Chapter 024: The Campaign Against the Female Demon

After probing Qin Xuanxi’s cultivation, Song Ye proceeded to examine the cultivation level of the four from the Mooncatcher Sect one by one.

[Gu Xi: Seventh Level of the Illusory Spirit Realm]
[Zhou Nongshan: Sixth Level of the Bone Tempering Realm]
[Chen Huaiyin: Fifth Level of the Bone Tempering Realm]
[Duan Ling: Eighth Level of the Bone Tempering Realm]

Through this inspection interface, Song Ye also learned the name of the purple-robed woman who was still slumbering at the table—Gu Xi, an Immortal Master of the Mooncatcher Sect. Gu Xi was at the seventh level of the Illusory Spirit Realm, which counted as a profound cultivation even across the entire Xuan Ying Continent. Yet, her three disciples remained in the Bone Tempering Realm and, in terms of strength, were far inferior even to Song Ye, the humble tea stall keeper.

After all, according to the wooden dummy test in the player’s space, Song Ye’s current power was equivalent to a cultivator at the Mysterious Transcendence Realm. Judging by the highest damage he dealt that morning, his strength could be more precisely placed at the fourth level of the Mysterious Transcendence Realm.

Having finished probing the cultivations of those present, Song Ye began to use the [Demon Pet Summoning Ticket]. The summoning interface appeared before him, and as he used the ticket, a flash of golden light erupted.

“Ding! Congratulations, player, you have summoned a rare demon pet: Black Tree!”

A new item appeared in his inventory: [Black Tree Seed].

Song Ye was somewhat puzzled—could a mere seed count as a demon pet, and a rare one at that? He had expected a cat, a dog, or at the very least a fish as a pet. Unexpectedly, he received only a seed, and this seed had to be planted in soil, nurtured patiently until it took root and sprouted—a process that would require considerable time and care, with no telling what kind of flower or fruit it might eventually yield.

For now, Song Ye had neither the time nor the inclination to plant a tree, so he simply left the Black Tree Seed in his inventory.

In the blink of an eye, the plate of stir-fried chicken on the table was cleaned out—seventy percent of it devoured by Zhou Nongshan, who even picked up the plate and licked it spotless.

Of course, had they known that this chicken was personally cooked by the Demon Sovereign of the Abyss, Qin Xuanxi, they would not have dared even to sniff its aroma. Ordinarily, the Demon Sovereign of the Abyss always appeared masked in purple fiendish guise, and few had ever seen her true face. Naturally, Zhou Nongshan and the others had never glimpsed her real appearance, and none could possibly associate the tea stall keeper’s fiancée with the notorious female demon.

After finishing the chicken, Zhou Nongshan handed over all his silver—seventeen strings of coins in total—to Song Ye as payment for the meal. He said earnestly, “In my view, stall owner, just that plate of chicken cooked by the lady is worth its weight in gold, but this is all the money I have—please accept it!”

Song Ye did not stand on ceremony and accepted the seventeen strings of coins.

At that moment, a staggering figure appeared at the entrance of the village. Song Ye looked closely: the man was bald, barefoot, clad in a dusty white robe, leaning heavily on a cane—his face, however, was exceptionally clean.

He made his way slowly toward the tea stall and, pausing at the doorway, remarked, “Who would have thought the tea stall here was still open,” then eyed the dishes on Zhou Nongshan’s table. “And you serve so many dishes; just perfect for an old man to rest here a while.”

With that, he hobbled inside, calling out, “Stall owner, bring me a pot of tea,” then pointed at the neighboring table. “And bring me everything they’re having as well!”

Song Ye replied, “Sorry, I only serve tea here. Those dishes were actually brought by the guests themselves.”

As he spoke, Song Ye quietly probed the bald man’s cultivation.

[Guan Zijie: Third Level of the Mysterious Transcendence Realm]

Thus, he also learned the man’s name.

Guan Zijie propped his cane against the table and said, “Then just a bowl of tea for me.”

Song Ye poured him a full bowl and explained, “Three coins a bowl, with one free refill.”

Guan Zijie counted out three coins and placed them on the table.

Like Zhou Nongshan and the others, Guan Zijie was immediately stunned by Qin Xuanxi’s beauty upon entering the stall. Yet, seeing no trace of cultivation about her, he took her for an ordinary village maiden—only the heavens had favored her with such breathtaking looks.

He asked Song Ye, “Young man, who is that goddess-like lady to you?”

Song Ye smiled. “She is my betrothed.”

“Oh!” Guan Zijie nodded, then leaned in and lowered his voice, “Young man, you’re still so young, with little experience of the world. Allow me to give you a word of advice: your young lady is too beautiful, far too eye-catching. If you let her stay out here, you may be inviting trouble. Unless there’s some special reason, you’d best have her remain inside the house.”

“My words are for your own good. If you find them unpleasant, just take it as an old man meddling too much—think nothing of it.”

Song Ye smiled faintly and said nothing, simply collecting the three coins from the table.

Guan Zijie’s intentions were no doubt kindly meant. But like Zhou Nongshan and the others, he could only see Qin Xuanxi’s beauty and not sense the terrifying power she possessed. No one could bring harm to her; only she might bring harm to others.

Guan Zijie then glanced at Zhou Nongshan and his companions, noticing traces of immortal cultivation about them. He inquired, “You young folks are headed to the Celestial Purity Palace, aren’t you?”

Chen Huaiyin looked up and replied, “Yes, we are disciples of the Mooncatcher Sect, on our way to participate in the annual ‘Five Sects Martial Tournament’ at Celestial Purity Palace.”

“Ah, so you are esteemed disciples of the Mooncatcher Sect!” Guan Zijie exclaimed. “As it happens, I too am bound for Celestial Purity Palace. Perhaps we might travel together.”

Chen Huaiyin glanced awkwardly at his still-unconscious master. “We have some matters to attend to and will need to stay here a while longer, so it may not be convenient to travel together just yet.”

“Oh!” Guan Zijie nodded, asking no further.

Duan Ling, curious, asked, “May I ask, senior, what business takes you to Celestial Purity Palace?”

Guan Zijie’s expression suddenly turned grave. “I am going to invite the Immortal Masters of Celestial Purity Palace to join our alliance in a campaign to vanquish the demoness Qin Xuanxi.”

Song Ye, overhearing these words, felt a sense of unease. The very woman whom Guan Zijie spoke of vanquishing was standing right before him. One careless remark might anger this demon sovereign, and none of these immortal sect disciples would leave the place alive.

He could not help but steal a glance at Qin Xuanxi, curious as to her reaction upon hearing someone so boldly proclaiming an alliance to destroy her. Yet, he saw her leaning against the counter, a gentle smile playing at her lips, listening to their conversation as if she were merely an amused bystander.