Chapter 708: Heart Lotus Emisaries

Chapter 708: Heart Lotus Emisaries

Familiar with the routes after his months in the village, Hui cut through the forest and made it back to the village ahead of the emissaries. At the villages edge, he paused, peering around. Wheres Zhang Ming? He never gets up, but he also isnt one of the villagers. I dont know if hes beholden to the loop, or if he broke out like I did.

Based on the mysterious things he said when I first met him, I suspect that he knows about the loop. That might mean that hes broken out of it. I cant assume he does the same thing every day.

He closed his eyes and reached out to the lotus seed under the floorboards. From there, he extended his divine sense. Zhang Ming sat on the bed, legs crossed, the same as ever.

Hui went to retract his divine sense, then paused. He activated the lotus clone and scurried out from under the floorboards. His clone laid a tiny hand on Zhang Mings foot and cast the snakeskin technique.

Zhang Mings appearance shifted, and Hui sat on the bed in his place.

Retracting his qi, Hui deactivated the lotus clone and strode boldly into the village, mimicking Zhang Mings bold stride and firm shoulders. I can only copy the smooth circulation of Zhang Ming in meditation, but since thats all he ever does, the villagers probably dont know any other version of Zhang Ming.

He mixed in with the villagers. A few of them shot him confused looks, but no one stopped or deviated greatly from their usual paths.

I wonder how many of these people are actually beholden to the loop? Even Jie Xinlei was aware of it, though she might not be able to break free. Still, the point is, everyone here is at least an Immortal. If I broke out, and theyre infinitely more powerful than me, then theyve likely broken out as well. Its almost impossible to tell, since even if they were beholden to the loop, theyd act differently if I addressed them. Likewise, whos going to ask them? Me? This small bug? No no no. I dont want to get crushed!

But if theyre broken out of the loop, why stay here and play along?

Unless they cant escape. Unless theres something even more powerful keeping them here, keeping them well-behaved.

Something like that golden eye.

The golden-dressed cultivators strode boldly into town, their chins held high. As they passed, the villagers quickly kowtowed. Hui fell in as well, dropping to his knees with practiced ease. A space opened up in the center of the village square. Clearly expecting it, the gold-robed cultivators stood tall in the center.

The chief hurried out of his hut and bowed before them. Inspectors, to what do we owe the honor of your presence?

Cho Haoli flicked his sleeve. Haughtily, he announced, Newcomers have arrived since our last inspection.

Indeed, the chief agreed.

How many?

Cho Haoli looked around. Where are the men? Lets get out of here quickly, before the filth gets on us.

Xi Muchen turned to the chief and smiled.

The chief swept his eyes across the crowd.

Hui hesitated, resisting the temptation to hunker. No. I need to stand out. I want to leave this village, even if its danger. Even if its dangerous, dammit! With some effort, he looked up and met the chiefs eyes.

There! Right there. And the other one the other one should be in the hut, the chief said.

Well? Cho Haoli said expectantly.

The chief hurried over to Hui. Forcing him up, he pushed him toward the Inspectors. Go on, go on. Its an honor to be called to Heart Lotus City, an honor!

It doesnt look like an honor, Hui commented silently, barely resisting the urge to give the chief a look.

He stood beside the two Inspectors and felt incredibly dingy in his ordinary robes, compared to their radiant gold. Cho Haoli gave him a disgusted look and unsubtly pulled away.

The chief hurried off, and moments later, dragged Zhang Ming over, still wearing Huis face. Zhang Ming ran a hand over his cheeks, frowning to himself. His eyes fell on Hui, and he raised his brows.

Hui nodded at Zhang Ming. As casually as he could, he bobbed a short bow to the man, pressing his hands together. Please leave the disguise on! We can remove the disguises once were away from the Inspectors, but Elder Brothers, now is not the time.

Zhang Ming raised his brows, then nodded back and lowered his hand. His eyes bored into Huis, demanding explanation.

Later, later! Hui turned his gaze back ahead.

No! Jie Xinlei threw herself at Xiao Hui. Please, dont. I want a husband!

Elder Sister! Ive already told you I dont want you as a wife!

Ah, though I suppose she is trying to save me from Heart Lotus City.

Im sorry, Jie Xinlei. Please find love somewhere else, and be sure to save the next one who arrives in this village.