NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: The Craftswoman – Fairy Meng Die
In the Tai Su Hall, seated upon the bronze imperial throne, Tai Suzi’s brow furrowed slightly.
For a fleeting moment, she had sensed… something. A premonition of danger, a feeling of unease she hadn’t experienced since achieving the Saint King realm.
Chu Xiu, his eyes downcast, a subtle, demonic glint flickering within their depths, unleashed an invisible wave of energy, a ripple that spread throughout the hall, undetected by anyone present.
[Ding! Weeping Sky Reincarnation Seal, Child Seal successfully implanted. Target is unaware.]
[Remaining Uses: 0]
[Child Seal Host: Tai Suzi]
[Child Seal Host: Qi Meng Die]
[Note: Host can retract the Child Seal at any time. Retracting the seal will increase the number of uses, up to a maximum of two simultaneous targets.]
[Ga ga ga… As expected of the Fated Villain! Such audacity! Such wickedness! Targeting the Holy Master, a Saint King realm expert! Triggering a Super Critical Hit Reward: Dan Jing, Middle Volume.]
Dan Jing, Middle Volume
[Category: Secret Technique]
[Grade: Immortal]
[Description: The Dan Jing is an ancient scripture divided into three volumes. The Middle Volume is a compendium of poisons, containing tens of thousands of formulas. Mastering its contents allows one to create poisons potent enough to kill even Quasi-Emperors. Combining all three volumes completes the Dan Jing, the supreme alchemy scripture created by the legendary Human Emperor Dan Di of the Primordial Era.]
Chu Xiu was ecstatic.
This was an incredible reward!
He had been wanting to learn the art of poison for a long time. After all, what self-respecting villain didn’t dabble in toxins?
He collected his thoughts and bowed respectfully.
“Holy Master, would it be possible for this disciple to… peruse the Holy Land’s collection of heavenly treasures?”
He knew he couldn’t afford to be reckless with Tai Suzi. She was the Holy Master of the Tài Sù Holy Land, a peak Saint King realm expert, not someone he could easily manipulate or threaten. If he pushed her too far, she would undoubtedly retaliate with her full might, a battle he couldn’t afford to lose.
The Weeping Sky Reincarnation Seal was a last resort, a hidden ace up his sleeve, to be used only in the most dire of circumstances.
“Very well,” Tai Suzi replied, her voice calm and even. She waved her hand, and a purple jade slip floated towards Chu Xiu.
As he touched it, a soft purple light enveloped him, projecting holographic images of various heavenly treasures.
‘Crimson Sun Spirit Glass… Vermillion Bird Buddha Flesh… Bagua Ginseng… Violet Flame Sprout… Dragon King Ghost Lotus…’
Each item was an Immortal-grade treasure, their descriptions filling him with a mixture of awe and greed.
“System, are any of these treasures beneficial for my future Extreme Realm breakthroughs?”
[Holy shit! You have to get your hands on the Bagua Ginseng and the Vermillion Bird Buddha Flesh! They’ll be incredibly helpful for your Saint Body breakthroughs!]
“I can only choose one.”
[I recommend the Bagua Ginseng. We can find a way to get the Vermillion Bird Buddha Flesh later.]
Chu Xiu turned to Tai Suzi. “Holy Master, I choose the Bagua Ginseng.”
“Very well,” she replied, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Return to your peak with your master. The Bagua Ginseng will be delivered to you shortly.”
“Thank you, Holy Master.” Chu Xiu bowed respectfully.
He and Qi Meng Die exited the Tai Su Hall, a palpable tension hanging in the air between them.
…
As they left, Tai Suzi opened her eyes, a thoughtful expression on her face.
‘The Bagua Ginseng is incredibly effective at strengthening the blood and qi. I hope he puts it to good use…’
‘But that feeling earlier… that sense of danger… where did it come from?’
‘Could someone be plotting against me?’
‘Perhaps I’ve been in seclusion for too long… I should venture out into the world and see what’s changed…’
Her body began to shimmer, becoming translucent, before vanishing completely, her presence fading from the hall, her destination unknown.
…
Aboard a massive, Vermillion Bird-shaped, Heaven-grade flying ship, Chu Xiu and Qi Meng Die sat facing each other across a small tea table in the main cabin.
Two female inner disciples from Yúnxiá Peak served them tea, their faces flushed, their gazes occasionally darting towards Chu Xiu, drawn to his warm smile and undeniable charisma.
“You two may leave,” Chu Xiu said to the disciples, his voice gentle. “I need to speak with Master in private.”
“But…” one of the disciples began, her voice trembling slightly, a hint of reluctance in her eyes.
“Peak Master…” Chu Xiu turned to Qi Meng Die, his expression concerned. “Are you feeling unwell?”
Qi Meng Die’s lips tightened, the bronze fox mask hiding her expression. She knew she had lost her composure, her reaction to his words betraying her inner turmoil.
After a moment of silence, she waved her hand dismissively. “You may leave.”
“Yes, Peak Master,” the disciples bowed and exited the cabin, closing the door behind them.
Chu Xiu immediately cast a soundproofing barrier.
“Rebellious disciple,” Qi Meng Die said, her voice cold, her eyes narrowed with suspicion, “what are you planning? Do you truly see me as nothing more than a… tool?”
Chu Xiu leaned back, resting his chin on his hand, a playful smile on his lips. “Master… is that how you perceive me? As some kind of… sex-crazed fiend?”
Qi Meng Die’s body trembled slightly.
“You… you are…”
“Now, now, Master,” Chu Xiu interrupted, his eyes gleaming with a subtle, demonic light. “Would you… be interested in regaining your cultivation?”
Qi Meng Die’s heart skipped a beat at his words, her gaze fixed on his.
Chu Xiu rose from his seat and sat beside her, inhaling her sweet fragrance. He reached out to remove her mask.
Qi Meng Die turned her head, pulling away slightly, clutching the mask behind her back, her eyes filled with suspicion.
“A clever concealment artifact,” Chu Xiu remarked, nodding approvingly. “Even a Saint King wouldn’t be able to see through it.”
“Your concealment methods are quite impressive as well,” Qi Meng Die retorted, her voice still cold. “After… that… ” she continued, her cheeks flushing slightly, “you should have been reeking of my Heavenly Fragrance Physique’s unique scent. Yet, you managed to mask it completely. Even the Holy Master didn’t notice.”
She had been terrified when she learned that the Holy Master had summoned Chu Xiu. His rising fame within the sect had made it impossible for him to remain unnoticed for long.
But thankfully, her rebellious disciple had taken precautions. If their secret had been exposed…
The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
“You mentioned… restoring my cultivation…” she said, her voice barely a whisper, her lips pressed together.
“Indeed,” Chu Xiu confirmed.
“There’s always a price, isn’t there? I don’t believe you’d be so generous without expecting something in return.”
“Oh, Master,” Chu Xiu chuckled, “you know me too well.”
He retrieved a blueprint from his storage pouch and placed it before her, his finger tapping a specific section.
“I hear you’re quite the craftswoman, Master. I need you to create these… items.”
Qi Meng Die studied the blueprint, her brow furrowed in confusion.
It depicted dozens of gears and smooth, egg-shaped objects.
“What… what are these?”
“Toys. You’ll understand once you’ve created them.”
“And this… tail-like thing?”
“Just focus on crafting them, Master. There’s a reward waiting for you… if you succeed.”
“What are you doing?!” She yelped as she felt his hand brush against her thigh. She recoiled, like a startled cat, her body tensing.
“Still calling me ‘rebellious disciple’? You should be calling me ‘good brother’ now.”
“Never! I’d rather die!”
“Such spirit…”
Ten minutes later…
“No! I refuse! You can’t make me! I’m a Great Saint! You can’t control me!”
“Mmph… Good brother…”
…
The Heaven-grade flying ship, its journey slightly bumpy due to Chu Xiu’s “activities,” finally arrived back at Yúnxiá Peak. It was late, the two moons hanging high in the night sky, surrounded by a sea of twinkling stars.