Chapter 925 - 437: Appearance-Obsessed Cultivators; Setting Out Again (2)

"If we delay too long, once the senior members of the Emotion Crossing Sect come to their senses and lock down the clues, trying to get in for an investigation will be as difficult as climbing the heavens."

Just as the two women hesitated whether to change plans and head to Chouyun Pass,

"Knock, knock."

The redwood door of the private suite was gently knocked, and a voice with a hint of deference from the Market Steward came from outside:

"Dear guests, another person has taken up the challenge."

Upon hearing this, He Qinyuan furrowed her already knitted brows even deeper.

"Another useless individual?"

Hua Jingxin muttered under her breath, having lost faith in the Demon Cultivators at the Greed Demon Vein Market.

He Qinyuan took a deep breath, suppressing the irritation in her heart, and spoke coldly: "Enter."

With a creak, the door was pushed open.

Walking in was an old man dressed in a gray cloth robe.

Unexpectedly for the two women, the old man’s figure was hunched. Though his gray robe was tattered, it lacked the pungent scent of blood typical of those frequenting demonic dens.

Compared to the previous Demon Cultivator who entered with lascivious eyes scanning everywhere and a face full of violence, this old man was indeed much more reserved.

His eyes were clouded, humbly keeping his gaze downcast, devoid of any repulsive lust.

Uh...

Perhaps the old man was willing but unable.

Additionally, there was an aura of death about him, indicating his end was near.

"What’s that smell... Senior Sister, does he have corpse spots on him?"

Hua Jingxin pulled out a fine white silk handkerchief from her sleeve, covering her mouth and nose. Her face, as pure and unsullied as a small white flower, displayed a look of nausea.

If there were no further use for this old man, considering Hua Jingxin’s status at Budu River, an old beggar as dirty as this who dared to come within three steps of her would have long since been turned into a pool of blood by the nearby Cultivators amidst his wailing.

Despite the tragic background her sister imagined, Hua Jingxin was one of the three flowers at Budu River, her status above True Inheritors in the Yan Kingdom, and her future Dao companion would at least be a Golden Core True Man.

A trace of coldness flickered in the downcast eyes of Chen Ye.

Just now, he even sensed killing intent from Hua Jingxin...

This girl looks innocent, but unfortunately, she’s a rotten black-hearted lotus from the root.

Are all the people from Budu River indeed perverse?

"This old man is Qing Xuan, paying respects to the dear guests."

Chen Ye seemed not to hear Hua Jingxin’s sarcasm, croaking hoarsely as he courteously bowed.

He Qinyuan ignored Hua Jingxin’s complaints, unfazed as she subtly released her Divine Sense, sweeping over the old man’s body.

"Foundation Establishment Early Stage, blood and energy depleted, lifespan nearing its end."

He Qinyuan internally evaluated.

Although somewhat advanced in age, his temperament was much better than the previous Demon Cultivators.

"You may dispense with the formalities."

He Qinyuan coldly looked at him,

"I believe you have clearly seen the bounty notice outside. We need to go to Celestial Abyss, and our journey won’t be shallow. Since it’s chaotic there, can you, with your old bones, indeed guide us?"

"Heh heh... I naturally understand the dear guests’ concerns."

Chen Ye chuckled dryly, his expression sincere,

"Just prior to the explosion at Celestial Abyss, I happened to be with Guardian Tuoba searching for the Divine Son. During the explosion, I miraculously escaped with my life thanks to Guardian Tuoba’s protection."

Upon these words.

He Qinyuan’s expression brightened.

An opportunity without searching!

To actually meet the two survivors from the explosion.

"Since that’s the case, take on the task of guiding us through the Celestial Abyss."

He Qinyuan decisively agreed,

"Go prepare now, and tomorrow morning, meet us at the market exit. Remember, don’t play any tricks; as long as you guide us well, there will be a place for you. If you dare have any ulterior motives, I have means to ensure you won’t even be able to become a ghost."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ye quickly put on a greatly appreciative demeanor, bowing repeatedly:

"Thank you, dear guests, for allowing me! I will prepare immediately and not delay your important matters!"

Having spoken, he hunched his back and respectfully exited the room.

Once Chen Ye had left,

Hua Jingxin tossed the handkerchief onto the table, disdainfully fanning the air at her nose, her eyebrows tightly knitted:

"Senior Sister, how could you agree to this so readily? What if he’s deliberately fabricating lies to cheat us out of our Spirit Stones? There are quite a few swindlers in this demonic den."

"Is he a fraud... we’ll find out when we ask Tuoba You at the Greed Demon Vein later. However, this person shouldn’t dare deceive us."

He Qinyuan said flatly,

"Demon Cultivators are greedy and cunning, but they’re certainly not foolish. Tuoba You is a Guardian with high status and authority at the Greed Demon Vein. If an ordinary person dares to fabricate things out of thin air or forge connections, the consequences are very serious."

...

This morning.

Chen Ye checked the Restriction of Cold Scale Mansion, left a strand of Divine Thought for his disciple, and then set off directly.

Since this trip wouldn’t take much time, there was no need to drag out farewells with his disciple.

According to the agreed time,

Chen Ye arrived early at the exit of the Greed Demon Vein, but it took a full two-hour before the Cultivators from Huayue Mansion arrived.

However.

Besides He Qinyuan and Hua Jingxin, there was an additional man and woman.

The male Cultivator had a handsome appearance and was playing with a folding fan in his hand. Chen Ye’s eyes flickered slightly as he recognized him at a glance; this was Hua Wuyin, whom he had previously encountered at Luoxiao Grotto Heaven.

Hua Wuyin frowned slightly, glanced up and down at Chen Ye, and said displeasedly:

"Junior Sister He, after all this careful selection, you recruited an old thing like this?"

Next to him, Hua Jingxin nodded repeatedly. She wore a veil today and said disdainfully, "Brother is absolutely right. Yesterday, I almost threw up when this old thing walked in the door. I really don’t know how someone like him has lived until now."

Damn it!

Chen Ye was furious!

These siblings must be crazy, making so many comments about a guide.

"Junior Brother Hua, watch your words. This person is called Qing Xuan, and I’ve already verified his background."

He Qinyuan frowned and explained patiently,

"He is indeed a survivor of the recent Celestial Abyss explosion. Now that the Laws inside are chaotic, it’s essential to have a local snake like him to lead the way."

Hua Wuyin snorted coldly, ready to make a few more sarcastic comments, when a cold female voice rang out from the front.

"That’s enough, put away your arrogant tempers. We are here in the Celestial Abyss on official business, not to pick out errand boys."

The speaker was the leading Female Cultivator among the four.

She wore a snow-white robe, had a graceful figure, and her cold, beautiful features were striking. Her cultivation was already at the Eighth Layer of Foundation Establishment.

She was Gu Tangyin, the daughter of the Lord of Hunyuan City and the current Hidden Dragon of Huayue Mansion.

"Yes, Senior Sister."

Seeing Gu Tangyin speak, Hua Wuyin, even if still feeling repulsed, had no choice but to shut his mouth and merely glared warningly at Chen Ye,

"Old bones, once you’re on the flying boat, keep your distance. If you ruin my Vestment robe, I’ll end your life!"

"Old, old man understands! Many thanks to all for your magnanimity!"

Chen Ye looked fearful, silently grumbling in his heart.

This demon, in Hunyuan City not long ago, didn’t have this attitude...

He became increasingly curious about this so-called Budu River. Are all Cultivators inside face-obsessed?

And that Heavenly Fragrant Jade Dew.

Is its effect truly as miraculous as Daoist Miaofang claimed?

With the Hua siblings’ attitude, if he were to present the Heavenly Fragrant Jade Dew, would they directly rob him of the treasure, or would they genuinely treat him with courtesy?

"If worse comes to worst, I’ll secretly test it later in the Celestial Abyss."

Chen Ye thought.

Luckily, Hua Jingxin appeared both stupid and malevolent. At that time, secretly probing a bit—with any mishap, it would be easy to brush off.

Gu Tangyin raised her jade-like hand lightly, and a brilliantly colored flying magic boat appeared in the sky.

Gu Tangyin and the other three successively leapt onto the prow of the boat; their white robes fluttering like celestial beings.

Chen Ye, on the other hand, obediently shrank into the most secluded corner at the tail of the boat, hugging his knees like a lonely old beggar.

Even Chen Ye felt sorry for himself.

If the little girl saw this, who knows how much she would feel heartache for her Master.

At this thought.

A certain Master stealthily used the Memory Stone to capture a few images, planning to show them to Qing Jun and the others upon returning, letting his disciple truly feel some sympathy for her Master.

"Set off."

Gu Tangyin shouted coldly.

Spiritual Patterns blossomed all over the flying boat, transforming into a Flowing Light. Carrying the five of them, each harboring their own thoughts, it sped away toward the perilous Celestial Abyss in the distance at breakneck speed.