Free Web NovelChapter 676: Chapter 254: Jianan Temple’s Schemes (Part 5)
Shen Chongxu shook his head and said, "It’s not that I can’t forgive her, but... but..."
A trace of embarrassment appeared on his face, his mind full of the curses he had hurled at Shen Li and her mother in his youthful ignorance.
"Brother Ming should know how much of a scoundrel I was back then."
Shen Chongming quietly watched him, then suddenly smiled and said, "The fact that you can acknowledge your past mistakes is already commendable."
"Since that’s the case, why not take this opportunity to resolve this knot in your heart?"
"You know, in the years you’ve been away from the Shen Family, Li’Er and Lady Hu have been very kind to Xiubai."
"Your elder brother’s Xiuyan also likes them very much."
Hearing this, Shen Chongxu’s expression became conflicted.
The matters between his father and Hu Mei’Er were indeed a knot in his heart.
Part of the reason he left the Shen Family in a huff back then was to avoid facing this.
Now, more than twenty years have passed, and he has come to terms with many things and let go of a lot.
But when it comes to facing Shen Li and Hu Mei’Er, he still feels awkward.
Last night, as he and Shen Xiubai passed by the courtyard where Hu Mei’Er lived, the sound of the zither from within made him feel so.
"Come on, I’m not asking you to go and beg for forgiveness; just treat it with a normal heart when you see Li’Er."
Seeing him hesitate, unable to decide, Shen Chongming spoke.
After some consideration, Shen Chongxu lowered his head and followed him, stepping up towards the Clan Court.
On regular days, not much happens at the Clan Court, making the vast courtyard appear solemn and silent.
Upon reaching the entrance, the two disciples guarding the door, dressed in black clothes emitting a sharp aura, cupped their fists together.
"Patriarch!"
After Shen Chongming nodded, he introduced, "This is Young Master Chongxu."
Upon hearing this, the two disciples showed a slight pause, then quickly cupped their fists again, "Greetings, Young Master Chongxu!"
Shen Chongxu also nodded in response.
"Is Li’Er in the courtyard?"
Shen Chongming asked, to which one of the Clan Court disciples cupped his hands and said, "The Clan Chief is in the backyard."
Upon hearing this, the two immediately walked towards the backyard at a slow pace.
As they passed through the covered corridor, the figure of the two appeared in the backyard. In front of the pavilion, the statue-like Golden Toad suddenly opened its eyes.
Seeing Shen Chongming and his brother, it quickly turned to Shen Li and whispered, "Master, that boy is back!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Li did not move her gaze, her fingers lightly flicked.
A streak of light instantly hit the Golden Toad’s head.
The Golden Toad, feeling the pain, used its front paws to rub its head, looking very aggrieved.
"He used to always insult you..."
Shen Li lightly sighed and glancing at it, said, "Why, do you not want me to forget?"
The Golden Toad opened its mouth, but then quietly lay down aside without saying anything more.
A moment later, when the two approached not far from the pavilion.
Shen Li slowly put down the Ancient Beast Skin Book in her hand, gathered her sleeves, and with a calm expression, she stood up and bowed to the two, saying, "Brother Chongming."
"Second Brother is back?"
When Shen Chongxu was at a loss for words, the greeting "Second Brother" left him standing there in a daze.
His expression complex as he looked at Shen Li in front of him, his fists slowly unclenched in his sleeves, and he forced a smile, saying, "Li’Er sister, back then it was Second Brother..."
"It’s all in the past now." Shen Li replied with a faint smile.
"The matters of our parents have nothing to do with us."
Shen Chongxu’s words were interrupted, his expression stunned, and he sighed.
Indeed, both his father Shen Wenyan and mother Zhao Xuan have been deceased for decades, there’s no need to bring it up again.
Shen Li no longer held grudges for being called "old vixen" and "little vixen" back then; he indeed should let the matter rest.
"Brother Chongming, Second Brother, please sit."
Shen Li gestured, inviting the two to sit in the pavilion.
Then she poured each a cup of tea.
Once the three siblings were seated, the brothers’ attention was drawn to the jar making a rustling sound beside the desk.
"Li’Er, what’s inside this..."
Shen Chongming asked curiously.
Shen Li touched the dark jar and said, "This is a Poisonous Jar, inside is a Red-Bellied Profound Spider."
As her words finished, the Golden Toad beside her chimed in as if claiming credit, "It was captured by the little demon in the mountains a while ago!"
Shen Chongxu was surprised and looked at it.
"Is this the Golden Toad from back then?"
"It has already reached the peak of the Late Stage of Fetal Breathing."
Shen Li nodded with a smile, then seriously said:
"Second Brother’s aura is quite peculiar, the Red-Bellied Profound Spider must have sensed it, which is why it’s agitated."
This Red-Bellied Profound Spider is also a unique Gu Insect mentioned in the Beast Skin Book, naturally sensitive to Blood Evil Qi.
Today, Shen Chongxu can be considered a Demon Cultivator; just by sitting down, he caused the Red-Bellied Profound Spider to react.
"Yes, what I’ve been cultivating is indeed somewhat peculiar."
Under Shen Li’s soothing, the Red-Bellied Profound Spider gradually calmed down.
Shen Chongming spoke again, "The reason we came here today is to discuss the matters of the Liu Clan with you, Second Brother."
"Your Second Brother has agreed to acknowledge the Liu Clan, the Clan Court will notify shortly, and her name will be added to the family tree."
Hearing this, Shen Li nodded, "It’s good that Second Brother has come to this realization, Xiubai will surely be very pleased."
Shen Chongxu shook his head with a bitter smile, "It’s also for Xiubai, all these years, Second Brother has wronged him."
He felt fortunate that Shen Xiubai was sensible and didn’t grow twisted inside like he had in his youth.
"Will Second Brother return to the Southern Border after coming back this time?"
After a period of silence, Shen Li suddenly asked.
Shen Chongxu nodded, "I’ll return after meeting with our elder brother when he gets back."
After some thought, Shen Li continued, "Li’Er has a favor to ask of Second Brother."
