Chapter 244
“Senior Sister, I’m not trying to compete with you!” Yuan Shijie nearly swore to the heavens. “But if that Xiao Yuying snatches Zheng Shidi away, I won’t hold back!”
“…”
As Zheng Fa stepped into Zhang Shijie’s courtyard, he immediately sensed something was off about the way she was looking at him—like he was some kind of weirdo.
Chapter 230: The Plan
Zheng Fa knew that Zhang Shijie usually wore a cold expression in public, but it had been a long time since he had seen her with such a frosty demeanor.
Today, her cold look felt quite novel.
“What’s the matter?”
Her terse words suggested she was genuinely upset.
Zheng Fa was puzzled. Had he offended her recently?
Seeing him in a daze, Zhang Shijie lowered her gaze slightly, her tone softening a bit: “I saw you looking quite happy just now. Is it good news?”
“Good news!”
Zheng Fa nodded vigorously and said to Zhang Shijie, “Senior Sister, I’ve made some gains in the Tianbei Realm!”
He pulled out the newly acquired bronze seal and held it up.
“This is…”
“This is the manifestation of the Divine Register. According to my calculations, I’m the first cultivator to obtain this bronze seal!”
Upon hearing this, a hint of a smile appeared at the corners of Zhang Shijie’s mouth. “You’ve worked hard, Shidi. The Tianbei Realm is currently our best retreat in Jiushan Sect…”
Zheng Fa nodded. “Senior Sister, this bronze seal has another function!”
“Hmm?”
“It can bring people into the Tianbei Realm!” Zheng Fa said with a smile. “As long as we infuse it with our blood and spirit, I can take you through the Thunder Pool and into the Tianbei Realm!”
Previously, although Zhang Shijie was quite powerful, entering the Tianbei Realm was difficult for her—she had never practiced Thunder Law, and the powerful lightning near the Tianbei would easily block her.
But now it was different. With this bronze seal, when Zheng Fa entered the Tianbei Realm, Zhang Shijie could follow him through the seal.
Zhang Shijie was stunned for a moment, as if she finally understood Zheng Fa’s meaning.
“You were so happy just now because of this?”
“Exactly!” Zheng Fa nodded. “Senior Sister, you’ve always protected me before.”
“Now I can protect you!”
Zhang Shijie opened her mouth, looking at Zheng Fa, her expression gradually softening, and the corners of her mouth secretly lifting.
“Senior Sister, this bronze seal has two slots. I’d like to bring Yuan Shijie along too.”
Zheng Fa had thought this through. Among the people in Jiushan Sect, Zhang Shijie was definitely the closest to him.
Next was Yuan Shijie, then their Master, and Uncle Pang in that order.
Even though Yuan Shijie was a bit silly and had her own designs on him, he hadn’t forgotten how she had stood in front of him during the battle with the old man in the bronze coffin.
For the second slot, Yuan Shijie was the first person that came to mind.
“She’s not worthy!”
To his surprise, Zhang Shijie huffed.
Huh?
Aren’t the two senior sisters supposed to be on good terms?
Who’s stirring up trouble between them?
Thinking back to Zhang Shijie’s earlier sour expression, Zheng Fa realized that Yuan Shijie must have offended her.
Unexpectedly, after saying that, Zhang Shijie looked at Zheng Fa and gently furrowed her brows, as if she was hesitating about something.
“Senior Sister?”
Zhang Shijie stared at the bronze seal for a long time before suddenly speaking again:
“Fine, since you like it, take her along.”
Looking at Zhang Shijie’s face, Zheng Fa couldn’t help but scratch his head—what do you mean by ‘I like it’?
What’s up with Zhang Shijie today? She’s being so cryptic; it’s really hard to understand her.
…
Xiao Yuying slowly walked into the residence of the Jiushan Sect disciples.
As she walked, she observed the layout of the residence—most of the disciples’ courtyards were close to the Thunder Pool, seemingly relying on it for defense.
However, the disciples within the residence didn’t appear tense; they probably had no idea that the demon clan was about to attack Jiushan Sect.
She followed a guiding disciple to Zheng Fa’s courtyard, looked around, and realized: Zheng Fa is quite valued in Jiushan Sect.
The courtyard to the left had a Yuan Ying (Nascent Soul) aura, suggesting that Zheng Fa’s residence had protective significance.
That wasn’t all.
A bit further left, in another courtyard, there was actually another Yuan Ying, also hinting at a protective presence!
She knew that Jiushan Sect only had two Yuan Ying near the Thunder Pool.
And they were both guarding Zheng Fa?
Zheng Fa hurriedly came out, apologizing, “I was just practicing and didn’t come out to greet you!”
Xiao Yuying nodded, about to speak, when she saw Zhang Wuyi emerge from the courtyard on the left.
Zhang Wuyi stared at her, his gaze carrying an unspoken emotion that was far from friendly.
Xiao Yuying frowned slightly, said nothing, and simply nodded at Zhang Wuyi before following Zheng Fa into the courtyard.
But she couldn’t help but ponder Zhang Wuyi’s gaze, feeling quite puzzled.
After a moment, she realized that his look was one of jealousy.
She glanced at Zheng Fa’s back and couldn’t help but shake her head and chuckle.
Who would have thought that someone like Zhang Wuyi could be so blinded by romantic feelings…
She admired Zheng Fa’s mastery of Thunder Law.
In fact, she had high hopes for his talent.
But more than that, she wanted to collaborate with him.
As for romantic feelings… Zhang Wuyi was probably overthinking it.
Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but sigh—Zhang Wuyi used to be so proud and aloof, yet now she was so anxious over a man, losing her composure.
Her perspective had shrunk considerably.
She was belittling herself.
There are countless male cultivators in the world; why should Xiao Yuying compete for this trivial affection?
Zheng Fa turned around, as if sensing her contemplative expression, and asked, “Xiao Xianzi?”
Xiao Yuying shook her head, dismissing her earlier thoughts, and said, “I helped you capture that demon clan member. Will you honor your previous promise?”
“Of course!” Zheng Fa nodded. “As for exploring the secret realm, I’ll follow your instructions, Xianzi.”
Previously, Zheng Fa and Xiao Yuying had agreed.
Xiao Yuying would help them set up a trap.
Zheng Fa would assist Xiao Yuying in exploring the secret realm that seemed related to the Tianhe Zunren (Lord of the Heavenly River).
Xiao Yuying smiled and said, “In that case, we’ll set off tomorrow.”
“This…” Zheng Fa was taken aback. “Is it that urgent?”
“It’s not urgent; I’ve been waiting for a long time.”
Xiao Yuying added, “Moreover, with so many people around in Taiyang County, it’s better to act quickly to avoid complications.”
“Xiao Xianzi, you…”
“I’m not afraid of these troubles, but I have to be cautious with you. If you don’t come back, then…”
She glanced at Zhang Wuyi’s courtyard and said, “I’m afraid someone will come after me.”
“…”
Upon hearing this, Zheng Fa felt a bit grateful. He cupped his hands to Xiao Yuying and said, “I’m not sure what the situation in the secret realm is like.”
Xiao Yuying thought for a moment, then a stream of light flew from her hand, revealing a pale blue silk scarf.
The scarf floated in the wind, growing larger until it covered the sky above, enveloping Zheng Fa’s small courtyard.
Zheng Fa asked, “What’s this?”
“This is a small magical treasure that can conceal others’ spiritual senses and eyes.” Xiao Yuying said casually, “Let me tell you about the secret realm.”
“Sure…”
Zheng Fa nodded, glancing at the scarf, while he took out a small booklet.
The booklet was already filled with dense writing, and Xiao Yuying couldn’t help but feel a bit curious.
“The secret realm isn’t near the Thunder Pool, but rather on the edge of this spiritual vein, over a thousand miles to the east.”
As Zheng Fa listened, he picked up a pen and meticulously recorded Xiao Yuying’s words.
Xiao Yuying felt even more curious but continued, “The secret realm is somewhat dangerous, but I can handle it. There’s only one bronze hall, which should be the treasure chamber of the secret realm.”
Zheng Fa nodded, looking at Xiao Yuying, as if he understood she was getting to the crucial part.
“This bronze hall has a big lock. I tried it, and it requires a very high level of Thunder Law to open.”
“So… are you looking for me to unlock it?” Zheng Fa pondered aloud.
“Yes, of course. There might be other tricky mechanisms inside the hall.”
Xiao Yuying said candidly.
After thinking for a moment, she couldn’t help but add, “I won’t say much else, but there’s one thing I need to clarify with you.”
“Please go ahead, Xianzi.”
“Although your cultivation isn’t high, you seem to have some status in Jiushan Sect. You might have your own ideas since you’re used to being in charge.”
“…”
Seeing Zheng Fa’s calm expression, with no sign of anger, she continued, “But for this trip to the secret realm, I hope you won’t act on your own unless necessary. After all, it’s extremely dangerous for you, and I can’t guarantee I can protect you completely.”
“Understood…”
Xiao Yuying thought for a moment and explained, “I’ve been to many secret realms… I’ve collaborated with others before, and the ones who are most likely to die are those who have their own ideas…”
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