“To deceive Bai Qing’er, I must first distract her. Things or events capable of distracting Bai Qing’er are surely few, so I need to think carefully.”
As Zhang Ruochen stepped through the garden gate, he already had an idea.
Bai Qing’er had not used the “Heaven-Hiding Technique” to conceal her aura. She wore no black veil but a pristine white dress, her arms adorned with white silk, her body enveloped in radiant sacred light, leisurely tending to six pots of orchids.
The six orchids had lush green leaves and vibrant rose-red petals.
Their fragrance was subtle yet lingering.
With a quick glance, Zhang Ruochen immediately noticed something eerie about the six orchids. Each petal resembled a skull, emitting not only a floral scent but also an aura of death.
“Soul-Devouring Orchids.”
The term flashed in Zhang Ruochen’s mind, sending a chill down his spine.
Bai Qing’er was indeed profoundly sinister. On the surface, she appeared pure and ethereal, like a celestial maiden untouched by worldly desires, yet her actions were consistently shocking, even more malevolent than Gu Shejing.
Bai Qing’er did not turn around, her back to him, holding a foot-long bamboo knife, tending the soil in the flowerpots.
Beside her stood two beautiful maidens, around seventeen or eighteen, each a peerless beauty comparable to the saintesses of ancient sects, their cultivation levels inscrutable to Zhang Ruochen. Of course, this was because he dared not use his mental power or the Eye of Truth.
Mimicking Huanxu Blood Emperor’s tone, Zhang Ruochen bowed and said, “My lady, Xia Yu has gone to the Undying God Palace.”
“So, Zhang Ruochen has indeed come to Ice King Star,” Bai Qing’er said, lifting her bamboo knife, her eyes still fixed on the orchids in the purple clay pot, finding them increasingly pleasing.
Zhang Ruochen was secretly alarmed and said, “How does my lady know Zhang Ruochen is on Ice King Star?”
“If Xia Yu hadn’t been acting on Zhang Ruochen’s orders, how could she suddenly leave? I believe she’s likely gone to the Undying God Palace to seek refuge.”
Zhang Ruochen said, “My lady is perceptive, and your words are spot on. I have another, more important piece of news to report.”
“What is it?” Bai Qing’er asked.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Someone has spotted traces of Elder Seven Hands on Ice King Star.”
“Truly?”
Bai Qing’er finally seemed to take interest, turning around, her extraordinarily beautiful eyes locking onto Zhang Ruochen. Her gaze appeared gentle but carried a penetrating quality, making Zhang Ruochen feel as if needles were pricking his body.
Even when speaking with gods, Zhang Ruochen had never felt this way.
“What an exceptionally beautiful woman. No wonder a powerhouse like Wuma Jiuxing would be smitten with her. Her refined, pure aura, combined with a ruthlessness that belies her demeanor, sparks curiosity in men, making them want to unravel and understand her.”
Not daring to meet her gaze, Zhang Ruochen caught only a fleeting glimpse before slightly lowering his head, saying, “Some cultivators spotted him in the gambling city of West One Holy City.”
“Can you confirm this?” Bai Qing’er asked.
“I cannot confirm.”
“You dare report something unconfirmed?” Bai Qing’er’s eyes turned icy sharp in an instant.
A bone-chilling cold seeped through the collar and cuffs of his armor, freezing Zhang Ruochen’s indestructible sacred body like ice.
This woman was unpredictable.
Her temper was volatile.
Zhang Ruochen bowed lower, saying repeatedly, “I’ll investigate immediately.”
Just as Zhang Ruochen seized the chance to slip away, Bai Qing’er withdrew her chilling aura and said, “No need. For such a trivial matter, I’ll have the Goddess Tower’s cultivators investigate. Stay. I have something else for you to do.”
Zhang Ruochen was inwardly anxious but had to feign composure, saying, “It’s my honor to serve you, my lady.”
Bai Qing’er turned to the maiden on her left and said, “Shang Yue, release the batch of slaves I recently acquired.”
The maiden named Shang Yue took a paper talisman from her sleeve, holding it between two slender fingers, and exhaled a breath of sacred qi. Instantly, Saint Realm slaves emerged from the talisman.
“Thud, thud.”
The slaves, all bound in shackles and chains, numbered seventy-four.
At that moment, eerie wails, like howling ghosts, ravenous demons, or emerging monstrous beasts, filled the garden with a chilling sound that raised goosebumps.
The strange noises came from the six orchids.
A refined smile appeared on Bai Qing’er’s stunning face as she said, “Don’t be impatient. This food is all for you.”
With a gentle lift of her right hand, the seventy-four slaves on the ground convulsed, letting out shrill screams as their soul shadows flew from their bodies.
From the six orchids, six ghastly skull-like heads emerged, devouring all their sacred souls.
The seventy-four Saint Realm slaves instantly lost their life force, collapsing limply to the ground.
A trace of disgust flashed in Shang Yue’s eyes. With a wave of her fair hand, she unleashed a burst of white Pure Extinguishing Divine Fire, reducing the seventy-four slaves to ashes, leaving only seventy-four sacred sources.
“This woman’s cultivation surpasses both Fei’er Tianding and Huanxu Blood Emperor,” Zhang Ruochen noted, his heart startled.
He was astonished that Bai Qing’er was surrounded by so many powerhouses, comparable to a major world like Guanghan Realm.
Staring at the increasingly vibrant orchids, Bai Qing’er said, “These six orchids are rare species, each over a primordial cycle old, feeding only on the sacred souls of Saint Realm cultivators. They cannot be watered with spiritual springs but require the blood of Great Sages. Huanxu Blood Emperor, would you water them once with your Great Sage blood?”
Zhang Ruochen cursed inwardly, thinking this woman was truly insidious.
He felt sympathy for Fei’er Tianding and Huanxu Blood Emperor. Being Bai Qing’er’s subordinate was perilous, as one never knew when she might toy with them to death.
Zhang Ruochen feigned fear, saying, “My lady, blood is vital to our Undying Blood Clan. Losing a large amount would drastically weaken my cultivation.”
“You’re unwilling? You just said it’s your honor to serve me,” Bai Qing’er said, her slender, willow-like brows furrowing, a hint of displeasure on her face.
The other maiden, Shang Xia, said coldly, “In my view, why not slay him with one strike? His blood could water your beloved orchids, and his sacred soul could satiate all six pots.”
Far from objecting, Bai Qing’er’s expression showed a flicker of interest.
Was a Thousand-Inquiry Realm Great Sage’s life worth less to her than six pots of orchids? No, merely food for them.
Zhang Ruochen was in a bind. Using his blood to water the orchids was out of the question.
Once his blood left his body, his identity would be exposed.
But refusing was a death sentence.
Pinning his hopes on Gu Shejing was unreliable; he had to find a way himself. His gaze fell on the spatial chaos worm, now a ring on his finger.
Meanwhile, the multi-layered spatial scroll sleeve slipped from his sleeve, concealed in his left hand.
“It seems the sword qi prepared for Ni Xuan Clan will have to be used on Bai Qing’er, this enchantress, ahead of time.”
Just as Zhang Ruochen prepared to act, Bai Qing’er’s lips curved slightly, and she said, “Forget it. Young Master Ruochen is hailed as a Primordial Genius. Wouldn’t it be a pity to slay him so easily?”
Shang Yue and Shang Xia’s starry eyes flashed with surprise.
Zhang Ruochen’s eyes widened briefly before returning to normal. No longer bowing subserviently, he stood upright and sighed, “So you saw through me from the start.”
“Swish!”
“Swish!”
From Shang Yue and Shang Xia, two sacred swords flew out.
One blazed with divine flames, the other radiated icy sacred qi.
The two maidens shifted positions, appearing on Zhang Ruochen’s left and right like a teleport, locking him with their sword intent.
Bai Qing’er said, “As expected of Zhang Ruochen, remaining so composed even in a dire situation.”
Meeting her gaze, Zhang Ruochen said, “How did you see through me?”
“The moment I saw you, I knew you weren’t Huanxu Blood Emperor. Your transformation technique is exquisite, mimicking his aura perfectly, but with Huanxu Blood Emperor’s personality, he’d greedily steal a few more glances at my true face. You, however, looked once and immediately lowered your head,” Bai Qing’er said.
Zhang Ruochen gave a self-deprecating laugh, “I should have looked a few more times.”
“You’ve been staring for so long now, haven’t you had enough?” Bai Qing’er said.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Just that small detail wouldn’t be enough to confirm Huanxu Blood Emperor was fake, let alone deduce that I was impersonating him.”
As he spoke, Zhang Ruochen’s appearance and physique shifted back to his original form.
“So I tested you later. Your refusal to water the Soul-Devouring Orchids with blood was the best proof.”
She continued, “When you first told me you’d found traces of Elder Seven Hands, you were trying to distract me, weren’t you? Unfortunately, that move exposed your identity.”
Zhang Ruochen asked, “Why?”
“Because fewer than ten cultivators know I’m interested in Elder Seven Hands, and each is my servant or subordinate. There’s only one exception: you, Zhang Ruochen. Because in the Destiny Divine Domain, when you used the Purple Gold Gourd to capture Cang Baizi, you inadvertently took in Elder Seven Hands, who was hiding in Xing Qian’s corpse.”
Bai Qing’er’s eyes rippled with amusement as she smiled, “So it was your own slip that let me see through you.”
Zhang Ruochen mentally exclaimed “brilliant” three times. His transformation technique was flawless, yet Bai Qing’er caught him on a mere detail. She was even more formidable than he’d imagined.
“No, I can’t follow her rhythm. She’s trying to undermine my confidence this way, to control me like she did Fei’er Tianding and Huanxu Blood Emperor, turning me into her servant.”
Breaking out in a cold sweat, Zhang Ruochen resolved not to say another word to her.
“Clang!”
A sword hum rang out.
The Abyss Ancient Sword flew into Zhang Ruochen’s hand.
“The so-called Primordial Genius, so impatient? We may not necessarily be enemies.”
Bai Qing’er glanced at Shang Yue and Shang Xia, signaling with her eyes.
The two maidens immediately sheathed their sacred swords, and the sharp sword intent locking Zhang Ruochen dissipated. It was as if two divine mountains had been lifted from him, leaving him much lighter.
“Young Master Ruochen is an honored guest. Prepare tea,” Bai Qing’er said.
Zhang Ruochen said, “You nearly got me killed by the Arbitration Division and framed me for stealing the five supreme source divine crystals, constantly trying to put me to death. How are we not enemies? I won’t drink an enemy’s tea.”
“Young Master Ruochen even knows about the supreme source divine crystals? Who told you? Elder Seven Hands?” Bai Qing’er asked.
Zhang Ruochen said, “No comment.”
Bai Qing’er shook her head lightly, saying, “Young Master Ruochen, you’d best not trust Elder Seven Hands. That old fox is cunning and calculating. You must be wary of him.”
“No need for your concern. I have my own judgment,” Zhang Ruochen said.
Shang Yue approached gracefully, carrying a crystal tray.
On the tray were a teapot and a set of teacups.
She placed the tray on the stone table in the garden, smiling, “Please, Young Master.”
Zhang Ruochen hesitated, torn between fleeing immediately or sticking to the original plan of stalling for Gu Shejing’s arrival.
The garden concealed countless powerhouses; just moments ago, several powerful mental probes had swept over him. If he tried to escape, Zhang Ruochen wasn’t entirely confident he could succeed.
Shang Yue said, “The renowned Zhang Ruochen, favored by both the Blood Absolute War God and the Fortune God, is so timid? I’m truly disappointed.”
“Even a mere maid dares to provoke me. I’ve underestimated the Twelve Goddess Pavilions,” Zhang Ruochen said.
Shang Yue smiled, “With Young Master Ruochen’s discernment, I’m no mere maid but my master’s chief disciple.”
Zhang Ruochen had no interest in flirting with an enemy at such a critical moment, saying, “No need for tea. Miss Bai, if you have something to say, speak plainly.”
“Fine. I have one request: hand over the supreme source divine crystals and Elder Seven Hands. From now on, we are no longer enemies, and you may leave whenever you wish. If you still hold a grudge over past events, I’m willing to personally offer a cup of tea in apology,” Bai Qing’er said, lowering her stance significantly.
The lower her stance, the stronger Zhang Ruochen’s sense of danger.
He laughed loudly, “Does Miss Bai take me for a fool? Handing over the supreme source divine crystals and Elder Seven Hands would mean losing my last bargaining chips. What chance would I have of surviving?”
Bai Qing’er sighed softly, “Unless absolutely necessary, how would I dare kill you? If the Blood Absolute War God or the Fortune God found out, it would be a disaster for me and the Twelve Goddess Pavilions.”
“Doesn’t that imply that as long as you cover your tracks so they can’t find out, you’d kill me without hesitation?”
Zhang Ruochen wasn’t fooled, his only thought being that this woman could not be trusted.
Bai Qing’er finally lost patience, no longer pretending, and said coldly, “I know keeping you here is no easy task. But you should also understand that escaping is equally difficult. Since that’s the case, why don’t we make a wager?”
“How do we wager?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
With a gentle wave of Bai Qing’er’s finger, the towering figure of Yun Huan Iron-Blood King emerged from the garden, standing behind her, his hostile eyes locking onto Zhang Ruochen.
Raising her snow-white neck proudly, Bai Qing’er said, “Honestly, I have little regard for so-called Primordial Geniuses, not just you and Yan Wushen, but even the Blood Absolute War God and Huang Tian. However, I heard that during your battle with Yan Wushen, you unleashed power close to that of a Supreme Realm Great Sage, which shocked me. But those are mere rumors, and I never believe rumors.”
“Rumors are often exaggerated,” Zhang Ruochen said.
Pointing to Yun Huan Iron-Blood King, Bai Qing’er said, “His cultivation has reached the peak of the Ten Thousand Deaths and One Life Realm. If you can defeat him, it proves you’re worthy of the Primordial Genius title. I’ve always cherished talent, even if it’s an enemy, and would spare their life.”
“I find that hard to believe,” Zhang Ruochen said.
Bai Qing’er said, “I won’t let you go, but I can spare you today.”
“What do you mean?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
Bai Qing’er said, “If you can defeat Yun Huan Iron-Blood King, proving your talent, I’ll let you leave today. But I guarantee that within three months, I’ll capture you twice more. If I succeed, you’ll submit to me henceforth. Zhang Ruochen, do you dare take the bet?”
Zhang Ruochen smiled, “Capturing me three times? You’re even more arrogant than I imagined. I’d like to know, what if you fail?”
Seeing Zhang Ruochen show interest, Bai Qing’er relaxed, smiling radiantly, “The Blood Absolute War God is arranging marriage alliances for you across the Hell Realm, even sending proposals to the Twelve Goddess Pavilions, specifically naming me to marry you. If I fail to capture you three times, it proves you have some skill, and I’ll agree to the War God’s marriage proposal. It wouldn’t be a loss. Do you think this wager is fair?”
“Of course, you must first pass the test of Yun Huan Iron-Blood King. If you can’t even defeat him, it only proves you’re unworthy of the Primordial Genius title and have no value in living.”
