Translator: CinderTL
"Be careful," Zuoqiu Shu cautioned, her optimism fading as she cautiously advanced.
The alley wasn't perfectly straight; it curved at intervals, and they happened to be approaching one such bend.
Zuoqiu Shu stopped and listened intently. The distant voices gradually grew clearer:
"What kind of hellhole is this? It feels like we're walking in circles."
"It's too quiet. This is giving me the creeps."
A deep, authoritative voice barked, "Shut up! Keep your eyes peeled."
The voices abruptly ceased.
Zuoqiu Shu called out, "I am Zuoqiu Shu of the Zuoqiu Clan of Huai Lake. May I ask who you are, fellow cultivators?"
There was no avoiding a confrontation in this narrow alley. It was better to declare their presence and express goodwill to prevent misunderstandings.
A voice replied from nearby, surprise evident in its tone. "Someone's here?"
"The Zuoqiu Clan of Huai Lake... those little vixens?" someone repeated.
A group of people slowly emerged from around the bend. Their attire was bizarre and mismatched, led by a bare-chested giant wielding a massive mountain-cleaving blade.
"Tu Wanshan of the Harmonious Heart Holy Sect," the giant announced, clasping his hands in a formal greeting as he sized up Zuoqiu Shu.
Zuoqiu Shu's heart skipped a beat, her guard rising sharply. Yet she forced a polite smile and offered a slight bow. "So you are the Holy Son himself. I have long admired your reputation."
Zuoqiu Zhen glanced at Tu Wanshan. Another holy son of the demonic sect?
She couldn't help but compare him to Xu Sanyan, then shook her head slightly. Not only is his strength inferior, but even his appearance and bearing pale in comparison.
"I too have long heard of the Huai Lake Seven Heroes," Tu Wanshan replied with equal courtesy.
Both sides were trapped, and any rash move would benefit no one.
"May I ask, Immortal Maiden, do you know where we are?"
Zuoqiu Shu shook her head. "I don't. We've been walking for quite some time, but this alley seems endless. There's no way out."
A hint of disappointment flickered in Tu Wanshan's eyes. Their situation was the same.
The air fell silent. After a long pause, Tu Wanshan sighed softly. "I plan to scale the wall to investigate. Will you join me, Immortal Maiden?"
It was a desperate measure, but he couldn't afford to be trapped here. He had to take a chance.
Zuoqiu Shu frowned in thought, then shook her head. "I'll try walking further first. If that fails, scaling the wall will still be an option."
"Alright," Tu Wanshan said, not pressing the matter. There was no basis of trust between them anyway, so parting ways was probably for the best, preventing them from constantly being on guard against each other.
Tap... tap...
Suddenly, the sound of undisguised footsteps echoed from behind Zuoqiu Shu. Everyone turned to see a group of figures emerging from the oppressive darkness.
At the forefront strode a man in a pale green robe, his hands clasped behind his back, a faint smile playing on his lips. He moved with leisurely ease, a stark contrast to the tense state of Zuoqiu Shu and her companions.
Zuoqiu Shu froze. How did he... appear behind me?
Wait!
"Xu Sanyan?" Zuoqiu Zhen's voice cut through the air even faster than her own thoughts.
"Hello there, little sister-in-law," Xu Sanyan greeted Zuoqiu Zhen with a smile, then turned to Zuoqiu Shu, teasing, "Happy to see me?"
Zuoqiu Shu stiffened, her cheek twitching involuntarily. She didn't know how to respond.
"Junior Brother Xu?" Tu Wanshan's eyelid twitched, a sudden surge of wariness rising in his heart. He had heard of Xu Sanyan's battle prowess—how he had single-handedly overpowered Fang Qingge, Jingyi, and two others to seize the treasure. His strength was almost unbelievable.
Having fought Jingyi, Tu Wanshan knew firsthand how troublesome the little monk could be, which only deepened his appreciation for Xu Sanyan's formidable skills.
"Senior Brother Tu is here too? What a coincidence!" Xu Sanyan waved in greeting. This was their first encounter since entering the secret realm.
"Heh, quite the coincidence," Tu Wanshan chuckled dryly. "How did you end up here, Junior Brother?"
Xu Sanyan slowly shook his head and sighed. "Ah... it's a long story. We accidentally stumbled into a narrow alley and couldn't find our way out."
"Hmm... indeed, that sounds like a long story," Tu Wanshan muttered, his lips twitching imperceptibly.
Zuoqiu Shu pursed her red lips, her gaze shifting to Xu Sanyan. Seeing his apparent lack of concern about their predicament, a flicker of hope ignited within her. She asked softly, "Does the holy son have a way out?"
Tu Wanshan also looked up, eager to escape as quickly as possible.
Xu Sanyan raised an eyebrow, his smile tinged with lewdness. "You want to know?"
Zuoqiu Shu felt a prickle of unease, but for the sake of her family behind her, she forced a smile and said, "If the holy son is willing to share, this humble girl... is willing to offer compensation."
"What kind of compensation?" Xu Sanyan's interest was piqued.
"Um... how about spirit stones?" Zuoqiu Shu asked, her voice lacking confidence.
Xu Sanyan shook his head, a hint of disdain in his eyes. "Hmph, do you think I'd be short on spirit stones?"
"Then... magic artifacts? Medicinal pills?"
Xu Sanyan continued shaking his head, his expression gradually turning disappointed.
Zuoqiu Zhen, watching from the side, grew anxious, desperate to speak up and make the decision for her sister. Isn't it obvious? He wants you!
Xiang Tan glanced enviously at Zuoqiu Shu, biting her lip in silent contemplation. What kind of condition is this? If Senior Brother wanted...
Qin Manyang rolled her eyes. What a lecher! He falls for every woman he sees.
Zuoqiu Shu understood perfectly well, but she couldn't bring herself to say it aloud. She gritted her teeth inwardly. "Then you tell me. If I can provide it, I'll offer it with both hands."
"It's quite simple for you..." Xu Sanyan reached out and tapped his cheek with a finger. "Give me a kiss, and I'll tell you."
"Ah?" Despite her earlier preparation, Zuoqiu Shu still felt deeply embarrassed.
"Ah?!" Zuoqiu Zhen exclaimed, shocked. Just a kiss? That's all it takes?
No need for...
Hmm... Ahh?
At this thought, Zuoqiu Zhen's face flushed crimson. She cursed herself inwardly for her shamelessness. That's my own sister! How could I even think such a thing?
Unless... I could sacrifice myself and kiss him instead!
Zuoqiu Zhen's mind raced with wild fantasies.
"You have ten breaths to decide," Xu Sanyan said again.
"One..."
"Two..."
Zuoqiu Shu's face twisted with conflict, Zuoqiu Zhen trembled with anticipation, and Zuoqiu Yi lowered her head in silence.
The other Zuoqiu Clan members dared not speak. Having witnessed Xu Sanyan's ruthless methods, none dared to court death.
"Seven..."
"Fine! I hope the holy son keeps his word."
Zuoqiu Shu clenched her fists, as if steeling herself for a momentous decision.
Xu Sanyan grinned. "Come then."
He was growing bored with straightforward, aggressive displays of affection. Now he craved something different, and this woman perfectly suited his tastes.
Zuoqiu Shu stepped forward slowly, closed her eyes, and gave him a light peck on the cheek. Her fair face flushed crimson as she forced herself to turn away.
Xu Sanyan closed his eyes, savoring the moment with exaggerated relish. "Mmm~"
"Can the holy son tell us now?" Zuoqiu Shu asked, eager to escape this place.
"Simple. Lean closer."
Zuoqiu Shu tilted her head slightly, feeling a gentle breeze tickle her ear canal. The sensation was strangely pleasant.
"That's all?" she asked, incredulous.
"That's all."
Nearby, Tu Wanshan grew impatient, desperate to know how to escape. He took a step forward, unable to restrain himself.
Xu Sanyan whirled around, his brow furrowing. The sight of Tu Wanshan's disheveled appearance made his heart skip a beat.
"What do you want?"
A glint flashed in Zuoqiu Zhen's eyes. Could it be...?
Was he going to kiss Tu Wanshan too?
(End of the Chapter)
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