Chapter 308 - 152: Like Brother, Like Sister! One Traitor Among the 3 Celestial Spirit Blade Catchers...

"Following me is like being a rootless piece of duckweed, with no guarantee of surviving from one day to the next. It would be better for her to stay with Observatory Master Fan, continue to study Daoist Art Techniques, and hopefully vie for a future under her master's tutelage."

Ji Xiu's words were spoken with a certain gravity. Xiao Mingli's amber eyes first widened in surprise, then narrowed in thought.

"A wandering Divine Soul took her as a disciple...?"

There was a hint of bewilderment in her tone.

This was even harder for her to believe than witnessing Ji Xiu's rise from a mere groom to his current standing.

So this was the reason! According to the information she'd gathered, this was how the Ji Family Siblings, who had been in Anning, ended up connected with the Outer Dao's Flying Immortal Temple.

This was the reason why!

An existence capable of letting its Divine Soul wander, and one who could make a Daoist High Merit so eager to please...

Only a figure above the Great Magical Power Pill realm, one with the title of True Master, could do something like that!

Ji Xiu's own little sister...

...was the disciple of a True Master, a figure comparable to those with a Title!?

After piecing together the entire story, Xiao Mingli's expression grew complicated.

'The Flying Immortal Temple is backed by one of the ten ancient Daoist Lineages of a Celestial Universe, a lineage that follows an Immortal Technique...'

'For Fan Nansong to be so deferential, that person must be at least an Elder-level figure, if not a Chief Seat.'

'If he can curry favor, he might receive a True Inheritance that surpasses his current Daoist Skills. That would explain why he traveled a thousand miles to Anning without any warning.'

'No wonder.'

'With that kind of connection...'

'...it makes sense that you were able to grasp the basics of the Divine Talisman Fire—the one my father collected and put on display here—in just over half a month.'

'To have a sister like that, discovered by a True Master in some remote backwater... that kind of Qi Number and talent is truly enviable.'

'It stands to reason that you, her older brother, wouldn't be lacking in comparison.'

In reality, Ji Xiu had relied on the Primordial Daoist Talisman to take an advance on his progress, grasping the basics the very night he first encountered the Divine Talisman Fire.

But there was no way he could tell Xiao Mingli directly about such an outrageous method.

'To grasp the depths of a Daoist Level skill with a single touch? What would she even think?'

'Even if Xiao Mingli meant him no harm...'

'...Ji Xiu didn't dare tell her outright. He had revealed his progress gradually, only letting her know the extent of it yesterday. Even that was enough to make Xiao Mingli see him as an otherworldly talent.'

Hearing Xiao Mingli's sincere words, Ji Xiu couldn't help but feel a pang of shame.

'This Lady Beicang probably has no idea.'

'His sister truly is exceptionally gifted...'

'But her brother? I've been taking out advances this whole time! You all see my amazing comprehension, but you don't see the sweat I pour into repaying the debt!'

Ji Xiu sighed.

"Yes. So, Little Wei has her own path to walk. As her older brother, I don't necessarily need to be there to protect her every moment."

Xiao Mingli nodded, finding his reasoning sound.

"I was mistaken to assume your sister needed protection. But now it seems..."

A peculiar look entered her eyes.

"If things get too difficult, you could have your sister introduce you to that True Master. Build a connection, become a familiar face."

"With the backing of the Ten Thousand Laws Dao Lineage, none of these Grand Lineages or Daoist Schools would dare touch you."

Hearing this, Ji Xiu was at a loss for words and couldn't help but grumble to himself.

'If her master found out that I'd quietly conspired with Jiang Li, broken the restriction he'd set, and completely swiped his lineage's top-tier 'Script Recognition and Locket Granting' Ten Thousand Laws Visualization Map...'

'...never mind the talent aspect, the crime of stealing a technique alone would be enough to make him fly into a rage. Even if I'm his disciple's brother, he'd still have to teach me a lesson, wouldn't he?'

'It's a good thing the mountains are high and the emperor is far away. Fan Nansong is even more isolated, limited to one-way communication. Otherwise, he probably would've shown his displeasure with me long ago.'

At this thought, Ji Xiu gave a slightly unnatural, guilty cough, but his expression immediately turned serious.

"Young Lady Heir, my master is dead. I have no desire to explain the rights and wrongs of the past, but the bond between us was as heavy as mountains and seas."

"Until I have settled every score..."

"...how could I have the audacity to take another as my master?"

"Do not speak of this again."

Seeing the firm stance Ji Xiu took and hearing his words, Xiao Mingli was visibly moved.

Then, she watched as Ji Xiu sheathed his blade, his frame coiled with power like a dragon.

"However, it has been a long time, and now that I have news of my sister, I should go and pay her a visit."

"Also..."

"It's the perfect time to head to the ferry, cross the docks, and venture into the East Canghai..."

"...to catch a few more Spirit Fish for you, Young Lady Heir!"

Ji Xiu's eyes were shining brightly. Seeing Xiao Mingli's blank expression, as if she hadn't yet processed his words, he bid her farewell and strode across the courtyard and out of the estate.

Dusk had already fallen.

And just as he stepped through the estate's main gate...

The figures shadowing him from the darkness jolted at once!

...

「In a dark alley.」

As a youth with a heroic bearing stepped over the threshold and strode toward the Flying Immortal Temple.

The pupils of the figures hidden in the darkness contracted. They quickly shook the dust from their shoulders and snapped to attention.

"The kid's out!"

"He's finally out..."

"Quick! Those three Celestial Spirit masters all left contact talismans. Inform them immediately!"

As the Earth Fiend Level assassins who had accepted the bounty emerged from the shadows to send word...

「A short while later.」

"You little brat..."

"We finally waited you out."

"You really know how to hole up like a turtle!"

The Celestial Sword Star, a great, ancient sword strapped to his back, gnashed his teeth. He had rushed over as soon as he got the news, but he arrived just in time to see Ji Xiu disappear into the Flying Immortal Temple.

Over half a month ago, he, along with the Dark Star, the Celestial Killing Star, and several other Earth Fiend Level assassins, had accepted a bounty from the Black Market. Their target: the head of this unknown brat who had appeared out of nowhere.