Chapter 0: 36. Zhao Xinting’s Goddaughter
Gentleman Sword.
Qin Gou really wanted to ask the little gambler, Li Yuanzhen, if her divine calculation and fortunate encounter with a sliver of heavenly secrets, which allowed her to know the penalty for the ‘Demoness’s Death’ mission and even predict that Celestial Master might not complete it, were the reasons she gave him that nickname, or if it was just a coincidence.
In this world, first impressions are very important. After Qin Gou and Li Yuanzhen first swore the oath of sworn siblings in front of a large crowd, and then planned several fame-boosting events together, like shadows, with their swords combined, the admirable title ‘Gentleman Sword’ became known to more and more people, clinging to Qin Gou like persistent weeds.
It also caused the little gambler to clutch her swollen and bruised buttocks, whimpering for days.
At the same time, cultivators from all walks of life began to wonder why more and more daring individuals were appearing, foolishly trying to harass the Righteous Valor Fairy, and why most of them were previously renowned righteous heroes.
In response, the pure and immaculate Saintess Li Yuanzhen, untainted by the mortal world, generously provided an irrefutable reason that left everyone speechless.
“Because this humble Daoist is so seductive.”
Although any intelligent person knew that it was impossible for Li Yuanzhen, who possessed the Sword Heart Clear Mind Body, to be seductive, and this was likely a self-deprecating jest, from that moment on, whenever they interacted with Li Yuanzhen and Qin Gou, even cultivators who were originally bold and carefree began to act with extreme caution, pushing the ideals of a gentleman to the extreme.
“A’Qin. A’Qin!”
“This is the first time in my life anyone has called me ‘A’Qin’.”
“But to the outside world, we are now siblings. Calling you A’Qin makes it sound more affectionate, doesn’t it? Otherwise, should I just call you ‘Gentleman Sword’ from now on?”
“Little gambler, if you’re addicted to spanking my butt, just say so.”
“Please, don’t always bring up butt spanking in every other sentence. This humble Daoist has brought you good news this time.”
Qin Gou asked curiously, “What good news? Which unlucky soul are we planning to deal with today?”
Li Yuanzhen chuckled, speechless. “We’re not dealing with anyone today. After all, if we always do this, it might seem a bit strange. And it’s too troublesome to deliberately choose targets who don’t have powerful backing. I have a better way to help A’Qin gain fame quickly now, which is to participate in the Hero Gathering that the Heaven’s Substitution Sect is planning to hold. With A’Qin’s current reputation, he is qualified.”
“Heaven’s Substitution Sect? What kind of influence is that? They have quite an ambition. Why have I never heard of them?” Qin Gou asked, quite puzzled.
“The Heaven’s Substitution Sect is a newly emerging force in our Das region. They’ve only started to gain some traction shortly before we returned. Even with their entire sect, including high-ranking members and ordinary disciples, they only have a few dozen people. However, their Sect Leader Mu seems to be a woman with remarkable methods. Although her cultivation is only at the Li Jiu Realm, her combat record suggests she has many hidden trump cards, like a combat genius who uses any means necessary. Fighting beyond her level is a piece of cake for her. Furthermore, she is forthright and lavish with her money,” Li Yuanzhen explained patiently. “But they started too late. The reason they are holding this Hero Gathering is to increase their renown and use it to establish themselves firmly in the Das region.”
“And, ordinarily, with the Heaven’s Substitution Sect’s reputation, they wouldn’t be able to invite so many famous cultivators to participate. But fortunately, Sect Leader Mu generously offered a prize of tens of thousands of spirit stones. For cultivators, for whom wealth, companions, techniques, and land are all indispensable, this is quite a temptation. If A’Qin can win first place in this Hero Gathering, he will undoubtedly gain the respect of the younger generation of the righteous path in Das much faster than if we painstakingly punished evil.”
After listening, Qin Gou nodded slightly and chuckled, “This Heaven’s Substitution Sect is truly interesting. Other sects initially emphasize accumulating strength before displaying it, quietly accumulating wealth and then gradually revealing their prowess. But they are so ostentatious. They seem to value fleeting fame so highly. I feel that Sect Leader Mu’s actions are like a wealthy young lady from a hidden family who has finally escaped and wants to indulge in some unrestrained mischief.”
Li Yuanzhen shrugged, not minding at all. “Who cares? As long as it benefits us. Speaking of which, during your Mortal Transformation stage, how much of your strength can you actually unleash? Those qualified to participate in the Hero Gathering are at least somewhat renowned, so they won’t be easy to deal with. From our cooperation these past few days, I’ve observed that although you have many techniques at your disposal, the power of your spirit arts is not particularly impressive. Every killing blow still requires me to step in.”
Qin Gou calmly removed the Desireless Bracelet from his wrist.
In a moment, Li Yuanzhen’s beautiful eyes widened in disbelief, and she couldn’t help but laugh and cry. “You are only at the mid-stage of the Hidden Weapon Realm? My heavens, you’re making me so angry! I’ve been spanking the butt of a mere mid-stage Hidden Weapon Realm cultivator for so many days, and even barking like a dog from time to time. Ahhh, I’m so angry, but I still have to smile.”
“Don’t you believe me?” Qin Gou raised an eyebrow playfully.
“I believe you. Who told you that you’re not just any ordinary Hidden Weapon Realm cultivator,” Li Yuanzhen gritted her teeth, huffing indignantly.
“Then take another look.” Qin Gou spread his hands and smiled placidly.
As soon as he finished speaking, Qin Gou immediately consumed 8000 Merit points, instantly upgrading the Azure Emperor Painting Scroll to the peak of the third level and advancing the proficiency of the Impermanence Staff Sword to the level of Utmost Proficiency.
In an instant, Qin Gou’s aura surged from the mid-stage of the Hidden Weapon Realm to the peak of the Hidden Weapon Realm, only a thread away from breaking through to the Li Jiu Realm. If it weren’t for the special nature of the Azure Emperor Painting Scroll, which requires the Enlightenment True Body to be studied diligently for a long time and understood through personal comprehension before it can be bestowed through the system, Qin Gou would have already been a cultivator in the Li Jiu Realm.
“You can still continuously unlock seals and restore your cultivation?” Li Yuanzhen was initially shocked, but then worriedly said, “However, even at the peak of the Hidden Weapon Realm, it’s still unlikely to be able to rampage freely in the Hero Gathering.”
“Didn’t you also say it? Who am I? Am I just an ordinary Hidden Weapon Realm cultivator?” Qin Gou asked confidently, with a calm and self-assured smile.
Upon hearing this, Li Yuanzhen’s eyes trembled slightly, and she said in fear, “My Lord, in the Hero Gathering, using poisonous attacks, or curses, or threatening opponents by seducing their wives and daughters… once discovered, the esteemed Gentleman Sword will be ruined, and all our efforts these past few days will be in vain… Ouch!”
Qin Gou flicked his finger sharply at Li Yuanzhen’s fair forehead, angrily exclaiming, “Can you please think of something good for a change? Promise me, will you be a decent person from now on?”
…
“Das region, my ‘Heaven Deception Sect’ has arrived!”
After a long journey of arduous travel, enduring the hardships, and constant swindling and deception along the way, the Purple Extreme Demon, Zhao Xinting, currently in the Mortal Transformation stage, finally led dozens of her Heaven Deception Sect members onto the land of Das.
The members of the Heaven Deception Sect, made up of thieves, hoodlums, and prostitutes—all from the lowest strata of society—were all travel-worn and exhausted. However, they were increasingly impressed with their leader, Zhao Xinting, codenamed ‘Sissy’. After all, the money they had earned in just a few months under her leadership was more than they had earned in several years of hard work.
Such generous treatment made them willing to endure the current hardship.
“Godfather, Qiao’er heard the uncles and aunties say that there are many powerful cultivators in Das. Will they hurt us?”
Suddenly, a cute little head emerged from Zhao Xinting’s shoulder. It was a girl, only about seven or eight years old. Due to prolonged malnutrition, her body was very slender and thin, evoking pity. This was not something that could be remedied in a day.
At this moment, the girl obediently snuggled on Zhao Xinting’s back. Her large, bright eyes were filled with innocence and hope.
Her name was Yan Qiaoyun. Her family had encountered robbers on their journey, and both her parents had perished. After being chanced upon and saved by the Heaven Deception Sect, she was young and her disposition was simple, yet she was uncommonly grateful. Within a few days, she had learned to gather firewood, start fires, and cook, winning everyone’s affection. Moreover, her similar tragic fate often stirred up countless memories in Zhao Xinting’s heart, so she decided to take this little girl, who shared her misfortune, as her goddaughter.
“Don’t worry, Qiao’er. How could someone as capable as your godfather let you get hurt?” Zhao Xinting said with a touch of gentleness in her eyes, her tone doting.
Yan Qiaoyun obediently mumbled, “Mm.” However, she still said with lingering fear, “But before, ‘Big Wave’ sister told Qiao’er that cultivator lords are even scarier than robbers, and some cultivator lords don’t even see us mortals as people. To them, killing us is as easy as dusting away a speck of dirt; they wouldn’t even think twice about it. Qiao’er is really scared. I’m not only afraid of dying myself, but I’m also afraid they’ll bully godfather.”
“Then godfather will secretly tell Qiao’er a secret, and Qiao’er mustn’t tell anyone else,” Zhao Xinting said with a light chuckle. “Actually, even though godfather has skinny arms and legs and is often mistaken for a young lady or a married woman by outsiders, godfather has another immensely powerful identity. He is a terrifying existence, one of the greatest demon lords in the Cultivation World. Those cultivator lords that Qiao’er is afraid of will wet themselves and bow down in submission just at the sound of godfather’s name. So, Qiao’er can rest assured.”
“To give an imprecise example, godfather is like the big bad wolf in the Little Red Riding Hood story that godfather told Qiao’er before – a very fearsome person.”
“Really?” Yan Qiaoyun’s small mouth opened in surprise, and then she smiled sweetly. “In the story of Little Red Riding Hood, Qiao’er liked the clever Little Red Riding Hood the most. But if the big bad wolf is godfather, then Qiao’er will like the big bad wolf the most from now on!”
“My precious girl,” Zhao Xinting said with a hearty laugh, suddenly quickening her pace with Yan Qiaoyun on her back, “Godfather will take Qiao’er to fly to the sky!”
“Hahaha… Qiao’er must grow up quickly and become a good child like ‘Big Wave’ sister and ‘Scumbag’ uncle, who can serve godfather!”
Experiencing the true meaning of the Mortal Transformation stage in the mortal world, the godfather, who was once a demon lord, and the innocent loli are working hard today.
