Chapter 200: The Terror of Ningyang Stronghold is Beyond Your Imagination (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

The mission fails before it even begins.

If Meng Yueqin and Meng Yuehua knew this poem, they would surely feel such sentiments.

The two had collected steamed buns for several days to use as dry rations for their escape.

Yet they never imagined that this action would attract the attention of those supervising them.

Their behavior was reported directly to the upper echelons of Fenglei Stronghold.

Subsequently, the two were escorted and sent to be imprisoned within the stronghold.

The sisters' hearts were as dead ashes.

This day.

The main Yishiting of Fenglei Stronghold.

Stronghold Master Zhai Dali sat high in the seat of honor, holding a beautiful woman and indulging in wanton indecency.

The technique he practiced was the Earth-Tier high-grade "Joyous Union Symbiotic Method" that his wife had brought from the depths of the Ten Thousand Mountains.

This was a Dual Cultivation Method that required harvesting the Pure Yin of a large number of women to convert into internal Yuan power.

His talent was originally mediocre, and it was only by relying on the legacy of his ancestors that he was able to take charge of Fenglei Stronghold.

There were many in the stronghold who were unconvinced.

But ever since he met his wife, Su Yueqiao, this situation had completely reversed.

Under his wife's thunderous methods, not only was the stronghold completely brought under control, but ever since he began practicing this "Joyous Union Symbiotic Method," his Cultivation Points had advanced by leaps and bounds; now, he was seemingly about to break through the internal fullness and step into that supreme Grandmaster Realm! His breakthrough in Cultivation Points was imminent.

During this period, he had been immersed in Double Cultivation all day long, and all stronghold affairs were handed over to his wife, Su Yueqiao, to handle.

Below his seat, a slightly smaller chair was placed, upon which sat a delicate, bewitching, and plump woman with seductive light in her eyes.

This woman was his wife.

Su Yueqiao, who had come out of the Ten Thousand Mountains after apprenticing to learn her craft!

"I hadn't noticed before, but these two little ladies actually have some beauty; sending them to the hard labor camp is truly a waste of such fine things."

Su Yueqiao, sitting below Zhai Dali, curled the corners of her mouth slightly, containing a hint of bewitchment, her voice as alluring and pleasant as silver bells.

Su Yueqiao stared at the sisters Meng Yueqin and Meng Yuehua kneeling below.

Seeing the two looking unyielding, even glaring at her with rage, she was not the least bit anxious.

She had seen too many people like this.

But under her charm arts, how many could actually hold out?

Wouldn't they all just obediently listen, go to the back stronghold, and become nourishment for this wretch Zhai Dali? "If you wish to survive, why don't you two enter the back stronghold to serve the Stronghold Master? Not only will you no longer have to endure the wind and sun, but you can also obtain many resources for cultivation; you only need to properly provide the Stronghold Master with pleasure, how about it?"

Su Yueqiao toyed with her slender, jade-like little finger, revealing a delicate and charming smile.

A faint smile hung on the corners of her mouth.

According to estimates, with the Pure Yin of these two women, Zhai Dali's "Joyous Union Symbiotic Method" would be able to break through the internal fullness in one stroke and enter the Zhuozhao Realm.

In this way.

She would also have one more life!

Although this "Joyous Union Symbiotic Method" was a Dual Cultivation Method.

In reality, it was an extremely evil technique.

It was divided into an upper and a lower volume.

What Zhai Dali practiced was the lower volume.

The upper is the master, the lower is the slave.

Those who practice this method, if the upper and lower combine, can achieve symbiosis according to the method.

At a critical moment, if the one with the upper volume loses their life, they can use this symbiotic method to reverse life and death, transferring the vitality of the one with the lower volume to the one with the upper volume.

In other words, the one with the lower volume is the life-fosterer for the one with the upper volume.

Zhai Dali treated her like a treasure, unable to bear to profane her, and even handed over the power to govern the stronghold to her.

Yet in the heart of Su Yueqiao, Zhai Dali was merely a common mortal who could be sacrificed at any time for her own life.

"Pah! You thief, don't even think about it! If you have the guts, just kill us!"

Although Meng Yuehua's hands were bound, she still straightened her waist firmly, glaring at Su Yueqiao and the absurd, silent Stronghold Master Zhai Dali, her eyes containing undisguised fury as she loudly rebuked them.

Meng Yueqin's expression changed slightly, but she was also equally unyielding.

"Hehehe~ Good, good!"

Su Yueqiao was not angry; instead, she revealed a playful smile.

At this moment, she was like a fairy playing in the mortal world, watching the Meng sisters struggle like ants; how could she possibly be angered? She smiled faintly.

She turned her head to look at Zhai Dali, who had already pressed the woman beneath him onto the seat and, ignoring the situation in the hall, was going full throttle in Double Cultivation.

"Husband, you haven't enjoyed sisters of this quality yet, have you? Watch as I help you take them down, and then we can have a good time, how about it?"

Su Yueqiao said with a coquettish laugh.

Zhai Dali couldn't help but look back at the Meng sisters kneeling below the steps, who were filled with grief and indignation.

He then laughed loudly, nodded at Su Yueqiao, and said, "Tsk, everything is up to you, my lady!"

Hearing these words.

The expressions of the sisters Meng Yueqin and Meng Yuehua kneeling below the steps changed violently, and despair flowed from their eyes.

"Report!"

And just at this moment.

Outside the door of the Yishiting, a report sounded.

"Stronghold Master, Madam, envoys from Yunxiao Stronghold and Ningyang Stronghold have arrived, saying they have matters to discuss with the Stronghold Master!"

Zhai Dali, who was vigorously engaged in Double Cultivation, stopped his movements upon hearing this, and his brows lifted slightly.

Su Yueqiao also furrowed her brows.

Why would Yunxiao Stronghold send someone at a time like this? As for Ningyang Stronghold, they had naturally heard of it long ago.

They also knew that the former Alliance Leader of the Three Mountains and Four Ridges and Stronghold Master of Yunxiao Stronghold, Zhu Yaluan, was now a hostage at Ningyang Mountain.

In other words, the current landscape of Xima Mountain had already quietly changed.

As long as Zhu Yaluan lived, Yunxiao Stronghold would be nothing more than a vassal to Ningyang Stronghold.

"Please!"

Zhai Dali's face darkened; he ended their Double Cultivation and glanced at Su Yueqiao.

The two stood up and walked toward the entrance of the main hall.

They did not reach the entrance.

When they saw a person walking in from outside.

This person was dressed in a black-red brocade robe with a long skirt underneath, holding a precious sword in her hand.

Behind this person followed two burly guards.

"Stronghold Master Zhu?"

Seeing the visitor, both Zhai Dali and Su Yueqiao were startled.

But very quickly.

Su Yueqiao was the first to react, immediately cupping her hands in a bow and humbly welcoming her: "I did not know it was Stronghold Master Zhu who had graced us with her presence; please forgive us for failing to welcome you from afar."

No one had expected that the envoy sent by Ningyang Stronghold would actually be the Stronghold Master of Yunxiao Stronghold.

A person's name is like the shadow of a tree.

After all, she was the former Alliance Leader who had once managed all the outlaws of Xima Mountain; even if she was now a hostage of Ningyang Stronghold, the prestige and influence she had built up over a long time still existed.

Zhai Dali's expression shifted; he hurriedly stepped aside, bowed slightly, and made a gesture to invite her in.

"Alliance Leader, please!"

Seeing Zhai Dali in this state, Su Yueqiao, standing to the side, felt a flash of disdain in her eyes.

But immediately, she put on a charming smile, followed Zhu Yaluan into the council hall, and walked behind her, taking the initiative to strike up a conversation: "I wonder what instructions the Alliance Leader has for coming here?" Zhu Yaluan sat down and glanced at the Meng sisters, who were kneeling on the ground with expressions of grief and indignation.

Then, she looked at Zhai Dali and Su Yueqiao and said, "I presume you two are aware of the current situation of my Yunxiao Stronghold."

Zhai Dali and Su Yueqiao exchanged a glance, their eyes flickering with awkwardness, and then they nodded in unison.

Zhu Yaluan's expression was calm as she continued: "I have not come for alliance matters, but was entrusted by Stronghold Master Ning Mu of Ningyang Stronghold to ask Stronghold Master Zhai and his wife a few questions."

"Oh? Please speak plainly, Alliance Leader." Zhai Dali was stunned for a moment before saying.

In his memory, he had no dealings with Ningyang Stronghold, a small stronghold that had been established for only a few months.

Moreover, since its establishment, Ningyang Stronghold had rarely interacted with other strongholds of the Three Mountains and Four Ridges.

Logically speaking, Fenglei Stronghold and Ningyang Stronghold should have kept to their own affairs.

What business could Ningyang Stronghold have that required asking him?

They had even sent the former Alliance Leader, Zhu Yaluan!

"Then I will get straight to the point."

Zhu Yaluan set down the tea brought by a maid, looked at Zhai Dali, and said indifferently: "It is like this: recently, many refugees and martial artists from the pugilistic world have come from Yonghang to join Ningyang Stronghold, but after so much time, Ningyang Stronghold has not received these people. After investigation, it was discovered that all these people were invited up the mountain by Stronghold Master Zhai and his wife."

"Is this true?"

Upon hearing this, Zhai Dali was suddenly flustered and subconsciously looked at his wife, Su Yueqiao.

Su Yueqiao, however, held a smile, her expression natural, showing not the slightest abnormality.

And before they could speak.

Zhu Yaluan tapped the armrest, cutting them off, and said calmly: "As for your stronghold secretly expanding its manpower, as Alliance Leader, I should have questioned it, but considering that Fenglei Stronghold and my Yunxiao Stronghold have always been on good terms, I will not pursue this matter."

"Many thanks for your understanding, Alliance Leader!"

Zhai Dali's expression immediately brightened, and he immediately cupped his hands in a bow.

The power of Yunxiao Stronghold was too great; within the Xima Mountain region, no one dared to defy it.

Although Yunxiao Stronghold was now subservient to Ningyang Stronghold, it was, after all, the once-strongest stronghold, and with the deep-seated prestige of the former Alliance Leader Zhu Yaluan, the simple-minded Zhai Dali was subconsciously intimidated.

Even in front of Zhu Yaluan.

He did not dare to sit on the tiger-skin chair in the main seat, but sat on the same level as Zhu Yaluan.

This inevitably made Su Yueqiao, sitting to the side, shake her head.

Not only was this fellow timid, but he also lacked his own opinions; he had let the other party expose his bottom line in just a few words.

Su Yueqiao was about to speak to make amends.

But at this moment, Zhu Yaluan, seizing the opportunity, immediately spoke again: "However, those people were all coming to join Ningyang Stronghold. I ask that Stronghold Master Zhai consider this; how about you release those who should be released?"

Hearing this, Zhai Dali's expression changed slightly.

That would not do.

Fenglei Stronghold had finally seized the opportunity and grasped the lifeblood of the salt mine, which would allow them to develop rapidly in the coming time.

If he handed the people over.

Then how would they excavate the salt mine they had finally discovered? More importantly.

This salt mine was hidden from everyone; once exposed, Fenglei Stronghold would surely become the target of all the strongholds in Xima Mountain.

The salt industry was a lifeblood controlled by the Imperial Court.

No one outside the Imperial Court was allowed to mine it privately; once discovered, it would mean the destruction of one's family and clan.

But now, the administration was corrupt, and private salt was rampant in the market.

Furthermore, this place was a lawless zone; not only was it easy to defend and hard to attack, but the Imperial Court rarely sent troops to suppress them, as they relied on these mountain bandits to form the first barrier for the Chu Kingdom.

Therefore, it was only under Su Yueqiao's instigation that he dared to defy the world and mine the salt privately.

If this matter is leaked, Fenglei Stronghold will be in big trouble.

But if the people are not returned, not to mention that it will be impossible to give an account to Zhu Yaluan, offending Ningyang Stronghold will likewise be a big trouble.

Subconsciously.

Zhai Dali cast his gaze toward Su Yueqiao.

"The Alliance Leader has come from afar, and some matters cannot be cleared up in just a few words. Besides, the Alliance Leader would not want to be suppressed and unable to stretch by a mere up-and-comer, would she? Why not stay for a simple meal, and we can deliberate in detail; perhaps there will be a result that makes everyone happy?"

Su Yueqiao spoke with a smile, and as she spoke, her voice carried a bit of the unique bewitchment belonging to the fox clan.

If it were someone with an unsteady mind, they would likely have fallen for it within a few words and could only be at the mercy of others.

But although Zhu Yaluan's Cultivation Points were suppressed, her mind was extremely resilient.

Detecting the evil charm permeating Su Yueqiao's words, she immediately frowned.

Right away, she waved her hand directly.

She released her Cultivation Points to envelop her entire body.

At the same time, she said: "Mistress, there is no need to waste your efforts. The terror of Ningyang Stronghold is not something you people can imagine. Out of consideration for past ties, today I, Zhu, offer some well-intentioned advice."

"Within three days, if I do not see those disaster victims and martial artists who should have appeared at Ningyang Mountain, Fenglei Stronghold may no longer have a need to exist."

Having said that.

Zhu Yaluan stood up directly.

She was, after all, once the General Alliance Leader, and this final warning beneath her cold expression naturally possessed a pressure that made one unable to look down upon her.

It intimidated Zhai Dali and Su Yueqiao, causing both of their expressions to change.

"I, Zhu, will not disturb you further."

"Farewell!"

Having said that, Zhu Yaluan cupped her hands in a salute, then flicked her sleeves, intending to leave.

Just then.

She had just taken a step.

Her leg was grabbed by someone.

"This heroine, please, save us sisters!"

It was seen that Meng Yueqin and Meng Yuehua were both kneeling on the ground.

Zhu Yaluan raised her eyebrows slightly, looked up at Zhai Dali and Su Yueqiao, and said: "Stronghold Master Zhai, what is the meaning of this?"

Both Zhai Dali and Su Yueqiao had expressions revealing a bit of panic.

Just now, Zhu Yaluan had entered too hurriedly, and there was simply no way to escort Meng Yueqin and Meng Yuehua to the back hall in time.

And these two sisters were not only martial artists who had defected to Ningyang Stronghold, but they also knew the detailed situation of the Salt Well; if they were taken away by Zhu Yaluan, it would inevitably pose a threat to Fenglei Stronghold.

"Presumptuous!"

Zhai Dali immediately let out a fierce roar.

He was not a fool; he knew that if a problem arose in this link, it would undoubtedly be a disaster for Fenglei Stronghold.

"Alliance Leader, these are my two concubines who committed the crime of theft; they actually stole my wife's jewelry. Before you arrived, I was interrogating them, and this matter has caused such a..." Zhai Dali feigned an awkward, foolish laugh, attempting to muddle through.

"The two little girls are too excessive. They are at the age where they love to dress up. Actually, as the Mistress, if they had just asked, I would have given it to them, but they had to resort to theft!" Su Yueqiao also hurriedly chimed in.

She was very satisfied with Zhai Dali's reaction.

As her voice fell, she waved her hand and said: "Someone come, why haven't you dragged these two sluts away yet?"

Instantly.

Fenglei Stronghold subordinates entered the door.

"No, it's not like that! We are martial artists who defected to Ningyang Stronghold, and we were approved by Young Lady Jiang!"

Immediately.

Meng Yueqin, with a nervous and panicked expression, hurriedly spoke up to refute.

The sisters understood that the woman in front of them, who was called 'Alliance Leader', was their only path to survival at the moment.

If they did not grasp this straw, the sisters' lives would end here; not only would their revenge be hopeless, but they feared they would even lose their chastity!

(End of this chapter)