Chapter 823: The Xu Young Master Who Doesn't Play by the Rules

Si Tu Yongren...

A stranger's name.

Xu Xiaoshou had never heard of it.

Liu Changqing smiled and mentioned casually, "In the five domains of the continent, those who have mastered Tianji Shu to the highest degree—aside from my unique existence—are without exception all in the Dao Bu, one of the six halls of Sheng Shen Dian Tang." As an old-timer, Liu Changqing naturally understood more about the world's affairs.

Xu Xiaoshou felt a sudden jolt in his heart.

Someone from Yu Zhiwen's side?

He remembered that Xiao Yu was from the Dao Bu.

Could this visitor be someone Xiao Yu knew?

"Is he tracking you?" Xu Xiaoshou turned to look at Liu Changqing.

"He's quite skilled, but he can't track me. On the contrary, I had already located him first and was thinking about when to deal with this Dao Bu spy. Little did I expect, the boy came knocking on the door himself—quite a coincidence!" Liu Changqing said with confidence.

After becoming a ghost beast host, he had regarded Sheng Shen Dian Tang as his hypothetical enemy, so taking out one of them was ideal, and doing it quietly would be even better.

Only then did Xu Xiaoshou truly realize how powerful Wuji Old Ancestor was.

In just a few days, someone completely unfamiliar with Tianji Shu had managed to suppress a Dao Bu genius who had reached the Dao Cutting realm.

"Let's meet him."

Xu Xiaoshou agreed with a smile.

Xiao Wanfeng immediately scampered back to the door and ushered Si Tu Yongren inside.

"Xu Shao."

As soon as he entered the building, the refined and modest-looking Si Tu Yongren cupped his fists and said, "I've long admired your name; it's like thunder piercing my ears. I am Si Tu Yongren, and I apologize for this unannounced visit—I hope I haven't been rude."

While speaking, Si Tu Yongren was sizing up the young man before him.

Handsome in appearance, but in the Refining Spirit Realm, it was nothing special—just one face among thousands. Apart from a hint of carefree mischief at the corners of his mouth, he couldn't see any of the demeanor expected of a Semi-Sage heir.

Is this really Xu Shao?

Si Tu Yongren pondered inwardly.

This visit was actually under the instructions of Rao Jianxian.

In the past few days, Hong Yi had mobilized almost the full power of Sheng Shen Dian Tang to investigate everything about the Tai Xiang Xu family in the Northern Domain.

But they found nothing.

Not only the Tai Xiang Xu family, but Sheng Shen Dian Tang couldn't even locate any Semi-Sage force that might be related to the Xu family.

This made Hong Yi's side feel puzzled.

Xu Shao was hiding too well.

Some questioned the authenticity of Xu Shao's Semi-Sage heir status, but Rao Jianxian dismissed it outright.

According to Rao Jianxian, even Si Ren Mister had connections with Xu Shao.

So, even if Xu Shao wasn't from an openly identifiable Semi-Sage force, his backing must be at least at the Semi-Sage level, if not greater.

Putting it all together, Xu Shao's identity as a Semi-Sage heir was confirmed, and thus, all previous plans against him were temporarily halted.

Hong Yi's side officially dropped the investigation of Xu Shao.

But dropping it didn't mean all doubts were gone—Rao Yao Yao still harbored some concerns.

So, Si Tu Yongren's task this time was to approach under the guise of friendship and secretly probe Xu Shao's identity and stance as a Semi-Sage heir.

To probe effectively, with Xu Shao's impeccable guard, mere words wouldn't suffice—Tianji Shu was the key.

That was why only Si Tu Yongren could take on this task.

"Just you alone?"

Xu Xiaoshou was also sizing up Si Tu Yongren.

He recognized this person; during the night battle in Wang City, he had stood beside Yu Zhiwen.

But Xu Xiaoshou wasn't interested in this Dao Bu genius.

After waiting a moment and seeing no woman emerge from behind the young man as he had hoped, Xu Xiaoshou frowned slightly.

During the Wang City night battle, he had seen Yu Zhiwen.

Though they hadn't met face-to-face, he had "sensed" her and knew she had been watching him.

Even though their positions were opposed now, and it wasn't suitable for them to reveal themselves, Xu Xiaoshou still welcomed a wonderful encounter in his Xu Shao identity.

Yet this man had come alone, without even a gift—how dare he show up?

Si Tu Yongren was taken aback, not quite understanding Xu Shao's words, and replied, "It's just me. Is there a problem, Xu Shao?"

Xu Xiaoshou burst out laughing, a playful smile on his face.

"I've heard that in the Dao Bu of Sheng Shen Dian Tang, there's a woman who always wears a veil, her face unseen by anyone, but just her eyes alone rank her among the top ten beauties in the world. She didn't come with you?"

As he spoke, he raised an eyebrow, giving a knowing "we're both men, you get it" look.

Si Tu Yongren's mouth twitched. He had heard Xu Shao was a playboy, but he didn't expect him to be this blatant—openly eyeing his junior sister right in front of him?

Even with his usually good temperament, Si Tu Yongren couldn't hold back. "Please show some self-respect, Xu Shao. My junior sister has duties and is stationed at Sheng Shen Dian Tang. I'm here purely to make friends..."

"Make friends?" Xu Xiaoshou interrupted with a look of disdain. "I don't like making friends with men. If your junior sister isn't coming, then you should leave. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't see you out."

Si Tu Yongren's face turned purple with anger.

What kind of person is this!

Which Semi-Sage heir would say such vulgar things? Does he have no upbringing from a Semi-Sage family?

"Xu Shao..."

"Didn't you hear me? I don't want to talk to you. Please leave!" Xu Xiaoshou furrowed his brows, as if rejecting the olive branches extended by various forces earlier.

Xiao Wanfeng, standing nearby, was stunned.

He saw that Si Tu Yongren had an extraordinary bearing and figured he must be someone important.

From their conversation mentioning "Dao Bu," Xiao Wanfeng vaguely recalled the name Si Tu Yongren.

After a moment, he remembered—this was likely the prized disciple of the Dao Hall Master.

But even so, was Xu Shao speaking to him this boldly?

Not giving him any face at all!

Si Tu Yongren was rebuffed and stood there dumbfounded for a while.

This was an experience he'd never had before. In the past, if he, as the future head of Dao Bu, condescended to visit any Semi-Sage force, they would roll out the welcome mat.

Yet Tian Shang First Tower didn't care about his status at all.

He didn't think Xu Shao was unaware of who he was, especially since the guy even knew about his junior sister.

But precisely because of that, Xu Shao's rude attitude truly infuriated him.

What a fool!

Si Tu Yongren cursed inwardly. No Semi-Sage heir dared to offend him, the prodigy of Dao Bu, but with his mission, he had to swallow his pride and try to stay.

The Dao Bu's secret artifact, "Zhen Yan Zhi Xin," was hanging as a pendant around his neck. He needed to get some real information through conversation with Xu Shao.

Zhen Yan Zhi Xin was like a lie detector.

As long as they talked and got to the main points, Si Tu Yongren could discern the truth from Xu Shao's words, emotions, and subtle movements.

But now, before they could even start, Xu Shao was kicking him out because he hadn't brought his junior sister?

This was ridiculous!

Si Tu Yongren felt frustrated, but he quickly composed himself and said mildly, "I've long heard that Xu Shao is a young hero, full of spirit, with actions and demeanor unlike the ordinary. Seeing you today, you're indeed not one to fawn over others—you're a upright gentleman worth befriending..."

Xu Xiaoshou was shocked by what he heard.

Even after all that, Si Tu Yongren was still clinging on and flattering him?

Something's off!

He doesn't come without a reason—Xu Xiaoshou had no prior dealings with this guy and didn't think he'd been recognized as Xu Xiaoshou.

So, this fellow must be here on some task, stubbornly trying to stay.

Originally, he just didn't want to talk to him, but now Xu Xiaoshou was even more reluctant to engage with Si Tu Yongren.

He had experienced Tianji Shu before—it was nothing but mystery upon mystery.

"Textile Mastery" might have reached the Wang Zuo level and could counter Tianji Shu as a specialty, but Xu Xiaoshou couldn't derive any new abilities from it that he didn't already know.

All he could learn from it was textile techniques...

With a quick thought, Xu Xiaoshou made up his mind. He waved his hand and turned to leave. "Xiao Wanfeng, show the guest out."

"Ah?" Xiao Wanfeng was stunned.

Si Tu Yongren was also baffled. He had flattered him this much, and Xu Shao still wouldn't let him stay?

"Si Tu Mister, please." Once he reacted, Xiao Wanfeng didn't hesitate and bowed, preparing to escort him out of Tian Shang First Tower.

Si Tu Yongren couldn't take it anymore. He flung his sleeve in anger. "Xu Shao, I came personally to befriend you, and you treat me with such disrespect. Fine, then we'll meet again at the Wang Cheng Trial!"

"Wang Cheng Trial?"

Hearing this, Xu Xiaoshou paused, turned back, and looked him up and down. "Your cultivation seems to be beyond Zong Shi level?"

"Hmph!" Si Tu Yongren's face turned proud, but he didn't answer.

"Xu Shao, he's the champion of the Ling Zhen Grand Assembly, just like you. He'll likely participate in the Wang Cheng Trial with a special status," Liu Changqing transmitted via voice.

The champion of the Ling Zhen Grand Assembly?

Xu Xiaoshou was surprised, and after a moment, he laughed. "Not bad. The prodigy of Dao Bu, using Tianji Shu to bully Ling Zhen masters—impressive."

Si Tu Yongren, who had been holding his head high, darkened at these words.

If not for other reasons, why would he lower himself to join that Ling Zhen Grand Assembly?

But now, with the two of them at odds, Si Tu Yongren wasn't one to back down. "Xu Shao is no different. A third-grade Dan refinement Wang Zuo, yet you compete with those minor Dan refinement Zong Shi masters."

"Not at all." Xu Xiaoshou waved his hand with a smile. "Dan refinement is just a side hobby for me, something I dabble in occasionally. But Tianji Shu is your main expertise—we can't compare the two."

Si Tu Yongren: ...

He hadn't been shut down like this in a long time.

Or rather, since his birth, no one had dared to mock him so cleverly.

For a moment, he couldn't find a single word to retort and just grew angrier, eventually flinging his sleeve and storming off.

"No need to see me out, ha." Xu Xiaoshou waved at Si Tu Yongren's retreating figure with a smirk.

Si Tu Yongren didn't even reply, his face as dark as iron, swallowing this silent grievance as he left.

As for the mission? With Xu Shao showing no basic respect, what was the point?

He hadn't lashed out and torn the guy apart on the spot was already showing restraint for the sake of the greater powers.

And as for bringing his junior sister as Xu Shao demanded to continue the mission? What nonsense!

Just thinking of that guy's greedy eyes made Si Tu Yongren feel sick. How could he possibly bring his junior sister over to be insulted?

"Interesting, truly interesting..."

Xu Xiaoshou watched Si Tu Yongren leave, a smile spreading across his lips.

"Xu Shao, do you want me to help take care of him directly?" Liu Changqing asked quietly from the side, his expression serious.

Xu Xiaoshou glanced at him and smiled, refusing. "No need. He hasn't done anything wrong; it's him who's upset. If anyone wants to eliminate the other, it should be him."

Liu Changqing secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Of course, he was just joking.

Si Tu Yongren was the prized disciple of the Dao Hall Master.

If there were no issues, Liu Changqing didn't want to offend him.

But he knew Xu Shao seemed like a playboy on the surface, yet he was actually shrewd and would understand the consequences of killing him.

Since Xu Shao wouldn't let him do it, that was fine—it gave Liu Changqing a chance to show loyalty in front of him.

"Xu Shao, are you saying this person is interesting?" Liu Changqing asked, reflecting on Xu Shao's earlier words.

"Not at all."

Xu Xiaoshou hadn't let Si Tu Yongren extract a single word from him, but through their seemingly pointless exchange, he had glimpsed some of Sheng Shen Dian Tang's intentions.

Si Tu Yongren—after their conversation, he had guessed this was the high disciple of Dao Qiong Cang.

Did someone like that need to go through the Wang Cheng Trial and Sheng Gong Trial to enter Sheng Gong for cultivation?

Xu Xiaoshou thought it was impossible. Sheng Gong probably didn't have anyone who could teach Si Tu Yongren Tianji Shu.

Yet this guy had still participated in the Ling Zhen Grand Assembly and aimed straight for the Wang Cheng Trial...

"Interesting."

Xu Xiaoshou laughed.

Even he found Si Tu Yongren's actions demeaning, so why did he do it?

"He said we'd meet at the Wang Cheng Trial, meaning he'll participate. But the Wang Cheng Trial couldn't possibly attract the high disciple of the Dao Hall Master—what's his real goal?"

"Xukong Island!"

"This guy's true focus must be on Xukong Island."

"But on the surface, Sheng Gong is on equal footing with Sheng Shen Dian Tang, so they wouldn't allow a Wang Zuo-level expert to disrupt the Wang Cheng Trial rules under that pretext."

"And yet, Sheng Shen Dian Tang still did it..."

Xu Xiaoshou fell into thought.

By analogy, how many Wang Zuo experts might enter the Wang Cheng Trial under similar pretenses?

Or rather.

The Wang Cheng Trial rules state that those above the Xiantian level can't interfere.

So, how would Sheng Shen Dian Tang ensure that more experts beyond Wang Zuo could sneak in and protect the Xukong Island they wanted to safeguard?

"Interesting."

"Truly interesting!"

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly realized something. Previously, with his limited experience, he hadn't thought there were many geniuses around him who could participate in the Wang Cheng Trial at the Zong Shi or Wang Zuo level.

But after seeing Si Tu Yongren, he suddenly understood.

Perhaps, across the five domains, there were plenty like him—those with Zong Shi cultivation or Wang Zuo combat ability, participating in the Wang Cheng Trial through other paths.

Thinking this way, Xu Xiaoshou felt no more fear about the future. Instead, he looked forward even more to the Wang Cheng Trial in a few days.