"As for that spirit blood..."
Fang Xuan added as if it were an afterthought, "It is of great use for a secret technique I am cultivating. Shen Qingqing? She is nothing more than a vessel. If she is destroyed, she is destroyed."
Ultimately, the fear of death and the greed for the bright future Fang Xuan described overrode the leader’s doubts.
The leader gritted his teeth and kowtowed heavily. "Senior! I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse! I will follow all your arrangements!"
Inwardly, however, he sneered.
He really was a fool who only knew about spirit blood and didn't realize the value of a spirit bone!
Fine, he would play along and proceed with the plan for now.
Once Shen Qingqing and Ning Xian were lured here, they would kill Ning Xian to take her origin blood essence. Then, they would shift the blame for Shen Qingqing's death and the disappearance of the spirit blood onto this arrogant brat who didn't know his place!
As for the ultimate treasure, the spirit bone... Heh heh, that would belong to him!
Once he refined the spirit bone, his talent would soar and his strength would skyrocket. Why would he ever have to care about the opinions of these big shots again?
The world was vast—where couldn't he go? Hahaha!
He could already see his bright future ahead. Though his heart was filled with wild joy, his expression became even more respectful.
Fang Xuan took in the shift in his expression and smiled.
"Very well."
Fang Xuan stood up.
"Everything as usual, follow Shen Chen’s original plan. Shen Qingqing will be responsible for leading Ning Xian out, and your task is to cooperate with her, kill Ning Xian, and then kill her."
"For now, just make sure Shen Qingqing doesn't suspect anything."
The leader quickly complied. "Yes, yes! I understand, I will definitely handle it! I won't let Shen Qingqing suspect a thing."
Seeing Fang Xuan preparing to leave, the leader and the two evil cultivators hurried to see him off.
"Take care, Senior!"
Fang Xuan said no more, turning to walk into the passage and soon vanishing from sight.
Inside the room, the leader struggled to stand up, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"Boss, are we really..." one of the evil cultivators asked hesitantly.
"Do as he says."
"But stay sharp. That spirit blood... Hmph, there are even better things waiting for us. Once the deed is done... heh heh."
He could already envision himself dominating the world.
As Fang Xuan walked out of Jishi Hall and merged back into the streets, a cold arc curled at the corner of his mouth.
The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.
But as for who exactly that oriole was, it remained to be seen.
.......
Once he stepped outside, it started to rain again.
The drizzle was fine and dense, making a rustling sound as it hit the paper umbrella.
Fang Xuan held his umbrella, walking back toward the inn.
He bet that Senior Sister might buy some things and then wait for him along the way, right?
As he turned a corner into a quiet alley, his footsteps paused slightly.
Under the old scholar tree at the alley's entrance stood a plain white figure, also holding an umbrella.
She was gazing at the rain falling deep in the alley, lost in thought.
Hearing footsteps, she turned her head. When her clear eyes saw him, a flash of peace passed through them.
"Senior Sister,"
Fang Xuan stepped forward quickly, naturally tilting his umbrella toward her to shield her from the drifting rain. "Passing by?"
Ning Xian nodded slightly, her gaze falling on a small damp patch on his shoulder before looking away.
"Mhm... buying some things."
"Then let's go home," Fang Xuan said suddenly. His voice wasn't loud, carrying a bit of the rain's lethargy.
Ning Xian tilted her head to look at him, her eyes filled with confusion. "Hm? Aren't we going back to the inn?"
Fang Xuan looked at her profile and smiled. "Wherever Senior Sister is, that is home."
Ning Xian kept her head down, but the fingers at her side tightened.
Her fair ears were dyed crimson, and the color quickly spread to her neck.
Fang Xuan laughed inwardly, but he was wise enough not to push the topic further, lest he actually 'steam' his Senior Sister.
"Cough, the rain seems to be getting heavier. Let's walk faster, Senior Sister."
"...Mhm."
.......
Upon returning to the inn, there were few people in the lobby.
Shen Qingqing was sitting in a corner with a pot of tea in front of her, seemingly waiting for them.
When she saw the two of them returning together, the venomous fire of jealousy almost burst from her eyes, yet she still forced a smile onto her face.
"Senior Sister Ning, Junior Brother Fang, you're back. How was the investigation?"
"It was much the same as what the town guard said."
Ning Xian had returned to her usual cold demeanor, her tone distant.
"That's good."
Shen Qingqing stood up and smoothed her hair, putting on a worried expression.
"I was thinking about it again just now. Black Wind Gully is too large; searching blindly might be twice the work for half the result."
"I privately asked around for more information. An old hunter in town said that after nightfall, ghostly figures and abnormal spiritual fluctuations are often seen around the burial mound to the west. It's extremely suspicious."
"Why don't we... go there tonight to investigate? If we can find traces of the evil cultivators, we can eliminate the threat for the people as soon as possible."
She spoke reasonably, her face full of righteousness.
"Fine," Ning Xian said flatly.
"I'm going too."
Fang Xuan leaned against the stairs, holding his black sword wrapped in cloth, his tone casual.
Shen Qingqing’s gaze lingered on Fang Xuan, a cold sneer in her heart.
Going? Perfect, I'll take care of you both then.
She wanted Ning Xian’s blood, and this handsome Junior Brother who had embarrassed her repeatedly yet made her heart itch with desire... wouldn't he be at her mercy then?
At that time, she would make him pay for today's coldness and make him her devoted follower, a plaything in her palm!
"That's great. With Junior Brother Fang there, we'll have a better chance. Then... shall we meet at the inn's back door at zishi?"
.......
Each returned to their rooms.
After closing the door, the casualness on Fang Xuan’s face vanished.
Shen Qingqing was in such a hurry to act this time. Choosing the burial mound, where dark energy was heavy and traces were easily hidden, was certainly 'thoughtful'.
This was also his opportunity. There was no need to hold back; her death brought only benefits and no downsides.
First, the plot involving Shen Chen’s blood-exchange would naturally be delayed, giving him more time to prepare to swallow the entire Qingyun Sect.
As for that stolen spirit bone...
Fang Xuan’s eyes brightened slightly.
Senior Sister’s new spirit bone was being reshaped, so this old one would naturally belong to him.
Senior Sister's bone, placed inside his body... the thought alone brought a strange, intense thrill.
Uh, wait.
He rubbed his chin, feeling like this train of thought was heading in a rather peculiar direction.
Before, he just wanted to get stronger and complete missions. Now, why did the idea of 'possessing a part of Senior Sister' excite him so much?
Fang Xuan, oh Fang Xuan, you're not right...
He shook his head, suppressing those messy thoughts.
......
That night, at zishi.
The rain was still falling, even heavier than during the day.
It pattered loudly against the roof tiles.
At the back door of the inn, three figures met silently.
"Let's go, there's no time to lose."
Shen Qingqing whispered, taking the lead as she moved toward the west of the town.
Ning Xian and Fang Xuan followed closely behind.
The cultivation of the three was not weak; even in the rainy night, their speed was extremely fast.
In less than fifteen minutes, they had left the town's perimeter and ventured deep into the wild mountains and wilderness to the west.
Rate on N.U.
