Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen: Cloak of Hidden Tracks
Su Wanning turned back, glancing once more at the pangolin’s wound, and felt a surge of astonishment.
She was no delicate flower sheltered from the world—her extensive combat experience told her immediately that this injury was unnatural.
No magical artifact or external aid had been used. A simple fireball technique had pierced the pangolin entirely, plunging into the ground and leaving a bottomless pit. Even without her prior weakening of the beast, this strike alone would have killed it instantly.
Xiao Chen’s strength was no ordinary feat. He was no lucky novice who’d recently awakened talent, but a hidden expert of formidable skill.
If that were the case, she couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity.
Hastening her steps, she caught up beside Xiao Chen, her eyes flicking to the fox-pelt bundle on his back.
A sweet smile curved her lips. “Ahem, Senior Sect Brother Xiao, I was only teasing earlier. This pangolin was clearly slain by you—it’s rightfully your spoils.”
She patted the wooden box at her waist, producing it with a flourish. “And since it’s nearly noon, Senior Sect Brother must be famished. We’re both having lunch—why not share a meal?”
Xiao Chen blinked. Since when were they so close?
The Su Clan’s young lady stood before him, eyes narrowed in a sly grin—the expression of a fox who’d just stolen a chicken. Her invitation seemed anything but sincere.
Besides, the time was barely the third quarter of the Si hour, at least half an hour before midday.
“I’m not hungry,” he declined politely. “You eat, Senior Sect Sister. I’ll take my leave.”
He turned to go, but Su Wanning darted ahead, blocking his path with arms outstretched.
“Wait! I have something to say. I’ve heard of you from Instructor Wu—Senior Sect Brother Xiao Chen, who entered the sect two years before me but remained at the Qi Condensation’s First Layer?”
Xiao Chen stiffened. She recognized him? He couldn’t flee now.
“Correct,” he admitted. “I’ve only reached the Fifth Layer of Qi Condensation. Senior Sect Sister, let’s drop the jokes.”
He emphasized their cultivation gap, positioning himself as the weaker party.
“I already said it was a joke,” she laughed. “Allow me to introduce myself—I’m Su Wanning of the Azure Lotus Lake Su Clan, temporarily assigned to the Fourth Sub-Academy.”
Xiao Chen gestured toward her chest. “I can see that.”
Her gossamer dress was thin, their proximity leaving little to the imagination. He could clearly make out the characters “Wan Qing” (Graceful Clarity) embroidered at the lotus blossoms in the carp-and-lotus pattern on her gown. A faint scent of camellia lingered, likely from a perfumed sachet or incense.
Su Wanning flushed but straightened her posture, steering the conversation. “Senior Sect Brother is in a hurry to hunt more spirit beasts?”
Her gaze fell to his bundle. “Are these all Jade Tokens? Your combat prowess seems… unusually strong?”
Her tone brimmed with playful curiosity, as if unearthing a secret. Her eyes locked onto his, unwavering.
Xiao Chen’s gaze traced her slender neck down to her waist. Her left hand had instinctively drifted to her hip—a gesture hinting at a hidden object.
Putting this together with her lunchbox, he deduced her storage bag likely held a defensive magical artifact. Of course, a noble heir like her wouldn’t risk her life in this trial without a safety net.
She must possess a charm capable of resisting attacks from late-stage Qi Condensation cultivators—or at least, a trump card of similar strength.
Wait—she’d mentioned the Fourth Sub-Academy? That meant she’d departed two days later than him.
Xiao Chen prided himself on his swift five-day journey, placing him among the vanguard. Yet she’d hunted a pangolin far ahead of him. He’d assumed she was a senior from the earlier-departing First Sub-Academy.
Now he realized—she’d surpassed others through some rapid-transport method.
Favored birth sure is enviable.
Setting aside his first impression, he analyzed her actions. “Senior Sect Sister Su takes interest in my Jade Tokens?”
“No,” she said bluntly. “I’m interested in you.”
At his wary look, she clarified, “I mean—how Senior Sect Brother Xiao managed to slay so many spirit beasts in such a short time. Care to share your secret?”
“Not convenient,” he replied flatly.
She drew her flying sword, swearing to the heavens. “Is Senior Sect Brother afraid I’ll blab? I swear—no one will hear a word!”
“Sorry,” he said, walking away. “I won’t tell anyone. Farewell, Junior Sect Sister.”
She grabbed his sleeve. “Wait! Let me show you something!”
“Junior Sect Sister, let go. This is unseemly.”
“I think it’s perfectly fine.” She beamed, releasing him to rummage through her storage bag. Moments later, she unfurled a cloak with a flourish. “Ta-da! The Cloak of Hidden Tracks!”
“Wear this, and no Foundation Building cultivator will pierce your disguise. Even if a Foundation Builder probes you with spiritual sense, the cloak’s warning runes will alert you.”
She draped it over herself. Instantly, her spiritual aura shifted—completely transformed.
“Amazing, right?” Her voice had changed too, now a young man’s. “I’ll give it to you—for a small trade.”
Xiao Chen’s heart thudded. This artifact was invaluable—perfect for covert operations, bypassing dangers, and flying under the radar.
Yet he kept his composure. “What trade?”
“First,” she said, “sell me some Jade Tokens. Our sub-academies don’t compete, so no conflict there.”
He nodded. “Three spirit stones per token. I’ll sell half.”
“Second,” she grinned, “when you join the Inner Sect, support me as Chief Disciple.”
Xiao Chen’s respect deepened. Beneath her gentle exterior lay ambition. Chief Disciple wasn’t merely the strongest—they commanded loyalty, united disciples, and often succeeded as sect leader.
“That’s all,” she declared. “A fair deal, no?”
Indeed, the terms were generous. Yet Xiao Chen sensed hidden stakes.
Su Wanning’s confidence wavered not a bit.
(End of Chapter)
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