Chapter 6: The Little Fox and the Mother Tiger
No wonder a colorful phoenix flew to the entrance early this morning; it is a good omen of esteemed guests arriving. Even before the person has arrived, a warm and gentle voice has already blown in like a spring breeze
I averted my gaze, deliberately looking at other goods, pretending to be completely uninterested in the copper box. I am all too familiar with the art of haggling. These small vendors, if they grasp your intent to buy, will certainly raise the price. I inquired about the price of the curved knife, then touched the sapphire necklace, and the old man finally grew impatient: "Are you going to buy it or not?"
At this moment, my body began to feel hot, and my head became dizzy. After a while, my limbs indeed became weak, and I could only muster the strength to speak
Jiu Danmei smiled and said: "You should ask me about this. Low-level monsters cannot shapeshift. Only when their demonic power increases and reaches the initial evolution stage can they transform into a human when they wish, or into a monster when they wish."
The sea princess gave a soft "hm," and the one-armed man bowed, saying: "Since the Valkyrie has come here, please honor the residence of the city lord. I believe Lord Ouyang Yuan would be deeply honored."
Gan Ning cast a cold glance at me and said, "That is your concern, and it has nothing to do with us"
Strangely, after leaving that stall, a sense of loss suddenly arose in my heart
On the table, the sound of bowls and dishes clashing continues, yet only I am eating heartily while the three beautiful women do not touch their chopsticks
Is it still that agate bead? I suddenly turned around, grabbed the octagonal box made of purple copper, brought it close to my eyes, and examined the agate bead closely
The lizard demon let out a deep roar, transforming back into the figure of a one-armed man, and led us through the circular grand door. Inside was a vast garden, surrounded by corridors, with pavilions and towers distributed in a staggered manner. The magnificent glazed rooftops shimmered unpredictably under the sunlight
The sea princess leaned close to my ear and whispered, "I want to remind you that Ouyang Yuan has a wide circle of friends and has connections with many sects from the Red Dust Heaven, Pure Void Heaven, Luo Sheng Heaven, and Demon Suppression Heaven. When you meet Ouyang Yuan later, be very careful and do not reveal your identity" Her breath was fragrant, making my ears tingle
I shook my head; the true dragonfly inner elixir is within my forehead, and this one is certainly fake. My gaze swept over the agate beads, examining other items: a bronze sword, charred parchment, a sapphire necklace... I touched this, weighed that, and rummaged through everything displayed on the stall, yet not a single item struck me as extraordinary
The sea princess said with a hint of glee: "Lin Fei, it's rare to see you so quiet."
The three beautiful women exchanged glances and seemed to understand my intention. Gan Ning furrowed her brows and said, "I really have no money. After staying in that place for sixteen years, how could I have brought any money? Hai Ji, do you have any?"
The Sea Princess nodded: "Hello, Lord Ouyang."
The three beautiful women looked at each other, and both Jiu Danmei and Haiji couldn't help but giggle, even the solitary Gan Ningzhen revealed a hint of a faint smile.
The old man snatched the copper box and said in a strange tone, "Are you buying it or not? If you don't have the money, don't waste time. The inner elixir of the Dragon Butterfly is a sought-after item in any realm."
Young Master Lin? I can't help but laugh; the term "Young Master" is quite novel to me. Although I am well aware that Ouyang Yuan is flattering me, I must admit that his flattery is quite enjoyable.
Ouyang Yuan let out a bitter laugh: "Young Master Lin truly knows how to joke. What is a sleeping drug? How come I have never heard of it? The Zhu fruit is produced in the auspicious heavens, transformed from the earth's core fire, and possesses a hot and yang nature. For practitioners, consuming a single Zhu fruit is sufficient. This bowl of Zhu fruit juice contains dozens of thousand-year-old Zhu fruits. Young Master drank this bowl of Zhu fruit juice in one go, but instead of benefiting, he overindulged. If one's cultivation is not deep enough, one cannot fully unlock the miraculous effects of the Zhu fruit, leading to an excess of blood energy within the body, causing stagnation and difficulty in movement. However, Young Master need not worry; as long as you rest for one night, you will return to normal."
Jiu Danmei quietly said: "In your past life, you https://www.hetushu.com, reached a state of transformation. In the mortal realm, you were almost unrestrained and lawless."
The one-armed giant looked at me in astonishment, the Valkyrie renowned in the northern territories, asking where to go, unexpectedly seeking my opinion. He certainly did not anticipate that now I was heading east, while three beautiful women dared not venture west
Forget it! I can't afford it. I chuckled to myself, feeling quite pleased; as long as I have the support of three stunning beauties, I can enjoy free food and drinks in the future. This perfectly illustrates the saying: "A fox exploiting the tiger's might."
I crouched down, curiously examining the agate beads. The seller, an old man dressed in a robe, leaned closer to me and said mysteriously: "Would you like to buy? This is the inner elixir of the Dragon Butterfly Demon King, absolutely genuine, and very nourishing if consumed"
The old man paused and said, "Well, this, this must be worth ten taels of gold, right"
With a bang, I set down the basin and wiped my mouth: "The taste is average, a bit bitter; it wouldn't be a counterfeit, would it?"
Jiu Danmei chuckled, "Ouyang Yuan, what a clever tongue you have. No wonder you have been in charge of Ruyi City for many years; no one can outsmart you."
The sea princess's face flushed, and she instinctively took a step back: "Rascal, I am speaking to you about serious matters."
"It's nothing," I said in confusion, continuing to walk forward. Damn, how strange it is; the farther I got from that stall, the stronger my sense of loss became. It seemed that there was something peculiar there that I had missed.
Even if I were sold, I would not be worth three thousand taels of gold. I spread my empty hands: "I really want to buy it, but I have no money. Since you feel a connection with me at first sight, why not just give it to me for free?"
I jumped off the back of the lizard, gazing in astonishment at the residential building, which turned out to be an enormous turtle shell, arched high. On the shell, there were thirteen segments, with the center hollowed out, half adorned with whole pieces of colorful gemstones, while the other half retained its original tortoiseshell color
Gazing at the octagonal box made of purple copper, I pondered for a moment and resolved to acquire it
I looked at him with a smile, and the copper box was already in my grasp. As long as the old man made a move, the three beautiful women would be forced to protect me. If they did not want to bear the infamous label of robbery, they would have no choice but to obediently pay for me.
The three beautiful women exchanged glances, and Jiu Danmei smiled, saying: "The city lord is being so courteous; we can only grant you this favor. However, one guest room will suffice."
Young master, you are truly wicked
The old man replied weakly, "It was my mistake, please do not take offense."
Return the copper box to me! The old leader revealed a fierce expression, suddenly reaching out towards me with a hand that had withered away. In an instant, it swelled several times, the flesh and blood vanishing, transforming into a white, bony claw that exuded a putrid smell of decay
His body immediately inflated like a blown-up balloon, continuously expanding, with black scales emerging from his skin. His three limbs extended thick pads, and a sharp tail protruded from his rear, transforming him into a gigantic lizard, though his face still retained a human shape
Initial evolution state? Could it be that there are many types of evolution states for monsters?
I patted my belly and shouted to the beautiful women, "I am very hungry right now. Since you have no money, I have no choice but to dine and dash. Where is the most expensive restaurant?"
It should not be as simple as just a copper box
"Xi Shi? You heard wrong; I said eye discharge. Staring at your lover for too long can make your eyes sore, leading to eye discharge." I rambled on, and Ouyang Yuan, that clever fellow, was sharp, but I was no slouch either. Whenever he casually inquired about the three beauties and me, I would deftly employ my tricks to change the subject.
I feel dizzy and overwhelmed; I am currently unable to even maintain my posture.
One step, two steps, three steps, my heart is pounding, waiting for the old man to call out to me. Just as I take the fourth step, a voice comes from behind: "Young man, don't go! This copper box can be sold to you for one tael of silver, do you want it?"
The inner alchemy of books and I? I almost choked in one breath
I raised my fingers and counted the evolutionary stages of the monsters, which total nine from low to high. In order to restore my past demonic power, I must evolve at least six times
In recent years, there has been no news of Hai Wushen, Gan Xianzi, and Jiu Damei, and the major sects in the Northern Region have assumed that the three have gone missing. Ouyang Yuan remarked casually.
Staring at her plump cherry lips, I whispered, "I must remind you, if you get this close to me again, I will kiss you."
I couldn't stop smiling; just as I expected, the old man took the bait. After deliberately hesitating for a moment, I picked up the copper box and gestured to the three beautiful women, "Please help me pay."
Ouyang Yuan was left speechless, and after a moment, he said: "This, Young Master Lin, this..."
Ouyang Yuan was taken aback: "All three are stunning beauties; how could I possibly favor one over the others? Young Master Lin, who is Xi Shi?"
The old man glared at me angrily and said, "The cheapest thing here costs at least 50 taels of gold!"
The maidens giggled repeatedly: "Ah, young master, you make me feel so ticklish"
Ouyang Yuan was taken aback: "Are the four of you living in the same room?"
The sea princess slowly withdrew her hand, the edges of her palm shimmering with light, resembling a golden blade. With a "thud," the burly man collapsed to the ground in pain, his severed wrist gushing blood, as his right hand was cut off by the sea princess
I lazily remarked: "It's nothing more than some threatening words, for instance, that the inner elixir of the Dragon Butterfly is fake. Old man, if you dare to cause any more trouble, I will let everyone know that you are selling counterfeit goods. Hmph, even if I return your copper box, I, the Nine-Tailed Scorpion Demon, will come at midnight to take your life. Just think, for a worthless box, how could the old man dare to offend our beautiful and charming Jiu Da?"
No need for an introduction. Ouyang Yuan interrupted him, smiling: "The chief Valkyrie of the Sea Sutra Palace, how could I possibly forget? As long as I have met Miss Hai Ji even once, no matter how many years pass, I will never forget her."
Gan Ningzhen responded with a sound, standing with his hands behind his back, gazing at the sky, not even casting a glance at Ouyang Yuan. What a character! I silently praised, realizing that Gan Ningzhen maintained the same proud and solitary demeanor towards everyone.
The emerald basin, filled with blood-red juice, is incredibly tempting just to look at, not to mention its ability to wash the marrow and strengthen the foundation. I need to enhance my demonic power right now, and this is just what I need. Without waiting for the sea princess to speak, I snatched the emerald basin, lifted it up, tilted my head back, and gulped it down in one go.
I was completely taken aback; I can't believe it, they turned out to be four broke individuals
Jiu Danmei smiled slightly and said, "There's no need to go through all that trouble." She walked over to the old man, leaned down, and whispered a few words in his ear. The old man trembled all over. Jiu Danmei then said another sentence, and the old man's expression changed unpredictably. After a while, he gritted his teeth and, looking dejected, said, "It's nothing, nothing at all. I was just joking earlier. Everyone can leave now; I still have business to attend to."
Jiu Danmei pouted her alluring lips: "Lin Fei, you really understand my thoughts; I wish I could kiss you once."
This was also within my expectations; I took the copper box and tucked it into my bosom, then strode away.
The sound of the wind howled in my ears, and the scenery rushed by in a blur. Having grown up, I had never even ridden a horse, yet now I found myself with a monster as my steed. I was extremely excited, waving my hands and dancing about, shouting and cheering.
The good thing about me is that you cannot see it
Pointing to a jade basin, Ouyang Yuan cordially said to Haiji: "This is the juice of the thousand-year-old Zhu fruit, sourced from the Demei Peak of the Auspicious Heaven. It possesses remarkable effects of refining the essence and strengthening the foundation. Divine Warrior Hai, please give it a try"
Ouyang Yuan glanced at me, and I immediately said: "My name is Lin Fei, I am not well-known, so please don't be formal, otherwise I will get goosebumps."
I hummed, "It's getting late, I was just about to sleep, this is just right."
I let out a cold laugh: "Dining on the wind and drinking the dew, absorbing the moonlight, do you consider yourself a celestial being? If you have the ability, show me how you can turn stone into gold with the books!"
The sea princess shook her head, while Jiu Danmei arched her soft chest and smiled at me: "Can you feel it? Is there any money hidden on my body?"
I understand now! It is not the agate beads that are strange, but the purple copper octagonal box that holds them
I took a sharp breath, seeing what appeared to be a person, only to realize it was a lizard demon. The three beautiful women seemed unfazed by this sight, each leaping onto the lizard's back in turn. As soon as I sat down, the lizard demon sprang forward. Despite having only three legs, it was incredibly fast and ran very steadily; sitting on it, I felt no bumps at all.
I stared at the agate bead for quite a while, and the sea princess looked at me strangely: "You can't possibly be thinking of buying this—this inner elixir, can you?"
I rolled my eyes; Ouyang Yuan, this fat fellow, certainly has a knack for flattery
Ouyang Yuan chuckled and said: "As the saying goes, a true person does not reveal their appearance; today I finally understand. However, Young Master Lin, although you do not care for false fame, your innate extraordinary demeanor, like a brilliant pearl, is difficult to conceal"
At this moment, several individuals dressed in silver silk robes surrounded a one-armed man as they approached. Upon seeing the three beautiful women, the one-armed man was momentarily taken aback and then asked, "Who just bought something without paying?"
The old man glanced at me, ignored me, and continued to call out to other customers
The young master is truly handsome
What happened?" Jiu Danmei asked
The one-armed man bowed and said: "I have met the city lord, this is someone from Luoshengtian..."
As we crossed the street, the crowd fell silent, automatically parting to create a clear path. I felt as if I were an emperor on a grand procession. After a long while, the surrounding noise gradually returned, with people continuing their transactions while stealing glances at us. I wandered around, turning east and west; the goods here were indeed fascinating—flying swords, humanoid herbs, beast skins as thin as cicada wings, and the inner elixirs of monsters. The array was dazzling, but unfortunately, I had no money to buy anything. I paused in front of a stall.
Damn it, both the Northern Realm and the Great Tang are just a bunch of snobs. I snorted and turned to leave, but after taking a few steps, I suddenly stopped.
Jiu Danmei said: "Of course, when doing business in Ruyi City, one must pay taxes to the city lord. In return, Ouyang Yuan guarantees the safety of their property"
The sea princess snorted: "You will eat yourself to death, always thinking about food."
I scoffed and said, "One or two taels of silver would be more appropriate." After saying that, I turned and left
I am quite pleased with myself: "The people regard food as paramount, what do you understand? Eating is a form of culture. When I am in the mood later, I will discuss it with you in depth."
Hai Ji awkwardly said to Jiu Dan Mei: "How about you use the cat-eye earrings as collateral for that old man?"
Sister, you are also charming; the two of us are a match made in heaven
A bloody large hand fell to the ground
Ouyang Yuan glanced at me, then at Hai Ji, clearly unable to discern the nature of our relationship. After a pause, he said: "Young Master Lin has profound cultivation, so it is certainly not a problem. Otherwise, if one were to drink this large basin of red fruit juice, one would be incapacitated for at least several hours"
The old man glanced at the beauties, then turned his gaze to me and said enthusiastically: "Young man, you look like someone who knows value. This inner elixir, I will give you an 20% discount, selling it to you for 10,000 taels of gold. What do you think?"
Gan Ning truly struck the long sword at his waist, and a sharp stream of water vapor, as cold as ice and snow, burst forth from the scabbard, spreading out in a white mist before the old man. The latter let out a strange cry and was sent flying, the dagger in his hand shattering into pieces
Do not shout randomly in the future! The one-armed man straightened his face, stared at the Sea Princess for a few moments, and suddenly his expression became respectful: If I am not mistaken, you are the Sea Princess Valkyrie of the Pulse Sea Palace, correct
I exclaimed, "This Ouyang Yuan is quite wealthy"
Ouyang Yuan quickly said: "It is my subordinate's recklessness, and I hope everyone can be forgiving. I have prepared simple tea and meals in the main hall to welcome you all and wash away the dust of your journey"
I frowned and said, "I only have one or two silver coins, what can I buy with that?"
The one-armed giant lowered his head and said, "Please come up, I will carry you all forward"
I was astonished to say: "You come out without money, isn't it clear that you intend to dine and dash? I am a petty rogue, and you are the big rogues."
The sea princess chuckled softly, while Jiu Danmei laughed so heartily that her delicate figure trembled. Gan Ning cast a glance at me, seemingly appreciating my response
The banquet was undoubtedly lavish, primarily featuring vegetables and fruits, and Ouyang Yuan had clearly discerned the preferences of the ladies. During the event, he spoke eloquently and skillfully, ensuring that no one felt neglected.
Ouyang Yuan smiled and said, "I have already prepared several elegant and clean guest rooms. If you all would be gracious enough to stay, it would be my utmost honor"
The sea princess gave me a sidelong glance: "I have always carried provisions." From her ear, as if performing a magic trick, she produced a golden sea conch, its round opening releasing a golden kernel of corn that rolled in the palm of my hand
The old man glared with his eyes and waved his hand: "Go away, go away, what are you saying without money? You dress quite well, but I didn't expect you to be a pauper."
"Someone is stealing!" An old man got up, crying out in despair, and dared not act further. People gathered around, their eyes fixed on us, and someone whispered, "With such big names as Gan Ning, Hai Ji, and Jiu Dan Mei, how can they openly steal?" "What do you know? It is precisely because they have great names and strong power that they dare to break the rules of Ruyi City"
You! The sea princess stamped her foot and said, "How can you be so unreasonable?"
Thank you all for your presence. The one-armed man took a careful look at me, crouched down, supported himself on three limbs, and took a deep breath.
The three beautiful women exchanged glances, and before they could respond, I seized the opportunity to speak: "City Lord, your statement is quite problematic. Is it true that Jiu Danmei is a great beauty, while Hai Ji and Gan Ning are not? Hmm, beauty is in the eye of the beholder; do you perhaps have a fondness for our Jiu Danmei?"
I felt quite dizzy as they sold counterfeit goods right in front of me, and they were asking for an outrageous price. This old fellow probably never imagined that the Dragon Butterfly was right before him. I waved my hand, about to leave, when the old man grabbed the corner of my clothing and said eagerly, "I'll give you half price! This is the inner elixir of the Dragon Butterfly, a rare treasure! Forget it, forget it, I feel a connection with you, young man. I'll offer a flat price of 3,000 taels of gold!"
A flash of golden light
Along the way, I flirted playfully with the maidservants, feeling extremely joyful. In the past in Luoyang, where could I have enjoyed such romantic fortune?
The sea princess nodded indifferently, while the one-armed man displayed a look of joy: "I am a subordinate of Lord Ouyang Yuan, the lord of Ruyi City. Twenty-one years ago, I had the fortune to accompany the lord on a visit to the Palace of Pulse and Veins. At that time, I caught a distant glimpse of the Valkyrie, her unparalleled grace is unforgettable to this day"
On the wrinkled wool blanket, many items were haphazardly arranged, among which was a purple copper octagonal box containing a round agate bead, bright red in color, which at first glance resembled the inner elixir of a dragonfly
In front of a shimmering mansion, the lizard demon stopped and turned to say: "The lord of the city’s residence has arrived"
"You haven't paid yet!" The old man chased after him, holding a gleaming dagger in his hand, and said fiercely, "You little brat, do you dare to steal things in Ruyi City?"
As the crowd gradually dispersed, Jiu Danmei winked at me, and Hai Ji curiously asked, "What exactly did you say to him?"
Gan Ning hesitated for a moment and nodded. Hai Ji asked me, "Are you going?"
It is truly a strange matter. I withdrew in disappointment, yet the feeling of being lost returned once again
The crowd exchanged glances for a while before someone exclaimed, "She is the Sea Princess, the chief Valkyrie of the Luo Sheng Tian Mai Jing Sea Palace!" Instantly, the crowd erupted into chaos, and another voice shouted, "Heavens! The one in the white robe is Gan Ning Zhen! It’s Gan Ning Zhen! How strange, how could they be together?" Another whispered, "Shh, keep your voice down, there’s also someone who looks like Jiu Dan Mei, we must not provoke this calamity."
Of course, the initial state is referred to as the physical state. As the cultivation of demonic power increases, the demon continuously evolves, advancing into higher levels such as the receptive state, numerical state, intentional state, spiritual state, transformative state, worldly state, the state of the subtle mind, and ultimately the Alaya state. In any case, with your current level of demonic power, it would be futile to explain this to you.
Gan Ning gently remarked: "The art of turning stone into gold is a unique secret technique of the Qingxu Tiandan School. Unfortunately, many years ago, the Tiandan School perished, and the art of turning stone into gold has since been lost."
Ouyang Yuan was completely unbothered, always wearing a cheerful expression: "I think, apart from the enchanting Gan Xianzi from the Clear Void and Azure Sky, who else could possess such grace? Meeting her in person is truly more impressive than hearing about her reputation." She then turned to Jiu Danmei: "The colorful phoenix does not associate with crows; aside from the most beautiful woman in the Demon Abyss, Jiu Danmei, there is no other woman in the Northern Region who can walk alongside Gan Xianzi and the Sea Martial God without losing her luster."
I finally could not hold back and turned back. It was only when I walked back to that stall that my emotions returned to normal. I suddenly realized that there must be something mysterious here
"What?" I jumped up suddenly: "Damn it, why didn't you say so earlier! Did you slip me some kind of drug?"
Jiu Danmei exclaimed: "The three thousand weak waters of Gan Xianzi are indeed as renowned as they are said to be"
As soon as I touched the copper box, a buzzing sound filled my ears, and the inner elixir in my forehead suddenly heated up, causing an unusual sense of fullness to surge within me
The sea princess furrowed her brows, and Jiu Danmei smiled, saying: "This is best; our Lin Fei will also have a place to eat and drink. Otherwise, if he causes a ruckus, we will have to fight on his behalf"
I touched my empty stomach and hinted, "Lord Ouyang, you are quite hospitable. We have just arrived in Ruyi City and have not had the chance to eat before you invited us here"
Ouyang Yuan's gaze shifted towards Gan Ningzhen: "If my old eyes are not deceived, this must be the renowned Fairy Gan from the Northern Region"
I pretended to shout: "What nonsense are you spouting! Do you really think this broken box for the Dragonfly Inner Elixir is worth fifty taels of gold?"
I gladly said: "Enough of this and that, I know you want to please the sea princess, but she has provisions to eat and does not care for any thousand-year or ten-thousand-year red fruits. Right, my beauty?"
The sea princess nodded helplessly; in order to protect me, they had no choice but to do so. Gan Ning truly said: "Please ask the city lord to call a few people to carry Lin Fei inside."
I have a mischievous smile: "Unfortunately, I can't move; otherwise, I would definitely help you scratch that itch"
I shook my head; this strong man is truly unfortunate. Of all people to provoke, he dared to provoke me. Beautiful lady from Hai University, you are indeed dedicated to your duties, and I am very satisfied with you
The Sea Princess proudly declared: "This is Nine Ears Rice, as large as a mountain, but I have shrunk it using armor protection techniques. As for Gan Ning Zhen, she has always dined on the wind and drank the dew, while Jiu Dan Mei feeds on the moonlight. Unlike you, who is nothing more than a lowly little demon."
As the sky darkens, the hall remains brightly lit, with dozens of luminous pearls hanging from the ceiling, their crystalline glow illuminating the surroundings with a sense of transparency.
I stared at the corn kernel: "How can such a small morsel be eaten? Just lick it once a day?"
From the inner courtyard, a chubby middle-aged man emerged, with small eyes like beans and a face full of smiles: "I am Ouyang Yuan, and I apologize for not welcoming you properly from afar. I hope you all can forgive me"
I pat my chest: "Rest assured, my dear, I am not that foolish to seek trouble for myself. However, I would like to ask you, can monsters transform at will? Just like this fellow?"
I immediately felt a sense of pride and waved my hand, saying: "Lead the way ahead, and have your city lord prepare the banquet."
Ouyang Yuan looked at me with a mix of envy and astonishment, called over a few maidservants, and had them carry me towards the side room. The young maidservants were all charming and soft, and although their limbs were weak, I took the opportunity to sway my head and bump around, seizing the chance to take liberties.