Chapter 33: Bai Muge, That Dreadful Scoundrel—He’s Simply Terrifying! (Vote, please!)

At this moment, Bai Muge was deeply frustrated. He couldn’t quite understand how someone as handsome, unrivaled in appearance, and imbued with a sense of justice as himself could become the target of an assassination attempt. And what’s more, it was by a woman of no ordinary looks.

Could this woman be blind?

“Old Cao, seize her at once!” he commanded, watching the woman sparring not far ahead with Cao Zhengchun. “I have some questions for her.”

“Yes, young master!” Cao Zhengchun nodded, and his moves suddenly became far more ruthless and fierce, forcing Shangguan Yiren into a desperate retreat, barely able to defend herself.

At the same time, upon hearing Bai Muge’s words, Shangguan Yiren became certain that her identity had been exposed. Otherwise, Bai Muge wouldn’t have spoken that way.

“Scoundrel!” she shouted furiously, slashing with her sword in an attempt to break free from Cao Zhengchun’s assault.

But how could she possibly be a match for him? Cao Zhengchun’s mastery of the Celestial Firmament Child Technique was not just for show. After only a few exchanges, he effortlessly wrenched the silvery flexible sword from her hand and captured her alive.

The commotion in the street quickly attracted Chen Duolong and the others, who were enjoying themselves inside the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion. They rushed toward Bai Muge.

Meanwhile, Master Liu, who wasn’t inside chatting about “life and ideals” with the women, had already sent people to patrol the streets for any accomplices who might have slipped away. At this moment, he too was following closely behind Hai Dafu, remaining vigilant.

“My lady!” cried Little Peach, desperate as she saw Shangguan Yiren captured. Her eyes grew wet with guilt and remorse.

If it weren’t for me being such a burden, my lady wouldn’t have been caught… It’s all my fault…

But regret now was futile.

“Young master, this woman has been subdued,” Cao Zhengchun reported, having sealed Shangguan Yiren’s acupoints to ensure she was powerless, and brought her before Bai Muge.

Only then did Bai Muge realize with a start—it was Shangguan Yiren! They had glimpsed each other from afar earlier in the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion.

What’s more, after being harassed by the officials from the Ministry of Hospitality, she had even sent her maid to invite him to the Fragrant Loft for a romantic evening!

How had Miss Yiren suddenly turned into his would-be assassin?

Thank goodness he hadn’t agreed earlier—otherwise, he might already be facing the King of Hell!

“It’s you?” Bai Muge asked in bewilderment.

“Hmph!” Furious at his surprise, Shangguan Yiren glared at him and spat, “Playing dumb, you corrupt official!”

Bai Muge was baffled.

When did I ever play dumb?

Still, now that she was in custody, perhaps he could get to the bottom of things.

He fixed his gaze on her and asked, “Tell me, why did you try to assassinate me?”

Shangguan Yiren, however, simply put on a righteous air, convinced that Bai Muge was feigning ignorance. She gritted her teeth and snapped, “Scoundrel! Now that you’ve caught me, do as you will—but don’t expect to get a single word from me!”

Bai Muge narrowed his eyes.

So, this Miss Shangguan Yiren is quite the catch. Who would have thought that seeking Hai Dafu would bring such an unexpected surprise?

Just then, Chen Duolong, who had reached Bai Muge’s side, observed the scene in silence for a moment before his eyes lit up.

“Sir, I understand now!”

He nodded enthusiastically at Bai Muge, his face glowing with excitement and admiration. “You are truly wise and far-sighted, a strategist without peer! My respect for you flows as endlessly as the Yangtze River, surging on like the mighty Yellow River in flood…”

Bai Muge glanced at him, frowning in confusion.

What on earth is Chen Duolong going on about now? I’m just as bewildered as ever!

Before he could speak, the other Ministry of Hospitality officials also nodded in sudden realization and chimed in, “Sir, we understand as well!”

Bai Muge was even more perplexed.

All of you claim to understand—what exactly have you figured out?

The officials began offering their flattery in quick succession.

“Sir, you truly live up to your reputation—your insight is like a blazing torch, as if Zhuge Liang himself had returned to life! Nothing escapes your notice!”

“With but a glance, you saw through the intentions of the Zhou envoys!”

“Exactly!”

“Otherwise, why wouldn’t you let the envoys into the city at noon? Now we see! Our admiration knows no bounds!”

“You foresaw that the Zhou delegation would send spies, and this woman is one of them, sent to gather intelligence on our Tang Dynasty!”

“No wonder you didn’t linger in the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion but chose instead to lie in wait—you are truly in a class of your own…”

Listening to this chorus of praise, Bai Muge’s lips twitched.

How did these fools manage to connect all this with their wild imaginations?

But when he glanced at Shangguan Yiren, he saw her glaring at him in fury, while her maid Little Peach looked utterly stunned and terrified, every emotion written plainly on her face.

Was it possible that this really was the case? Had these fools actually guessed the truth?

Since he could get nothing out of questioning them here, he might as well take both women to the city gate—there, all would be revealed.

After a moment’s thought, Bai Muge ordered, “Bring them with me to the city gate!”

“Yes, sir!” Chen Duolong and the officials responded with excitement and followed eagerly.

Cao Zhengchun and Hai Dafu personally escorted Shangguan Yiren and her maid as well.

On the way to the city gate, Shangguan Yiren, her acupoints sealed, heard the officials’ remarks and, watching Bai Muge’s figure ahead, felt a shiver run down her spine.

This Bai Muge is truly terrifying! From the start, he knew of our connection to the Zhou envoys and even preemptively barred them from the city!

This man will surely become the greatest enemy of our Sun and Moon Sect in the future!