Chapter 255: Han Chuxue's Jealousy
On the wrist of the corpse was a bizarre scorpion tattoo. What was strange was that the scorpion had three tails. Its eyes were blood-red, and its body was an eerie green, sending a shiver down one's spine just looking at it.
Zhao Dong's eyes widened in shock, an expression of utter disbelief flashing across his face. He had seen this tattoo before—in the Mystic Sky Technique. The Mystic Sky Technique also documented some of the wonders and strange affairs of Da Xia.
It even mentioned an evil organization called the Dark Pavilion, which had always taken it upon itself to rule Da Xia and had frenziedly hunted and killed the nation's cultivators. Moreover, the members of this Dark Pavilion were all exceedingly venomous individuals. It was said that there was even a custom of drinking human blood circulating within the organization.
Eventually, the Cultivation World of Da Xia could no longer sit idly by. They united, along with the Dragon Binding Department, to completely annihilate the so-called Dark Pavilion. Afterward, matters concerning the Dark Pavilion slowly faded from memory in the martial community. But now, had members of the Dark Pavilion reappeared in the world?
Zhao Dong's heart sank to rock bottom, his face full of solemnity. Han Qingtian, who was standing to the side, was also startled when he saw the tattoo. "Little Dong, have you recognized this tattoo?"
Zhao Dong took a deep breath and said gravely, "Old Master, we need to find the mastermind behind this as soon as possible. This dead man was a member of the Dark Pavilion!"
"The Dark Pavilion?!" Han Qingtian sucked in a sharp breath, his expression changing drastically. He had heard of the Dark Pavilion before. In an instant, cold sweat beaded on his forehead as he exclaimed in fear, "Wasn't the Dark Pavilion completely wiped out back then? How could they still exist?"
Zhao Dong shook his head. "It seems they weren't completely exterminated, or perhaps the fish that slipped through the net back then have started to organize again. Fortunately, it doesn't seem like the Dark Pavilion is targeting your Han Family. Some of their members take on external missions, so it was clearly one of the Han Family's enemies who hired someone from the Dark Pavilion to make a move."
Han Chuxue, standing by his side, was in complete shock. She didn't know what the Dark Pavilion was, but seeing the grave expressions on Han Qingtian's and Zhao Dong's faces, a bad premonition bloomed in her heart.
"Grandfather... our Han Family hasn't offended anyone. Why is this happening?"
A serious look appeared in Han Qingtian's eyes. After pondering for a moment, he sighed softly and said, "Chuxue, you have to be careful from now on. Open confrontation is easy to avoid, but hidden attacks are hard to defend against. Your grandfather doesn't know who is lurking in the shadows. Given how dangerous things are now, I suggest that if you're willing, you should stay with Zhao Dong for this period."
Han Chuxue's face immediately flushed scarlet, and she said bashfully, "Grandfather, how could I possibly do that!"
Han Qingtian chuckled. "What's the problem? You two are already together. You are Zhao Dong's woman, and Zhao Dong is my prospective grandson-in-law, so it's only natural for you two to be together."
Zhao Dong, standing to the side, didn't know what to say and could only smile wryly.
Han Chuxue glanced at Zhao Dong and said with a blush, "No, right now Zhao Dong and I are just... just in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. We aren't engaged or married, so how could I just follow him around? Besides..."
Han Chuxue bit her lip, sounding somewhat resentful as she added, "Besides, that jerk Zhao Dong already has Lin Qingyun, and she's the main wife."
These words were tinged with jealousy. Zhao Dong could only offer a bitter smile before saying, "Chuxue, no matter what, I won't abandon you. I'll craft a few protective talismans for you later. They can keep you safe if you're in danger."
Only then did Han Chuxue smile with contentment. "At least you have some conscience."
Han Qingtian gave a wry laugh from the side. "Alright, let's go back for dinner first. We can discuss this while we eat."
The group returned to the villa and gathered at the dining table. Han Jianping asked curiously, "Dad, what exactly is going on?"
Han Qingtian spoke slowly, "We need to investigate who has a grudge against our Han Family, or if we've offended some powerful group over the years. Otherwise, life is just going to get more troubling!"
Han Jianping's brows furrowed. He suddenly looked at Zhao Dong with displeasure and said, "Zhao Dong, before you had anything to do with our Han Family, everything was fine. Ever since you got tangled up with us, one inexplicable incident after another has occurred. Is this related to you?"
Zhao Dong was completely taken aback by Han Jianping's accusation, his expression darkening.
Han Qingtian immediately scolded him angrily, "Han Jianping, what are you talking about! Don't you know how much Zhao Dong has helped our family? The pills he gave us alone are priceless treasures. Apologize to Little Dong right now!"
Han Jianping said sullenly, "Dad, I'm just stating a fact."
Han Chuxue slammed her bowl on the table and stared at her father. "Dad, what do you mean by that?"
Han Jianping was taken aback, a strange look in his eyes. "Chuxue, I'm doing this for your own good. Haven't you always disliked Zhao Dong..."
"Dad! Enough! From now on, please treat Zhao Dong properly. Your daughter already belongs to him!"
Han Jianping was stunned. The next second, he shot to his feet, enraged. "Chuxue, what... what kind of joke is this? You belong to this Zhao Dong?"
Han Chuxue bit her lip and said softly, "That's right. From now on, Zhao Dong is your son-in-law. You'd better treat him well."
Han Jianping's face turned green with anger, and he slammed his hand on the table. "Nonsense! Utter nonsense! Han Chuxue, you... you are being absurd! Do you even know where this Zhao Dong comes from? And yet you... Ugh! You're going to be the death of me!"
Zhao Dong remained silent, but the look he gave Han Jianping grew increasingly annoyed.
From the side, Han Jian'an chuckled. "Big Brother, calm down. Look, if you don't like Little Dong, you can give him to my family! I'd be delighted to have him!"
Turning to Zhao Dong with a smile, Han Jian'an continued, "Little Dong, my big brother just has poor judgment, don't take his words to heart. If it really doesn't work out, you can just consider me your father-in-law. My Churan is very fond of you, you know. Second Uncle knows you're with Chuxue, but one more is no problem. I don't mind."
Nearby, a bright smile spread across Han Churan's small face. "That's right, Brother Zhao Dong. I like you. If Chuxue agrees, I wouldn't mind serving you alongside Chuxue~"
Han Chuxue slammed her bowl down in anger. "Han Churan, Second Uncle, what are you talking about! I would never agree! Zhao Dong is mine now!"
Han Churan pouted. "What do you mean 'yours'? You are Zhao Dong's woman, but he doesn't belong only to you. It's perfectly normal for him to have several women, right? Things like this aren't taboo among us major families."
Seeing the conversation spiraling out of control, Zhao Dong said helplessly, "Can we please not talk about this anymore?"
Han Chuxue and Han Churan instantly stopped their bickering. Han Churan smiled flirtatiously and said, "Brother Zhao Dong, a few days ago you said you were too busy to hang out. Are you free these next few days? I'd like to see you."
Zhao Dong could only manage a bitter smile. He glanced at Han Chuxue and was met with her murderous gaze. He quickly cleared his throat and said, "No... no, I've been quite busy lately..."
"Oh, is that so? I wonder if you're truly busy, or if you're just scared of Chuxue? It's okay. Chuxue is my cousin; she won't mind me, her big sister here, sharing a man with her." Han Churan smiled sweetly, throwing seductive glances at Zhao Dong.
Han Chuxue gritted her silver teeth in anger. "Han Churan, can't that food in your mouth shut you up!?"
Han Qingtian also chimed in with a wry smile, trying to smooth things over. "Exactly, exactly! Everyone eat, let's eat!"
The argument finally ended, and things quieted down as the family began their meal.
During dinner, Han Churan frequently sent flirtatious looks toward Zhao Dong. She had specially dressed up today, wearing a low-cut dress and black stockings. Her long, slender, stocking-clad legs were in high heels, her devilish figure on full display, all for Zhao Dong's benefit. But who could have guessed that Han Chuxue would be right beside him? Zhao Dong didn't dare to spare Han Churan a single glance.
The two women continued their silent battle of glares across the table until finally, Han Churan, frustrated and helpless, threw down her chopsticks and left. A triumphant and cunning smile appeared on Han Chuxue's face, filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Soon, the meal was over. Han Qingtian, Han Jianping, and Han Jian'an began to investigate the day's assassination attempt. Zhao Dong and Han Chuxue, on the other hand, spent some more intimate time together in her room, until Han Chuxue was completely drained of energy.
Looking at the man beside her, Han Chuxue's eyes filled with tenderness. She leaned close to his ear and whispered shyly, "Zhao Dong, we can't do this next time. You need to come prepared. If you're not prepared... you... you don't get to have me!"
Zhao Dong smiled teasingly. "Prepared with what?"
Han Chuxue punched his chest lightly, mortified. "You know!"
Zhao Dong gave a wicked smile and grabbed her hand, his heart filled with a tantalizing sweetness.
Her face crimson, Han Chuxue said shyly, "I hope you understand. I'm still young, and I really don't want to get pregnant."
Zhao Dong understood her completely. He laughed and said, "Alright, I'll prepare more next time!"
Han Chuxue's cheeks burned. She pounded his chest with her small fists. "You're so bad!"
As she said this, she bit her lip, then suddenly leaned close to his ear again, her voice a mix of coy refusal and invitation. "Zhao Dong, actually, for the past few days, I've been... well, you know. Want to try again?"
A fire ignited in Zhao Dong's eyes. Seeing the beautiful creature beside him looking so adorably shy, how could he possibly resist? Without another word, he rolled over and took action.
Soon, the room filled with intimacy, and the sounds of Han Chuxue's voice began to rise... After all, the previous times had been accidents, and she hadn't truly let go and experienced it fully. Today was different. Today, she let go completely.
Two hours later, Han Chuxue was utterly drained of energy and fell fast asleep from exhaustion. Zhao Dong, however, was in high spirits. He gently pulled the blanket over her, tidied himself up, and left the Han Family's residence. He had already spent a whole day at the Han home; it was time to go back to his own place.
His plans for the day had been delayed again. He had intended to visit Xu Yafei, but it seemed he would have to find time tomorrow, and he could give her a treatment then as well.
Leaving the Han residence, Zhao Dong drove home, his sense of worry intensifying. He sighed softly. The pressure from Xiao Hongtian is just too immense. He's outrageously strong on his own, not to mention the entire Xiao Family behind him... But no matter what, I've already embarked on the path of cultivation. For the rest of my life, I have only one goal: to get stronger, stronger, and stronger still!
He touched the Jade Pendant his mother had left him in his pocket. But when will I find the clues related to this Jade Pendant? I'm still only in the Qi Refining Realm. I need to break through soon. Only when I reach the Foundation Establishment Realm can I even attempt to unlock the secrets my mother left inside it.
Upon reaching the downtown area of East Sea City, he passed by a street lined with bars. Just as Zhao Dong was about to step on the gas, he caught a glimpse of two disheveled figures stumbling out of an alley! He raised an eyebrow, and when he saw their faces, he was utterly astonished.
Aren't those the Xu siblings from earlier, Xu Qingyue and Xu Yongnian?
They were covered in blood and wounds. Xu Qingyue had several deep cuts on her arm that were bleeding continuously. Her clothes were torn, and her face was pale and weak as she supported the unsteady Xu Yongnian, fleeing desperately. Just then, a group of men brandishing machetes appeared from the alley behind them and charged straight for the pair.
Zhao Dong frowned. To be honest, I don't want to get involved, especially since I had a conflict with them earlier today. But... the Xu siblings come from a powerful family that specializes in antiques and collectibles. They must have a lot of valuable items, some of which might even be useful to me! If I save them now and make them owe me a favor, couldn't I ask the Xu family for some benefits later? Besides, while Xu Yongnian is a pain, Xu Qingyue isn't that unlikable, just a bit arrogant.
Having reached a decision, Zhao Dong pulled his car over and began walking toward the siblings.