98: The past is like a knife.

The next day, Qin Feng visited the Moon Gazing Pavilion once again.

Su Yuetang seemed to have expected his arrival. She was sitting by the window sipping tea, the sunlight spilling over her profile and outlining her soft features, though there was a hint of lingering sorrow between her brows that seemed harder to dispel than usual.

"Lord Su," Qin Feng greeted her with a cupped-hand salute.

"Little brother Qin Feng is here. Have a seat." Su Yuetang gestured to the seat opposite her and poured him a cup of tea. "Is it for the matter of the Treasure Trove?"

"Exactly." Qin Feng nodded, getting straight to the point. "According to the clues we have, the entrance to the west lake treasure requires the help of a Jade Water attribute Cultivation Technique or treasure to enter safely. I wonder if you... know of or possess such an item?"

"A Jade Water treasure..." Su Yuetang's hand holding the teacup paused slightly. Her eyes instantly became complex, filled with reminiscence, pain, and a deep trace of mockery. She fell silent for a moment, set down her teacup, slowly rose, and walked to the dressing table in the inner chamber. She opened the fifth drawer and lightly pressed an inconspicuous corner.

With a soft "click," a hidden compartment sprang open. She took out an item—a jade pearl the size of a pigeon's egg, completely transparent, with what looked like misty water flowing inside. It radiated a faint, cool aura and fluctuations of spiritual energy.

Holding the jade pearl, she walked back to Qin Feng, staring at it with hollow eyes. Her voice carried a hint of vagueness: "This is... one of the tokens of affection that heartless man gave me back then—the water repelling pearl."

Looking at the clearly extraordinary jade pearl, Qin Feng felt certain. It really was here! But hearing Su Yuetang's tone, he wisely refrained from asking for it immediately.

Su Yuetang seemed lost in memory, her voice low and raspy. "Hehehe... I was married to him for ten years, raising our child and supporting my husband in the Imperial Capital, thinking it would lead to a lifetime of mutual respect. But what about him? He spent his time with those fair-weather friends, frequenting brothels and pleasure houses, bringing back a different woman every day just to show off..."

Her voice began to tremble, carrying uncontrollable pain and anger. "I couldn't take it and had a huge row with him. He... in front of our five-year-old child, he slapped me to the ground and... and even broke my leg! He said I was jealous, said I disgraced the Bai Family's name! I dragged my broken leg, unable to even run..."

Tears slid silently from the corners of her eyes. She suddenly looked up at Qin Feng, her eyes full of humiliation and hatred. "Later, it was my father who brought the family guards and forcibly broke into the Bai Family home to take me back! I didn't want anything; I took nothing from the Bai Family! I only brought this pearl... and a body full of injuries and illness..."

She finally couldn't hold it in any longer. Her suppressed weeping erupted as she suddenly threw herself into Qin Feng's arms, her shoulders shaking violently. Tears instantly soaked Qin Feng's lapel. "Wuwuwu... Qin Feng, tell me... how can a person be so heartless? Ten years of marriage couldn't compare to a few days of pleasure with those courtesans? How could he... how could he treat me like that in front of our child..."

With soft, fragrant beauty in his arms and the sound of heartbreaking sobs, Qin Feng's body stiffened slightly before relaxing. He didn't push her away, but instead gently and rhythmically patted her back, offering silent comfort. He could feel the immense pain and grievance carried by the delicate body in his embrace.

After a long while, Su Yuetang's crying gradually subsided. She lifted her head from Qin Feng's arms, her tear-streaked face showing a hint of relief and determination. She pressed the water repelling pearl into Qin Feng's hand, her voice still nasally from crying. "This... you take it. Keeping it only leaves me with sorrow... seeing it reminds me of those unbearable past events."

Qin Feng gripped the warm yet cool water repelling pearl, sensing the strange power within. He nodded solemnly. "Alright. Lord Su, I have noted this kindness. You will certainly receive a generous share of whatever is gained from exploring the Treasure Trove."

Su Yuetang wiped her tears with the back of her hand. Seeing Qin Feng's serious expression, she suddenly broke into a smile through her tears. She reached out a slender finger to poke his chest, her tone carrying a hint of playful annoyance. "Little guy, you're not that old, yet you speak with such gravity. But... your chest is quite firm; it's very comforting to lean on."

She seemed only now to notice Qin Feng's aura, and a flash of surprise crossed her beautiful eyes. "Eh? You... you're at the Late-stage Grand Martial Master level?"

Qin Feng rubbed his nose, feeling a bit awkward. "Um... I'm used to disguising it, but you found me out, Lord Su."

"Hmph! Still being secretive in front of your big sister! You're not treating me as one of your own." Su Yuetang gave him a sidelong glance, but there was no blame in her eyes. Instead, there was a bit more admiration and... an inexplicable spark. Having vented her emotions, the distance between the two seemed to have closed significantly.

Elsewhere, in Ji Ruxue's courtyard.

"How is your recovery progressing?" Qin Feng asked Ji Ruxue with concern.

"Soon. With another week of recuperation, I should be able to return to my Peak state," Ji Ruxue estimated.

"Good." Qin Feng handed the copy of the Ghost Breath Art he had found at the branch to Ji Ruxue. "This is the 'Ghost Breath Art,' a yellow rank high grade breath-holding and concealment technique. You just need to reach the entry level for emergencies."

Ji Ruxue took the copy and nodded. "Don't worry, I will practice it."

Qin Feng did some calculations and said, "According to my estimates, the night of the full moon is about half a month away. That's enough time for us to make full preparations."

Ji Ruxue looked at his steady and confident manner, the sparkle in her eyes growing stronger, and gave a soft "Mm."

Everything seemed to be in place. They only had to wait for the night of the full moon to delve deep into that mysterious and dangerous Ancient Water Manor and unveil the true face of the west lake treasure.