Chapter Thirty-Six: The Situation Is Truly Complicated

Shen Qingzhi composed his expression, gathering away all traces of anger from his face, and arranged the smile that, according to his memory, Jiang Wangshu liked best.

"Wangshu, I have something I'd like to speak with you about privately."

He walked over, lowering his gaze to her slender back, his voice gentle and soft.

Jiang Wangshu turned the page, replying coolly, "Wait."

Shen Qingzhi’s expression cracked for a moment; he quickly put it back together, the smile on his face growing strained.

In his heart, he wished he could chew each syllable to pieces: Jiang. Wang. Shu!

If it weren’t for Jiang Wanwan being in her hands, he wouldn’t bother acknowledging her at all.

He waited for four entire hours.

By then, Shen Qingzhi had mentally killed Jiang Wangshu several times over. At last, as the sun sank in the west and the classmates dispersed, Jiang Wangshu patted herself off and was about to leave.

He hurriedly stopped her, wearing his most sincere expression. "Wangshu, I truly have something to discuss."

She raised her eyebrows, nodding casually, "Come with me, then."

She knew this fellow was up to no good; she had no intention of listening, but without giving him a solid lesson, his incessant buzzing in her ear would be bothersome.

As they walked, the path became more and more secluded, and fewer people were around. Shen Qingzhi felt both contempt and a secret delight.

He knew Jiang Wangshu couldn’t forget him, bringing him now to such a quiet spot.

But he lived for Jiang Wanwan, and would die for her too.

Jiang Wangshu could await his retribution.

Standing by the stream, Jiang Wangshu turned to face Shen Qingzhi.

The arrogance on Shen Qingzhi’s face was undisguised. "Don’t waste your efforts; it’s impossible for me to ever like—"

Splash!

A sudden force struck his chest, and caught off guard, he fell backward into the water, droplets flying everywhere. Through the rippling surface, he saw Jiang Wangshu retracting her long leg and the mocking smile on her face.

"Xiao Hei, deal with him as you like. Just don’t kill him."

Suddenly alarmed, Shen Qingzhi caught a glimpse of black rushing toward him. He dodged quickly, but a sharp pain bit into his waist, blood instantly spreading through the water.

In just one move, he was already injured.

Shen Qingzhi pulled himself together, bracing for a serious fight.

Jiang Wangshu stood on the bank, watching as Shen Qingzhi struggled in the water, unable to retaliate. She yawned lazily and strolled back into the house.

Small matters, not worth her concern.

However, it surely wouldn’t be so simple.

She sat at her desk, scribbling and sketching.

Jiang Mingqian, ill-intentioned.

The Shen family, who looked down upon her yet insisted on binding her, was equally untrustworthy.

Both had the same goal: to tie her down, to control her.

So, what secret did the original host conceal?

She knocked on the system. "Do you know?"

The Platinum System shook its head. "I don’t, Host, but I did notice Jiang Mingqian just used forbidden power."

"What’s that?" Jiang Wangshu asked, puzzled.

The Platinum System explained, "In the world of cultivation, most people practice spiritual energy to advance, but a rare few with precious bloodlines cultivate forbidden power."

"Forbidden power is different from spiritual energy; it leans more toward rules. Therefore, those who cultivate it are known as 'Executors of the Heavenly Dao.'"

She rubbed her knuckles, feeling things had grown more complicated.

"So, cultivators of forbidden power ought to hold a much higher status than those who practice spiritual energy."

The Platinum System replied, "Yes, but forbidden cultivation is far harder than spiritual cultivation. Most practitioners hide away from the world to avoid calamity."

"In other words, those who succeed—if they ever emerge—no one would know."

She sifted through her memories; this was the first time she had seen Jiang Mingqian display his power.

In her recollection, he was more like an incompetent, authoritarian, and philandering patriarch.

Now, it seemed like nothing more than a façade.

Regardless, his behavior both before and after the disguise revealed nothing good.

She recalled the pendant her mother had given. She thought she finally knew where it was.

It must be a key item.

She sighed and pinched her brow. Before she could simply earn money, buy a car and a house, she had to remove these obstacles, or else she’d never have a peaceful day.

The Platinum System, thinking she was troubled by forbidden power, searched its database and said, "Host, don’t worry. Once you reach the Nascent Soul stage, you can unlock forbidden cultivation."

At this, Jiang Wangshu checked her core, murmuring, "System, don’t you find it odd that I can’t break through the first layer of Qi training?"

The Platinum System answered matter-of-factly, "Host, your meridians are far wider than most. If others’ cores are barrels, yours is a swimming pool—so slow progress is normal."

"Besides, you’re not cultivating spiritual energy, but immortal power. That’s even slower."

The Platinum System continued proudly, "At this stage, your spiritual energy isn’t enough to refine immortal power. Once you reach later stages, the power of the 'Eighteen Domains' and the Netherworld Bow will be even greater."

It puffed out its bouncy belly, as if inviting praise.

Jiang Wangshu couldn’t help but laugh. "You really are remarkable."

The Platinum System blushed—it was the first time the host had praised it! It immediately vowed, "I’ll serve you even more earnestly from now on!"

Hearing that self-address, she felt helpless. "I’ve always wondered—what’s the origin of that title?"

The Platinum System put on a serious face. "I studied in your previous world. That title is popular among many people."

She burst out laughing—a beautiful misunderstanding. Internet jokes had sent the little system down a path of no return.

"Do you like being called that?"

The Platinum System nodded. "Of course—it’s imposing." Though it was a newborn system, it hoped to grow long-term. 'Old' implied age, which meant it could live longer.

"As long as you like it."

An hour later, Xiao Hei dragged a bruised and battered Shen Qingzhi out, tossed him aside, and swung his hand as he entered the little house, leaving a wet trail behind.

He confidently held out an empty storage bag. "Beating people costs extra."

She couldn’t stand his self-assured manner, a sly smile curling on her lips. "Beating people doesn’t earn extra, but massages do."

Xiao Hei’s eyes filled with questions. "Massage?"

Jiang Wangshu played a teaching video on the spot.

Xiao Hei stared at the screen, eyes blazing, snorted coldly, smashed the storage bag down, and ran off.

These humans were wicked, trying to trick him into mating with her.

All that touching was shameless—even sea monsters knew to hide among coral when coupling.

And she played it for him—how evil!

Jiang Wangshu was baffled. If he didn’t want to, fine, but why such fury?

She shrugged, picked up the storage bag. It was easy to throw away now, but if he wanted it back later, it wouldn’t come so easily. After all, she was no soft-hearted pet owner.

She was merely a mischievous spirit.

That night, Shen Lihan opened the door to see Shen Qingzhi, face swollen and battered, and a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. He had expected his foolish nephew to fail, but hadn’t thought he’d fail so utterly.