"I offer this bead for my freedom, how about that?" the Mixed Yuan Leopard said.
As Blackhead’s words fell, Redhead beside him also spoke, "Of course, since that old feather-duster already gave you three life-saving feathers, we naturally shouldn’t be stingy.
If you are willing, I can use my Starry Purple Flame to temper your body."
"Think about it, with our help, you could instantly become a monster standing above the many talented disciples."
"Should I accept?" Tan Jiulin fell silent for a moment, then asked the Evil God List inside her.
"From my perspective, you indeed should," the voice inside the Evil God List said, "But I am only here to assist you. Every decision should be made by yourself, not wavering amidst the opinions of others.
You have to try to be independent, try to truly experience this sick world, and ultimately grow up from it."
Tan Jiulin took a deep breath, then looked at the Mixed Yuan Leopard and the Chongming Bird, and finally nodded.
She replied, "I agree."
On the boundless river surface, the huge body of the steamer moved as swift as a released arrow, speeding across the water.
Under the cloudless sky, the azure firmament seemed as if an artist had intentionally painted it, appearing exceptionally clear.
As the steamer reached the center of the encircling river, its speed slowed down.
Xu Zimei stood inside the cabin, surveying the endless river surface with a deep gaze.
"Where does the young gentleman hail from?" an elderly man asked with a smile, "My wife and I are both from Wuhua Mountain."
On the steamer at that time, apart from the people belonging to the Yuan Family, the actual passengers were only four groups.
Xu Zimei and Xiao Guizi counted as one group, while the elderly couple beside him made another.
Another group consisted of a young woman, and the last group was a bunch of people dressed in black, entirely shrouded in black helmets.
Since arriving at this point, aside from Xu Zimei’s group and the elderly couple, the young woman and group in black had hardly ever left the cabin.
"Wuhua Mountain, that’s indeed a fine place," Xu Zimei said with a smile, "I come from Mixed Yuan Ancient City."
"I am Wu Qianjun, may I have your name, young master?" the elder asked with a smile.
"The Sect Leader of Wuhua Mountain?" Xu Zimei was taken aback, then replied with interest, "My name is Xu Zimei."
Wuhua Mountain was considered a famous mountain in the core area of the Eastern Continent, and on this mountain was Wuhua Temple, which was highly renowned across the continent.
The temple housed no Buddha figures; instead, they worshipped a ferocious and ugly demon.
Wuhua Mountain featured thirty-six blessed lands and cavern heavens, each with its own legend.
At the beginning of each spring, the temple gates would open wide, allowing all visitors to ascend the mountain.
Moreover, the way Wuhua Mountain took disciples was quite peculiar. They had all disciples draw a picture in front of the worshipped demon statue.
They drew the demons in their hearts, and then decisions were made on whether to take them as disciples.
This method was utterly unpredictable, and the world didn’t understand their criteria for choosing disciples.
"Is Young Master Xu also going to attend the Saintess ceremony of the Baili Family?" the elder asked with a smile.
"Not exactly, I’m just traveling for leisure," Xu Zimei said with a smile, asking curiously, "Who is this Saintess of the Baili Family?"
When it came to the topic of the Saintess, the first person that came to Xu Zimei’s mind was naturally Baili Xiao.
"I heard that Baili Xiao is the daughter of the Baili Family’s Family Head, Baili Chengfeng, who was only recently found," said Wu Qianjun with a smile, "The contest for the position of Saint Heir and Saintess within the Baili Family has always been brutal."
What was surprising, however, was that not long after her return, Baili Xiao managed to garner the support of most of the Elders, thereby securing her candidacy for the position of Saintess."
"Something seems off with this script," chuckled Xu Zimei lightly.
With Baili Xiao’s abilities, Xu Zimei didn’t believe she could make much of an impact in the Imperial Rule Immortal Sect-like Baili Family in such a short time.
"It seems there’s only one explanation," he said, gazing at the calm river surface and murmuring softly, "Someone’s remnant soul must have awakened ahead of time."
In his past life, Chu Yang alone took on the True Martial Holy Sect.
His audacity to challenge an Imperial Rule Immortal Sect with four Emperors was primarily because the War Generals from Empress Hongtian’s lineage actually sided with Chu Yang, aside from the fact that the Reincarnation Elder was holding back the revived Heavenly Curtain War God.
The outcome of that battle was, of course, the Sect Master of the True Martial Holy Sect coming out in an emergency, leaving Xu Qingshan with white hair overnight, before he finally retired to the mountains.
Back then, Xu Zimei didn’t understand. He laid low, only yearning for revenge, and also kept himself informed about Chu Yang and Baili Xiao.
It was only later that he understood, the reason Baili Xiao could inherit the legacy of Empress Hongtian was because everything had been arranged beforehand.
"Lin Yuqing, Empress Hongtian’s first War General, and now one of the four remaining Elders of the True Martial Holy Sect, once the senior sister of Ancestor Feihong."
Thinking of this, a cruel smile tugged at the corner of Xu Zimei’s mouth.
"Baili Xiao, I hope you won’t just die off like that. We still have unfinished business," he said.
As Xu Zimei and Wu Qianjun were having their enthusiastic conversation, the door to the cabin beside them opened, and a woman clad in armor walked out.
This armor was incredibly flexible and was actually just similar in appearance to armor, to the touch it was no different from ordinary clothing.
The armor clung tightly to her body, revealing her curvaceous figure for all to see.
With an ear-length bob, an oval face, and eyes that carried a hint of murderous intent, she exuded an air of efficiency and sharpness.
The moment this woman appeared, Xiao Guizi’s eyes nearly popped out of his head, as he stared fixedly at her without blinking.
"What is it? Interested?" asked Xu Zimei with a laugh.
"She’s just my type," Xiao Guizi quickly nodded, responding.
"If you like her, go pursue her. If you don’t want to, take her by force like an Overlord King. I support you," Xu Zimei patted Xiao Guizi on the shoulder, and said with a laugh.
Inspired, Xiao Guizi straightened his attire and then slowly approached the woman.
The breeze lifted strands of the girl’s hair as she coolly gazed into the distance.
"I am Zhang Guilin. May I ask for the lady’s name?" Xiao Guizi smiled and enquired.
"Yao Shengnan," the woman turned her head, glancing at Xu Zimei and replied indifferently.
"A heroine in no way inferior to men, who says women cannot equal men. What a good name," Xiao Guizi exclaimed in admiration.
The woman then nodded slightly and fell silent, resulting in a rather awkward atmosphere.
"Where might the lady be heading?" Xiao Guizi paused for half a moment before asking again.
This time, the woman did not answer. After a long silence, she finally turned her head and said, "I have an enemy in the Imperial Rule Immortal Sect. If you are willing to help me seek revenge, I am willing to agree to anything for you."