Chapter 75: Yaoyao’s Fury
“What? HuXiao Sect?” Protector Hong confirmed blankly, as the two sects had never had any interaction.
“Yes, it’s the HuXiao Sect.” The disciple outside reiterated.
“What a bunch of annoying guys.” Protector Hong couldn’t help but grumble. After all, the Shi Xin Sect was in deep trouble, and he had no mood to receive guests.
“Forget it, invite them in.” After venting for a bit, Protector Hong still gave the order, as Yongning Prefecture was the territory of the HuXiao Sect.
A moment later, Zhou Ming brought Lü Zhen into the room.
“Elder Zhou, greetings.”
“Protector Hong, greetings.”
…
After polite greetings, the two began to chat idly. Seeing that the other party was so composed, Zhou Ming deliberately invited, “Protector Hong, you have traveled far. The HuXiao Sect should fulfill its duty as a host. Why not come to our place for a chat? There are no matches tomorrow anyway.”
“Elder Zhou is joking. It’s already the fourth round, and the remaining sects are all tough opponents. How dare we be negligent? We can visit after the Evergreen Convention!” Protector Hong naturally declined.
“Protector Hong is even better at joking than I am. You drew the HongHua Sect, which is well known. They rely on that brat Qi Huang’s ‘one move to rule them all,’ so they’re not exactly tough opponents?” Zhou Ming deliberately teased.
Protector Hong wanted to speak but stopped. He wanted to tell the truth but was afraid of losing face. However, he quickly realized that now was not the time to care about temporary gains or losses. The HuXiao Sect was the local emperor of Yongning Prefecture. If he could get their help, perhaps he could find that Shentong Realm Talisman.
With this thought, Protector Hong said with a wry smile, “But the problem is that we can’t even deal with her ‘one move to rule them all’!”
“How is that possible? Protector Hong, haven’t you heard? Shentong Realm Body Protection Talismans have already appeared in the Prefecture Capital market. As long as we can get one, Qi Huang will be no threat.” Zhou Ming reminded him, feigning surprise.
“I’ve heard, but I’ve never seen one. Who knows if it’s true or not? Moreover, we are unfamiliar with this Yongning Prefecture. Even if there is one, it’s impossible to find a source within a day or two.” Protector Hong said dejectedly.
“Then why are you still holding onto this draw?” Zhou Ming asked, pretending ignorance.
“But if we don’t choose the HongHua Sect, who else can we choose? Choosing them at least gives us a chance for a fluke. Choosing other sects means we can only fight head-on, and the hope is even slimmer.” Protector Hong told the truth.
“That makes sense.” Zhou Ming nodded in agreement unobtrusively.
“Brother Zhou, I have an impertinent request. Your sect has been operating in this Prefecture Capital for many years and should be familiar with the local situation. Can you help us inquire about the Shentong Realm Body Protection Talisman? Regardless of the outcome, our Shi Xin Sect will offer generous rewards.” Protector Hong finally couldn’t hold back.
“Fellow Daoist, you are too polite. We are all sects under the Immortal Alliance, why be so formal? Our HuXiao Sect will do its best to help you.” Zhou Ming generously agreed.
“Thank you, Brother Zhou. After the Evergreen Convention, I will personally visit to express my gratitude.” Protector Hong stood up and cupped his fists.
Zhou Ming returned the礼 he received, then left the inn with Lü Zhen.
“Elder Zhou, aren’t we supposed to give the Talisman to the Shi Xin Sect? Why are we leaving just like that?” Lü Zhen asked curiously.
“We will give it to them, but not now.” Elder Zhou replied without looking back.
“Then when will we wait?” Lü Zhen became even more confused.
“You are more anxious than the eunuch waiting for the emperor,” Elder Zhou stopped and glared at Lü Zhen, “You saw how that person surnamed Hong behaved just now. If I hadn’t guided him, he probably wouldn’t have told the truth. Since he is so composed, why should I be in a hurry? It’s not like I’m asking for a favor!”
“Elder Zhou is absolutely right.” Lü Zhen immediately realized and nodded repeatedly.
“Since he wants to repay me, I’ll give him a chance. If he doesn’t offer a satisfactory price by then, he can forget about getting the Shentong Realm Body Protection Talisman,” Zhou Ming said with a cold smile.
…
The sun was high in the sky when Yaoyao finally left her room. Although her current identity was a maidservant of the Pan family, it didn’t mean she would be diligent.
“Miss Yao, why are you up so early? Shouldn’t you sleep more?” Instead of scolding Yaoyao, Pan Lin even actively persuaded her. Anyone who didn’t know would probably think he was the servant.
“As a maidservant, one must naturally have the awareness of a servant.” Yaoyao said righteously, completely ignoring her being the last to wake up. After saying this, Yaoyao picked up a rag and pretended to wipe the table. Although her appearance was still a bit immature, the gourd-shaped curve of her back had begun to reveal considerable allure. Coupled with her delicate little face, she was simply the best candidate for a child bride.
“No need to bother. Our family is not like those official families in the mortal world, we don’t have so many particularities.” Pan Lin quickly stated. He tried his best to appear understanding, but his lecherous gaze couldn’t be hidden.
“But this is an Immortal Sect. In my opinion, it is even more solemn than the official families in the mortal world,” Yaoyao replied perfunctorily without looking back.
“Is that so?” Pan Lin immediately felt a bit pleased with himself, then walked forward unobtrusively, and lecherously reached out to wrap his hands around Yaoyao’s slender waist that could be held by a single grip. Yaoyao, however, seemed to have eyes in the back of her head and dodged unnoticed. Pan Lin missed and could only retract his hands sheepishly.
Not long after, Pan Lin’s wife entered the room. She also didn’t blame Yaoyao. Instead, she cared for her like an elder sister. After breakfast, Pan Lin rushed out, saying that his master had made arrangements. Yaoyao wanted to ask for details, but realizing that it was not appropriate to ask too many questions as a newcomer, she secretly monitored him with her Spiritual Sense. Since this person’s cultivation level was only in the Body Refining Realm, she didn’t have to worry about being discovered.
Pan Lin left home and went all the way to a side hall on the mountain peak, where a group of young men and women had already gathered. Shortly after, an old man arrived at the side hall and quickly opened his Spiritual Sense shield. This person was the Sect Leader of the Donglai Sect, Tang Yuan, whose cultivation level had reached the peak of the Huashen Realm. Fearing to alert the snake, Yaoyao quickly withdrew her Spiritual Sense.
A while later, Pan Lin returned with an excited expression, as if something good had happened.
“What happened? You’re so happy!” His wife asked doubtfully.
“I’ll tell you tonight.” Pan Lin gestured towards Yaoyao.
That night, Yaoyao didn’t sleep. She kept monitoring Pan Lin and his wife with her Spiritual Sense.
“Madam, do you know? Master said it’s my turn to guard the Nine Nether Demonic Cat tomorrow. It seems he still trusts me.” Pan Lin finally couldn’t help but share the good news with his wife.
“So, this Pan Lin is a disciple of the Donglai Sect Leader. No wonder he can touch the Nine Nether Demonic Cat!” Yaoyao finally understood upon hearing this.
“Seeing how happy you are, are you planning to secretly steal the Cat’s Eye Tears again?” His wife immediately deduced.
“Of course, who wouldn’t take advantage of such an opportunity?” Pan Lin smiled sinisterly.
“Husband, please stop. You are stealing from your post. If you are discovered, you will lose your life.” His wife advised him earnestly.
“Don’t worry, I’ve been doing this for many years. If I were to be discovered, it would have happened long ago.” Pan Lin, however, didn’t listen.
“Sigh!” His wife could only sigh helplessly.
Yaoyao slightly raised the corner of her mouth upon hearing this. Her guess had been confirmed. Pan Lin was close to the Nine Nether Demonic Cat, which was why he had extra Cat’s Eye Tears for sale. ‘I just need to follow him with my Spiritual Sense tomorrow to find the whereabouts of the Nine Nether Demonic Cat,’ Yaoyao secretly calculated.
At this moment, Pan Lin moved a box from the corner and opened it. Inside were some miniature torture instruments and various bottles and jars, some of which were stained with blood.
“How are you planning to make those cats shed tears this time?” His wife asked with some worry.
“Let’s try them all. Those damned cats have been tormented since they were young, and now they are resistant to these things,” Pan Lin picked up those torture instruments and bottles and jars, examining them as if they were old friends.
“No matter what you use, you’d better know your limits. You’ve already tortured one of the Donglai Sect’s Nine Nether Demonic Cats to death and crippled two. Fortunately, it wasn’t discovered, otherwise, you’d be dead by now,” his wife warned sternly.
“Keep your voice down. If anyone hears you, you’ll be preparing to be a widow!” Pan Lin quickly made a shushing gesture. Hearing this, Yaoyao’s pupils in the side room rapidly turned into vertical pupils, emitting a crimson light. It was the resentment she had finally suppressed.
“So this box is filled with tools to torture my clansmen!” Yaoyao spat out every word from between her clenched teeth, and her sharp fangs quickly stretched open her small mouth.
