Chapter 433 Enemies

On Qianyuan Island.

Zhong Cai looked at the long-bearded old man in front of him, listened to his story about the evil cultivator, and nodded slightly: "I see, he really is a filial son."

The long-bearded old man: "..."

Zhong Cai put the head of the Nirvana heretic into his mustard seed ring, and then, with a smile, took out the level eight resources needed by the heretic cultivator and handed them to the old man.

The old man carefully put away the resources.

But the transaction is not actually completed yet.

The evil path wasn't the only one accepting missions within that underground force; it's just that he had a story worth telling, and the head he sent was of a high rank, which is why it was brought out first.

The old man quickly took out eight Spirit Transformation Heads, nineteen Palace Building Heads, thirty-five Fusion Heads, and one hundred and fifty Suspended Illumination Heads.

The corresponding rewards are: six level-seven pills and two level-seven resources; fourteen level-six pills and five level-six resources; twenty-nine level-five pills and six level-five resources; and two level-five pills and one level-five resource.

Zhong Cai presented the rewards one by one according to the specified types of pills and resources.

The old man quickly finished counting and handed over the heads submitted by the task participants to Zhong Cai.

Zhong Cai casually put it away.

·

Throughout the transaction, the old man had been paying attention to Zhong Cai's expression—and what he saw made him secretly a little alarmed.

A power like theirs would certainly want to know more about the top geniuses of a level nine power. The Zhong-Wu couple are very special among top geniuses, so they are naturally their focus.

·

Wu Shaogan's impression on the underworld is complex and strange, but it can also be described as simple and straightforward.

According to their observations, it is difficult to discern what kind of person he truly is simply by looking at his outward appearances.

It was as if he had no temper at all, always just following Zhong Cai's side and leaving everything to Zhong Cai to decide. But judging from the methods he displayed in his battles, which were both brutal and overwhelming, and often carried a sinister and unpredictable quality, he was not the kind of person who was docile and indecisive. On the contrary, he should have a very distinct and strong style of doing things.

It's a bit strange, incongruous, and complicated.

But if we interpret it as "because of affection," it becomes simpler.

What's also very simple and straightforward is that he is clearly not interested in other people.

It's as if they're okay with knowing someone or not, and they never take the initiative to make friends with others.

Even if there is contact, it's either because the other party has a good relationship with Zhong Cai, or because the other party approached first and was tactful and didn't annoy anyone, or because they have other purposes.

·

Zhong Cai—the King of Alchemy—was a relatively kind alchemist.

He was willing to treat many patients who couldn't afford payment at the moment, and he was willing to lend a helping hand to cultivators in distress. He would not bully the weak, and he was never stingy with his advice or guidance whenever someone asked him for it. He was lively and enthusiastic, and had excellent character...

They seem to have a pure and innocent nature, making them very likable and approachable.

But just now, the long-bearded old man suddenly realized that Zhong Cai was not only bright and radiant.

When he saw the pile of heads, although they came from the evil path, the way they were piled up haphazardly, mixed together in a bloody mess, making it impossible to see the faces, was quite gruesome. But even though Zhong Cai clearly saw so many hideous and bloody faces, he still stood quietly waiting for him to count them, without the slightest emotion. This was completely unlike his usual self.

—It seems that Wu Shaogan is his Achilles' heel.

Because Wu Shaogan was ambushed by the evil sect, even though the attacker was already dead, Zhong Cai's anger had not subsided, so he vented it on the entire evil sect.

Furthermore, since this was entirely his personal act and he had a legitimate reason for it, he could not represent the righteous path in waging war against the evil path, and the evil path could not condemn him either.

The reason for such a grand display was simply because this alchemist was willing to spend a lot of money to buy a pleasant experience and to make himself rich enough.

Although the various resources provided by Zhong Cai all consumed his own Xuan Stones and resources, the long-bearded old man couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache when he casually calculated the value of the resources on the list.

They are so rich, so incredibly rich.

Using so many resources to avenge one's Daoist partner would cost something even an eighth-level power might not be willing to spend.

For cultivators outside the sect, this is indeed a tremendous opportunity.

If righteous cultivators are willing to join forces to kill evil cultivators and then exchange the Xuan Stones for a share, the benefits they receive could even be comparable to entering some small-scale secret technique ruins.

Evil cultivators are indeed extremely vicious, and ordinary cultivators would not dare to provoke them unless they have some skill.

But with the value of heretical cultivators skyrocketing to such an extent, even those powerful figures who were usually indifferent to them are now willing to get involved.

Those who were once wary of each other within the unorthodox sects are now often willing to take risks.

·

After the handover was completed, because the old man intended to befriend the Zhong and Wu couple, he used his underground connections to tell them the basic origins of these evil sects.

In addition, they also mentioned the identities of those who handed over their heads, as far as they knew.

Zhong Cai listened to everything and roughly understood the situation.

Although some of them had concealed their identities very well, the old man, based on his experience, deduced that among the many missions that had been completed, the evil path accounted for at least 20% to 30%!

This shows how fierce the internal fighting was.

Zhong Cai was quite happy and subconsciously took Wu Shaogan's fingers and played with them, her eyes also filled with a smile.

When he threw the fire, it set the entire heretical sect ablaze.

That's wonderful.

·

After the old man left, Zhong Cai leaned into Wu Shaogan's arms.

Wu Shaogan smoothed Zhong Cai's hair, gently soothing the burning anger deep within his heart.

Although the anger had subsided somewhat as more and more as the heads of evil people were continuously being sent over, it still lingered.

Wu Shaogan looked at Zhong Cai with a smile, without saying a word.

After a long while, he saw that Zhong Cai had gradually fallen silent after being gently patted and was slowly falling asleep... and his smile deepened.

After a while, Zhong Cai's breathing became even and long.

Wu Shaogan lowered his head slightly, kissed Zhong Cai's forehead, and then kissed his eyelids.

Then, he closed his eyes and took a short nap.

·

After Zhong Cai woke up, he continued to refine level seven pills.

Perhaps because he sensed that the number of pills he had accumulated wouldn't keep up with the pace of the "crowded crowd," Zhong Cai became more proactive in refining pills, and his talent once again came into play, allowing him to accelerate his progress from familiarity to proficiency!

During this time, Zhong Cai researched some new level-seven pills, and the time it took to comprehend them was reduced to 60-70% of what it used to be.

If he continues to concentrate so intently, using his anger as a driving force to improve his alchemy skills, he should be able to achieve even faster results after persisting for a while longer.

It was an explosion of talent.

Because of Zhong Cai's kindness, Wu Shaogan remained in a very pleasant mood, which allowed him to be inspired and hone his old techniques and tactics, generating even more ideas. When he comprehended new techniques, his mind was filled with a continuous stream of inspiration.

·

Zhong Cai looked at the two large piles of heads in front of her, then at the two handsome young men opposite her, and fell silent.

Wu Shaogan squeezed Zhong Cai's hand and smiled at him.

Zhong Cai smiled at him.

The two picked up their teacups again and slowly sipped their tea.

At this moment, there is a lot of background noise surrounding us.

The two young men were arguing.

"Ha! You surnamed Mao! You only brought sixty-seven Spirit Transformation heads this time, yet you're still so arrogant!"

"So what if you have sixty-nine? Only one of them is at the peak of the Spirit Transformation stage, while I have two. I still surpass you."

"A higher realm does not necessarily mean greater strength. Among those who have reached the Spirit Transformation stage, quantity is naturally more important."

"How can the peak of the Spirit Transformation realm be the same as an ordinary minor Spirit Transformation realm? Besides, many of the evil Spirit Transformation cultivators you slaughtered had not yet separated their souls, and their strength was even inferior."

"Whether the evil path splits the soul or not, it is no different from the righteous path. The evil of their methods has long since made the difference between the two."

"Among these heads of mine is the Plum Blossom Lady, who slaughtered an entire county with her aphrodisiac poison..."

"I also have a fat-headed butcher here who has a penchant for cannibalism!"

"Here I am..."

"I..."

They were arguing endlessly.

Several people followed behind each of them.

On one side were young men and women who had reached the Spirit Transformation or Palace Building stages, and on the other side were some white-clad women of similar cultivation levels.

These young men and women, and the woman in white, seemed to have no "grudges" against each other. In fact, when they sighed occasionally, they even revealed a hint of helplessness... They were just like each other.

·

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan finished their cups of tea, and the background noise continued.

It wasn't that they were disrespectful to each other that caused their arguments, but rather that whenever one of them proposed a deal, the other would always make sarcastic remarks, which would provoke the other's anger and lead to an uncontrollable argument.

However, this wasn't the first or second time they'd brought people to trade.

Initially, both sides tried to restrain themselves, and when they accidentally started arguing at first, they immediately realized their mistake and apologized to the couple...

Zhong Cai waved his hand to indicate that he didn't mind and quickly exchanged the resources for them.

After they came several more times, the Zhong and Wu couple even treated them to tea, and that's how they got to know each other, which made them feel more relaxed.

After that, the two of them started arguing more frequently, and each argument lasted longer.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan still did not show any particular concern.

Moreover, as they spent more time together, the couple and the quarrelsome pair of lovers developed a certain rapport.

·

The main reason Zhong Cai didn't mind was that these two not only brought dozens of heads of evil cultivators with them every time they came, but they were also both level seven Dou Wangs—the front row.

The tall and handsome one among them is named Su Lingsong, a prodigy carefully cultivated by the Su family, a ninth-level power.

The other one, who looked like a beautiful woman and was somewhat "gentle" just by looking at her face, was a head taller than Su Lingsong when she stood up. She was the pride of the Mao family, another ninth-level family, and her name was Mao Yingli.

The Su family and the Mao family lived far apart, each with their own territory. They had little contact with each other and no animosity towards one another.

The reason these two young men initially clashed was said to be because Su Lingsong was a little bothered that a pretty boy was taller than him, while Mao Yingli, after noticing Su Lingsong's strange expression, immediately started being sarcastic.

Later, the two discovered that not only was their cultivation level improving at a similar speed, but their combat strength was also similar. Even after they entered the Sky Ranking, their rankings remained close, with one chasing the other and the other rising or falling.

Whether by coincidence or not, the two encountered the same ruins and the same secret realm multiple times, and coveted the same resources... leading to a struggle for them.

After repeated conflicts, each side had its own victories and defeats.

Many years passed in this way. From coincidence to consciously opposing each other, neither could do anything about the other, but they also developed a habit of always trying to prove who was better...

Most of the Sky Kings knew about this.

Wu Shaogan certainly knew as well.

And once he found out, Zhong Cai found out too.

On the current Sky Ranking, Su Lingsong is ranked eighteenth, and Mao Yingli is ranked seventeenth.

When they arrived, the couple recognized him immediately. They were surprised that the ranked Fighting King had also participated in the event.

Although these two fighting kings treated each other poorly, they both respected the couple and were worth befriending.

Later, the couple realized that besides wanting to befriend the couple, they also wanted to compete with each other in this matter.

They would come about once a month, and as time went on, they realized that Zhong and Wu really didn't mind, so they couldn't control themselves anymore and would argue every time.

Just like this time.

Although it was only a difference of one month and one ranking, Su Lingsong was clearly in a very bad mood.

Mao Yingli was much happier.

When Mao Yingli showed signs of happiness, Su Lingsong really wanted to punch his happy face.

As a result, the two argued even more fiercely.

The only rationality they could maintain was ensuring they didn't fight with the couple.

·

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan patiently waited for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before the two finally stopped arguing, unable to win the argument.

Then, the two of them apologized to the couple without prior arrangement.

"I've bothered you two again this time."

"I'm so sorry."

Zhong Cai raised an eyebrow: "Shall we exchange resources now?"

Su Lingsong and Mao Yingli both nodded and said, "That's fine too."

Zhong Cai asked them seriously what they needed, and then gave them two scrolls of paper to write on themselves—otherwise, the two of them would likely hear what the other wanted and immediately say they wanted it too.

...and they've argued about it several times already.

So Zhong Cai simply had them write separately to avoid some conflicts between them.

As the ones delivering the task, both of them naturally agreed.

They are now writing furiously, and although they can't keep their eyes straight ahead, they absolutely won't let the other person see their scrolls.

Zhong Cai's lips twitched slightly, and she moved closer to Wu Shaogan.

[Old Wu, do you think they'll both pick the same one this time?]

Wu Shaogan smiled.

That's hard to say.

Zhong Cai sighed silently.

If it happens like it did three months ago, you might have to step in.

Wu Shaogan nodded slightly, offering no objection.

If all else fails, set up a formation and let them fight inside it.

Zhong Cai thought for a moment.

That's right, they drew quite a few formations, including some that were suitable for the two of them to fight.

Just mark out a spot.

·

The couple's "worries" stemmed from their deep understanding and tacit agreement.

Once, during an exchange, they both coincidentally traded for resources that would be of great use to the other. However, since the heads they brought were only suitable for exchanging for one item, the result was that... they both had each other's "weak points".

After a nearly physical argument, they were forced to reluctantly exchange resources.

That's fine.

On several other occasions, both had overlapping resources and had to exchange some before bidding against each other.

It got very intense.

Sometimes, even when they didn't choose the same resource, they would look down on each other's choices and then mock each other... In the end, they almost came to blows.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan felt that the "anger" in these two people's hearts was about to overwhelm their respect for them.

We'll have to fight sooner or later.

So, considering how many evil people they provided, the couple was willing to provide them with a place to fight.

I hope they have a good time playing.

They'll bring in even more people later.

·

The two men quickly finished writing and delivered the scroll.

When Zhong and Wu opened it, they were not surprised at all.

Of the several resources these two individuals wrote about, they each chose one that the other wanted.

There are two more duplicate resources.

With a smile, Zhong Cai showed the two the scrolls of paper and first traded with them the ones that did not conflict with each other.

The two men, realizing they had each other's weaknesses again, grimaced and then exchanged their weapons.

Next comes the issue of duplicate resources.

Zhong Cai still smiled: "These two resources, are you planning to each take one, or..."

Su Lingsong and Mao Yingli looked at each other instantly, their eyes filled with murderous intent.

"Give it to me."

"You should give it to me!"

Then, they both said in unison, "Let's bid."

Zhong Cai smiled and gestured, "Please begin, both of you."

Su Lingsong quickly spoke: "A spirit-transformed human head!"

Mao Yingli snorted: "I'll add two more."

Su Lingsong: "Two Spirit Transformation Pills, one Palace Building Pill!"

Mao Yingli glanced at him sideways: "Two, two."

Su Lingsong raised his voice: "Two! Three!"

Mao Yingli glared and made another offer—

Zhong Cai ignored their argument; it would take a while anyway.

However, he couldn't help but secretly send a telepathic message to Wu Shaogan.

[Old Wu, you know they're so in sync, why don't they just get married? They're always flirting with us, are we just a part of their game?]

Wu Shaogan couldn't help but chuckle and showed his support.

[Ah Cai is right. These two understand each other so well; they are a match made in heaven and should get married.]

Zhong Cai tried hard to suppress her laughter.

Honestly, if I were closer to them, I might have blurted it out.

Wu Shaogan also suppressed a laugh.

Fortunately, A-Cai didn't.

Zhong Cai sighed softly.

【yes. 】

Luckily, I didn't.

Otherwise, they might both gang up on me.

"When that time comes, Lao Wu, you absolutely must protect me!"

I'm just a fragile alchemist.

Seeing Zhong Cai's adorable expression, which was about to burst into laughter, Wu Shaogan naturally agreed without hesitation.

Don't worry, A-Cai!

Zhong Cai was indeed very reassured.

Then, the couple also spared some attention to listen to the two men's quotes.

The final result was as expected by both of them.

Each person gets one item, and then they each pick something else.

It's always the same; no one can ever gain a decisive advantage.

But these two just kept doing it—no matter what the outcome, they were determined to argue!

This time, despite the couple's preparations, the two arguing men, who were red in the face and thick in the neck, still did not end up fighting.

The couple successfully completed the transaction with them.

Then, Su Lingsong and Mao Yingli took their leave.

They rode on flying birds, heading in different directions, their backs to each other.

Zhong Cai watched them walk away, a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes. She spoke to Wu Shaogan in a low but clear voice, "Old Wu, they have such a good relationship."

Wu Shaogan immediately recognized his wife A Cai's quirky sense of humor and chimed in, "I think so too."

Zhong Cai deliberately asked again, "When do you think they'll get married?"

Wu Shao chuckled dryly, "They've become increasingly intimate these past few days, so good news must be on the horizon."

Zhong Cai sighed deliberately, "These two are still dragging their feet. I wonder when they'll actually meet, and who will be the matchmaker..."

Wu Shaogan continued to agree.

The two chatted back and forth, seemingly in casual conversation.

However, cultivators have extremely keen senses. Every time the two parted ways, even if they were going in opposite directions, their souls couldn't help but collide, and they would utter a few harsh words of farewell.

Coincidentally, Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan were in the "central area" between them.

Moreover, the couple spoke these words directly, so naturally the other two heard them.

Su Lingsong: "..."

Mao Yingli: "..."

The two men, who had been standing menacingly on the back of the rare bird, involuntarily slipped upon hearing these words.

I almost fell.

The two dared not linger any longer and quickly fled into the distance.

When their forms and spirits have completely vanished...

Zhong Cai rolled into Wu Shaogan's arms and burst into laughter.

·

Within two days, another large number of people had gathered on Qianyuan Island.

The smell of blood is very strong.

Zhong Cai looked at the tall young man in front of her, her lips twitching slightly.

"...Dong Xiao, what are you doing here?"

The tall young man opposite him, Wu Dongxiao, scratched his head and chuckled twice.

"Pay back the debt with lives!"

He was extremely loud.

Wu Shaogan took a sip of tea and smiled slightly.

When Dongxiao was around, Acai was always more lively and happy.

That's good.

Let Dongxiao make Acai happy.

·

Zhong Cai stared at Wu Dongxiao, then glanced at Xuan Bing sitting not far away, feeling somewhat helpless.

Xuan Bing was also helpless.

The matter of slaughtering evil people to pay off debts was something Wu Dongxiao himself wanted to do.

As the senior brother, Xuanbing was naturally worried about him going alone, so he accompanied him.

With Xuan Bing fighting alongside him, Wu Dongxiao's safety was indeed much more assured.

Xuan Bing, accompanying Wu Dongxiao, indeed encountered many hardships.

Of course, the rewards were equally enormous.

...For example, the heads we've brought now.

Zhong Cai glanced at it, her feelings were complicated.

There are over a thousand heads in the Suspension Hall, two or three hundred in the Fusion Hall, and three more in the Palace Hall!

This is at least the size of a small, unorthodox force!

Wu Dongxiao and Xuan Bing were only at the Fusion Realm.

Although both of them were comparable to the top-ranking Dou Wang, it was reasonable for them to be able to kill one or two Tsukumo cultivators... but killing three Tsukumo evil cultivators at once was still a bit of an exaggeration.

Wu Dongxiao said somewhat embarrassedly, "I poisoned them."