Chapter 141: Negotiations

Chapter 141: Negotiations

Three cultivators stood in the black plains before Vertebra 108, an exhausted Xixing tied up before them. Their leader, Han Ziguo, narrowed his eyes at the approaching duo. A cold snort emerged from him as he caught sight of Fa Chuyou. The soft woman looked delicate, a lily in the sun, skin so soft it seemed it would emit dew if he squeezed it. Even a short walk brought spots of color to her pale cheeks.

Beside her strode a strange figure, taller than the small Fa Chuyou. Skin grayish, he sported strange black adornments at his forehead and hands and a solemn expression, trailing slightly behind Fa Chuyou. Han Ziguos eyes narrowed, and understanding spread across his face. He leaned to his companions. Thats the death cultivator we bumped into earlier. Fa Chuyou must favor him, thats why Master Jing asked for this meeting. I knew that ugly corpse had his eyes on our pill cultivator.

One of his companions furrowed his brows. Fa Chuyou favors him? But I thought he was er, a cutsleeve.

Eh? Han Ziguo frowned at the other cultivator.

The cultivator nodded. He ran out of Hong Xues vertebra the other day, robes all askew. I thought Jing Aimei would finally snap and run out on him the way she ran out on that curse cultivator. Somehow, Hong Xue convinced her to forgive him, but she still has it out for that ghoul.

Han Ziguo blinked. Hong Xue and Fa Chuyou? I had no idea ghouls had such potent life force.

The hostage twisted and looked at him, brows furrowed. Xixings lips moved silently, confusion playing across her face. Him two lovers? She stared back at Hui, more lost than ever. What happened to him?

His henchman shrugged. Its just what Ive heard.

Reassessing the ghoul, Han Ziguo shook his head. How are so many people enchanted by a dead body? Fa Chuyou I understand, but Hong Xue?

There is that rumor

Han Ziguo raised his hand before the henchman could continue. He stepped forward. I hear you have an interest in our hostage.

Fa Chuyou drew to a halt, hands folded behind her. Indeed.

Beside her, the ghoul drew silently to a halt. It scanned over the group of cultivators with cold eyes.

Internally, Hui swallowed. He eyed Han Ziguo, hiding a talisman in his sleeve. He casually pet Zhubi in the other sleeve, the soft texture of the snakes scales calming. I still dont understand his fluctuations. He keeps going from third to fourth stage Fa Chuyou can probably take him, but I dont want to fight him if I can avoid it. These negotiations cannot go wrong! I wont let them!

Ill cut to the chase. What do you want this pill cultivator for? Han Ziguo demanded.

To study her techniques. We intend to gain a deeper comprehension of corpse cultivation through studying pill cultivation techniques, Fa Chuyou announced.

Han Ziguo looked Xixing over. He pointed a palm at her head. Her back arched, and she grit her teeth, then flopped down again, weak. She doesnt seem to be injured. Then until Xi Guping returns, you can have her. But when he returns, youll be there. Using your art, well extract as many formulas as we can before Xi Guping turns her into a puppet, in case it ruins her mind. Its a small chance, but his puppet arts arent the most subtle, nor the easiest on mind and body.

Hui nodded. Of course. No way! Ill figure out a way to get Xixing far away from you long before you can do any of that! And, of course Xi Guping isnt coming back. But you dont need to know that.

Only until Xi Guping comes back? What if he comes back tomorrow? Fa Chuyou demanded with a frown.

Your misfortune, Han Ziguo replied darkly. His cultivation power spiked, climbing high into the fourth realm.

Elder Sister, its fine. Even this is already enough, Hui placated her, casting a fearful glance at Han Ziguo. Fa Chuyou, theres no need to antagonize Han Ziguo! We already have Xixing, we dont need to negotiate for more.

Fa Chuyou leaned in toward Hui. The blood mist has retreated from the valley for the first time in the history of Blood Mist Valley. Xi Guping must be behind such a phenomenoneveryone knew he was entering the inheritance zone this cycle. To create such incredible phenomena, he must be close to conquering the zone. This is a bad deal. It wont be long before hes out!

Ah no. As far as I can tell, the mist receding is probably my fault, for trapping the red soul. And and Xi Guping is dead!

Hui shook his head sagely, hiding his true emotions. Anything is better than nothing. With my technique, well extract all we need from her in no time at all.

She glanced at him, uncertain. This is mostly for your benefit, Xie Hao. Are you sure?

He nodded. Completely.

Nodding, Fa Chuyou turned back to the trio of cultivators. We accept your terms.

Han Ziguo gave her a suspicious look. And youll take Yi Ping with you. To ensure nothing strange happens.

One of the henchmen stepped forward and saluted.

Fa Chuyou shot a glance at Hui.

Hui bowed. Welcome, Elder Brother.

Yi Ping gestured, and Xixing stood. She hobbled over to his side. He glanced at Xixing, then nodded at Hui and Fa Chuyou. Shall we?