Chapter 392 - 392: Underlying Motivation

Back in Box 17.

Apologies that we brothers can't treat you better, Xiao Bai."

"No need to apologize. It's all due to the inopportune circumstances. I totally understand."

"It's great that you do. Then, Xiao bai, please excuse me first."

"Go ahead, Senior Brother Fusha. I'll explain things to the others if needed."

"Much appreciated."

Kacha. The second left the room, leaving Bubai alone with two wounded brothers who were seemingly oblivious to what's happening outside their little meditation space.

They weren't afraid of anybody with ill intentions?

Well, at least Bubai really didn't have any.

Even a skilled thief would have to think twice before grabbing these brothers' pouches.

What if they lucked out and picked a bug-infested one? Isn't that just asking for death?

As any wise reader knew: it was better to not offend any characters that possess buggy skills or buggy backgrounds.

Never know when they'll come back to bug you.

Of course, some short-sighted moths might have a different opinion.

A pair of fair hands kneaded his shoulders from behind and that sweet, arrogant purr breathed into his ears once more.

"I say, now's a good time to get out. While you still can."

Bubai cast a sidelong glance over his shoulder at his beautiful redhead assistant fitted in a black Qipao. "Why? Aren't you overreacting a bit?"

"Tch! Do you really think I'm kidding around with you?!"

Miss Hong snapped then squeezed his shoulder almost like she wanted to choke him by the neck to shake him back and forth.

"That's a core disciple we're talking about! A clan with more than five foundation realm cultivators! Any inner disciple without solid backing who crosses them is just courting death!"

"Even if you lucked out and earned the favor of those two, what reason is there for you to involve yourself in this mess?!"

"Of course there's a reason for everything..." Bubai grinned with that devil-may-care charm and winked at her. "Want to know?"

All he got back was a glare that said: You'd better give a good reason, or else!

Bubai casually gave his lap an inviting pat. "I'll tell you—if you perform the Sacred Torch Ritual for me."

"You—!"

Miss Hong glared at him like she would explode the next second, but under his lazy, teasing gaze, she suppressed her fury and scoffed, "Tsk. Men. Always the same."

With that, the hands squeezing his shoulder slowly slithered down his chest, claiming territory inch by inch while guiding their beautiful owner to circle around.

Stopping right in front of him, she haughtily stared down at him.

Like a queen forced into a ritual she found beneath her, she slowly lowered herself to her knees, forcing her tight qipao to outline her hot figure.

Soon, she was... doing what can't be said.

Ah, yes… this amazing feeling—he'll never get tired of it.

Bubai leaned back in his chair and relaxed.

By Merlin's beard… that torch blowing technique was really hot like fire.

Paired with that awfully beautiful skin and awfully haughty face that was just asking to be conquered…

It was enough to make most men explode in minutes.

But just when Bubai was about to explode, the hot torch-bearer left the torch hanging and glared up at him with contempt. "Tsk. Are you going to start talking, or what?"

Bubai smirked. "Are you going to finish what you started, or what?"

That got him a glare that could've lit a fire, but her pride bowed to his authority and she got back to her suckin—ahem—sacred torch ritual with renewed, almost self-sacrificing fervor.

Bubai felt the pressure building up quick and didn't hold back in telling her what needs to be told.

"You know me. I won't involve myself in anything if I didn't have the confidence to grasp what I want. Hah… Do you really think getting mixed up with these Qian brothers is a mistake?"

"There's two sides to every coin—good and bad. Since you can see the bad, why can't you think about the good?"

"Isn't it a good thing that I might open another way of promotion? Gu Arts—I believe I have quite the affinity with this path. Besides..."

"Birds die for food, men die for wealth. Isn't it natural to seek benefits and allies in these troubled times?"

The gasping hottie glared up at him with a mouthful of bitter anger.

"Tsk, that's it? You're going to offend someone that shouldn't be offended just to chase some scraps. What are you? A beggar?"

"Can't be offended doesn't mean I don't dare to offend. Besides..." Bubai smirked and his thumb wiped the secret sauce off the corner of those wicked, rosy lips.

"Offending a core disciple might sound quite terrifying, but if you think about it carefully... what reason is there for a core disciple to resort to making a move in such a roundabout way?"

"Think deeper. Who stands behind a mid-tier clan like this Qian family. Don't tell me you don't know."

Miss Hong was about fire back a retort, but any words stopped at the tip of her tongue and she frowned instead.

Others may not know, but due to her former status, how could she not?

Only somebody of equal or higher status could restrain another core disciple! And she happened to know exactly who and why.

But that's precisely why she'd been trying so hard to persuade this infuriating fool to leave!

Looking at that human trash that was still acting all high-and-mighty like some all-knowing sage, Miss Hong was beyond frustrated inside, but she still tried another warning.

"Tch! What do you not understand? A little guy like you getting caught in the line of fire between the struggles of those giants is just asking to be stepped on!"

Bubai shrugged. "And you think nobody will come after me if I just keep my head down and sit still?"

"How many are staring at my physique, even you don't know. So, sitting on the fence sounds smart and all, but it's too late for that. Besides, whether I'm a little guy or not... don't you know?"

Miss Hong glared at the big dirty guy prodding her face and turned her face away.

"Tch, I'm warning you out of good conscience, but no—you just have to be so stubborn! Fine then! Suit yourself! Go die! See if I care!"

Bubai smiled and a finger gently turned her face back.

"Xiao Hong, ah... Xiao Hong. It makes me really happy to know you're thinking of me. But really, you don't have to worry."

"Ever heard the saying: good people don't live long, but a scourge lives a thousand years. Tell me… what do you think I am?"

Miss Hong looked at him like he was some human trash. "Tch. Is there even a need to ask?"

"Haha…" Grinning evilly like the devil, Bubai stood up and grabbed her head. "Since you already know, then you should understand what I want to do next?"

The hot redhead sneered in disgust but her rosy lips still slowly parted...