Chapter 639: Don't Worry, I Have It Under Control

Chapter 640: Go to East Heaven King City on Orders to Cause Trouble

The Jin Zhao lineage's power had only manifested for Xu Xiaoshou in a few instances: besides the three mentioned earlier, it happened when he encountered the Ming Jian Yanmang, and briefly when he glimpsed it on the Langbei Shengren.

According to Ba Zun An's account, that figure was a Sheng Di!

Now, combining the reactions of Hui Wu Ren and Ba Zun An...

It seemed all these people had spent time on Xukong Dao?

"Mo ah..."

Xu Xiaoshou panicked.

He had no desire to wade into the murky waters of Xukong Dao.

From his deductions, it was a true place of exile.

And those exiled there were ghost beasts in human form, very likely all Sheng Ren!

Ba Zun An's first words were already this explosive?

Could it be that this follower was someone he had misjudged?

Hui Wu Ren instinctively stepped back, his heart filled with deep-seated fear toward the person before him, not daring to get any closer.

After a long silence, he finally managed to say, "I am from the Black Pulse."

"Hah!"

Ba Zun An let out a cold laugh. "The Black and White Pulses both bow to me as their superior. Do you think you can transcend that?"

The atmosphere turned tense and deadly in an instant.

Xu Xiaoshou felt his hands and feet grow ice-cold.

If not for his previous conversations with the easygoing Ba Zun An, he might have thought this was an entirely different person.

This guy was overwhelmingly dominant when facing outsiders.

Hui Wu Ren fell silent.

He stepped back again, his eyes flickering with evasion. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it.

"Speak!"

Ba Zun An barked sharply.

It was enough to startle even the storyteller.

He had captured a sealed ghost beast.

And he knew his brother had been searching for sealed ghost beasts.

But he assumed his brother only coveted the power of the sealing attribute, wanting to claim them as Sheng Nu.

Little did he expect that these two were connected in some inexplicable way.

"I want to live."

Hui Wu Ren sighed. "I can't join your plans. The Sheng Shen Dian Tang isn't as simple as you think... I truly want to live!"

"Self-serving and cowardly, yet you speak of goodness?"

Ba Zun An's murky gaze seemed to pierce like a sword. "If you want to escape, you know the power of the Sheng Shen Dian Tang. How long do you think you can run?"

"Last time, you escaped from Bai Ku, but this time, you fled and got caught by the storyteller."

"Next time, can you survive the pursuit of the White Robes and Red Robes?"

Hui Wu Ren said nothing.

Ba Zun An pressed on relentlessly.

"If you want to escape, fine, but why did you go to Bai Ku?"

"If you're truly trying to flee, you could go to Nan Yu, Bei Yu, Xi Yu..."

"The world is vast, with forbidden grounds the Sheng Shen Dian Tang can't touch. You could cultivate, restore your essence, and achieve Sheng status there. So why Bai Ku?"

He paused, then scoffed again, as if seeing through Hui Wu Ren's true intentions.

"You want the Four Swords!"

"You want the Ming Jian Yanmang!"

"You're trying to reconnect with Jin Zhao Laozu, to confirm the plan. You don't want to live in a haze, like a rat scurrying from the streets under the light of sanctity."

"You want to live, to live openly and boldly, not cower and hesitate as you're doing now!"

Everyone fell silent, like cicadas in winter.

Ba Zun An's anger was a rare sight—not just for Xu Xiaoshou, but even the storyteller, Cen Qiaofu, Haitang Er, and others seemed unaccustomed to it, staying quiet and watching Hui Wu Ren intently.

Hui Wu Ren seemed embarrassed by the words.

"Ba Zun An! Is this how you speak to me, a Sheng?"

The onlookers' brows twitched.

A Sheng...

This self-title shocked everyone.

Xu Xiaoshou pulled Mu Zixi back a step.

Something was off.

Very off!

What were these people plotting, and now this mention of a Sheng...

Wait, no way!

Was the one he, Xu Xiaoshou, had boldly confronted at Tianxuan Gate actually a Sheng?

"Received fright, passive value, 1."

Ba Zun An remained unmoved, his eyes even showing a hint of amusement as he looked at Hui Wu Ren. "A Sheng? A guy whose physical body has been completely scattered, forced to parasitize others, and you still dare call yourself 'a Sheng'?"

"Ba Zun An!"

Hui Wu Ren erupted in a dense fog, furious.

But it was all thunder and no rain—he didn't dare make a move.

Xu Xiaoshou didn't know what this guy had been through.

A being who once acted as if "the world is vast, and I alone am supreme," was now so intimidated by Ba Zun An's gaze that he didn't even dare fight back.

Had he been thoroughly crushed before?

Recalling Ba Zun An's earlier words about "the Black and White Pulses both bowing to me"...

"So, after being struck by Hua Chang Deng's three swords, Ba Zun An was probably imprisoned on Xukong Dao for decades. But with his extraordinary talent, he subdued everyone there and escaped using some special method?"

Bold speculation, careful verification.

Xu Xiaoshou was stunned by his own wild idea.

At that time, Ba Zun An was likely just entering the Jianxian realm, right?

And Xukong Dao had figures like the Langbei Shengren, Jin Zhao Laozu, and Hui Wu Ren...

That meant anyone sent there was probably at least at the Bansheng level?

All of them had been beaten into submission by Ba Zun An, so even after escaping, Hui Wu Ren felt fear upon seeing the innate-level Ba Zun An and didn't dare act?

"This is way too exaggerated!"

Xu Xiaoshou stared in astonishment at Ba Zun An's back.

This man had used Taixu power to thrash Sheng Ren?

Heavens, what kind of existence was he at his peak?

"Received fright, passive value, 1."

Ba Zun An didn't want to waste more words. He flicked his robe and said decisively, "Now, you have two paths. One: keep running. I'll give you ten breaths to try your luck."

"And the second?" Hui Wu Ren asked without thinking.

Xu Xiaoshou sensed he was seeing the most genuine side of Hui Wu Ren.

He didn't even hesitate before considering the second option?

How insecure must he be?

With ten breaths, given his strength, he shouldn't get caught, right?

"The second is a new task."

Ba Zun An turned back, pointing at the still-stunned Xu Xiaoshou. "Follow him. Do whatever he says. If you defy..."

"Are you kidding? Me, follow him?!"

Hui Wu Ren exploded, his form seeming to burst with rage. "I, a Sheng, hall... uh."

Seeing Ba Zun An's face darken instantly, he fell silent.

The scene was dead quiet for several breaths before Ba Zun An slowly spoke.

"You're interrupting me?"

Hui Wu Ren's face, hidden in the fog, broke out in a cold sweat.

He didn't utter a word.

Because in his utter humility, he couldn't voice any more defiant thoughts.

He simply lowered his head slightly, acknowledging his inferior position.

"One or two?" Ba Zun An narrowed his eyes.

It was a multiple-choice question, but even the onlookers could tell there was only one real option.

Hui Wu Ren had no time to think and blurted out, "Two!"

Immediately...

"Received resentment, passive value, 1."

"Received curse, passive value, 1."

"Received fixation, passive value, 1."

Xu Xiaoshou glanced at his info panel and chuckled.

Can't beat Ba Zun An, so you're taking it out on me?

"I have one condition..." Hui Wu Ren paused, raising a finger.

"Good."

Ba Zun An ignored it completely, turning away without even wanting to hear. "Since you chose two, if Xu Xiaoshou dies, you die too. Just follow him!"

Hui Wu Ren: "..."

He opened his mouth, veins bulging on his forehead, but couldn't get out the words about his condition.

"Brat."

With stiff steps, Hui Wu Ren approached Xu Xiaoshou.

Xu Xiaoshou didn't know how to react, but seeing Ba Zun An's dominance, he suddenly felt bolder.

"First, you're choosing to follow me of your own free will—I'm not forcing you."

"Second, if I die, you die, so don't even think about killing me."

"Third, based on our relationship, you shouldn't call me 'brat' anymore. It should be master... cough!"

Seeing Hui Wu Ren's gray fog surge threateningly, Xu Xiaoshou realized he'd gone too far.

"Forget that one... forget it. Just follow me."

"No, no, you should go back!"

"I saved my friend, not you. Only come out if there's danger. This cloud of gas is way too conspicuous."

Hui Wu Ren didn't say a word, and with a whoosh, the fog retracted, clearly too embarrassed to stay.

Mo Mo's pale face emerged.

Seeing that slightly pitiful expression, Xu Xiaoshou knew Mo Mo was back.

"Back and forth like this—can you handle it?" he asked with concern.

"Mm."

Mo Mo nodded, hesitating. "He's... very angry. You'd better not provoke him carelessly. I can't control it."

"What's the big deal!"

Xu Xiaoshou waved it off casually. "He's under someone's thumb now and wouldn't dare touch me. At most, he'll just mouth off."

"Xu Xiaoshou!"

Mo Mo's voice suddenly carried a suppressed anger.

Xu Xiaoshou was startled. "You're back, and you can still hear?"

"Nonsense!"

"Received curse, passive value, 1."

Now Xu Xiaoshou had a headache. If Hui Wu Ren could still hear after retreating, how could he bad-mouth him behind his back in the future?

"Forget it, I won't deal with you..."

Ignoring him, Xu Xiaoshou had other business. He turned to Xin Gugu and first handed over a jar of honey.

"What about you—how do you plan to proceed?"

Xin Gugu yearned for freedom, and Xu Xiaoshou knew that.

But he belonged to Xun Yue Hui Gong and wasn't free.

So, the choice was entirely up to him; Xu Xiaoshou wouldn't interfere.

"I..."

Xin Gugu took the honey and swallowed it skillfully, but hesitated to decide.

Xu Xiaoshou sighed and beckoned, summoning another figure.

Jiao Tangtang was even weaker than Xin Gugu.

The double ghost beast possession technique, plus the demonic energy from the Four Swords and the storyteller's repeated assaults, had taken a toll—even though she'd shone in the ancient space, the aftermath was severe.

Fortunately, the Yuanfu space had the Life Spirit Seal and Dao Pattern Origin Stone, allowing her some recovery time and basic mobility.

"Jiao Tangtang."

As Xu Xiaoshou started to speak...

"Received curse, passive value, 1, 1, 1, 1..."

He clicked his tongue, pressed his junior sister's head down, and continued, "Xin Gugu says he wants to stay and protect 'me.' What do you think?"

He emphasized "me," assuming Jiao Tangtang would understand.

Xin Gugu: ??

He was baffled on the side—when did I say that?

Xu Xiaoshou didn't even glance at him; he lied without batting an eye.

But this wasn't about wanting Xin Gugu's power—it was truly for his sake...

A ghost beast that craved freedom and emotions was trapped in a cage, desperately needing rescue.

Xu Xiaoshou couldn't ignore that, both emotionally and rationally.

Jiao Tangtang's gaze swept over the crowd, her heart pounding wildly.

Each person here was a formidable figure from the records, absolute powerhouses she couldn't handle.

Xin Gugu didn't know, but as the task executor, she had a thorough understanding of Sheng Nu.

Glancing at Xin Gugu, Jiao Tangtang knew Xu Xiaoshou was bluffing.

Yet, with all these powerhouses watching, his words carried immense weight, and she couldn't refuse.

"What do you mean?" she asked steadily.

"Just what you think!"

Xu Xiaoshou smiled easily.

With Ba Zun An's promise, he felt incredibly relaxed.

The people he usually had to tiptoe around now didn't even dare raise their voices at him.

Was this the joy of having backup?

Too bad Lao Sang was gone.

If that old man were here, the intimidation factor would double.

If he swapped A Huo and A Bing for Lao Sang and Ba Zun An, just taking them out for a stroll—his passive value would skyrocket!

"Xin Gugu, what do you say?"

Jiao Tangtang couldn't get a straight answer from Xu Xiaoshou, so she looked to Xin Gugu.

"I..."

Xin Gugu still hesitated.

But how could Jiao Tangtang miss the hidden excitement and longing in his eyes?

Following Xu Xiaoshou versus returning to Xun Yue Hui Gong—these were completely different paths.

And now, the Greedy God was on Xu Xiaoshou, and she'd given away the Ghost Beast Contract. If she really left Xin Gugu...

It might even advance the contract progress?

Jiao Tangtang didn't hesitate long. "If that's what you truly want, then stay. I can go back and report alone."

Xin Gugu panicked. "It's not that I want to stay—it's Xu Xiaoshou..."

"You don't want to come with me?" Xu Xiaoshou widened his eyes, cutting him off.

Xin Gugu gritted his teeth.

"I do."

More than that—it was thrilling to follow Xu Xiaoshou!

The adventure and excitement were totally different from the routine tasks at Xun Yue Hui Gong.

This was the joy of freedom—how could he not want it?

"Then that's settled!"

Xu Xiaoshou waved it off and said to Jiao Tangtang, "You can go. I don't want you."

Jiao Tangtang: "..."

"Received curse, passive value, 1."

She lowered her eyes, scanning the crowd, but couldn't muster any harsh words. She turned and strode away.

"Hold on."

The storyteller spoke up. "You're from Xun Yue Hui Gong, right?"

Jiao Tangtang stopped, her willow brows furrowing as she nodded slightly.

"I remember you have a Ghost Beast Pearl—a Sheng Zhan Black Angel?" The storyteller smiled slyly.

Jiao Tangtang's heart twitched.

She could guess his intentions.

"You can leave, but if we're protecting someone from Xun Yue Hui Gong, you should at least pay a protection fee." The storyteller extended his hand.

Xin Gugu froze.

Protection?

Was it me protecting Xu Xiaoshou, or him protecting me?

The roles were all mixed up!

Even Xu Xiaoshou was taken aback by the storyteller's audacity—he hadn't even said it himself.

Jiao Tangtang clenched her fists tightly.

But under the roof, she had to bow. Just the storyteller alone could crush her double ghost beast possession, let alone the three others at his level.

Whoosh!

A dark light shot toward Xu Xiaoshou.

"Received ambush, passive value, 1."

He caught it—a pitch-black pearl.

"Ghost Beast Pearl."

Jiao Tangtang left those words and walked away without looking back.

The storyteller chuckled, glanced at Xu Xiaoshou, and said nothing, returning to the cave on his own.

Xu Xiaoshou felt a surge of emotion.

These people seemed rude on the surface, but once they were on his side, they were all pretty decent.

He'd seen the combat power of the Sheng Zhan Black Angel.

Especially with double ghost beast possession.

This pearl wasn't for himself...