Chapter 40: The Price of Help and the Pursuit of Power

“This, this matter isn’t easy to handle,” Zhang Xiaoyou said, a headache beginning to throb. “That’s their closely guarded secret manual, never passed down to outsiders. My influence might not be enough.”

Wang Yu, having rushed over, shook Zhang Xiaoyou’s arm. “Master, please help! Aren’t you the number one person now?”

‘Is the harem truly this harmonious?’ Zhang Xiaoyou mused, observing Wang Yu plead for Yue Cai. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of admiration for Yue Feng. Comparing himself to Yue Feng, it was no wonder he’d been single for so many years. A wave of dejection washed over Zhang Xiaoyou.

“I am merely the number one person on the surface,” Zhang Xiaoyou said with a wry smile. “Not to mention, the Valley Master of the reclusive Hundred Flowers Valley is no weaker than me.”

Wang Yu had an epiphany. So, this ‘number one’ title was a bit inflated. Of course, she still intended to praise Zhang Xiaoyou, but someone—or rather, something—had no intention of granting him that courtesy.

“Hahahaha (ಡωಡ)hiahiahia, I knew it! You truly are a fraud!” Only Xiaoke dared to speak to Zhang Xiaoyou with such impudence. “I said Haotian was beaten by her back then, so how did you surpass her to become the number one? Haha, so she just retired! As they say in Haotian’s hometown, ‘When the tiger is away, the monkey becomes king!’ Mmmph!”

Xiaoke was about to continue its taunts when A-Bao pinned it to the ground, silencing its voice.

A-Bao swore it was the first time in its bear life it had seen someone act so audaciously. Seeing Wang Yu signal it, A-Bao immediately employed its Bear Paw Sealing Art, forcibly muzzling Xiaoke.

Upon hearing Xiaoke’s words, Zhang Xiaoyou’s expression shifted from clear skies to cloudy, then to outright gloom.

Seeing this, Wang Yu quickly tried to appease him.

“Master, please don’t let its words bother you. With your magnanimity, I dare say you are absolutely without blemish. Can just anyone become the number one under heaven?

This isn’t just an affirmation of your strength, but also of your character and contributions to the continent. Your ascension to this seat already signifies that everyone on the continent respects you, doesn’t it?”

Zhang Xiaoyou felt a surge of gratification after hearing Wang Yu’s words.

“No, no, no, I merely act as a teacher, guiding a few illustrious disciples. My own strength is only at the Grand Perfection of the Imperial Extreme. As for being the number one under heaven, everyone is just flattering me, hahahaha (ಡωಡ)hiahiahia.”

Shi Yang gazed at the elder, who was both strange and familiar, and decided to speak less with Xiaoke in the future, for the sake of his intelligence!

“I’ve considered what you said, and it’s not impossible to achieve,” Zhang Xiaoyou said, looking at Xiaoke, who was just scrambling back to its feet, a cold sneer playing on his lips. “However, I’ll need its help.”

“Xiaoke?” Wang Yu asked curiously.

“Precisely. It only needs to cooperate with me and act naturally,” Zhang Xiaoyou stated profoundly. “Coupled with that jade pendant, success should be ninety percent certain. However…”

Yue Feng and Wang Yu asked, “However, what?”

Zhang Xiaoyou cast a sinister glance at Xiaoke, who was attempting to sneak away. “It might need a beating.”

“That’s all?” Wang Yu looked at Zhang Xiaoyou in disbelief, pulling the troublesome beast back beside her.

Zhang Xiaoyou smiled faintly. “That’s all.”

“Then beat it freely.”

“Wouldn’t that be… bad?”

The first sentence came from Wang Yu; the second, from our conscience-bearer, the young girl Yue Cai.

The girl spoke with some hesitation. “To use such a precious jade pendant of Brother’s, and to have Xiaoke beaten, all for a disabled person like me… I don’t feel right about it.”

“An angel!” Xiaoke cried, tears welling up in its eyes. “I promise I’ll never involve you when I use my area-of-effect taunts in the future!”

‘What kind of promise is that?’ Wang Yu twitched her lips, grabbing Xiaoke by the neck as it tried to pounce on the girl. She gave Xiaoke a sinister smile. “For your angel, you must make a sacrifice.”

Wang Yu then turned to Zhang Xiaoyou. “I am its owner; I agree on its behalf.”

“I have no objections either,” Yue Feng affirmed. “Cai’er is a hundred times more precious than that jade pendant.”

The girl, deeply moved, hugged Yue Feng tightly and bestowed a fragrant kiss upon him, making Yue Feng beam with pride.

Zhang Xiaoyou watched this scene, feeling even more heartbroken. As a single man, he felt deeply wounded, his heart having been pierced countless times today. He gave a dry laugh. “That’s good, that’s good.”

“So, when can Cai’er become your disciple?” Wang Yu asked.

“It won’t take too long. It should be possible by the end of the Myriad Flame Feast,” Zhang Xiaoyou replied. “Oh, right, I’ll borrow Xiaoke for two or three days. Don’t worry, I’ll release it before the Myriad Flame Feast begins.”

“Understood, Master.” Wang Yu personally handed the struggling Xiaoke over to Zhang Xiaoyou. “Xiaoke, have a good journey. I hope these few days under Master’s tutelage will help you master the silent meditation.”

“No! Even if I’m practicing silent meditation, I should go to a Buddhist sect! This old man doesn’t even know how!” Xiaoke struggled desperately.

Zhang Xiaoyou looked at Xiaoke with a cold sneer, casually tossing it into a cage. “I don’t know Buddhist silent meditation, but I have a physical silent meditation specifically for you.”

“Oh, by the way, this is for you,” Zhang Xiaoyou said, tossing a spatial pouch to Wang Yu. “Inside are some meeting gifts from me. They are all excellent items.”

“Thank you, Master!” What a relief! Without needing to think, anything Zhang Xiaoyou called “not bad” must be priceless. It felt great to have such a wealthy and powerful master.

After adjusting his demeanor back to that of a beggar, Zhang Xiaoyou waved his hand and departed.

Wang Yu and the others watched Zhang Xiaoyou leave, feeling their moods instantly lighten. Many problems that ordinary people considered insurmountable were merely minor inconveniences to those in high positions. Wang Yu deeply understood this truth.

She then resolved to cling tightly to this powerful figure! That way, her troubles would cease to be troubles. This was the true realization for a ‘salted fish’ like her.

Today, Wang Yu remained as unmotivated as ever, which was truly commendable.

Suddenly, Wang Yu felt herself being lifted.

“My little girlfriend, the matter is resolved. Can you eat properly now?” Yue Feng held Wang Yu in his arms. “I didn’t expect you to be so proactive today, Yu’er?”

Wang Yu struggled incessantly, feeling a wave of despair. First it was Xiaoke, now it was her. Retribution came far too quickly ヽ(≧Д≦)ノ. “I can eat by myself! Don’t hold me! If anyone’s going to hold me, it should be Cai’er!”

Yue Feng wouldn’t let Wang Yu off so easily. He lightly bit her small ear, feeling the loli in his arms soften. “No, Cai’er also needs to eat. I also want Cai’er to feed me. She can’t manage both, so I’ll feed you.”

Yue Feng spoke with righteous conviction, but Wang Yu was not appreciative. She fiercely ate the food brought to her lips. ‘Once I become successful, I’ll get rid of you,’ she thought. For now, eating was more important; she truly was a bit hungry. Chomp, chomp, chomp.

Watching the little loli whose actions belied her words, Yue Feng and Yue Cai exchanged a knowing smile.

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