Chapter 77

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Chapter 77: Paid for by Young Master Yun!

A thick dark cloud gathered in the sky, blocking the sunlight and causing heavy raindrops to fall on the mountains of Qingliu Sword Sect. The air was filled with a muddy smell.

Zhu Erchong sat under the eaves holding his sword, staring blankly at the pouring rain.

Just then, a slender figure in pale white emerged from the mountains, holding a simple blue paper umbrella. Her delicate fingers almost blended with the white jade handle of the umbrella. As she drew closer, her elegant features appeared downturned and distant, colder than the rain.

Sensing her bad mood, but unable to lift his own spirits, Zhu Erchong stood up and called out hoarsely, "Martial Sister Wen."

Wen Yun walked through the courtyard, past the newly grown grass, and approached Zhu Erchong under the eaves. Seeing him, her expression softened.

She asked, "How is Junior Brother Shen doing?"

"Junior Brother Shen is still unconscious, Senior Brother Bao is watching over him inside. I felt too upset seeing his injuries, so I came out here," Zhu Erchong replied.

Speaking in a low voice, Zhu Erchong felt downhearted, and Wen Yun, though also troubled, tried to comfort him, "Don’t worry, Junior Brother Shen’s spirit is injured, he just needs time to recover."

Hearing Wen Yun’s words that Shen Xinghai might wake up, Zhu Erchong felt slightly relieved, yet he couldn’t shake off the worry about Shen Xinghai’s condition. Carefully, he asked, "Martial Sister Wen, will Junior Brother Shen’s hand be able to grow back?"

Shen Xinghai’s body was bitten off nearly half by the python transformed by Mo You, and his entire right hand was gone. When a sword cultivator realized he could no longer hold a sword… Zhu Erchong couldn’t imagine how he would react when he woke up.

Wen Yun felt her heart sink.

She didn’t know how to answer this question either. If Shen Xinghai was a cultivator above the Nascent Soul Stage, there might be hope of regrowing his hand, but he was only a Golden Core Stage cultivator.

Both of them were weighed down by this thought. Wen Yun sighed and regained her composure, saying, "Martial Brother Shen has a lucky fate, his luck is extraordinary, I believe there are new opportunities waiting for him!"

"That’s true." A baby dragon popped out from Wen Yun’s skirt, swaying its thick tail seriously, "I smell a great treasure on him."

His words were tinged with eagerness. If Wen Yun hadn’t stared coldly, he might have rushed in to search for treasures on Shen Xinghai.

"Martial Sister Wen! So your spirit pig can talk!" Zhu Erchong had a shocked expression, stammering, "I’ve only… only heard of mythical beasts that can speak, I never knew pigs could?"

"Perhaps it’s a hybrid spirit beast of a parrot and a pig?"

Zhu Erchong nodded in understanding and was satisfied with the answer, "That’s why it has wings on its back, it must have parrot ancestry. But is it viviparous or oviparous, little pig, do you know if your mother is a parrot or a pig?"

The focus of attention is so strange! It’s almost like asking how a pig and a parrot got together.

Wen Yun quickly picked up the little fire dragon that was starting to growl, afraid it would be swallowed by Zhu Erchong.

"Brother Zhu, I’ll go in and check on Brother Shen first!"

Wen Yun hurriedly carried the little fire dragon and turned to go inside, but the moment she pushed the door open, she locked eyes with a pair of dark and shiny eyes.

Shen Xinghai had actually woken up already.

He lay still on the bed, with a pale face and a smile. With his remaining hand, he gently placed a finger on his lips and made a soft "shh" sound.

By his side, Bao Pilong, who was supposed to be watching over him, had slumped in the corner against the wall, already fast asleep.

"Sister Wen, I’m glad to see you well." His voice was very weak, but his eyes sparkled. He gazed for a long time, then forced a faint smile, trying to sound relaxed, "I thought it was just a dream, turns out you really saved me again."

He had forgotten how many times Wen Yun had saved him.

In the beginning, during the inner gate assessment, he was just an average talented outer gate disciple. He thought someone would use deceitful means to take the last spot, but he was saved by Wen Yun who casually threw out a water kettle.

Later, in the Dark Heaven Secret Realm, he was targeted by a giant python sent by Mo You. Just as he was about to be swallowed by the snake, Wen Yun descended from the sky and cut off the snake’s head.

She seemed to be truly capable of anything and everywhere.

Perhaps because of this, in a state of occasional clarity and confusion, he managed to return to the sect with his last breath, only to be saved by her again.

Wen Yun looked at his smile, pursed her lips, and said seriously, "So you have to get better quickly, next time it will be your turn to save me."

"Okay, I promise."

After saying this, Shen Xinghai fell silent. He suddenly realized his current situation – a swordsman with a broken hand making a promise?

He instinctively tried to move to cover his missing hand, but found himself unable to move. Finally, Shen Xinghai lay on the bed, turning his head to look at the empty sleeve on his right shoulder, his expression clouded with hidden emotions.

Not only was his hand gone, but his dantian was also greatly damaged, his cultivation at the Golden Core Stage was greatly reduced, and he didn’t know if he could recover it.

The atmosphere inside the house felt heavy and stagnant.

At that moment, the little dragon that had been hiding behind Wen Yun couldn’t resist anymore. It peeked out, fixed its gaze on the jade ring on Shen Xinghai’s hand – the treasure it had smelled outside earlier.

However, as soon as the little dragon saw what it was, its interest vanished instantly.

It was quite plain and simple, not at all magnificent, not suitable for the great Dragon God.

It lazily retreated back behind Wen Yun.

Shen Xinghai, having noticed it, had his attention mostly drawn by this strange little dragon, easing his previously rising feeling of loss. As he watched the fleeting red figure, he hesitated and asked, "It is…"

"It’s my spirit pet, it’s a…"

Wen Yun was about to explain the little dragon’s identity, but Shen Xinghai beat her to it, saying, "A dragon?"

Wen Yun was amazed, never expecting that the first one to recognize the true form of the little dragon would be Shen Xinghai!

He slowly reached out his undamaged left hand and took out something from the space bag.

It was a lantern, with a long and curved dragon drawn on the front, resembling a worm; on the back, there was a chubby lizard with wings.

Shen Xinghai looked at the lantern, his lips curling slightly, "I was mistaken, Martial Sister Wen’s painting skills are so exquisite, much better than Martial Brother Ye."

She was briefly surprised, then quickly responded, "It’s natural. Although I’ve never bragged, my accomplishments in painting are not inferior to swordsmanship."

The heavy atmosphere in the room lightened a lot because of this joke, and Wen Yun spoke seriously again, "Martial Brother Shen, after visiting you this time, I will have to leave for a while."

"Is it about Mo You?"

"Yes, Mo You is acting extremely cruel now. If we don’t stop him soon, the great disaster from five hundred years ago might happen again. In addition, demon cultivators have invaded the Four Continents. According to reports from spies, both the East Continent and the West Continent are already in chaos. Elders and Peak Lords of various sects will soon rush to aid these continents, and I will also go to the outer sea to investigate the situation."

Upon hearing this news, Shen Xinghai instinctively reached for the sword on his waist with his undamaged hand. It was a sword made of thousand-year Fire Soul Stone given to him by Wen Yun. The moment his hand touched it, he could feel the fiery aura on the sword.

However, he was no longer able to wield the sword, and this time, he couldn’t fight alongside Wen Yun as he did in the past.

Shen Xinghai paused for a moment and said with a bitter smile, "I’m afraid I will have to miss this time."

Wen Yun lowered her head slightly, looked at him intently and said seriously, "Just this once, don’t break your sword, how can a sword cultivator break it?"

Shen Xinghai’s fighting spirit that had been silent before suddenly ignited because of this sentence.

The hand that was originally just resting on the sword handle suddenly clenched, and he said loudly, "Thank you, Martial Sister Wen! I will definitely bring my sword next time and have a good fight!"

After visiting Shen Xinghai, Wen Yun pushed open the door and saw a familiar figure standing quietly at the door.

It turned out to be Ye Shubai. Wen Yun wondered how long he had been listening outside.

Wen Yun felt a little uneasy, thinking that Ye Shubai standing at the door looked like he was there to catch someone.

After thinking for a moment, she confirmed that her conversation with Shen Xinghai was innocent, so she asked openly, "When did you arrive?"

Ye Shubai calmly replied, "He said your painting skills are much better than mine, and you even boasted about it."

"Wen Yun stayed quiet for a moment."

But she didn’t blush at all. Instead, she nodded gracefully and said seriously, "It’s not bragging, it’s just that I’m really good."

She didn’t know who gave her this confidence.

Wen Yun was generous and didn’t want to criticize Ye Shubai too much on his artistic skills. So she avoided the controversial issue of painting, and asked him, "How did you come here? Did you discuss it with the seniors?"

"Yes," Ye Shubai nodded slightly and calmly said, "I saw that he was seriously injured, so I brought some medicine."

As he spoke, he took out several heavy wooden boxes from the space bag. When Wen Yun took a look, she found that these were not just medicines, they were all rare herbs from the Dark Heaven Secret Realm. One plant could sell for tens of thousands of top-grade spiritual jade, and there were more than ten plants here, truly invaluable!

Knowing that Ye Shubai was usually cold but caring, she didn’t find it strange. She naturally handed these things over to Zhu Erchong, reminding him to give the medicine to Shen Xinghai on time, then bid farewell with a gesture and left side by side with Ye Shubai.

Zhu Erchong embraced a handful of medicine in his arms, feeling extremely conflicted.

"I didn’t expect that Junior Brother Ye – no, Sect Leader Ye – is such a generous man, not minding the rivalry between love rivals! I should go talk to Martial Sister Mengran about it. The character she created in ‘Charming Disciple Can’t Escape: Don’t Chase the Master After He Turns Dark’ is completely wrong. He never turned dark…"

*

Because both the East Continent and the West Continent were being attacked by demon cultivators, and also because Mo You was skilled in soul laws, ordinary cultivators going there would only be serving as meat for Mo You. That’s why this time, only Wen Yun and Ye Shubai went to the external sea.

The two of them had very high cultivation levels. With the Sword Control Art and the Floating Skill combined, their powers doubled, allowing them to reach the coastal area in just three days.

This time, they landed in a coastal city, not far from Castle Peak City. Many cultivators and ordinary people came and went, but most of the cultivators were disciples of several nearby clans and sects.

According to the informant under the Wan family ancestor, many strange-faced people have appeared in this city recently. At the same time, many cultivators have gone missing. It is feared that they have been secretly kidnapped to Foggy Island in the external sea by demon cultivators to be consumed by Mo You for their soul energy, just like the people from Xie Family.

The island is shrouded in mist, and its exact location is unknown. Even Shen Xinghai only found it with Xie Xun’s guidance. As for escaping, it was also a matter of chance. To find a way out again, they might have to follow these demon cultivators who are kidnapping people.

Wen Yun tugged on Ye Shubai’s sleeve and whispered, "We are close to the external sea here, and the spies from the Demon Realm have probably already infiltrated this place. So we must conceal our identities to prevent arousing suspicion and letting them escape. At the same time, we need to find a way to lure them out. It would be best if we are caught and taken to the island by them."

Ye Shubai nodded in agreement, so Wen Yun brightened up and pulled out a pink chiffon dress, saying, "Then you wear this. We can pretend to be a pair of delicate and beautiful sisters. This will surely attract those beastly demon cultivators. What do you think?"

He replied expressionlessly, "I don’t think it’s a good idea."

Wen Yun felt sad because Ye Shubai changed and started rejecting her suggestions. He was no longer the obedient and good sword spirit he used to be.

They couldn’t be sisters, but in the end, they became master and servant.

Wen Yun wore a man’s embroidered robe and with her exceptionally beautiful face, she looked like a young master who had run away from home.

Ye Shubai put on simple clothes, inserted a wooden sword into a plain scabbard, and Wen Yun haphazardly darkened his skin color and added some messy facial hair. With his head lowered, he really looked like a guard.

The two of them swaggered into the city like that.

Wen Yun tried to play the role of a dandy for the first time, copying Xu Wanfeng by fanning herself even in the cold weather. When passing by magical artifact shops and talisman stores, she waved generously, saying, "Little Bai, I’ll take everything!"

She didn’t forget her lines, "I finally managed to sneak out of the Northern Province without my parents knowing. I need to have a good time!"

Sending a secret message to the lurking demon cultivator, she pretended to be naive and rich, the perfect target for abduction since her family didn’t know she was there.

Whenever she met a beautiful female cultivator, she raised her eyebrows and pretended to coincidentally bump into them, "Oh, this celestial sister, you are at the Foundation Establishment Stage, and so am I. You’re wearing blue, and so am I. Could this be an inexplicable fate?"

Tell the demon cultivator that I am only at the Foundation Establishment Stage. If you try to capture me, I won’t be able to resist.

Ye Shubai, who was following closely behind her, stayed silent.

If Xu Wanfeng were here, he would definitely argue with Wen Yun. When did he become so sleazy and unpleasant?

Luckily Xu Wanfeng is not here. Otherwise, Wen Yun would have definitely given him a beating for using such crude and low-class ways to flirt.

After swaggering around so arrogantly for the better part of the day, Ye Shubai carried a new stack of "Blackened Master" series comic books from Wanbao Pavilion in his left hand, and held various extravagant treasures favored by the rich and idle in his right hand.

Expressionless, he followed Wen Yun into the most luxurious inn in the city.

The first floor of the inn was packed with diners. Wen Yun entered confidently, scanned the surroundings nonchalantly, and then elegantly flicked open a folding fan to cover the smirk on her lips.

Thanks to Second Master Brother, she learned this fan flicking move from him.

In a loud and somewhat coarse voice, she cheerfully exclaimed, "Meeting you all is fate! Enjoy your meal and drinks, fellow travelers!"

After speaking, Wen Yun glanced lightly at Ye Shubai and tried to signal him desperately.

Hurry up and speak! Have you forgotten the lines I made you memorize earlier? Are you still my favorite sword spirit?

Ye Shubai with a serious expression moved his lips, then lowered his head in despair, closed his eyes and mechanically recited the lines that Wen Yun forced him to memorize —

"Everyone, tonight’s expenses are on Young Master Yun."

After Wen Yun finished speaking, everyone eating in the hall was surprised for a moment, then happy, although everyone staying at this inn was well-off, who would refuse a free meal? Furthermore, those who were not concerned about the cost of this meal ordered the innkeeper to send the food to their rooms and did not eat in the hall. Young Master Yun, who was so generous with money, was really favored by everyone.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became lively, and from time to time one could hear people praising "Young Master Yun is so generous!"

Standing at the front, "Young Master Yun" modestly bowed, but his eyebrows were raised in a pleased manner.

Wen Yun, who had just lost the bet, casually instructed the servant who approached him, "Look, what I dislike the most is noise. Find me a quiet villa. If you can’t find one, don’t disturb me, got it?"

After speaking, he tossed out a piece of excellent quality spiritual jade.

The waiter who took the spiritual jade nodded happily and led Wen Yun forward, assuring her that there was a special quiet and elegant courtyard prepared for her. He promised that no one would disturb her there.

The wealthy Young Master Yun walked ahead with confident steps.

Ye Shubai felt conflicted as he thought Wen Yun looked so similar to a refined lady. He wondered why he hadn’t noticed before.

"…"

Wen Yun lazily lay down on the bed and complained about the cold weather, wondering why her senior brother could fan so vigorously that she felt cold in the approaching winter.

She was still dressed in flashy men’s clothing, but her features were drawn more handsomely. Her hair was loose on the red silk blanket, and her usually cool face had a hint of blush.

Ye Shubai turned slightly away, silently bringing the foot washing water brought by the waiter. Surprisingly, he knelt down to help her take off her shoes and wash her feet, acting as her loyal follower.

Wen Yun quickly flipped over like a fish to avoid his touch, blushing and asking why he hadn’t left yet.

Ye Shubai whispered quietly that there were people outside, only she could hear him.

She paused in her movements and indeed noticed several familiar scents outside the courtyard, the same people she had seen earlier in the hall while pretending to be aloof.

So she had to grasp the blanket tightly, stiffening her body as Ye Shubai removed her shoes and socks.

Wen Yun had no qualms about showing her bare feet as there were no such outdated beliefs in the cultivation world. She was just worried that she had been wearing men’s boots all day and walking around the city, wondering if her feet might have started to smell…

She dared not look at Ye Shubai’s expression, fearing that he might frown or hold his breath.

She could only feel a pair of warm hands gently holding her feet and dipping them into the water. When the warm water touched her feet, she instinctively shrank back.

"Is it too hot, sir?"

It was then that Wen Yun remembered they were still acting, so she instantly let go of her concerns about her feet and grumbled, "It’s too cold! Useless! You can’t even wash feet properly. Go get another basin of water, and also buy some spices from Wanbao Pavilion for me. How can I, a noble, wash my feet with this water!"

Ye Shubai nodded his head, but before leaving, he carefully dried Wen Yun’s feet and helped her put on her shoes and socks again before pushing the door open and leaving.

As he was about to step out of the courtyard gate, the hidden figures outside suddenly moved.