Drinking at the Ford: A Jianghu Mystery

Eighteen years ago, Yan Jiuling swindled several powerful martial arts figures into marrying her, raked in countless treasures, and then eloped just as she was about to become the wife of the leader of Yin Niu Jin, the greatest sect in the martial world.

Eighteen years later, Xu Muzhen, who inherited his mother's beauty, is struggling to survive in the martial world. One day he's begging for food, the next he's crying at funerals, and the day after that he's being hunted... When will this life ever get easier?

Xu Muzhen finally managed to learn who his mother was, but he still doesn't know who his father is:

A trusted lieutenant of Yin Niu Jin?

The man who eloped with his mother?

Every time he thinks he's found his father, he's wrong.

Another father? Impossible! He's tried to kill me several times!

Mu Shirong fell for Xu Muzhen's face at first sight. She helped him find a renowned master, learn powerful martial arts, and make plans for his future, just as the man who eloped with Yan Jiuling had once tried to win her over.

Xu Muzhen helps his mother settle the debts left by her elopements, but Mu Shirong sees how selfish he is and decides she's had enough.

A woman should find a husband who cherishes her!

As Xu Muzhen learns powerful martial arts and how to lead a sect, he also tries to figure out what it means to dote on his wife.

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"You were engaged to Yin Sheng? Don't hide from me. Look at me!"

She bit her lower lip until it turned pale.

"Did you and him...?"

Xiao Rong paused, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

He lowered his voice. "If you didn't want it, it doesn't count."

Even after he softened his approach, he still couldn't get an answer from her.

"Fine, all right," Xu Muzhen said, nodding with a tumult of emotions. "Do you still have feelings for him?" Xu Muzhen's Adam's apple bobbed. "This is your last chance. Think carefully before you answer!"

Even if Xu Muzhen hadn't held her wrist so tightly, she wouldn't have had the strength to resist. She had been the same way when Yin Sheng insulted her before: unable to think, unable to defend herself.

She said nothing.

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

But when that handsome face lifted again, it was filled with bitter hatred. Xiao Rong had only just touched him with her fingertips when she recoiled as if burned, then realized she had enraged a bloodthirsty beast.

Every unanswered question sounded like confirmation. People only stayed silent when they had no way to defend themselves.

So Xu Muzhen understood it this way: she had been engaged to Yin Sheng, she had been with him, and she still loved him.

"How many fiances have you had? How much have you been hiding from me?"

"You were the one who stuck to him first, weren't you? Yu Cheng has eight wives. How many did you plan to join? Is eight enough?"

"You said we couldn't go all the way before marriage, and I believed you. I thought you were a good girl. How many men have you said that to?" Xu Muzhen gave a low laugh. "You put on quite a show, and I was a real fool."

Xu Muzhen gently kissed the edge of her nose, then moved lower, tenderly caressing her bud-like lips. In the same deep, coaxing voice he used when they were in love, he murmured, "Let's tally up what you owe me."

Original title: Yin Niu Jin: Tracing the Martial World

A campus romance, A Romantic Tale of the First and Second Worst Students, is coming soon and currently open for preorders.

The second book in this series, Yin Niu Jin: A Heroine Without Borders, is also open for preorders.

If you like it, please give it a heart~

Entry statement for the growth and comeback writing contest "I Was Born with Talent, and It Must Be Put to Use": Xu Muzhen is an ordinary disciple of Yin Niu Jin, the greatest martial arts sect in the land. With no parents to protect him, he carves out a path to survival through sheer perseverance. He endures all kinds of dark moments in life and suffers many injuries along the way. In the end, he finds a renowned master, learns powerful martial arts, and ushers in an era of his own.

Theme: Find your family, make a name for yourself, and cut through every storm.