CH 17

December 14th, 2022

Fang Li thought that as someone who had died once, he had long stopped putting much regard on life and death, but while he was fleeing from Xie Huai…… He actually had a sort of feeling that he was fleeing from death’s door.

How rare……

Pondering on it afterwards, he thought that it wasn’t because he’d suddenly started to fear death, but because of the effect of the atmosphere at the time. Moreover, although the final result was dying all the same, even if he was willing to be pierced through the heart, he still didn’t want to let someone kill him in that way.

That’s right, that must be the reason!

After returning, the System remained quiet for once. Maybe it had been scared to death by Xie Huai, but it stopped bringing up the topic of having Fang Li do him, and Fang Li unexpectedly got some peace and quiet.

Now he finally had some time to calm down and analyze the things that had been out of place earlier.

That Xie Huai wanted to kill him wasn’t unusual, but according to reason, his cultivation was sealed, so he shouldn’t have the power to kill him. But at that time, that realistic killing intent…… made Fang Li subconsciously, instinctively sense that Xie Huai had the ability to kill him.

It couldn’t be that Xie Huai had already broken the seal?

Fang Li paced back and forth around the room. In the original book, Xie Huai had had his dantian destroyed and his bones broken. Even under those dire circumstances, he’d successfully restored his cultivation. He couldn’t be measured according to common sense, and Fang Li had always been uncertain about whether the Soul-Sealing Pins could actually seal his cultivation. Looking at it now, his conjectures might have been correct…… Xie Huai did indeed have other trump cards, it was just that they must come with a significant price, so unless he had no other choice, he wouldn’t take the risk to use them.

Because Fang Li had previously been injured by a qi deviation, he might not be Xie Huai’s match, but the black jade talisman couldn’t be used rashly either, or he was afraid he wouldn’t make it to the end of the script.

But, Fang Li pondered, looking at the heavily guarded residential palace, with Xie Huai’s exceedingly rational personality, seeing as he hadn’t followed in pursuit, he should probably have calmed down already?

So this matter should count as having been temporarily hoisted through?

Thinking too much was of no use either. Fang Li slept until the next morning, then woke up and had breakfast.

Just as he was mulling over how to go about the next step, a demonic servant came to report that the Hehuan Sect sect master was requesting an audience.

Oh? Fang Li raised his eyes slightly and gave a low laugh. “Let him in.”

The Hehuan Sect sect master bowed as he entered, his line of sight sweeping toward Fang Li’s face. Immediately, he revealed a suggestive smile and laughed flatteringly. “Did Your Excellency enjoy yourself to your heart’s content last night?”

The Hehuan Sect sect master’s words had a salacious undertone. Just looking at the injuries on His Excellency’s lips, one would know that last night’s battle had been intense. It could be seen that Yuyi-jun was passionate to the extreme! The Hehuan Sect sect master had plenty of confidence in his Entangling Threads Love Parasite, and he wasn’t afraid that Xie Huai wouldn’t cave…… Once His Excellency was in a good mood, wouldn’t the rewards come in?

Fang Li gave him a sidelong glance.

The Hehuan Sect sect master’s eyes were filled with anticipation, as well as a self-satisfaction that he couldn’t conceal, as if he were certain that Fang Li would reward him.

Fang Li stood up, took a step forward, his black robes dragging along the ground.

In the book, Xie Huai had restrained the effects of the love parasite, and although Yan Sui had done that to him in his great anger, he hadn’t gotten what he’d desired and had concluded that the so-called love parasite was of no use at all. Therefore, when faced with the Hehuan Sect sect master who had come the next day to claim credit, Yan Sui had been infuriated and had executed him in front of the crowd.

On the other hand, Fang Li was thinking about last night’s bitter struggle. He thought, that love parasite was actually pretty effective, to drive Xie Huai into that state, but that…… means you should die all the more.

Fang Li’s thin lips quirked, and he spit out a single ice-cold, “Get out.”

The Hehuan Sect sect master’s smile immediately froze on his face, and he expression became one of disbelief. He looked completely helpless and at a loss, his lips trembling from fear as he said, “Your, Your Excellency……”

Fang Li lightly brushed at his sleeves, as if flicking off some dust, and said blandly, “Take him away. This lord doesn’t want to see him again.”

The demonic servants nearby immediately came forward and ruthlessly dragged the Hehuan Sect sect master away. The Hehuan Sect sect master’s pleading carried over from far away, then were soon heard no more. Fang Li sat back down at the table and kept eating.

The Hehuan Sect sect master had more crimes on his hands than could be counted, and his death wasn’t worth grieving over, so Fang Li didn’t intend to change the script. That old demon’s cultivation wasn’t much, but his personality was arrogant and antagonistic. Previously, because of the plot. Fang Li had no choice but to tolerate him and had even had to pretend to favor him. During that period of time, the Hehuan Sect sect master had been reckless and unrestrained, offending plenty of people, and with no one to shelter him now, he would likely very quickly taste the unpleasant fruits of his labor.

As for Fang Li himself, there was absolutely no need for him to dirty his hands for this sort of person.

…………………

Xie Huai sat quietly in his room, a secret letter from Feng Yin in his hands.

The letter said that three days ago, the Hehuan Sect sect master had visited His Excellency, but he had somehow offended His Excellency and had been driven away in front of everyone, as well as having been told to never show his face again……

As soon as this sentence of His Excellency’s came out, word quickly spread all over Hollow Ridge, and more than a few people waited to see the Hehuan Sect sect master turn into a joke. Yesterday, the Hehuan Sect sect master’s servants had found him dead inside his cave abode. Only his head had been left intact, and his state of death was so miserable it made one’s eyeballs want to rip apart, evidencing that he’d suffered no small amount of torment.

Although Feng Yin’s letter only described the Hehuan Sect sect master’s death in simple terms, and his phrasing could be considered restrained, Xie Huai could sense that the youth had found it difficult to contain his excitement while writing this letter. He had fallen into the Hehuan Sect’s hands to be trained into a furnace, and he’d been sent into the demonic palace’s rear court as a tribute, ruining his entire life. Today, it could be said that a great vengeance of his had been resolved.

Xie Huai lowered his eyes and read on.

The letter also answered his previous question. As a Hehuan Sect member, Feng Yin had heard that the Hehuan Sect sect leader had a kind of treasure called the Entangling Threads Love Parasite, and its effects were the same as the symptoms Xie Huai had described. It was said this type of love parasite had no cure after it was consumed, and Feng Yin wasn’t too clear on its exact usages. He was exceedingly worried about Xie Hua’s circumstances. If what he had consumed was the Entangling Threads Love Parasite, unless the demon lord died, he wouldn’t be free of it until the end of his life. How vile, that the Hehuan Sect sect master had still left something like that behind to cause harm even after he was already dead!

Xie Huai’s expression became pensive. What Fang Li had given him most likely was indeed the Entangling Threads Love Parasite. Then, did he actually know what he had done?

If it had been before that night, Xie Huai wouldn’t have had a doubt that Fang Li knew everything, and would even be certain that he wanted to torment and control him. But after going through that night, he was instead uncertain……

Because Fang Li’s behavior, that expression of astonishment, truly didn’t seem like he knew.

But what Xie Huai could be certain of was that when Fang Li had said those words in front of the crowd, he had known that the Hehuan Sect sect master would die because of it. He had done it intentionally, and moreover, he had meticulously let Xie Huai know of this matter.

These types of actions and behavior made it seem like he was actually trying to tactfully apologize to him…… Could it be that he really didn’t know the use of the love parasite? He’d only been fooled by the Hehuan Sect sect master?

He’d thought that by using it, he could make Xie Huai like him?

………………………

Fang Li avoided Xie Huai for a period of time.

He was far too clear about the love parasite’s uses, but he hadn’t expected that Xie Huai wouldn’t be able to resist it. This mistake would definitely have offended Xie Huai far too miserably…… Thus, it wasn’t until news of the Hehuan Sect sect master’s death arrived and several more days had passed that Fang Li finally figured that Xie Huai’s anger should have just about settled, and he started considering going to see Xie Huai.

But going there directly was still a little awkward. If he could chance upon him and feel things out a bit first, that would be best, only Xie Huai always stayed holed up in his room and rarely left, so manufacturing a chance encounter wouldn’t be easy……

It looked like he could only tough out his embarrassment.

Transmigrating into this kind of book and still having to follow the plot…… Running into this kind of awkward situation wasn’t actually outside of his expectations.

At this point, Du Meng should have almost arrived at Heaven’s Summit, right? On this side, the script had also arrived to a point that he would have to follow.

Fang Li mulled it over a bit, sighed, then got up and went toward the side palace.

The sunlight today was pretty good, so

Xie Huai actually wasn’t staying in his room, but was sitting in the courtyard reading a book. He was dressed all in white, his posture leisurely, looking not at all like someone trapped in captivity, but like he was in his own backyard……

Fang Li came to a stop about seven or eight paces away from Xie Huai, a distance which was enough to respond to any unexpected incidents. Then, he lifted a fist to his mouth and coughed lightly.

Xie Huai lifted his head and looked at him blandly, then lowered his head again and kept reading, as if he didn’t exist.

This attitude of not having anyone in his eyes…… made a hint of a smile appear on Fang Li’s face! Fantastic! As expected, Xie Huai had returned to normal.

This calm and indifferent Xie Huai was still the most near and dear to one’s heart!

Thinking from another perspective, Xie Huai had been controlled by the love parasite until he’d lost his reason, to the point that he’d revealed such a ferocious, uncontrollable appearance. From his point of view, this was truly his dark past…… He would definitely want to act like nothing had happened even more than Fang Li.

Great, since both parties had re-established a tacit understanding, then the other matters would be easy to take care of.

With the weight off his chest, Fang Li ambled over.

Xie Huai finally put down his book, his black eyes so deep they were bottomless, and said blandly, “What instruction does Your Excellency have?”

Because of his remorse toward that matter, Fang Li’s tone was unusually gentle, and he said cautiously, “This lord was afraid you were feeling stifled here. How about taking you out to ease your spirits, is that good?”

Xie Huai gave Fang Li a profound look, and the corner of his lips quirked. “Is Your Excellency asking my opinion?”

Well, not really…… You have to go on this trip with me down the mountain, because this is necessary for the script.

But Fang Li couldn’t tell the truth like this, or else it would break the hard-earned peace in the air. Plus, he was certain that Xie Huai would agree to his suggestion. Compared to being trapped in the demonic palace where every step forward was a challenge, wasn’t it easier for Xie Huai to act if they went out? Xie Huai wouldn’t pass up an opportunity that had been being brought to his doorstep. He had never been the kind of person to mess things up in a fit of rage.

Thus, Fang Li smiled. “That’s right.”

Xie Huai fixed his gaze on Fang Li. After a long time, he said, “Alright.”

A smile spread across Fang Li’s face. As expected, dealing with smart people was this easy. As long one laid out the conditions and discussed the profits, that was enough.

………………………

The next morning, a horse-drawn carriage rode out from the foot of Hollow Ridge.

Wu Yimei was dressed in black, sitting outside the carriage as its driver.

Fang Li sat lazily inside the carriage. This carriage looked normal on the outside, but the inside was extremely luxurious. It was lined with ferret pelt, extending all the way to the floorboards, and the edges of the soft couch were inlaid with pearls that emitted a supple light. It was both wide and soft, so wide that even if someone wanted to do something, they would have plenty of space…… Most importantly, the ride wasn’t bumpy at all. Although it looked like an ordinary carriage, it was actually a custom-made spiritual device.

Since they were traveling to enjoy the scenery, naturally, they couldn’t do so with great fanfare, or else wherever they went, everyone would be terrified into running for their lives and startling at the slightest movement. Then what fun would there be to speak of?

As soon as he got on the carriage, Fang Li closed his eyes to rest.

After this segment of the script involving leaving the ridge was over, and they returned to Hollow Ridge, he could start preparing for his death and escape. Counting down, it was no more than about two months’ time. When he thought of this, his mood couldn’t help but lift.

Xie Huai glanced at the man beside him. His whole body was nested there, looking soft and docile. Who knew what he was thinking of, but a shallow smile surfaced on his lips.

Are you that happy to be leaving the ridge?

What exactly is your goal this time?

As for taking Xie Huai out to lift his spirits, Xie Huai didn’t believe a word of it.

Fang Li didn’t know what Xie Huai was thinking, but even if he had known, he wouldn’t have paid it any mind. He slept in a daze, up until the System called him awake.

【 System: Wu Yimei called you several times! 】

Fang Li opened his eyes and languidly lifted the window curtains, asking, “What’s the matter?”

Wu Yimei didn’t even look at Xie Huai who was inside, only saying to Fang Li respectfully, “Your Excellency, we’ve already arrived at Xining County. Should we stay here to rest for the night?”

Oh, Xining County. It had some pretty nice scenery and was a very suitable tour stop.

He still had to put on appearances; heading straight for the target destination would be too abrupt. Besides, the original book had also written that this journey had taken more than a month. Naturally, they should make their way slowly, so why not just spend some time here?

Fang Li gladly agreed. “Alright.”

Wu Yimei responded with his assent, then drove the carriage into the city.

The carriage proceeded very slowly through the city. Fang Li didn’t intend to sleep any further and sized up the scenery outside.

Xining County was different from Quqing Town. Quqing Town was no more than a little border town; if not for the spirit stone quarry, it would truly be very unremarkable. Later it had been taken over by demonic cultivators, making everyone anxious, so it was hard to avoid having a somewhat stifling atmosphere…… But this Xining County was lively and bustling. People went to and fro along the streets, and everyone’s expression was relaxed. Scholars and merchants brushed past each other, and women and children walked around freely, giving it a harmonious, prosperous appearance.

The county metropolis was expansive, and the sect that held influence here was a righteous cultivation sect called the Night Sky Palace. Although it was far from one of the five great righteous sects, it could still be considered a fairly well-known sect in the world.

Fang Li looked around pensively. Although it was a prosperous city, there seemed to be too many cultivators on these streets.

The cultivators all wore uniforms from different sects, so they evidently weren’t disciples of Night Sky Palace. Moreover, many of them looked like they’d just hurried over. Was something about to happen?

Wu Yimei stopped the carriage at a restaurant and lowered his eyes. “Your Excellency.”

The restaurant had people walking in and out, appearing to be doing very good business. Fang Li was a little sick of the luxurious dishes of the demonic palace, so coming here to try the taste of the mortal world’s delicacies was pretty appealing. Wu Yimei had always been a reliable subordinate, so the place he picked must be decent.

Fang Li slowly lifted the carriage’s curtain.

He was wearing a moon-white brocade robe with dark patterns, a thick fox fur coat draped over him, and he supported himself on Wu Yimei’s hand as he stepped down from the carriage, looking for all the world like a sickly young master…… Fang Li hadn’t used a disguise, since there weren’t actually many people who recognized Yan Sui. After all, many of the people who had seen him were dead, and dead people didn’t tell tales……

Moreover, in this world, Yan Sui’s existence was something no one dared bring up.

But Wu Yimei had dark-red eyes with slit pupils, which was truly rather eye-catching. At a single glance, you could tell he wasn’t a normal person, and those eyes were extremely recognizable, so he was somewhat disguised.

As for Xie Huai, as the world-famous Yuyi-jun, there were simply too many people who recognized him. Plus, his features were simply too dazzling, so he was wearing a curtained hat with a long, white veil draping down, covering his face.

The three of them entered the inn.

The waiter at the inn saw Fang Li’s appearance and immediately knew that this was someone who didn’t lack for money. He eagerly led them upstairs, saying as he walked, “Guests, are you also here because of the Night Sky Palace’s invitation? Coming to our little place was a good choice. Everyone who comes here has to try our Drunken Immortal brew, or the trip would be a waste……”

Wu Yimei placed a silver ingot on the table and said in a hoarse voice, “Bring out all your good food and wine.”

These guests seemed to be a little taciturn, but what kind of people had the waiter not seen before? As long as they paid, it was fine. Full of smiles, he answered promptly, “Alright! Guests, please wait a bit, they’ll be out right away.”

After handling the waiter, Wu Yimei turned back and saw that the tea on the table was crude. He creased his brow, then took out the Snow Tip tea that Fang Li usually liked, then used his palm to heat up a pot of Sky Mountain clear dew, his movements focused as he brewed a pot of tea, deferentially presenting before Fang Li.

Fang Li was somewhat dazed for a moment, then calmly accepted it, lowering his eyes and lightly inhaling the fragrance of tea at the tip of his nose.

Wu Yimei had always been this considerate, approaching every task large or small with seriousness. Only, at that time, Yan Sui hadn’t been himself and didn’t enjoy life much, and even less did he pay any mind to worldly things, living like a walking corpse……

To think that after interacting for just a brief period of time, Wu Yimei already remembered his preferences and kept them in mind. He was even using a cultivator’s precious storage device to store these trifling things……

Fang Li lowered his eyes and took a sip of tea.

Xie Huai’s face was hidden behind the white veil. Looking at this scene, he faintly pursed his thin lips. Although Wu Yimei always acted respectful and restrained in front of Fang Li, looking as if he had no intention of meddling with Xie Huai, Xie Huai could feel his hostility toward him, just like that night when Wu Yimei had come to warn him.

It looked like he really did care a lot for Fang Li. This kind of loyalty, was it really only as a subordinate……?

Or maybe, there was some kind of deeper attachment.

The trust and tacit understanding between them couldn’t be seen or grasped, but it was something Xie Huai had no way of touching. His brow creased faintly, and he turned his head to look out the window.

Very quickly, the waiter brought their wine and dishes.

The wine here was truly a bit unique. The flavor was rich, and it lingered in one’s mouth. Fang Li lazily pinched his wine cup, and the chatter from all around fell into his ears.

“Brother Ding, are you also here because of the Night Sky Palace’s invitation?”

“That’s right. You all as well?”

“Your Crimson Sunrise School is usually very close with Night Sky Palace, do you know just what the gathering this time is about?”

“Ah, this time, even I have no clue.”

Wu Yimei lowered his eyes to listen, then said to Fang Li, “Should I investigate a bit?”

Fang Li shook his head.

It was just a mere Night Sky Palace from Xining County. How big of a matter could it be? If it was really some big affair, there would have been word of it long ago, and the five great sects would also be taking part. Seeing as there was no news of it, then it wasn’t an important matter.

The cultivators below discussed for a while but didn’t bring up any important news. Following that, they started to talk about the gossip flying around.

Fang Li was originally listening absentmindedly, up until he heard Xie Huai’s name and couldn’t help but glance sideways to look.

At the table in front of them sat three cultivators wearing gray and white robes, looking like they belonged to the same sect. Among them was a goateed man, whose small eyes shifted as he snickered, “That’s right, have you heard? There’s rumors that after Yuyi-jun was captured by the demon lord, he’s got the demon lord enchanted silly. For his sake, the demon lord has even killed plenty of his own subordinates!”

The cultivator beside him said doubtfully, “That’s just hearsay, isn’t it?”

The goateed man narrowed his eyes, his tone frivolous, “As I hear it, Yuyi-jun and the demon lord are basically inseparable at Hollow Ridge. Who knows, maybe after going to Hollow Ridge, he thought following the demon lord wasn’t bad. With Yuyi-jun’s looks and bearing, as long as he wanted, what kind of man would he not be able to conquer?”

As he spoke, he raised his teacup and drank a gulp, then lowered his voice and said delightedly, “I’ve seen Yuyi-jun before, you know. Now that’s a world-class peerless beauty! Looking at it now, it seems like his skills in bed aren’t bad either…… Who knows how enrapturing he has to be to make the demon lord uniquely favor him like that, heh heh heh……”

Following the goateed man’s lead, the people beside him echoed his words. Gradually, the contents of their talk became more and more unbearable to hear.

Their obscenities and vulgar words painted Xie Huai as a calamity who had enthralled the demon lord.

Fang Li pursed his lips and cautiously peeked at Xie Huai. Unfortunately, behind the white veil, it was impossible to see Xie Huai’s expression.

That there would be rumors and slander was within Fang Li’s expectations, but this was still the first time it had happened to Xie Huai’s face. Fang Li felt a bit of guilt and unease in his heart. Cough……

The goateed man spoke with more and more excitement, his thoughts running wild, as if he wished he were there in person and only hated that he couldn’t be the demon lord himself. With a sigh, he said, “Everyone says that Yuyi-jun was only forced to give himself to the demon lord to save Cloudbank Keep, but his master Elder Ming Yin says that he’s not a Cloudbank Keep disciple anymore. That means that he’s been expelled from his sect, right? Who knows, maybe he’d hooked up with the demon lord long ago, and even the disaster at Cloudbank Keep was caused by him, and Elder Ming Yin just won’t admit it because he values face. Tsk tsk tsk, he’s just a pretty face. He looks like a lofty and serene person, but it turns out that he’s like that in secret. Who knows how unrestrained he is, the demon lord really is lucky…… Ahh!”

The teacup in the goateed man’s hands suddenly shattered, and a shard flying out split open the corner of his mouth. Blood trickled down, and he covered his mouth, angrily looking in the direction to the center left of him.

At the table to his center left sat three people. One was wearing a white curtained hat, one was wearing long black robes, and one was a sickly young master draped in a thick fox fur coat. His ashen pale, exquisite features shone, and a teasing smiling hung off his lips, but the teacup in his hands was gone.

It must have been this sickly guy who’d thrown the teacup at him just now!

The goateed man said furiously, “What are you doing?!”

Fang Li didn’t move at all. He opened his eyes and laughed lightly. “My hand slipped.”

This person looked like he was smiling gently, but that irreverent attitude was obviously provoking him.

Your hand slipped, my a**! Enraged, the goateed man was just about to make a move, but he was held back by the two fellow sect members beside him. This was Night Sky Palace’s territory, and plus, there were plenty of people passing by here, so randomly starting a fight would bring trouble.

It wasn’t that the goateed man didn’t understand this, but looking at that sickly fellow who looked like he was asking for a beating, he felt his anger burning him! No matter what, he couldn’t swallow this frustration.

He sized up Fang Li.

Of the three people, one looked like an aristocratic young master, one looked like a servant, and one was mysteriously wearing a veiled hat. Judging from their clothing, they weren’t from the same sect, and their manner of dress was rather carefree. They might be cultivators from some small clan. Merely some wandering cultivators, yet they really didn’t know their place!

After throwing out that sentence, Fang Li stood up lazily and said to Wu Yimei, “Let’s go, my appetite is gone.”

He went straight in the direction of the goateed man. As he ambled past him, brushing past his shoulder, he spoke in a voice so low that only the man could hear and hooked his lips and laughed softly, “What do you think you are, to be worthy of talking about Yuyi-jun?”

The goateed man’s expression abruptly changed.

He could only watch as Fang Li left the restaurant. He wiped away the blood from the corner of his mouth, and a cold and gloomy look slowly surfaced on his face…… You think things are over just like that?!

Wu Yimei didn’t ask why Fang Li had acted this way at all, only silently following behind him. As for Xie Huai, it was like the person they had been discussing hadn’t been him at all, and he didn’t express any opinion from start to end.

Fang Li’s spirits were rather high, and he strolled along the streets until well into sunset. Only when the sky gradually became dark did he stroll into a little alleyway.

The alleyway was narrow and dim and cramped on both sides, and there was no one around.

Fang Li walked and walked, then suddenly halted his steps and turned around with a soft laugh. “My waiting wasn’t for nothing. You’re finally here.”

Three people walked out from the darkness. At their head was precisely the goateed man, and the two behind him were his two fellow sect members.

Previously in the restaurant, the goateed man had managed to tolerate it because he’d observed that Fang Li’s group wasn’t from some big sect. He’d followed in secret, waiting for them to go off on their own in order to handle them and teach them the consequences of offending him.

And Fang Li’s side had been extremely cooperative. Without even waiting for the goateed man to think of a plan, they’d voluntarily walked into this little alleyway. Originally, he’d been delighted, but looking at Fang Li’s relaxed smile right now, the goateed man’s heartbeat suddenly started to beat loudly, and he suddenly felt like something wasn’t quite right……

Fang Li’s lips held back a smile. If this goateed man had intended to argue with him, he would have thrown down the gauntlet back at the restaurant, resolving everything clearly and distinctly in public…… But back then, he’d fully held back his anger and hadn’t spoken a word. Evidently, he was petty and narrow-minded, and all Fang Li had to do was purposefully provoke him with a few words and he would come chasing after.

As expected, hadn’t he obediently come?

It was time to show off his boyfriend power!

Although Yan Sui always hurt and tormented Xie Huai, as a tyrannical demon lord with extreme possessiveness, it was fine no matter how much he abused Xie Huai, but nobody else could get a single bad word out about him. Only he could bully Xie Huai!

As for everyone else? That was seeking death.

The goateed man said in a heavy voice, “Sir, just who are you?”

Fang Li said in a mild voice, “Did you know? If we were at Hollow Ridge…… if someone said those things to the demon lord’s face, they would have their tongue cut out and get thrown into the Fallen Star Sea to feed the fish.”

The goateed man frowned. This person’s words were all over the place, completely inexplicable. What did the demon lord have to do with them?

“So, as a human being, one should think before one speaks. Don’t listen to gossip and don’t spread gossip……” Fang Li shook his head ruefully. “Speaking out of turn is very dangerous……”

The goateed man started to get impatient, and a cold gleam appeared in his eyes. Earlier, it’d looked like Fang Li had a card up his sleeve and had been waiting for him…… He’d thought that Fang Li was an expert and had lured them over to take care of them. Now, looking at Fang Li’s mouth full of nonsense and his words that were neither here nor there, he only felt that he must have been overthinking it. It looked like this fellow had gotten used to acting arrogant at home and thought that he could act like that outside as well. He was just an arrogant fellow who didn’t know his place!

To think that he’d shrunk back just now in front of someone like this. The goateed man’s killing intent immediately rose up! He impatiently gripped his blade and was about to strike—

Fang Li paused, then suddenly asked curiously, “Right, you said you’ve seen Xie Huai before. Was that true?”

Xie Huai had been standing to the side quietly the whole time. Now, he let out a soft sigh.

The goateed man already had the intent to kill, and he was just about to make his move when he saw the white-robed man standing silently to the side suddenly lift his hand and take off his hat. The white veil lightly fluttered as it descended, and a face like jade slowly appeared in the darkness of the night. The man lightly turned his eyes to look over, and even the moonlight seemed to dim before him.

The goateed man’s heart stopped for a beat.

Then he very, very slowly turned his head and stared blankly at Fang Li, cold sweat trickling down.

Fang Li was still thinking about how to sort out this guy when he saw Xie Huai suddenly take off his hat, and the goateed man was immediately crushed, looking terrified and in despair.

After a moment of silence, Fang Li turned his head and said to Xie Huai, “He wasn’t lying, he really does recognize you.”

……………………………………

Fang Li: I’m protecting my wife today, too!

Xie Huai: Mn.