Chapter 25: An Old Acquaintance Intentionally Crosses Paths (Please add the new book to your collection and recommend it!)

This inn was named Passersby, and it had stood for four hundred years, ever since the days of Wang De’s grandfather’s grandfather. Wang De, the tall and burly innkeeper, possessed the same flaw as every innkeeper under the sun—he simply could not keep his mouth shut.

Wu Yue made for an excellent listener, so the two of them each found what they needed in the other.

The inn itself was not large. Wang De would say, “Young man, you don’t get it, do you? Any bigger would be nothing but trouble. This is just right; it brings in enough to support the whole family.” These were words that sounded neither like those of a merchant, nor of someone speaking to a cultivator of some skill.

Wu Yue had not studied the art of spiritual perception in vain, especially after Chen Shujuang had gifted him the final technique of concealment. Now, Wu Yue appeared to be of Core Formation level—neither strong nor weak. The reason for hiding his true strength was not out of fear that others might be awed by his cultivation, but rather, because here in Luoyang… he was simply too weak. It was wise to keep some cards up his sleeve. For instance, his “Ah Fei’s Swift Sword,” with its unfathomable sword intent—this was Wu Yue’s greatest secret weapon.

Luoyang was a city that defied reason. It was too fair. The laws of Qin were applied here with strict equality—no matter if you were an ordinary person or a cultivator, all were treated the same! Here, it was not uncommon to see mortals and cultivators arguing in red-faced fury…

“Ah, the last Jade Bowl Banquet—my grandfather had to come out and settle things. And in the blink of an eye, it is my turn to take charge this time.” Wang De spoke with a tone tinged with envy, though not too much. “Sometimes, I do envy you cultivators. A hundred years for you is but the blink of an eye.”

Wu Yue smiled, “I, too, envy you, Brother Wang—at ease, with your family all around you, living in harmony. That is truly something to yearn for.”

Wang De laughed heartily, “Each has his blessings! But in the end, we mortals still fear you cultivators.” With that, he rose and bellowed, “Sixth! Have you checked the temporary jade token of that man? The one with the tiger following him. What are you afraid of? The Senluo Guard is patrolling outside! What’s there to fear?”

The man with the tiger was dressed in black robes. Hearing this, he turned his head toward Wang De, his face dark and murderous. The tiger, clearly possessing some spiritual intelligence, also glared at Wang De, growling low in its throat.

The inn was already crowded, but no one was frightened by this scene—on the contrary, they watched in anticipation of some entertainment. As the crowd swelled, it seemed things might get out of hand. In Luoyang, if you couldn’t control your own turf, it was considered a great disgrace. Wang De’s old face flushed red with anger, and he shouted, “If you can’t produce your temporary jade token, take your beast and get out!”

The black-robed man’s expression grew even darker, and black smoke began to coil around his hand. Wang De saw it and was not afraid; instead, he sneered, “What’s this? You think to strike a citizen of Luoyang?” Some of the onlookers were confused, while those in the know began to jeer.

Wu Yue, however, understood. The laws of Qin decreed: no one may harm a citizen of Luoyang, and only the city’s own courts may judge their crimes. Violation meant death. This was the source of Luoyang’s people’s pride.

In the end, the black-robed man slunk away with his tiger. Wang De dispersed the spectators, glared fiercely at Sixth, then sat back down and took a long draught of tea. Shaking his head, he muttered, “There’s nothing for it. Courage must be cultivated.”

Wu Yue nodded in agreement. Courage was not innate; it was forged through experience. For example, in the past, if Wu Yue had been told to kill a man, he would have suffered for days afterward. Now, he would not feel a thing. That was the sort of courage that came with power. Would you feel anything killing an ant?

Because of the strength of the cultivators, there were no rules or laws to restrain their behavior. Thus, the world of cultivators was not so different from the animal kingdom—survival of the fittest, the law of the jungle.

The two continued their conversation. Wang De spoke of Luoyang’s stories, of Old Zhong the night watchman, of the grand defensive array called the Dragon Formation, of the ebb and flow of people and the great powers in the city. Wu Yue spoke of the wider world—boundless oceans, faraway landscapes, some from this life and some from a past one. The two found themselves in pleasant company.

Suddenly, a sharp, girlish voice rang out, “Well, well, an old acquaintance!”

Two young women appeared, both around fifteen or sixteen years old.

Truly, enemies do meet again even across great distances. Wu Yue quickly composed a look of confusion and replied gently, “May I ask who you are, Miss? Do we know each other? My memory has not served me well lately, I’m afraid. Heh heh.”

The newcomer, half smiling, said, “Do you need me to remind you? Guanyang City, a restaurant, and dining like a king without paying?”

Wu Yue feigned sudden realization, “Ah, now I remember. You’re that little girl.”

Princess Jin Ping’s lips twitched, but she was not offended by the term “little girl.” However, Wu Yue’s next words truly provoked her.

“Yes, that’s you, that’s you! The little girl with neither figure nor virtue, and such a fierce temper!” Wu Yue’s face was all feigned delight—no one could have been more insincere. Princess Jin Ping’s face was the very picture of fury. A woman beautifies herself for her beloved and bristles at those she dislikes—even more so at one who insults her…

As for Wang De, he had already slipped away smiling as soon as Princess Jin Ping appeared, wearing the look of someone who’d seen it all before.

“Sui Zhu, is this the one you mentioned?” Only then did Wu Yue notice the other girl beside Princess Jin Ping—equally beautiful, but with a cold, distant air.

“Yes, Hong Gu was speaking of him.” Princess Jin Ping was her title. Her name was Sui Zhu—Li Sui Zhu.

“An excellent name,” Wu Yue replied with a slight smile.

Li Sui Zhu rolled her eyes dramatically and added, “We’re just passing by and happened to run into you. I hope you’ll make a name for yourself at the Jade Bowl Banquet.” With that, she turned to leave, as if this meeting had been a mere coincidence. The other girl lagged half a step behind, turned slightly, and said, “I am Li Lvzhu. I hope you won’t disappoint.” Her manner was both proud and reserved.

A figure followed the two girls out. Wu Yue’s heart leapt in surprise—he had not sensed this person’s presence at all. Such profound cultivation!

There were many people surnamed Li in the world, but it just so happened that the ruler of Qin bore the same surname. Wu Yue pondered this. What was the reason they had invited him from so far away to win fame at the Jade Bowl Banquet? In any case, survival was what mattered most.

Meanwhile, two people were walking toward the Passersby Inn. They looked about seventeen or eighteen, their faces equally cold. Dressed in the finest brocade, they were twins—twins were not unusual, but a pair like this was rare indeed. Both were of Core Formation level, but specialized in killing Nascent Soul cultivators. They were famed assassins.

As they passed by Li Sui Zhu and her companions, the three paused. Li Sui Zhu frowned deeply, while Li Lvzhu’s lips curled in a faint, mocking smile.