The funny counterattack of traveling through time and space and becoming a vicious female supporting

Chapter 223 Challenge and Catharsis

Night fell quietly. In the center of the Xiahe Garden, Lu Ling'er and Feng Xinying chatted for a long, leisurely moment until dinner time, when they moved together to Yuquan Garden. The lights here illuminated the exquisite courtyard, their warm glow dispelling the daytime's gloom. A warm atmosphere permeated the air, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility.

Feng Jingsu was led by Gu Yichen to the semi-open dining pavilion. A hint of confusion lingered in his eyes, as if he didn't understand why he was being dragged into such a gathering. Ultimately, he complied and took his seat at Gu Yichen's insistence. Meanwhile, a slightly tipsy Wen Yuan, supported by Ji Junche, slowly entered. The cold lines of his face softened slightly under the influence of alcohol, but as his gaze fell upon the crowd, a complex expression flashed across it, a look of both resistance and helplessness.

During the meal, Ji Yun raised his glass at the right time and said in a relaxed and sincere tone: "Everyone, enjoy yourself tonight. This is the most famous braised pork banquet in Lingnan. It would be a pity to miss it." He tried to ease the delicate atmosphere at the table with a casual tone, with a sincere smile on his face, as if trying to narrow the distance between them and erase the vague barriers.

Gu Yazhu sat quietly beside Ji Yun, her expression dignified and calm, adding a touch of gentle beauty to her features. Occasionally, she whispered in agreement with Ji Yun. Meanwhile, Yun Ruoxi and Yun Ruolin exchanged a smile, seemingly captivated by the rare feast. Their soft whispers revealed a tacit understanding.

However, Feng Xinying was acutely aware of Wen Yuan's distant and uncomfortable demeanor. His gaze occasionally drifted towards her, but when she caught his gaze, he quickly looked away. Even slightly intoxicated, his defenses remained strong, as if he didn't want anyone to get too close.

Feng Jingsu took in all this, a flicker of displeasure crossing his heart. During the day, he'd seen Feng Xinying and Wen Yuan appear to have a perfect rapport, but now they were as cold and distant as strangers. He'd long suspected a special relationship between them, even sleeping together. If they didn't marry, Feng Xinying's reputation would be tarnished. As her brother, he didn't want Feng Xinying to act rashly in a love affair, especially since Wen Yuan's temperament was unpredictable and not someone he could easily trust.

Gathering his thoughts, Feng Jingsu politely stood up to thank Ji Yun and Gu Yazhu. "Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen, I'm deeply grateful for your inconvenience these past few days. The Prince of Zhennan's Mansion also hopes to have more exchanges with Taoyuan Villa." Ji Yun smiled slightly at this, a hint of inquiry flashing in his eyes. He raised his glass in greeting and said with a faint smile, "Then I will be magnanimous and call you nephew. If the Prince of Zhennan needs you in the future, Taoyuan Villa will certainly provide you with all our assistance and do our best to help the Feng family army and the people of Lingnan." His words were sincere, but he knew that Feng Jingsu's probing had not stopped and he still had doubts about their true identities.

Feng Jingsu nodded slightly, his mind already made up. Taoyuan Villa's secrecy and strength were unique in the martial arts world. Becoming an ally of the Feng Family Army would greatly benefit the stability of Lingnan's rule. He secretly resolved to seize this opportunity not only to establish cooperation but also to further investigate the true nature of Taoyuan Villa.

The night deepened, the lights dimming in Yuquan Garden. The air was thick with the lingering aroma of wine. Wen Yuan and Gu Yichen sat at their respective tables. Ji Junche noticed Wen Yuan's still furrowed brow and sighed silently. He knew that the rejection and self-denial he had endured during the day had left Wen Yuan with too much repression and pain.

"Brother Wen, I heard that your swordsmanship is unparalleled in the world. Why don't you spar with me? Maybe it will help you relax a little." Gu Yichen's voice was low and slow, his tone was gentle, but his eyes were sharp and calm.

Wen Yuan was stunned, looked at him deeply, and finally said softly: "Okay." He slowly stood up, holding the hilt of the sword, the blade was not unsheathed, and the whole person was like a sharp blade with a cold edge.

The two men walked into the center of the courtyard. Everyone was so overwhelmed by the atmosphere that they dared not breathe, staring at them intently with bated breath. Gu Yichen drew his sword and said with a faint smile, "Brother Wen, go ahead and fight."

Wen Yuan nodded calmly, slowly drawing his sword. A flash of cold light flashed, and the sword light pointed directly at Gu Yichen's face. His swordsmanship was sharp and decisive, and each sword strike carried a bit of anger, as if to completely release the suppressed emotions in his heart.

"What are you angry about?" Gu Yichen calmly faced the attack, the sword shadow turned slightly, cleverly resolving Wen Yuan's attack. His tone was slow but full of power.

Wen Yuan was stunned, his brows furrowed, the sword's edge became faster and fiercer, and his eyes flashed with unconcealable anxiety: "It has nothing to do with you." Before he finished speaking, the sword in his hand became more powerful, as if he was determined to integrate all the self-blame, shame and pain in his heart into the sword.

Gu Yichen sighed softly, his eyes growing colder. His sword's momentum shifted, entwining like a dragon, gradually drawing Wen Yuan's sword path into nothingness. Switching between offense and defense, he calmly asked, "Are you truly willing to let go like this, without even trying to catch on?"

Wen Yuan's eyes froze, and the surging emotions in his heart made his hand holding the sword tighten, and the anger in his chest was suddenly ignited: "I can't catch it, I don't deserve to catch it." His sword energy surged out like waves, and his momentum became more and more fierce.

Gu Yichen sneered, his sword swung rapidly, neutralizing Wen Yuan's fierce attack, but his voice remained unshaken by the confrontation: "This is not like the real you. I don't understand, where does your inferiority complex come from?"

Wen Yuan's heart was touched, his eyes suddenly turned cold, and there was a hint of self-mockery in his words: "You don't understand, you don't understand what true humility is." His words were like a sharp blade, cutting through the fragile defense line of his heart, and the whole person seemed to become colder.

Gu Yichen didn't shy away. His gaze was firm, and his words pierced Wen Yuan like a sharp sword: "Maybe I don't understand, but I know one thing - true humility is not being able to hold a sword steadily. What about you?"

Upon hearing this, Wen Yuan's sword energy trembled slightly, but he immediately transformed this anxiety into an even more intense force, as if determined to escape the pain within him. He attacked with all his might, his sword shadows whirling and swift as lightning, each strike aimed directly at Gu Yichen's vital points. However, Gu Yichen remained unfazed, effortlessly countering his attacks, always leaving room for maneuver, with a calm and composed demeanor.

In the fierce battle, Wen Yuan's strength finally wore off, his breath becoming short, and his sword's edge paused slightly. Gu Yichen seized the opportunity and gently swung his sword, instantly forcing Wen Yuan back half a step. The sword tip stopped at his shoulder, and his calm gaze slowly fell on his face.

"Look, no matter you give up or struggle, your sword is still here. Ultimately, whether you can catch it or not depends on yourself." Gu Yichen spoke lightly, his words calm but with a hint of severity.

Wen Yuan remained silent for a long time, his clothes soaked with sweat. He looked at Gu Yichen, and the pain and helplessness deep in his heart seemed to be instantly shattered by these words, and a hint of enlightenment emerged. He silently sheathed his sword and said softly, "Thank you."

The two of them sat back down, and Feng Xinying quietly walked over and handed Wen Yuan a cup of hot tea. He was stunned for a moment, looking at the cup she handed him, then lowered his head slightly to take it, and whispered "thank you" with a gentleness he had never heard before.

That night, in the gleam of their swords and silence, each other's intentions seemed clearer than their sword moves, and their feelings quietly took root and sprouted in the silence.