Limitless - Chapter 65: Lightning Fox Blood

The Dragon City had Song flowers on the river bank.

The waves on the ancient river continued to flow, but the fishing boats had all but disappeared.

Today, powerful life forms lived under the surface, and the ordinary person would not dare to go near.

Xiao Yue, who was wearing a light blue dress stood sternly at the river bank with a godlike serenity.

Opposite her stood a long haired youth sporting a grey tunic, cloth shoes and a long blade on his back.

The youth’s features were sharp, his brows were like swords as he looked at Xiao Yue sharply, "Since you’ve recovered, why won’t you return?" he asked coldly.

"What business is it of yours?" Xiao Yue’s tone was cold, her eyebrows scrunched as she looked at the long haired youth, "Also, you’re spying on me?"

"Spying? All I can say is you’re not careful enough. Haha, are you unwilling to go back because you want to protect your lover?" The youth laughed coldly before looking at Xiao Yue, "Let me warn you, you were born a Qing Qiu, and will die... a Qing Qiu. Don’t forget, since ancient times, the fate that befalls traitors of the Qing Qiu Sect."

"Who do you think you are? What right do you have to say these to me? Weirdo!" Xiao Yue was cold, her eyes filling up with murderous intent.

"Why? You still want to kill me? What a joke!" The youth raised and cocked his head to look at Xiao Yue, "With that little power of yours, you probably have to cultivate for another eight to ten years before you can start thinking about this."

"Wu Kai, you are just an outside disciple of Qing Qiu, who gave you the courage to speak to me like this?" Xiao Yue spoke loudly, her exquisite face revealing her rage.

"Outside disciple? Haha, I’m afraid you haven’t gotten the news... I, Wu Kai, have already made my way into the inner circle!"

The youth laughed coldly, "I found an ancient legacy whilst exploring an ancient monument. I gave it to the seniors and they rewarded me with superior pills. They raised my powers greatly, and let me into the inner circle to become a true inner circle disciple! As such..."

"So what? Even if you become an inner circle disciple, you should at least address me as senior when you see me!" Xiao Yue looked icily at Wu Kai.

The youth was slightly stunned, before guffawing, "Senior? Haha, not for long."

Xiao Yue’s eyes glimmered, "What do you mean?"

"Nothing, it’s just, does someone who deceives the sect have the right to remain in the inner circle? Also, as to how your illness was cured, you can explain that to the elders yourself!" Wu Kai laughed coldly at Xiao Yue as he spoke, "Let’s go, don’t force my hand."

"Force your hand? You?" Xiao Yue was unflinching.

"Then, what if I was added to the mix?" From not far away, an elderly voice rung out. He was slightly hunch backed and he wore a green tunic and walked slowly.

"Elder Lu? Why are you here?" Xiao yue was slightly shocked, she thought to herself, this is not good.

She finally understood why Wu Kai was so arrogant, he had come with Elder Lu!

This Elder Lu had a deep seated feud with Xiao Yue’s teacher, Elder Du.

The conflict between the two at Qing Qiu was virtually public knowledge.

She did not expect that Wu Kai, someone who couldn’t even become an ordinary disciple, would make it into the inner circle, and be on the same side as Elder Lu.

Xiao Yue’s gaze was cold, her heart began to race as she saw Elder Lu walk over.

If it was just Wu Kai, she would not have been bothered, so what if he was in the inner circle? Based on his energy fluctuations, he was only at Acupoint Charging Stage Seven, at most Stage Eight.

Before, she may have some reservations, but now, she could fight 10 people like him, maybe more!

However, Elder Lu was a different story, he was a genuine Invigorated Meridian Realm expert!

His powers had reached Invigorated Meridian Stage Eight many years ago!

She had no idea what was his cultivation level now but it was clear that... she could not fight him.

Xiao Yue was slightly suspicious, why would Elder Lu appear here?

If it was just to defeat her, there was no need for someone like Elder Lu to come personally.

Furthermore, she did not do anything wrong, all she did was hide some news from the sect.

"Why? Is this weird?" Elder Lu smiled faintly, "Your master has been caught for betraying the sect, and he has been placed in the deepest depths of Qing Qiu..."

What Elder Lu said after, Xiao Yue did not register, all she heard was that her master, Elder Du, was being locked in the deepest depths of Qing Qiu!

Her brain was a complete mess as a humming sound kept ringing out!

The deepest depths of Qing Qiu... that was a place of death!

Anyone who was locked there was guaranteed death.

Her own master... how was it possible? There were many large powers at her back!

No wonder master hasn’t been in contact with her for a few days...

As she thought about this, Xiao Yue raised her eyebrows and replied flatly, "Who knows if what you’re saying is true? Also, what crime have I committed? Is there a need for someone as powerful as Elder Lu to come personally to catch me?"

As she spoke, she had already calculated her escape path!

The fact that Elder Lu dared to say this meant that her master was likely in trouble.

When the lips are dead, the teeth chatter. She could not imagine what kind of fate would befall her once she was caught and brought back to Qing Qiu.

"Don’t dream of running." Elder Lu looked calmly at Xiao Yue, "However, if you cooperate, there could be a lifeline for you."

"Cooperation to do what?" Xiao Yue’s gaze was cold as she looked at Elder Lu.

Elder Lu said flatly, "Firstly, you must tell us truthfully the inner workings of your master’s, Elder Du, betrayal of Qing Qiu. Rest assured, I can make sure that this will have no connection to you, after all, you have left Qing Qiu for quite some time. Furthermore, your master’s betrayal was a recent thing. As such, there is room for turning back, it all depends on your willingness to cooperate."

Wu Kai said at the side, "A wise man submits to fate..."

Xiao Yue was unmoved and she ignored Wu Kai, instead looking at Elder Lu, "And then?"

"And then, you must tell us in excruciating detail, how your body’s blockage... was cured. Who had helped you? Is it the famous Fan Jian from the Thief Sect and the mysterious Song Hong?"

"Thirdly, you must tell me where Fan Jian is hiding, and whatever news you have on Song Hong."

Elder Lu had a greedy look in the depths of his eyes as he looked at Xiao Yue, "Lastly, you must pledge your allegiance to me and be my disciple!"

As he spoke, Wu Kai’s eyes flashed with traces of discontent, yet he hid them deep within himself, not daring to show it. His was beginning to regret speaking to Xiao Yue that way just now.

He had initially thought that with the falling of Elder Du, Xiao Yue would be equally unlucky!

This lady had grown up in Qing Qiu since young, and her body flowed with pure fox blood, making her standing and influence high in the clan.

She did not bother with others usually, remaining aloof, like a goddess.

Wu Kai had jumped at the chance to relish the excitement of trampling on this goddess. However, it would seem that he had been too excited too soon.

At this point, Xiao Yue looked towards Elder Lu’s back with surprise on her face, "Sect leader... why, why are you here?"

Sect Leader?

Elder Lu and Wu Kai were slightly stunned and they immediately tensed up.

The leader of the Qing Qius had always admired Elder Du, and had given Elder Du a lot of care and affection.

This time, Elder Lu and the two deputies had done this whilst the leader was not around.

They had wanted to close this case such that even when the leader returned, he could not change anything.

They did not expect that the sect leader would appear here.

Elder Lu had a bitter look on his face as his heart did somersaults in his chest. His voice trembled, "Sect leader, I..."

Zoom!

Xiao Yue turned and ran!

She harnessed all the speed in her body!

Her body flowed with pure fox species blood, as such, speed was an advantage that she had since birth

There was a particular species of fox, named the Lightning Fox!

The Foxes in Qing Qiu were graded based on their number of tails, with nine tails being the most respected!

As such, the most respected in the lightning foxes was the Nine Tailed Lightning Fox. The blood flowing in Xiao Yue’s body was precisely that of the Nine Tailed Lightning Fox

The Lightning Foxes moved as quickly as Lightning, their speed unimaginable!

All along, speed had been Xiao Yue’s biggest advantage.

However, this was a huge secret. The only people who knew about these were Xiao Yue’s teacher, Elder Du, as well as the leader of the Qing Qiu Sect.

As such, in the moment that Xiao Yue’s silhouette had disappeared from the Song flower river bank, Elder Lu and Wu Kai were just reacting furiously from being scammed.

Yet, they suddenly realized that they had already lost any trace of Xiao Yue!

"How was she this fast? She, she is just an Acupoint Charging Stage Seven or Eight martial artist, this speed..." Wu Kai looked at Elder Lu with shock, "Could she already be in the Invigorated Meridian Realm?"

Elder Lu was solemn, he felt guilty and did not dare to face the Sect Leader, but he did not expect that he would be tricked by this girl!

He said coldly, "She can’t run away!"

As Elder Lu spoke, he retrieved an ancient magical equipment, and activated it. Then he said faintly, "Even if she runs to the ends of the world, she can’t escape our grasp."

Having been tricked by Xiao Yue, Elder Lu was furious. He decided that once he caught Xiao Yue, he would teach her a lesson!

However... how could this girl be that fast? Could she be the bloodline of the Lightning Fox?

Elder Lu’s heart darkened, if Xiao Yue was really the bloodline of the Lightning Fox, then this could be troublesome!

Because the sect leader definitely knows Xiao Yue’s bloodline.

If he killed the descendants of the LIghtning Fox, the Sect Leader would be furious.

If she was the bloodline of a many tailed Lightning Fox...

Elder Lu did not dare to think about the possible consequences.

Damn it!

He must control her first!

Elder Lu’s forehead flashed with a faint aura of fear.

This time, he had wanted to destroy her together with Elder Du.

It would seem that the situation had changed.

"Go!" He glanced at Wu Kai and chased in a direction.

...…

Xiao Yue had already run a far distance by this time, but her eyes were still filled with fear.

She had escaped death by a whisker, it was fortunate that she had the blood of the Nine Tailed Lightning Fox, granting her immense speed.

Else, she could definitely not escape Elder Lu’s attack.

However, she was not most worried about herself, she was more worried for her master!

No one was clearer about her master’s character than Xiao Yue herself. She would never believe that her master would betray Qing Qiu.

At this point, Xiao Yue had already entered a forest. She leaned on a tall tree, retrieved her phone, hesitated for a moment and dialed a number.

That was the number to the Qing Qiu sect leader. Only a handful of people in the entire Qing Qiu had this number.

"I’m sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable..."

Xiao yue was disappointed, but she steeled her resolve quickly.

No matter what, she could not stand idly by as her master was slandered and set up, she must save her master!

As she thought about it, Xiao Yue sent a message to Chu Yu and Chu Tianxiong. Afterwhich, she sprinted in a particular direction and disappeared in a flash.

Limitless - Chapter 64: What Wonderful Work!

However, in that instant, all the hairs on the weasel’s body stood up, and its long tail became puffy, its body curling up into a ball!

Its eyes revealed unparalleled aghast as it tucked its tail between its legs and ran!

This was because he saw that the initially dazed individual’s mouth had revealed a trace of mocking, and his eyes had regained their clarity.

Where was the confusion that his hallucinating attack should have achieved?

How was this possible?

The weasel thought that this was simply too absurd!

The many stronger lifeforms in this forest had been tamed by its claws.

There was even an powerful lifeform in the Invigorated Meridian Realm which had been confused by his hallucinating attack and was eventually killed by the weasel, easily.

How could it be that this human... was unaffected?

How could he had recovered so quickly?

By the looks of it, he wasn’t affected by it at all!

A wave of cold air radiated from the weasel’s body.

It was furious!

It wanted to run!

This all happened in an instant.

Chu Yu raised his palm and sent the weasel flying with a slap.

Pa!

This sound was accompanied by the sound of the weasel’s bones breaking as well as its screams.

That scream was extremely mournful and it momentarily shattered the silence of the forest.

Pung!

The weasel was knocked into a tall ancient tree, and it knocked a hole in the trunk. Without losing momentum, it flew for another few hundred meters.

Only then did it land on the ground with a thud and lose consciousness.

Chu Yu’s silhouette shot over to the landing point like an arrow. He picked up the weasel and disappeared.

Ten minutes later, Chu Yu appeared in the depths of an enormous valley.

High cliffs surrounded the valley, the lowest point was over 2000 meters high!

The valley had dense vegetation that completely covered the entire area.

Looking up, there seemed to be no trace of civilisation, other than birds, there was virtually no other life form.

Chu Yu had roamed down from the cliffs like a mountain tiger.

He had threw the weasel aside and then, without hesitation, used a devil sect technique to forcefully retrieve a wisp of the weasel’s soul.

Even Fan Jian, the Invigorated Meridian Stage Six expert, could not escape his fate being controlled by others, not to mention this weasel which was only Acupoint Charging Stage Nine.

The weasel’s ability to withstand a beating was extremely strong and it was initially faking its death.

After being beaten so viciously by Chu Yu, all it suffered were some broken bones.

He had initially wanted to fool Chu Yu by faking its own death, it did not expect that Chu Yu did not give it any chance, forcefully retrieving its soul, signing a contract with it!

When the weasel found out about it, it nearly teared.

This was simply too oppressive, too much!

Shameless!

The most shameless thing to do ever!

Aren’t these kind of things supposed to be voluntary?

Didn’t they say that if humans wanted spiritual animals as guards, they had to promise various benefits?

What kind of damned situation was this?

Previously, the weasel had treated other lifeforms this way, but it had never expected that such a fate would befall it.

In the moment that its soul was forcefully taken from it, the weasel knew that it had no way of resisting it.

In the moment that the contract was signed, it opened its eyes and looked at Chu Yu, "Cure my illness!"

"..." Chu Yu looked exasperatingly at the weasel, "You’re talking to me?"

"Of course, I’ve been set up by you, and I am now your wolf, do you want to see me die?" The weasel dropped its air of arrogance. Its green eyes looked evilly at Chu Yu.

"My wolf? You’re clearly a yellow skin." Chu Yu rolled his eyes, "Die? You’re clearly faking death, with your cultivation level, what is a few broken bones? Small matter."

"That’s not right, what yellow skin? I am a carnivorous mammal from the Carniformia suborder, the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae. I am a powerful, spiritual, and incredibly smart superior lifeform.

The weasel looked at Chu Yu angrily, "The wolf is also carnivorous mammal from the Carniformia suborder, from the Canidae family, we are relatives! Do you understand relatives? I am also known as the yellow wolf! So, is there a problem with me calling myself a wold?"

"No, no issue at all?"

"Then isn’t it settled? Help me cure my illness!"

Chu Yu thought to himself, F*ck... what is wrong with this weasel?

Why is it that he has taken to the role faster than his master?

What are you still standing there for? Hurry up! Cure me, after you’re done, give me some of your superior magical items, I would settle for that huge treasure blade, give that to me!" The weasel said unabashedly, its two claws gesturing wildly.

Its humanlike nature caused Chu Yu to be speechless

The big treasure blade?

Chu Yu was exasperated as he quietly picked up the ancient bronze dagger and threw it to the weasel.

The weasel caught the ancient bronze dagger with content, as it gestured with it whilst holding it with its claws

The ancient bronze dagger shot out a long blade aura, but its beauty was lost.

"Hahaha, superior magical weapon! I never imagined that the day would come where I would own such a treasure!"

Looking at the excited weasel, Chu Yu felt a little guilty as he thought to himself, how sad is this fella? Even a Xiantian realm magical equipment in its eyes is an incredible weapon?

However, on second thought, he realized that if he had seen such a Xiantian magical equipment a month ago, he probably would not be better off than the weasel.

After which, Chu Yu rejoined the weasel’s bones, after a moment of thought, he threw him a few medicinal pills.

To be exact, it was a few medicinal tablets.

Chu Yu no longer appreciated these tablets.

He did not expect that such a gesture would cause the weasel to choke up. It looked at Chu Yu with wide eyes, "Master, are you really giving these good stuff to me?"

"As long as you remain obedient and do the work I give you well, there’ll be better things to come." Chu Yu looked at the weasel, "Have you ever thought that one day you could become human? Walk the world confidently?"

"Morph into a human? Walk the world confidently?" The weasel’s eyes sparkled and it said bitterly, "lifeforms like us had been termed as beasts for 30 years, now we are known as demons. Even though we get to roam the forests and there is a sense of pride in our hearts, in fact, all of us hope that one day we can morph into a human and cultivate like a human."

"Rest assured, you will have a chance." Chu Yu glanced at it and said faintly.

Chu Yu initially had no intention to adopt this fella, but since it managed to withstand two of his blows, he took it as a sign of fate... the two attacks of his... would have seriously injured Fan Jian at his peak, if it didn’t kill him first.

Yet, this yellow skin was fine!

If this fella was used as a shield... it would be a pretty good one!

If the weasel had read Chu Yu’s thoughts, it would likely have been hopping mad.

Fate your sister!

I was nearly beaten to death by you, and now I am your slave, is a worse fate possible?

"I am going into isolation here, you will keep a watch out for me. If there is any danger, you are to warn me in advance. Chu Yu glanced at the weasel and said flatly.

"Sure thing! Master, just rest assured, as long as I am here, there’ll be no other life form which dares to come close!" The weasel pounded its chest as it spoke.

He had to admit that this weasel was like an exotic flower amongst all the animals and beasts!

The fact that it accepted its fate so quickly gave Chu Yu and unsettling feeling.

Shouldn’t it resist and whine?

Even if it didn’t whine, shouldn’t it be at least a little depressed?

Even if it wasn’t depressed, the least it could be was a little unwilling right?

Where was the arrogance from just now? The morals?

Just now, its morals was all over the place, completely unrestrained.

Chu Yu shook his head bitterly before walking towards the deepest parts of the valley.

When he reached the cliffs, he took out another ancient bronze dagger from his space ring and... sliced towards the cliff!

Kacha!

Kacha!

The solid rock crumbled like Tofu under the blade.

It was smashed opened by a crushing force, and Chu Yu quickly digged out a huge hole.

The weasel looked from the back, stunned. It looked at the ancient bronze blade in Chu Yu’s hand, and then looked back at the one in its claws.

It suddenly felt a little sad, almost as if... this treasured blade... wasn’t particularly rare and precious.

Master was actually using it to cut rocks... and dig caves?

However, this kind of emotions only lasted for a little while before the weasel immediately returned to normal.

This was because if such powerful, superior magical items were insignificant to its master, that only meant one thing - master had better items! As long as it continued by his side and did its work diligently, then, would master mistreat it?

This exotic flower let its thoughts run wild. It was already thinking of morphing into a human, roaming the villages and having various dalliances with the ladies of influential families...

Just when it opened its mouth and begin to salivate, it suddenly woke up from its daydream and realized that Chu Yu had already crawled into the stone cave and used a huge rock to block the entrance.

The weasel shook its head as it moved out with the ancient bronze blade in its claws.

It was humming as it walked, "The King has sent me to patrol..."

"..." Chu Yu, who was inside the stone cave couldn’t believe his ears.

He was beginning to have doubts if adopting such a strange shield was the right choice.

After which, Chu Yu calmed down and sat in the middle of the stone cave. He began to harness the immense energy in his body and began to charge the 20 true meridians and the remaining 65 acupoints.

He had decided that he would use the Superclass after breaking through the 20 true meridians in order to break through the 1000+ acupoints in his body.

He did not know how many people in the ancient schools were like him, aiming for the Great Circle of Acupoint Charging.

Even if there were, Chu Yu wasn’t bothered.

Of course, if there were none, all the better!

There was no day or night in the mountains.

Since Chu Yu began his isolation, he had lost any concept of time.

Each of his acupoints were being gushed open under the immense power.

The waves of power in his body were also getting stronger!

His entire blood stream was also getting more powerful!

Limitless - Chapter 63: Spiritual attack

The weasel dragged its long tail, its black face, black nose, small ears and green eyes fixated on Chu Yu. Its eyes glimmered with ferocity, and they were filled with murderous intent.

Chu Yu looked at the two feet tall weasel and thought to himself, "This fella can take a beating. I did not hold back just now."

He had used almost all his strength.

He did not expect that this fella only suffered light injuries.

Chu Yu smiled coldly at the weasel, "Then do you know, it is also not wise to antagonize me?"

The weasel blinked, appearing to be tough on the exterior, "So what if it’s not wise to antagonize you? You intruded into my territory, don’t you deserve a beating?"

"Rubbish!"

As Chu Yu spoke, he attacked!

His speed was too fast, completely breaking the sound barrier.

Every movement of his body brought with it a huge crashing wave of force, every acupoint like a strong geyser.

They were constantly outputting terrifying amounts of energy.

Pa!

Chu Yu’s slap was ferociously targeted at the weasel’s head.

Zoom!

Even though the weasel was hurt, its movements were fast.

It disappeared outside of Chu Yu’s radius of attack in an instant.

At the same time... its ass turned to Chu Yu and it farted!

Sh*t!

A wave of yellow gas accompanied the pungent and stinging stench that attacked Chu Yu in an instant.

F*ck!

Chu Yu hurriedly dodged to the side. The shockwave from his slap had broken the trunk of a tree, causing it to crash.

At this point, the horrible stench had covered an area spanning a few hundred meters in diameter.

The weasel, who had ran far away, shrieked, "Doll face, do you know how good I am now?"

Chu Yu didn’t say anything, he pinched his nose and retrieved the Spirit Stunning Bow from his storage ring and aimed it at the big weasel.

The weasel suddenly felt a terrifying murderous aura lock onto it!

It turned and ran without hesitation!

In the blink of an eye, it had disappeared into the forest.

The entire forest was just left with the stench of its fart. Chu Yu frowned and found a hide several miles away.

Only then did he let out a long sigh, feeling like a little b*tch.

Since young, he had many interactions with these things in the deep forest.

At that point, his cultivation level was not high, but the weasels he faced were not powerful either.

They all had some spiritual energy, but were not particularly powerful.

Chu Yu had been defeated a few times, but he had also defeated many weasels.

When he thought about it, he realized he hasn’t seen them in many years.

Little did he expect that he would meet such a huge one here, particularly one that had already attained Acupoint Charging Stage Nine.

This thing was not particularly well-liked, it was not edible and its fur was relatively useless.

Furthermore, they were extremely petty and bore grudges.

Chu Yu could totally predict that this huge yellow skin would definitely try to find trouble with him constantly.

"How disheartening."

Chu Yu held the Spirit Stunning Bow in his hand and decided that if the weasel came to harass him, he would teach it a lesson!

After which, Chu Yu continued moving inwards of the forest.

After about two hours, Chu Yu had reached the deepest point of the forest.

At this point, that large weasel appeared again.

This time, the fella was a lot more cautious and did not attack Chu Yu the first chance it got.

It tried to hide carefully in an attempt to fool Chu Yu’s senses, but it had failed!

Chu Yu’s senses had a range of over 7000 meters. In other words, movement within a 7000 meter radius would generally not escape his senses.

Even though he was some distance away from attaining full awareness of movement within his radius, for lifeforms such as this weasel which had a cultivation level lower than him, it would be difficult for it to escape his senses.

If it wasn’t for the fact that the weasel was crafty and kept changing its position, Chu Yu would have very well attacked it.

The Spirit Stunning Bow was strong, but its drawbacks were equally obvious.

It sapped too much energy!

After a single attack, regardless of its effectiveness, would cause him to become weaker.

As such, Chu Yu decided to keep the Spirit Stunning Bow.

After which, he shouted into the empty forest, "Big yellow skin, I have long left your territory, you can scram now. If you really don’t know better, I don’t mind stripping you of your skin!"

"You little b*tch, is this how you talk to your elders?"

The forest echoed out with the weasel’s sharp, angry voice.

"Don’t court death." Chu Yu warned.

"For as long as you’re in this forest, don’t expect to have any respite!" Weasels bore grudges, as for the fact that it had attacked first, it did not wish to mention that.

Chu Yu took big strides towards where the weasel was hiding. He was holding the ancient bronze blade, and his aura and energy radiated from his body.

The entire forest was suddenly filled with a murderous aura.

The weasel got a shock of its life, it did not expect to be found out, especially since he had found such deep cover.

But yet, its eyes showed no fear, instead, they showed content.

The greatest ability of the weasel was not in a head on confrontation, but rather the utilisation of its mental energies.

Farting was simply an elementary self defence technique.

Its real prowess lay in its ability to use its mental energy to confuse the enemy and place the enemy in a state of confusion.

Previously it had sneaked attacked Chu Yu because of a lapse in judgement.

However, this time, it was not going to make the same mistake!

In order to overwhelm the enemy with his own mental energy, he had to first incite a strong emotional response.

Anger, joy, hurt... would all work!

He’s angry, hahahaha! The doll face is angry... good good, I hope you get angrier!

The weasel hid there and continued to mock in its high pitched voice, "Doll face, does my fart smell good? What does it smell like?"

Chu Yu had spotted the weasel long ago by opening his vertical eye.

Hearing this, the rage in Chu Yu’s heart rose and he said coldly, "Later I’ll let you smell it for yourself!"

Aiyaya, even more anger, this is good, this is good!

The weasel was pleased, he wanted to kill Chu Yu not just because he wanted bore a grudge. The bigger reason was because he wanted to get the large amount of resources from this guy!

It could tell that this human was powerful, and definitely had good things on him!

I want them!

This was its simplistic and rustic way of thinking.

As he saw Chu Yu get closer, the sharp face of the weasel broke out into a human like smile.

After which, with a stare from its green eyes, its body released a wave of strange fluctuations.

This fluctuations was invisible to the naked eye, and it was also impossible to feel!

Unless one was in the Xiantian realm, and had become a true cultivator and had a mastery of sacred art, there was no way of feeling it.

He had his eyes set on the weasel, and as Chu Yu was preparing to strike viciously at the weasel, he felt a wave of energy tunneling into his forehead. Chu Yu could feel his mental capacity diminish.

Attack via hallucination!

Chu Yu had understood it in an instant!

When he was younger, he was defeated by weasels a few times due to such an attack.

At that point, because his vertical eye was not supported by strong energies, it did not manifest itself unless death was imminent.

Furthermore, the weasels he had encountered were not strong, and such hallucinations did little to him,

Even though the weasel in front of him was strong, Chu Yu now was no longer that weak child of before!

If this weasel had attacked an ordinary person, then it would have easily controlled that guy’s fate.

If he did not meet someone as perverted as Chu Yu, even if it met with a stronger opponent, the attack would have confused the opponent and put him in grave danger.

Yet, unluckily, it had met with a queer person like Chu Yu, who had a metal ball in his forehead which had not been fully activated and was constantly growing.

The true power of this vertical eye was unknown even to Chu Yu.

But he was anticipating what he would find ou.

Just as the mental energy attack of the weasel neared Chu Yu, a faint wave of strength exploded out of Chu Yu’s forehead.

As he raised his cultivation level, his body’s power could also provide energy to his vertical eye.

The weasel’s attack only managed to disturb Chu Yu for a moment, yet, in the next moment, it disappeared.

The pitiful weasel did not know that its attack had failed, and was still living a fantasy.

A low solemn, magnetic voice erupted from its mouth.

"Such a pitiful and insignificant human, do you feel like you’re very weak? It’s ok... open up your heart and accept the hug of nature and you shall get everything!"

Chu Yu’s pupils flashed with a sinister smile inside.

In the next moment, Chu Yu stood there unmoving.

The weasel jumped down, but it didn’t rush at Chu Yu the first chance it got.

That little black face, as well as its two green eyes were on high alert as it observed Chu Yu.

The weasel was cautious, being taken advantage of once was enough!

For that once, he would have this human pay with his life!

"All the worldly possessions... are meaningless, throw them away, all the bags... throw away the bags, and go on the battlefield with the bare minimum, you will get everything!"

That solemn and magnetic voice of the weasel continued to sound out.

As it spoke, it observed Chu Yu’s expressions.

Chu Yu looked blankly and he released the his grip on the ancient bronze dagger.

The weasel’s eyes flashed with greed.

He could tell that the treasured blade was good stuff!

Are there any more nice things on this doll face?

"Any other items will only become obstructions in your advancement, throw them away... it is meaningless to keep them. This is what god... is telling you!"

The weasel was stern, it stood up and glared at Chu Yu.

Chu Yu’s hand... reached for his neck and pulled out a black string against his will.

On it was a black ring!

The space ring!

The weasel could not belief his eyes.

God damn!

Did he just catch a historically large fish?

The weasel felt its heart... beat manically!

"Throw it down!"

It ordered sternly.

Dual Sword God - Chapter 57: The Fall of the Western Genius

It was a dark and cold night, however, the battles occurring in the Chosen Battle Arena where enough to fill any practitioner with warmness as their blood boiled with excitement.

The war for the title of Pseudo Chosen was almost over, and now only the best of the best candidates remained. All of the top-class geniuses from the Major Influences had already won more than four battles requiring each to gain one more token from one more victory.

However, for any candidate to win these rounds, they are not going to be able to win so smoothly.

Bang!

Miren Fei was knocked unconscious by a powerful attack launched by Xin Qing who stood at the center of the golden square with a terrifying shadow shade surrounding her body. Her eyes radiated a dark light as she looked at Miren Fei as she spoke.

"You did well to make it this far, but it is not enough to take you any further. If your cultivation were to rise to my standard, then this would have been a more appealing battle." as she said this the power of the Ancient Dragon shouted their forms once more and Miren Fei was sent to the platform of the vanquished.

Feng Yu seeing this seen thought to himself. "Sigh, so it seems that they have finally reached their current limits, looks like I'll need to find ways to help them increase their strength at a faster rate." as he thought this he couldn't help but feel regretful when he saw both Miren Fei's and Lang Kuang's figures standing on the quiet platform of the vanquished.

Dai Lin looked at them and then spoke to Feng Yu "Young Master, does not need to be worried once their cultivation catches up. I'm afraid no one amongst these genius gathered here would be any of their matches."

Hui Ying on the side also spoke "Em. Dai Lin says right. Even I would have to use a few my true strength to take someone like Lang Kuang down."

As they continued to chat, a light soon surrounded another two forms quickly transporting them to the battle stage. Upon seeing these two forms, the crowd couldn't help but grow wild.

"So the Genius of the Western Kingdom is finally going to battle once more." said an influential character

"Hmm, who is that?" asked an influential character as he looked at Ji Weng's opponent.

"Eh? Why is it that I've never seen this individual before?" another then said.

The Midnight Temple strange man wearing a bamboo hat smiled as he saw the Bamboo Hat Youth appeared once more on the platform.

"I wonder, what choice will you make?" he said interestedly as he looked at the form on the battle arena.

As the influences discussed amongst themselves, the two candidates on the stage were just about ready to go on a full offensive.

Ji Weng looked at the strange Bamboo Hat Youth in front of him with a peculiar expression as he spoke. "I've been watching you for quite some time now! Your fighting style is different from typical disciples of the Midnight Temple. I don't know who you are or what your goal, but this is where you will reach your end!"

The Bamboo Hat Youth smiled as heard this and responded. "Ha Ha! It seems that keeping my identity hidden has drawn a lot of unexpected interests. Oh well, it doesn't matter if I relieve it now do I..." as he said this he raised his hands slowly to his head taking off the bamboo hat shrouded his face and throwing to the ground with a wave of his wrist.

Pat.

As the hat fell on the ground the face that was revealed was that of a youth similar in age to Hui Ying. He had a cross scar at the center of his face trailing across his forehead to his nose and then to both his left and right cheeks. With a lowcut hair, and two odd rings placed on both of his earlobes.

Swoosh!!!

The sound of the night wind grew as silence filled the entire Chosen Battle Arena, a few top class figure looked at the form in pure shock.

Xun Yanshan looked a surprise when he saw the face that was revealed, even the Mysterious Spear Youth's group were surprised when they saw that familiar face as a look of battle intent rose in the eyes.

Hui Ying looked at the figure with a sharp look in his eyes as he spoke beside Feng Yu,"So it was you after all... "

Feng Yu and Dai Lin looked on silently.

As Ji Weng saw the face, he felt stunned but soon after his eyes glowed with excitement he quickly assumed an odd battle posture and spoke. "The Prodigy of the Weapon Masters Empire, Wuqi Shouzhi!! It's an honor to meet a character of your standard!"

Wuqi Shouzhi looked at Ji Weng with a smile on his face as he spoke. "You are not my match. It's best you give up now rather waste both of our times."

"Hmph! I'll see that for myself!! Drunken Monkey Style: Staggering Boxing Stance!!! " as Ji Weng shouted, his body started to sway oddly similar to that of a drunken man staggering on the streets. Soon, his form began to leave untraceable remnant shades that moved around Wuqi Shouzhi's in an elusive manner as he attacked at various positions with either his fists, palms or kicks.

Sou! Sou! Sou! Sou!

"Hmm, it seems that Weng Child has already reached a high level of comprehension regarding the essence of the 'Staggering Boxing Stance' "said an elder from the Sheng Imperial Clan.

A looked of mock came across Wuqi Shouzhi's face as he reached his hands within his sleeves and closed his eyes tilting his body to side as he quickly dogged each of the Ji Weng's strange and unpredictable attacks.

Whoosh! Woosh! Whoosh!

A fist that Ji Weng punched towards Wuqi Shouzhi was avoided in a timely and precise manner making it seem as if it was a narrow escape, as Wuqi Shouzhi spun his body around Ji Weng's form standing at his blind spot while taunting.

"I wonder what would happen if I attack now..." said Wuqi Shouzhi as he sneered at Ji Weng while standing behind him with his hands in his sleeves.

Ji Weng instantly felt a wave of anger as he realized his opponent was toying with him. However, he continued to revolve his 'Staggering Boxing Stance' as he once more turned into multiple staggering Ji Weng's that attacked Wuqi Shouzhi from all angles.

Wuqi Shouzhi smiled as he once more fluidly flowed between each of Ji Weng's attacks with ease, as each tilt an sway of his body took him to one of Ji Weng's blinds spots.

Whussh! Whussh!

However, right when he was about to continue his game, there was a sudden change, as Ji Weng's body that was approaching him from a flanking position instantly vanished following which a voice sounded behind his form.

"Drunken Monkey Style: Shapeless Stikes!!!!!" he roared as he launched a barrage of formless attacks with his hands towards Wuqi Shouzhi's back.

Wuqi Shouzhi eyes shone as he sensed the odd fluctuations of Ji Weng's strange attacks, promptly twirling his body to face the shapeless assaults as he flexed his fingers that were underneath his sleeves.

"Special Weapon Arts: Hidden Styles - Sealing Dragon Needles..." he muttered in a soft voice.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Instantly a group of hidden needles soared through the air as they quickly and accurately pierced the formless attacks of Ji Weng a few of the needles were so precise that they firmly lodged themselves into the pressure points of Ji Weng's body.

"Argh!! What the hell is this?" shouted Ji Weng as his body was now similar to that of a porcupine, as he tried to react, he soon realized that not only could he not move, his body also ached with pain in the areas that the needles pierced.

"You did well. A pity, that was not enough match me, rest now Genius of the West... " as Wuqi Shouzhi said this he flexed his finger once again caused a different needle to flow towards Ji Weng.

Swish!

The needle flew accurately and pierced a section of his neck, instantly Ji Weng fell into an unconscious state as he body fell to the ground.

Thud!

The audience looked at this scene in silence, as the Sheng Imperial Clan members grew angry and disappointed at the same time. However, they did not react rashly as the character that defeated Ji Weng was not a character their clan can provoke.

"Such incredible weapon control, it seems like the rumors about him mastering the arts of secret weaponry are no joke." said a top class character as he observed Wuqi Shouzhi in surprise.

"Strong... I didn't think that he would also come to attend this talent selection rather than prepare for the 'True Dragon Talent Meet.' Hmm, could it be that the Wuqi Clan also has a diviner? Or is that he came here for something is?" said the Mysterious Speak Youth as he looked at Wuqi Shouzhi.

The Brawny Youth and Xia Rou also looked on with a bit of puzzlement in their eyes as they found it strange for such a character of the younger generation to be here.

Hui Ying looked at the form standing n the stage in silence.

Feng Yu noticing this decided to speak. "Brother Ying, whats the matter? Do you know this fellow?"

Hearing his question Hui Ying nodded as he looked at the night sky at the dark clouds and responded. "Yes, I know him..."

"Who is he?" asked Feng Yu who looked at the figure that now appeared outside of the golden square after a flash of light, a wave of battle intent rose within his heart as he gently rubbed the two swords on his back.

"He is..." as Hu Ying said this he looked towards the figure of Wuqi Shouzhi seeing the latter was also eyeing him from his square.

"My Brother... " as his voice sounded the brilliant light shone from the Ancient Dragon once again illuminating two forms.

Looking at the two forms illuminated Feng Yu eyes jumped as he was now too preoccupied with the upcoming battle between these two individuals rather than Hui Ying's words.

KaBang!

The dark clouds hovering above the sky released a streak of lightning which collapsed onto the golden square within the battle arena.

As two forms stood silently within this lightning field, a blue-haired man with the symbol of dawn on his emblem and a young man with a large blade shouldered on his back.

The night grew colder, as the chilly winds began to set the tone for the fierce battle...

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 35: What is Happening?

“You… Nonsense!”

Seeing the crowd breaking out into a commotion, cold sweat dripped down from manager Wu’s forehead. He gritted his teeth and bellowed.

He must not admit to it now. The moment he did, Hongtian Pavilion’s reputation would be ruined, and his future will be gone with it as well.

If only he knew that this teacher was a gourmet, he would have never agreed to Shang Bin’s request even if he was beaten to death!

“You are claiming that what I said was nonsense?” Zhang Xuan glanced at him.

“Indeed. You said that these dishes are imitations, but you don’t have evidence to back up your claim. Without evidence, your words are nonsense. Do you think that I wouldn’t dare to have you arrested for the crime of slander?” Manager Wu said ferociously.

“Evidence? You want evidence? Fine!”

Seeing how this fellow was adamant to push on, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Initially, he didn’t want to pursue the matter any further. After all, Shen Bi Ru was the one treating, so wat doesn’t matter to him how much the dishes cost. However, who knew that this fellow would stubbornly claim that he was slandering them. Since that was the case, Zhang Xuan was resolute to prevent him from getting away scot-free.

“I have already provided the evidence of the few dishes before. Everyone can inspect their food carefully based on the unique traits that I have just brought up! Of course, it’s okay if he is reluctant to acknowledge it. After all, even if you all know all these, some gourmets will still find it difficult to distinguish between them, needless to say, the rest of you! However…”

Zhang Xuan surveyed the surroundings before casually lifting up the most expensive bottle of wine on the table up and declared, “Everyone would be able to easily discern the authenticity of this bottle of wine!”

“Discern its authenticity? 【Drunk Immortal】 is the specialty of Hongtian Pavilion! This is a fact known by everyone. Many people specially made the trip here just for the wine. Are you trying to say that the wine is fake as well?”

A customer couldn’t resist asking.

“Indeed, Drunk Immortal is the trademark of Hongtian Pavilion, so surely it can’t be faked? If this turns out to be an imitation as well, I doubt that there can be anything real in here!”

Another customer spoke up.

The wine that was offered to Zhang Xuan’s table previously was called Drunk Immortal and its sale was exclusive to Hongtian Pavilion. The wine was rich, delicious and had an exquisite fragrance! This wine played a crucial role to the current reputation and scale of Hongtian Pavilion!

If even this wine turned out to be an imitation… That would be going way overboard!

“I’ve already said that it would be easy to discern it!”

As though he had expected the crowd to doubt his words, Zhang Xuan simply responded with a faint smile and raises the bottle. “The words 【Drunk Immortal】 are written on the cover of the bottle. If this is truly the Drunk Immortal from 【Hundred Well Brewery】, it would indeed be worth 1200 gold coins!”

“But it is a pity that the bottle is filled with 【Green Crag Brew】 from 【Purple Bamboo Gazebo】. These two wines are similar in terms of their scent and their texture. However, the former is brewed using the valuable and rare Rooted Earth Grass and Green Cicada Heart Leaf and it nourishes the body when drunk. On the other hand, if one drinks too much of the Green Crag Brew, the venom from the Fallen Floral Grass would attack one’s heart and lungs. Over time, the function of one’s organs will deteriorate, causing one’s cultivation to fall rapidly, thus ending their lives tragically!”

“Using Green Crag Brew to imitate Fallen Immortal?”

“I’ve heard of Green Crag Brew! If I remember correctly, its taste is similar with Fallen Immortal!”

“I’ve always trusted in the quality of the goods of Hongtian Pavilion. I would have never imagined that they would fool their customers like that!”

“This is a fraud! I will be reporting this to the academy so that an investigation will be conducted!”

…

The customers who were watching the commotion, upon hearing that they have been scammed, cried out indignantly.

“Just because you said that it is Green Crag Brew, doesn’t mean that it would necessarily be it. Where’s your evidence?” Manager Wu squeezed out these words between his gritted teeth.

Glancing at him, Zhang Xuan replied calmly, “Wine can be ignited with fire. I haven’t touched much of the alcohol in it, so you can ignite this one. The true Fallen Immortal should exude an alluring fragrance, similar to lilies and musk! On the other hand, for Green Crag Brew, a charred odor would be released. All those who have noses should be able to discern between the two easily!”

“You…”

Manager Wu’s body went stiff.

The other party’s words were completely accurate. However, this method of distinguishing between the two wasn’t very well-known. Only the makers of Green Crag Brew and their vendors were aware of it. Even Wu Chou himself only heard of it coincidentally. How could this fellow know of this method as well?

Actually, the wine given to other customers were all true Fallen Immortal. After all, this was the trademark specialty of the tavern. After hearing Shang Bin’s plan, he intentionally passed this fake wine over to the young man, thinking that he would be unable to discern between the two, so that he would be able to make an earning out of this. In the end, not only was the other party aware of it, he was even able to state the method to distinguish between the two clearly!

If Zhang Xuan were to prove himself right, it would be difficult to explain to everyone that what they’re drinking was the authentic Fallen Immortal!

“Why? You don’t dare to give it a try?”

Seeing the look of panic on the other person’s face, Zhang Xuan smiled faintly. He casually turned the wine bottle over, allowing the wine to spill onto the floor. Then, he took out an ignitable paper roll and snapped his fingers.

Xiong xiong!

When the wine on the floor came into contact with the flames, it lit up and instantaneously, a stinging odor assaulted the noses of the crowd, leaving them faint-headed.

“How pungent! This was what we were drinking?”

“Hongtian Pavilion really doesn’t respect their customers!”

“For it to be so pungent, it must be poisonous…”

“Refund, refund! I’ve been drinking your wine here for three years. Not only do I want you to return it all back to me, I want additional compensation as well!”

…

The entire tavern exploded into an uproar.

Everyone rushed forward.

“What… What is happening?”

Cao Xiong and Shang Bin felt like they were going mad by the sudden turn of events.

They had specially set up this ploy to humiliate Zhang Xuan. In the end, not only was he not humiliated, he even managed to stand out instead!

Instead, they were shamed like clowns!

“What is happening… What is happening your head!”

By the side, manager Wu had just barely kept his emotions in check, but upon hearing those words, he lost control and kicked them both.

Peng! Peng!

He was a Fighter 6-dan Pixue realm expert. Before the two of them could even react, the sight before them went dark and they crashed onto the ground. A giant footprint was left on each of their faces.

It was no wonder that manager Wu would go berserk. If it weren’t for these two fellows, such an incident would not have occurred!

He could already foresee that not only would his career come to an end, he would also have to face the rage of Elder Hong Hao!

After this incident, Hongtian Pavilion’s reputation would definitely go into the gutters and their business would no longer be as prosperous as before.

The cause of this entire incident was him accepting the request of these two fellows to teach the lad, who was last in the Teacher Qualification Examination, a lesson!

How could it be possible for this lad to be the last? Even the first in the examinations couldn’t possibly be so incredible!

If only he knew in advance that this master had such powerful eyes of discernment… Not only would he have not caused Zhang Xuan any trouble, he would have been praying for him to not cause him any!

Damn it!

“Looks like there isn’t anyone free to collect money from us right now, let’s go!”

Seeing how the situation had descended into chaos, Zhang Xuan signaled to Shen Bi Ru, who was still in a state of daze, and walked out of the tavern.

Now that the problem had been settled, staying here would just result in more trouble. Thus, it would wiser for them to simply leave.

“Un!”

Shen Bi Ru hurriedly caught up to him. Seeing the young man in front her, her eyes were filled with complex emotions.

All along, she thought that he was a trash, an ignorant fellow who was the shame of the teaching community!

After half a day of interaction, she realized that… if he was a trash, then what was she?

Didn’t it mean that she was nothing at all?

Gritting her teeth, she walked up. With disbelief still reflecting within her beautiful pitch black eyes, she asked, “You seem to be quite knowledgeable about food. Could it be that… you’re a gourmet?”

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 34: Scam

“Ah?” Not expecting that the lady would be angered, Shang Bin was astonished. He immediately explained, “Shen laoshi, I’m not talking about you, I’m talking about Zhang Xuan. If he doesn’t have the money, he shouldn’t be going around treating others. Look, he ended up getting stopped by the waiter, how embarrassing is that. He is sullying the prestige of our academy…”

The more he spoke, the darker his goddess’s face turned, to the point that it seemed as though she would erupt at any moment now. Shang Bin was bewildered by the twist in the situation. At this moment, the waiter interrupted awkwardly, “Shang shaoye…”

“What?” Shang Bin glanced at him with a frown.

“Cough cough, the one that is treating is… Shen laoshi!” The waiter said.

He received the order to cooperate with Shang Bin’s show. Yet, he would have never expected that it would be the lady that’d foot the tab. Before he could report it to him, Shang Bin had already rushed over, making it even more difficult to explain the situation to him.

“Shen laoshi is the one treating?”

Shang Bin was horrified. His eyes widened in disbelief.

[Are you for real?]

He had been asking the goddess out to eat everyday and yet she simply dismissed his invitations. What rights did the worst teacher of the academy have to be sharing a meal with her, not to mention… having her treat him?

“Why? Just because I have no money to foot the tab means I’m feigning generosity and embarrassing myself, is it!” Shen Bi Ru glared at him coldly. She had been embarrassed in front of Zhang Xuan multiple times today and she had been dispirited over it all this while. Yet, this fellow just had to mock her at such a moment. She felt her rage on the verge of flying out of control.

“No, that’s not it…” Shang Bin’s face paled and he looked as though he was about to cry.

Only now did he understands that he had accidentally insulted his goddess in the midst of trying to fawn on her. He immediately waved his hands as though to dispel the misunderstanding, “I didn’t mean that, I mean to… to…”

Stuttering, he was unsure of how he should explain it.

However, as expected of a teacher of the academy and the grandson of an elder. Having experienced and seen many things, he quickly recovered and turned to look at the waiter. Gesturing majestically, he declared, “Alright, Shen laoshi‘s debt is my debt. How much does it cost? I will pay for her!”

“Shang shaoye, you are an esteemed guest of our Hongtian Pavilion, how can we accept your money!” The waiter nodded his head in a panic.

These were the lines they had prepared beforehand, so as to flaunt his background and ability before his goddess.

“That is great…” Shang Bin wanted to tug on the subject awhile longer to showcase his superiority when Shen Bi Ru’s cold voice sounded out once more, “It’s okay, I will pay for my expenses, so that others won’t claim that I am feigning generosity!”

At this moment, she retrieved a hairpin from her head and passed it over, “This jade hairpin is worth at least 5000 gold coins, you can verify it with a specialist. I will be leaving it in your care first. After I retrieve my money, I will be back to redeem it!”

“This…”

Holding the jade hairpin, the waiter was unsure of what he should do.

This wasn’t part of the script they agreed on…

“Shen laoshi, you don’t have to do this. I am acquainted with manager Wu of Hongtian Pavilion, so as long as I speak up, that debt of yours don’t mean anything at all…”

Shang Bin hurriedly stepped forward.

“That’s your problem, what does it have to do with me?” Shen Bi Ru interrupted his words. Then, she turned to look at the waiter again and said, “I will be leaving first if you aren’t going to be looking for a specialist to verify it!”

“I…” The waiter looked at Shang Bin in a panic and the plea in his gaze was clear to see.

“What are you looking at me for?” Shang Bin waved his hand quickly. With a furious gaze, he continued, “I don’t know you at all!”

“Alright!”

Zhang Xuan didn’t expect that a single meal would end in such a farce. Shaking his head, he stepped forward, retrieved the jade hairpin from the waiter and passed it back to Shen Bi Ru. “Why are giving this to him? This meal isn’t even worth 1280 gold coins. Giving him money like this, are you that anxious to be scammed?”

“Scammed? Hongtian Pavilion has nearly ten years behind its establishment. Our prices are fair and we do not discriminate between our customers. There has never been a single person who had such an issue with us before, so what do you mean by those words?”

The moment Zhang Xuan words landed, a middle-aged man walked over with large strides.

It was the manager of Hongtian Pavilion, Wu Chou.

He had talked it through with Shang Bin and he wasn’t supposed to appear initially. However, upon hearing Zhang Xuan talking about a scam, he couldn’t hold it in anymore.

The events occurring here had attracted the attention of many customers. If he didn’t show up and allow the other party to speak as he pleases instead, the reputation of the tavern would be sullied. If that happened, his boss, Elder Hong Hao, would kill him when he returned.

“What do I mean? Do I really have to voice it out?”

Zhang Xuan’s eyelids lifted up slightly and a lazy atmosphere emanated from him.

“Hmph, we use the finest ingredients for every single dish of our Hongtian Pavilion, so that they are served fresh and delicious. Our prices have also undergone the stringent checks of the academy. If you aren’t able to explain yourself, regardless of the fact of whether you are a teacher of the academy or not, you don’t have to dream about leaving here today!”

Manager Wu’s face darkened.

To a tavern, scamming one’s customers was a very heavy sin to bear. If he didn’t settle it now, Hongtian Pavilion could possibly go out of operation when such a reputation spread.

“He is truly courting death!”

Initially, he thought that Zhang Xuan would get away scot-free once again. However, seeing Zhang Xuan accuse Hongtian Pavilion of scamming its customer and offending manager Wu, a glint flashed across Shang Bin’s eyes as he watched the situation gleefully.

Manager Wu might seem like an amiable person with a good temper, but when the reputation of Hongtian Pavilion was on the line, he would be like a raging bull who didn’t know the meaning of retreat!

Looks like the fellow who was the first from the last in the academy was in for a ride of misfortune!

“What is this fellow rambling about…”

Panic could be seen on Shen Bi Ru’s face.

[For Hongtian Pavilion to be opened in Hongtian Academy at such a tremendous scale, its backing is clear to see at a single glance. Yet, you dare to accuse them of scamming their customers in public, aren’t you asking for trouble?

A large tavern like this values its reputation a lot.]

“Since you requested for me to say it, then I will spare with the formalities!”

Despite the Wu Chou’s threat, Zhang Xuan was unfazed. He walked up to the table and said.

“This 【Violet Savage Bear Meat】, going by your claims, is prepared by slaughtering a Savage Bear before soaking it in Violet Flowers for three days. This way, the exterior will be crispy while the interiors will be tender and the meat will be filled with fragrance. However, you all took it out for frying right after soaking it for just a day. Although the texture is still the same, the medical properties of the Violet Flower has yet to soak in, making it would be useless no matter how many of it one eats!”

“As for this 【Honghu Mandarin Fish】, you all advertised it as wild mandarin fishes caught in Lake Hong. However, they are actually mandarin fishes that you all have been rearing in Yeluo Bay. It is easy to differentiate between the two. As wild mandarin fishes have to battle against their natural predators, 【Qinghe Turtle】, the fin of the tail of Honghu mandarin fishes tend to be tougher than those that are reared, and its tail would be significantly thicker as well. One only has to slightly look into the matter to know whether what I’m saying is true!”

“As for this 【Clear Sautéed Nestled Heart Herb】, the ingredients used isn’t even Nestled Heart Herb but Bitter Heart Herb! These two plants are actually one of a kind, just that they are cultivated under different conditions, thus the difference in their names. Nestled Heart Grass grows beside the nests of savage beasts and is taken care by them. Their stems would tend to be thicker and their nutrition value is significantly higher as well!”

“Bitter Heart Herb grows in the wilderness and is extremely cheap. Its stem is thin and its nutrition value is lower by a huge chunk! For the same plate of vegetable, the difference in their value is almost tenfold! Completely different in comparison! Listing it as Nestled Heart Herb but cooking the dish using Bitter Heart Herb, if this isn’t a scam, what else could it be?”

…

Casually pointing to any dish, he was able to clearly point out the origin and flaws in it. Upon hearing those words, manager Wu’s earlier aggression faded as his face paled.

As the manager of Hongtian Pavilion, he wasn’t just involved in attending to the customers, he was also in charge of the affairs in the kitchen. Naturally, he was aware of the authenticity of the Zhang Xuan’s words.

Not only was he not speaking nonsense, his words were… completely true!

The boss wasn’t aware of these things. For his own profit, Wu Chou discreetly got someone to switch them. Not even professional gourmets could tell the differences between Honghu Mandarin Fish, Nestled Heart Herb and their imitation, thus proving that the substitutes for these two were identical.

How could this young man tell? Furthermore, for him to be completely spot-on.

“Damn it!”

“We specially came here from afar to try the authentic Nestled Heart Herb, to think that it would be an imitation!”

“Me too. I’ve heard that the Honghu Mandarin Fish is delicious, authentic and fragrant, thus I specially made the journey here. How dare you all try to fool us!”

“Refund, refund! To think that the number one tavern of Hongtian Academy would resort to using imitations, not to mention that I am a regular customer! I would have never imagined that it was all a scam!”

…

Zhang Xuan’s words were unhurried and rational with sufficient evidence to back up his claims. The crowd who was watching the show immediately burst into an uproar.

Hongtian Pavilion could be considered a reputable tavern, even in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom. Many of its specialties have attracted innumerable experts to make the journey. They would have never imagined that these were all fake.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 33: Feigning Generosity

“Shang gongzi [1], you’re here. Come on in!”

Before the two men and one beast stepped into the tavern, a smiling middle-aged man welcomed them with a smile.

The manager of Hongtian Pavilion, Wu Chou!

“Give us a quiet location. Cao Xiong laoshi and I want to have a good drink together!” Shang Bin said.

“Over here!”

Wu Chou quickly brought them to their seats.

“Shang shaoye, every time I am here, this Wu Chou would behave smugly and disregard my presence. This time, why does he…” Cao Xiong couldn’t resist asking.

Hongtian Pavilion might just be a tavern, but the powers backing it was not one to scoff at. Otherwise, it was impossible for them to be operating their business in the compounds of Hongtian Academy at such a scale!

In the past, when he was here to eat, manager Wu would always disregard him. Yet, this time, his back was bent forward and his attitude was of utmost respect. The disparity in his attitudes made him doubt if he was in reality.

“You should have heard of that there was once an Elder Hong Hao in the academy!” Shang Bin said.

Cao Xiong nodded his head.

Hongtian Academy was founded by Hongtian. After his death, his descendants sustained his heritage. As a result, the elders who have the surname of ‘Hong’ tended to be of more esteemed standing in the academy.

He had heard of this Elder Hong Hao previously. He was an extremely powerful individual and had once vied for the principal seat. However, afterward, for some unknown reasons, he suddenly resigned from his position as an elder and there was no news on him anymore.

“After resigning as an elder, he started a tavern. He used to be best buddies with my grandfather, so manager Wu would welcome me with respect whenever I’m here!” Shang Bin declared gleefully.

“So that’s the reason!” Cao Xiong nodded his head.

[No wonder this Hongtian Pavilion managed to grow to such a scale, it was opened by the previous Elder Hong Hao.

To be received by the manager of such a huge tavern, it is definitely something glorious.]

“Un?”

Just as he was in the midst of enjoying service he had never experienced before, Cao Xiong suddenly froze and his face gradually grew darker.

“What happened?” Shang Bin gazed at him in puzzlement.

“That should be Zhang Xuan, right? How could he possibly have the qualifications to be dining here?” Cao Xiong pointed towards a table by the window.

“Zhang Xuan?” Shang Bin glanced over as well. Upon seeing the young man, he caught sight of the figure seated together with him. His eyebrows shot upwards and rage surged from within. “Why is she together with that trash? I had extended my invitation to her multiple times, but she kept rejecting me. To think that she would be dining with someone else! Damn it! Damn it!”

As the grandson of an elder, a high-level teacher of the academy and a Fighter 5-dan Dingli realm expert, he had invited Shen Bi Ru for a meal multiple times, but she never agreed. Initially, he thought that she would never eat together with anyone. Never would he imagine that she would be sitting together with the renowned trash of the academy!

He almost fainted from anger on the spot.

Slamming his table, he stood up, preparing to rush over to question her. However, he suddenly recalled Shen Bi Ru’s temperament and immediately shriveled back to his seat.

She held intense loathe to those who disturb her. If he were to rush over to interrogate her like this, if she ended up getting provoked by his attitude and raged out at him, there would be no hope for his courtship.

“Shang shaoye, don’t be angry. I have an idea that would reveal the true colors of Zhang Xuan before Shen laoshi! Furthermore, it can accentuate the majestic aura of Shang shaoye!” Cao Xiong was a social expert, allowing him to see through the current situation in an instant. An idea flashed through his mind and he smiled as he tried to coax Shang Bin into action.

“What idea?”

“This Zhang Xuan is definitely here to fawn on Shen laoshi by treating her to a meal! However, as a low-level teacher, how much money could he possibly earn? We only have to interfere slightly to make the final bill out of his reach to shame him before her! Afterwards, Shang shaoye would appear and rescue her from the awkward situation… Shen laoshi‘s impression of Shang shaoye would definitely improve. Perhaps, the flower of love might even bloom as she runs into your embrace…” Cao Xiong revealed his plan.

“Good, let’s do it your way then!” Shang Bin’s eyes lit up as he nodded his head in satisfaction.

Not only would he be able to cripple his opponent, he would also be able to elevate his position in Shen Bi Ru’s heart at the same time. This was truly a brilliant idea!

[Looks like this Cao Xiong isn’t simply capable at teaching, he also has a way with dealing with humans. Looks like he should be properly groomed in the future…]

………………………………

Zhang Xuan didn’t know of the scheme that was being plotted against him. Eating the delicacies on the table, he nodded his head in commendation.

The cooking techniques here might not be as refined as the ones on Earth, but this world was rich in spirit energy, not to mention that the ingredients used in the dishes were fresh and delicious, thus providing a wholly different enjoyable eating experience.

Soon, most of the dishes on the table had been cleaned up and a large portion of them was wiped clean by Zhang Xuan. Shen Bi Ru only nibbled on a small bit of them symbolically.

Seeing how this fellow was only obsessed with eating, disregarding even her presence, Shen Bi Ru curled her lips in anger.

Initially, she thought that he was feigning it to attract her attention. Only now did she realize that he had never thought of her as an important matter…

Regardless of whether it was the genius teachers or star teachers of the academy, they would intentionally fawn on her and offer her favors. Yet, this fellow, the worst ranking teacher of the entire academy, treated her as though she is nothing, making her grind her silver teeth in anger. If it wasn’t for her etiquette, she would have already sent both of her legs flying towards his body.

The more she thought about it, the more furious she got. She knew that if she were to see him continue eating, she would die of anger. She turned around and called out to the waiter, “Bill!”

“A total of 1280 gold coins!”

A waiter walked over.

“1280?” Shen Bi Ru froze in shock. “Why is it so expensive?”

Even for a high-level teacher like her, she only earned 1000 gold coin every month. Yet, to eat away a month of salary in a single meal?

How could it be so expensive?

She had calculated it properly while she was ordering the dishes, and the bill wasn’t supposed to even reach 100. How could it jump up to more than 1000 in an instant?

“I’m sorry, but this bottle of wine here costs 1200 gold coins by itself!” The waiter explained.

Previously, when the both of them were eating, a waiter came forth to ask if they wanted some wine. Shen Bi Ru thought that it would be fine to have some alcohol, so she nodded her head in agreement. How could she have possibly imagined that the wine would be that expensive!

“We were uninformed of the price of the wine you sent over…”

Shen Bi Ru’s face looked extremely pale at this instant.

No matter how foolish she could be, it was obvious that she had been had.

“If you are truly uninterested in it, you should have asked further about it beforehand. Since you didn’t ask, we thought that you would be aware of its price, so we didn’t say anything excessive!” The waiter looked at her coldly.

“Hmph!” Seeing the attitude of the waiter, Shen Bi Ru knew that there’s no point in kicking up a fuss. Instead, it might be bad for her reputation if she were to kick up a fuss on this matter. Thus, she whipped out her wallet and prepared to pay. Then, her face suddenly turned white and awkwardness exuded from her, “I don’t have sufficient money on me now. Why don’t you keep it on my tab first, I will repay you after retrieving sufficient money…”

Today, she only intended to accomplish some reading at the Compendium Pavilion, so she didn’t bring much money. After which, she met Zhang Xuan and consulted him on some matters. Due to the excessive shock then, she totally forgot about the matter, recalling it only at this moment. She only had around a hundred gold coins on her, far from the required thousand plus.

Treating someone to a meal, yet not having sufficient money to foot the tab…

She felt a fiery sting on her face as she fervently wished for a burrow to appear, so that she could hide inside it.

“Don’t order food that you can’t afford! Since you’ve ordered it, pay up. Don’t even dream about eating for free here!” The waiter harrumphed.

“You…”

Shen Bi Ru’s small face flushed in anger.

“What happened?”

At this moment, a stern voice sounded out. Shang Bin, accompanied by Cao Xiong and the Sky Shattering Lion, walked over proudly with widened strides.

Dressed in white, his hands were behind him and his head was tilted high, his posture exuding an aura of superiority. In normal times, with his disposition and outer appearance, accompanied with the ferocious Sky Shattering Lion following behind him, he would have looked like an elegant and dashing gentleman. However, at this very moment, his face was swollen red and his eyes were bruised black. Looking from afar, he looked indescribably ridiculous.

However, he seemed oblivious to it and instead, strutted about proudly. With a deep look in his eyes and a distanced aura, he walked forward and his eyes happened to chance upon Shen Bi Ru’s body. Feigning shock, he said, “Shen laoshi, what a coincidence! You’re here as well?”

He turned around to look at the waiter and asked, “What happened here? It is unbecoming to be making a ruckus here!”

“Ah, so it is Shang shaoye!” The waiter leapt in fear. He no longer put on the pushy attitude from before and instead, revealed a careful demeanor as he explained, “It’s like this, they had eaten but they do not have the money to foot the bill…”

“No money to foot the bill?”

Shang Bin shook his head as a disappointed expression appeared on his face. He gazed at Zhang Xuan and said, “Zhang laoshi, it is not that I want to lecture you, but if you do not have the money, don’t try to feign generosity and treat someone to a meal here. Look, you simply ended up embarrassing yourself! As the worst teacher in the academy, you might be used to it, but to bring shame to Shen laoshi as well, don’t you think you have gone a bit too far!”

“…”

Seeing the arrogant look on the face of the fellow before him, Zhang Xuan paused for a moment before turning around to look at Shen Bi Ru, “Sigh, he seems to be talking about you. If you don’t have sufficient money, don’t feign generosity. Look, you simply ended up embarrassing yourself…”

“You…”

Upon hearing Shang Bin’s words, Shen Bi Ru was already infuriated. Yet, to hear Zhang Xuan repeating the same words again, she almost exploded from all of the accumulated fury. She lifted her head and glared at the gleeful Shang Bin, who was trying to put on an impressive image to win her favor. Luoluo, she grinded her jade teeth together and roared, “Shang Bin, I dare you to say once more who the one feigning generosity is?”

[1] Gongzi -> Gentleman, usually used to address for young males.