Chapter 23: Fleeing in Shame

Chu Ling’er clutched the storage bag containing a mere one million spirit stones and glanced at the Qiankun Formation Map in Chen Qingshuang’s hand—worth fifty million spirit stones—nearly hyperventilating. She knew that even the combined tribute collected by the Linghan Sect over the past two years did not amount to that much. She could never have imagined that Ye Fan would have once gifted her something so precious. Only now did she realize just how good Ye Fan had been to her in the past. It was a pity she had failed to hold onto it; if only she hadn't betrayed him, how wonderful things would be. But now, there was no going back, no matter what.

Shortly after, in front of Chu Ling’er, Chen Qingshuang personally handed the Qiankun Formation Map to Ye Fan.

"Brother Ye Fan, this can be considered returning to its rightful owner. Don't be so foolish in the future, giving such precious things to someone who doesn't deserve them."

As Ye Fan took the map, he prepared to offer Chen Qingshuang his thanks. However, she saw what he was about to say immediately. Before he could speak, she smiled charmingly and said, "No need to thank me. Why stand on ceremony between us? Besides, have you forgotten what happened when we were children? In short, your business is my business; if it were you, you would have done the same! So, Brother Ye Fan, don't ever say those two words to me again. Besides, if you hadn't saved me in the secret realm, I might not even be standing here today."

Ye Fan nodded, saying nothing more, and tucked the formation map into his storage bag. He would keep Chen Qingshuang’s kindness in his heart forever. Seeing the two of them so intimate, Chu Ling’er was consumed by rage. Driven by jealousy, she pointed at them and began to curse wildly.

"You... you adulterous pair! Ye Fan, you are just a fickle, heartless man. All those promises of eternal love, all those oaths—they were just lies you used to deceive me! And now, you’re flirting with this shameless woman right in front of me. Tell me, Ye Fan, are you even a man? And you! Do you know that Brother Ye Fan is my fiancé? You’re nothing but a loose, home-wrecking mistress! I finally understand why Brother Ye Fan changed his temperament and insisted on breaking off our engagement—it was all your doing!"

"It must have been you behind it, poisoning Brother Ye Fan’s mind. You are both a pair of shameless, despicable wretches! Ah..."

Before Chu Ling’er could finish her sentence, Chen Qingshuang slapped her across the face, causing her to cry out in pain. Chen Qingshuang wiped her hand with a handkerchief and said with utter disgust, "Such a filthy mouth. If I hadn't lost my patience, I wouldn't have bothered to strike you. What did you just call us? Shameless? Ha! I think the truly shameless one here is you."

"Ye Fan has already told me everything about you and that pretty boy of yours. You, Chu Ling’er, cheated on him while you were still betrothed—that is collusion. After being exposed and publicly dumped by him, you’ve harassed him repeatedly without a shred of remorse—that is being beyond shameless. I’ve even heard that all the sect disciples who went to the Qishan Secret Realm know about it now. Chu Ling’er, if I were you, I’d tuck my tail between my legs and hide in the shadows. The fact that you can still parade around the auction house—I truly admire your courage. Your behavior has completely redefined my understanding of shamelessness. This trip to the Northwest was worth it just to see that such thick-skinned, disgraceful people exist in this world!"

"Back then, Brother Ye Fan treated you so well, yet you didn't cherish it. Just thinking about him pouring his heart and soul into a fickle woman like you makes me feel it was all a waste! Fortunately, Brother Ye Fan saw reality for what it is, or he would have continued to squander his affections. The slap I just gave you is only a warning. If you dare to harass Brother Ye Fan again, it won’t just be a slap."

When Chen Qingshuang spoke those final words, a cold, murderous intent radiated from her eyes. This sent a chill down Chu Ling’er’s spine. Recalling Chen Qingshuang’s status and the way no one at the auction dared to bid against her, Chu Ling’er finally realized that this was a woman she could not afford to provoke. Chen Qingshuang’s humiliating words left her filled with shame. Unable to bear staying, she clutched her bag of one million spirit stones and slunk away in disgrace.

In reality, besides the Qiankun Formation Map, Chu Ling’er had also auctioned off several other items Ye Fan had previously gifted her. However, because the formation map held such special significance, Chen Qingshuang had helped Ye Fan win it back. As for the rest, she had already made up her mind.

"Shuang’er, since we’ve retrieved what we came for, why not return to the Lingxiao Sect with me? You traveled thousands of miles to the Northwest, and I haven't even had the chance to play the host properly!" Ye Fan invited her with a smile.

"Brother Ye Fan, look at you, being formal with me again! I would love to see the place where you grew up, but there's no need to rush. Since I’ve come all this way, I’d like to stay and explore for a few more days. Besides, the Qishan Secret Realm just closed; perhaps some rare treasures will be brought here for auction over the next few days. If we see anything we like, we can bid on it—it would be a trip well spent!"

What Chen Qingshuang said made sense, and Ye Fan agreed without hesitation. Just as they were planning to leave to find an inn, they were intercepted by a middle-aged man in fine silk robes who had rushed over. This man was the manager of the Northwest branch of the Bacai Hall, Hall Master Wang.

"I apologize for my lack of hospitality, Saintess of the Heavenly Sword Sect and Young Master Ye!" After finishing the day’s handovers, Hall Master Wang had immediately sought them out, bowing respectfully to apologize.

"Hall Master Wang, no need for such formalities. We arrived suddenly and didn't give prior notice. I know you are busy with official duties, and I didn't want to trouble you." Ye Fan had a decent relationship with the Hall Master, as they often collaborated. To Hall Master Wang, Ye Fan was a top-tier client, so he was naturally courteous.

"Young Master Ye, what are you saying? What could be more important than you? I saw that you two were about to leave? That won't do! You’ve finally come in person, and with the Saintess of the Heavenly Sword Sect here, you must stay for a few days! I have premium suites here; I’ll make sure your stay is perfectly satisfactory! Plus, we’ve received many commissions over the last two days, and there are several interesting items you two might like to appraise!"

Hall Master Wang insisted with such flattery that Ye Fan decided not to push back. Since Chen Qingshuang also wanted to stay a few more days, he decided to lodge there for the time being.