Chapter 173: Why Did I Have to Pick These Two Problematic Girls?
The next morning, Shi Qingyan was already waiting at the entrance of the Demon Cultivation Mountain Gate.
Knowing they were going on a mission, she wore the plain Daoist robe she had first met Young Master Sang in, yet her beautiful face without a touch of makeup still made her look stunning.
It wasn’t long before she heard Young Master Sang’s voice calling out from a distance.
And behind him, with dark circles under her eyes and a lifeless expression, was Si Jingzhu.
“Uh, Senior Sister Si, what’s going on…?”
“I don’t know,” Young Master Sang shrugged, “I guess kids get overly excited before traveling and can’t sleep.”
Si Jingzhu shot him a furious glare.
But in the end, she didn’t dare defend herself and could only hang her head in defeat.
“So, what’s the destination for this mission?”
“Cloud Cow Mountain.”
Young Master Sang sighed, “That’s quite far; we need to hurry.”
When she heard about Cloud Cow Mountain, Shi Qingyan revealed a pensive expression.
“What’s wrong? Have you heard of that place, Senior Sister Shi?”
“I have heard that there’s a body refining sect called the Fierce Tiger Sect nearby in the west, but body refining sects are pretty rare…”
She shook her head, “But I only know of it by hearsay. The Fierce Tiger Sect is too far from the Water Moon Sect, and we don’t usually interact.”
“I’ve just vaguely heard that the sect has a bit of a… strange reputation?”
Strange?
In what way strange?
But Shi Qingyan didn’t have any specifics, and Young Master Sang pushed down his curiosity as they set off.
—
They made surprisingly good time.
After about seven or eight days, they finally arrived near the mountains of Cloud Cow in the west.
Aside from one little brat who wailed and complained all the way, running around with no time to rest, everything else seemed quite normal.
Si Jingzhu probably thought that going on a mission was just a scenic trip.
However, in reality, there wasn’t even time for a sip of water.
Si Jingzhu could only watch helplessly as her carefully chosen dress and makeup got ruined on their six to seven hours of traveling each day.
Her skirt was dirty, and her makeup had faded.
She went from being angrily desperate at the beginning to becoming utterly numb by now.
Every day she just sat in the carriage, mindlessly enduring the bumpy ride.
It felt like her soul had been jolted out of existence.
But after seven or eight days, the trio finally arrived at the foot of Cloud Cow Mountain, the only city worth mentioning in this great state was West Spring City.
I have to say, being near the desolate and barren land made West Spring City, which is quite large, appear less prosperous, with few pedestrians or travelers around.
Most of the people were local residents and natives wearing traditional attire.
After a round in the city, they found the only inn. The innkeeper, dressed like a rice dumpling and speaking with a strange accent, warmly welcomed them:
“Would you like to stay? How many rooms do you need?”
“Three rooms, please.”
“Two thousand five hundred coins a night.”
Young Master Sang: “?”
“Why not just say you’re robbing us? At least then I wouldn’t feel like such a fool.”
“Oh, come on.”
The innkeeper chuckled, “In a place like West Spring City where no birds would poop, you won’t see a single outsider for a month or two.”
“We’re the only inn here; if we don’t fleece guys like you, then who will?”
Young Master Sang: “?”
Brother.
I’ve seen plenty of scams.
But this guy does it so boldly, even openly admitting it to the customer.
It’s my first time encountering a place like this.
And their rates are outrageous.
Usually, it costs just a few dozen coins a night or around a hundred coins for better rooms.
And you’re asking for two thousand five?
That’s just daylight robbery, going all out to scam, huh?
Hearing this, Young Master Sang couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you afraid of getting scammed by someone tougher? Like a bunch of murderous Demon Cultivators right across from you?”
“Ah, well, that’s something you don’t know.”
Unexpectedly, the innkeeper still had a friendly smile: “This is Cloud Cow Mountain.”
“The whole area is under the control of the Fierce Tiger Sect.”
“Even Demon Cultivators have to bow down to the Immortals of the Fierce Tiger Sect when they’re on their turf.”
“The folks of the Fierce Tiger Sect aren’t known for their kindness but for being loyal to their own.”
“Every household in West Spring City pays tribute to the Fierce Tiger Sect every year. In return, they protect the citizens.”
“Doesn’t matter what kind of cultivator you are; once you enter here, you have to follow our rules.”
“Do you believe me, guest?” the innkeeper said leisurely, “If you even show the slightest murderous intent, a dozen Immortals from the Fierce Tiger Sect will pop up and make sure you never leave West Spring City?”
Oh really?
What a show of force.
This was the first time Young Master Sang heard such brazen and arrogant talk about a sect. He couldn’t help but secretly ask Nian Nian: “What’s the deal with the Fierce Tiger Sect? Why such a stronghold?”
“Answering that question costs fifty points.”
Young Master Sang: “?”
“Have you also started robbing customers?”
“I told you. It’s not easy to get information from the system after this.”
Nian Nian’s voice casually drifted in: “The cost varies based on the importance of the information.”
Alright then.
Turns out you’re just another shady vendor.
Young Master Sang felt like he couldn’t vent his anger at Nian Nian, so he had to swallow it: “Deal, so spill it.”
“The leader of the Fierce Tiger Sect is a body refining cultivator at the eighth stage of tribulation. In terms of sect strength, the Fierce Tiger Sect is even on par with the Water Moon Sect. Moreover, since body refining cultivators are a rare breed, their combat power is generally stronger, so not many sects in the western region dare to provoke these madmen.”
“Of course, members of the Fierce Tiger Sect don’t usually leave their territory in Cloud Cow Mountain; you can think of them as a gang that occupies the mountains.”
“The western region isn’t a place rich in resources, and few cultivators come here. Most passersby are just loose cultivators.”
“Even if a major sect’s disciple causes trouble here, they usually end up getting taught a lesson and leaving in embarrassment.”
“They’re quite clever; they only want money, not bloodshed. Even if they have a grudge, it’s not a big deal.”
“And no sect would want to travel all this way just to settle a score over a disciple; that would be purely a waste of effort.”
Once Young Master Sang heard this, he understood.
In short, it’s the saying: “poor mountains and evil waters spawn vicious people.”
Thinking like this, he realized that it might be inevitable for him to get robbed.
Seeing Young Master Sang’s conflicted expression, the innkeeper’s smile widened: “Guest, you’re not saying you don’t have money to stay, right?”
“Look at you; you obviously have a cultivation background. Cultivators don’t lack money.”
“And with such two beautiful ladies alongside you, it wouldn’t be convenient to camp out under the stars. Would it?”
Young Master Sang: “…Huh?”
Si Jingzhu couldn’t help but feel a mix of indignation and embarrassment: “Who… who wants to do anything with him! If you can’t speak properly, then shut up!”
“I’m telling you, don’t think we’ll be scared! My senior sister specializes in assassination. Do you dare to rob us when you don’t want to sleep peacefully tonight?”
After she finished boasting, she turned to Shi Qingyan: “Right, Senior Sister Shi, back me up here.”
Shi Qingyan thought for a moment, then raised her head and said: “In order to save money, shall we just get one room?”
Young Master Sang: “?”
Si Jingzhu: “?”
Innkeeper: “…Sure. One thousand coins for that—seeing that you’re having fun, I’ll get you a passion multipurpose big bed.”
“Deal.” Shi Qingyan pulled out the money.
Young Master Sang and Si Jingzhu: “???”
“Senior Sister Shi, isn’t spending money like that a bit excessive?”
“Is it?” Shi Qingyan blinked innocently, “I think it’s quite a bargain.”
“Only a thousand coins? Finding a couple of ducks or chickens for a night would cost more than that.”
Hearing that scandalous talk, Young Master Sang suddenly recalled.
Right.
Although Shi Qingyan had been cured of her male phobia by him, she is now bi-curious!
Oh no.
Tonight, he probably wouldn’t make it to bed unscathed, huh? Young Master Sang and Si Jingzhu both took a cautious step back.
—
Following the innkeeper, they arrived at the legendary “multi-person passion big bed.”
Inside was more luxurious than expected, with a spacious and lavishly decorated room, a huge round bed that could easily fit seven or eight people, complete with various ambiguous candlelight props.
Overall, it made Young Master Sang’s scalp tingle.
“Have fun, and if you need anything, just call for the waiter.”
The innkeeper beamed, “While we may charge high prices, the service and facilities are top-notch, with a great reputation.”
“If you happen to lose steam in the middle of the night, just shout, and the waiter will pop out of bed to bring you some vitality pills.”
Young Master Sang: “…I just want you to vanish from my sight this instant.”
“Alrighty.”
The innkeeper quickly left.
Young Master Sang let out a deep sigh and turned to see Shi Qingyan already sitting at a table pouring tea, while Si Jingzhu stared dazedly at a pile of props by the bed.
“Um….” Si Jingzhu blushed slightly and asked in a low voice, “Are all those… usable?”
Young Master Sang: “…Don’t even think about it. Tonight, you’re all going to sleep quietly.”
Si Jingzhu pouted in disappointment.
Young Master Sang suddenly felt regret.
Why did I have to pick these two problematic girls to come with me?
If anything, shouldn’t I be surrounded by normal folks?
Just then, Shi Qingyan spoke up:
“The innkeeper isn’t mistaken.”
“There are several strong auras from cultivators patrolling the city. They are likely from the Fierce Tiger Sect.”
“From Nascent Soul to Divine Transformation. We’re here to find someone, so it’s best to avoid conflict with the local sect.”
Young Master Sang was overjoyed: “I see! No wonder you’re part of the Immortal Sect’s secret guard, always operating with precision. I was wrong to doubt you, Senior Sister.”
“Actually… the idea of sharing a room was just my personal desire,” Shi Qingyan said sincerely.
“Being able to cuddle with the lovely Senior Sister Si and you in bed really makes the thousand coins worthwhile.”
Young Master Sang: “…Forget I said anything.”
