed instructions. Actually—"

"Enough, Uncle Liang. I do not wish to hear about him. Could you please bring us something to eat?"

"Of course. I shall leave you to talk, then. I will be back shortly." Uncle Liang hurried off to the kitchen.

Ye Xuan and Si Nuosang were indeed in need of a meal; they were famished, having eaten very little during the carriage journey. Several hours had passed, and hunger had naturally set in.

"I feel that this place is quite oppressive for you," Si Nuosang said, looking at Ye Xuan. He must have been thinking of something painful, which explained the tears he had shed earlier.

Ye Xuan looked at her and suddenly pulled her into an embrace. "What’s wrong?"

"May I hold you for a moment?" he asked, his voice carrying the desperate plea of a child. Before she could even answer, he had already wrapped his arms around her.

Could she say no? It was clear that returning here brought him no joy.

"Yes."

Si Nuosang did not refuse; instead, she gently held him back, hoping to offer him some comfort.

"Do you know? I truly want to kill him."

"Don't do that." She knew exactly who he was referring to.

"He killed my mother."

Ye Xuan spoke the words softly. Sensing his hidden anguish, Si Nuosang held him even tighter.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know coming back here would be so painful for you. Let's leave!" She wanted to take him away, but Ye Xuan held her fast.

"No."

He buried his face in her shoulder, inhaling her scent, which brought him a small measure of peace.

"Don't change yourself because of me. I know you are doing this for my sake. I am not worth it, and if you aren't happy, I will only feel more guilty."

"I am no longer a child. I have my own responsibilities. Regardless of everything, I must return to take over the Ye Manor. It is a burden passed down through generations."

Ye Xuan shook his head, denying that it was for her, yet it was precisely because of her that he had returned. Otherwise, given his temperament, no one could have forced him.

"But—"

Si Nuosang stopped, knowing how conflicted he was.

"Show me around. The Ye Manor is quite beautiful." She pulled away gently and smiled at him.

"Alright." Ye Xuan nodded. He loved Si Nuosang deeply; for her, he was willing to abandon the freedom he cherished most, and for her, he was willing to return to guard this hell.

Love can truly change everything, but a one-sided love only makes the hell grow more terrifying. Because it is unattainable, it becomes all the more monstrous. Love can create worlds, but it can also destroy them. This double-edged sword would slowly push them both into the abyss.

Uncle Liang brought the food, and after a quick meal, Ye Xuan and Si Nuosang began to wander the manor. It was as if he had never left; the guards greeted him with immense respect, and he navigated the grounds with practiced ease. He spoke of everything as they walked—the streams, the gardens, the groves, the meadows, and the sea that lay beyond.

They did not return until late in the evening, guided by the glow of a lantern.

It was dinner time, and Ye Quan and Yuan Liuli were waiting for them. Ye Xuan and Si Nuosang took their seats.

"Let's eat," Ye Quan commanded, and everyone began to dine. Ye Xuan and Si Nuosang remained silent throughout the meal, until finally, Ye Quan spoke.

"Come to my study after dinner."

"Understood."

"Miss Si, how long have you known Xuan'er?" Ye Quan asked, looking at her with a kindly expression that caught Si Nuosang by surprise.

"About a few months," she replied gracefully. She had navigated enough social situations to know how to respond.

"Thank you for taking care of Xuan'er, Miss Si."

It was clear that Ye Quan treated her differently than he treated Ye Xuan. To her, he seemed like a gentle elder, while toward Ye Xuan, he appeared cold and indifferent.

"You are very welcome. In truth, it has mostly been Ye Xuan taking care of me. I am truly grateful for all he has done." She glanced at Ye Xuan, but he remained silent, focused on his meal.

"May I ask, Miss Si, are you already betrothed?" Yuan Liuli suddenly interjected.

Si Nuosang shook her head, feeling a bit awkward.

"Then, what do you think of our Xuan'er?" Yuan Liuli seemed to have sensed Ye Xuan’s feelings for her.

"Ah? Ha, Ye Xuan is wonderful."

Si Nuosang’s face flushed; it felt like being interrogated by protective parents. Ye Xuan did not interrupt Yuan Liuli, perhaps because he, too, wanted to hear the answer. Yuan Liuli was clever; she had struck right at the heart of the matter.

Si Nuosang ate hurriedly. She should have seen this coming. For a young woman to follow a man home—what else could it signify? She realized her own sensibilities were failing her; having returned to an ancient era, her intelligence seemed to have regressed along with the setting.

"Ahem." Ye Quan gave a soft cough, and Yuan Liuli stopped asking.

"I am finished. Please, continue," Ye Quan said, setting down his chopsticks and gesturing for the younger ones to keep eating.

Yuan Liuli looked young, perhaps around thirty—at least twenty years younger than Ye Quan. Age was not the issue, but she gave off a strange, unsettling vibe—a feeling of being a "wicked woman." Of course, she knew not to judge by appearances alone.

They finished their meal quickly, and Ye Xuan and Si Nuosang returned to his small courtyard.

"You should rest. I will be back soon," he said, preparing to meet with Ye Quan.