Volume One, Chapter Six: The Steadfast Man

Liu Ruyan’s body was swept by an uncontrollable wave of heat. A numbing, softening sensation spread through her limbs, and in an instant, she found herself unable to stand steadily, let alone unleash any martial arts to resist.

“Tie this female assassin up for me, and make sure you wrap her up tight!”

Upon hearing Zhao Wujiang’s command, the servants flicked out pitch-black chains, binding Liu Ruyan’s limbs and neck. This was done under the specific instructions of the old steward, who knew his young master well.

Liu Ruyan collapsed to the ground, unable to move and bound in an embarrassing position. She gritted her teeth in rage. “Zhao Wujiang, you despicable coward! If you have the guts, release me and let us fight fairly!”

“You come to kill me in the middle of the night, and you have the nerve to call me despicable?” Zhao Wujiang stepped forward and kicked her shapely buttocks. “Fight fairly? I’ll show you who is the ‘masculine’ one soon enough! Men, add more chains. Ensure she has no strength to fight back and cannot harm me, then haul her off to the dungeon.”

Soon, inside the dungeon.

“Everyone, withdraw. Give the Young Master and this beautiful assassin some space.” The old steward wore an expression that suggested he understood his master’s intentions, and he tactfully led the guards away.

Zhao Wujiang sprinkled more Ten-Fragrance Soft-Muscle Powder on Liu Ruyan, ensuring she remained in a weakened state and incapable of causing him harm.

Liu Ruyan knew she had fallen into a trap. It was no surprise that this dog of a young master, after testing that she was powerless to resist, would surely try to molest her.

“Zhao Wujiang, kill me if you want, but don’t you dare lay a finger on me!”

Yet, to her surprise, Zhao Wujiang did not approach her to take advantage. Even though his lips remained sealed, Liu Ruyan heard his voice in her mind:

[This woman is sharp-tongued, but she is certainly good-looking. No wonder Long Zhan in the original story was waiting every day for her Dragon-Nurturing Sacred Physique to reach completion, so distracted he couldn't even eat or sleep, just wanting to claim her the moment it was ready.]

[If only I could use her to cultivate; once I become stronger, I wouldn’t have to live in such constant fear every day.]

[No, how could I have such a suicidal thought? Even if I can practice martial arts, I must be extremely cautious! Only by keeping a low profile can I live longer, and only by living longer can I enjoy the world’s delicacies and beauties...]

Liu Ruyan was stunned, her mind buzzing. She looked down and realized that because she had fallen to the ground, her skirt had been pushed up, leaving her fair legs exposed to Zhao Wujiang’s eyes.

Zhao Wujiang’s words were correct. But, Zhao Wujiang hadn’t spoken a word! Could it be that she was hearing his inner thoughts? How was she capable of hearing his heart?

Strange! Could it be that because her Dragon-Nurturing Sacred Physique was nearing completion, she had gained a special ability to hear the thoughts of men who harbored malicious intentions toward her? This special physique was truly powerful!

However, how did this good-for-nothing know about her relationship with her junior brother, and that she possessed the Dragon-Nurturing Sacred Physique? Could it be that his father had investigated them before he died? The Prince of the North was indeed formidable, but it was a pity he had such a useless son. And he actually dared to dream of using her to practice martial arts?

Liu Ruyan decided to play along. Her angry expression shifted in an instant, becoming hazy and alluring. She bit her moist lip, the flush on her cheeks adding to her charm.

“Young Master, this girl knows she was wrong. Please, let me go. I have a secret manual I can give you. I hope the Young Master can show some mercy.”

As she spoke, she rubbed her long legs together in discomfort, which drew a gentlemanly, lingering gaze from Zhao Wujiang. *So long, so fair!*

Fearing he was harboring impure thoughts, Liu Ruyan tucked her feet away.

Zhao Wujiang chuckled. “A secret manual? What kind?”

“The Breeze-Sweeping Sleeve Palm! It is known as the number one palm technique in the world. If you let me go, I can recite it for you!” Liu Ruyan said with an air of sincerity. If it weren't for the fact that Zhao Wujiang was iron-willed and already knew her background, he might have been completely bewitched.

“No,” Zhao Wujiang said coldly.

Liu Ruyan frowned. “Why? That is the world’s number one...”

“Enough. Do you take me for a fool? The world’s number one palm technique is the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms. What place does your Breeze-Sweeping Sleeve Palm have there? However, I am more interested in another martial art you possess.”

Liu Ruyan was puzzled. The Breeze-Sweeping Sleeve Palm was indeed a low-grade technique, which she only used to deceive laymen like Zhao Wujiang. But what the hell were the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms? They must be low-grade too.

“I have no other martial arts.”

“Oh?” Zhao Wujiang pinched her chin. “The martial arts that Long Zhan is currently practicing—wasn’t that what your master ordered you to teach him?”

Liu Ruyan was stunned on the spot. But then, Zhao Wujiang’s internal voice shocked her even more.

[I remember the original story saying that without the Dao Sect’s unique internal technique, the True Yang Heart Sutra, forcibly seizing the Dragon-Nurturing Sacred Physique would result in one’s essence being absorbed by Liu Ruyan instead, making one a stepping stone for her.]

[I must trick the True Yang Heart Sutra out of her. Long Zhan spent all his time in the early stages painstakingly practicing that.]

Watching Zhao Wujiang’s closed lips, Liu Ruyan’s head was buzzing. Zhao Wujiang had identified her identity at a glance and knew of her relationship with Long Zhan. Even more preposterous, he knew the secrets of her Dragon-Nurturing Sacred Physique and the True Yang Heart Sutra!

Just as Liu Ruyan’s mind was in turmoil, she didn't realize that Zhao Wujiang, seeing her silent, stubborn expression, assumed she was still holding out.

[Although I don't want to offend your sect, since your sect members keep targeting me, if I don’t extract some benefits from you, am I even a man?]

Zhao Wujiang decided to pry the True Yang Heart Sutra out of her. With that in mind, he pulled a wooden device out from the dungeon—a "wooden donkey," a torture device. Once a woman sat on it, pleasure would instantly turn to pain. It was clearly left behind by the former Zhao Wujiang.

[It seems the label of being a lecher is impossible to wash off. Fine, Liu Ruyan, Heroine Number Two, let’s start by letting you taste the prowess of a minor villain!]

Zhao Wujiang looked at Liu Ruyan, unaware that she was wishing she were dead. *If you want the secret manual, keep asking! If you don’t ask, how am I supposed to know you want it? Even if I can hear your thoughts, I can’t just blurt it out, or I’ll die even faster! But you bring out torture devices without even interrogating me first? Can you show a little respect for a beauty?*

Liu Ruyan was miserable. Rather than suffering through torture, she might as well pretend to cooperate. Besides, the True Yang Heart Sutra required immense talent; could a brain like Zhao Wujiang’s actually master it? Obviously not!

“I’ll tell you!” Liu Ruyan suddenly shouted.

Zhao Wujiang was taken aback. [What is this slut trying to say? I haven't even asked yet. Shouldn't we go through the standard procedure of torture and coercion? Isn't that how it’s played out in novels?]

Hearing his inner voice, Liu Ruyan trembled. This Zhao Wujiang was not as simple as he appeared; he was a difficult, deep-thinking character who didn't play by the rules.

“Since you’ve already investigated me, I won’t hide it. My Dragon-Nurturing Sacred Physique can indeed enhance your cultivation. But there is a key point: you must first master the first layer of the True Yang Heart Sutra, otherwise, it will only damage you! The True Yang Heart Sutra is in my... inner layer of my bodice. If you don’t believe me, you can check for yourself!”

[What are you talking about? What's going on? You’re just giving it to me so easily?]

[A villain should be extorting me with torture, and you protagonists should be refusing until death—that’s how the plot is supposed to go!]

Looking at Liu Ruyan’s sincere eyes, Zhao Wujiang was baffled. He snorted and sprinkled more muscle-softening powder on her.

“Are you really this timid and cautious? Where is your masculine spirit?” Liu Ruyan, feeling numb and hot, couldn't help but curse.

Zhao Wujiang remained calm, not feeling that being cautious to save his own life was any problem at all. “My masculine spirit is gathered below, while my caution is hidden in my heart.”

“Tch! Zhao Wujiang, I’m warning you, even if you get the True Yang Heart Sutra, you might not be able to master it. Before you do, don’t even think about touching me.”

Certain that Liu Ruyan had no strength to fight back, Zhao Wujiang reached into her bodice to find the manual.

“Don’t grope around! It’s not on this side, you have to undo the ribbons first!” Liu Ruyan cursed.

Zhao Wujiang reached around her back, pulled the ribbons, and the bodice fell away. From the hidden lining, he pulled out a yellowed, thread-bound ancient book. The cover read "True Yang Heart Sutra."

Zhao Wujiang tucked the manual into his robes and straightened Liu Ruyan’s messy clothes. Liu Ruyan thought he had regained his conscience.

[I shouldn't loosen these chains; they must be tight! Later, I’ll have the maid wash you up, and once I master the True Yang Heart Sutra, I’ll come back to enjoy your Dragon-Nurturing Sacred Physique!]

Liu Ruyan was speechless. After the inspection, Zhao Wujiang left, feeling satisfied.

Returning to the training room, Zhao Wujiang opened the True Yang Heart Sutra. He didn't know yet if he had the talent for martial arts, but regardless, to survive, becoming stronger was fundamental. If he had no talent, he would have to practice until he did. If he did have talent? He would have to practice even harder! Survival was no game.