A Demon's Path Chapter 49

Unfortunately, Ling Xiao's other wish didn't come true. The girl who injured Cheng Yu went no further in the solo eliminations because Yang Chao, a member of the Sunken Wind Valley's preparatory team, had defeated her.

As always, Li Yuanchong was the highlight on the field. His opponent conceded before the match even started. Even though going down without a fight was detrimental to their sect's reputation, nothing was worth more than their lives.

Ling Xiao on the other hand was undoubtedly the flashiest newcomer entering the fourth round of the solo eliminations. He had forced the demonic soulforce from a Celestial Soul Master practicing demonic arts to erupt so abruptly. This wasn't something just anyone could do.

Those who backtracked to the tactics Ling Xiao employed showed expressions of sudden realisation. Although Wang Daotian just won the previous round, both he and Qian Hai sustained a multitude of injuries. Ling Xiao seemed to have been given a steal. But even so, every move he made were well within his calculations.

Ling Xiao first recognized Wang Daotian wouldn't go all out right off the bat, so he responded with a series of frenzied attacks to beat Wang Daotian to the ground. Next, he unleashed a fatal kick that would definitely kill Wang Daotian and in turn, awaken the demonic attribute hidden deep in his heart. He then jumped on top of his opponent and let loose a series of overwhelming punches, blocking Wang Daotian from catching his breath. Ling Xiao sealed the deal in bringing out the demon inside of him.

The moment Wang Daotian turned into a demon, his death was certain. The clash between both soulforces doomed him to a tragic end.

Naturally, everyone thought Wang Daotian's demonification was purely thanks to the pressure of Ling Xiao's actions. No one knew Ling Xiao had used the Demonic Seven Souls Chain to play a trick on him. Only Luo Shang faintly suspected there was more to it.

Many people watching from the grandstand gasped in amazement at the methodical approach Ling Xiao adopted in this match. But most of them were unwilling to admit that their disciples were any worse than him. So, they decided Cheng Qiantai most likely deserved credit for the meticulously thought out plan of attack.

After a series of intense matches in the morning, the top 15 was finally decided. The remaining matches were left for after the lunch, which was held in the arena. The chefs in the Sunken Wind Valley were rather skillful. Even if it was just a picnic, the dishes smelt, looked, and tasted great. It was more than enough to arouse their appetite.

Cheng Qiantai was slightly worried about his daughter. Seeing as there was still time before the afternoon matches, Ling Xiao hurriedly proposed, "Master, I'll go back and see how Senior Sister is holding up."

Cheng Qiantai nodded. "Quickly head off and return as soon as you can."

With everyone present in the arena, Cheng Qiantai believed there wasn't anyone outside the arena that would bring harm to Ling Xiao. As such, he made the bold decision of letting Ling Xiao leave by himself.

The disciples could register their names and leave before the tournament was over, but the Sect Masters couldn't. These were the rules set by the Sunken Wind Valley.

Ling Xiao soon returned to the Joker Hotel where he was greeted by the sight of Li Yuanhuan and Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu was fast asleep after taking her medication and seemed to be recovering well. Her skin was flushed pink, like a captivating peach.

Li Yuanhuan silently watched her from the side with a content look on his face.

Relief washed over Ling Xiao at this sight. He was about to leave when he realised someone was missing. With a frown, he asked, "Senior Brother, where's Mistress?"

Li Yuanhuan seemed to have an epiphany as he patted his head. "Mistress said she wanted to buy something and hasn't returned yet. I wanted to accompany her, but was worried about leaving Junior Sister alone. I believe there aren't many evildoers in Sunken Wind Valley. Mistress also reassured me she'd return as soon as possible, so I let her head out by herself."

Ling Xiao felt something was amiss when he thought of his utterly powerless Mistress daring to go out all by herself. "How long has Mistress been gone?"

Li Yuanhuan made a rough estimation before replying, "Not long. It's been around an hour. Do you want me to go and look for her?"

"No, no. I'll do it. It's fine," Ling Xiao hurriedly brushed him off before he turned around and left.

Nearly five years of concocting medicine trained Ling Xiao's sense of smell far beyond that of ordinary people. Add on to that that the perfume Cheng Shi wore was extremely unique and it became relatively easy for Ling Xiao to pick up her scent. He arrived at an extremely luxurious restaurant not much later.

"Is this the Tea Pavilion?" Ling Xiao was about to walk in when he spotted Cheng Shi walking out together with a suave guy. Her beautiful face was flushed red. A single glance was all Ling Xiao needed to understand what that meant. He was all too familiar with that look on her face. It was the expression the young ladies from the Floating Red Courtyard commonly wore after entertaining their clients.

Ling Xiao couldn't help but feel startled when he saw the guy's face. "Shen Xuan?!" Mistress is together with Shen Nanfeng's only son, Shen Xuan!

Ling Xiao never expected to run into the both of them together. Conversely, it never crossed Cheng Shi and Shen Xuan's mind that Ling Xiao would actually be here since he should be participating in the newcomers tournament at this very moment.

The duo exchanged a glance, a look of incomparable astonishment gracing Cheng Shi's face.

Shen Xuan was only mildly surprised, but quickly assumed an indifferent expression. Even if I stole your Mistress away, do you think there's anything you can do about it? This seemed to be what he was telling Ling Xiao from the manner he adopted.

You motherfucker! This slut is having an affair! Ling Xiao was furious when he felt the injustice on his Master's behalf. Cheng Shi was truly unworthy of such a good man! Even so, he told himself he had to remain calm at all costs.

Ling Xiao squeezed out a slightly exaggerated smile as he forcibly suppressed the anger in his heart. "Mistress, why have you run off to drink tea? Senior Brother said you were gone for a very long time. He was worried about your safety and asked me to look for you. Mistress, please follow me back to the hotel."

An unnatural smile appeared on Cheng Shi's slightly stiff face. "Oh, is that so… I came out to buy some rouge and met Young Master Shen along the way, so we came here for some tea."

The explanation you're giving for covering up your actions is drinking tea? Does anyone drink tea whilst being stark naked? How about drinking until their faces are red through and through? Ling Xiao thought to himself.

Shen Xuan let out a dry cough and clasped his fist toward Ling Xiao and Cheng Shi. "Since your disciple has come to fetch you, I won't see Madame Cheng off."

"Young Master Shen, there's no need to be so polite. I'll return with Xiao'er," Cheng Shi hastily said.

A smile formed on Ling Xiao's face as he said, "Take care, Young Master Shen." But in his mind he incessantly cursed him, Take care, Pimp Shen. Don't fall into a smelly drain. Your Grandfather Ling will avenge his Master for this ordeal sooner rather than later!

Ling Xiao walked very slowly with Cheng Shi trailing behind him. The both of them were lost in their own thoughts. Neither knew what the other was thinking about as they maintained an understanding silence between them.

Cheng Shi who felt as guilty as a thief finally couldn't stand the silence anymore. "Oh, Xiao'er. Today, you-"

Ling Xiao quickly interjected, "I only saw Mistress and Young Master Shen walking out after drinking tea together. This is what I will relay to Master."

This hateful imp! Cheng Shi viciously thought. Won't your words tip that old vinegar vat off? Humph! Since this brat is greedy for money and perverted too, I'll see whether I can think of a way to bribe him…

The wheels in her brain turned and Cheng Shi switched her expression to one of smiles. "Xiao'er, you've worked hard in this tournament. I'll definitely ask my husband, your Master, to give you something in compensation for your efforts when we return to the sect."

Ling Xiao wore a cold smile in his heart. Are you trying to bribe me? Well, whatever. I reckon I can't get a bitch like you off my back if I don't agree to your terms. He turned around and expressed his gratitude toward Cheng Shi. "Thank you, Mistress. I'll be troubling you to put in a good word for me."

Cheng Shi felt slightly more relieved hearing this. What a devious brat! I'll put this matter off for when I have him in my clutches. Even if he wants to tell on me, no definite conclusion will be reached when time comes to pass.

Ling Xiao turned around and hurried onwards. Cheng Shi couldn't see it, but a hint of a cold smile hung from the corner of his lips.

Ling Xiao rushed back to the arena at the fastest speed possible after he sent Cheng Shi back to the Joker Hotel. He quickly reported to Cheng Qiantai who had worry written all over his face. "Master, Senior Sister is okay. She'll be fine after a few days' rest."

"Oh." The tension in Cheng Qiantai's tone clearly unwound itself. "Xiao'er, eat something and get some rest. The afternoon matches are about to start."

Ling Xiao felt a little sad looking at the concerned look on Cheng Qiantai's face. Even if Cheng Shi didn't bribe him, he wouldn't inform his Master of what transpired today. It wasn't that he wished to conceal the truth from his Master. But there would be nothing to gain by bringing the truth to light. There would only be trouble if Cheng Qiantai found out about the matters of today. Under such helpless conditions, Ling Xiao sighed. For a married couple to last for eternity, one has to turn a blind eye to the other's misgivings!

Chapter end