https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-73-Volcanic-Ant-Wine-A-Chance-Encounter-at-Changlai-Tavern/13509951/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-75-Repairing-the-Green-Gourd-Starting-the-Auction/13509953/
Chapter 74: Fishing for Trouble – A Trap on All Sides
Chapter 74: Fishing for Trouble – A Trap on All Sides
Duyan, the eldest brother of Daoba’s gang, had earned his nickname despite possessing both eyes. He’d deliberately chosen it years ago to help him escape pursuit by the Yueyue Immortal Sect. The sect’s inner disciple leading the hunt had foolishly believed Duyan should have only one eye, and that misconception had saved him.
In Quanzhou, demonic cultivation techniques were widely practiced. In his youth, Duyan had dabbled in them to gain power quickly, but this left him with little hope of advancing to the Foundation Building Stage normally. Yet his ambitions remained high—he aimed to gather rare spirit herbs to forge a heavenly path to Foundation Building.
When he learned of the upcoming auction in Shi Valley, he abandoned his vendetta against Ye Fei and brought his henchman Biaozi to compete for the treasures. If his spirit stones fell short, he had no qualms about resorting to his old ways. But cultivators wealthy enough to attend the auction were rarely easy targets.
Arriving early in Shi Valley, Duyan hoped to find an unsuspecting victim nearby. His ideal mark? A naive outsider carrying vast resources, unaccompanied by elders, and desperate to rent a residence near the auction site.
Fate obliged. While dining, Duyan overheard a young man asking a waiter, “I’m new here—any recommendations for renting a courtyard? It should be close to Shi Valley for the auction in two days. Preferably spacious, in case my elders arrive later.”
Duyan’s heart soared. The boy’s low cultivation, lack of a flying sword, and absence of even a magic robe made him perfect prey. Worse, he spoke loudly, oblivious to prying ears.
Seizing the opportunity, Duyan approached with a wine gourd. “Young brother, we’re here to sell a courtyard left by our old master. Care to take a look? It’s near Shi Valley, and we’re in no rush—we could even rent it to you cheaply.”
Xiao Chen eyed him warily. “No thanks. I’m just passing through—I don’t need to buy or rent anything.”
Undeterred, Duyan pressed, “At least visit the place. If you like it, we’ll negotiate a price.”
Xiao Chen hesitated, then snapped, “Forget it! Find someone else.”
Duyan feigned disappointment but inwardly smirked. The boy’s refusal confirmed his fear—proof of his weakness.
Later, after Duyan left, Xiao Chen lingered in the courtyard before slowly heading to Shi Valley’s outskirts. With ten days until the auction, he easily secured a secluded, low-cost courtyard. Choosing isolation was deliberate; he’d lured Duyan into a trap.
That night, feigning sleep, Xiao Chen waited. True to form, Duyan and Biaozi crept in at midnight, prying open the door.
“Gotcha,” Xiao Chen muttered.
The moment they entered, vines erupted, binding them. Xiao Chen leapt up, Evergreen Sword flashing.
“Trap!” Duyan roared as his protective golden light flickered under the Thorned Brambles’ assault. A veteran, he spat a mouthful of vital blood, summoning a crimson blade to cleave through the vines.
“Biaozi, retreat!” Duyan barked, vaulting outside.
Too late. Xiao Chen’s Golden Light Pearl smashed down, forcing Duyan to face a greenwood spirit general wielding a cleaver. A Flame Mirror sealed the exit.
“Leaving so soon?” Xiao Chen taunted, weaving more brambles underground. “Why not leave your storage bag?”
Duyan snarled, “That was my Soul Severing Demon Blade! Think twice before—”
Xiao Chen’s golden armor absorbed the strike unscathed. Evergreen Sword pierced Duyan’s magic robe, while the Golden Light Pearl crushed Biaozi’s chest.
“Clean up the mess,” Xiao Chen muttered, erasing all traces of the fight.
(End of Chapter)
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