Chapter 61 Despicable Acts

After Jin Du transferred Yuan Shenxing to work by his side, his attitude towards him wasn't very warm. He would only occasionally give him some pointers on his cultivation and show concern for his daily life.

Therefore, Yuan Shenxing was unaware of Jin Du's despicable intentions and wholeheartedly believed that Jin Du was a good person. She was extremely grateful to Jin Du and even thought about repaying him properly in the future.

Lou Yuqing sighed in regret.

Ruan Qingzhu couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat. This Jin Du was so cunning and disguised himself so perfectly. No wonder Senior Brother Yuan was fooled. At that time, Jin Du gave him the opportunity to rise to the top in one step.

Yuan Shenxing rubbed the little wolf's fur and chuckled self-deprecatingly. He was young and naive, thinking that he had earned the young sect leader's appreciation through his hard work, but he never expected that there would be no free lunch.

Soon, what happened next shattered his beautiful illusions.

Jin Du, that scumbag, is a master of manipulation. He likes to elevate someone to the highest level first, then suddenly ignore them. If the other person can't handle the contrast, they'll naturally try to cling to him.

If the other party is a tough nut to crack, Jin Du will deliberately create difficulties for them, letting others wear them down until their arrogance is worn away, and then he will step in as their savior.

Yuan Shenxing is a person who appears gentle on the surface but is actually strong-willed. Jin used this method to force him to compromise, so he obviously won't follow the script given to him.

When Yuan Shenxing first started taking care of the Silver Moon Wolf, Jin would often show concern and care, as if he were a considerate master to his subordinate.

Once Yuan Shenxing placed his trust and loyalty in him, Jin Du suddenly became unresponsive, causing Yuan Shenxing to wonder if he had done something wrong.

Yuan Shenxing paused, his right hand stroking the wolf's fur, and gave a cold smile.

Jin Du, that despicable scoundrel, only knows how to resort to these underhanded tactics. If he hadn't been inexperienced at the time, he wouldn't have failed to see through the other party's sinister intentions.

Ling Yunxiao's eyes flickered slightly. In his opinion, this scheme was a bit crude and looked suspicious, but it was enough to deal with a newcomer who was just starting out.

[And during this time, trouble came knocking.]

As the young sect leader of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, Jin Du was born with access to top-tier resources. Even a tiny bit of what he could offer was enough for his followers to enjoy endlessly.

However, resources are finite, and everyone wants a larger share. While everyone is trying their best to please Jin Du, they tacitly prevent their subordinates from standing out.

Yuan Shenxing's arrival meant a reduction in their resources. The first to be affected was the disciple who had previously taken care of the Silver Moon Wolf. Not only was he squeezed out of his job, but he also lost the opportunity to show his face in front of Jin Du. He harbored resentment towards Yuan Shenxing ever since.

Lou Yuqing frowned and spat.

[The person who ordered your dismissal was Jin Du, not Yuan Shenxing. Yet you don't hate the former, but instead hate the latter. To put it bluntly, you're a bully who picks on the weak and fears the strong.]

Ruan Qingzhu nodded frantically, "That's right, that's right."

If you're so capable, take it out on your young sect leader. You know this matter isn't under Senior Brother Yuan's control, yet you still blame it on him. This person's heart is crooked.

After Yuan Shenxing was snubbed by Jin Du, he was overjoyed and brought his cronies to provoke him, demanding a monthly tribute of one hundred spirit stones or else they would beat him to a pulp.

One hundred spirit stones?!

Upon hearing this number, Ruan Qingzhu was stunned. This person was too heartless. As an outer disciple of the Wendao Sect, her monthly allowance was ten spirit stones and some other items.

In other words, it would take her ten months to save up one hundred spirit stones.

Although we don't know how much Senior Brother Yuan was worth back then, this person made such a request precisely to make things difficult for him, probably because he knew that Senior Brother Yuan didn't have much savings.

Ruan Qingzhu guessed correctly; Yuan Shenxing had been in the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect for three months and had basically left behind no spirit stones to rely on.

He spent his monthly allowance in the first two months. The atmosphere in the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect wasn't good. If he didn't spend it quickly, he would be targeted sooner or later. It was better to convert it into cultivation.

In the third month, he was transferred to serve by the young sect leader's side. Because he had not served a full month, he did not receive the spirit stones that were said to be a considerable amount.

As Yuan Shenxing thought of this, a shadow of gloom flashed in his eyes. At that time, he had no idea that while he was being harassed by these people, Jin Du was watching from some corner.

Clench your left hand tightly, digging it into your palm.

The Silver Moon Wolf howled and circled around to his other side, raising its head to nuzzle his hand, comforting its master in this gesture.

Yuan Shenxing's heart softened.

He reached out with his left hand to touch the fur on its head.

Yuan Shenxing couldn't produce the spirit stones, so he tried to intimidate them by mentioning Jin Du's name, but these people didn't believe him at all and even retorted that Yuan Shenxing had "fallen out of favor."

They beat Yuan Shenxing severely, stole the few spirit stones he had, and left him unconscious on the cold ground overnight.

The next day, Yuan Shenxing, despite his illness, went to find Jin Du, but was refused entry. The boy at the door said that the young sect leader was not at home, but he clearly heard laughter coming from inside the cave.

Lou Yuqing's anger was instantly ignited.

That scumbag, how despicable!

[When Yuan Shenxing was being beaten, he just stood by and watched, but he didn't show his face. He even seemed to be enjoying the situation. I'm so annoyed!]

Ruan Qingzhu frowned as she listened, unable to imagine how desperate Senior Brother Yuan must have been at that time. He had thought that the other party would support him, but instead, the other party had shattered his hopes with his own hands.

Steward Xie's hands clenched so tightly they cracked. Yuan Shenxing's situation evoked his empathy. Before coming to Wendao Sect, he had been in a large sect, a sect as inhuman as the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.

During that mission, he was seriously injured. The doctor said that to heal him, he needed a certain precious healing pill, and coincidentally, the sect's contribution building had such a pill.

His enormous contributions during the mission were enough to earn him this pill to heal his injuries.

However, when the mission was settled, he didn't get the lion's share. Instead, it was the son of the sect elder in the team who stole his credit and even sent someone to threaten him!

At that moment, Steward Xie felt utterly disheartened and wanted nothing more than to fight the other party to the death, but he knew that if he really did that, he would definitely not fare well.

Finally, he was expelled from that sect because he succumbed to his injuries.

How ridiculous! He was a meritorious official, yet he was discarded like trash. Once they saw that he had no further use, they rushed to make him vacate his place.

Thinking of this, Steward Xie sneered repeatedly. Should he be grateful to them for not discarding him after he had served his purpose and for sparing his life?

Fortunately, there's always a way out.

Disheartened, Steward Xie left the sect's territory and settled in Ping'an City, where he made a living by using his culinary skills.

Just then, an outer sect elder from the Wendao Sect arrived at the restaurant. This man was a gourmand; although he had long since achieved the state of abstaining from grains, he still enjoyed going out to find food on ordinary days.

The outer sect elders were amazed by the dishes prepared by Steward Xie and immediately invited him to join the Wendao Sect and take charge of cooking for the disciples in the dining hall.

Steward Xie refused him on the grounds that he had an illness. He had been lucky to escape with his life years ago, but he was left with a host of ailments. Moreover, he had a psychological trauma related to the sects and their forces.

Despite repeated invitations from the outer sect elders, he remained unmoved.

Steward Xie thought the matter was over, but later the other party came to him with a healing pill and said that if he joined the Wendao Sect, he would give the pill to him for free.

Upon hearing this, he was tempted.

With this pill, he would no longer suffer from illness. After tossing and turning for several days, Steward Xie decided to go out and inquire about the reputation of Wendao Sect.

To his surprise, the reputation of Wendao Sect was extremely good, not because it was faked, but because everyone genuinely praised it.

Counting the time, he had been in Wendao Sect for several decades. All his ailments had disappeared, and he was living a very comfortable life. He had even managed to get the position of chief steward.

Such a good life was something he never dared to dream of before.

Without comparison, there is no harm; the better Wendao Sect is, the worse the previous sects seem in comparison.

Steward Xie had been keeping an eye on that sect for years, and having heard that it was gradually declining, he was so happy that he drank countless jugs of spirit wine and got drunk all night.

As Steward Xie was lost in thought, he suddenly realized that Lou Yuqing's inner voice had not been heard for a long time. He abruptly raised his head and met her eyes.

Steward Xie: "..." He was a little flustered.

[Manager Xie looks very angry. Did he have a falling out with those two?]

Lou Yuqing's suspicious gaze swept between the three of them.

Yuan Shenxing and Ruan Qingzhu felt a pang of anxiety, fearing she might become suspicious, so they quickly chimed in, "Manager Xie, if you're not satisfied with this price, please raise it."

Manager Xie hadn't discussed the price with them at all, only giving his opinion and blaming them for not keeping a good eye on the spirit beast. Now that they suddenly wanted to negotiate, he had no choice but to ask, "How about this price?"

As he spoke, he held out one palm.

Actually, he didn't know what the price was, but he just wanted to brush it off for now.

Ruan Qingzhu looked at Senior Brother Yuan, who gestured for her to speak. After all, it was the little monkey who stole the spirit wine, so it was inconvenient for him to take the initiative. At most, he could only offer some encouragement from the sidelines.

Five thousand spirit stones?

In her nervousness, Ruan Qingzhu blurted out an enormous number.

Everyone: "..." It can't be that bad.

[Wow, so many spirit stones! Steward Xie is rich!]

Seeing the bright, sparkling eyes that Lou Yuqing was giving him, Steward Xie felt a sudden increase in pressure. He smiled awkwardly but politely at Ruan Qingzhu: "I know you feel guilty, but it's not worth paying so many spirit stones. I don't think your spirit beast intentionally stole my spirit wine, so how about giving it a..."

Before he could finish speaking, a loud shout came from the sky.

"What?! This little rascal stole your magic wine!"

Manager Xie felt a blur before his eyes, and two figures appeared in front of him. Judging from their extraordinary aura, Manager Xie dared not be negligent: "Greetings, seniors."

Lou Yuqing and the others knew their identities and bowed, saying, "Disciples greet Senior Shi Hua and Senior Lingzhu."

Master Lingzhu waved his hand, lifting them up, and hurriedly said, "No need for formalities. What happened with stealing the spirit wine? Can one of you tell me?"

Everyone silently looked at Ruan Qingzhu.

Ruan Qingzhu also spoke up, after all, she was half the guardian of the little monkey: "Senior, Xiao Ling drank all of Steward Xie's spirit wine and told Zhizhi to steal wine from the dining hall. As a result, Zhizhi was caught on the spot. Zhizhi denied drinking the wine, saying that the wine jar was already empty when it arrived, and confessed that it was Xiao Ling who did it. That's roughly what happened."

Ruan Qingzhu finished speaking in one breath.

Upon hearing this, Master Lingzhu narrowed his eyes dangerously: "Well, this little rascal is getting more and more unruly, daring to defy the rules!"

A powerful aura suddenly spread out, mixed with astonishing anger, suppressing everyone so that they dared not utter a sound.

At that moment, Lou Yuqing's inner voice came through.

I'm having some difficulty breathing.

Lingzhu Zhenren's furious emotions faltered. Before Shi Hua could dissuade him, he withdrew his overwhelming aura and said to Steward Xie, "Name your price, and I'll compensate you."

Manager Xie waved his hand awkwardly: "No need, just consider it my way of showing respect to my senior."

"Just say what I told you to say, stop babbling." Master Lingzhu looked impatient. "I overheard your conversation. Five thousand spirit stones, right? Here you go."

She took out a bag of spirit stones and tossed it to Steward Xie.

Steward Xie took the bag, opened it, and found it was full of mid-grade spirit stones, a total of fifty.

Manager Xie: !!!

Happiness came too suddenly.

He hesitated, wanting to refuse, but Master Lingzhu cut him off: "Alright, take it if I tell you to. I never take back what I give you."

Everyone: We're so jealous.

I earned so many spirit stones so easily.

Lou Yuqing watched the two seniors leave and then decided to take her leave.

Ling Yunxiao saw through her intention. If she left like this, he would miss out on the rest of the gossip. He had to find a way to keep her occupied.

The young man had a sudden thought and gave Steward Xie a look: "Old Xie, you've made a fortune today, how about we skip the meal with Junior Sister Yuqing?"

Manager Xie was taken aback at first, then realized what he meant and laughed heartily, "Of course! Luckily you were here, otherwise the culprit who stole the drink would have run away. Let me tell you, more than ten years ago..."

Seeing that they were engrossed in their conversation, Lou Yuqing abandoned her plan to leave and picked up the melon at the back to continue eating.

After this ordeal, Yuan Shenxing came to her senses and realized that Jin Du was not as gentle as he appeared; his heart might be colder than iron.

The endless humiliations from those people were unbearable for Yuan Shenxing. He didn't want to embarrass himself further by going to Jin Du's side, so he plotted how to be transferred away from Jin Du's side.

Jin Du thought the "beauty" would soon ask him for help, but to his surprise, she stubbornly refused to speak. Jin Du became angry at her stubbornness and signaled his men to increase their efforts.

Yuan Shenxing's life became increasingly difficult; he almost thought he would die at their hands, until one night, a turning point came for him.

The Silver Moon Wolf awakened its innate divine power and revealed its intention to form a contract with him.

Everyone looked at Yuan Shenxing in surprise, not expecting that it was Silver Moon Wolf who took the initiative to suggest it; they had thought that he had kidnapped it when he was running away.

Yuan Shenxing smiled faintly. Zhizhi was his salvation. When he was in that situation, even with his strong will, he couldn't help but complain about fate sometimes.

When Zhizhi saw this, she would gently cup his hand, silently comforting him.

Therefore, it was worth it for him to endure all that for Zhizhi's sake.

The Silver Moon Wolf is a wind-attribute spirit beast. After awakening its supernatural powers, its speed becomes as fast as lightning.

After a Beast Tamer forms a contract with their natal spirit beast, they will receive its support. If Yuan Shenxing forms a contract with the Silver Moon Wolf, he can heal his injuries and escape the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.

But Jin has arrived.