Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 694 - 344 The Court Counts for Nothing

Chapter 694: Chapter 344 The Court Counts for Nothing

Jiang Shouzhong memorized the Spirit Water Sword Manual and stepped out of the Barrier Gate.

Outside, Qu Hongling, who was waiting anxiously, saw her beloved emerge and let out a long sigh of relief. Her beautiful eyes glanced at the jade stone emitting a soft green glow on the wall nearby, and she exclaimed joyfully:

"Jiang, you’re amazing! You actually passed."

Jiang Shouzhong pinched the young girl’s delicate cheek and said with a hint of regret, "It’s a shame Miaomiao didn’t come. With her ability, she should have been able to reach the Eighth Layer."

Qu Hongling raised her sharp, graceful chin slightly. "She has no interest in swordsmanship. It’s better without her."

The girl very much enjoyed the moments of solitude with the man.

Although she and Yelü Miaomiao got along well most of the time, no friendship could rival the joy of being alone with her beloved.

This brought back memories of the days in Anhe Village.

It seemed as though the entire world, apart from Ye, consisted only of her and Jiang Shouzhong.

"Let’s go, let’s continue upstairs."

Jiang Shouzhong knew the girl’s petty feelings of jealousy but didn’t expose them, holding her soft hand as they climbed the stairs together.

On the Eighth Layer, aside from the Tower Guarding Disciples, the outer corridor was completely deserted.

The jade stone on the wall glowed yellow, signaling that someone was currently undergoing a trial inside the Trial Room.

It was apparently that guy named Zhong Yan.

"Hmph, he definitely won’t make it."

Qu Hongling snorted heavily through her dainty, tipped nose.

This time, the girl’s words came true. More than half an hour later, the jade stone displaying the results on the wall turned red, signifying trial failure.

Soon after, Zhong Yan walked out with his clothes in severe disarray, his face darkened with frustration.

Still unwilling to accept defeat, he glared at the Barrier Gate and angrily said, "Damn it, I was so close!"

Then he turned around and was startled to see Jiang Shouzhong and Qu Hongling standing there. His gloomy face changed to one of slight surprise:

"You really managed to get to the Eighth Layer, huh."

Qu Hongling’s eyes curved like crescent moons, her voice crisp and sweet like the song of a warbler. She smiled and said, "Oh my, Taoist Friend Zhong, you’re absolutely radiant. Surely, you’ve vanquished the Sword Corpse Slave of the Eighth Layer already? Congratulations, I’m truly impressed."

Zhong Yan sneered. "No need for such sarcasm. I’ll be sitting right here watching which one of you fails most miserably."

He finished speaking and sat on a nearby chair, closing his eyes to rest.

Qu Hongling had intended to hurl a few more mocking remarks, but upon seeing Jiang Shouzhong preparing to enter the stone gate, she quickly said, "Jiang, let me go in first this time. You wait for a bit."

The girl twisted her slender waist and disappeared into the stone gate.

"Be careful!"

Jiang Shouzhong shouted after her.

The meditating Zhong Yan spoke faintly, eyes still closed:

"The Sword Corpse Slave’s strength matches, if not surpasses, that of a cultivator in the Saintly Ascension Realm. If she can last two hours, it’d already be impressive. Unfortunately, she won’t."

Jiang Shouzhong ignored him.

But this guy’s words did prove prophetic.

Indeed, in less than two hours, Qu Hongling emerged in disarray, with a shallow wound gracing her pale forehead.

Jiang Shouzhong, upon seeing her condition, said with concern, "If you can’t win, then retreat. Why push yourself?"

"The Sword Corpse Slave inside is truly formidable."

Qu Hongling’s delicate face was pale as she gasped for breath. She glanced at Zhong Yan, who was still sitting and meditating, then stomped her foot in frustration.

The reason she had pushed herself was simply to outlast Zhong Yan.

If only to toss a few biting remarks his way.

But alas, her strength clearly fell short in comparison to the Sword Corpse Slave.

Qu Hongling said to Jiang Shouzhong, "Forget it, Jiang, we’ll come back next time."

The girl wasn’t exactly afraid of mortal danger but worried about the presence of this posturing Zhong Yan. If Jiang failed too quickly, there would be no escaping his verbal jeers.

"It’s fine. It’s just a game anyway."

Jiang Shouzhong gently pressed the girl’s palm with reassurance, gave her an encouraging look, and stepped into the stone gate.

Qu Hongling kicked the wall in frustration, annoyed at her own ineptitude.

"One hour."

Zhong Yan spoke again, still with closed eyes. "If he can last an hour, then perhaps he has a chance to attempt another trial in the future."

"Shut up!"

The girl’s slender wrist turned as her Phoenix Slaying Sword spun rapidly, emanating a trail of white light.

Zhong Yan opened his eyes, studied the girl, and said, "Your cultivation isn’t bad, but unfortunately... you won’t defeat me. Let me tell you a secret. Even Senior Brother Feng finds it hard to best me."

"Then I suppose I’ll have to ask for a lesson."

A flustered and annoyed Qu Hongling couldn’t endure this man’s arrogant condescension any longer and prepared to attack to vent her frustration.

Although they were on Zhenxuan Mountain’s grounds, as long as no lives were lost, it wouldn’t cause too much trouble.

But just then, the jade stone on the wall beside the stone gate suddenly emitted a green glow.

The results indicated failure.

Then Jiang Shouzhong leisurely walked out.

"I thought this would yield a great Sword Manual, but it’s even worse than the Spirit Water Sword Technique—such a disappointment."

The man shook his head, muttering quietly.

Qu Hongling’s cherry lips parted slightly as she stood stunned in place.

Zhong Yan’s expression froze likewise.

He stared at the glowing jade stone on the wall, his eyes widening as large as donkey eggs.

This... How could this be?!

——

Inside the hall on the Third Layer.

The hall was abuzz with chatter, the noise clamorously loud.

When the Tower Guarding Disciples reported that Jiang Shouzhong had successfully arrived at the trial room on the Eighth Layer, everyone was in awe.

Even those who previously bore ill will or dissatisfaction toward Jiang Shouzhong were now left with nothing but admiration and reverence.

People always revere strength.

Only by truly attaining strength can one garner respect.

Ke Menghe smiled wryly, "I initially predicted conservatively that Jiang would reach at most the Seventh Layer. Still, our master saw further—he anticipated Jiang would reach the Eighth Layer. Jiang’s skill truly commands our respect. Perhaps only Senior Brother Feng and Senior Brother Zhong could compare."

The others nodded in agreement, marveling at Yun Wuqing’s far-sighted judgment.