Feng Yun’ai didn’t want to die just yet, so she had no choice but to follow. She had never expected to be controlled by such unorthodox means.
The manager downstairs was originally smiling, happily chatting with the guests who were stopping for a meal. When he heard footsteps and looked up, his smile froze. He looked as if he had seen a ghost. He thought he had finally gotten rid of these two “Yamas,” only for them to return halfway and scare away most of his guests.
Especially that indigo-clothed woman…
The indigo-clothed woman sat at the center table, clearly a deliberate choice. She tapped the corner of the table. “Make a couple of dishes that look presentable.”
The manager was bewildered. What did “presentable” mean? Presentable didn’t necessarily mean tasty. What if this woman flipped the table?
Sang Chencao crossed her arms, nonchalantly observing Feng Yun’ai, who sat at another table. “Sitting so far away… are you afraid of me?”
If not for that “Subordinate Gu” talk, Feng Yun’ai wouldn’t have even come down. She reluctantly sat at a nearby table, unwilling to share one with the other woman.
Sang Chencao rested her chin on her hand, shamelessly staring at her. “Why aren’t you talking? That won’t do. If the two gu disagree, they’ll also rebel.”
This time, Feng Yun’ai realized the woman was clearly making things up. “You!” she said coldly.
“Me?” Sang Chencao laughed.
“Nonsense,” Feng Yun’ai said tonelessly.
Sang Chencao shook her head slightly. “But if it’s true, your life is in my hands.”
Feng Yun’ai remained silent. Her hand on the table tightened slightly as she secretly began to circulate her inner qi, attempting to search her meridians for the hidden gu.
Sang Chencao noticed but didn’t interfere. Her expression was full of interest, as if she were curious to see how far the other woman could go. The white-clothed woman’s lips were still pale. With her blindfold and her absolute stillness, she looked even more like a celestial being.
Completely unafraid that the gu she had planted would be killed by the inner qi, Sang Chencao waited for a long time. It wasn’t until the inner qi around the white-clothed woman suddenly vanished that she asked, “Well? Did you find it?”
She hadn’t. Feng Yun’ai’s heart grew cold. The gu insect hadn’t left a single trace, as if it had merged with her flesh and blood. Meanwhile, that remaining scorching inner qi was still rampaging through her body, throwing her internal breath into chaos. She had tried to internalize it, but it refused to be controlled. She had no idea how the indigo-clothed woman had managed it before.
Feng Yun’ai looked at the woman sitting leisurely nearby. “Where is the gu hidden?” she asked, her voice low.
“I’m not telling,” Sang Chencao said, shaking her head.
Feng Yun’ai had never been so angry. Her heart, which had been silent for years, finally felt truly alive.
The manager finished giving instructions to the kitchen. When he came out and saw the two women at each other’s throats, he was terrified they would start a fight. “Please, ladies, stay calm!” he said fearfully. “The cook is already at it!”
Sang Chencao laughed. “I’m certainly feeling heated.” She was clearly referring to the inner qi she had given the white-clothed woman.
Feng Yun’ai silently pressed two fingers to her other wrist, trying to lead that scorching inner qi elsewhere.
The inn had seen very few guests these past few days, and the entrance was somewhat deserted. The manager had grown used to it. As long as they didn’t start a fight outside his door and didn’t trash his inn, all was well.
The two women didn’t come to blows. However, a group of about ten people suddenly entered. They were all dressed lightly in the attire of Jianghu people. But that wasn’t all; another ten or so people followed them. These newcomers were dressed in uniform—all wearing indigo-grey long robes.
With just a glance, the manager’s body went stiff. He nearly hid behind the counter, convinced that these two women had brought more trouble. Jianghu people were already difficult to deal with, let alone those seeking revenge.
The manager was certain of this. He was terrified, unable to utter a word or even force a smile. He was prepared to get on his knees and beg for mercy. To his surprise, the leader’s expression was calm; they didn’t look like they were seeking revenge.
Most Jianghu people possessed inner qi, and the aura they radiated was different from ordinary people. Feng Yun’ai immediately recognized them as masters. When her gaze drifted to the back, her pupils suddenly trembled. Those wearing the indigo-grey robes… they were from the Hantian Alliance.
Without exception, every one of them had a Hantian Alliance token hanging from their waist. The tokens were the color of the blue sky, carved with green mountains and cranes, and finished with emerald green tassels.
Feng Yun’ai’s heart suddenly tightened. Her pressed lips parted slightly in surprise.
Sang Chencao also looked over. She tapped her curled index finger twice, her lips curving. Her heart was filled with interest once again. The Hero Recruitment Meet was approaching, and all the talented people were heading for Cloud City. The Hantian Alliance should have been focused on preparing for the meet. Why would they send people to this remote place now?
Feng Yun’ai’s heart beat faster and faster. She held her breath and touched the white silk covering her eyes, terrified that it wasn’t covering them well enough.
The newcomers didn’t pay attention to anything else. After entering the inn, they sat down and called over the waiter.
Sang Chencao retracted her gaze and looked back at Feng Yun’ai. “You recognize them?” she asked meaningfully.
Feng Yun’ai met her gaze coldly, her silence a warning for the woman not to say another word.
