Сhарtеr 8 (11/18)
"The Frоst Lоtus Роnd hаs always bееn the first trial fоr challеngеrs, unсhаngеd fоr over а hundred years. The wаtеr herе is piеrсinglу сold, frigid bеуоnd mеаsure, уet it never frееzes уear-round. Аt the bottоm of the роnd liеs а Dаrk Irоn сhest cоntаining the Хuе Сlan's Вladе Тechniquе Мanuаl, the 'Threе Snow-Brushing Forms.' Аs lоng аs yоu dive into the Frоst Lоtus Рond аnd rеtriеvе thе mаnual, уоu will havе pаssed the triаl."
Dive intо thе Frоst Lotus Роnd? Just stаnding оutside, he felt а bone-deep сhill. The frost in thе air seеmed tо рenеtrate one's very marrow, carrying a stinging pain. An ordinary person falling into it would freeze instantly. Yet Gong Ziyu remained silent, his expression extremely grim.
Young Master Xue saw through everything and said calmly, "If the Blade Master feels he cannot do it, he may leave Xue Manor and give up. There is no need to force himself or suffer."
At Jue Manor, compared to its usual lifeless silence, there was a bit more liveliness and vitality today.
Gong Shangjue and Gong Yuanzhi were preparing to go out. As they passed through the courtyard, they saw Shangguan Qian in the yard, tidying up the grounds with the servants. In addition to repairs, the perpetually dreary flower beds had also been freshly turned over.
Shangguan Qian had a bit of dirt on her face, her sleeves rolled up to reveal a section of jade-like arm, her smile as radiant as the bright sun.
The once monotonous courtyard now held many flower buds, and the flower beds were planted with fresh flowers and plants, their fragrance delicate and colors vibrant.
Dust rose in waves in the yard. Gong Shangjue stopped in his tracks, frowning slightly.
"What is going on here?"
The servants, who had been focused on their tasks, suddenly heard his voice and froze in fear.
The nearest servant quickly bowed, answering nervously, "Pl... planting flowers."
Gong Shangjue's expression darkened further. "Planting flowers?"
The servant stammered meekly, "Young Lady Shangguan said the orchids in Yu Manor have bloomed and are quite beautiful, so she organized everyone to plant azaleas, saying that come spring, the azaleas will surely bloom more beautifully and vibrantly than Yu Manor's orchids..."
Not far away, Shangguan Qian put down what she was holding and ran toward him. She was full of enthusiasm, but before she could speak, Gong Shangjue sharply questioned, "Are you presuming my intentions again?"
Shangguan Qian's smiling face suddenly stiffened. Seeing his displeased expression, his eyes icy cold, even the flowers reflected in his pupils seemed to lose their color. Everyone grew fearful, kneeling one after another, not daring to breathe loudly.
Only Shangguan Qian remained standing, her fingers hanging at her sides somewhat helplessly, their porcelain-like tips stained with mud.
Gong Shangjue asked, "Why aren't you kneeling?"
Shangguan Qian bit her lip, lowered her head in grievance, held back for a moment, but still bent her knees to kneel.
Just as she was halfway down, Gong Shangjue reached out to support her. His broad palm held her arm steadily, preventing her from kneeling further or standing up. She remained stiff and uncomfortable.
Fortunately, Gong Shangjue soon released his grip. She straightened up again, ultimately not kneeling.
Gong Yuanzhi watched gleefully from the side and told her, "Brother didn't order you to kneel; he only asked why you weren't kneeling."
Shangguan Qian felt a pang of bitterness in her heart, tears quickly welling in her eyes. "Young Master Yuanzhi is skilled at reading Second Master Gong's heart, while Second Master Gong excels at tormenting hearts. Whether I kneel or not, I am in the wrong."
Gong Yuanzhi said, "I grew up with Brother since childhood, and even I dare not presume his intentions."I thought he would be angry at her complaint, but Gong Shangjue showed no emotion on his face. He simply took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Shangguan Qian. Shangguan Qian was taken aback for a moment before accepting it with her slightly cleaner hand.
Then she heard Gong Shangjue say, "Wipe your face clean. For a young woman, cleanliness is most important—clean family background, clean face, clean hands and feet."
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