Yu Ci's eyes suddenly brightened. In his memory, the servant was a thin, withered man with a bitter melon face—a middle-aged man. Yet, in the instant the newcomer lifted their head, a delicate and charming countenance, fit for joy or indignation, bloomed like flowers bearing the morning dew. The beauty in those eyes shattered the shackles of his impression, like sunlight piercing into a dim room. The stark contrast shocked him.

For a moment, he was stunned, his gaze involuntarily drawn to those mysterious and rebellious light purple lips, slightly curved in a breathtaking arc. Then came an energetic voice:

"Hi, Brother Third He."

Boss Third He was also taken aback for a second before he remembered to respond, "Junior Sister Zhai."

Junior Sister Zhai spoke with a smile, "I heard you've got a lead on the man in the black robe, so I came to have a look."

Boss Third He paused again, "Looking for the man in the black robe?"

His gaze drifted involuntarily towards Yu Ci, then he suddenly realized, "The black robe! That's not good, if that person finds out you're here..."

"I've been very careful, see, I even borrowed He Wan's clothes and hat. A mere servant from the Three Families Market isn't worth the attention of the man in the black robe... though these clothes are a bit dirty, you'll have to give him a good thrashing when I get back!"

Laughing, Junior Sister Zhai revealed teeth as neatly arranged as shell beads, exceedingly adorable. She then turned to Mr. Xia, "Impressive, isn't it? The long-time bride has become the mother-in-law. In the future, should I address you as Great Witch Xia?"

"I dare not," Mr. Xia replied with utmost respect and caution. He bowed slightly, "Miss Que'er jests. Shuanghe has only just found the key to advancement, not yet achieving true success. Even if I do succeed, I'll always remember the years of care from Ancestor Ling and Miss Que'er, and never dare forget. The two hundred years I've strived for, I will devote to Ancestor Ling and Miss Que'er unto death!"

Zhai Que'er let out a light "ah" and clapped softly, "Right, the limited lifespan of a Spiritual Witch is indeed a problem. But rest assured, since I've promised you, I certainly won't forget..."

Mr. Xia quickly bowed again in thanks.

While the three of them casually discussed these secret matters, Yu Ci watched from the side, his bitter smile tinged with thought.

The female cultivator's demeanor, much like her attire, was very casual. At first glance, she seemed like a young girl who could befriend anyone, but upon closer observation, her actions and presence loomed large. Especially the corners of her lips, seemingly curled yet not, her lofty gaze appeared mocking yet indifferent, provoking an itch in one's teeth. Then, in the blink of an eye, her pure and radiant smile would bridge all distance, her expressions shifting like a dream.

After several glances, Yu Ci found himself unable to fathom the female cultivator's attitude; upon further reflection, it only became murkier. At that moment, he thought to discuss it with Shadow Ghost:

"Hey, look at her..."

"Idiot, don't talk to me!"

Shadow Ghost's fierce thought flashed and vanished, startling Yu Ci, causing the hairs on his back to stand on end.

It seemed that the female cultivator finally remembered the presence of another person. She turned around with her hands clasped behind her back, her face revealing a look of surprise, "Oh? Who is this handsome bearded gentleman?"

Bearded gentleman? Yu Ci barely resisted the impulse to stroke his face, and instead greeted her with clasped hands: "I am... Soul Chaser, and I have the pleasure of meeting Miss Que'er."

This woman, with her captivating beauty and seemingly carefree demeanor, possessed a uniquely wonderful charm. Yu Ci almost misspoke, but fortunately, he timely introduced himself with the moniker "Soul Chaser." As for the address "Miss Que'er," he had followed the example of Mr. Xia, imitating his every step to avoid any discourtesy.

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Zhai Que'er sized him up, her lips curving into an irritatingly enchanting smile, "Soul Chaser, is it? I've heard of you!"

Yu Ci arched an eyebrow, curious to hear her explanation, but Zhai Que'er disregarded him after her comment and turned to Boss third He, saying, "You claim you've obtained the Curse Demon Crystal, let me see it!"

The so-called "Curse Demon Crystal" was the eyeball left behind by the Curse Demon Azure Blood Pupil Technique, which Mr. Xia had extracted and handed over to Boss third He. Since then, no second person had seen it. Yet now, without any hesitation, Boss third He took out the box containing the eyeball and handed it over.

Zhai Yuer opened the box and delicately picked up the crystallized eyeball, lifting it to her eyes for closer examination. Such an act, performed by a woman of exquisite beauty, cast an eerily enchanting and sinister atmosphere, causing an involuntary shudder. Considering the Shadow Ghost's previous judgment, Yu Ci was almost certain of the woman's origins.

The Demonic Sect... but which branch could it be?

"The imprint is quite clear," Zhai Que'er remarked as she placed the eyeball back and sealed it, then handed the box back. Boss third He hurriedly received it, but as he did, a phrase nearly made him drop the box:

"Which place do you think is the most valuable? Let's take a look."

"No, no, that won't do!" Boss third He became anxious all at once, but in his fluster, he could articulate nothing beyond "no."

"What's the harm?" Zhai Que'er's light purple lips curved into a lovely arc. "Isn't the man in the black robe still in combat? How could he care about this place?"

As she spoke, her thoughts drifted: "Speaking of which, who is the one clashing with the man in the black robe? Does anyone have any news?"

Distracted by her question, both Boss third He and Mr. Xia (Xia Shuanghe) were momentarily lost in thought. Meanwhile, the female cultivator, hands clasped behind her back, walked out with a smile, her pace seemingly slow yet swift. In the blink of an eye, she had left the Rock Cave. He and Xia, unable to interject, hurried after her. As for Yu Ci, he remained stationary, showing little initiative in this matter. Moreover, having been largely ignored earlier, he couldn't help feeling a bit slighted...

Such an odd sentiment!

Lost in contemplation, he was startled when a figure suddenly appeared before him. Zhai Que'er seemed to step through space itself, landing right in front of him: "Tsk, tsk, now I remember, this bearded gentleman is an outsider. It seems you've overheard quite a few of our secrets!"

Her words were an unmistakable threat, yet Miss Que'er spoke in a teasing tone. Even though Yu Ci knew this to be a bluff, he couldn't discern whether she was truly looking for trouble or merely making a harmless joke.

He and Xia, already frazzled from being toyed with back and forth, could hardly keep up with her train of thought. Yu Ci decided he could no longer let Zhai Que'er lead him by the nose. With a respectful gesture, he said, "I have been employed by Boss third He and am here at your disposal. May I inquire if Miss Que'er has any instructions for me?"

"Not at all."

Zhai Que'er's response was light and airy, her eyes curving into crescent moons. She then reached out and patted Yu Ci's outer arm. Even through the thin layer of his clothing, the warmth of her small hand was comforting. Yu Ci's muscles tensed instantly, only relaxing after a moment.

Zhai Que'er laughed, "Since we've hired you, come along with us, and don't fall behind!"

※※※

Ever since their conversation in the Rock Cave, Zhai Que'er had stopped giving him the cold shoulder. Over the next hour or so, they investigated two spots where the black-robed individuals had previously lingered. Though they found nothing, Zhai Que'er was in high spirits and even initiated conversation with Yu Ci.

"You mentioned you're setting out on a long journey?"

"Yes, I'm searching for the vein of the Mysterious Water Gleaming Rock."

"A vein of the Mysterious Water Gleaming Rock? Easy to locate, but difficult to mine, right?"

Yu Ci nodded. Zhai Que'er clearly knew her stuff. The Mysterious Water Gleaming Rock was often deposited in Magma Lakes, containing the essence of mystical waters, hence remaining cold and hard as ice despite being surrounded by scorching magma. To mine it, one had to descend into the Magma Lake, and even a Golden Elixir cultivator would need a Protective Talisman to endure the temperatures that could melt metal and reduce iron to slag. A single misstep could turn one to ashes.

However, Yu Ci possessed the ability of inner and outer completion, so naturally, he wasn't worried. But this was not something he could explain to others.

"Why go through such trouble? Can't you just buy it with money?"

"In the past, my funds were limited. Now, thanks to Boss third He's kindness and an agreement with the Three Families Market, I have some means. But it hasn't been long, and the things I seek may not always be available. I still need to put in extra effort."

"Short on money?"

Zhai Que'er widened her beautiful eyes in surprise, "How could a talisman master like you be short on cash? The earnings from Talisman Battles alone should cover any major expenses."

There it was!

Yu Ci's heart leaped, but he was also puzzled, "Talisman Battle? What Talisman Battle?"

Zhai Que'er's eyes narrowed, a smile that wasn't quite a smile played on her lips, "Don't play dumb!"

*******

I have also posted the following more chapters [All free]: https://www.readgates.com/article/74a39e