Chapter 1637: Freeloader

Hearing Chu Chuyan's voice, Pei Mianman immediately tensed up, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Zu An inwardly groaned. He never expected to be caught in the same predicament again. Last time, Yan Xuehen had discovered them, and he had intended to learn from that experience. However, he simply couldn't resist Big Manman's allure...

Soon, they were locked in a tight embrace, as if trying to merge into each other's bodies.

This should have been the sweetest moment for lovers, filled with endless whispers of affection, had there been no one else present.

But unfortunately, there was someone outside, and not just anyone—a very particular person.

“Manman?” Chu Chuyan’s voice, tinged with a hint of confusion, came from outside again, clearly wondering why she hadn't responded for so long.

“Uh, Chuyan?” Pei Mianman’s voice was flustered as she pushed the man beside her away and frantically fumbled with her clothes.

“My master mentioned you’d arrived at Purple Mountain and were injured in the grand competition. I’ve brought you an Ice Heart Creation Pill; it should help you recover quickly.” Chu Chuyan felt a little odd, wondering if the sounds she heard meant Pei Mianman had just been sleeping.

Zu An was startled. He recognized the Ice Heart Creation Pill, having seen Yan Xuehen use it previously. It was White Jade City's most potent healing elixir, even superior to Ji Dengtu's Jade Marrow Rejuvenation Pill. This medicine was incredibly rare; even Yan Xuehen, as the abbey head, possessed very few of them.

Chu Chuyan was actually giving one to Pei Mianman?

As a fellow member of the Nine Daoist Sects, Pei Mianman was naturally aware of the Ice Heart Creation Pill's immense value. She was both shocked and deeply moved, never imagining Chu Chuyan would bestow such a rare elixir upon her, especially when she had just been secretly... with someone else.

Suddenly, she was filled with regret and self-reproach, even finding Zu An somewhat irritating.

“Just a moment!” Pei Mianman quickly dressed, but as she stood up, she felt something and couldn’t help but glare fiercely at Zu An. This was all his fault!

Zu An was speechless too. Why did this scene feel so familiar?

Pei Mianman then pushed him towards the window, motioning for him to quickly leave. Zu An felt utterly dejected. Why did he feel like the intruder?

However, at a time like this, he lacked the courage to face Chu Chuyan's pure, snow-like gaze. With a guilty conscience, he could only escape through the window.

Pei Mianman quickly returned to the bed, tidied the rumpled covers, and then hurried to open the door. “Chuyan, I’m so sorry. I’ve been really fatigued lately from my injuries and just drifted off to sleep.”

Chu Chuyan, instead, felt a bit embarrassed. “My apologies. I shouldn’t have disturbed your rest.”

“No, not at all! I’m just so happy to finally see my good friend; I’m overjoyed,” Pei Mianman said, inviting her inside.

It would be impolite and certainly raise suspicion if she didn't invite someone who had brought such a precious medicine inside.

Chu Chuyan did not refuse. After all, back in Brightmoon City, she had always been aloof and had to project an air of authority to uphold her prominent family. Consequently, she had few friends, and Pei Mianman was arguably her only true confidante.

“The reason I’ve come so late is primarily because I didn’t want outsiders to know about our connection. There have been many rumors about me these past couple of days, and I was worried about causing you any unnecessary trouble,” she explained specifically as she entered the room, noticing Pei Mianman’s messy hair and sleepy appearance.

“What rumors?” Pei Mianman asked, pausing mid-pour, a surprised look on her face.

“You don’t know?” This time, it was Chu Chuyan who sounded surprised.

Pei Mianman explained sheepishly, “My master kept me confined to my room for special training every day in preparation for the grand competition recently, so I haven’t had any contact with the outside world.”

“I see,” Chu Chuyan said, a slight blush rising to her cheeks. “It’s really nothing.”

As it concerned Zu An, the topic was awkward for both of them.

With that, she handed over a brocade box. “My sect gave me this Ice Heart Creation Pill for self-defense, but I don’t need it right now. Since you’re injured, I hope it can help you.”

“How can I accept something so vital?” Pei Mianman quickly declined. “You should keep it. My injuries have largely healed thanks to my sect’s treatment over this period.” She had indeed recovered about sixty to seventy percent from the Azure Palace's treatment alone, but with Zu An's recent help, she was significantly better. However, she couldn't explain the specific reasons to Chu Chuyan.

“Don’t worry, I can simply ask my sect for another one later,” Chu Chuyan said, pushing the brocade box back. “Please, don’t be polite. We’re good friends, after all.”

Hearing the words “good friends,” Pei Mianman’s heart fluttered, and a trace of guilt crossed her face.

Chu Chuyan and Pei Mianman then chatted about their experiences since parting ways, but both women tacitly avoided any mention of Zu An.

For a moment, it was as if they had returned to their carefree days as best friends in Brightmoon City.

Suddenly, a strange sound emanated from Pei Mianman. Chu Chuyan paused, looking at her quizzically.

“My stomach has been a little upset lately,” Pei Mianman explained, while silently cursing Zu An to no end for leaving so much.

Chu Chuyan’s expression immediately turned peculiar. Had this happened back in Brightmoon City, she might have believed it, but with her current experience, the sound struck her as remarkably familiar.

She subtly sniffed the air, glanced at the disheveled bedding, and recalling Pei Mianman's odd reaction when she first arrived, she began to form several strong suspicions.

“In that case, I won’t disturb your rest any further,” Chu Chuyan said, rising to leave.

Noticing her expression shift from soft to frosty, Pei Mianman’s heart lurched, and she instinctively called out, “Chuyan!”

Chu Chuyan stopped but did not turn around. “What is it?” she asked.

Feeling the coldness in her tone, Pei Mianman felt a pang of bitterness. “Whether you believe me or not,” she said softly, “I have always considered you my best friend.”

Chu Chuyan offered no reply, standing in silence for a long moment before giving a slight nod and then walking straight out.

After Chu Chuyan left, Pei Mianman stared at the Ice Heart Creation Pill on the table, her face burning with embarrassment. She clutched her hair, groaning, “Argh, that jerk is going to be the death of me!”

***

Achoo!

Zu An, who had just returned to his room, suddenly sneezed.

In the outer room, Xie Daoyun was instantly startled awake. Pulling the quilt up, she sat up slightly. “Brother Zu, you’re back so soon?”

Zu An motioned for her to stay down. “Yes, go back to sleep. Don’t mind me.”

Back in his room, he lay on the bed, too embarrassed to sleep. First, he was caught with Chuyan by Yan Xuehen, and now with Big Manman by Chuyan. What terrible karma had he accrued?

Should he go and apologize to Chuyan?

But he had run fast enough; she might not have noticed him.

Moreover, if he went to apologize, Yan Xuehen would surely find out. The thought of the ensuing chaotic scene made him shudder.

Meanwhile, Xie Daoyun in the outer room was also tossing and turning, wondering if Brother Zu had seen her new nightgown tonight…

Inside, unable to sleep, Zu An simply sat up. He remembered it had been a long time since he’d used his keyboard lottery; he was usually too busy. Tonight seemed like a good opportunity to try.

He tallied his accumulated anger points, finding that roughly half of them had been gathered during his time at Purple Mountain. He had to admit, his previous entanglement with Chuyan had certainly generated a significant amount of animosity.

For a moment, he even considered whether to reveal his relationships with Big Manman and Yan Xuehen.

While his anger points would likely double, he probably wouldn’t survive leaving the mountain.

The mere thought of the potential consequences sent shivers down his spine.

He then proceeded with the lottery. Having drawn so many times, he was now well-practiced. In the early days, he would meticulously burn incense and bathe, supplicating every deity and ancestor. Now, however, he was quite calm and simply initiated the drawing.

Thank you for participating!

Thank you for participating!

***

As the familiar words flashed across the screen, Zu An felt no emotional stir, almost finding it amusing.

Midway through, the cursor on the keyboard paused on the number 9 key.

Congratulations! You’ve received a Luck Pill!

Zu An froze. The name sounded familiar. When he first arrived in this world, a Luck Pill was among his very first draws, and he had used it to dominate the gambling houses in Brightmoon City.

However, for him now, this function felt somewhat redundant. He wasn't about to return to a gambling house to make a quick fortune, was he?

It would be more efficient to just rob someone.

Hmm, perhaps he could try gem betting next time.

He continued the lottery, watching various “Thank you for participating” and “Vitality Fruit” notifications flash alternately. He couldn’t help but frown. After all this time, he still hadn’t drawn a single Tiger Tally?

Currently, he only had Daji and Mo Xi as Valkyries. He had hoped for more Tiger Tallies to summon new ones. While they weren't of much help in combat at the moment, they could at least serve as substitutes when he found himself stretched thin.

Just then, the cursor suddenly stopped on the 'F' key.

“Congratulations! You’ve received The Freeloader!”

Zu An: “???”