Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 469 - 243: Master Luoxue Is Truly Great

Chapter 469: Chapter 243: Master Luoxue Is Truly Great

Massages are simply impossible, I could never give massages in my life.

That’s all just talk.

Of course, in the face of Jiang Shouzhong’s solicitous attention, Dugu Luoxue still maintained an icy demeanor, showing no interest in massages or the like.

Even with his enthusiastic overtures met by cold indifference, Jiang Shouzhong was not discouraged and said with a smile,

"Master, now that I’m a disciple of the Wanshou Mountains and Rivers, couldn’t you teach me some cultivation techniques, like the ’Transposition’ technique used by Steward Gu last time? Could you teach me how?"

Jiang Shouzhong was thinking of grabbing some benefits.

Instead, Dugu Luoxue was reminded of something and softly asked, "The Zodiac Map from Yunjin is on your person, isn’t it?"

"Zodiac Map?"

Jiang Shouzhong looked genuinely puzzled as he innocently said, "Didn’t Brother Yunjin lose that thing?"

But this poor act could not deceive the female master, Dugu Luoxue extended her delicate hand and gently said, "Give it to me; I’ll teach you the correct way to use the Zodiac Map."

Jiang Shouzhong hesitated somewhat.

Dugu Luoxue said, "The Zodiac Map is principally activated by a Dharma Seal, and since you have already acquired the Zodiac Dharma Seal, it means that you are the rightful owner of the Zodiac Map. Wanshou Mountains and Rivers have no right to demand it from you. Besides, with me here, no one would dare to steal it."

Having heard this, Jiang Shouzhong no longer postured.

He took out the Zodiac Map from his energy space and handed it to the woman.

With a slight wave of Dugu Luoxue’s luminous wrist, a breeze arose from her sleeve, and under the guidance of her spiritual power, the Zodiac Map slowly unfurled in the air.

The creatures in the map, in sequence, appeared:

Representing: the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Horse, the Pig.

The seven beast illusions were vividly lifelike, each in its own poise.

"Due to the absence of the Zodiac Dharma Seal, Yunjin was unable to unleash the full power of the Zodiac Map and could only use his demonic power to enhance his cultivation with side effects,"

Standing beneath the scroll, Dugu Luoxue, like an Immortal commanding spirits, slowly said,

"The last time you used the demonic power of the Zodiac Map to repel Steward Gu, anyone else would surely have exploded and perished; however, because you possess the Taoist River Map, such side effects pose no harm to you.

Thus, to a certain extent, it’s as if the Zodiac Map were tailor-made for you.

Still, you had not used it in the right way, and as your cultivation is not high enough, having not reached the Heaven Desolation Boundary, it is difficult to fully mobilize the divine power of the magical object. Today, I will first teach you the Spirit Control Skill."

The Spirit Control Skill?

Jiang Shouzhong’s eyes blazed with eager anticipation.

"Follow my lead."

Dugu Luoxue’s fingers deftly formed mysterious Dharma Seals, her pinky finger tucked inside her ring finger, her graceful movements flowing like drifting clouds.

Jiang Shouzhong eagerly imitated her precisely.

Dugu Luoxue said, "Now that you are the owner of the Zodiac Map, you must unite your mind and spirit with the map to resonate and summon the Demon you wish.

However, given your shallow cultivation, it is best to start with the lesser of the Demons, the Rat Demon, to avoid overexertion and backlash."

Jiang Shouzhong took this to heart, practicing over and over.

Despite following her instructions nearly dozens of times, the Zodiac Map showed no response.

Jiang Shouzhong couldn’t help feeling a bit anxious.

There was no helping it, after all, his talent for cultivation was indeed mediocre; when Yan Changqing taught him swordsmanship, he was so frustrated that he cursed out loud.

If it weren’t for Er Liang and Zhang Que’er, the two talented marvels who provided some consolation, the Sword Demon might have even passed out from anger.

Fortunately, Dugu Luoxue, with her tranquil disposition, did not show the slightest impatience or anger, patiently guiding Jiang Shouzhong again and again.

Eventually, she simply took hold of Jiang Shouzhong’s arm to point out the technique.

And because Jiang Shouzhong was tall, every time the woman leaned in, her skirt would open slightly, inadvertently revealing a glimpse of the snowy depth...

The master’s generous bosom.

Seeing the man grow somewhat agitated, the woman softly advised,

"When practicing any cultivation technique, remember to keep a tranquil heart, as otherwise, even if you reach mastery, a Heart Demon will arise. Recite the calming mantra I taught you earlier a few times in silence."

Jiang Shouzhong took a deep breath and recited the calming mantra.

Soon enough, his state of mind truly began to stabilize. When he practiced again, the effects gradually started to show.

After about a quarter of an hour, the Rat Demon in the scroll suddenly changed, the patterns seemingly becoming rippling, gentle waters.

Then, with a burst of laughter, a bright white light suddenly emerged from a crevice in the scroll, transforming into a white-robed woman.

The woman had a few whiskers hanging by her temples, her appearance ominous and ghostly, leaping lightly around the courtyard like a midnight specter.

Afterwards, the Rat Demon scurried before Jiang Shouzhong and said gleefully, "Rat-Rat greets its master."

At last, success.

Seeing that he had successfully summoned the Rat Demon, Jiang Shouzhong wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling quite exhausted in spirit.

Turning to boast to Dugu Luoxue, he found the woman already cooking in the kitchen.

"Summoning Demons is so taxing, and calling upon the others will be even more troublesome, it seems that improving my own realm swiftly is of the utmost importance," Jiang Shouzhong said to himself.

After returning the Rat Demon to the Zodiac Map, Jiang Shouzhong continued to practice.

He did not stop until he could form the seals smoothly and at will, after which he satisfyingly stored the Zodiac Map in his energy space.

Dugu Luoxue soon finished cooking.

Starving and growling with hunger, Jiang Shouzhong washed his hands and hastened to the dining table.

Yet, upon seeing the food on the table, he was stunned.

Before him was just a bowl of clear soup noodles, accompanied by two leaves of green vegetable.

"Master, is there no other food? Not even a meat dish?"

Jiang Shouzhong asked, gazing at the woman’s plain, unadorned face.

Dugu Luoxue took up a blue-and-white porcelain bowl and said indifferently, "Simple meals clear the heart and reveal true taste. I have always eaten this way since childhood, and I never touch meat. If you’re unaccustomed, you may eat outside."

The woman picked at her noodles with chopsticks, ensuring they didn’t clump together, then slowly lifted a strand to her lips.

Her movements were neither too fast nor too slow, lacking the deliberate affectation common to sheltered ladies, yet there was nothing rough about them; she chewed slowly and gracefully, her demeanor serene and elegant, as if she carried a whiff of otherworldly detachment.

Jiang Shouzhong shook his head helplessly.

No wonder he exuded such an aura of tranquility and asceticism—in these conditions, it would be hard not to be abstemious.

Fortunately, he was not a picky eater; plain fare would do.

Jiang Shouzhong picked up his bowl and began to eat with slurping sounds.

After the meal, Dugu Luoxue lightly dabbed the corners of her mouth with a silk handkerchief, her movements gentle and polite, then she placed the dishes and utensils back where they belonged, leaving no disorder.

Once Jiang Shouzhong had finished eating, she stood up to collect the dishes and utensils.

"Let me do it, let me do it."

Jiang Shouzhong grabbed the dishes from her hands, smiling as he said, "From now on, leave the dishwashing to me. Don’t bother with any grand principles about gentlemen staying away from the kitchen; you won’t win the argument with me."

Dugu Luoxue smiled playfully, "If I were to speak up, you’d be in charge of washing clothes, dishes, sweeping, and watering and fertilizing the vegetable garden from now on."

Well, she certainly didn’t hold back.

Jiang Shouzhong suddenly asked, "Would you also have me wash your clothes?"

"No need."

Dugu Luoxue shook her head.

But then she seemed to remember something, a hint of complexity crossing her face as she looked down and pondered for a moment before saying softly, "Then you’ll do it."

"??"

Jiang Shouzhong was stunned.

He really wanted to check her forehead to see if she was feverish.

...

After finishing the washing up, the sky had gradually darkened.

Figuring that Jinse Pavilion was already open for business, Jiang Shouzhong told Dugu Luoxue and then went to investigate the situation at Jinse Pavilion.

Compared to its refined calm during the day, Jinse Pavilion at night truly lived up to its reputation as a paradise for the lascivious.

Upon entering the main hall, the faint scent of orchid and musk wafted through the air, accompanied by the unceasing music of strings and bamboo flutes.

Deeper along the winding corridors, each room was decorated differently.

In each chamber sat beautiful women, some gently strumming lutes with downcast eyes, others softly opening their rosy lips to hum folk tunes, each with her own allure.

The women moving through the building were all of exquisite beauty, with graceful figures, their light gauze and silk skirts fluttering with each step, engaging in lively conversation with the patrons.

What man would not wish for his ’little brother’ to have a good time here?

"Ah, Master Jiang has arrived."

Qing Niang, with her keen eye, spotted Jiang Shouzhong immediately and sauntered over with her voluptuous hips swaying.

Jiang Shouzhong handed a gold ingot to Qing Niang and smiled, "I had some free time today, thought I’d take a stroll and also look for that person who owes me money."

Qing Niang pat Jiang Shouzhong’s shoulder, laughing, "Master Jiang, no need to remind me. I remember. Haven’t seen anyone missing a little finger or wearing a monkey mask yet, but I’ll let you know as soon as I do."

"Good, um... is Miss Liu busy?" Jiang Shouzhong asked casually.

Qing Niang teased with a smile, "Has Master Jiang really taken a fancy to Miss Liu? As an acquaintance, I must remind you that some women look the most captivating at a distance. Once you chase them, the charm is lost."

"Understood, it’s just that Miss Liu invited me before, so I came to have a look,"

Jiang Shouzhong replied with a smile.

Qing Niang was taken aback and frowned, "Miss Liu invited you? Are you joking, Master Jiang?"

Jiang Shouzhong shook his head, "We met briefly yesterday at Ancient Brahma Temple."

"Miss Liu did indeed visit Ancient Brahma Temple yesterday..."

As Qing Niang spoke, suddenly a very familiar voice reached them. Not only Qing Niang but even Jiang Shouzhong was dumbfounded.

"Qing Niang!!"

The voice came from that shoe-repairer-faced fellow.

Jiang Shouzhong turned his head to look and sure enough, it was Lu Renjia, the big oaf.

Lu Renjia was accompanied by two other people.

One was naturally Zhang Yunwu, and the other with styled hair and a powdered face was a complete pretty boy.

Jiang Shouzhong knew this man; he was the Hall Master of the Feiyan Hall of the Liushan Division in the Capital.

His name was Rong Yuhe.

During investigations, their paths crossed only rarely, but Rong Yuhe was known for being effeminate and often the butt of his colleagues’ jokes.

Jiang Shouzhong wondered how he ended up with Lu Renjia and company.

"Oh, aren’t Mr. Zhang and Mr. Rong here?"

Qing Niang naturally recognized these officials from the Capital, and after a moment of surprise, approached with a beaming smile to greet them, "What brings you to Qingzhou?"

"Obviously, we’re drawn by the fragrance of Qing Niang,"

Ignoring Jia’s affectionate look toward his beloved woman, he tried to squeeze out an obsequious smile on his shoe-repairer face and hastily said:

"As soon as Jia heard Qing Niang was in Qingzhou, I came running without rest, traveling day and night for three days straight, without even a bite to eat.

Knowing how tough business can be for Qing Niang here, I hurriedly brought these two to spend some money and bring in some customers for you. Back in the Capital, I didn’t take good care of your business because of my busy work—I really feel sorry..."

Lu Renjia went on and on, apologizing and expressing guilt.

In his eyes, Qing Niang’s move to Qingzhou must have meant business was tough in the Capital, and he blamed himself for not helping.

The man clearly felt remorse.

"Mr. Zhao is thoughtful," Qing Niang said with a slight smile.

Lu Renjia nodded eagerly, like a pecking chicken: "It’s the least I can do—we’re all family here. That... Qing Niang, my surname is Lu, hehe... called Lu Renjia, not Zhao."

Qing Niang paused, then apologized, "Surname Lu? I’ve always thought your surname was Zhao, my apologies."

"No problem, no problem..."

Jia quickly waved his hand, "When I get back to the Capital, I’ll change my surname, get my name on the household registry changed, and Zhao Renjia doesn’t sound bad. From now on, you can call me Xiaozhao too, whatever rolls off the tongue."