Chapter Nine: Are You Afraid to Play?

Sujian nodded in agreement when he heard this. “Our situation is perilous now,” he said. “On one side, there’s the relentless pursuit of the Alliance of the Righteous; on the other, those harboring sinister intentions. To break out of this predicament, we’ll need your help, Teacher’s Wife.”

Zhao Qianxue was naturally clever, though she’d never been versed in worldly matters. She had already sensed the sharp edge in Su Henli’s words. Earlier in the room, she had pondered this issue, especially recalling the tragic fate of the little maid who died before her eyes, and the endless humiliation suffered by Gao Zhengde. The memories sent chills through her entire being.

The oppressive loneliness in the room had only deepened her fear.

“What do you need me to do?” she asked.

Sujian was direct. “I need three hundred spirit stones, or something of equal value.”

Zhao Qianxue snorted in displeasure. “Is that all I am to you? Every time you come to me, it’s for spirit stones.”

She felt hurt; she was clearly formidable in her own right!

Sujian smiled. “Then I’ll leave dealing with the Alliance of the Righteous to you, Teacher’s Wife. You must protect me well.”

He said no more about Su Henli; there was always the possibility of eavesdroppers, and some things were better kept unspoken.

Zhao Qianxue was speechless, then silently handed over three hundred spirit stones.

Sujian raised an eyebrow, sensing deception. “Teacher’s Wife, didn’t you say last time that the previous five hundred spirit stones were our last family treasure?”

As expected, women with a glint in their eyes can be deceitful—ancient wisdom, indeed.

Zhao Qianxue shot him a look with her beautiful eyes. “What do you know? This isn’t like when we were in the palace. One must always keep some stones for emergencies; otherwise, when things get critical, where am I supposed to steal more for you?”

In her agitation, she even referred to herself as ‘this old woman.’

Sujian seized the opportunity. “You’re always so thoughtful, Teacher’s Wife. From now on, I’ll leave all spirit stone expenses in your hands!”

Zhao Qianxue’s face darkened, silent on the surface, but her right hand had already darted for Sujian’s ear.

Sujian deftly dodged, narrowly escaping her grasp.

He grumbled, “Are you really so petty? If you can’t win with words, you resort to violence!”

Zhao Qianxue snorted softly, secretly lamenting her missed chance. Sujian’s alertness was simply too high—she almost succeeded!

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Sujian decided to ignore her for a while, and quietly converted the spirit stones Zhao Qianxue had given him into power.

[Conversion successful. Current remaining power: 20,605.]

Seeing that he finally had enough, Sujian eagerly exchanged for the Great Shifting Talisman.

This time, he didn’t hand it to Zhao Qianxue directly; otherwise, it would contradict what he’d said earlier. Better to give it to her in a few days, with some excuse—after all, Zhao Qianxue was easy to fool.

“Why are you suddenly silent, Little Jian? Are you angry with Teacher’s Wife? I promise I won’t pinch your ear anymore, all right?” Zhao Qianxue put on a pitiful expression.

At the same time, she resolved to try a different approach next time. Sujian’s cheeks were rather nice—pinching them would surely feel even better!

Thinking of this, Zhao Qianxue was already itching to try.

Sujian came back to himself and asked bluntly, “Teacher’s Wife, have you ever heard of Shen Qingyan or He Hansu?”

Ordinarily, once he was linked with a Dao partner, his cultivation would progress by leaps and bounds.

Even if it didn’t match his expectations, it wouldn’t be far off.

Zhao Qianxue scrutinized him. “Why are you asking about them? Are you interested in them, and want me to arrange a match for you?”

Sujian was speechless. His teacher’s wife’s imagination was truly wild.

Zhao Qianxue continued, “But I advise you to give up that thought. Shen Qingyan is no good; she’s the precious daughter of the Alliance’s leader. If you value your life, stay far away from her.”

Sujian pressed, “What about He Hansu?”

Zhao Qianxue sniffed, “I haven’t heard of her. Where did you learn that name, Little Jian?”

Sujian replied casually, “As you said, I’m no longer young. It’s time I found a wife and carried on the family line.”

Zhao Qianxue’s expression suddenly grew complicated. “As cultivators, how can we let love cloud our eyes? You truly don’t know how blessed you are. Back then... never mind, those old stories are better left untold.”

Hm?

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Sujian was taken aback, suddenly curious, his face bright with gossip. “I love old stories! The mood is so tense right now—why not share one to lighten the atmosphere?”

Could it be that his teacher’s wife was a woman with a past?

Zhao Qianxue replied irritably, “Tense, my foot! Children shouldn’t know such things. Stop poking your nose where it doesn’t belong!”

Sujian instantly felt that everything was dull. The perfect mood for a story had been ruined.

He waved his hand. “In that case, Teacher’s Wife, you may go. It’s late, you should rest while you can—who knows, soon you might not even have the chance for a peaceful sleep.”

Zhao Qianxue, aggrieved, said, “Oh, Little Jian, you’ve forgotten Teacher’s Wife before you even have a bride. So heartless!”

Drama queen! The Oscars owe you a prize.

Sujian hesitated, then approached Zhao Qianxue, whispering in her ear, “Teacher’s Wife, remember to stay away from Su Henli when you can. She didn’t get what she wanted, so she won’t let it go. However, before she reaches her goal, we’re safe for now—though who knows how long her false kindness will last.”

Zhao Qianxue frowned. “But we truly don’t have what they’re looking for. We don’t even know what it is.”

Sujian raised an eyebrow. “The problem is, they’re convinced we do!”

He thought privately, “You don’t, but I really do!”

He still couldn’t be certain that the item he carried was the very thing causing upheaval across the realm, nor did he know its hidden secrets.

But his guess was likely correct, especially considering his master’s odd behavior when handing it over.

As for why his master hadn’t given it to Zhao Qianxue, but to him instead—

It must have been a matter of choosing the lesser risk. With him, it was less likely to be discovered.

At this moment, both the Alliance of the Righteous and Su Henli had their attention focused on Zhao Qianxue.

But it didn’t mean much; unless he and Zhao Qianxue acted separately, sooner or later suspicion would fall on him.

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