NOVEL NEXT Chapter 411: The Old Trickster
"Guardian of the Tomb?" Gu Xiaoqi felt a sense of familiarity, though she couldn't quite remember where she had heard it before. Meanwhile, the old man continued to boast about his past achievements, claiming that even the top figures in the Underworld would greet him respectfully. He repeatedly mentioned that he was a vengeful spirit, one of the highest grade, with exceptional intelligence.
It wasn't until Gu Xiaoqi recalled events from the Spirit Gathering Immortal Valley in the Immortal Realm that she realized something significant. Although she had been asleep in the Divine Space Ring at that time, Gu Lan had later shared information with her about vengeful spirits and the Guardian of the Tomb.
After returning to the human realm, Gu Lan had even asked Daoist Yunlong and the Star Picking Pavilion to search for records related to vengeful spirits and guardians, but the era of these guardians was so ancient that they hadn't found any useful clues.
Gu Xiaoqi, usually not one for complex thoughts, had not given it much attention. However, encountering this old man, who claimed to be a Guardian of the Tomb and seemed more intelligent than the Vengeful Spirit King, brought those memories back.
"Old man, do you know what Spirit Gathering Immortal Valley is?" Gu Xiaoqi interrupted the old man's boasting with her question.
The old man, who had been enjoying his audience, was displeased at being interrupted. However, when he saw the Exorcism Talisman in Gu Xiaoqi's hand, his smile became more natural.
"What is that place? I've never heard of it," he replied. "I remember living for a very long time, so long that I can't recall many things. I have no impression of Spirit Gathering Immortal Valley or its wonders."
Gu Xiaoqi was not satisfied with this answer. She recalled that the Vengeful Spirit King from the Immortal Realm had an even worse memory and was less intelligent than this old man. It seemed that guardians had this trait. With that thought, Gu Xiaoqi decided to drop the matter.
She wasn't interested in complex details and would leave it to her master to figure out upon their return to the human realm.
"Then, does senior know where the inheritance of this place is located?" Zhe Liang asked, stepping forward.
Unlike Gu Xiaoqi, Zhe Liang's approach was more courteous.
"This young lad is quite polite!" The old man said with satisfaction. "Forget about calling me an old man; after all these years, you should call me senior!"
The old man, pleased with the respect, cleared his throat and leaned in closer to Zhe Liang, showing a sly grin. "The inheritance of Feng City is quite significant, and as the guardian, I naturally know where it is."
"But little lad, if you want me to tell you, shouldn't you show a bit of courtesy?" The old man started to rub his hands together, a hint of mischief in his expression.
Zhe Liang frowned, not understanding the gesture. He was from the Abyssal Clan and had not spent much time in the human realm, so he was unfamiliar with the meaning behind the gesture.
"Oh dear! You're quite clueless despite looking so bright!" The old man sighed dramatically. "This 'courtesy' means you should offer me a little something in return!"
Zhe Liang was not surprised by the request. He knew from his experiences in the Underworld that nothing came for free. Everything had a hidden price.
"What does senior want in return?"
"Soul-Nurturing Liquor! I can already smell it from your Storage Ring. If you give me the Soul-Nurturing Liquor, I will take you to the location of the inheritance!" The old man eagerly pointed at Zhe Liang's Storage Ring. The fact that he could sense the contents of the ring was something even Imperial Realm experts couldn't do.
Zhe Liang's vigilance increased. The old man's abilities were far beyond what they appeared. Nonetheless, he decided to give the Soul-Nurturing Liquor to the old man. After all, it was an item from Dark Palace and was only useful to Underworld cultivators with damaged souls. It was a worthwhile trade for information about ancient inheritance.
"However, about this item?" Zhe Liang held up the Soul-Nurturing Liquor.
"Yes, that's it! Hurry up and give it to me!" The old man was visibly excited, moving to grab the item.
But Zhe Liang did not give it up easily. "Senior wants this Spirit Liquor, of course. However, I need you to first take us to the inheritance location before I hand it over..."
"Heh heh! Little lad, you've been tricked!" The old man's form began to fade and gradually disappeared along with the Soul-Nurturing Liquor from Zhe Liang's hand.
"Is this a secret technique or a spell?" Zhe Liang was momentarily stunned, watching as the old man vanished without a trace. He quickly used the Black Abyss Fire to attack, but it had no effect. The old man had disappeared as if he had never been there.
"Little kids! Thanks for the Soul-Nurturing Liquor. I will remember you all!"
"I'm not breaking my promise, but the inheritance of Feng City is long gone. Taking you there would be useless!"
"Ha ha ha!"
The old man's mocking laughter echoed from a distance. Zhe Liang's face darkened. He had never encountered such a shameless so-called senior before. More than the stolen Soul-Nurturing Liquor, he was angrier about being deceived regarding the inheritance.
"Old trickster! Don't even think about escaping!" Zhe Liang shouted as he prepared to chase after the old man. However, Gu Xiaoqi was even faster.
With her phoenix wings spread wide, Gu Xiaoqi reached the old man's previous location in an instant. The scorching phoenix flames enveloped the area, lighting up the sky of Feng City! Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire
"My goodness! What a fierce little phoenix!" The old man appeared in another spot, his rear scorched and a look of lingering fear on his face. He was startled by the intensity of the attack. If he had moved even slightly slower, the consequences would have been worse than the Exorcism Talisman's impact.
"Little girl, be kinder to old people!" The old man called out, "Being so fierce will make it hard for you to find a spouse in the future!"