Chapter 2: Chapter 6: You Are a Genius (2)

The single word that spilled from Nalan Zhenyue’s lips was clear and spoken at a fairly high volume.

The momentum behind it was extraordinary!

In particular, those pupils of hers grew increasingly deep, like a black hole impossible to fathom—calm and ripple-free, yet concealing a murderous intent.

At that very moment, the martial arts arena not far away suddenly fell silent, and everyone turned their gazes toward Nalan Zhenyue.

Chen Sao’s face turned deathly pale.

Was the Nalan Zhenyue before her truly Nalan Zhenyue?

If not for the fact that she could see her beggar-like appearance, Chen Sao would never have believed that the young girl in front of her was Nalan Zhenyue.

But she had no choice but to believe it!

Under Chen Sao’s panicked gaze, Nalan Zhenyue smiled, the corners of her mouth curling into a faint arc.

Beneath her half-hidden hair, that smile, though faint, was as dazzling as sunlight. Yet, the smile did not reach her eyes; on the contrary, the temperature in those depths was colder than ice.

Such a smile was simply—

Chen Sao’s body couldn't help but tremble twice.

Over at the martial arts arena, the chatter had already begun, incessant and unending.

A portion of the crowd recognized Nalan Zhenyue, their faces all wearing the same expression: mockery, disdain, and even disgust.

There were also some who hadn't recognized her, but upon being reminded by those around them, they immediately understood.

So it was her!

"So it's her. Wasn't it said she was a good-for-nothing? But what’s with this look? Like a beggar—is she really a young lady of our Nalan Manor?"

Those with expressions of mockery and disgust on their faces were likely the ones who often came to the woodshed to "greet" Nalan Zhenyue; even if not frequent, they had certainly done so before.

As for the latter group who recognized her, their only impression of her was that she was a waste, a useless young lady. They hadn't expected her to appear this time looking like a beggar, and they were more or less surprised.

"How shameful, what kind of outfit is that! She’s losing face for our Nalan Manor, looking like a beggar. Is she really that Nalan Zhenyue? Even if she is a waste, she shouldn't be in this state, right?"

"It’s her, it’s definitely her. She’s a waste, even worse than a beggar! How embarrassing!"

Hearing such words, Chen Sao’s face turned even whiter, drained of all color.

Only now did she realize that although Nalan Zhenyue was an unfavored young lady and a waste, she was still a lady of the house. To appear before everyone in such a state...

Nalan Zhenyue’s other maid, Xiuyun, immediately rushed out, saying, "Miss, have you had another dizzy spell? You cannot come out dressed like this! Quickly, come back with this servant!"

Xiuyun had a long, pointed face, and as she rushed to Nalan Zhenyue’s side, her eyes darted around. She was a very clever and quick-witted maid; by saying this, she was informing everyone that her mistress had something wrong with her head.

Once Xiuyun said this, the expressions of disgust on the faces of the disciples who heard her only deepened.

Running out even when her brain wasn't working right?!

The Nalan Manor was vast, with numerous disciples—both direct and collateral lines—adding up to quite a crowd. Some who were younger than Nalan Zhenyue and didn't know of her existence wore various expressions: some of annoyance and disgust, and of course, some of sympathy and pity.

Look at that; not only does she have no cultivation, but she’s also a fool. Her life is finished just like that.

With no prospects and a waste who can do nothing!

Some felt it was uninteresting and withdrew their gazes. Xiuyun and Chen Sao exchanged a look, and seeing that fewer people were watching, they each grabbed one of Nalan Zhenyue’s arms, sandwiching her between them, and intended to drag her back just like that.