txolops Chapter 13 Crisis Approaches
Chapter 13 Crisis Approaches
Pang Sicheng remained calm, smiled slightly, and said in a gentle tone, "My cultivation level is similar to that of Junior Sister Duanmu. We often exchange cultivation experiences and verify each other's findings, which naturally makes our efforts twice as effective."
A barely perceptible hint of annoyance flashed in Duanmu Yao's eyes as she turned her gaze elsewhere.
As the three were talking, they suddenly saw several disciples gathered around a stall ahead, seemingly arguing over something, with the faint sounds of bidding coming from the stall.
"I'll offer ninety spirit stones! I'll take this Crimson Flame Flying Sword!"
"You dare to ask for ninety? I'll offer a hundred!"
Upon hearing this price, several disciples who had initially expressed interest immediately backed down, their faces showing hesitation.
One hundred spirit stones is a huge sum of money for an ordinary inner disciple without a powerful background.
The commotion immediately caught Sun Yingxue's attention.
Her gaze swept across the crowd, landing precisely on the crimson flying sword, its surface shimmering with spiritual light. A look of delight spread across her face: "A fire-attribute flying sword! Perfect for me!"
Seeing that his beloved's friend had taken a liking to the item, Pang Sicheng was not about to miss the opportunity to show off. He immediately parted the crowd and said in a voice that left no room for doubt: "I, Pang Sicheng, want this flying sword."
"Pang Sicheng?"
"Elder Pang's great-grandson?"
Upon hearing the name, the disciples watching all changed their expressions and silently took a few steps back, no one daring to compete anymore.
Pang Sicheng reached out and picked up the Crimson Flame Sword, then his gaze fell on the stall owner, Shen Li, and he asked in a condescending tone, "Boy, it's you again? How many spirit stones does this sword cost?"
Shen Li's gaze swept over the three people, a slight chill running through her: It's those two again. Hopefully, they won't make things difficult for me again.
So he calmly replied, "The starting price is eighty spirit stones. However, that senior brother just bid one hundred spirit stones..."
Before he could finish speaking, Pang Sicheng's cold gaze swept over the surrounding crowd, interrupting, "Who was it that just offered one hundred spirit stones?"
Those who were caught in his gaze all lowered their heads, and no one dared to respond.
Who would be willing to offend this powerful sect prodigy for a flying sword?!
Seeing this, Shen Li was displeased, but knew it would be unwise to offend this person for a few dozen spirit stones, so he went along with it and said, "Since Senior Brother Pang has taken a liking to it, eighty spirit stones will suffice."
However, at that moment, Duanmu Yao's gaze also fell on Shen Li's face. A hint of surprise flashed in her cold eyes, and she parted her lips slightly: "It's you?"
Shen Li was not flustered when she was recognized. She cupped her hands in greeting and said, "Senior Sister Duanmu, it's a pleasure to meet you again. What a coincidence."
Duanmu Yao slightly relaxed her eyebrows, her tone remaining calm: "Last time, I was very grateful for your Yin Ning Grass, which saved me from a dire situation."
Shen Li thought to himself: I am also very grateful for your spirit stones.
However, he responded politely, "Senior sister, you flatter me. It was just a fair trade. It's my honor to be able to help you."
Duanmu Yao spoke again with a meaningful tone, "But I heard that you bought that Yin Ning Grass for seven spirit stones, but then resold it to me for thirty spirit stones. Junior Brother, you really have a knack for making money."
Upon hearing this, Shen Li's expression changed slightly: as expected, the news had leaked out. But that was to be expected; the market was crowded and no secret could be kept.
Moreover, given her status as the sect leader's personal disciple, investigating such a trivial matter would be a piece of cake for her.
He observed Duanmu Yao's expression and saw that she was not angry. Instead, her eyes held a hint of indescribable amusement, which reassured him.
Shen Li explained awkwardly, "We lower-level disciples have scarce cultivation resources. We can only make a living by dealing in meager items. Please forgive us, Senior Sister."
Upon hearing this, Pang Sicheng's face instantly darkened, and he said coldly, "What a cunning brat! He actually used his speculative tricks on Junior Sister Duanmu?!"
"Hurry up and return the extra spirit stones you've earned!"
A nameless anger rose in Shen Li's heart, and he cursed inwardly: "Mind your own business!"
Besides, you were there at the time, and my transaction with Duanmu Yao was fair.
However, knowing that a direct confrontation was not advisable at this moment, he replied calmly and respectfully, "Senior Brother Pang, you are wise. Market transactions are based on mutual consent. Senior Sister Duanmu urgently needed spiritual herbs, and I provided what she needed. How could that be considered cheating?"
Pang Sicheng was shocked that this kid dared to refute him in public. His eyes flashed with cold light: "Boy, are you questioning me? Believe me or not, one word from me can make it impossible for you to move an inch in the Heavenly Demon Sect, and you'll be kicked out of the sect!"
Just as Shen Li felt the pressure increase sharply and was caught in a dilemma, Duanmu Yao's clear and cold voice rang out: "Senior Brother Pang."
She intentionally or unintentionally stood between Shen Li and Pang Sicheng, saying, "This Junior Brother Lin found Yin Ning Grass for me, which is helping me, not offending me."
Besides, this is a transaction between him and me, and it has nothing to do with anyone else.
Although her tone was calm, it carried an undeniable air of authority. She then turned to Sun Yingxue and said, "Since Junior Sister Sun has already chosen the flying sword, let's complete the transaction and leave as soon as possible."
Duanmu Yao's words completely shut down any excuses Pang Sicheng might use to launch an attack.
Pang Sicheng didn't want to upset Duanmu Yao over such a trivial matter, so he had to suppress his anger and remain silent.
However, he was quite unhappy. He hadn't expected Duanmu Yao to speak up for such a lowly servant disciple. This resentment stuck in his chest, making his gaze towards Shen Li even more sinister.
Sun Yingxue quickly smoothed things over, saying, "Yes, Senior Brother Pang, it's just a small matter, why bother?"
Fearing complications and that someone might steal the suitable flying sword, she immediately took out eighty low-grade spirit stones and handed them to Shen Li.
After the transaction was completed, the three prepared to leave.
As she left, Duanmu Yao turned back to look at Shen Li one last time, a hint of something enigmatic in her eyes: "Junior brother, you certainly have a knack for business. That flying sword must have made you quite a profit, right?"
Feeling a little guilty under her gaze, Shen Li could only smile awkwardly and mumble, "It's just a small business, barely enough to make a living."
Duanmu Yao didn't delve into the matter, casually asking, "I still don't know how to address you, Junior Brother?"
Shen Li's identity was delicate, and he did not want to get too involved with these prodigies, but when asked, he had no choice but to tell the truth: "Shen Li."
Duanmu Yao nodded slightly, then turned and left with Pang Sicheng and Sun Yingxue.
Shen Li thought to himself: This Duanmu Yao is an upright person, unlike someone from the demonic path. Indeed, the lines between good and evil are blurred, and it's mostly a struggle for interests.
But Pang Sicheng is arrogant and domineering, a typical characteristic of the demonic sect. We must be careful of him in the future.
......
That night, the stars shone brightly.
Inside a cave dwelling rich in spiritual energy on Haoyang Peak, one of the five peaks of the Heavenly Demon Sect.
Pang Sicheng stood with his hands behind his back, his handsome face showing a hint of gloom.
A young disciple dressed in black, with a sharp and capable-looking face, stood respectfully behind him.
"Tong Lu, have you found out?" Pang Sicheng's voice was icy.
Tong Lu clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, replying, "Senior Brother Pang, the matter has been investigated."
Shen Li, a menial servant of the Heavenly Demon Sect, is at the second level of Qi Refining. He has poor aptitude, no background, and is constantly bullied.
Moreover, he seemed to have a grudge against the steward, Liu Jincai.