Chapter 477
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Chapter 477: Troubled Waters Lead to a Poisonous Heart
“Little Green Pepper, since you noticed something was wrong with him, why didn’t you act earlier?” Chao Lu asked, watching Nalan Qingshu return.
“Why should I? Acting would expose us,” Nalan Qingshu replied nonchalantly. “And don’t call me Little Green Pepper! I prefer red over green!”
“Expose us?” The snake girl tilted her head in curiosity. “Haven’t we already given ourselves away?”
“The attackers aren’t here for us,” Nalan Qingshu explained calmly. “They didn’t target the caravan; they treated it like a buffet. They don’t know me or recognize the jade pendant. We’re not the focus. The smartest move is to leave quietly.”
“Not helping them?”
“We could help, but it’s unnecessary. We’ve paid our fare, so we’re customers now,” Little Bi Fang chimed in with a composed tone. “Intervening undermines their professionalism.”
Chao Lu pondered this, then nodded in agreement.
“But if it keeps up, they’ll be overwhelmed. They can’t last half an hour,” Yubing observed.
“Impossible,” Bai Wei countered. “If this caravan were so weak, it would’ve disbanded long ago. Learn to trust the flow of events.”
As if on cue, the steward intervened.
His demonic energy surged as he clenched his massive fists. With one crushing blow, he dispatched two or three wild monkeys.
Though numerous, the bloodthirsty monkeys lacked elite strength. Only a handful had practiced for over a century. As long as the two leaders were contained, the rest were nothing more than chaotic fodder. The guards were more than capable of handling them.
Chaos engulfed the caravan. The only spot untouched was the carriage near the center, shielded by the formation of guards. From within, Chao Lu could hear the commotion outside.
“Don’t worry, guests,” the young owner of the Grand Luck Trading Firm reassured with a calm, magnetic voice. “You’ll be safe. I’ve taken your money, and I keep my promises.”
Suddenly, the bloodthirsty twin monkeys breached the defenses. One was intercepted by the steward, while the other evaded his bulk and darted toward the caravan.
Its menacing laughter echoed as it leapt into the trading firm’s master’s carriage. It clawed at the agate beads hanging from the curtain, ready to strike.
But before it could act, a cold glint flashed. A sharp blade pierced its brow, and it tumbled out of the carriage, writhing in agony. Agate beads scattered across the ground as the monkey clutched its forehead, wailing.
The curtain lifted, revealing the young master of the caravan. Dressed in scholarly attire, their androgynous features exuded a peculiar elegance. In one hand, they held a short sword—perfect for the confined space of a carriage.
They descended gracefully, the snowy ground crunching beneath their feet, emanating a commanding presence.
“Half-demon,” Nalan Qingshu murmured, resting her chin on her hand. “It’s said half-demons combine the strengths of both races.”
“This is my first time seeing one,” Chao Lu mused hesitantly. “I’ve heard most half-demons can’t have children. I wonder if that’s true.”
“Reproductive isolation,” Bai Wei interjected matter-of-factly. “It works like that.”
Noticing the women’s subtle reactions, he asked, “Why are you looking at me like that? Is there a commentary running across my face? Look outside.”
The young master’s poisoned blade had sealed the monkey’s fate. The rest of the guards quickly subdued the remaining attackers, leaving the snowy ground stained red.
However, before the dust settled, a new figure emerged—a crimson-robed demon official, flanked by sixteen strong men carrying an ornate sedan chair. The sight was both grotesque and grand, an unsettling blend of beauty and brutality.
The official examined the scene, sneering at the carnage. He approached Wei Zu, who was still catching his breath, and sent him flying with a single kick. The steward coughed up blood, struggling to stand.
The Joyful Sect had arrived.
Their reputation was infamous, their practices as vile as their name misleading. The ceremonial official addressed the young master directly, “Our master has taken a liking to you. Come willingly, and your family will prosper.”
The steward stepped forward, his face stoic but his resolve firm. He whispered to the young master, “Miss, you must leave alone. I’ll hold them off.”
But the young master understood the futility of resistance.
“May I ask which esteemed Real Person I have the honor of meeting?” they asked, their voice steady despite the storm brewing in their heart.
“Real Person Honghu,” the official announced.
The young master’s gaze darkened as they murmured under their breath, “If I want to escape, I’ll need to muddy the waters…”
Their next words shocked everyone. “This humble servant is unworthy, but there are finer cauldrons within the caravan. Surely, Real Person Honghu would prefer them.”
Chao Lu, observing the betrayal, let out a quiet sigh. “Honestly… I’m not surprised.”
Nalan Qingshu remained unflinching. “When disaster strikes, self-preservation is all that matters. It’s not noble, but it works.”
The betrayal lit a fire in the hearts of the princesses. Fueled by fury, they stepped out of the carriage and struck the treacherous young master, their blows a declaration of justice.
Real Person Honghu, impressed by their fiery spirit, declared, “Such fine cauldrons! I’ll take them all!”
From within the carriage, a deep voice rumbled with disdain, “Who dares? Get lost!”
