Chapter 3: A Heart as Vicious as a Serpent and Scorpion

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Shen Xing smiled gently, “These past ten years, yes, but from now on, it won’t be the same.” Tang Xue’er seemed even happier than Shen Xing, so thrilled she didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t until Shen Xing gently embraced her that she finally quieted down.

“Xue’er, maybe our fate began by chance, but I promise it will lead to a happy and fulfilling future. Will you create that future with me?”

“Is this… a confession?”

“No, it’s a choice. If you like me, we walk this path together. If not, I will leave after repaying you.”

Unaware of the gravity of this moment, Tang Xue’er didn’t realize that this decision would affect not only her life but the entire realm of martial cultivation.

After a moment’s thought, she hugged Shen Xing tightly and said, “I’ll give you all my savings. How about that? Maybe I don’t love you fully yet, but I’m willing to cherish this feeling.”

When love is deep, even the rain tapping on banana leaves feels like a vow.

This union was filled not just with passion, but with the weight of solemn promises. From now on, you live in my life, and I in yours.

By the time they settled, evening had fallen. Shen Xing leaned against the headboard and pulled a small box from his pocket.

Tang Xue’er’s eyes lit up. “Is it a ring?”

“No, but it’s more precious.”

He opened the box to reveal a vial of deep blue elixir.

“A talent potion? You haven’t injected it yet?”

“No. Although it’s more effective the first time, my aptitude is so poor that even a slight boost means little. I’m giving it to you now.”

Tang Xue’er shook her head, refusing, “No, I’ve already used it once. A second dose barely makes a difference—it’s a waste. Besides, these go for at least 100,000 on the black market. If you don’t need it, you might as well sell it.”

But Shen Xing unwrapped the vial anyway.

“It’s already opened. I have to use it. Trust me—hold out your arm.”

Unable to resist, Tang Xue’er let him inject the potion, feeling a subtle wave of emotion wash over her.

Repeated use diminishes the effect, yet there was still some improvement. It was an extravagant act few would dare.

The formula for talent potions is tightly controlled by the state, with one free vial granted to each qualified person. Beyond that, acquisition is extremely difficult. Black market supplies are sporadic and never available in bulk, no matter how much money one has.

[Notification: Tang Xue’er has consumed one talent potion, meeting the return criteria, triggering a ten-thousand-fold refund!]
[You have received 10,000 talent potions.]
[Returned items are stored in your inventory package and can be retrieved at any time. Please check.]

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Shen Xing immediately opened his inventory interface and saw a slot quietly holding 10,000 talent potions.

“Use.”

With a thought, the potion count dropped to 9,999.

“Use in bulk.”

Swish! The remaining quantity instantly dropped to 9,000.

[This item has a daily usage limit of 1,000 units. Please continue tomorrow.]
[Congratulations! Your aptitude has risen from grade F to D-]

Shen Xing’s heart leapt with joy at such a sudden four-grade improvement! If F was considered useless, D was at least worthy of a true martial artist.

“Shen Xing, you… you seem more spirited.”

Before Shen Xing could respond, Tang Xue’er noticed the change first.

Shen Xing pinched her cheek playfully.

“It’s nothing. There will be many more surprises to come.”

He got off the bed and dressed.

“I’m going out to buy a vial of Vitality Pill. Rest for a while.”

“I already have some; why bother going out?”

“It has to be one I buy.”

Without further explanation, Shen Xing put on his coat and left.

Vitality Pills are basic cultivation aids sold in many stores.

Shen Xing chose the nearest one, Prosperity General Store.

“Boss, one vial of Vitality Pill.”

“Good timing! There are barely a few left! Five hundred.”

Just as Shen Xing reached for his money, a voice came from the door:

“Old Chen, how many Vitality Pills do you have left? I’ll take them all.”

A young man with blonde hair and two rough-looking followers strode in.

After locking eyes with Shen Xing, the blonde whistled mockingly.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the groom! Why haven’t I seen Sister Xue’er? Did she kick you out? Ha ha ha!”

Shen Xing ignored him, placing the money on the counter and reaching for the pill.

“Put that down! Did I say you can take it? I want every single Vitality Pill here! Understand?”

The blonde was furious, slamming the counter and reaching to snatch the pill from Shen Xing’s hand.

Shen Xing’s gaze sharpened; he sidestepped swiftly.

“Not bad! I thought F-grade was crippled. But today, I’ll show you the difference between F and D grade! Thunder Fist!”

After a brief surprise, the blonde sneered and unleashed a martial technique.

Shen Xing instinctively wanted to block but remembered he hadn’t learned any martial arts skills yet, so he dodged again.

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“Stop, Zhao Ting.”

Tang Xinya’s voice suddenly rang out, instantly deflating Zhao Ting’s arrogance.

“Buying is first come, first served.”

Tang Xinya coldly reprimanded Zhao Ting.

Shen Xing passed by her with a slight nod.

Tang Xinya ignored him and spoke into the empty air ahead.

“Stop struggling. Isn’t it better to live as an ordinary person?”

Before she could walk away, a faint voice from behind murmured,

“Sis, this guy is so clueless, maybe I should just beat him up!”

…

Night fell.

Zhao Ting clung to Zhao Sujuan, whining,

“Auntie, didn’t you promise to marry Sister Xue’er to me? Why did she suddenly go to that guy? He’s a cripple—such a waste!”

Zhao Sujuan fondly stroked his head, proudly saying,

“You’re just a child; what do you know? With Xue’er’s beauty, do you think you can control her? If not for this forced engagement, she would surely be sought after by powerful families. How would you compete then?”

“But now? Letting her marry Shen Xing, and if he suddenly dies, she becomes a widow. Powerful families won’t want her anymore. Then you can do whatever you want with her. Isn’t that better?”

Zhao Ting’s eyes gleamed, bouncing with excitement.

“Auntie, you really have the best ideas! Nephew is convinced!”

Upstairs.

Shen Xing had just returned when someone knocked on the door.

“Young Master Shen, this is medicine specially prepared by Madam to nourish your body and increase vitality.”

Opening the door, it was a maid from Zhao Sujuan’s household.

Shen Xing made a few gestures,

“Good. I’ll drink it later. Thank Madam for her kindness.”

“Madam specifically instructed that the soup loses its effectiveness when cold. She told me to watch you drink it before I leave.”

Shen Xing looked down at the bowl of soup, then drank it all in one gulp.

He signaled with his eyes, “All done?”

“Thank you, Young Master!”

After the maid left and the door closed, Shen Xing’s eyes turned icy and terrifying.

“What’s wrong?”

“That wretched woman Zhao Sujuan! She’s started poisoning me!”