Chapter 142: Shangguan Haitang,

through her conversation with Li Xunhuan, Yaoyue and Dongfang Bubai confirmed that Lin Shiyin was also one of the diary's owners.

However, Yaoyue and Dongfang Bubai didn't consider Lin Shiyin a threat to them.

This was primarily because Lin Shiyin was already married to someone else and even had a child. Furthermore, Lin Shiyin and Li Xunhuan had a relatively deep relationship.

Furthermore, the fact that Lin Shiyin had come directly to Yunhe Temple to steal Rama's remains after arriving in Nanjing City indicated that she had no unrealistic ambitions towards Ye Xiu.

However, Lin Shiyin's appearance reaffirmed Dongfang Bubai and Yaoyue's assumptions.

The diary's owners were likely the women mentioned in Ye Xiu's diary:

Dongfang Bubai, Qu Feiyan, Ren Yingying, Yilin, Huang Rong, Yue Lingshan, Ning Zhongze, Yaoyue, Lianxing, Shangguan Haitang, and Lin Shiyin.

These individuals only came into possession of the diary after Ye Xiu mentioned them in his diary.

Yao Yue and Dongfang Bubai suspected that all the women mentioned in Ye Xiu's diary were the diary's owners.

However, this suspicion was not absolute.

Ye Xiu mentioned Lin Xian'er in his diary.

Lin Xian'er was a renowned figure in the Ming Dynasty martial arts world, with countless titles like "the most beautiful woman in the martial arts world" and "a beautiful and kind person

." Dongfang Bubai and Yao Yue had previously dismissed these titles.

However, later in Ye Xiu's diary, he mentioned Lin Xian'er as not a good person, but rather a fickle and malicious woman.

If Lin Xian'er was such a woman, then after obtaining the diary, she would have tried every possible means to find Ye Xiu, perhaps even to make him succumb to her charms.

However, Lin Xian'er never appeared in the diary.

Given Lin Xian'er's personality, the only possible reason for her absence was that she was not the diary's owner and was completely unaware of its existence.

It was Lin Xian'er who caused Dongfang Bubai, Yaoyue, and the others to be confused about who actually owned the diary.

Most of the women mentioned in the diary were the diary's owners, but some weren't. What about those? Furthermore

, besides the Ming Dynasty, did the women mentioned in the diary also possess diaries? Well, Huang Rong was from the Song Dynasty.

Honestly, sometimes Dongfang Bubai, Yaoyue, and even Huang Rong wished Ye Xiu would stop mentioning any women's names in the diary besides their own, and even more so, didn't want new names to appear.

But they were completely powerless when it came to the diary. They couldn't stop it, or even try to persuade him. The most they could do was stay by Ye Xiu's side and do some things to get him to record their actions in the diary. That was all they could do.

Compared to Yaoyue and Dongfang Bubai, Li Xunhuan was a bit confused.

He simply couldn't understand why Dongfang Bubai and Yaoyue knew of Lin Shiyin's existence, or why they knew she'd come to Nanjing.

He couldn't even understand why Dongfang Bubai and Yaoyue had assumed that Lin Shiyin was the one who had come to Yunhe Temple to search for Rama's remains.

Unfortunately, Dongfang Bubai and Yaoyue wouldn't even offer him an explanation.

...

"Sir, this place is almost full. Can we share a table?"

Just as Ye Xiu had once again taken a seat by the window of the inn near Zhang Dajing's residence, observing the goings-on at Zhang Dajing's mansion while eating, drinking, and chatting, a gentle voice rang out.

Ye Xiu turned and saw a man in white, clutching a folding fan and smiling as he bowed.

A flicker of surprise crossed Ye Xiu's eyes when he saw him.

He looked incredibly handsome, incredibly good-looking. Of course, Ye Xiu still felt that, as a man, he looked his best this way.

And this man in white, while handsome, had a subtle, feminine quality.

Yet, that femininity wasn't off-putting.

After hearing this, Ye Xiu instinctively glanced around the hall. Indeed, every table was occupied.

Ye Xiu's side consisted of only him, Huang Rong, and Qu Feiyan.

As for Yi Lin, she was a bit of a stay-at-home type, spending her days at home chanting Buddhist scriptures and staying out of the house whenever possible.

Yao Yue and Dongfang Bubai, while mostly by Ye Xiu's side, would occasionally go out to attend to errands.

Huang Rong and Qu Feiyan, on the other hand, spent most of their time with him, eating, drinking, and having fun.

Qu Feiyan even thought about inviting Ye Xiu to a brothel someday to express her gratitude.

Ye Xiu frowned slightly. Although the man in white didn't

look unpleasant, his sudden approach to him, accompanied by two other girls, struck him as inappropriate. It was easy to suspect he had some ill intentions towards Huang Rong and Qu Feiyan.

Ye Xiu frowned. Huang Rong and Qu Feiyan also looked at the man in white. Huang Rong, in particular, rolled her eyes. She even wondered if she should do something, a prank on this silver-clad man.

After all, while being around Ye Xiu every day was quite enjoyable, her diary entries were a bit dull. Having a little fun now was a welcome change of pace.

"Please rest assured, sir. I'm Shangguan Haitang. I mean no harm. I just want to take a break." The man in white, sensing Ye Xiu's thoughts, smiled slightly and introduced himself.

"Shangguan Haitang?" Ye Xiu, and even Huang Rong and Qu Feiyan, were all startled at the name Shangguan Haitang.

This name had been mentioned in Ye Xiu's diary before.

Ye Xiu couldn't help but take another closer look at Shangguan Haitang.

There was no visible ear piercing in her earlobes, and she had an Adam's apple on her neck. Her appearance was perfectly natural, with no signs of disguise at all.

Ye Xiu subconsciously noticed her chest. Well, it was also very flat, with no curves at all.

Her demeanor, her other parts, and so on, all showed absolutely no flaws.

If she hadn't given her name, even Ye Xiu, observing so carefully, would never have mistaken her for a woman.

It must be said here that the real Jianghu is completely different from what's shown in TV dramas.

In TV dramas, women disguised as men are always visible at a glance; they're women, with pierced ears, big diapers, and so on, just in case you can't tell.

But in the real Jianghu, someone like Shangguan Haitang, who is so skilled in disguise, can disguise herself as a man without any flaws.

Even Ye Xiu sniffed her discreetly, but couldn't detect any trace of rouge.

Clearly, Shangguan Haitang was a true master, knowing the flaws and loopholes in her disguise, making her disguise completely undetectable.

Shangguan Haitang stood there with a smile on her face, aware that Ye Xiu was observing her, even watching for the most vulnerable spots. But she was completely confident, knowing her disguise would never be seen through.

Ye Xiu's observations also confirmed that he understood her, truly understood her, and knew she was a woman. Shangguan

Haitang was now completely certain that Ye Xiu was the Huashan Sect disciple who had written the diary. He was also the man Dongfang Bubai didn't want her to get close to.

However, Ye Xiu knew so many secrets, including information about her, Shangguan Haitang, and even about Tiedan Shenhou, and even the possibility of someone who could predict the future. How could Shangguan Haitang not approach him?

So, taking advantage of Ye Xiu's visit to Nanjing, and her being sent by the Iron-hearted Divine Marquis, she came here specifically to get to know Ye Xiu.

Even her appearance before Ye Xiu today was pre-arranged, as Yao Yue and Dongfang Bubai wouldn't be around him.

"Young Master, do I look amiss?" Shangguan Haitang said, standing there confidently, arms outstretched, twirling in front of Ye Xiu.

"No, nothing's wrong. Aunt Shangguan—brother, please take a seat." Ye Xiu, who had been sizing Shangguan Haitang up so much earlier, felt a little guilty after hearing her words, and subconsciously offered her a seat.

"Thank you, Young Master. I'm Shangguan Haitang. May I know your name?" Shangguan Haitang asked, smiling as she sat down. She didn't even ask for Huang Rong or Qu Feiyan's names. If she were a man, this behavior would have been considered respectable and respectful, knowing how to avoid suspicion.

"I'm Ye Xiu, but I'm not worthy of being called Young Master," Ye Xiu said.

"Well deserved, well deserved. After all, Mr. Ye is such a handsome man, he really deserves the title of Mr. Ye." Shangguan Haitang laughed, her tone full of sincerity.

Ye Xiu smiled, but did not refute, because he was indeed quite confident in his face.

"Mr. Ye..."

Shangguan Haitang was very humorous and would never make people feel awkward. When she spoke, she would always talk about what the other person wanted to hear the most and the topics that interested them the most.

But her words did not contain any traps or deliberate tricks.

Ye Xiu, Huang Rong, and Qu Feiyan knew Shangguan Haitang. If it were anyone else, after such a conversation, they would probably develop a liking for Shangguan Haitang, and even think that Shangguan Haitang was their confidant and want to make friends with her.

Because she was really good at talking, the kind of person who would always have common topics with you, and she was not the kind of person who would fawn over you.

Moreover, even if Ye Xiu, Huang Rong, and Qu Feiyan knew Shangguan Haitang, after this exchange, they couldn't recognize that they had developed any favorable impressions towards her.

"Actually, I came to Nanjing this time, barely because of Rama's remains." Shangguan Haitang said to Ye Xiu very frankly.

"For Rama's remains?" Ye Xiu didn't find this surprising at all. He was just surprised that Shangguan Haitang would be so frank with him.

"Do you think that if I came here for Rama's remains, why did I tell you so openly?" Shangguan Haitang smiled.

"Well, I am indeed a little curious."

"That's because I know that there are many people who are interested in Rama's remains. Although I am somewhat confident in my own strength, I also know that Rama's remains are impossible for me to obtain. So, I came here just to join in the fun. So, naturally, I am not afraid to tell others." Shangguan Haitang said with a smile.

"Brother Shangguan is really rational." Ye Xiu smiled.

"So, Brother Ye, you're also here for Rama's body, right?"

"Like Brother Shangguan, I did come to Nanjing for Rama's body. But I also know that with my strength, I can't possibly obtain it, so I'm just joining in the fun," Ye Xiu said with a smile.

"Brother Ye is much stronger than me. Perhaps, Brother Ye could give it a try," Shangguan Haitang said casually.

"Brother Shangguan, you're exaggerating. My strength is just barely passable," Ye Xiu said modestly.

After all, even though Ye Xiu knew Shangguan Haitang well, their current relationship still required avoiding superficial acquaintances.

Shangguan Haitang understood this situation, so she simply smiled. "Come to think of it, this is the first time I've ever seen a man as handsome as Brother Ye. Brother Ye's looks are arguably the best among men in the world. What do you think? Are you interested in going to the No. 1 Manor in the capital and becoming the most beautiful man in the world?"

Shangguan Haitang's sudden words surprised Ye Xiu.

Huang Rong and Qu Feiyan couldn't help but laugh when they heard Shangguan Haitang's words. "Brother Xiu, I think she's right. You could definitely be the most handsome man in the world."

"Yes, yes. I've never seen a man more handsome than you," Qu Feiyan said with a grin. "Ye Xiu, go be the most handsome man in the world."

Ye Xiu rolled his eyes at Huang Rong and Qu Feiyan's words, then shook his head at Shangguan Haitang.

"Brother Shangguan, you're really exaggerating! I can't even bear the title of the most handsome man in the world. I can't! After all, Brother Shangguan's looks aren't any worse than mine. You could definitely fight for

that title," Ye Xiu said quickly. Ye Xiu truly didn't want the title of the most handsome man in the world.

It was a troublesome title no matter how you looked at it.

While women seem to be most prone to jealousy, men are just as prone to jealousy and can easily become carried away.

Putting aside how many women this title would offend, even men would most likely develop hostility towards Ye Xiu. Who knows, some might even hate him outright because of this title.

"Brother Ye, you're joking. Although I think I look okay, I'm still a bit behind Ye Xiu." Shangguan Haitang laughed.

"No, don't say it anymore. Don't talk about this anymore. I really can't take it. Please, please, please!" Ye Xiu bowed repeatedly.

"Okay, although Brother Ye doesn't want to be the most handsome man in the world, then, Brother Ye, are you interested in coming to the No. 1 Manor in the World?" Shangguan Haitang smiled and invited.

"The No. 1 Manor in the World?"

"Yes, the No. 1 Manor in the World. I can barely be considered the

owner of the No. 1 Manor in the World. I wonder if Ye Xiu is interested in the No. 1 Manor in the World?" "I didn't expect that Brother Shangguan is actually the owner of the No. 1 Manor in the World. I'm so sorry. But I'm sorry, so far, I haven't thought about going to the capital. I'm

so sorry." "That's a pity. I still think that Brother Ye really has the qualifications to be the most handsome man in the world." Shangguan Haitang said with regret.

"...Hehe. In fact, there are still many good-looking men in the world." Ye Xiu laughed dryly.

"Indeed, there are many handsome men in the world, but this is the first time I've seen such a handsome man--"

"Haitang!"

At this moment, a cold voice sounded. The voice was very cold, even icy, like a piece of ten-thousand-year-old black ice. However, in the coldness, the two words "Haitang" revealed a hint of warmth, even tenderness.

The contrast of these voices was quite large, but if you didn't savor them carefully, you really couldn't detect it.

"Yidao." Shangguan Haitang heard the voice and greeted with a smile.

Ye Xiu also looked over in the direction of the voice.

He was still wearing the same black shirt, holding a knife in his hand, and exuding a cold, indifferent aura that kept strangers away.

However, when he looked at Shangguan Haitang, this aura would produce a slight fluctuation.

Gui Hai Yidao came to Shangguan Haitang in two or three steps.

"Yidao, let me introduce you. This is Brother Ye Xiu of the Huashan Sect. This is Miss Huang Rong, and this is Miss Qu Feiyan." Shangguan Haitang introduced Gui Haidao with a smile, then to Ye Xiu and the other two: "This is Gui Hai Yidao. Although Yidao may appear aloof, he is actually a very reliable person."

When Gui Hai Yidao heard Shangguan Haitang call him reliable, a hint of tenderness flashed in his eyes.

However, when he looked at Ye Xiu and the other two, his eyes turned cold again.

Looking at Gui Hai Yidao, Ye Xiu felt a sense of emotion.

It was Gui Hai Yidao's appearance that made Ye Xiu realize that the world he inhabited was not simply the world of "Swordsman" but a world of comprehensive martial arts.

When Ye Xiu first looked at Gui Hai Yidao, he even looked at him with a bit of admiration.

After all, with Gui Hai Yidao's strength back then, even her master, Yue Buqun, the head of the Huashan Sect, would probably not be his match.

But now, Ye Xiu could clearly sense that Gui Hai Yidao's strength was indeed not bad, but he had not yet reached the Grandmaster level. In other words, the person he once looked up to was now completely surpassed by Ye Xiu.

For a moment, Ye Xiu could not recognize him and felt a sense of regret.

Gui Hai Yidao, on the other hand, did not recognize Ye Xiu at all.

During their brief encounter, he had not even paid any attention to Ye Xiu and could not even remember that he had ever met him.

Now, seeing Shangguan Haitang and Ye Xiu chatting and laughing, Gui Hai Yidao couldn't help but feel a sense of wariness and even hostility.

Shangguan Haitang seemed to have a good relationship with Ye Xiu, and most importantly, Ye Xiu was so handsome.

Even though Gui Hai Yidao didn't know how to pursue women, he knew that many women were visually conscious and attracted to men with good looks.

Ye Xiu was undoubtedly a handsome man, even very handsome. So he worried that Shangguan Haitang would fall in love with Ye Xiu because of his face.

Gui Hai Yidao's arrival had put a strain on the atmosphere.

Ye Xiu sensed Gui Hai Yidao's hostility towards him. While Gui Hai Yidao's expression wasn't overt, it still made Ye Xiu uneasy.

Huang Rong, however, was incredibly intelligent and perceptive. She noticed almost immediately that Gui Hai Yidao's attitude towards Ye Xiu was a bit different. After observing him for a while, she was certain that Gui Hai Yidao's reaction to Ye Xiu was due to Shangguan Haitang. She felt a little amused, thinking that Gui Hai Yidao was truly a bit naive, at least when it came to his feelings.

Shangguan Haitang, while clearly a very intelligent person, especially as the owner of Tianxia Diyi Manor, was in charge, somehow managed to ignore Gui Hai Yidao's strange reaction, completely unaware that he had feelings for her.

Even though Huang Rong liked Ye Xiu, the situation still struck her as quite amusing, like a spectacle.

Of course, Huang Rong's attitude stemmed from her knowledge that Ye Xiu had no feelings for Shangguan Haitang, and that Shangguan Haitang was only approaching him because of the diary.

There was no romantic connection between them. Therefore, Huang Rong could remain a sanguine bystander.

Qu Feiyan, while quite clever, was far less intelligent than Huang Rong. This was why she hadn't noticed Gui Haiyidao's situation, though she had sensed that something was amiss in the atmosphere. Ever since Gui Haiyidao's arrival,

even though Qu Feiyan didn't fully grasp his intentions, she knew the atmosphere was distorted.

His presence had unnerved the atmosphere. Shangguan

Haitang felt a bit helpless.

Originally, Shangguan Haitang had planned to continue communicating with Ye Xiu, and after becoming more familiar with him, she would gradually gather information and intelligence about him through seemingly ordinary interactions.

After all, Shangguan Haitang is an expert in this area. She doesn't need to deliberately ask questions to find useful information.

However, the appearance of Gui Hai Yidao made the atmosphere not so good, and the communication naturally ended. Finally, Shangguan

Haitang said goodbye to Ye Xiu with some regret and left with Gui Hai Yidao.