The figure approached swiftly, and the sword's intention was not to harm but specifically aimed at the red thread.
Lin Wanrong was surprised; the person in black displayed extraordinary skills, almost on par with Qing Xuan.
Xiao Yuruo let out a scream, staring at the red thread fluttering in the wind, her expression dumbfounded, as if she had lost her soul.
The black-clad person cut the red thread with a sword, continuing the attack effortlessly towards Miss Xiao. Lin Wanrong quickly stepped forward to block her, punching the person's wrist. The assailant retreated swiftly, sneering at the two.
Miss Xiao looked dazed, silent about the red thread. She seemed unaware of the black-clad person's assault. Lin Wanrong pulled her sleeve urgently, asking, "Miss, what's wrong?"
Xiao Yuruo regained her senses, looking somewhat melancholic. She glanced at him and softly said, "It's nothing, Lin San, just be careful."
Observing Miss's concerned expression, the black-clad person let out a disdainful snort.
Lin Wanrong, recognizing the voice, was surprised to find out it was a woman. He thought, "Isn't this the girl from before, associated with the White Lotus Cult during the raid on the Xiao family? Now, she's trying to harm Miss Xiao. Well, it seems like she has some grudges with the Xiao family."
Meanwhile, the assailant targeting Xu Wei was intercepted by his personal guards. They engaged in a fierce battle, and reinforcements were approaching rapidly.
Xu Wei protected Su Qinglian closely, staring at the attackers. His eyes showed no fear, only a glint of determination.
Seeing the increasing guards around Xu Wei, one of the White Lotus Cult members shouted, "Kill Xu Wei quickly, don't delay!" The thugs abandoned their current opponents and rushed towards Xu Wei.
Qin Xian'er, after casting a glance at Xiao Yuruo protected by Lin Wanrong, coldly snorted. She unsheathed her sword, intending to attack Xu Wei.
Lin Wanrong, watching closely, felt a cold sweat. This girl, previously a bandit with the White Lotus Cult, was now attempting to assassinate a government official. It was quite a bold move. Lin Wanrong, recalling her past actions, wondered why he hadn't noticed these traits back in the brothel.
"Xian'er," Lin Wanrong hurriedly stepped forward, grabbing her delicate wrist. He concealed them behind a pillar, making them invisible to her companion. He chuckled softly, "Why did you come? Did you secretly run away to Hangzhou thinking about me?"
Hidden behind the veil, Qin Xian'er's face didn't show a blush. However, her disdainful snort was audible, "Who would think of you? Your thick-skinned persistence is quite something."
Lin Wanrong, pretending not to hear her words, asked gently, "Didn't you return to Jining? How come you're here in Hangzhou again?"
Qin Xian'er glanced at him and said, "We arrived in Hangzhou only yesterday. We didn't know you were here."
"Did you come specifically for Xu Wei?" Lin Wanrong inquired.
Qin Xian'er looked at him and said, "Of course, he killed many of my White Lotus Cult brothers. The cult won't let him off. We've been hiding in the lake for a while."
Lin Wanrong, understanding their intent, sighed internally. "You've harmed so many innocent people with the White Lotus Cult. What does it matter if Xu Wei killed a few of you? But, reasoning with this White Lotus Cult girl won't work." Lin Wanrong didn't bother continuing and sighed, "Miss Xiao, did you provoke her? Why would she want to kill you?"
"Who said I didn't provoke her?" Qin Xian'er glanced at Xiao Yuruo, snorting.
Miss Xiao, hiding behind Lin San, was surprised to discover the assassin was a woman. Feeling a mix of shock and suspicion, she questioned Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, are you secretly conspiring with this White Lotus Cult?"
Sweating, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss, how could I be involved with the White Lotus Cult? Think about it logically."
Although Miss was distressed today, upon reflection, Lin Wanrong's actions, while occasionally troublesome, never harmed the Xiao family. He had assisted her during the White Lotus Cult attack and intervened at the Rain and Wind Tower, both times genuinely caring.
Feeling embarrassed, Miss Xiao thought, "What happened to me today? I lost my composure, suspecting this rascal without reason."
Although she recognized her mistake, she was reluctant to admit it. Thinking about Qin Xian'er's actions only fueled her anger and sadness. She sighed, "You have no connection with the White Lotus Cult, but why are you involved with this enchantress?"
Lin Wanrong hadn't spoken yet, but Qin Xian'er was angry. She said, "Who's an enchantress? Speak clearly!"
Miss Xiao abhors the White Lotus Cult intensely and fearlessly declares, "The White Lotus Cult commits heinous acts of arson, murder, and plunder. If not a she-devil, what are you?"
Qin Xian'er, infuriated, stomps her foot, "You call me a she-devil? Today, this she-devil shall kill you." The term 'she-devil' is reserved solely for Lin Wanrong; others dare not utter it, a sore spot for Qin Xian'er.
"Even if you are skilled in martial arts, it does not necessarily make me fear you," Miss retorts with a disdainful tone. Observing the severed red thread, for some inexplicable reason, she feels increasingly uncomfortable.
"Today, I won't rely on martial arts. I will let you experience the prowess of a she-devil," Qin Xian'er grits her teeth, discarding her long sword. Surprisingly, she genuinely intends to engage in a physical confrontation with Miss, much like a street brawl.
Xiao Yuruo, usually composed and gentle, seems bewitched today. Glaring at Qin Xian'er, she says angrily, "Am I supposed to fear you, this she-devil?"
Sweating, Lin Wanrong laments, "These two girls are becoming more formidable by the minute. They argue and even want to fight at their first meeting. Are they so dismissive of me?"
Lin Wanrong snorts and addresses the two, "Have you argued enough?"
Though his words are not loud, they carry an unquestionable authority. Qin Xian'er, hearing his words, dares not retort, and Miss Xiao glares at him but remains silent.
Seeing the two girls subdued, Lin Wanrong thinks, "This is more like it. From now on, you two better not interrupt when I speak." With a stern face, he continues, "Two young ladies, why learn to fight? Do something more worthwhile! Xian'er, you continue to deal with Xu Wenchang; Miss, let's continue tying the red thread."
The two girls are momentarily stunned. Lin Wanrong's unconventional approach catches them off guard, and they burst into laughter. Soon, realizing their behavior, they exchange glances and simultaneously snort with disdain.
Miss Xiao, feeling embarrassed, says hesitantly, "Who wants to tie the red thread with you? You have no shame."
Qin Xian'er clenches her small fist, tears shimmering in her eyes, "You two can take your time tying; I'm off to kill."
From afar, someone shouts, "Junior Sister, where are you? Come help!"
Looking over, they see a fierce battle underway. Although the White Lotus Cult members have a fierce onslaught, Xu Wei's guards are numerous and arriving continuously, soon to encircle the attackers.
"This White Lotus Cult is truly loosely organized," Lin Wanrong sighs. Qin Xian'er lightly bites her jade lip, saying, "Young Master, I must go. Take care."
Seeing her pitiful expression, Lin Wanrong grabs her hand, "Xu Wei is not easy to deal with. Bluff a few times, but don't kill him, and certainly, don't get hurt. If you can't win, just run." It's evident that the White Lotus Cult won't succeed this time; Xian'er's martial skills are exceptional, ensuring her safety.
Qin Xian'er brightens up at his words, but teardrops fall, "Young Master, there's no red thread between us. Will you remember Xian'er?"
As these words reach Miss Xiao's ears, she feels a mix of embarrassment and resentment. How can this White Lotus Cult she-devil utter such words shamelessly?
After Qin Xian'er finishes speaking, she glances deeply at Lin Wanrong, turns her body, lightly stamps her lotus foot, and dashes away.