Chapter 865: Shameless to the Core - Flower Stealing Master

Song Qingshu’s heart skipped a beat—why did that voice sound so familiar?

Zhao Min and Zhao Yingluo both looked up simultaneously and saw a large group of white-turbaned figures emerging from the grass, surrounding their party.

Song Qingshu felt a pang of embarrassment.

‘I’ve been too careless, too absorbed in talking to Zhao Min that I didn’t even notice walking into an ambush.’

“The True Void is our home, the Eternal Venerable Mother is our salvation!”

The group chanted in unison, striking strange poses as their droning voices made the women dizzy.

“What are they even saying?” Song Qingshu frowned. He understood every word, but the meaning eluded him.

Zhao Yingluo’s expression darkened. “They’re from the White Lotus Sect. They worship the Eternal Venerable Mother, believing her to be an ancient Buddha beyond life and death, destined to guide her children back to the heavenly realm—the True Void—to escape calamity. Their chant is akin to Buddhists reciting ‘Amitabha’ or ‘Western Pure Land.’”

“The White Lotus Sect?” Song Qingshu’s eyes lit up with excitement. In his past life, they were the most infamous villains in stories. Now, seeing them in the flesh was thrilling.

“Speaking of which, don’t your sect have saintess and matriarchs? How are they usually portrayed? Ah, right—the maiden is spoiled and willful, while the matriarch is seductive and cunning. Is that accurate?” He couldn’t help but recall Qin Xian’er and An Biru from The Legend of the Tyrant, two enchantresses from the White Lotus Sect. Lin San really had a… colorful life.

“You dare insult our saintess?!” The White Lotus followers erupted in fury, drawing their blades.

Song Qingshu shrugged. Despite their numbers, they were no match for his current strength.

“Hold!” A sultry voice rang out from behind the crowd, instantly silencing them.

Song Qingshu raised an eyebrow. This voice was sweet and alluring, entirely different from the earlier one. Did I mishear?

The sect members parted, revealing two slender women in plain yet elegant robes. Though veiled, their graceful movements and mesmerizing eyes left no doubt of their beauty.

Yet there was a stark contrast—one exuded charm, while the other was icy. Likely the one who had spoken earlier.

Song Qingshu studied her intently. With his current skill, the veil was no obstacle. I don’t recognize her, so why does she seem to know me—and resent me?

“Tang Sai’er, I didn’t expect you to come personally,” Zhao Yingluo said warily. As the saintess of Jianshan Academy, she had clashed with Tang Sai’er multiple times. The White Lotus saintess was cunning, skilled in unorthodox tricks, and a formidable opponent.

“For someone as divine as you, sister, how could our Sacred King send anyone less?” The enchanting woman—Tang Sai’er—laughed lightly.

“Since when did the White Lotus Sect have another saintess?” Zhao Yingluo eyed the cold woman beside Tang Sai’er with unease. One Tang Sai’er is trouble enough. Now there’s another?

She instinctively dismissed relying on Song Qingshu. Proud by nature, she would never ask for help unless absolutely desperate.

“She’s a recent addition,” Tang Sai’er explained. “Her beauty and skill rival mine, and her achievements earned her the Sacred King’s favor. But…” She sighed dramatically. “I thought with her help, this mission would be effortless. Who knew the pure and chaste saintess of Jianshan Academy would take a lover so soon? And judging by his calm demeanor, he must be quite skilled.”

Zhao Yingluo flushed with anger. She glanced at Song Qingshu, meeting his amused gaze, then quickly looked away. “Don’t compare me to your kind. I’d never stoop to your level.”

Song Qingshu chuckled. “Beautiful lady, are you calling me her ‘lover’?”

Tang Sai’er smirked. “Such flattery! You haven’t even seen my face. What if I’m hideous?”

His eyes trailed over her curvaceous figure. “With eyes like paintings, a slender waist, and a voice like yours? If you’re ugly, then no woman in this world is beautiful.”

She giggled. “Aren’t you afraid of angering your companion? I noticed her pouting.”

Zhao Min smiled coolly. “He’s always like this around beautiful women. But as a fellow woman, I’ll warn you—this man is dangerous. Don’t fall for him.”

Song Qingshu gave her a wry look. “Is that a compliment or an insult?”

“Guess?” She blinked playfully.

“Whether I fall for him remains to be seen,” Tang Sai’er mused, turning to Zhao Yingluo. “Zhao Yingluo, your rival is formidable—gorgeous, clever, and utterly charming. I almost feel sorry for you.”

Song Qingshu was surprised. Few knew Zhao Yingluo’s true identity as a Song Dynasty princess. This Tang Sai’er is well-informed.

Before Zhao Yingluo could retort, Zhao Min clung to Song Qingshu’s arm, grinning. “Brother Song Qingshu, am I really as wonderful as she says?”

“Such shamelessness in broad daylight!” The cold woman beside Tang Sai’er suddenly spat, leaving everyone stunned.