Chapter 1008: Let the Wolf Guard the Sheep

Xiao Yao opened his bleary eyes and glanced at him. "You don't seem scared?"

Zu An smiled faintly. "We have no quarrel, and we just shared a drink. Why should I be afraid?"

"I don't think that's the reason," Xiao Yao said, jumping down from the window and slowly walking towards him. "It's because we've crossed paths before, and you're confident enough."

"Your swordplay at the banquet earlier was truly stunning; I merely used a trick," Zu An said modestly. At the time, the opponent had imbued his sword intent into the wine, and since wine is mostly water, Zu An's Azure Fluke, which has a natural affinity for water elements, made it much easier for him to receive the attack than others.

Xiao Yao shook his head. "I'm not talking about our encounter at the banquet, but the one during the day."

Zu An's heart skipped a beat. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Xiao Yao looked at him with a half-smile. "We'll find out if we try."

The moment his words fell, a sword thrust out so fast that Zu An didn't even see him draw it.

Zu An instantly retreated three meters, dodging the lightning-fast strike. Just as he was about to counterattack, the other party had already sheathed his sword. "Just like how you dodged during the day."

Just then, several presences rushed over from outside. The first to arrive was Sang Hong. "A'Zu, what happened?"

Others soon followed, apparently alerted by the fluctuations of energy that had just erupted.

"Nothing, just practicing," Zu An said, opening the door to meet them and dispel their suspicions.

Sang Hong subtly surveyed the room. Seeing nothing amiss, he nodded. "Then be careful. If anything happens, just shout, and the nearby guards will rush over immediately."

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle." After seeing them off, Zu An closed the door again.

At this point, Xiao Yao emerged from behind the bed and asked with some curiosity, "Why didn't you inform them to capture me?"

"I can sense you mean no harm, so why would I capture you?" Zu An pulled up a stool and sat down, gesturing for him to sit as well.

Xiao Yao didn't stand on ceremony, sitting down casually and without much grace. "You're young, but you have a remarkably open mind."

Zu An remained noncommittal. "You didn't come to me in the middle of the night just for small talk, did you?"

"I'm a little curious. You're so young, yet how did you recognize me? I've been out of the jianghu for so many years, I've almost forgotten my own name," Xiao Yao said with a sigh.

Zu An replied, "I've actually visited the academy several times and have quite a good relationship with the teachers on the back mountain. Perhaps I know a little more than the average person."

Hearing him mention Shenxuzi, Hei Baizi, and the others, a smile appeared on Xiao Yao's face. "So many years have passed, and they're still the same. Alas, they've all become leaders in their respective fields, while I, their senior brother, have completely fallen behind..."

Sensing his despondency, Zu An said, "You don't need to be so self-deprecating, sir. Everyone says you've fallen, but I see your sword path is even more formidable than your legendary peak. It just goes to show everyone was mistaken; the Sword Immortal is still the Sword Immortal."

Xiao Yao gave a self-mocking shake of his head. "No, not anymore. Many things can't go back to how they were."

Zu An said in a low voice, "Although I don't know what happened to you, your deeds back then inspired many people. For example, a friend of mine actually idolizes you..."

He briefly recounted Xiao Jianren's story, naturally omitting many details to avoid being guessed as Golden Plaque Eleven by anyone with malicious intent.

Hearing that someone admired him so much, Xiao Yao was somewhat surprised, appearing distracted as if recalling his glorious past.

Zu An thought to himself that if he were to launch a sneak attack now, the other party would be severely wounded, if not killed. His emotions were so volatile; he wondered what he had truly experienced to become like this.

"To guide a young man towards a positive path isn't living in vain. We should have a drink." Xiao Yao laughed heartily, unfastened his gourd, and took a few gulps before asking Zu An if he wanted some.

Zu An shook his head. This man really was a drunkard, always finding reasons to drink.

After putting down the gourd, Xiao Yao suddenly sobered, his previously bleary eyes becoming sharp. "Why were you in the Pei family's inner courtyard during the day?"

"Manman and I are friends," Zu An replied, then countered, "Why were you there?"

"Her mother and I were friends." A hint of tenderness flashed in Xiao Yao's eyes when he spoke of her mother.

Zu An's expression was strange. *What kind of "friend" are you talking about?*

"You rascal, what are you thinking?" Xiao Yao seemed to notice his thoughts and glared at him irritably.

Zu An tentatively asked, "You're not Manman's biological father, are you?"

If the other party turned out to be his father-in-law, that would be quite a twist.

Xiao Yao's face turned beet red. "Don't talk nonsense! Manman's mother was pure and untainted; don't insult her reputation."

Seeing his reaction, Zu An roughly guessed what was going on, and Xiao Yao's standing in his mind plummeted.

He had initially thought the other party and Manman's mother were lovers, but now it seemed he hadn't even become her lover; he was merely a devoted admirer of his goddess.

Xiao Yao gradually composed himself and looked towards Zu An's neck. "When we fought earlier, I saw you wearing a flame-shaped pendant. Where did you get it?"

Zu An's heart stirred. No wonder the other party's killing intent had instantly diminished. He took out the uniquely shaped pendant, a gentle smile appearing on his face. "Manman gave it to me."

Xiao Yao was momentarily lost in thought, his expression towards Zu An becoming extremely complex. "She actually gave you that pendant."

Zu An's heart moved. "What's wrong?"

Xiao Yao shook his head, his expression seemingly recalling something. After a long moment, he finally spoke. "This pendant used to belong to her mother. Later, her mother passed it down to Manman. This item is their most precious possession; they only give it to their closest beloved."

Zu An silently put the pendant away. This guy hadn't gotten the pendant from Manman's mother back then; he shouldn't let jealousy make him snatch it.

Xiao Yao gave a wry laugh. "Since you and Manman have this kind of relationship, then I can confidently entrust her protection to you. I have something to attend to and must leave for a while, so I won't be able to protect her during that time. That's why I was worried."

Zu An: "So, senior, you were indeed protecting her."

It was pretty close to what he had guessed.

Xiao Yao nodded. "Manman's mother passed away early, and then her father married a woman from the Yu family, giving birth to a younger brother, who is Pei Xing from today's banquet. Because her mother had no official status, Manman's position and situation within the Pei family have always been awkward."

Hearing this, Zu An felt a pang of heartache. He could fully imagine the life Manman had endured since childhood. Yet, the first time he met her, she was smiling brightly and seemed enthusiastic, clearly burying all her bitterness deep inside and using a smile as her protective color.

"The Yu family mother and son, relying on their status as the legitimate wife and son, as well as their maternal family's background, often made things difficult for Manman. Pei Shao is also extremely biased, so Manman, unable to bear the harassment, rarely stayed home, traveling outside instead, finding some peace for a while."

"However, after she returned this time, she was put under house arrest by the Pei family and no longer allowed to go out freely. I wanted to take her away, but she absolutely refused to come with me."

At this point, Xiao Yao's face showed pain.

"Why wouldn't she leave?" Zu An asked curiously. Manman shouldn't be the kind of person to quietly endure bullying.

Xiao Yao gave a self-mocking smile. "I suppose it's because of her mother's situation; she resents me somewhat."

Zu An's expression immediately became strange. *And you still claim you and her mother were just ordinary friends?*

Xiao Yao clearly didn't want to delve deeper into that topic and continued, "Later, after my investigation, I finally found out that Pei You wants to marry her off to the Prince Qi's heir as a concubine."

Although he had already learned of this from Pei You, hearing it now still filled Zu An with rage. "Zhao Zhi isn't worthy!"

Seeing his reaction, Xiao Yao nodded in strong agreement. "Exactly! With Manman's talent and looks, even being the main consort would be a waste of her potential. To make her a mere concubine, that Pei Shao has lost his mind!"

Zu An looked towards the Pei family's direction, thinking that he absolutely could not allow Manman to marry someone else.

"I couldn't take Manman away, so I've been secretly protecting her during this time to prevent her from being bullied. Unfortunately, there's something I must leave for soon. I feel relieved entrusting her protection to you," Xiao Yao said with satisfaction.

"Don't worry, I'll protect her well!" Zu An replied firmly.

Xiao Yao nodded in satisfaction, took a toothpick-sized wooden sword from his怀中 and handed it to him. "Although your cultivation should be sufficient to handle various situations, just in case, take this. My sword intent is sealed within it. If you encounter a difficult enemy in the future, use it to attack them. It's equivalent to a full-power strike from me."

"In the entire Yunzhong Commandery, there are not many who can withstand a full-power strike from me," he said with a hint of pride in his voice.

After speaking, he didn't wait for Zu An to try to detain him, his figure quickly disappearing out the window. "Wielding a sword and riding the wind, eliminating evil between heaven and earth... You gave me a poem, and I'll give you a gift in return. We're even, hahaha!"

It's been a long time since I wrote a thank-you list, mainly because my previous updates were too infrequent, and I felt ashamed. But there are still many readers who have silently supported me: thank you, Sanca Milin, Tianchao Yeman, Book Friend 58657930, Changjian Youzaishou, Long Xiaoxiao, Qing Shu Dage, Jianxue, Daodi Feifei, Book Friend 58915407, Jun Yongzhi, Lü Teng Gaomingyuan, Jieran Yishen Lai Baodao, Bai Lushi 123 Baidu, Na Leng Benzun, Ji Ba Da, Book Friend 53480152, Book Friend 59647319, Shen De Richang, Book Friend 59624564, Book Friend 59547253, Zhi Ai Renqi Song Qingshu, Du Diao Hanjiangxue 77788, Shaofu Shashe Song Daniang, Guaiyao Dianmao, hh1987485, Beifeng 1288, Ji Gongzi, Xiaotan Hongchenyuan, Chunai Zhanshi Wudi, Daren Wo Quanyao, Wanban Jieshi Yihan, Gusheng Ge, Langman Beishang De Gushi, Marx, Book Friend 59482959, karteric, tqhhw092, Anmodian De, You Tanzhi...

Since there are so many people, there will inevitably be omissions. Please forgive me.

Today is the last day of 2021. On this day of bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new, I wish all readers of this book that their wishes come true and everything goes well in the new year!

I will also strive to update more in the new year to repay everyone's continuous support!