paranoianovel Chapter 97 : Who Dares Stop Me
Chapter 97 : Who Dares Stop Me
Chapter 97: Who Dares Stop Me?
Under the moonlight, atop the courtyard wall—
A figure stood tall, clad in a pitch-black robe embroidered with cloud patterns, nearly blending into the night.
Yet the qilin divine beast embroidered on the robe shimmered under the moonlight, exuding majesty and power.
This was the attire of a Commander of the Demon Suppression Division.
Seeing this figure, Ji Yun’s expression stiffened. He quickly stood and explained, “Commander, during the evening patrol, we discovered evil entities.”
“At that time, the situation was extremely dangerous. Fortunately, Miss Yunqing assisted us, so there were no casualties.”
“To express gratitude for Miss Yunqing’s help, in the midst of busyness, I forgot to send word to Commander Zhao. I hope you can forgive me!”
Those who could become Commanders of a state city’s Demon Suppression Division were no ordinary individuals.
Ji Yun naturally understood Commander Zhao’s temper. If he did not explain clearly, he would likely be beaten.
In the past, he might not have cared, but now, in front of Li Yunqing, he did not want to lose face, so his speech quickened noticeably.
Hearing Ji Yun’s explanation, Commander Zhao’s gaze shifted toward Li Yunqing, and he almost instantly understood.
Putting it nicely—wasn’t it just that he saw a pretty young lady and rushed to curry favor, forgetting about everything else?
Indeed, compared to such a delicate and charming girl, how could a rough man like him compare?
However, Commander Zhao did not expose him. Instead, he leaped down and arrived directly before the round table.
Looking at the table filled with dishes that were excellent in color, aroma, and taste, his face twitched slightly—this meal must have cost several hundred taels of silver.
“Quite a heavy investment…”
Commander Zhao lifted his head and looked at Li Yunqing again. Though he showed no outward reaction, a trace of amazement and surprise flashed in his eyes.
“You are that Number One Beauty of Qingzhou?”
As a Commander of the Demon Suppression Division, his sources of information were naturally well-informed.
Now, seeing Li Yunqing’s peerless beauty and the name “Yunqing,” he immediately made the connection.
Only a woman of such beauty could be called the most beautiful in Qingzhou… no, even the most beautiful in the world would not be an exaggeration.
“Li Yunqing greets Commander.”
Li Yunqing stood and bowed slightly, her demeanor gentle, without the slightest irregularity.
Clearly, deep down, she fully acknowledged her own beauty and did not feign modesty at all.
Hearing this, Ji Yun’s eyes widened slightly as his gaze swept over Li Yunqing. “No wonder…”
Such beauty and appearance truly lived up to its reputation.
Especially that kind of temperament—ethereal and natural, like an immortal maiden.
This was absolutely not something an ordinary woman could possess.
It must have come from being nurtured by Zither, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting, with a truly tranquil and clear heart.
Not just in Qingzhou—even across the entire Linzhou, he had never seen anyone who could surpass Li Yunqing in both beauty and temperament.
For a moment, as he looked at her, Ji Yun became somewhat entranced.
If not for Li Yunqing’s formidable strength, he might truly have wanted to abduct her and keep her at home, admiring her day after day.
At this moment, he even began to understand why men striving to rise in status worked so desperately.
Wasn’t it for fame, wealth, and the qualification to possess such a beauty?
Even the current emperor was no exception, with countless beauties in his harem.
Perhaps “resting drunk upon a beauty’s lap, awakening to hold power over the world” was the ultimate dream of men.
Glancing at Ji Yun’s dazed expression, Commander Zhao remained silent, his lips moving slightly as he transmitted his voice: “Stop thinking about it. Even the Sixth Prince was publicly rejected when he tried to force a marriage.”
“Do you think you are more outstanding than the Sixth Prince?”
In truth, he could somewhat understand.
Young men around twenty, cultivating martial arts—who among them was not full of vigor and blood?
And risking their lives in the Demon Suppression Division—was it not also to become stronger, gain fame, rise above others, and marry a few beautiful wives?
This was the goal men strove for.
Seeing such a stunning woman, even he, if he were a decade or so younger, would have been unable to walk away.
Let alone Ji Yun.
Or rather, any man in this world would likely wish for such a beauty by his side.
The Demon Race followed their instincts of desire, while the Human Race exercised restraint—but had they ever truly been different?
“Sit, all of you.”
After glancing at Ji Yun, who had been stunned, Commander Zhao unceremoniously sat down and said, “Perfect timing—I haven’t eaten either. Let’s dine together.”
Then he picked up his chopsticks and began eating without hesitation.
Seeing this, Ji Yun’s face darkened.
Although he did not think Li Yunqing would fancy him—
What if?
Love was something that made no sense.
What if she developed feelings for him?
Wasn’t Commander Zhao deliberately staying to sabotage him?
Li Yunqing said nothing and sat quietly.
Before she even picked up her chopsticks, Yuan Qing’s voice already sounded in her mind.
“This old fellow isn’t decent either—he’s sneaking glances at your chest.”
Hearing this, Li Yunqing’s hands holding the chopsticks paused slightly.
She was equally speechless and replied through voice transmission, somewhat annoyed, “Aren’t all men like this? As long as they’re breathing, none are immune to beauty.”
“Otherwise, what do you think all those men are striving so desperately for—status and power?”
“What, am I supposed to poison their eyes blind?”
“So you know?” Yuan Qing drifted closer.
She leaned beside Li Yunqing, her gaze sweeping up and down as she smiled. “With your appearance, if you cultivated the Emotionless Dao, you might become invincible in the world.”
Li Yunqing’s eyes lit up slightly. “How so?”
“The Emotionless Dao requires one to immerse in the seven emotions and six desires, experiencing them to their extremes.”
“Afterward, each time you sever one emotion or desire, your strength undergoes a heaven-shaking transformation.”
“If those emotions are deeply engraved, the resulting power becomes even greater.”
“With your beauty, if you were willing, men across the world would gladly help you cultivate the Emotionless Dao.”
Li Yunqing: “…”
Better not cultivate that path at all.
Li Yunqing fell silent. Commander Zhao also said nothing further.
Ji Yun, on the side, wanted to speak but hesitated. Yet seeing Commander Zhao devouring the food, he found it difficult to say anything and sank into silence.
Everything had been perfectly set—the moonlit atmosphere, the ambiance—
And yet an uninvited guest had arrived.
If he weren’t weaker, he would have wanted to slash him in half with a single blade.
After a long while, Commander Zhao put down his chopsticks and looked at Li Yunqing again, advising, “Miss Yunqing would do best to return to Qingzhou. This journey will not be peaceful.”
Li Yunqing had not eaten much. Hearing this, she slightly raised her eyes and asked, “Why?”
As the Commander of a state city’s Demon Suppression Division, he would not deceive her.
But this trip to the capital—she had to make it.
Unless she was willing to accept more men relying on strength and power to seize her by force or scheme against her.
Though even going would not completely prevent it, those without true status and strength would no longer dare to harbor such thoughts easily.
“Your situation has already spread throughout the jianghu.”
Commander Zhao said calmly, “Many martial artists are preparing to intercept you and prevent you from entering the capital.”
“Among them are quite a few with considerable strength and status.”
“For you, this journey would be no different from walking into a wolf’s den.”
Li Yunqing paused.
Although she knew the journey would not be peaceful, she had not expected even the jianghu to become involved.
“What is the reason?” Li Yunqing asked gently. “I don’t recall offending these martial artists.”
Commander Zhao replied evenly, “I do not know the exact reason, but the banner they carry is that the world must not fall into chaos.”
“Once you enter the capital and defy the imperial family, causing their authority to collapse, it will inevitably plunge the world into disorder.”
“At that time, the common people will suffer greatly.”
“The current emperor is still considered wise. How could those chivalrous individuals, who care for the people, allow you to enter the capital?”
“Care for the people?”
“Or are they just using righteousness as a pretext to fight for power and gain?”
Li Yunqing felt utterly speechless and could not help but laugh.
If a single woman from a state city could plunge the entire world into chaos, how fragile must that world be?
Moreover, if these martial artists truly cared so much about the people, shouldn’t they be out slaying demons and evil gods?
What reason was there to make things difficult for her?
“So you should return to Qingzhou. At this time, things are indeed sensitive.”
Commander Zhao spoke softly, his eyes fixed on Li Yunqing, as if trying to see through her thoughts.
“Thank you for the reminder, Commander.”
Li Yunqing replied, her tone still gentle and calm. “I only know that it was they who said ‘Are kings and nobles born so?’”
“And it is also they who claim to care for the people.”
“For thousands of years, it is still they who fight for power and profit.”
“And now, placing the blame for chaos upon a woman—it is still they.”
“If they did not block me, it would be one thing. But now that they do…”
“I will go all the more.”
At this moment, Li Yunqing’s temper flared.
“I want to see—who dares stop me!”