After running into Zi Yuejun, two more days passed before Chu Feng prepared to pack his things and head to the outer sect.
This place was the core region of the Yaochi Holy Land, where men were rarely seen. But as always, gossip couldn’t be stopped. As the rumors spread and fermented, all sorts of talk began to circulate.
It even alarmed a few elders. To avoid drawing attention and more importantly, to prevent Chu Feng from stumbling upon something else he shouldn’t see, given his well-documented history of misunderstandings…they decided action was needed.
Chu Feng, of course, had no objections. He fully supported the decision, hands and feet raised in agreement.
After all, having a chance to be far away from the female disciples of the Yaochi Holy Land was exactly what he wanted.
So, he quickly packed his things. They were all stuffed directly into a storage pouch. The main thing he took was medicinal herbs.
Yaochi Holy Land, Outer Sect.
Unlike the core region, the outer sect had not only a large number of people but also a mixed crowd. The male-to-female ratio was as high as seven to one. Judging by the outer sect alone, one might even think this sect was dominated by male disciples.
In truth, even slightly talented women would enter the inner sect, while those with just a bit less talent would stay in the outer sect to slowly gain experience. After meeting certain criteria, they could then be promoted to the inner sect.
But male disciples were different; they remained in the outer sect permanently. Over time, the number of male disciples in the outer sect far surpassed that of the female disciples.
As an elder, Liu Shijing specially found a cave dwelling that was in a sparsely populated area and rich in spiritual energy.
Chu Feng looked at the cave dwelling. It was just the right size and more than spacious enough to house three or four people.
“Junior thanks Senior for finding such a place.”
Although Liu Shijing didn’t give him a friendly look, Chu Feng still made sure to express his thanks.
“Where you live, I don’t care. If it weren’t for Xueyao, I wouldn’t bother going through the trouble.”
Liu Shijing cast a deep glance at her niece, Xueyao. This stubborn girl had clearly made up her mind to follow this brat wherever he went. It was that typical “marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog” attitude.
Chu Feng noticed Liu Shijing glaring at him and scratched his head, puzzled.
Huh? Do I really annoy her that much? I’m thanking her and she still isn’t happy.
Women…so hard to understand.
Liu Xueyao took a look around the cave dwelling. With her discerning eye, she could tell that for the outer sect, finding such a place must have taken real effort from her aunt.
“Thank you, Auntie. You’ve worked hard.”
Upon hearing Liu Xueyao’s words, Liu Shijing’s gloomy mood instantly lifted.
“Xueyao, saying that makes it sound like you’re treating me like an outsider.”
Liu Shijing’s improved mood was visible to the naked eye. Even her tone had become noticeably lighter.
At that moment, Chu Feng was sure of it. Liu Shijing just plainly disliked him.
Yeah… better keep some distance from her.
When he saw Liu Xueyao take the medicinal herbs out of the storage pouch, Chu Feng quickly ran over to help.
“Sister Saintess, let me help you.”
“Thank you, husband.”
“Aw, Sister Saintess, no need to be so polite.”
Following Liu Xueyao’s instructions, Chu Feng grouped the herbs with similar properties together.
Liu Xueyao, meanwhile, sorted the rest of the herbs.
The two of them working together gave off a distinct sense of a husband and wife running a household.
Seeing this scene, Liu Shijing couldn’t help but pout slightly, a wave of irritation rising in her again.
Just as Chu Feng finished organizing the medicinal herbs, a streak of flowing light flew into the cave dwelling.
Immediately after, a voice followed.
Chu Feng looked up to see a handsome middle-aged man walk in. In his previous life, this guy would’ve definitely made countless young girls scream.
The middle-aged man laughed heartily and said, “Junior Sister Liu, you came to the cave today. Why didn’t you let me know in advance? I could’ve given you a proper welcome.”
As he spoke, the man’s eyes were locked entirely on Liu Shijing, completely ignoring Chu Feng and Liu Xueyao standing nearby.
Liu Shijing gave him a calm glance and replied, “Senior Brother Zhou Ji, you’re too kind. It’s been a while. I heard you’ve advanced to the seventh rank and even become the Outer Sect’s Vice Sect Master. Congratulations.”
Zhou Ji smiled and said, “Still not as impressive as Junior Sister Liu. I heard you’re fond of spirit birds, so I specially sought out a Xuanling Bird.”
With that, Zhou Ji brought out a bird about the size of a sparrow, its feathers radiant and colorful.
Watching the middle-aged man being so attentive, Chu Feng leaned over and quietly asked Liu Xueyao, “Sister Saintess, is that guy… trying to court Senior?”
“No, he’s bribing her.”
Liu Xueyao answered calmly.
“Bribing?”
“Mhm. Aunt is in charge of elder evaluations. So quite a few elders try to bribe her.”
Liu Xueyao was clearly used to such things.
Chu Feng nodded. No wonder the middle-aged man hadn’t even glanced at Sister Saintess. If he were the type to be enchanted by beauty, how could he possibly ignore someone as ethereal as her?
In response to Zhou Ji’s flattery, Liu Shijing said, “If you keep loitering in front of me, I might consider holding a meeting to discuss the Outer Sect spending a million spirit stones to carve a sphere.”
Zhou Ji’s expression froze when he heard that. “Haha, Junior Sister Liu, I just remembered….I forgot to turn off the Spirit Gathering Formation. I’ll be going now!”
In a flash, Zhou Ji vanished.
Seeing this, Liu Shijing let out a cold snort and said with displeasure, “As expected, not a single man is any good.”
As she spoke, Liu Shijing swept a cold glance across Chu Feng.
It was unclear who she was referring to.
“???”
Chu Feng scratched his head.
How did this suddenly involve me? I didn’t even say anything.
***
Outer Sect.
Whoosh—
A streak of light shot through the air, and Zhou Ji’s figure appeared.
“How did it go, Big Brother?”
A male elder quickly walked over.
At his words, Zhou Ji’s expression darkened, and he shook his head. “No good. No matter what I try, Liu Shijing won’t listen at all.”
“Ah! Then… won’t our century-long plan end in total failure?”
“What’s the rush? Liu Shijing’s niece is in the Outer Sect. We’ll quietly capture her, then force Liu Shijing to open the Spirit Vein Tree. When that happens, the entire Yaochi Holy Land will be ours!”
“Big Brother, brilliant idea!”
“Of course! You think I’m just anybody? Hehehe!!”
***
After tidying up the cave residence, Chu Feng saw Liu Shijing take out a jar of wine and place it on the table.
“Senior, what’s this?”
For some reason, Chu Feng had a bad feeling rise in his chest.
Liu Shijing curved her lips into a smile and said, “We’re settling into a new home today. It calls for a celebration. This is Hundred Flower Brew, a famous wine of the Yaochi Holy Land.”
Her plan was simple: get this brat drunk. With two stunning beauties before him, he would definitely lose control and do something inappropriate. She could then use that to make Xueyao see the truth. That all men are nothing but pigs… and maybe even get her to leave this brat behind.
“Um, Senior, I really don’t hold my liquor very well…”
“Mhm, that’s fine.”
Just as Chu Feng was trying to find an excuse to refuse, Liu Xueyao unexpectedly agreed without hesitation.
Chu Feng stared at her in shock. What’s going on? Sister Saintess, weren’t we on the same side?
“Excellent. Tonight, we drink till we drop!”
Liu Shijing narrowed her beautiful eyes in delight. She had already prepared a recording stone. She would make sure to capture every embarrassing moment of Chu Feng.
Liu Xueyao’s eyes were also swirling with emotion as she stared intently at Chu Feng.
Gulp.
Chu Feng’s throat bobbed nervously. Seeing the predatory glint in both Liu Xueyao and Liu Shijing’s eyes, he had a feeling… tonight was going to be a very, very long night.
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