Chapter 40: Sabotaging Lan Ruiya’s Blind Date

Fortunately, Yun Zhi’s personal space was large enough to contain all these items at once.

Lu Zijie had prepared the supplies in a storage ring, but he also included a storage bag that even a mortal could use. It required only a small amount of spiritual energy to operate, or, if one lacked spiritual energy, it could be opened manually to its widest capacity to pour out the contents. The only drawback was that it could not hold items with exceptionally large individual volumes.

"The things in this storage bag are your reward, Yun Zhi," Lu Zijie said. During their first trade, he hadn't yet obtained a storage bag suitable for mortals, which was why he had instructed Yun Zhi to go to Ziji for everything. He had also intended for Yun Zhi to help Ziji integrate into modern life. But now, Ziji and Yun Zhi were out on missions together, and their relationship had blossomed to be even closer than his own with her. For some reason, Lu Zijie felt a bit of jealousy toward the other version of himself. He had met Yun Zhi first; if not for their identities being swapped, he would have been in the same world as her, and they certainly would have become great friends. Regardless, Lu Zijie decided he couldn't leave all the opportunities to impress her to Ziji. The commission for acting as a middleman was something both Ziji and he should pay.

Yun Zhi said, feeling a bit embarrassed, "Ah, Brother Lu, but Ziji already gave me 200 million in courier fees..." And that money was from what Lu Zijie had earned previously.

Lu Zijie replied, "If I give it to you, just take it. His is his, and mine is mine."

"Alright then, I won't stand on ceremony with you, Brother Lu. Hehe!" Yun Zhi thought to herself that even if Lu Zijie hadn't prepared a separate share for her, Ziji would have eventually given her whatever she needed—it was simply a matter of mutual support. Yun Zhi had indeed gained many benefits from these two powerful figures, but that was also because she was more important to them than any other transmigrator. For other group members, their connection to Earth was merely a lingering obsession or a need for supplies; if they couldn't reach it, it wouldn't fundamentally change their current lives. But the relationship between Lu Zijie and Ziji was special; if anything happened to Ziji, it would directly affect Lu Zijie’s own life and death. Moreover, both men were titans in their respective fields, and such wealth was trivial to them. Since they insisted on giving, Yun Zhi would offer a few polite words, but she wasn't about to push the gifts away.

Happily, Yun Zhi probed the storage bag with a sliver of spiritual energy to inspect the treasures inside. There were medicinal pills, safety talismans, and other useful items, along with three modified formation disks that could be activated with a small amount of spiritual energy. One was a mini version of a "Heart-Questioning Illusion Array," one was a binding array, and the third was a defensive array. The quantities weren't large because the materials required to make disks compatible with human spiritual energy were rare. Fortunately, as long as they weren't destroyed, these three disks could be reused by inserting spiritual stones. As for the spiritual stones, Lu Zijie had provided one thousand low-grade ones. He hadn't given higher-grade stones because she had never cultivated a spiritual energy system; using stones with overly concentrated energy would do her more harm than good. The quantity was capped at one thousand because the storage bag’s capacity was limited to about one hundred cubic meters. While its "spirit-locking" ability wasn't as strong as a storage ring, it was superior to her personal space.

Yun Zhi moved all her energy-based items, except for the Substitute Doll, into the storage bag. Just then, Lu Zijie sent a private message: "If the spiritual stones aren't enough, ask Ziji or me for more. When your next trade opportunity is near, just come to me."

Since Yun Zhi had opened the bag right next to Ziji, he had scanned it with his divine sense and knew exactly what was inside. He clicked his tongue and said, "He went to the trouble of getting you a storage bag and formation disks you can use; I suppose he’s thoughtful. The number of spiritual stones isn't huge, but they take up space, so it's not ideal to give you too many at once. Use them up and ask me for more." Ziji had originally planned to distribute some of his own items to her, but seeing that the storage bag already contained everything she needed—and in quantities equal to what had been prepared for him—he felt a surge of rivalry. *This Lu Zijie is truly calculating! He’s intentionally competing with me for her favor!* Hmph, he thought, he had the advantage of being in the same world as Yun Zhi and spending time with her; that wasn't something Lu Zijie could match with mere gifts.

Ziji said, "The firearms you wanted—if the quantity isn't too large, I'll have them ready in a few days. Just come and pick them up. Do you want a helicopter, a yacht, or a submarine as well?"

Yun Zhi: "..." Perhaps because she had been spending so much time with Ziji, she dropped the pretense of being polite and nodded directly, "Yes, please! Thank you in advance, hehe!"

Ziji replied, "Hmph, why stand on ceremony with me?"

They emerged from the now-empty warehouse. Ziji needed to return to his villa to take the new pills Lu Zijie had prepared. Fearing that something might go wrong during the process, Yun Zhi volunteered to guard him. Strictly speaking, since they were currently cultivating an ability-based system, it was best not to take pills refined for a spiritual energy system, as the clash between the two energies in the body could be dangerous. However, first, Ziji’s ability energy was still quite low—around late Tier 1, similar to Yun Zhi’s. Second, Ziji had over twenty years of experience cultivating spiritual energy, starting when he was three in his previous life; he was far more proficient with spiritual energy than with his new abilities.

As long as he used his spiritual/mental power to guide the two energy systems into an orderly cycle through his meridians after taking the pills, preventing them from colliding, there shouldn't be any issues. If the worst occurred, Yun Zhi was there to help by roughly and forcibly channeling any excess energy out of his body. While that would waste the pill's potency and deplete his ability energy, it would at least save his life.

Ziji said, "You will inevitably need to take pills yourself in the future, and I might not always be by your side to guard you. In a moment, extend a sliver of your mental power into my meridians and learn how I guide the energy through the major and minor circulations so they don't fight each other."

Yun Zhi hesitated, "Ah, but if I do that, won't I know all about your physical condition..."

Ziji replied, "So what if you do? Would you harm me?"

Yun Zhi shook her head violently. How could that be? Ziji was her biggest client and benefactor! On a personal level, he was the only friend in the real world who knew about her "cheat"—the chat group—and was someone she could trust with her life. How could she possibly harm him?

Ziji added, "There you go."

Ziji first took a Calming Pill to soothe his mind and soul, followed by a Beast Blood Bone-Forging Pill. This pill promised to strengthen his entire body, flesh, and bones, but it was notoriously painful. Fearing that his pained expression might frighten Yun Zhi, he reluctantly took a sip of his remaining Hundred Flower Dew. Then, Yun Zhi witnessed the entire process of Ziji turning into a bloody mess on the bed... It was far more harrowing than when she had taken the Bone-Marrow Cleansing Pill. The potency of the Beast Blood Bone-Forging Pill was much more violent and aggressive than the entry-level cleansing pill. But Ziji did not want to be held back by his weak body; he had no choice but to take strong medicine to rapidly improve his physical fitness.

The violent energy rampaged through his body. Had Ziji’s mental strength not been powerful enough to suppress it, every inch of his flesh would have been torn apart. His still-weak ability crystal and energy shivered in the gaps, struggling for survival. Fortunately, Ziji’s control was precise, preventing his ability crystal from being shattered. Yun Zhi watched with a sliver of her mental power, trembling in fear that Ziji might lose control of the pill’s berserk energy and destroy the ability crystal he had worked so hard to cultivate. No wonder Lu Zijie had suggested it was best not to give pills refined from spiritual energy to those practicing other systems. If she were to take one, she should definitely do it with Ziji nearby.

The next morning, Ziji appeared in the living room in sportswear, looking vibrant and energetic. Yun Zhi was already waiting. Ziji flashed a brilliant smile: "Morning, Yun Zhi! See? I wasn't lying. A few pills later, and I’m full of life."

Last night, Ziji had taken another Beast Blood Body-Forging Pill and a Mental Clarity Pill. Yun Zhi had watched him become crusted in dried blood, wanting to suggest he take it slow, but not knowing how to persuade him. She wanted to look away, but feared that if she left, his energy might spiral out of control. It wasn't until the second round of pills had taken effect and the energy began to stabilize late that night—past 11 PM—that Ziji finally convinced her to go to the guest room to sleep. She had only felt truly at ease when she saw him looking even more spirited than before the next morning.

This former sword cultivator, if nothing else, had incredible pain tolerance and precise control over spiritual energy. Having observed for hours, Yun Zhi decided she would never dare to try the Beast Blood Bone-Forging Pill; one try and she might be done for. However, she felt she could handle pills with milder spiritual energy. To test her theory, she had taken a quarter of a Foundation-Restoring Pill last night. It had been specifically refined by Lu Zijie for her constitution using low-grade, young spiritual herbs and fruits, providing only a small, gentle amount of energy. It wasn't very potent, serving mainly to quickly restore physical energy, which was perfect for her to practice with. For her, a quarter of a pill was safe—even if the energy went haywire, it wouldn't destroy her ability crystal; at most, she would be unable to use her powers for a day or two.

As expected, Yun Zhi managed the spiritual energy quite steadily. She realized that cultivation wasn't easy; a single mistake could lead to minor injuries, serious harm, or even death. For a moment, she felt a surge of admiration for Ziji. "I'm glad you're okay. Next time you take pills, you can call me to guard you."

Ziji initially wanted to say it wasn't necessary, but he paused and corrected himself: "Sure, if you have time." Good friends should hang out whenever they could! That was how relationships grew stronger.

The breakfast prepared by the Lu family was nutritious and delicious, with a large variety and generous portions—Ziji was, after all, a big eater. During breakfast, Yun Zhi asked casually, "I'm going to watch Lu Ziping go on a blind date with Lan Ruiya tomorrow. Do you want to come along?"

Ziji swallowed a *xiaolongbao* and frowned. "What? He’s bothering you with such trivial matters? It seems I haven't beaten my little brother in a while."

Yun Zhi replied flatly, "Go easy on him. You don't know how to date yourself, yet you spend all day squeezing Lu Ziping for work, leaving him no time or opportunity to date. What, do you really want the Lu family line to end?"

Elder Lu, fearing that a young girl like Yun Zhi might feel uncomfortable around an old man like him, felt relieved once he learned his grandson’s health had truly improved. After his workout, he washed up, changed into loungewear, and went to the garden with the butler for breakfast. He was currently in the garden, watching the surveillance footage of the main villa’s dining room on his phone. He had hoped to see some romantic tension between Ziji and Yun Zhi. Ziji mentioned her often, and the old man couldn't help but overthink it—torn between the fact that her background was quite ordinary and the feeling that, as an ability user, she was a better match for Ziji than any wealthy socialite. However, these were just Elder Lu’s thoughts; Ziji wasn't someone who listened to his discipline. He had no say in whether Ziji found a partner or what kind of partner he chose.

Lu Dezhang felt that if he dared to suggest a blind date, that brat might just have his grandfather go in his stead! After all, the boy had previously told him he could find a "second spring" if he were bored... Lu Dezhang had taken longevity and beauty pills, making him look like he was in his early fifties, but he was seventy-two. Ziji looked like a college student, but his physical age was twenty-eight. Lu Ziping wasn't young either, turning twenty-six in two months. Lu Dezhang’s biggest worry now was his grandsons' marriages.

The old man gestured at his phone screen and complained to the housekeeper, "Xiao Ming, look at this brat. He doesn't want to find a wife, and he doesn't want Ziping to find one either! I think he’s the one who needs a beating! Hmph!"

The housekeeper, Lu Songming, whose father had been adopted by the Lu family, understood the old man’s desire to hold his great-grandchildren. He didn't dare call the eldest young master "deserving of a beating," but he worriedly said, "Sir, the important thing is that the eldest young master doesn't seem to have any romantic interest in Miss Yun..."

How could Lu Dezhang not see what the housekeeper could see? But he could only worry in silence; he didn't dare interfere.

In the dining room, Yun Zhi reached for the last *xiaolongbao*... but Ziji snatched it away with lightning speed. "Ah, having someone to compete with for food makes it taste even better!" Ziji finished the dumpling with a satisfied sigh.

Yun Zhi put down her chopsticks and finished her beef and radish porridge. "I'll assume you aren't coming tomorrow, then."

Ziji replied, "I'm coming! You're right—since I don't want to date or marry, Lu Ziping must marry as soon as possible! Preferably, he should hurry up and produce a few little ones so my grandfather stops staring at me all day!"

Yun Zhi laughed, "Alright, I'll bring you along for the show, hehe." She felt that since Lu Zijie loved "eating the melon" (gossiping) of his brother's love life, he should know the aftermath. She could recount it, of course, but it wouldn't be as fun as Ziji seeing it firsthand and sharing it in his dreams. Ziji would definitely share it, because like Lu Zijie, he loved a good show. Besides her, he had no other friends, so he could only share the gossip with the other version of himself. Ziji had been suppressed by his sect for too long, forced to practice swordplay and "save the world" until he thought it was his only responsibility. Life had so much more beauty to offer! In this peaceful era, he could still save people, but life should have other joys. Observing the human condition and watching others fall in love could be considered a form of training for his state of mind, right? That was why Yun Zhi invited him—sharing the fun was better than enjoying it alone. She also hoped that seeing Lu Ziping’s sincerity toward Lan Ruiya might spark some interest in romance within Ziji.

Ziji didn't know Yun Zhi’s ulterior motive; he just thought it was a date between good friends. As for Lu Ziping... hmph, for the sake of his utility, he would spare him a beating for now.

...

The next morning at eight, Ziji, Lu Ziping, and Xiao Wang appeared outside the Jin Yuan residential area. Xiao Wang and Lu Ziping sat in the front, while Ziji sat in the back. Since their mission wasn't meant to be flashy, they took only one car and minimal bodyguards. Besides, with Ziji and Yun Zhi present, they were the strongest forces; they didn't need bodyguards. Xiao Wang had aggressively fought for the spot just to be the first to "eat the melon."

The four arrived at the high-end cafe where Lan Ruiya and Su Junsheng were to meet at 9:30 AM. The booths were separated by curtains and greenery, semi-open and perfect for blind dates. Lu Ziping said, "I heard they booked booth 9, so let’s wait in booth 8 further inside." They ordered coffee, cake, and two plates of melon seeds. The waiter looked at the odd combination of three men and one woman—two of the men and the woman were exceptionally good-looking, while the third man was unremarkable—but didn't dare ask questions.

At 9:50 AM, Su Junsheng appeared, wearing charcoal grey trousers, a white shirt, and a suit vest. He was decent-looking, with gold-rimmed glasses, red lips, and white teeth; refined and handsome, around 180cm tall. At a glance, he was a solid 90 points.

Peering through a slit in the curtain, Lu Ziping recognized him and whispered, "My god, why is this bastard’s skin so white? Why are his lips so red? He looks like..."

Yun Zhi scanned him with her mental power and responded softly, "He likely hired a professional makeup artist for a 'no-makeup' look. His hairstyle and outfit are all carefully designed."

Lu Ziping, who had been teased by his cousin for looking effeminate after putting a little too much gel in his hair before leaving, gripped his stirring spoon tightly. "It's a good thing I came prepared, or that shallow woman Lan Ruiya would definitely have been fooled. Also, the file said he’s 175cm tall; this guy is definitely wearing height-increasing insoles!"

Ziji said, "Shh, stop yapping, he’s coming over."

Xiao Wang: *Quietly eating melon.*

A few minutes later, Lan Ruiya arrived in a D-brand star-patterned strap dress. The grey-blue and starry-blue hues made her skin look porcelain white. With her naturally flowing chestnut curls and light makeup, she looked elegant and refined. She was a "light-featured" beauty—not stunning at first glance, but increasingly attractive the more you looked. Seeing Su Junsheng, her eyes lit up. "You must be Su Junsheng? You look great; it seems the matchmaker didn't exaggerate."

Su Junsheng stood to greet her, bowing politely. "Miss Lan is too kind. It is you who has caught my eye; you are as beautiful as a fairy descending to earth." His voice was a smooth, melodic "bubble voice."

Lu Ziping bent his spoon in half. Had Xiao Wang not been holding his arm, he would have stormed over to expose the scumbag’s true face. But as they had agreed, they needed to give Su Junsheng time to perform. The more perfect he made himself appear, the greater the contrast when his true colors were revealed, and the angrier Lan Ruiya would be when she realized she’d been deceived. It would also highlight that while Lu Ziping might have a sharp tongue, he was transparent and had impeccable character. If nothing else, his claim of having zero ex-girlfriends on the entire internet was absolutely true! He didn't even have "flings." He brought bodyguards even when drinking with friends, claiming it was to "prevent outside women from tainting his purity." If he hadn't been so distant from other men, people might have thought he was gay.

After they ordered, the next booth began their "main event." Su Junsheng used the art of language to package himself as an elite man. His family background was slightly inferior to Lan Ruiya’s but decent, and he claimed to be hardworking—not only learning the ropes as a market manager in his family’s company but also dabbling in financial and industrial investments.

The reality? He was one of a "football team" of illegitimate children waiting for an inheritance. His business ability was mediocre; he couldn't hold a high-level position like a vice president or department director, and he was too proud to start from the bottom like his eldest sister. As for financial investment? He just had a private stock account that kept losing money. Industrial investment? He just owned a few storefronts in a new district, renting them out for a few thousand a month. It was fine for an average family, but in front of Lan Ruiya, who received 500,000 in pocket money a month... it was pathetic.

Lu Ziping whispered with a disgusted look, "This guy is really good at gilding his own lily!"

Next door, Su Junsheng began to beautify his romantic history, painting himself as a pure, inexperienced young man. "I only cared about my studies in school, and after graduation, I was busy with work. I'm not good at talking to girls; I get shy just saying a few words. I've truly never dated anyone." He glanced at Lan Ruiya’s pretty face and lowered his head shyly.

Yun Zhi was impressed. With such acting skills, why wasn't he in the entertainment industry? Then again, it was better he didn't ruin that industry with his sleazy habits. Lan Ruiya had never dated, and while she didn't require her partner to have zero history, she definitely didn't want someone with a chaotic life. Su Junsheng had tailored his persona specifically to her requirements.

Sure enough, after listening to his introduction, Lan Ruiya’s smile became much more genuine. "Oh, it's fine! Isn't there a saying that 'male virtue is a man’s best dowry'? I like boys who aren't good at talking to girls!"

Lu Ziping gritted his teeth. *He’s got you wrapped around his finger, and you think he’s not good at talking to girls?*

—*Clang!* Lu Ziping accidentally knocked over his coffee cup.

Xiao Wang quickly said, "Oh, be careful! Here’s a napkin, wipe it up. Good thing there wasn't much left in the cup." Lan Ruiya didn't pay any attention to the unfamiliar male voice from the next booth.

Su Junsheng frowned, feeling a vague sense of unease, but he had come too far. For the sake of his inheritance and the Lan family’s assets, he had to continue. He took a deep breath. "Miss Lan, if—and I mean if—you were willing to let me have the honor of being the one to care for you... I would cherish you like a fairy. No, you are a fairy! If I could marry you, I would never look at another woman. Housework? I won't let you lift a finger. Children? We can have one or two, whatever you prefer. My salary? All surrendered to you. If you have conflicts with my parents, I will unconditionally side with you, because you are the one I will grow old with. Little things at home are all up to you. If you say east, I won't go west. If something big happens, we’ll discuss it together. As long as our hearts are one, we fear no hardship..."

*He wouldn't look at other women because he had no interest in them. Housework? Of course she wouldn't do it—they’d hire a nanny. Children? That wouldn't be up to her once they were married. He wouldn't say he listened to everything—that would make him seem spineless.*

Listening to him, Lan Ruiya compared him to the hypocrites and foul-mouthed men (Lu Ziping) she had met before and thought Su Junsheng was a great candidate! She didn't love him yet, but she was interested. Lan Ruiya didn't actually want to marry; being single was fun! But her parents had only her, and her grandparents were in poor health, hoping to see her wed. She had planned to find a decent "tool man" to marry and have a child with; once she had a baby, the pressure would shift to the child, and she could remain a happy, wealthy woman.

Just as Lan Ruiya was about to invite him to lunch, Lu Ziping couldn't take it anymore. He slammed the table and shouted, "Su Junsheng, what kind of nonsense are you spouting?! And Lan Ruiya, you foolish woman, you don't actually believe his lies, do you?"

Su Junsheng: "..."

Lan Ruiya: "...?!"

Yun Zhi: "..." She finally understood why Lu Ziping had chased Lan Ruiya since middle school and still hadn't succeeded.

Ziji shook his head. This brother was beyond saving. Whether the Lu line ended didn't matter to him—there was no throne to inherit. If the old man cared so much, he could go find a "second spring" himself; that would be faster than waiting for Lu Ziping to get a girlfriend!