Grandfather Yue stood with his hands behind his back, shaking his head. “Alas! Girl, I don’t know whether to say you’re foolish or slow! You shouldn’t be constrained to finding the young clan leader’s whereabouts but should inquire about the Beggar Clan’s chaotic war from over a decade ago.”
I was speechless. This was the first time someone called me stupid or confused.
Grandma Ning saw my puzzled expression, held my hands, and patiently explained that the Beggar Gang’s internal conflict with the Demon Cult ended in a stalemate, and the Beggar’s Gang leader’s son had gone missing. Many martial arts practitioners knew that he had been captured by the Demon Cult.
I realized it was the Demon Cult that led me on this fruitless search. Still, I politely said, “Thank you, Grandpa Yue, Grandma Ning. I won’t forget your help! You’ve done me a great favor!”
Grandpa Yue and Grandma Ning looked at me, doting and smiling.
The next day, I packed my bags and left with Baby Bao and Bao Xi. Grandpa Yue gave me a bottle of antidote pills, saying that if I was poisoned, taking one would cure or at least alleviate the toxin. I accepted it. Grandma Ning gave me a high-quality sword for self-defense.
“Daughter, remember to come back and visit your grandparents,” the elder said, tears streaming down his face. My senior brothers and sisters were also emotional. “Yes, you must come back!” the younger disciples urged, hugging each other and crying. I nodded and promised. I waved goodbye and flew away on a magic carpet.
Now, it’s time to return to the First Under Heaven Headquarters to meet Yang Ziru!
[Volume Three: Demon Cult, Chapter 64: Kidnapped.]
First Under Heaven Headquarters – ‘CEO’s Office’.
I kicked open the door, “Where’s Ziru?!” Mo Ran stopped writing and smiled at me, “Dad, Ziru is resting in the next room.”
Hearing this, I didn’t rush to find her. I wore my long-unseen King of Hell ‘Sadako-style smile’, placing my hand on his shoulder, “Oh, you’ve started calling her Ziru now? Your relationship is progressing! Looks like it’s time for me to become a grandfather!”
Mo Ran blushed and pushed me away, “Dad, don’t talk nonsense. That woman and I are pure!”
I returned to a normal smile and patted his shoulder, “Okay, okay, I won’t tease you. But when will you get rid of this shy habit?”
Hehe, next room, right? I’m going now, bye.”
I usually didn’t kick the door, but gently pushed it open. Yang Ziru was lying on the bed, looking like she was in agony. I walked up and laughed mischievously, “Hey, idiot Ziru, your sleeping posture is really ‘beautiful’…”
“Okay, I admit I’m heartless. By the way, I found some information about the Beggar’s Gang’s young leader when I went to Huashan Sect.” I put on a serious expression. Yang Ziru stopped rolling her eyes and said, “Even if I have to pay the price with my backside, I’ve got some information too. You go first.”
“The young leader might be in the Demon Cult,” I said.
“I heard the same thing. Looks like our search area has narrowed. But how to infiltrate the Demon Cult is the problem. The Demon Cult members are inhumane. If outsiders go in, they’ll definitely die, and the death would be horrifically gruesome,” Yang Ziru said seriously.
I burst out laughing, “You’re actually afraid? This doesn’t sound like you, idiot Ziru.” “Stop joking, be serious. This isn’t a game,” Yang Ziru remained serious. “Fortunately, Shang-ge came this morning.” I was frustrated, “What does Shang’s arrival have to do with how we enter the Demon Cult?”
“Shang-ge has some reputation in the martial arts world. With his protection, things will be safer,” Yang Ziru said. “Hey, what about me? I’m the ‘First Divine Constable’!” “That’s just a small title in the righteous path. Shang-ge is the ‘First Assassin’!”
“The ‘First Assassin’ isn’t you, so what are you proud of?” I said just as two people called my name from outside. I turned around to see Yu Mo and Shu Yang. “Wow, everyone’s here today.”
Yu Mo smiled, “We were planning to travel this month, and we’re all free.” I rolled my eyes, “Great, the trip will be to the Demon Cult, and we’ll lose our lives.” Shu Yang asked, “What do you mean?” I explained the situation and called Shang and Bao Xi over.
“Who among you are martial arts practitioners? Declare your top title,” I asked.
“First Assassin,” Shang said coldly.
“First Divine Doctor,” Shu Yang added. I broke into a sweat – I had so many top-tier experts around me. “What about Bao Xi?” Bao Xi tilted his head, biting his finger, “No top title, but I’m somewhat connected to the martial arts world – I’m a regular customer of the candied hawthorn seller!” I was speechless, “That doesn’t count!”
Yu Mo fell to the ground in despair, “Why are all of you martial arts practitioners while I’m not!” I and Yang Ziru dramatically sighed.
Yang Ziru continued, “Bao Xi is not suited for this. Let’s send him back to the palace. Yu Mo is too weak and hasn’t been exposed to the martial arts world. Shu Yang can’t fight either. You two wait at the inn closest to the Demon Cult in Huayuan Town for our support. Shang-ge will accompany us.”
At this moment, Mo Ran’s voice rang out, “Yang Ziru, you’re staying here.” Everyone turned to look at him, confused. “Why?” Yang Ziru asked. “No reason. Just stay. I don’t want to collect your corpse from the Demon Cult.”
I secretly laughed – just say you’re concerned about her, don’t be so awkward, hehe.
Baby and Bei Bei sent us off and went to the inn in Huayuan Town with Yu Mo and Shu Yang. Now, Shang and I were lying dejectedly in the grass outside the Demon Cult. I whispered in frustration, “Damn, these Demon Cult guards are so strict! How are we supposed to get in?”
Shang chose to remain silent.
“Little Shang, I’m thirsty.” I looked at him pitifully. Shang carefully stood up, “I’ll get water for you. Stay here and don’t run around, I’ll be right back.” I nodded forcefully and urged him to go quickly.
While supporting my chin with my hands, I observed the people from the Demon Sect. Suddenly, someone unexpectedly covered my mouth and nose with a cloth, and I began to feel drowsy. My limbs completely lost strength.
Helplessly, I was carried into the Demon Sect by a masked person. The masked person spoke with another, who mercilessly struck the back of my head, and I instantly passed out.
In the moment before losing consciousness, I had two thoughts: the first was – I haven’t even had water yet! The second thought was clearly more important – could this be the legendary kidnapping? Heavens! What did I do to deserve this? Little Shang, come save me!
When I woke up, I found myself lying on a soft couch, covered with a blanket. I propped myself up and shook my dizzy head. After restarting my brain, I recalled being kidnapped and carried to the Demon Sect’s lair while Shang went to get water.
However, everything here was just darkness. I probably hadn’t left the Demon Sect. After all, it was a powerful dark organization. Even though Shang was a martial arts master, he couldn’t rescue me immediately, especially with the Demon Sect’s strict guards.
But why such good treatment? A comfortable bed and blanket? Could I have been taken hostage? I have nothing except the Tianxia Hall and some silver. With close ties to four emperors, everything remains confidential. Who would take me as a hostage?
I was frustrated. Could this not be a kidnapping? I shook my head; no. The way I was carried was clearly a kidnapping. Could I have some use? With my beautiful body, being taken to a brothel wouldn’t be surprising.
Especially those extremely immoral members of the Demon Sect? Boo-hoo~~ I don’t want to become a prostitute!
