The Crazy Son-In-Law

As a family renowned for their mastery of Gu arts, the Ruan family’s Gu insects would never fear a small cluster of flames. Ruan Jinshui still didn’t understand the significance of Dan fire, judging its power merely by the size of the flame. Preconceived notions can be deadly! The tiny wisp of Dan fire on Song Ling’er’s fingertip could easily burn through a wall, its searing heat far beyond that of ordinary flames.

“Pfft!” A mouthful of blood spurted from Ruan Jinshui’s mouth, splattering onto the cement floor. Clutching his chest, he paled as he stared at the small flame. He couldn’t fathom why his life-bound Gu and trump card were so terrified of this fire when he hadn’t even felt the slightest heat.

While Ruan Jinshui was still puzzled, Xiao Shun calmly said to Song Ling’er, “He’s suffering from Gu poison backlash. You can press your advantage now.” Hearing this, Song Ling’er relaxed and cast a disdainful glance at the disheartened Ruan Jinshui. She sneered, “Without those vile insects, what do you have left to fight me with?” With that, she swung her fist, landing it squarely on his cheek.

Without the aid of his solidifying Gu, Ruan Jinshui couldn’t withstand her punch. With a resounding thud, he was sent flying, spitting out several bloody teeth along the way. After sending Ruan Jinshui flying with one punch, Song Ling’er didn’t spare him another glance and jogged over to Xiao Shun. Habitually linking her arm with her master’s, she smiled sweetly. “Let’s go, Master. We’ve wasted enough time fighting this scoundrel; let’s hurry to the stone gambling event!”

Xiao Shun glanced at his arm held tightly by Song Ling’er and smiled faintly. Then they both headed towards the venue. “Cough… cough…” Struggling to his feet and leaning against a nearby wall, Ruan Jinshui watched Xiao Shun and Song Ling’er’s retreating figures with cold eyes. “I won’t let you off; you all must die!” he spat venomously before staggering towards another Gu arts competition area.

Inside the venue, two small-framed individuals were setting up the area. Seeing Ruan Jinshui approaching with a weary expression, they were taken aback and quickly walked over to him with concern. “Young Master Ruan, what happened to you?” Clutching his chest in pain, Ruan Jinshui waved them off expressionlessly, indicating he was fine.

He then asked, “Where is Xia Li?” “Miss Xia is currently discussing matters regarding the Gu Arts Conference with the other four elders,” answered a man with a buzz cut. “They’re in a meeting? Good!” Muttering to himself, Ruan Jinshui brushed past them and trudged towards a nearby temporary rest room.

Seeing his unsteady steps as if heavily injured, one servant remarked, “What happened to Young Master Ruan? He looks seriously hurt.” After pondering for a moment, another replied, “It must be Gu poison backlash.” “Gu poison backlash? How is that possible? Young Master Ruan possesses both Red Thread Gu and Solidifying Gu-how could anyone break through them and cause backlash?”

“Don’t forget that we’re up against people from the Silvermeadows clan!” At this reminder, the doubting servant fell silent immediately.

The Emberpeak Mountains have long been home to the Meadowfolk-isolated clans divided into three factions: Silvermeadows, Darkmeadows, and Bronzemeadows. Among them, Silvermeadows’ mastery of Gu arts is the strongest, followed by Darkmeadows and Bronzemeadows. These three factions hold countless ancient Gu arts passed down through generations in their villages.

If not for their internal conflicts in recent years, the Southeast Asian Gu Arts Association would never have had a chance to rival them. In terms of Gu arts worldwide, these two factions are at the forefront. Hence, it wasn’t surprising for Ruan Jinshui to suffer from Gu poison backlash today. Given his flirtatious nature, offending a Meadowfolk maiden wasn’t unusual.

Meanwhile, Ruan Jinshui had reached the door of the rest room where several higher-ranking Southeast Asian figures were gathered. Not daring to enter without permission due to their status being higher than his own, he knocked on the door.

A melodious female voice responded from inside: “Come in.” Pushing open the door quickly, Ruan Jinshui entered. Inside were five people-four men and one woman.

“Ruan Jinshui,” barked a one-eyed man without looking up. “We’re holding a high-level meeting of the Gu Arts Association here; what are you doing?” Before he could respond, a thin man sitting next to the one-eyed man looked at him in shock. “You’ve suffered from Gu poison backlash?”

At these words, everyone’s eyes focused on Ruan Jinshui. The one-eyed man stood up and shouted angrily at him: “Was it those Silvermeadows people?” “How dare they! The Gu Arts Conference hasn’t even started yet and they’re already attacking us! Do they think our Southeast Asian Gu arts community is powerless?”

“President Xia,” he continued vehemently addressing Xia Li seated at the head of the table. “Just give us your order and we’ll crush those Silvermeadows bastards right now to show them who holds true mastery of Gu arts!”

“That’s right! They broke the rules by attacking first; we can’t let this slide!” The room erupted in agreement until Xia Li raised her hand for silence.

“Everyone sit down!” she commanded softly but firmly. Under her gaze, all excitement died down instantly as they complied.

Xia Li then spoke calmly: “Our purpose here isn’t just to compete with Sanmiao in Gu arts but also to discuss cooperative development of that jade mine with them. If any rash actions ruin our partnership prospects-who will take responsibility?”Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

No one dared reply; they all fell silent awkwardly. Seeing this reaction from her subordinates made Xia Li wave dismissively: “Ruan Jinshui stays; everyone else leave.” Without hesitation or protestation-the others rose immediately exiting while casting curious glances at him.

Once alone together-Xia Li lit up cigarette motioning towards nearby seat: “Sit.” Obeying promptly-Ruan Jinshui sat down avoiding eye contact entirely despite normally being notorious womanizer around beautiful women like herself.

But given how easily she could end his life-it wasn’t worth risking anything just for some eye candy!