https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-68-Zhang-Junior-Brother-Why-the-Rush-/13509945/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-70-Golden-Armor-of-Indestructibility-Triple-Kill/13509947/
Chapter 69: Zhang Xiaodi's Delusional Fantasy
Chapter 69: Zhang Xiaodi’s Delusional Fantasy
Zhang Xiaodi finally concocted an excuse: “Senior Brother Xiao Chen, I’m just worried someone else might intercept us. If someone beats us to it, I’ll lose my referral fee!”
“And Senior Brother, you absolutely must seize this opportunity. If you miss it, you might not get another chance for years.”
Xiao Chen pondered. The Five-Color Golden Lotus was fiercely competitive.
He nodded. “Alright, but it’s too late today. Come find me tomorrow morning, and we’ll go together.”
The poison’s onset time was tomorrow night.
Zhang Xiaodi’s heart pounded with urgency, though he dared not appear pushy. “Yes, I’ll come by tomorrow morning.”
After parting ways, Zhang Xiaodi sprinted to a forest ten li away, lantern in hand, circling anxiously.
As a low-ranking disciple, he had no way to contact the Tian brothers directly. He could only circle this predetermined spot to signal his request for a meeting, praying they’d notice.
Two hours passed in restless pacing before three shadowy figures approached.
“Who the hell let you sleep at this hour? Better have a damn good reason, or I’ll flay your skin!”
“Calm down, Third Brother. He must’ve come for something important, right?”
The eldest brother, Tian Laoda, smirked at Zhang Xiaodi. “Found Xiao Chen, did you?”
Zhang Xiaodi nodded frantically. “Yes! I found Xiao Chen today, and we’ve agreed—he’ll come tomorrow to buy the Five-Color Golden Lotus. I’ve done what you asked. Give me the antidote!”
Tian Laoda sneered inwardly. Predictable little worm. Without coercion, this dog wouldn’t work.
For half a month prior, Zhang had dodged them, claiming Xiao Chen was “unavailable.” A single dose of poison last night, and suddenly he’d “found” the man.
Of course, they’d never had an antidote to begin with.
Tian Laoda exchanged a glance with his second brother. Tian Laodi caught the cue. “You found him that fast? Sure you’re not lying?”
Tian Laosan snarled, already raising a fist. “Liar! You’re begging for a beating!”
Tian Laoda restrained his younger brother, stepping forward to pat Zhang Xiaodi’s shoulder. “Third Brother’s just hot-headed. I trust you, Zhang Xiaodi. You’ll deliver Xiao Chen tomorrow, won’t you?”
Tian Laosan flinched at the threat but raised his right hand solemnly. “Big Brother, I swear on my life—I’m telling the truth! Xiao Chen will be here tomorrow!”
Tian Laoda feigned hesitation. “I want to trust you, but Second Brother’s doubts aren’t unfounded.”
“Here’s the deal—bring him early tomorrow, and we’ll resolve this quickly.”
“When it’s done, I’ll give you a thousand spirit stones as compensation.”
Tian Laodi interjected, “Why so many spirit stones, Big Brother? He’s wasted our time—”
“Enough!” Tian Laoda snapped. “If everything goes smoothly, consider it compensation for Zhang Xiaodi’s trouble. Final offer!”
He turned to Zhang Xiaodi. “It’s late. Return and rest—don’t let Xiao Chen suspect anything.”
Zhang Xiaodi returned to Lihuo Sect, equal parts thrilled and anxious.
The poison still coursed through him, threatening death at any moment.
But the thought of a thousand spirit stones ignited his imagination.
A thousand spirit stones!
Across the entire sect, how many outer disciples could boast such wealth?
With this fortune, he could finally purchase that coveted fire-attribute Flying Sword instead of the standard-issue model everyone else used.
He could buy endless Nourishing Qi Pills to accelerate his cultivation and break through to the late Lian Qi stage, qualifying for Inner Sect status.
No more grueling days mining spirit stones in the quarry, collapsing from exhaustion every night.
He’d dine at the Bazaar’s Spring Pavilion, sipping fine wine while watching ethereal dancers twirl. For twenty extra spirit stones, he could even choose a companion for the night…
Fantasizing wildly, Zhang Xiaodi tossed and turned, sleepless until dawn.
The next morning, before the first light, he splashed cold water on his face and hurried to Azure Water Peak, arriving before the Chen hour to wait at the gates.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chen returned to his courtyard after their meeting.
He meditated for a full cycle, stabilizing his cultivation realm.
Before bed, he’d tallied his resources.
He still had leftover Fire Crystals from his last sale—Elder Liu had bought the remaining two hundred before he returned to the sect.
Combined with his savings, he’d amassed 2,654 spirit stones.
Unless the seller demanded an outrageous price, he’d have enough for the Five-Color Golden Lotus.
Truthfully, he’d prepared extra just in case.
He already possessed three Foundation-Building Spirit Herbs. If fortune allowed, he’d attempt the Heavenly Path Foundation-Building ritual.
If the price is too steep, I’ll walk away.
It wasn’t until the Si hour the next day that Xiao Chen awoke naturally, opening his door to find Zhang Xiaodi waiting, bloodshot and weary.
“Hey, Junior Brother! You’re early! Long wait? Why didn’t you knock?”
Zhang Xiaodi forced a smile. “I just arrived. Was about to knock.”
Following Tian Laoda’s instructions, he chattered about rumors of the Five-Color Golden Lotus, distracting Xiao Chen as he led him toward a secluded forest forty-four li from the sect.
Spotting the carved marks on the trees, Zhang Xiaodi’s heartbeat thundered in his ears.
Mission accomplished. The thousand spirit stones are mine.
Xiao Chen halted, puzzled. “Junior Brother, is this the exchange site?”
Zhang Xiaodi’s eyes burned with anticipation, though his voice remained steady. “Yes. The Lotus is a restricted item—it requires secrecy.”
“Senior Brother, wait here. I’ll fetch my friends.”
He strode away, calling out. “Big Brother Tian, I’ve brought Senior Brother Xiao Chen! Where are you?”
His answer came in a storm of talismans erupting from all directions.
Countless spells ignited—a surge of emerald vines erupted from the earth, lashing to ensnare both men.
Shshshsh!
Dozens of azure ice arrows screamed toward them, interlaced with jade wind blades howling through the air.
But these were mere prelude.
From behind, a violet lightning bolt flashed—a silent, lethal strike aimed at Xiao Chen’s back.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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