Chapter 3, Simply Because You Are Too Beautiful

Even Ding Ning was clearly taken aback, and then with a pained expression said, "Is it really... this early?"

Changsun Qianxue glanced at him and coldly turned away: "Perhaps the chill from this heavy rain is a bit too intense, causing my true essence to be somewhat unstable"

They are among the most discerning individuals in this city; however, if they were to overhear such a conversation, they would realize that in terms of cultivation, these two individuals possess an even deeper understanding than they do

The wine shop is momentarily tranquil, appearing desolate

Her appearance is quite unusual, and her conversation with Ding Ning is also quite unusual

The courtyard fell silent for several seconds, and then soft footsteps were heard as the curtain separating the inner courtyard was lifted by someone

It is not that the daily business is particularly quiet; just by observing the rounded and polished corners of the tables and chairs, one can tell how many times they are touched by people throughout the day

Yet at this moment, the woman standing quietly in the chilly wine shop is beautiful in every aspect

In addition to the fallen leaves swept away by the wind and rain, the puddles on the uneven bluestone pavement are also floating with some foam mixed with vegetable leaves and chicken droppings

After a prolonged silence, the beautiful woman, with no flaw in her appearance, slightly furrowed her brow and coldly asked, "Did Ye Ce Leng act alone?"

The phrase "the fallen phoenix trees in this alley" literally means a dilapidated dwelling place where many phoenix trees have been planted

The woman, beautiful in every aspect, casually gathered her disheveled hair and, in a serious and commanding tone, said: "You go wash up, then get into bed and wait for me; I will close the door to the room."

She stood there, cool and aloof, dressed in the most ordinary and plain clothing, yet every part of her body seemed to radiate light, capable of stirring the heartstrings and evoking deep emotions.

"It is difficult to discern the severity of the injury, but she is undoubtedly injured." Ding Ning looked into her eyes and said, "Ye Ce Leng hails from the Tian Yi Sword Pavilion and specializes in the Water Separation Divine Art. In such torrential rain, she is significantly stronger than usual. Therefore, although she managed to kill Zhao Zhan alone, the fact that she is injured only indicates that her cultivation level is actually not much different from Zhao Zhan's."

Changsun Qianxue thought for a moment, "That would be the lower grade of the Seven Realms"

The tavern is empty, with not a single patron in sight

Her age is no longer considered very young, but what is even more critical is that she is precisely at the juncture between youth and maturity. This embodies the presence of both youthful charm and mature elegance. Even though her eyes now harbor a hint of anger and her expression is somewhat excessively cold, the fact that she is dressed in the most ordinary plain linen garment only enhances the impression that she is extraordinarily beautiful

The woman said no more, for she knew that every word Ding Ning spoke was the truth

Beneath the blue liquor flag is a small tavern, with a layout and furnishings no different from an ordinary home-brewed liquor shop. In the street-facing hall, there are several crude square tables. On the counter, besides the liquor jars, there are coarse porcelain jars containing peanuts, pickled vegetables, and other snacks to accompany the drinks. Inside, there is a space for brewing liquor and the owner's living quarters.

Ding Ning pondered for a moment and said earnestly: "Regarding the personal feelings part, I can apologize, but the business is thriving, and the presence of idle people has nothing to do with me; it is simply because you are too beautiful. Moreover, running a tavern is certainly more prudent than your initial desire to seek information in the brothels. When have you ever heard of a respectable woman, whose life is still bearable, wanting to voluntarily enter a brothel? Either she is a born harlot, but harlots sell their art, not their bodies; such an anomaly... When have you ever heard of a respectable woman, whose life is still bearable, wanting to voluntarily enter a brothel? Either she is a born harlot, but harlots sell their art, not their bodies; such an anomaly... Do you think the officials of the Heavenly Monitoring Bureau and the Divine Capital Bureau are fools?"

Ding Ning's relaxed expression vanished completely, and she said solemnly: "This is a matter of great importance."

Only those who possess talent, opportunity, and a unique constitution can enter the ranks of practitioners

Although today in that dilapidated alley, dozens of practitioners appeared at once, several sword masters were even shaken to the point of spitting blood and unable to stand due to a surge of vital energy, looking exceedingly desolate. However, on ordinary days, any one of those sword masters could easily clear more than ten such alleys in the span of half a stick of incense.

Including the sentence that she is too beautiful

Especially for figures like Ye Sishou, who are akin to celestial beings, their origins and cultivation methods are shrouded in mystery to the utmost degree. Even the offerings of the Monitoring Heaven Division may not fully comprehend them. However, for these two individuals, it seems that such matters are hardly considered secrets

The term "cultivation" is, for the ordinary person, an existence that is both desirable and unattainable. Those who can cultivate to a level beyond the six realms are destined to leave a significant mark in the annals of history.

The top of his feet was completely soaked, and Ding Ning, covered in mud and grime, seemed somewhat anxious. However, the Qiangong oilcloth umbrella in his hand was far superior to the typical umbrellas available on the market, albeit considerably heavier. This posed a significant burden for him, as he had to frequently switch hands between holding the umbrella and carrying the oil bottle, while also trying to prevent the umbrella from being blown away by the wind and rain, which made it difficult for him to quicken his pace

"Can't you wipe the mud off your shoes on the stone steps outside instead of on the threshold?" A clearly displeased woman scolded from the inner courtyard, like a cold autumn wind sweeping over the empty tables and chairs

The storefronts ahead are completely shrouded in the dim shadows cast by the torrential rain and the sycamore trees, with only a vague glimpse of a wordless green wine banner fluttering helplessly within.

On the records of the Divine Capital Supervisory Office, her name is Changsun Qianxue, and her identity is Ding Ning's aunt. However, no aunt would have such a confrontational atmosphere with her beloved nephew.

At this moment, her tone in conversation with Ding Ning was remarkably calm, akin to a casual chat during a peaceful gathering. However, had the officials from the Divine Capital Supervisory Bureau been able to hear it, they would undoubtedly have been shocked to an unimaginable extent

In Changling, the term "broken households" refers to small vendors, itinerant doctors, tenants without their own land or homes, as well as idlers. Such communities, where these individuals gather, naturally evoke a less refined atmosphere compared to ordinary streets and alleys.

The beauty of the vast majority of women comes from their makeup and charm. Most of them possess particularly beautiful features or have a unique temperament. In fact, some women's facial features may not be attractive when viewed individually, but when combined, they create an exceptionally pleasing impression.

Only wealthy and refined patrons may not feel inclined to venture out in such weather, while those who do not require refinement might be busy dealing with their leaky roofs in the sudden downpour

She was injured? Changsun Qianxue furrowed her brows

Her facial features and appearance, as well as her posture and demeanor, are exceptionally beautiful whether viewed in isolation or as a whole

If the elderly man in plain clothes and the refined young man on the corner tower could hear the conversation at this moment, they would undoubtedly be even more shocked.

Ding Ning discerned the woman's thoughts and said earnestly: "It is just her alone, but the formation created by the five offerings of the Monitoring Heaven Division caused Zhao Zhan's vitality to drain significantly into the sky, and moreover, Ye Ce Leng was also injured"

Ding Ning smiled indifferently, "After all, you don't really want to do business properly with *Tu* *Shu*, even the basic ten or so brewing processes, you casually cut out a few, and you're still afraid of a little extra mud at the doorstep"

A breeze blew into the wine shop, tousling Changsun Qianxue's long hair

Ding Ning's expression gradually became serious as he began to recall the five members of the Monitoring Heaven Division surrounding Zhao Zhan's courtyard. The moment he thought of the courtyard that had shattered into countless fragments, a myriad of complex meanings began to permeate his clear eyes

"Had I known that opening a wine shop in such a place would attract so many idle people, I would never have heeded your advice." The woman's cold voice, as she lifted the curtain, was laced with deep anger: "Moreover, whether there is mud at the entrance is a matter of personal feeling and has nothing to do with business"

For a city that has not experienced much rainfall in the past, the unexpected torrential rain, which has toppled banana plants, tilted fences, leaked roofs, and soaked unshipped goods, is always a source of annoyance

That ordinary linen garment, when worn by her, appears to be the most exquisite and precious attire in the world

Zhao was killed, and Ye Ce Leng has returned. He said softly.

Anyone who sees this woman will believe that the kind of beauty described in books, one that can topple nations and render all other beauties pale in comparison, truly exists

Upon reaching the eaves of the tavern, Ding Ning finally let out a sigh of relief. He closed the heavy umbrella, shook his slightly sore arms, casually scraped the mud off the soles and sides of his shoes on the threshold, and then walked inside