Chapter 802

·

·

·

Main Character:

Shen Yao

The Moonlight Cicada in the Spirit-Catching Net was no bigger than a finger, its entire body pure white.

Looking closer, the cicada's surface bore faintly visible cloud patterns; moreover, the Moonlight Cicada wasn't a true cicada in the genuine sense — it looked somewhat like an insect.

Shen Yao: …… One must admit, in terms of looks, it's a bit ugly-cute, isn't it?

Those round, rolling eyes, that protruding nose, a mouth the size of a rice grain, and invisible ears — what a strange, bizarre creature.

System: ……

"Host, you caught a Moonlight Cicada!" After screaming, the system urged its own Host to quickly subdue the Moonlight Cicada, absolutely not letting this thing escape. "What was that attack just now? Do Moonlight Cicadas have attack methods? Aren't they support-type spiritual objects?"

Legendary Moonlight Cicadas are all targets bullied by other creatures — basically they don't fight back when hit, don't retort when cursed (because they lack strength and always end up at the bottom) — and it's precisely because of this that wild Moonlight Cicada numbers are so unhealthy, basically in a state of frequent extinction; the occasional discovery of one or two is also quickly competed for and snatched by other forces.

"Who told you support-type spiritual objects have no aggressiveness? It's just that their aggressiveness isn't strong. But right now isn't the Cultivation World of ten thousand years ago — the people here have deviated in their cultivation approach, focusing more on the Beast Contract Dao.

Besides being a support-type spiritual object, the Moonlight Cicada is also a special kind of exotic beast.

Exotic beasts and exotic plants all have countermeasures — it's just that when the enemy is strong they choose self-preservation, and when the enemy is weak they choose to attack."

The capability Shen Yao initially displayed wasn't strong; this Moonlight Cicada was about six or seven hundred years old, possibly with limited experience, and its inner heart was somewhat inflated.

So it opened its mouth to take a bite of Shen Yao, only to discover that inside the soft persimmon was a hard-as-rock stone — it chipped its teeth and bruised its mouth.

System: ……

What more can be said? Everything was the Moonlight Cicada's own doing — no reason to stir up trouble. A mere six or seven hundred years old, not some long-lived old monster — where would it be a match for its own Host?

The system again thought of the Shanglu Spirit that had taken Shang Lu Cheng and run away — that thing was far more formidable than the Moonlight Cicada before them, yet it still suffered a crushing defeat in the New Secret Realm. If not for the Host not wanting the Earth Roar Bell (actually because the Earth Roar Bell was of no help to them and they couldn't take it even if they got it), the Shanglu Spirit could have conducted a normal transaction with the Host; otherwise the Shanglu Spirit could only bite its handkerchief and submit.

The surrounding battle had already ended; the blood qi originally floating around the pond dispersed, and the blood puppets fell in a row, life and death unknown.

Shen Yao pinched the Moonlight Cicada in her hand and without a word stuffed it into the Spirit-Sealing Box.

"Host, what do you plan to do?"

"Since I've obtained it, naturally I'll raise it." The space has the backing of so many worlds' foundations — a mere Moonlight Cicada is no problem.

The system felt the Moonlight Cicada was too young in age, still some distance from becoming a Millennium Moonlight Cicada — the Host can't wait that long, right?

Shen Yao's eyes stared at a patch of withered lotus in the pond, not forgetting to answer the system. "I have Stone Milk Elixir in hand, and other spiritual resources to assist its growth." Wanting to rapidly advance the Moonlight Cicada to a Millennium Moonlight Cicada wouldn't be very difficult.

System: ……

Almost forgot its own Host is actually a super Big Shot. Hmph!

Who can this be blamed on? It's not its fault either — who made the Host's capability too strong? Under normal circumstances she never uses the space's resources, causing the system to often forget the space still has so many treasures piled up at will; just taking out some at random could stir up storms of blood and rain.

After the Spirit-Catching Net caught the Moonlight Cicada, it thought it could achieve success and retire, but Shen Yao pinched it in her hand, turned it around in a circle, and continued to toss it into the pond.

Huh?

Shen Yao didn't speak nonsense; instead, with both hands forming seals she continuously moved hand seals, and as the seals were transmitted from her mouth, the Spirit-Catching Net submerged in the pond once again emitted white light.

The area of the white light grew larger and larger, until it enveloped the entire pond. From afar it looked like a high-intensity lamp had been turned on, illuminating the entire surroundings.

A pity that at this time there was no one outside to witness such a wondrous scene.

"Rise!"

With Shen Yao's soft shout, the Spirit-Catching Net in the pond suddenly soared upward. The dense net threads, after being stretched, actively contracted, simultaneously transforming into a teardrop shape — wide at the bottom, narrow at the top — netting the things inside.

Bang!

The Spirit-Catching Net landed. Finally light flashed, and it returned to its original size, retrieved into the space by Shen Yao, while on the ground appeared many sundries from the pond.

To prevent her clothes from getting dirty, Shen Yao formed a hand seal to make herself rise into the air, and simultaneously took out a long chain from her ring that could rummage through items.

Rummaging left and right, she finally found what Shen Yao wanted.

Moonlight Lotus Root.

Only the length of an infant's arm, crystalline and transparent with visible holes inside the lotus root. Although the surface was still stained with pond mud, the fresh fragrance emitted by the lotus root was intoxicating.

Mm

So this is the difference between the genuine article and a knockoff? The Moonlight Lotus emits a fake, superficial scent; the Moonlight Lotus Root, just one sniff, refreshes the heart and delights the spirit.

After using a technique to bring the Moonlight Lotus Root to her hand and clean it thoroughly, she hurriedly stored it away. Shen Yao continued burying her head in the search, and only after confirming there were no other omissions here did her feet touch the ground, and she turned to leave.

On the way back, Shen Yao walked and chatted with the system. The person and system spoke most about Lu Yan.

"Tsk, Host, you're really not going over to help? Feels like he's about to be beaten into trouble."

Afraid her words alone lacked persuasiveness, the system simply projected Lu Yan's situation — through real-time sharing, making the Host truly and concretely aware of Lu Yan's crisis.

Shen Yao: ……

"Won't happen. Look — Lu Yan's dodging movements appear practiced and familiar; these are all intentional on his part." Although Lu Yan had obvious blood traces at the corner of his mouth, and the three contracted beasts beside him also had tattered fur, from the analysis of Lu Yan's gaze, he had preparation for the situation before him.

"Lu Yan isn't a person who likes taking risks. Sending me away already indicates he can resolve the predicament." Otherwise Lu Yan would have brought Shen Yao along.

System: ……

The system felt the Host had some blind confidence in Lu Yan. In reality, no matter how mature and steady Lu Yan is, he's only a youngster in his early twenties — there will be times when hot blood rushes to his head, and there will be problems of insufficient consideration.

Right now……

The system still wanted to say something more, but didn't want the situation — originally Lu Yan being suppressed and beaten by his opponent — to instantly undergo a change.

Unknown what happened, Lu Yan, who should have dodged, suddenly met the attack head-on. Fist met fist, face pressed to face. When they separated again, Lu Yan swayed unsteadily but did not fall. Instead, the originally arrogant opponent suddenly vomited fresh blood and died on the spot.

System: …… Huh?!!

What happened? Turns out Lu Yan really did have a trump card — he actually turned defeat into victory.

Like a signal to launch a renewed offense, following Lu Yan heavily knocking down the enemy, the three contracted beasts also excitedly pawed the ground, swung their tails, and howled at the sky. The situation of being suppressed and beaten turned into doing the beating.

The scene underwent a polar reversal. Shen Yao didn't speak, only raised her beautiful eyebrows and eyes.

System: ……

The System was truly convinced, aaaaah! This Lu Yan, she's got some substance!

"Of course, trust my eye for people," Shen Yao didn't mock the System excessively, and had it observe Huaiqing City's situation more, "The city is currently in great chaos, let's see if we can fish in troubled waters."

It's not like this kind of opportunity exists at all times; Shen Yao isn't unworldly, it's just that most of the time with Lu Yan as a backstop, she doesn't need to become vulgar and mercenary.

Right now, looking at the fallen corpses at the street front and lane entrance, Shen Yao suddenly felt that lending a hand conveniently wasn't bad.

"Why?" The System was naive and simple-minded.

"Naturally to put on a good performance, let the World Consciousness send more benefits," ordinary people don't matter, but what if it's a certain quantity of ordinary people?

Although Huai City is small, there are several hundred thousand ordinary people living inside; now these people are half-dead, their lives hanging by a thread due to the invasion of Blood Fiend Qi, and it just so happens Shen Yao has the means to wake them up.

Somewhat similar to the previous world when she relied on the strategy of using war to stop war to preserve ordinary people, regardless of whether it was out of sincerity or feigned intent, Shen Yao received the World Consciousness's bestowal.

Besides, leaving the city now is just sitting in the carriage waiting for Lu Yan anyway; Shen Yao felt that would be extremely boring, so why not use the time killed here?

"Immortal, Immortal Maiden?"

"Many thanks, Miss, for the life-saving grace, there is nothing with which to repay, I"

"Immortal Maiden, Sister Immortal, Sister Immortal, I also want to learn immortal arts."

"That's a Bodhisattva, a living Bodhisattva ah"

"Quick, quick, kneel down, many thanks Immortal Aunt, Immortal Aunt"

"……"

Shen Yao saving people was simple; for many people she used Talisman Paper, for few she directly formed Hand Seals.

As the number of people saved awake grew more and more, the titles Shen Yao gained also grew more and more.

Shen Yao: ……

At first Shen Yao would still distinguish herself as a cultivator, saying the reason she had no Contract Beast by her side was because she had arranged for it to go elsewhere; as a result, the people saved awake didn't need Shen Yao to explain, they just called her according to their own ideas.

What could Shen Yao do? Let them be happy; anyway, everything she did fell under the World Consciousness's eye, and when she left this world, she would still get extra Rewards.

"Alright, recently don't labor, rest more," Blood Fiend Qi mainly attacks the body and soul, but because the Blood Fiend Qi appeared for a short time, its effect on body and soul wasn't great; Shen Yao acted and resolved most problems, the rest depends on recuperation and recovery; the strong-bodied need only a few days, the old, weak, sick, and disabled may need a bit longer.

Just like this, walking and saving along the way, by the time Shen Yao reached the South City Gate and smoothly exited the city, Lu Yan still hadn't returned.

The Servants around the carriage, seeing Shen Yao, was like seeing the Head of the Caravan; they described the Strange Phenomena at the city gate during this time to Shen Yao with fear and trepidation, especially that city gate, "Before Miss came out, we were never able to open it," it was only later that it opened on its own, giving them a fright.

"Huaiqing City's crisis is resolved; we'll wait here for Lu Yan to return."

Finished speaking, Shen Yao raised her foot and entered the carriage compartment, throwing herself comfortably onto the Soft Pillow and backrest.

"Host, Lu Yan is about to come out."

Because saving people delayed time, the picture originally projected before Shen Yao had long since disappeared; fortunately there was the System, this anytime-monitoring existence; Lu Yan's every move was still within its observation range.

See, seeing the Host had no issues, the System again raised Lu Yan with a full narrative arc.

Shen Yao lay on her side, one hand propping up her head, "How's the situation?"

Situation?

That was naturally Lu Yan killing in all directions, resolving all enemies attacking him, and incidentally alleviating Huaiqing City's fatal crisis, indirectly saving a city of people.

"Oh, then did he get what he wanted?"

"Host, Lu Yan didn't go to resolve trouble; what does he want……"

The System spoke to the end and suddenly stalled; then after a few seconds of silence it erupted, "Lu Yan wants Huaiqing City's administrative authority!"

Why?

Previously the Shanglu Spirit fed Shanglu City to them and they refused; right now Huai City can't compare to Shanglu City in any respect, even the Moonlight Cicadas were all brought along by the Host, yet Lu Yan actually wants Huaiqing City's administrative authority, and has already obtained the corresponding Token from the City Lord's hand.

The System was greatly surprised; it scratched its head raw and couldn't figure out what was going on, just feeling it was extremely bizarre.

"We're paying attention to Huaiqing City because of the Moonlight Cicada; actually Huaiqing City's location," Shen Yao tapped the not-too-bright System, making it simply look for reasons from other aspects, "Everyone says this place is a wild ridge; that's in comparison to some prosperous big cities. Actually, Huaiqing City and Lian Tang City are very similar in structure; here the City Lord's Mansion dominates alone, yet the City Lord has his own pursuits."

Lu Yan utilized the City Lord's knot and borrowed this sudden incident to smoothly take Huaiqing City into his hands; in the future, whether observing Wucheng or Yuan City through Huaiqing City, there's much to be said for it, and departing from Huaiqing City, via the four routes of southeast and northwest, one can reach the next city within a few days; it's not truly isolated from the world, so getting administrative authority isn't a loss at all.

"Not just monitoring surrounding other cities; Huaiqing City has a Jade Mine!"

The System felt the Host's words were all trivial details; the main thing was still that Huaiqing City has money, self-produced and self-sold.

Shen Yao gave an "oh," "Since even this was discovered by you, looks like my special training on you was very effective, and you didn't just believe whatever I said."

System: ……

Shen Yao gave a light laugh, then turned over again and continued relaxing.

By the time Lu Yan returned to the carriage compartment, Shen Yao had already quarreled with the System who knows how many rounds.

"Enter the city, go to the City Lord's Mansion," Lu Yan had the Servants drive the carriage back.

Shen Yao raised her arm and hooked it around Lu Yan's neck, "How long staying here?"

Lu Yan patted Shen Yao's shoulder, "I've already sent letters to Lian Tang City and Yuan City respectively; waiting for them to send people to take over, then we'll leave."

Hearing this, Shen Yao puffed her cheeks, "What exactly does Huaiqing City have?"

Lu Yan didn't answer immediately, but tucked Shen Yao's fallen loose hair behind her ear, "This place is related to my mother."

Shen Yao: ……

Shen Yao widened her eyes; Lu Yan's mother? If memory serves, she's been dead for many years.

Lu Yan raised a hand and laid down a Boundary Array in the carriage compartment, isolating even the three Contract Beasts outside, "Mother was originally a Loose Cultivator; Huaiqing City is a place Mother lived."

Lu Yan's impression of Mother wasn't much; in memory this person was somewhat Weak; ever since giving birth to him she was bedridden; occasional meetings were all the bitter taste of Medicine.

Later Lu Yan learned that Mother's weakness hid many plots and schemes; even his birth was unexpected.

As if suddenly thinking of something hateful, Lu Yan's gaze turned dark, malicious and sinister, but in just an instant it vanished without a trace.