"Se.. Senior Li, p-please… have some tea…"
The girl's hands trembled slightly as she carefully offered the teacup to Li Ye.
Even though they had escaped danger and she had already brought him safely back to the market town where they were able to wash up, sit down, and enjoy some refreshments Lan Xinyi still felt as though she were in a dream, her heart lingering with fear and unease.
That battle just now had left a profound impression on her.
With a mere raise of his hand, Li Ye had summoned a top-grade magic artifact. Another wave scattered dozens of talismans, wiping out all the Lan clan cultivators who had been pursuing her without leaving even a single one alive to report back.
Such overwhelming power and dominance… not even her father could compare!
If such a late-stage cultivator had long been active in the Chidi Mountains, surely he would have already become widely known yet she had never heard of him before.
But he had said, "To stumble upon such a stroke of fortune right after arriving in the Chidi Mountains…"
Which meant this Senior Li was most likely a newcomer to the region!
That, in Lan Xinyi's eyes, was a flicker of hope.
With his strength, unless those two adulterers relied on powerful formations, they likely wouldn't stand a chance against him…
And since he was an outsider, unentangled in the complex power dynamics of the Chidi Mountains, it gave her a potential foundation of trust and cooperation.
If she could earn his support, there just might be a chance to reclaim her home and take revenge!
…
Her expression shifted subtly as her thoughts raced.
Meanwhile, her little brother was completely focused on his plate of pastries, using both hands to tackle his food, his cheeks puffed out adorably.
Though they appeared relaxed and defenseless, both siblings remained instinctively alert to their surroundings an obvious sign of how deeply the hardships of life on the run had marked them.
Li Ye glanced around the teahouse, noticing the occasional curious or cautious glances cast their way by other guests. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Now that he'd made contact with the siblings, he could temporarily set aside his cover identity as the "Blackwood Daoist," which he had used to get familiar with the area and make his preparations in this market town.
Given that the Chidi Mountains were constantly visited by cultivators from different nations for various reasons, his presence here was unremarkable he easily blended into the crowd.
Besides, it had already been over a year since the battle at the Zimo Forest market town.
The attention of the Huan and Yue kingdoms had largely shifted to dealing with the persistent chaos caused by the demonic race.
As a mere Tier One Alchemist, it was unlikely anyone had been obsessively tracking him all this time especially not in this remote region.
Revealing his true identity now would make things much simpler and it would help him gain the trust of the Lan siblings more easily.
The way he'd orchestrated their encounter earlier had already prompted Lan Xinyi to seek his help and reveal part of her secrets and motives.
Bringing the two siblings here so openly was also part of a calculated risk like fishing with bait.
Although Li Ye had the skill in formations, and talismans capable of breaking through Changcui Mountain's defensive arrays, it would still be far safer to lure out the adulterous pair and deal with them away from their stronghold.
Even if it was a bit flashy, it was worth a try.
…
After the meal, Li Ye rose with the siblings and led them back to the inn, each returning to their rooms.
Given the current situation, even if he ignored the oath Lan Xinyi had sworn earlier
Now that they had revealed themselves in the market town, the siblings had no one else to rely on but him.
Li Ye had no fear of them trying to run.
He didn't interfere any further either, instead leaving them some quiet time to rest and reflect on their own.
That Night
The full moon hung high as night deepened.
Inside Li Ye's room, the barrier stirred slightly before a soft voice came through:
"Senior Li, may I come in for a word?"
Li Ye chuckled lightly and opened the door.
Lan Xinyi stepped in with graceful, delicate movements.
She had clearly freshened up, her hair neatly styled, and now wore a slightly revealing dress that showed off her fair, delicate skin.
As she bowed slightly to Li Ye, her robes shifted in a way that was both elegant and incredibly tempting.
Compared to her appearance in the mountain cave during the day, her charm now was on a whole new level.
Li Ye didn't bother to hide the appreciative gaze he cast over her, which made Lan Xinyi blush with slight embarrassment yet somewhere inside, she felt pleased.
Earlier, when she'd nearly burst into tears and he remained unmoved, she had thought he truly wasn't the least bit interested in her.
"Coming to see me at this hour what does Fellow Daoist Lan wish to discuss?" Li Ye asked with a smile.
Though his eyes were enjoying the view, he wasn't the type to let lust cloud his mind.
He knew full well her visit tonight had another purpose. Most likely, it was about reclaiming her lost home and seeking revenge.
And that happened to align perfectly with his plans.
Just then, Lan Xinyi suddenly dropped to her knees, her voice soft and filled with sorrow:
"Please, Senior help me!"
As she looked up, her tear-filled eyes shimmered like a helpless deer's. And with that motion, her robes clung tightly to her form, outlining every graceful curve.
The sight was… quite irresistible.
Lan Xinyi nearly collapsed into Li Ye's arms. "My father was betrayed and killed by those vile scoundrels… our family's foundation was stolen. I carry a deep grudge in my heart but am powerless to do anything. I can only beg for your aid, Senior!"
"If you are willing to kill Wang and Mo for me, I would serve you loyally for life no matter what you ask."
Even Li Ye couldn't help but feel his blood stir at such a scene.
His fingers danced skillfully… lightly brushing, plucking each movement striking the heart's strings.
But looking into those teary eyes, he remained calm and shook his head.
"Fellow Daoist Lan, you haven't even fulfilled your promise regarding the secret trove yet. Isn't it a little early to be making such offers?"
Lan Xinyi froze slightly, then quickly responded, "I can take you there tomorrow…"
"But that alone won't be enough," Li Ye said flatly.
"I'm willing to help but I came to this region seeking a place to establish my foundation. If you can promise me a few acres of the spiritual farmland on that mountain, a place where I can cultivate, then I may be willing to take the risk."
"If I succeed in forming my foundation, a mere Tier One spiritual vein will be of little use to me. At that point, I'll return it to you."
Just as she expected.
Lan Xinyi felt a wave of bitterness rise in her heart. She had come tonight fully prepared.
If she could win him over with her beauty, that would've been ideal. If not, she had anticipated the conversation would eventually come to the spiritual vein and farmland on Changcui Peak.
She simply had nothing else that could tempt a high-level cultivator like him.
The long period of hiding and running had left deep marks on her.
At this point, she had nothing left to lose.
Besides, with her mere fourth-level Qi Refining cultivation, she couldn't hold onto Changcui Mountain on her own. With Li Ye's power, it would be safe in his hands.
"Y-Yes… if we can reclaim my family's land, I will gladly offer you whatever farmland you need for your cultivation."
"But… we must seal this agreement with an oath and a contract mm!"
She bit her lip as she spoke, her voice soft and delicate.
Li Ye's face finally showed a genuine smile.
"But of course."
Moments later, Lan Xinyi's cheeks flushed, breath fragrant gently pushed him away.
"Senior, I ask for your patience… when the day comes that my revenge is fulfilled, I'll be yours entirely. For tonight… allow me to serve you in another way, will you?"
Her voice was almost a whisper, as she slowly lowered her head.
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