At that moment, standing before Jiang Xuan was a radiant white-clad woman wielding a silver spear.
Lo and behold, it was none other than Nangong Xin Wan, whom Jiang Xuan hadn’t seen in quite some time.
Originally, after Deputy Pavilion Master Xiao Hongxin saved Jiang Xuan from the Nangong Mansion, they hadn’t crossed paths again. Jiang Xuan had also heard once from Nangong Liuyun that Nangong Xin Wan had gone out to train with the head of the family.
Little did he expect, after nearly two months, he would bump into her right here.
Before Jiang Xuan could say anything, Nangong Xin Wan spoke first:
“Earlier, I caught a glimpse of you from afar, and your figure reminded me of an old friend. Would you be so kind as to unveil your face, so I might get a better look?”
Jiang Xuan: “…..”
Jiang Xuan silently thanked his cautious self. He had donned a mask and even used concealer water, but still, it almost didn’t work.
One could only say women in this matriarchal world had absurdly sharp instincts. Without these tricks, he couldn’t play at all.
On the surface, Jiang Xuan purposely altered his voice and replied hoarsely:
“Pardon me, revered maiden. Although your resemblance to my old friend is uncanny, we have never met. You must be mistaken.”
Upon hearing Jiang Xuan’s voice, Nangong Xin Wan slightly frowned.
“Well, I see I was wrong. My apologies…”
Just as she turned to leave, in a flash, Nangong Xin Wan reached out and yanked off Jiang Xuan’s mask.
When she saw his unremarkable and somewhat ugly face, she stood there dumbfounded.
Realizing what happened, Jiang Xuan barked:
“I have no quarrel with you, yet you humiliate me? I’m merely a passing swordsman. Should I infer that you peeked just because I’m a man?”
“Do you find me satisfactory now? I wear a mask to avoid scaring people with my less-than-perfect visage. It’s just that… the mask came off unexpectedly.”
“I apologize, I didn’t mean to remove your mask. Your face isn’t at all what I expected.”
“Oh? Do you still think you’re like my old friend? Or does this face remind you of someone?”
“No, no longer… my mistake. Apologies…”
With Nangong Xin Wan’s words trailing off, Jiang Xuan snatched back his demon mask and put it back on.
“If we’ve resolved our misunderstanding, then until next time…”
Just as Jiang Xuan was about to turn and go, Nangong Xin Wan called him back:
“Esteemed sir, please wait…”
Jiang Xuan: “? ? ? ? ? ?”
Hearing this, Jiang Xuan felt as though he were having a panic attack, inwardly muttering:
‘What the heck? Did I not play my part perfectly? Why is she still calling to me? Where did I mess up?’
Some System: “??? ?”
On the surface, Jiang Xuan stopped and responded slowly:
“Maiden, is there anything else?”
“That’s right… earlier, I made a mistake thinking it was someone else. Despite my unintentional actions, they might’ve caused harm. To make up for it, I’ll protect you as we journey through this secret realm together. From your cultivation aura, you seem to be just a martial warrior, which can be perilous here. A misstep and you might become a monster beast’s meal.”
Hearing this, Jiang Xuan instantly regretted overacting, causing Nangong Xin Wan to feel bad enough to offer to protect him. Of course, that wouldn’t be a good thing—she might use this chance to probe him.
If the System didn’t need upgrading, for safety’s sake, he’d probably agree despite the risk. But since the System was present, he had no need to accept.
With the System’s scan features, Jiang Xuan could preempt any dangers.
After a short silence, he maintained his icy demeanor and refused outright:
“My thanks for your kindness, but I prefer solitude. We will meet again when destiny allows.”
With that, Jiang Xuan walked off swiftly.
Right then, behind him, Nangong Xin Wan seemed surprised, “Sister, why are you here…”
Startled, Jiang Xuan instinctively turned around, expecting to see Nangong Liuyun, only to find Nangong Xin Wan beaming at him.
Seeing this, Jiang Xuan froze. Just when he thought he’d pulled it off and relaxed, he realized he was duped.
“Why do you react so strangely upon hearing this? Please explain yourself!”
“Ah… Maiden, you are mistaken. My reaction was mere curiosity due to your tone. Isn’t curiosity natural?”
“I see. Only out of curiosity, then? Is it perhaps because you actually know me, and even my sister, hence your reaction? Shall I call you Brother Jiang, or should I address you as Sister-in-law?”
Jiang Xuan: “!!!!! !”
