Chapter 525: A Murderous Heart
Some time passed before?Daoist?Master Coldsmoke came to her senses. “So, you possess such unbelievable power at such a tender age? It seems I underestimated you, my young friend.”
Her voice was still soft and pleasing to the ear, but how could Su Yi miss the insincerity in her tone?
He laughed but didn’t explain any further.
This was just the way of the world. When you said something beyond the bounds of another’s comprehension, they were sure to be skeptical. It could even lead to misunderstandings.
Only those who truly understood you would believe you.
This wasn’t an insult. It was a fundamental difference in her perception of reality.
Wen Xinzhao, however, reacted entirely differently. The Little Sword Demon’s eyes lit up, and when she spoke, she sounded enlightened. “No wonder you didn’t participate in the Orchid Terrace Dharma Assembly. If I had such power, I would find it boring too.”
Her melodious voice was full of unconcealed admiration. This only made?Daoist?Master Coldsmoke’s expression stranger.?It’s like he’s slipped her some kind of love potion. How can things go on like this?
“The Great Xia’s imperial family sure extends its reach awfully far. I’m just here for a visit. Why stop me? Don’t tell me the owner of this courtyard is that amazing?” said a clear, hearty voice with a hint of displeasure.
“Young Lord Huan, you’d best stop here. Otherwise, it might result in unpleasantness, and that wouldn’t be good.”
“That so? Then I’d actually like to see just how ‘unpleasant’ it will be!”
As he listened to their argument, Su Yi’s brow furrowed.
Young Lord Huan?
Was this a member of the Demonic Huan Family?
As Su Yi pondered, that clear, hearty voice rang out once more. This time, it was even louder. “Miss Wenzhao, Miss Shichan, forgive me for showing up uninvited. I am Huan Shaoyou, and I would like to speak with you!”
Both women were stunned and a bit confused.
“Huan Shaoyou? A direct-line descendant of the Demonic Huan Family?” Daoist Coldsmoke’s pupils constricted. “Over the past three days, his performance at the Orchid Terrace Dharma Assembly has been utterly shocking. He’s defeated every opponent in a single attack. Furthermore, everyone?he’s defeated?suffered severe injuries. Some even lost their entire cultivation base. His methods are extremely cruel and tyrannical.”
“It’s him!” Yuan Heng was visibly stunned.
“Hahaha, you exaggerate! I dare not accept such flattery!” Huan Shaoyou’s hearty laughter emanated from beyond Azurecloud Court.
It was obvious that he’d heard their conversation.
Wen Xinzhao and Yue Shichan finally understood who their guest was, but this only made them more confused. Neither had?ever so much as spoken?to Huan Shaoyou before; they weren’t even acquainted.
“You don’t know him?” Su Yi looked at Yue Shichan and Wen Xinzhao. Both of them shook their heads.
Su Yi’s eyebrows shot up.
It was then that Huan Shaoyou spoke up once more. “Miss Xinzhao, Miss Shichan, tonight, the Great Xia’s imperial family spoiled my mood. I’ll visit you again another day. When the time comes, let’s drink, rejoice, and discuss the Dao together. I’m sure you’ll both enjoy yourselves immensely.”
Wen Xinzhao couldn’t take it any longer. “You’re neither friend nor relative, nor even an acquaintance. Why are you so ill-mannered? Let me tell you: I have no desire to get to know someone like you whatsoever!”
Yue Shichan frowned, and although she said nothing, she was even colder than before.
Not far from Azurecloud Court.
The purple-haired, golden-crowned, jade-robed Huan Shaoyou put his hands behind his back and grinned. “Miss Xinzhao, you can’t speak in such absolutes. You and Miss Shichan are matchless beauties, and I admire you both immensely. Later on, well… We’re sure to have lots of time together!”
With that, he turned and left.
The imperial guards stationed around Azurecloud Court were the ones who’d stopped him earlier. When they saw him leave, all of them inwardly sighed in relief.
Facing Huan Shaoyou, a descendant of the family famed for their frenzied, overbearing ways, put the guards under enormous pressure.
Fortunately, Huan Shaoyou didn’t cause trouble tonight.
Displeasure arose on Wen Xinzhao’s face. “He really thinks he can do whatever he wants because he has the Huan Family behind him!”
Yue Shichan said, “He’s just a shameless, low-class hoodlum. Don’t take it to heart.”
Su Yi said casually from his wicker chair, “She’s right. You needn’t lose your temper over a scoundrel like that. If he pesters you, I guarantee he’ll die a miserable death.”
Yuan Heng’s heart shook.?He’s provoked?Master’s?killing intent!
But then, that makes sense. That Huan Shaoyou guy set his sights on Miss Xinzhao and Miss Shichan; he’s clearly sick of living.
Daoist Master Coldsmoke couldn’t help but remind him, “Young Friend Su, thirty thousand years ago, the Huan Family was the greatest faction of the demonic way beneath the heavens.”
After briefly introducing their origins, she said, “Do you remember what happened a few days ago? The Huan Family’s Thousand Demon Treasure Ship tried to barge into Nine Tripod City’s airspace.”
Su Yi nodded.
“From this incident, it’s clear how domineering and temperamental the Huan Family is,” said Daoist Master Coldsmoke. “Even the imperial family didn’t strike a killing blow. They let the Huan Family’s experts leave Nine Tripod City safely.”
She paused, then said seriously, “Given all that, you mustn’t be reckless. It’d be best to avoid conflict with the Huan Family.”
Yue Shichan, Yuan Heng, and Bai Wenqing’s expressions turned a bit strange.
They could, of course, tell that?Daoist?Master Coldsmoke had good intentions; she really was looking out for Su Yi. However, it was obvious that her concern was in vain.
After all, it was Su Yi who’d manipulated the Nine Tripod Suppression Barrier Formation, forcing the Huan Family’s Thousand Demon Treasure Ship out of the city. If Weng Jiu and his master hadn’t stopped him, he would have killed the Huan Family experts on board on the spot!
Of course, Su Yi’s companions were well aware that even if they revealed his secret, Wen Xinzhao’s master wouldn’t believe it so easily.
How lofty of an expert was?Daoist?Master Coldsmoke? She keenly picked up on the strangeness in their expressions, and she couldn’t help but feel confused. “You don’t think I’m wrong, do you?”
“Uh…” They all looked at Su Yi.
Su Yi smiled. “Everyone can see your good intentions, but I naturally know what I’m doing.”
Daoist Master Coldsmoke was a gentle, mature beauty. In her capacity as Wen Xinzhao’s teacher, she displayed the bearing and demeanor a senior ought to have.
This was why Su Yi disregarded her use of the term “little friend”, and why he didn’t let her words displease him.
Were she anyone else, they wouldn’t have been qualified to receive such consideration from him.
“That so? If you have a plan, that’s naturally a wonderful thing.” Daoist Master Coldsmoke nodded, and after chatting a little while longer, she and Wen Xinzhao rose and bade farewell.
It was getting late, and tomorrow was the fourth day of the Orchid Terrace Dharma Assembly, the day they’d decide the top hundred. Even Wen Xinzhao needed to prepare.
Before she left, she couldn’t help but ask, “Brother Su, the day after tomorrow is the last day of the Orchid Terrace Dharma Assembly, the day the competition will be the fiercest. Won’t you come watch?”
Su Yi smiled. “If you all make it into the top hundred, I’ll naturally be delighted to see just how far you can go.”
Wen Xinzhao’s eyes lit up. “When the time comes, I’ll ask my master to fetch you. That way, you can get into Orchid Terrace as a spectator.”
Su Yi shook his head. “No need to trouble yourselves. I have an invitation and can go whenever I please.”
Wen Xinzhao flashed him a charming smile. “I forgot! With your methods, getting into Orchid Terrace was never a problem at all.”
With that, she and her master left together.
Not long after they left Azurecloud Court, Daoist Master Coldsmoke couldn’t help but ask, “Xinzhao, do you believe everything Su Yi said today?”
Wen Xinzhao didn’t even pause to think. “Given my understanding of him, I’m certain of it. There’s no way he’d make empty boasts about such a thing.”
Daoist Master Coldsmoke couldn’t help but sigh. “So why does it seem so unbelievable to me? How could an Origin Palace Realm young man kill Spiritual Manifestation cultivators like Huo Tiandu, Zhou Fengzhi, Lei Feng, and Ting He? Doesn’t that mean that even I would be no match for Su Yi?”
Wen Xinzhao paused, then said gently, “Master, never mind that. Later on, when you witness his strength for yourself, you’ll receive a clear answer to all your doubts.”
“Mm,” said Daoist Master Coldsmoke. “It’s a pity he isn’t participating in the Orchid Terrace Dharma Assembly. I’m afraid I’ll have to wait to see just how capable he is.”
Meanwhile, in Azurecloud Court.
After master?and apprentice left, Su Yi called Yuan Heng over. “Did you see Ge Qian today?”
Yuan Heng nodded. “I saw him. Master, I discovered that as he fought, he used the Xuanwu Overlord Seal too.”
Having said this, he paused. “Master, should I make contact with Ge Qian?”
“No need.” Su Yi’s eyes flashed. “It’s enough so long as he doesn’t flee.”
It was just as he anticipated. After discovering that Yuan Heng had also inherited the Xuanwu True Essence Sutra, Ge Qian realized that something strange was afoot.
Despite this, he hadn’t fled. This meant his curiosity had been piqued. Sooner or later, he’d show himself on his own!
Su Yi thought for a moment, then said, “If he takes the initiative to talk to you, and if he tries to probe you, just tell him directly that I’m the one who taught you your cultivation technique.”
Ge Qian, of course, knew who he was. The two of them met in the Sea of Chaotic Spirits.
If Ge Qian knew that Su Yi was involved, he’d surely be much less on guard, and he’d surely consider meeting for a face-to-face chat.
“Got it.” Yuan Heng nodded his assent.
“Go back and get some rest.” Su Yi waved him away.
Yuan Heng had originally planned to describe his performance at the Orchid Terrace Dharma Assembly, but in the end, he held back.
How could he miss that his master didn’t care about any of that?
I have to work hard and fight my way into the top hundred. That way, on the last day of the competition, he’ll be there in the stands. I’ll show him what I’ve got!?Yuan Heng inwardly made up his mind.
Su Yi really wasn’t thinking about all that.
However, when he got back to his room and thought back to the past few days, he recalled that it was around this time of night that he used to treat Yue Shichan’s injuries.
Now that he’d fully removed the Shamanic Venom Devilworm from her body, there was suddenly no need for that, but this didn’t make him happy. On the contrary, he felt melancholy, as if he’d lost something.
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