They all want to change my future.

Chapter 48 The Ambition of a Grandmaster

"Is there anything else, sir?"

Li Zhigang took two steps, then turned back, his expression now one of respect.

Whether you guessed it or not, just pretend for now, it's not a bad idea.

The more respectful she became, the more Qu Hongxiao frowned.

"Something's not right." She stared at Li Zhi, her eyes growing increasingly suspicious. "I have a feeling you're playing me for a fool."

"Why do you say that, sir?"

Li Zhi remained expressionless.

"Do you know that when one cultivates to the level of a Grandmaster, the path is complete, and one's mind cannot be taken away?"

Qu Hongxiao took two steps closer, her eyes growing increasingly cold.

Li Zhi suddenly realized why Lin Yueyin had changed her mind so quickly and cut ties with Ji Baizhi so easily.

Is this considered a firm belief in the Dao?

However, it seems that Qu Hongxiao is not up to the task.

It's not that it's impossible; when they want to kill me, they're quite decisive. However, once they've convinced themselves, they change their minds quite quickly.

So, what's going on now? Kill me? No, not me.

So this is an attempt to bomb me?

Or is it that she hasn't figured out how she feels about me?

A few thoughts flashed through Li Zhi's mind, and he quickly came up with an idea, asking directly, "So, you want me to be disrespectful?"

"no."

Qu Hongxiao's tone was cold.

This enigmatic demeanor gave Li Zhi a headache; it's always this troublesome when a woman is your boss.

"You want to know why I changed my attitude."

Li Zhi's voice softened, no longer as sweet as before, but still as respectful as it had been.

Qu Hongxiao was somewhat satisfied with this attitude and nodded.

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi continued, "Actually, it's all because of you."

"Me?" Qu Hongxiao was a little confused. What had she done?

Li Zhi had already thought of his answer and immediately said, "They even played 'The Phoenix Seeks Its Mate' for me. If I weren't respectful, wouldn't I be being incredibly ungrateful?"

Upon hearing the words "The Phoenix Seeks Its Mate," Qu Hongxiao's expression turned slightly serious.

Upon closer reflection, it seemed true that his actions just now could almost be considered as degrading himself and revealing his true feelings.

That makes sense, given his current level of respect.

No, he would be the kind of man who would feel deeply indebted to a beautiful woman and find it difficult to repay her kindness.

Qu Hongxiao took a few more steps closer, her jade-like hand brushing against Li Zhi's lips, feeling their thickness.

She felt a little relieved, but the next moment, she came to terms with it.

So what if it is? I only have one purpose with it: to make the Empress happy.

Once this thought arose, my resolve to follow the Dao became firm.

"Let's just say that."

Qu Hongxiao waved her hand, the frost on her face softening slightly. "What do you think of that piece of music?"

Li Zhi was a little confused. Why was this woman acting so strangely? She touched her lips and that's how she ended up like this.

However, he still honestly asked, "It sounds very nice."

"It sounds nice, doesn't it?"

Qu Hongxiao raised her hand, and a roll of thin silk flew out and landed in Li Zhi's arms. "The sheet music, take it and learn it."

Li Zhi raised an eyebrow: "You want me to play for you?"

"Reciprocity is key."

Qu Hongxiao turned around, reverting to her aloof demeanor: "You may leave."

Li Zhi, holding the sheet music, turned and went downstairs.

This time, he didn't leave with Xie Shiyi, but quietly walked out of the Red Silk Building alone.

The journey back to Zhaoyang Prefecture was still very quiet.

The cool, clear moonlight spilled across the ground, casting his long, thin shadow.

Too many things happened today.

He needs to sort out his thoughts, and the best way to do that, of course, is to talk to someone.

So, when he reached the gate of Zhaoyang Mansion, Li Zhi stopped and softly said to the empty streets:

"Miss Ji isn't here right now, shouldn't Miss Lin come out and say a few words to me?"

A night breeze swept by, and a soft hum came from the shadows of the eaves:

"What else is there to say? Your audacity today is beyond words."

Lin Yueyin's voice drifted down, but no figure appeared.

"I'm still alive and well, aren't I?" Li Zhi laughed. "Besides, accidents can still happen."

"Discover?"

Lin Yueyin's voice was laced with sarcasm: "You've won the heart of yet another woman. What a scumbag."

Before Li Zhi could explain, Lin Yueyin quickly uttered another disgusted remark.

"I see you now. You can say anything and tell any lie."

"Well then, I'd like to ask a question."

Li Zhi wasn't angry at all, remaining calm and composed: "Miss Lin, have I ever lied to you?"

A cool breeze blew by, and the darkness remained silent.

Li Zhi laughed at this reaction: "Let's talk about something else. Does a grandmaster really have to be so steadfast in their path?"

"Otherwise?"

Lin Yueyin's voice was cold: "If you can't even do this, you can't become a grandmaster."

Li Zhi simply shrugged at the veiled criticism directed at a certain phoenix and continued his analysis:

"Qu Hongxiao's path should be related to the Demon Queen. Did you find out anything about her before?"

"We can't find out everything."

When the topic turned to business, Lin Yueyin's voice became more normal. "Once she gives you the cultivation technique, we can check it again and probably piece together about 70-80% of it. We already have a few guesses."

"What guess? Tell me."

I won't tell you.

Lin Yueyin rarely showed a hint of sullen emotion; clearly, she still held a grudge.

"Fine, don't tell me then."

Li Zhi smiled, then asked casually, "So, Miss Lin, is your path to revenge against the Demon Queen?"

Another silence followed.

Li Zhi knew that this meant he didn't want to answer, so he waved his hand to indicate that he wouldn't ask. However, after saying so much, he had also figured out what had happened tonight.

Just as he turned and stepped into Zhaoyang Mansion.

Lin Yueyin's voice suddenly rang out: "What exactly are your feelings for her?"

"Who? Qu Hongxiao?"

"Um."

"What could she possibly be thinking?" Li Zhi stopped, his tone flat. "I find matters of love between men and women rather uninteresting, but she herself is quite interesting."

"Hmph." Lin Yueyin snorted lightly, "And what about your feelings for Ji Baizhi?"

"Miss Ji..." Li Zhi paused, then smiled and said, "She's quite interesting."

Which is more interesting?

"The young lady Lin who asked this question is even more interesting now."

Li Zhi gave this answer and then stepped into Zhaoyang Prefecture.

"I knew I shouldn't have talked to you so much."

The sound faded into the night.

When Li Zhi opened the gates of his residence, a smile still lingered on his lips.

Sure enough, she's a proud and arrogant girl.

The night was thrilling, and now we've stepped into Zhaoyang Mansion.

Li Zhi was somewhat dazed. Ji Baizhi was still waiting under the eaves, her plain white dress shimmering softly in the moonlight.

As he entered, she quickly went to greet him, her voice as soft as ever:

"Young master is back."

This call warmed Li Zhi's heart for no apparent reason.

"Yes, I'm back."

He took the brocade pouch from his bosom and gently tossed it to her.

Ji Baizhi took it, and upon touching it, she realized the weight hadn't decreased. She was slightly taken aback: "Young Master, you didn't spend a single coin?"

"I can't spend the money," Li Zhi laughed. "Someone treated me to a meal and even gave me something in return."

He took out the sheet music and twirled it between his fingertips.

Ji Baizhi's curiosity deepened: "It seems that you had a lot of fun today, young master."

"I'm happy." Li Zhi nodded, his smile deepening. "I'm absolutely thrilled."

"Then..." Ji Baizhi looked at him, her eyes reflecting the warm light of the lanterns under the eaves, "Would you be willing to tell me, young master?"

"Of course I'll tell you." Li Zhi walked to the stone bench and sat down, gesturing for her to sit as well. "This matter is also related to you, so telling you will surely be more interesting."