Could it be that I am the cruel villain?
Chapter 74 Yu Rou Returns Home

Chapter 74: Chapter 74 Yu Rou Returns Home

"Hey, look quickly."

"That’s the Yan Family’s carriage, isn’t it? Has Lady Yan returned?"

"Indeed, take a look. There’s a happy character pasted on the carriage, and following behind are seven or eight carts, all loaded with silk, brocades, all kinds of specialty goods and jewelry, hiss~ and a whole cart full of top-quality wine. Those are things you’d use for a wedding banquet."

"Tsk tsk, I’m afraid you couldn’t find a larger dowry than Lady Yan’s in our whole county. What’s in it for her to marry that lad?"

The surrounding crowd whispered among themselves, many were aware that Miss Yan was about to get married, and were eager to witness the excitement. The returning procession of carriages was imposing – it was clear how much the Yan Family valued this marriage.

However, many were still puzzled why Old Master Yan, Zhong Xu, didn’t choose to continue trying for a healthy son to inherit the family business, especially since he was only in his thirties and at the prime of his life. Even though Lady Yan died in childbirth, to hand over such a large family business to outsiders so easily...

But soon, amidst the murmuring crowd, a few somewhat unfamiliar figures were spotted within the procession. Dressed in white clothes, adorned with hair accessories, their faces proud and very young – the eldest among them appeared to be under thirty.

Judging from their aura and the way they managed their horses, their identities seemed to be no ordinary matter.

"Eh, look at that one in the crowd, quick, that girl."

"Wow~ so radiant, with her looks and demeanor, she could be an Oiran..."

"Shut your mouth! Do you want to die?"

Someone immediately rushed up to cover their mouths which were incapable of saying anything good.

With an anxious face and teeth clenched in a hushed tone, he said, "She’s a high-ranking person from State City! An Immortal!"

"Do you see the symbol on their clothes? That’s the emblem of immortal disciples!"

"About seven or eight years ago, our county went through something similar! Many experts from our local yamen were killed or wounded badly and we had to send for help from the State City, which brought a group of young men."

"Turns out these young people looked no more than twenty years old, but were incredibly powerful. They captured a fugitive that our county couldn’t catch in a month, in just a few minutes."

The few nearby immediately showed fear, especially since they were noticed by the aloof woman who even glanced in their direction. Her undisguised disdain made them shiver on the spot, but fortunately, she didn’t take it to heart.

Only then did the man continue speaking, "These few are probably from the Fan Yin Sect, dressed the same as the people from the last time. You all should stop babbling about others all the time, and have some virtue in your speech!"

"Yes, yes, yes, I was scared to death. When that woman glared at me just now, my legs went weak..."

Still shaken, they watched the procession move farther away, but the few who followed didn’t take it too seriously.

Wherever they went, they were always met with admiring glances. That leading disciple from Fan Yin Sect seemed to notice something unusual and suddenly looked towards a distant rooftop, where there appeared to be an old man watching them.

Startled, he urged his horse faster to the front of the line, and leaning closer to the window, he said.

"I didn’t expect there to be such hidden dragons and crouching tigers in Qingshui County. Miss Yan, you must recognize that person just now?"

His face wore a gentle smile, and he addressed Miss Yan with the utmost politeness and chivalry, which along with his fair features made him quite eye-catching.

Hearing the voice outside, the girl in the carriage carefully poked her head out, her expression turning a little flushed upon noticing the man’s gentle gaze, her eyes darting away. Her beautiful and obedient appearance elicited sympathy.

In fact, Yan Yurou wasn’t only famous in Qingshui County but also quite renowned throughout the entire East Continent.

Initially, it was due to her grandfather, Yan Shan of Taiyi Sect, who had participated in wars against the Demon Race and survived, thus enjoying the highest treatment upon his return. Not to mention, he was a powerful Cultivator himself.

Although Yan Yurou seldom left Qingshui County, she had been brought along a few times by her grandfather previously. As she grew older, she attracted more attention – even then, many had their eyes on the sole daughter of the Yan Family.

"That... Immortal Wu, that person is my great-uncle... not a fugitive."

Seeing the girl’s shy appearance, the man known as Immortal Wu felt a great delight in his heart; he had never experienced this kind of charm from an ordinary woman before.

The sensation of a racing heartbeat was truly enchanting, as if highlighting the allure of manhood; the man revealed a confident smile.

"Please rest assured, Lady Yan."

"Today, we four from the Fan Yin Sect have come here to capture the culprit and restore peace to Qingshui County."

"As long as I, Wu Daoxu, am present, that evil cultivator won’t be able to stir up any trouble. I hope that once the villain is apprehended, I could have the honor of being invited by Miss Yan to appreciate, as they say, the autumn osmanthus in Qingshui County is unparalleled."

"I have long heard of the beauty of Qingshui County, so when the time comes, I hope Miss Yan would be willing to take me... us fellow sect members to appreciate the flowers and enjoy the moonlight."

He originally wanted to say ’take me,’ but thinking that might come across too boldly, he changed his wording. In any case, he could always just issue the invitation himself later on.

Hearing this, the young lady in the carriage blushed even deeper but still murmured softly, "Immortal Wu..."

"Just call me by my name. My surname is Wu, first name Daoxu."

"Then, if Immortal Master can resolve the crisis in Qingshui County and capture the felon, our Yan Family will certainly fulfill the host’s duties. If the immortal masters of the Fan Yin Sect have any requests, just ask... Yu Rou will do her best to satisfy them."

These words made Wu Daoxu’s heart bloom with happiness. He had never met anyone like this during the past thirty years, and his confident visage grew even more proud. However, the next sentence froze his expression instantly.

"If the trouble in Qingshui County can be dealt with, then there’s no need to postpone Yu Rou’s marriage next month. Here, I thank you in advance, Immortal Master..."

With a stiff nod of his head.

However, the ordinary conversation between the two seemed incredibly intimate to the others behind, especially with the amplification of a certain ’filter BUFF,’ it infuriated the only female among them.

"Such a young age and already so good at seducing men, that damn fox spirit!"

She cursed in her heart.

Her cold expression swept over the two joyously laughing figures in the distance, forcefully turning her head away to avoid looking in that direction.

Ever since they left the State City, the group from the Fan Yin Sect had been following Yan Yurou. In reality, they could have arrived earlier due to their strong physical abilities.

But under the lead of their eldest senior brother, they had stayed behind the caravan, ostensibly protecting the civilians, concerned that the Yan Family would be robbed on the road with so much wealth. But everyone was an adult; who couldn’t see what Wu Daoxu was thinking?

It’s just that no one had pointed it out.

The seemingly young Immortal Master in question was actually only in his thirties, which didn’t mean much for cultivators. However, his two male sect brothers did have that gossipy vibe.

"Hey, what’s up with our eldest, huh? The youngest has been after him for so long with no response, and now he’s fallen for a young girl."

"Come on, watch your words, maybe she’ll be our sister-in-law in the future."

"Don’t jinx it. Didn’t you see the ’wedding’ character on that carriage? Miss Yan is here to get married. I’ve heard they’ll wed next month."

"So what?"

Shrugging his shoulders, he reached out and pulled his junior brother closer, lowering his voice.

"Just get rid of the man, right? There’s already an evil cultivator causing trouble around here."

"Oh? You mean..."

"Hey, our eldest brother’s marriage matters most, right? As his juniors, we naturally have to give him a push."