Chapter 27: The Subordinate Gu Part 2

When Feng Yun’ai had practiced martial arts as a child, no one had ever told her that her meridians were fragile. It was only later, when her bottlenecks became more frequent, that she noticed the subtle clues. Upon inquiry, she learned that her body was not suited for high-level cultivation. Moderate practice could strengthen her, but pushing further risked a fatal backlash.

The palm strike from the Arhat Formation had indeed been powerful. She had used nearly seventy percent of her power to withstand it.

After a moment, once she had cleared the congestion in her meridians, a thin trail of blood escaped her pressed lips. Finally, she felt her whole body relax.

She thought the person on the bed was sound asleep, but the woman suddenly spoke: “Looking for trouble.”

The tone was indifferent, making it impossible to read her emotions.

Feng Yun’ai had no desire to respond. She closed her eyes to take a nap, refusing to argue with this woman.

It wasn’t until evening, as the sky outside grew dark and the waiter brought more food, that the two of them opened their eyes simultaneously.

Sang Chencao sat up and immediately reached out. “The whistle.”

A whistle that could control venomous insects and giant pythons was clearly not a benevolent object. If it fell into the wrong hands, the entire Jianghu would know no peace. Feng Yun’ai didn’t want to give it to her, but using it to lure the creatures and discern their location required skill—specific lengths, tones, and intervals.

Necessity forcing her hand, Feng Yun’ai detached the whistle from the scabbard and tossed it to the indigo-clothed woman. “This item must be returned.”

“Do I look like the type of person who would covet this thing?” Sang Chencao snorted as she walked to the window. “If it weren’t to help you, I wouldn’t even want to touch this whistle.”

Feng Yun’ai was skeptical. She asked bluntly, “What is the rift between you and Wen Lanxin?”

“A rift?” Sang Chencao pressed the whistle to her lips. “There is some enmity,” she said airily.

Feng Yun’ai was puzzled. What kind of enmity could exist between a master and her disciple?

The whistle suddenly shrilled, alternating between long and short bursts, sometimes rapid and sometimes slow. At first, no rustling could be heard, but as the sound continued, the movements in the shadows became increasingly distinct. The insects and snakes were approaching in groups.

Feng Yun’ai held her breath, silent.

Sang Chencao lowered the whistle and leaped out the window. “Follow me. I’ll take you to see Wen Lanxin.”

Feng Yun’ai followed her out, utilizing her lightness skill to stay close behind. Alarm bells rang in her head; she feared this might be a trap set by the master and disciple to catch a turtle in a jar.

As if sensing the hesitation of the woman behind her, Sang Chencao laughed. “Knowing fear now? You didn’t seem afraid when you were dragging me along with you.”

Feng Yun’ai said coldly, “I’m beginning to think the title ‘Demoness’ suits you perfectly.”

The person ahead made the treetops tremble as she landed. “Then if you keep company with a demoness, does that make you a demon or a human?”

“So you admit it?” Feng Yun’ai chased after her, the rustling sounds in her ears growing clearer.

Sang Chencao laughed. “Even if I don’t admit it, the world will. I’m outnumbered; I don’t get a say in the matter.”

Feng Yun’ai remained silent, avoiding falling into another of the woman’s verbal traps.

As the sun set, the townspeople were heading home. The people below were busy, and no one noticed the figures flitting through the sky above.

The insects and snakes were well-hidden, not even a tail or head showing. However, once the whistle stopped, they no longer crawled toward the source of the sound. Instead, like creatures returning to their nest, they swarmed back toward their original location.

This was Sang Chencao’s plan. By doing this, she could find where Wen Lanxin was feeding her pets.

Feng Yun’ai maintained maximum alertness, watching every move of the person in front of her. She couldn’t shake the fear that this was a trap. Even if she told herself she wasn’t worth such an elaborate scheme, and that Sang Chencao could have taken Solitary Gall long ago if that were her only goal.

Haosi City was full of many streets and chaotic alleys. To anyone who didn’t live there, it felt like a labyrinth. With so many buildings, there were plenty of dark, shaded spots—perfect for Wen Lanxin to hide her snakes and insects.

Feng Yun’ai didn’t doubt that Sang Chencao was leading her the right way; even she could discern the direction of the swarming creatures with her keen hearing.

The indigo-clothed woman ahead suddenly slowed her pace. Like the whistle, she let out a soft “shhh” from her lips.

Feng Yun’ai nearly stopped breathing. Ahead of them was a ruined temple near the outskirts of the city. The temple was dilapidated, and the dust at the entrance was so thick that not even a hint of incense remained. Looking at the dust on the ground, the dense, strange patterns were clearly trails left by insects and snakes.

This was the place.

Feng Yun’ai made a move to step forward, but Sang Chencao blocked her with an arm. The indigo-clothed woman looked up at the eaves. As she raised her arm, her two fingers snapped shut like a pair of pliers, catching a black snake that had lunged at them.

The snake’s head was caught precisely between her fingers, its pointed tail lashing out frantically. The black snake used all its strength, but even so, its venomous fangs couldn’t open an inch.

It seemed Wen Lanxin had no intention of holding back against this indigo-clothed woman either.