Listening to the waiterâs introduction, Ding Fanâs heart was quite happy. The strict laws in Daozhen City provide protection for martial artists of his rank.
Ding Fan understood that the reason for such order here was built upon Master Daozhenâs immense power. Without a strong figure like him, a city this large would surely fall into chaos, just like the Wu Family at Great Python Mountain was living proof.
During the time that followed, Ding Fan inquired about some minor issues from the waiter. On the surface, it seemed like casual chat, but he unknowingly gathered quite a bit of intelligence.
The waiterâs attitude was indeed quite good. Throughout the conversation, he was very patient, seeming genuinely eager, and maintained a smiling service, without any trace of displeasure.
The two chatted in the room for about half an hour before Ding Fan invited the waiter to leave, having basically understood the situation in the city. Throughout the conversation, Wu Qingxia didnât participate; she sat on the bed like a noble lady. Once the person left, she asked Ding Fan, "Brother Ding, who are we going to sell this Crimson Flame Bodhi to?"
During the conversation with the waiter, Ding Fan had learned there were two places to sell the Crimson Flame Bodhi. One was an auction house where the price could be higher, but it would consume a lot of time since auctions are not held every day.
Also, if going to an auction house, it could be crowded with various kinds of people, which might reveal that they were selling the Crimson Flame Bodhi. People from Tie Family Island would certainly find their way to Xinkai Island.
The other option was to go to a trade firm. Their price would be slightly lower since trade firms need to make a profit, donât they? But it could be quickerâgoing there would allow an immediate sale, and the trade firm would keep the sellerâs secret safe.
Ding Fan thought for a moment and said to Wu Qingxia, "Weâll sell it to the people from Daozhen Trade Firm. Although the price may be lower, it ensures that our affair remains undisclosed, keeping us safe."
What Ding Fan referred to was Daozhen Trade Firm, operated by Master Daozhenâs family. He originally was a monk, but once he gained influence here, he returned to secular life and married several wives. His is the largest family in Tianmu Sea.
Daozhen Trade Firm is owned by them, and Master Daozhen is the overlord of Tianmu Sea. His family possesses immense wealth and would hardly take an interest in this small Crimson Flame Bodhi.
If selling to other trade firms, the news might leak, leading Xinkai Island to be stormed for their formula. Some people would do anything for it.
Obtaining that formula would be like having a machine that prints money. Such a great opportunity wouldnât be missed by anyone, especially since the Skeleton Sect is quite weak now and could be easily subdued by a mere two or three Third Level Divine Realm experts.
Not to mention the Tie Family, which would act immediately. They have several Third Level Divine Realm experts. But such matters depend on connectionsâif the Tie Family wasnât backed by the Moon Mist Island force, their secret formula wouldâve long been snapped up by other families, as itâs akin to an endless supply of Black Obsidian.
"Okay, Brother Ding, Iâll follow your lead."
Wu Qingxia trusts Ding Fan completely. The strength of Xinkai Island is too weak, and they could easily be wiped out if not careful. Ding Fanâs power is undoubtedly the strongest now, so Wu Qingxia listens to him in everything.
With the next dayâs destination agreed upon, the two had nothing left to do. Ding Fan sat at the table for a while, feeling restless, and simply sat on the floor, beginning cultivation. Alone with a woman in a room, he didnât want his thoughts to wander.
The unique fragrance of femininity emanating from Wu Qingxia made Ding Fanâs mind stir a bit. With just the two of them in the room, should they desire to take any action, no outsider would know. This made Ding Fan feel quite uncomfortable.
Wu Qingxia was also quite embarrassed. Watching Ding Fan entering the cultivation state, she idly sat for a short while before standing up and going directly into the bathroom for a bath.
Ding Fan originally planned to cultivate for a while, but as Wu Qingxia entered the bathroom, his mind was thrown into chaos, unable to concentrate. As a man, hearing Wu Qingxia bathing, his breathing became noticeably rapid.
Wu Qingxia apparently didnât lock the bathroom door when entering, so merely opening it would reveal the scene of a beauty bathing.
Thinking of Wu Qingxiaâs graceful figure, the image of a beauty bathing filled Ding Fanâs mind, causing him distress as his heart raced and breath faltered uncontrollably.
Ding Fan is naturally a normal man and has fantasies about the opposite sex. Normally, he wouldnât entertain such thoughts, but the current situation made them unavoidable.
He knew Wu Qingxia wasnât opposed to him, and the Second Elder wouldnât prevent them from being together. Besides, the remaining Wu Family members, alongside Elder Wu Ren, hoped they would unite. It would elevate the Wu Familyâs status within the Skeleton Sect.
While pondering these matters, the water ceased flowing, and immediately after, the bathroom door creaked open. Wu Qingxia had finished her bath and came out.
Wu Qingxia, now clad in clean clothes, had her hair wet, and her fragrance was more potent than before, igniting more fanciful thoughts.
Wu Qingxia glanced at Ding Fan, seeing that although he had his eyes closed, his entire face was flushed. It was clear he was not at ease. Looking at his reddened face, Wu Qingxia guessed his thoughts.
Intentionally walking gently by Ding Fan, she sat on the bed and softly said to him, "Brother Ding, why donât you go wash up? Weâve all had a long day, and weâre drenched in sweat."
On hearing Wu Qingxiaâs words, Ding Fan opened his eyes, somewhat embarrassed, pretending as if nothing had happened. He replied to Wu Qingxia, "Alright, Iâll go wash up."
Taking his clean clothes, Ding Fan walked into the bathroom and closed the door. As he turned around, the sight before him left him stunned, his imagination running even wilder.
On the rack in the bathroom, Wu Qingxiaâs clothes were hung, with a purple undergarment prominently placed on top, quite eye-catching.
Ding Fan had seen womenâs undergarments before, but never in such a situation. His face blushed again, and his breathing became more rapid.
"Ah! Oh no~"
Wu Qingxia had already laid down but suddenly remembered this matter. She quickly jumped up and rushed into the bathroom, clutching her changed clothes and running out like a gust of wind.
Ding Fan looked even more awkward, his heartbeat faster as he wandered in thoughts. He washed hastily, changed into clean clothes, and then stepped out.
Carrying his clothes out, Ding Fan dared not look in Wu Qingxiaâs direction, lowered his head, and said to her, "Master, you should rest early. Iâll sit here and cultivate through the night."
Wu Qingxia was already lying down, covered by a thin blanket. She heard Ding Fanâs words yet remained silent for a while. Then she weakly said to him, "Brother Ding, why donât you... come to bed? Itâs big enough for two people without any issue. We can make space."
Ding Fan felt his head buzzing; Wu Qingxiaâs words unnerved him entirely, his mind confused with all sorts of thoughts. Wu Qingxiaâs meaning seemed clearâshe wanted something to happen between them.
Taking a deep breath, Ding Fan forced himself to calm down, contemplating his path of cultivation and remembering Xia Mengqing was still waiting for him to rescue her. With these thoughts, he managed to settle his mind.
But Wu Qingxiaâs next words obliterated all his efforts, as she, blushing, said, "Ding... Brother Ding, donât think too much. I wonât make things difficult for you; you donât have to take responsibility... Iâve long decided not to marry in this lifetime."
Wu Qingxia didnât explicitly say it, but Ding Fan understood. He could sleep with Wu Qingxia without any responsibility or concern for others, purely solving some physiological needs.
Wu Qingxiaâs words were sincere; it was her true thoughts. To be honest, she didnât have that kind of feeling for Ding Fan. It wasnât love, but she certainly didnât dislike him. Their time spent together felt comfortable.
Ding Fanâs kindness was like a mountain. What he did for the Wu Family and her, she couldnât repay in a lifetime. Maybe Wu Ren didnât think so, but Wu Qingxia felt she owed Ding Fan too much.
Wu Qingxia was right; she genuinely didnât want to marry again. She made a vow deep within to use her lifetime to strengthen the Skeleton Sect, avenge the Wu Family, and annihilate the Zhong family.
She understood this world too well, having seen too much reality and cruelty, feeling her heart grow as hard as iron.
For the Wu Family, for the Skeleton Sect, the body of the sect leader would inevitably become a weapon in the future. Rather than giving her first time to those ugly men, sheâd prefer to give it to Ding Fan, a man she at least didnât dislike.
Moreover, thereâs another important pointâWu Qingxia felt bitter inside, very exhausted. Not physically, which she could endure, but the bitterness hidden within that she couldnât express to anyone.
Her most beloved father, the Great Elder, died; Wu Tongtian, the Wu Familyâs powerhouse, also died. The once glorious Skeleton Sect and Wu Family faded into oblivion, leaving no one to comfort or cherish her. She had to silently bear all the bitterness alone.
She and Ding Fan were of similar ages; previously in the Wu Family, she was her fatherâs doted daughter with no strong resolve. Now, as the Skeleton Sectâs leader, the pressure on her became overwhelming. The myriad issues made her feel she was on the brink of insanity and in dire need of release, or she feared sheâd go mad.
This is why Wu Qingxia disregarded everything and got a room, and said those words to Ding Fan. She wanted to let loose with Ding Fan, to repay his kindness with her body, to vent her emotions and avert future regrets with Ding Fan.
However, she misunderstood Ding Fan, knowing too little about him. Throughout his rebirth, Ding Fan read many books and learned numerous life philosophies where the core is that a man must have responsibility.