Don't pretend, everyone knows you're the villain!

Xi Mingzhu looked at Lu Tiannan, thinking that he would break his promise that no Daoist partner would go back on their word, but the other party did not seem to have noticed.

That's true. Since Lu Tiannan's feelings are genuine, breaking his promise is for his own sake and doesn't really count.

Lu Tiannan and Xi Mingzhu naturally became Daoist partners, and the Lin family immediately received the news, which was then spread to the outside world.

Master Xi's reputation was resounding enough, and Lu Tiannan's old news stirred up ripples again, causing many women to feel heartbroken. Indeed, outstanding people deserve outstanding people, regardless of gender.

Meng Chang was overwhelmed with mixed feelings upon suddenly acquiring a teacher's wife.

Some people, as they spend more time together, become elders to each other.

Lu Tiannan became even more clingy than before, and Xi Mingzhu would also take care of Lu Tiannan when refining pills, no longer so engrossed in it.

Several months later, when he went out to deliver the pills again, he discovered that the rumored murderous sword cultivator had disappeared for a long time.

There are many speculations about this sword cultivator, and it's impossible to know the truth.

The couple's wedding day at the end of the year was a grand affair, with many people coming to offer their congratulations. Most of them came because of Master Xi's reputation, hoping to gain some exposure and benefits.

Xi Mingzhu was also very generous, and each guest received a valuable pill.

Red candles bring warmth.

Lu Tiannan was still excited when he drank the nuptial wine.

"Brother, I feel like I'm dreaming."

"Dreaming? Then go to sleep early." Xi Mingzhu said coldly, clearly not planning on consummating the marriage.

After finishing his drink, Lu Tiannan looked aggrieved and said, "My brother bullied me."

Xi Mingzhu was not good at drinking; as soon as the wine went down his throat, the corners of his eyes turned red.

After staring intently at Lu Tiannan for a long time, Xi Mingzhu suddenly smiled.

Lu Tiannan had hardly ever seen this man smile in recent years.

"If I deceive you, what will you do?"

"If my brother wants to bully me, I'll just obediently accept it. I'll gladly accept everything my brother gives me."

"Now that we have become partners, we will share both glory and disgrace. We must not hide anything from each other."

Lu Tiannan was taken aback, then replied, "I won't hide it from my brother. I never have before, and I never will."

Fueled by alcohol, Xi Mingzhu wrapped her arms around Lu Tiannan's neck, her eyes and face flushed.

"I think I'm a little drunk."

Lu Tiannan thought to himself, this is definitely not just a possibility.

The next instant, soft lips covered the lips and sucked haphazardly. Lu Tiannan took the initiative, prying open the lips and probing into the mouth.

Lu Tiannan swept and plundered inside Xi Mingzhu's mouth, his tongue tracing across the palate, causing Xi Mingzhu's body to tremble.

His eyes grew increasingly dark, and a lustful glint appeared at the corners of his eyes.

Xi Mingzhu was breathless from the kiss, and Lu Tiannan watched Xi Mingzhu nervously.

Xi Mingzhu was panting, her eyes reddening, making her look even more beautiful.

Physical resistance can deceive, but the feelings evoked by more intimate encounters cannot.

"I'll ask you one more time, have you ever lied to me?"

"...What does my brother suspect me of?"

"The extermination of a collateral branch of the Chen family, and the subsequent rumors of sword cultivation—are they related to you?"

Lu Tiannan's blood went cold instantly.

"Brother, have you found any evidence pointing to me?"

"There is no evidence. It's just that the marks left by that swordsman are very similar to your swordsmanship."

With a bitter taste in his mouth, Lu Tiannan sighed helplessly.

"Why does my brother, who doubts me, still want to become my Daoist partner?"

"I want to hear what you have to say."

At this moment, what was supposed to be done has been temporarily suspended due to old rumors.

Lu Tiannan stared at Xi Mingzhu silently, a hint of resentment in his eyes.

"On our wedding night, my brother wants to discuss the life and death of those insignificant people with me?"

"Whether you did it or not, is it so hard for me to just get an answer?"

Xi Mingzhu genuinely wanted to become Lu Tiannan's Daoist partner, but his junior sister kept mentioning this matter in her letters, and he had overheard some things while traveling and investigated privately. Now, Xi Mingzhu was certain that Lu Tiannan was responsible for those things, and he was asking questions with the answers in mind, hoping that the other party would dare to admit it.

Even if the other party's actions are all evil, he hopes he hasn't misjudged them and that they are at least someone who dares to take responsibility for their actions.

In his heart, Lu Tiannan should not deviate from the Daoist partner he subconsciously identified with.

"No, I didn't do those things. Brother, shall we continue?" Lu Tiannan denied without any guilt, and even smiled and suggested to Xi Mingzhu.

Taking advantage of the lingering effects of the alcohol, Xi Mingzhu squinted and carefully examined Lu Tiannan's face. They had been together for so long...

Why does it seem like he's looking at others through Lu Tiannan the whole time?

There must be another Lu Tiannan, but it seems he mistook someone else for someone else. This other Lu Tiannan isn't like this by nature, which is why he felt pity for him.

Subconsciously, Xi Mingzhu believed she was a shackle that could restrain Lu Tiannan, and that she could save him by using her own body as a lock. But that wasn't the case at all. Lu Tiannan's tragic past—perhaps even Lu Tiannan himself couldn't remember—yet he still chose to do evil.

Those people were just gossiping about Master Xi, but their crimes didn't warrant death. It's alright for those in high positions to show a little leniency; those people will never reach their level in this lifetime, so even a little pity is fine.

No matter what Lu Tiannan does, Xi Mingzhu won't find anything wrong with it. The only problem is that he does it but doesn't dare to admit it.

"Lu Tiannan, do you want to be a good person?"

Xi Mingzhu asked calmly in a low voice, which was the first question Elder Xi Jian asked when he was teaching Lu Tiannan how to use the sword.

Lu Tiannan didn't understand the meaning behind Xi Mingzhu's words, so he hugged her in his arms and said in a coquettish manner.

“Brother, I’ve always been a good person. I want to be with you and I don’t dare to taint myself.”

no……

It shouldn't be like this.

Those whom Xi Mingzhu has chosen in his heart will do evil openly and honestly, and will readily admit it.

The person in front of me is hypocritical; it seems more like they're deceiving me with one lie after another just to get what they want from me.

Xi Mingzhu pushed Lu Tiannan away, and the hairpin from their wedding became the only weapon she could use, its blunt tip pointing in Lu Tiannan's direction.

Lu Tiannan was shocked and bewildered, staring at Xi Mingzhu in disbelief: "Brother wants to kill me?"

"I think I mistook you for someone else." Xi Mingzhu raised his hand to wipe his lips. The forceful contact between his lips and teeth just now made him feel nauseous and disgusted.

"Didn't brother say he would never change his ways even if it meant death? He was just lying to me! He went back on his word on our wedding night..." Before Lu Tiannan could finish speaking, he saw Xi Mingzhu raise his hand and stab the hairpin tip into his chest.

The soul fire rose, separating Lu Tiannan.

Lu Tiannan lunged at Xi Mingzhu like a madman, trying to stop him.

A person with a death wish can have even a blunt hairpin pierce their chest and heart.

A pill was inserted and swallowed down the throat.

Double insurance.

That was made by Xi Mingzhu using extremely poisonous substances for self-defense; he didn't even choose to use it when he committed suicide.

Once swallowed, it will cause the body's internal organs to become completely poisonous and decayed.

"Lu Tiannan, your face is very pleasing to my eye, and even your name makes me happy. If it weren't for what happened today, it would be hard to tell the difference."

"I won't lie to you... I can't lie to you since your name is Lu Tiannan."

Xi Mingzhu calmly looked at Lu Tiannan, who was holding him with bloodshot eyes. It was too late for him to resist such contact; he had already indulged him for too many years.

If we can't push it open with our current strength, we can only let it go.

Lu Tiannan tightened his grip, holding the person closer and closer, as if trying to meld them into his very bones.

Master Xi can concoct all kinds of elixirs and miraculous medicines at will. If he doesn't want to live, then naturally he won't have the chance to live.

"Brother, what are you saying? I am Lu Tiannan—why?! Why did you do this?"

A mouthful of blood spurted from his lips. Xi Mingzhu spoke weakly, each word resolute: "I admit defeat for mistaking someone else."