Chapter 288:

Our Discord Server: .gg/PazjBDkTmW

You State and Xuanmiao City

A year passed in the blink of an eye. During this year, the Blood Demon Ancestor’s whereabouts were often revealed, but he also frequently disappeared, causing anxiety among the cultivators in You State.

But as time went on, people’s tense nerves began to relax because many of them ran out of money. The cost of living in big cities is very high, especially for those independent cultivators who come from outside. They can’t even afford the accommodation fee alone.

Being extremely poor, there is no fear of any danger because the most painful thing in the world is to live without money.

As the independent cultivators slowly left, Xuanmiao City began to return to normal, and even the news about the Blood Demon Ancestor was no longer spread.

During this year, it was a good time for the unscrupulous merchants in Xuanmiao City. Now that the good times have ended, Lin Jiang and other businesses invited Zhou Huaiying to a meal.

Lin Jiang served as the introducer for the other businesses, referring them to Zhou Huaiying. In return, Zhou Huaiying provided some convenience to these businesses, and according to the rules, each business would give Zhou Huaiying a benefit every year. Although each individual benefit may not be much, the total amount is considerable.

Now Zhou Huaiying is not alone anymore. People are social beings, and he has a wife, concubines, children, disciples, and followers. All of these require money to support, and his desire for resources is much higher than before.

"Senior Zhou, taste the specialty of the Hui Cui Building. This dish was ordered by me a month in advance."

"This is the dish called ‘Clouds in the Sunset’."

Zhou Huaiying was also curious as he looked at the dish in front of him. He saw a plate surrounded by clouds, emitting a colorful glow, with a strong spiritual energy surging.

This dish was developed by the Hui Cui Building two years ago and has gained great fame since its debut. It is highly sought after, and it is said that anyone who wants to taste this dish must make a reservation one month in advance.

"Yes, this is a very delicious dish. Once it is served, all the other main dishes in the Huicui Restaurant pale in comparison."

"This dish is extremely well-made…"

"It is said that…"

The people on the side immediately agreed, discussing the inspiration, ingredients, and recipe of this dish. All in all, it was intricate and had a high level of sophistication.

Of course, it was true. This dish was filled with abundant spiritual energy. It couldn’t be eaten without refining the spiritual energy beneath the golden core, as there was a risk of bursting.

"It really is wonderful."

After listening, Zhou Huaiying nodded and secretly thought that these merchants were really rich. This dish in the Huicui Restaurant was priced at five hundred thousand spirit stones. Combined with other dishes and drinks on this table, the total value of the meal exceeded eight hundred thousand spirit stones. Even he wouldn’t be willing to spend that much money.

"Senior Zhou, it’s almost ready. We can start eating."

Just wait a moment, Lin Jiang said to Zhou Huaiying. This time, they spent a lot of money to invite Zhou Huaiying for a meal, naturally with a reason. Over the past year, they had received numerous complaints for manipulating the market and inflating prices. If they didn’t hold onto someone’s thigh tightly, the Tianxuan Sect wouldn’t be as friendly.

"Please wait a moment."

Just as Zhou Huaiying was about to start using his chopsticks, suddenly a voice came from outside the door. Everyone was startled. They were in a private room at the Hui Cui Restaurant, which had its own protective barrier. How could someone still know about them?

Lin Jiang gave a signal to the person near the door, who nodded and opened it. Outside stood a young man.

Lin Jiang and the others extended their awareness, but when their awareness entered the man’s body, there was no movement at all. They felt uneasy. Zhou Huaiying randomly asked. Excuse me, taoist friend, do you have any business?

"I have traveled far and wide for many years, and I’ve heard that the famous dish ‘Steamed Cloud and Violet Mist’ at the Hui Cui Restaurant in the You State is exquisite. I came specifically to try it, but unfortunately, the restaurant only serves one dish per month. I can’t wait, so I wanted to discuss with the taoist friend whether I could have a taste of this dish."

"You are too rude, sir. The dish has already been served. It’s unreasonable to have it taken away by someone else. Even if the taoist friend’s cultivation surpasses us, it is still disrespectful to do so."

"Exactly! We have also waited for a month. How can we let you take it away just like that?"

The owners of several businesses became extremely angry. It didn’t matter who ate the dish, but this person was too arrogant. Today they invited Zhou Huaiying with a purpose, and if Zhou Huaiying became unhappy, they would be in for trouble, possibly at a much higher cost.

Faced with the reprimand, the person didn’t get angry. They simply looked at Zhou Huaiying. After hesitating for a moment, Zhou Huaiying said. It is indeed impolite for the taoist friend to take away this dish. However, instead of meeting as strangers, why not sit down and enjoy it together?

"I don’t like eating in crowded places, I prefer to eat alone."

"In that case, taoist friend might be disappointed."

"But what if I really have to eat?"

"Please give it a try, taoist friend."

Zhou Huaiying was also getting annoyed. He had been polite enough, but still no respect. It’s like they thought of him as just a toy. Lin Jiang, who was standing nearby, became very nervous. He already had a teleportation charm ready in his hand, in case things turned violent. He was determined to escape right away if they started fighting.

"Hehe, taoist friend, what should I call you?"

In the midst of this tense atmosphere, the person suddenly chuckled and said to Zhou Huaiying.

"I am Tianxuan Sect’s Zhou Huaiying."

"Ah, so you are a master from Tianxuan Sect. I apologize for my rudeness."

"Taoist friend, huh?"

"A wanderer in the world, insignificant and no cause for offense. I apologize for any offense caused."

The man bowed and turned to leave, without anyone stopping him, all eyes turned to Zhou Huaiying.

"Ignore him, keep eating."

"Eat, Senior Zhou, don’t bother with someone like him."

The crowd immediately became lively, although Zhou Huaiying wasn’t very happy, he didn’t really mind.

"Senior Zhou, be careful, that person just now might have targeted you."

After finishing the meal, there would usually be a second part. During the transition, Lin Jiang whispered to Zhou Huaiying. The more he thought about it, the more he felt something was off. In theory, a skilled person wouldn’t act so recklessly and just take a glance before leaving.

"I understand, I will be careful."

Zhou Huaiying nodded, he also had some doubts, so he would be more cautious.

"Senior Zhou"

On the way from Xuanmiao City to Tianxuan Sect, Zhou Huaiying suddenly heard a voice behind him. He stopped and turned around to see a familiar person, Xiao Yi.

"What’s the matter?"

"There’s something I forgot to tell you, Senior."

"Just say it."

"Senior, this is not the right place to talk. Why don’t you come with me?"

"What is it exactly?"

"Very important matter, concerns our lives"

"Alright, you lead the way"

Zhou Huaiying nodded and followed Xiao Yi.

"Xiao Yi, a few days ago I met Yi Zhibai, he mentioned you to me. Do you know what he said about you?"

"What did he say about me, elder?"

"He said you were bold and fearless"

"Haha, is that so?"

"Yes"

Zhou Huaiying nodded, and before his words could finish, the long sword was already in action, the surging sword light slashed towards the Xiao Yi in front of him. However, Xiao Yi seemed prepared and evaded the attack.

"I never lied to you, it seems like you have a good relationship."

Xiao Yi, who dodged a strike, returned to his original appearance. His whole demeanor changed and he transformed into a middle-aged man.

"Who are you, sir?"

"Someone who wants to kill you."

The middle-aged man stopped speaking and directly attacked Zhou Huaiyi. A sea of blood rain appeared, enveloping the surroundings.

"Ancestor of the Blood Demons."

"Haha, quite impressive!"

The Ancestor of the Blood Demons no longer pretended. He had been keeping an eye on Zhou Huaiying of the Tianxuan Sect for a long time. He knew that this person had spent over a thousand years wandering in the Divine Kingdom, a period of time wasted in vain, with the weakest cultivation.

"You’re seeking death."

"Don’t worry, I’m not here to harm you."

"What do you want to do?"

"I am very lonely and I want to find a Taoist friend to keep me company."

"Hmph."

"This is a technique called ‘Blood Demon Manual’, Zhou Huaiying. You have been in the Divine Kingdom for over a thousand years, wasting time without any progress in your cultivation. Cultivation is like rowing against the current, if you don’t move forward, you will go backwards. With your current lifespan, do you have a chance to advance to ‘Tao Achieving’ and seek immortality?"

"Nonsense."

You know very well if it’s nonsense or not. Otherwise, with your level of cultivation, why would you associate with a group of deceitful merchants? How much resources can those merchants bring you?

Time is running out, I’m leaving. Think carefully about what is more important to you: immortality or the petty divide between good and evil. If you understand, come find me later. I will be staying in You State and I will support my cultivation with its resources. I will help me achieve immortality. Hahaha.

Blood Demon Ancestor laughed loudly, then quickly disappeared. Zhou Huaiying stood there, stunned, and didn’t chase after him.

"Brother Zhou"

After a while, there were cries in the distance. Zhou Huaiying instinctively put away the jade slip in his hand.

"Brother Zhou, did the Blood Demon Ancestor just show up with great strength?"

"Yes, the Blood Demon Ancestor appeared."

"Then, Brother…"

"They fought for only one round, and when they saw you coming, they ran away."

"It’s good that Brother is okay."

"I’m fine, but you all need to be careful because the Blood Demon Ancestor has started targeting experts."

"Sigh, I had anticipated it before, but I couldn’t catch up to him. Otherwise, we could have teamed up to kill him."

"There will be a solution, the Art of Blood Escape is not all-powerful. Once they find a way to restrain it, it will be doomed."

Zhou Huaiying said, and those around him nodded. Now they needed to find a treasure to restrain the Art of Blood Escape. As long as they couldn’t escape, even the powerful Blood Demon Ancestor couldn’t stop their siege. If things got really bad, there’s Tao Achieving Ancestor to help.

"It’s okay, let others stay away, I still have something to do, I’ll go back to the sect first."

Zhou Huaiying looked around at the commotion and felt a bit unhappy. He told the others to leave, and he quickly returned to Tianxuan Sect.

Sentence Correction

If you see grammatical errors, please copy and paste the sentence here. Your actions will lead to a better reading experience for other readers.Submit

Chapter Editing Function Is Coming Soon (Paid)