Chapter 0: 36. A’Qin is Amazing
In fact, aside from being surprised by the lightning-fast speed of the current situation, Qin Gou was not at all surprised that Li Xiaogou had lost so badly. For some, gambling against others is a way to pursue small gains for big losses, but for Li Yuanzhen, it was merely a thrill-seeking endeavor. After all, how can one expect to win consistently in the world of gambling?
“So, it’s not that you’re heartbroken over losing a few Spirit Stones, but rather that you’ve taught your disciples to starve their master and ended up on the receiving end of some ridicule, feeling aggrieved in the process?” Qin Gou couldn’t help but ask, a laugh escaping him.
Qin Gou had always felt that the disciples of the Mystic Maiden Raksha Palace were sometimes overly straightforward in their speech. However, they were merely emulating Xiao Shuang’er, who boldly expressed outrageous things without mincing words.
Thinking back to that infamous declaration, “Master is the possession of this Palace!” it was blunt enough.
Such a palace lord naturally produces such disciples.
“Hmm!” Li Xiaogou pouted and nodded vigorously, saying, “This humble Daoist is unwilling to concede and must win back some face before leaving the Mystic Maiden Palace.”
“That shouldn’t be too difficult.”
Saying this, Qin Gou took a few Spirit Stones out of the Nas and handed them directly to the wide-eyed Li Xiaogou.
“A’Qin…” After taking the Spirit Stones, Li Yuanzhen hesitated and said with self-awareness, “What if I accidentally lose them all again in a second? Will you blame me?”
“Relax, you won’t lose this time.”
Qin Gou waved his hand with a sly smile, “If I remember correctly, you taught the disciples of the Mystic Maiden Palace gambling skills to resolve their conflicts with the Cauldron, not to gather them together recklessly for gambling like this!”
“So, before taking revenge, remember to summon Little Chair to hide beside you. If you lose again, allow the esteemed Lone Shadow Saintess to appear and uphold justice, enforcing the sect rules by confiscating ill-gotten gains and returning them to their rightful owners! We must suppress the reckless winds of gambling until we see Yuan Zhen win!”
Just as he finished speaking, Li Yuanzhen instinctively gasped.
“A’Qin, this idea is just too brilliant…” Li Xiaogou was dumbfounded. Compared to this, his previous antics of sneakily using the Invisible Slash Spirit Tool when feeling aggrieved were child’s play.
“Impudent!”
Qin Gou intentionally glared, preparing to pretend to be angry and chastise the reckless Saintess for her nonsense, uttering that rather unpleasing title. Unexpectedly, Li Yuanzhen quickly tiptoed and planted a swift kiss on Qin Gou’s left cheek, her face radiant with joy, before turning to run away.
“A’Qin is amazing! This humble Daoist will go and redeem my honor!”
With that combination attack, Qin Gou couldn’t help but chuckle affectionately. What could he say?
At that moment, Zhao Xinting, who had been observing quietly, nodded to herself and muttered, “In fact, the Righteous Valor Fairy didn’t use the wrong words.”
“What?” Qin Gou looked over in confusion.
Zhao Xinting looked at Qin Gou with profound emotion, saying, “Master’s methods are too formidable; in just a few words, you managed to send away the noisy little girl. This is certainly much better than Xinting, who is helpless when facing similar situations!”
“You…” Qin Gou twitched the corner of her mouth, her expression turning serious. “Xinting, your unique perspective is far beyond my capabilities.”
The two entered Youyun Hall.
After a moment of thought, Qin Gou spoke straightforwardly, “I want to lead the Mystic Maiden Raksha Palace to rapidly ascend among the major peak dynasties and be recognized as one of the ‘Great Esteemed Families’. I wonder if you have any good ideas for that?”
Zhao Xinting was momentarily dumbfounded. “Master, are you joking? May I ask the reason?”
Qin Gou sighed and explained the current predicament of the Mystic Maiden Raksha Palace.
“As for why I want to take precautions now, well, there is another reason for that, which you shouldn’t pry into.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xinting gradually understood and nodded in agreement. “Indeed, the unique inheritance techniques of your junior sister… even within the Purple Xuan Alliance, few can fully grasp her true intentions. Female cultivators need not mention it; male cultivators worry they might end up making someone else’s wedding gown!”
“However, for Master to inquire about this matter today is truly fortunate for you!”
“What do you mean?” Qin Gou immediately pressed for details.
Zhao Xinting replied confidently, “According to recent intelligence obtained by the Zi Ji Lineage, not long from now, spearheaded by the Gu Xi Dynasty, several major dynasties will jointly hold a Selection Ceremony near Pinghe Mountain in Chu Zhou. They will eliminate some disobedient sects and select others to join the ranks of the Great Esteemed Families.”
Upon hearing this, Qin Gou’s eyes brightened. “What a coincidence! It seems I was correct to come and seek your thoughts, Xinting!” Of course, it also couldn’t be ruled out that the old pal deliberately scheduled the task for this moment.
“Master, you flatter me,” Zhao Xinting responded with an understanding smile.
However, after a moment’s pause, Qin Gou continued to study Zhao Xinting with great interest and asked, “But, as is often the case, there must be a reason behind this. Why would you instruct your disciples to specifically gather information about the Selection Ceremony for the Great Esteemed Families? Of course, I’m only asking out of curiosity.”
“This…”
Zhao Xinting’s eyes blinked, suddenly mimicking someone as she touched her delicate nose and chuckled lightly. “It’s simply because I’ve noticed my junior sister has been troubled about sect matters! As the first disciple of Master, I naturally have a great responsibility and obligation to think of Qishuang.”
As she spoke, Little Zhao’s smile grew warmer and brighter, and she sincerely cupped her fists in salute. “At this moment, being able to provide you with assistance is truly my greatest honor!”
“Honestly,”
Qin Gou said softly with a kindly smile.
Zhao Xinting’s expression stiffened, and she suddenly drooped her head in defeat.
“Indeed, Xinting cannot hide anything from you, Master.”
At that moment, Zhao Xinting obediently placed her hands behind her back… this was the standard posture of all disciples from the Celestial Master Pavilion on Arc-Moon Mountain, caught in mischief by their esteemed master.
Then, seeing the opportunity, Little Zhao immediately showed her keen sense, smiling sincerely and succinctly confessing, “I want to kill them all.”
