Volume 3, Chapter 260 – You’re All Here to Assist, Is That It?

But why wasn’t such a major matter explained in advance?

Wait…

Hu Mei’er had asked about something before!

Could it have been about this?

The muscles at the corners of Lu Zhuxin’s eyes twitched slightly.

Fortunately, her face was covered by a veil, so others couldn’t see her expression clearly.

Chi Xiyan’s reaction was much bigger than Lu Zhuxin’s.

“How is this possible?!”

Her elderly voice could barely contain itself.

“Do you know what you’re saying?!”

“Of course.” Qing Niang spread her hands and said, “For cultivators, this kind of thing is taboo.”

“But, honored guest,”

“This is Five Immortals House’s back building.”

“Right now, no one will know about our conversation.”

“Because the back building has always been used for transactions that can’t see the light of day.”

Chi Xiyan’s breathing hitched slightly.

Her gaze swept around.

She felt her choice today had been somewhat impulsive.

This was Five Immortals House’s back building. The only person who knew she’d come here was the broker’s owner.

If something happened here, she would be helpless and alone.

“Don’t be nervous, honored guest.” Qing Niang said. “Five Immortals House isn’t some shady establishment.”

“We’re in business. We value integrity above all.”

“Even if a deal falls through, the relationship remains.”

“Once you’ve entered this door, we naturally must take responsibility for your safety.”

Chi Xiyan calmed her breathing.

She’d overreacted somewhat.

Five Immortals House had operated for hundreds of years and rarely caused any trouble. Naturally, it couldn’t be some shady establishment.

“I don’t understand.” Chi Xiyan said. “How are you able to trade cultivators… How does your Five Immortals House have such connections?”

Qing Niang spread her hands.

“Cultivators, mortals. Is the difference really that great?”

“Hehe.”

“I don’t think so.”

“They’re all humans living in the same world.”

“What mortals encounter, cultivators will encounter as well.”

“For instance, that fairy I mentioned earlier.”

“She was originally the sole daughter of a small sect’s master. After the previous master died unexpectedly, the sect fell to the side. She succeeded as sect master and propped up the entire sect.”

“To revitalize the sect, she took a friend’s advice and borrowed a large amount of spirit stones from a major sect. She widely recruited disciples and mined spirit veins. Under her leadership, the entire sect was orderly and thriving.”

“However, good times didn’t last. An accident occurred. A rat demon severed the sect’s spirit vein, completely destroying the spirit mine. Although she gathered the sect’s strength to eliminate the rat demon, the foundation the sect relied on for survival was destroyed. Eventually, the entire sect scattered like birds and beasts. And this fairy, unable to bear the enormous debt, gradually developed suicidal thoughts.”

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“Fortunately, our Five Immortals House rescued her, paid off her debts, and rebuilt the sect. Though it couldn’t match its former glory, it could at least continue its legacy in a place by mountains and water.”

“And according to the agreement, she sold herself to Five Immortals House to serve us.”

“If the honored guest wishes to buy her, you need to establish a contract in advance, employing her to work for you for ten years.”

“Of course, if the honored guest wants to buy her person, that’s a different price.”

“And most importantly, the honored guest must obtain that fairy’s consent.”

“Hehe.”

Chi Xiyan’s brows relaxed slightly.

Although buying and selling a fairy sounded somewhat absurd, it made marginal sense.

Though it was buying and selling, it was conducted through Dao contract employment, which was reasonable.

Chi Xiyan asked, “What cultivation level is this fairy? What sect?”

Qing Niang answered, “Whether that fairy or that martial artist, both are Fifth Realm cultivation. As for sects and origins, these are secrets that cannot be revealed before establishing a contract.”

“The Dao contract used will be provided free by Five Immortals House, with no additional charge.”

Fifth Realm cultivation.

Fourth to Fifth Realm was a watershed, dividing immortal from mortal.

Chi Xiyan was currently only Fourth Realm.

Qing Niang continued, “Of course, if the honored guest feels Fifth Realm cultivators are too expensive, Five Immortals House also has other Fourth Realm cultivators.”

Chi Xiyan frowned. “You have this many down-and-out cultivators here?”

Qing Niang shrugged. “Originally there weren’t many, but gradually they increased.”

“Ah, such are the times. There will always be some desperate people.”

“For instance, that female martial artist is also a woman of character. Her family has a blood feud, but the opponent holds high position and great power, difficult to deal with. So she sold herself to Five Immortals House and hired Sin Moon Tower assassins to help her take revenge.”

“Of course, the final result was… after taking revenge, she made new enemies.”

“Ah, when will this cycle of vengeance end? Why bother?”

Qing Niang shook her head.

“So, honored guest, have you decided on your target?”

Chi Xiyan thought quietly for a while, then asked, “What are the prices?”

“The martial artist is cheaper, the sword sect fairy will be more expensive.” Qing Niang smiled. “After all, sword sect disciples are far rarer than ordinary martial artists.”

“What if I don’t want to employ but to buy outright?” Chi Xiyan asked again. “What I want to buy is… a concubine maid. I need absolute loyalty, not just hiring a guard for ten years.”

The smile on Qing Niang’s face gradually faded, slowly becoming serious.

“Guest, are you serious?”

“Of course.” Chi Xiyan nodded. “I don’t lack money. What I lack is loyal help.”

“If the guest has this intention.” Qing Niang counted on her fingers. “The current asking price for the sword sect fairy is one eighth-grade magic artifact, or spirit stones of equivalent value.”

“This expensive?” Chi Xiyan was surprised. “This is a Fifth Realm sword cultivator, not Sixth or Seventh Realm.”

Chi Xiyan herself, after taking enhancement pills, was equivalent to a Fifth Realm sword cultivator.

Qing Niang added, “Even if you honored guest can afford this price, that fairy may not agree.”

“If the guest feels it’s too expensive, you can choose that female martial artist.”

“If you can provide her shelter, she should be very willing to serve you.”

“And most importantly, the martial artist is cheap. Just two seventh-grade spirit artifacts, or spirit stones of equivalent value.”

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This price was indeed much cheaper, not so outrageous.

Chi Xiyan didn’t answer immediately but turned to look at Lu Zhuxin.

“Grandson, what do you think?”

Lu Zhuxin was too lazy to complain about this form of address anymore.

This transaction, from start to finish, was just a setup.

When had Five Immortals House become powerful enough to buy and sell Fifth Realm cultivators?

There were quite a few cultivators below Fourth Realm.

But those two Fifth Realm cultivators were definitely experts recruited by the fox clan themselves.

Loyal to the fox clan, serving Lu Zhuxin.

“Grandfather…” Lu Zhuxin said in a suppressed voice. “Grandson will follow Grandfather’s decision entirely.”

Chi Xiyan turned back to Qing Niang. “As long as you can guarantee that martial artist’s loyalty, I can agree to this transaction.”

“The honored guest is straightforward indeed.” Qing Niang said. “The Dao contract’s heart-questioning will guarantee loyalty.”

“Acceptable.” Chi Xiyan nodded.

She was naturally not unfamiliar with Dao contracts. She understood the formidable nature of such contracts.

The most domineering master-servant contract held the other party’s life and death in the master’s single thought.

“When will the contract be established?”

“Guest, don’t be hasty. That female martial artist is at Five Immortals House, but before summoning her, Qing Niang must confirm one more thing with you.”

“Will this contract be signed by you, honored guest, or by your… ahem, grandson?”

Lu Zhuxin wanted to hit someone.

“Naturally it will be…” Chi Xiyan was about to say she would sign it herself.

After all, Fifth Realm experts were already rare. Such power should be held in her own hands.

But then she suddenly remembered. She was finding a personal maid for her younger sister.

For her younger sister’s personal maid to have the contract of servitude in her own hands would seem somewhat strange.

Qing Niang smiled. “Indeed, since it’s a personal maid, naturally, the master should sign.”

Chi Xiyan hesitated but didn’t object.

Strictly speaking, with Yu Lizhi’s Dao contract in hand, it was the same whoever the martial artist signed a contract with.

Seeing Chi Xiyan not object, Qing Niang looked at Lu Zhuxin. “This young master, please follow me. I’ll take you to meet that female martial artist and ask her intentions.”

“Wait!” Chi Xiyan frowned to stop her. “Why is this? Can’t that female martial artist come here to sign the Dao contract?”

Qing Niang showed realization and smiled. “My apologies, honored guest.”

“As mentioned before, establishing a permanent contract is different from a ten-year employment contract.”

“A permanent contract requires the consent of the party involved.”

“So the final decision still rests in that martial artist’s hands.”

“Before she agrees, we cannot let outsiders know her identity.”

“However, please rest assured, honored guest. As long as that martial artist agrees, she can naturally come sign the contract before you.”

Chi Xiyan frowned.

Seeing Yu Lizhi about to be taken away, she felt uneasy.

She had precious treasures protecting her, so naturally she feared no traps.

But Yu Lizhi was different. She was just a mortal without cultivation.

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Letting her leave alone was too dangerous.

“I’m not comfortable with this.” Chi Xiyan said in her elderly, hoarse voice. “My grandson shouldn’t leave my side.”

Qing Niang’s face showed no surprise. She raised her hand and drew a rune in the air. “I swear on my inner demon: Five Immortals House has no ill will toward you two honored guests. Within the building, we will do our utmost to protect the guests’ safety. If I violate this oath, may the three disasters descend and the five calamities befall me.”

The rune dissipated. The oath was made.

Qing Niang said, “With this, can the honored guest spare some trust for Qing Niang?”

Chi Xiyan was speechless. She hadn’t expected this Qing Niang to be so decisive.

Swearing on one’s inner demon. Such an oath had considerable binding force on cultivators.

This made Chi Xiyan seem petty and insincere instead.

After thinking, Chi Xiyan quietly slipped Lu Zhuxin a talisman.

“Grandson, be cautious. When you meet the senior, don’t lose your manners.”

Lu Zhuxin quietly took the talisman and nodded repeatedly.

Qing Niang led Lu Zhuxin away, walking a few steps to come to another room.

Inside the room, a young girl sat at a table waiting.

Her hands were nervously knotting together, like a criminal awaiting a judge’s verdict.

Hearing sounds, she quickly stood up. “How did it go?”

Lu Zhuxin saw this girl and laughed strangely. “The result is naturally excellent.”

“My princess, you really know how to add to my troubles.”

“Miss Yu… Miss Yu…” Bu Lianshuang clenched her small hands into fists, pressing them nervously to her chest. “I didn’t mean to cause you trouble. I just wanted to help you.”

Lu Zhuxin was too lazy to look at her and instead asked Qing Niang behind her, “Whose idea was this?”

“Having a Fifth Realm cultivator serve as a personal maid for a mortal without cultivation?”

“What a genius idea.”

Lu Zhuxin seemed angry.

Seeing the atmosphere was wrong, sweat gradually seeped from Qing Niang’s forehead.

“Your Maj—”

“It was my idea!” Bu Lianshuang said first. “I asked the Yellow Fox sisters to arrange it this way.”

“The Chi residence has formations. My cultivation isn’t enough and I’m easily exposed. Rather than that, better to lay my cultivation on the table from the start.”

Lu Zhuxin said, “You know your cultivation isn’t enough, so you could have stayed out of it.”

Bu Lianshuang’s words caught. She lowered her head slightly and said softly, “I’m sorry…”

Qing Niang on the side saw this and knew Lu Zhuxin had misunderstood.

“Miss Yu, please hear me out.” Qing Niang took a deep breath and gathered her courage. “Actually, this matter was also carefully discussed by several tribal elders. Only after confirming its feasibility did Elder Huang arrange it.”

“What are you all doing?” Lu Zhuxin frowned.

Qing Niang continued to explain, “Miss Yu, wolf clan people are different from fox clan people.”

“Our fox clan isn’t good at direct combat, while the wolf clan is the exact opposite.”

“Wolf clan people have formidable physiques and unmatched battle courage.”

“Over these many years, human cultivators have had many dealings with our fox clan. Humans have many methods to restrain our fox clan.”

“But the wolf clan is different. The wolf clan rarely appears before humans, so humans know very little about the wolf clan.”

“If wolf clan people want to hide, it will be easier than for us fox clan people.”

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“Miss Yu is infiltrating the Chi residence alone. We fox clan sisters have always wanted to help Miss Yu but have been unable.”

“And now Princess Lianshuang has appeared. She’s currently the most suitable candidate.”

“Princess Lianshuang’s cultivation isn’t weak. With her guarding by Miss Yu’s side, replacing us in caring for Miss Yu, it will also set our fox clan sisters’ hearts somewhat at ease.”

“Even Steward Hu Xian’er agreed to this arrangement.”

How was Hu Xian’er involved in this too?

Lu Zhuxin rubbed her forehead.

In these words, she detected some other implications.

Bu Lianshuang was the wolf clan’s princess and also the Ice Plains’ divine maiden.

The fox clan was inherently a race good at maneuvering from all sides with long sleeves for dancing. After learning Bu Lianshuang’s identity, the fox clan elders had some little schemes.

Sending Bu Lianshuang to Lu Zhuxin’s side was actually intentionally matchmaking.

Working together in the same dangerous situation could best promote warm feelings.

Having the wolf clan princess become the fox clan’s queen consort was a profitable deal for the fox clan with no loss.

As for danger?

The Eighth Realm World-Ending Fox Monarch was nearly invincible below Venerable Saint level.

The Chi family had no Eighth Realm experts. In Beihe Commandery, no one could threaten Lu Zhuxin.

Heh!

So when Huang Huying had Hu Mei’er come ask before, it was for this matter!

Lu Zhuxin hadn’t planned to continue provoking this Heaven-Mandated Female Lead, but she’d rushed to deliver herself.

Even the foxes around Lu Zhuxin were willing to assist her.

Was this the Heaven-Mandated Female Lead’s influence?

“System, do Heaven-Mandated Female Leads also have the same influence as Heaven-Mandated Male Leads?” Lu Zhuxin asked in her mind.

[Host, the Heavenly Dao’s restorative force is the privilege of the Child of Destiny.]

[The Heaven-Mandated Female Lead is a byproduct of the Child of Destiny and doesn’t inherently possess such privileges.]

The System’s answer didn’t surprise Lu Zhuxin.

[Things have reached this point. What does the host plan to do?]

“Yes, how should I handle her?”

Lu Zhuxin muttered to herself.

Reconsidering Bu Lianshuang’s proposal wasn’t unfeasible.

Bu Lianshuang so far hadn’t shown any harmfulness and was within the controllable range of Heaven-Mandated Female Leads.

Moreover, her goodwill could be exploited.

Chi Xiyan took her own feelings too lightly. If she encountered Bu Lianshuang together, perhaps some interesting reactions would occur.

Thinking of this, Lu Zhuxin’s expression softened considerably.

She said as if helpless, “You’ve all gone to this extent, what more can I say?”

Bu Lianshuang’s eyes brightened with joy. “Miss Yu has agreed?”

Lu Zhuxin looked at her, as if she could see a wolf tail wagging happily behind her.

You’re a dog, aren’t you!