Chapter 1643: I can't keep you steady any longer?

I guess I should steady you.

Hearing Shi Song say this, Tian Nong spoke displeased: if he hadn't been extra careful, the twenty rations he had saved would have been devoured by that damned thing tonight.

Taking a few steps forward, Tian Nong coldly stared at Shi Song as he extended his hand; seeing this, Shi Song asked doubtfully.

What are you doing?

Hand it over.

What?

Don't play dumb, the rations—hand them over.

Junior Brother, what are you doing? We already agreed on this earlier today, and besides, we're doing this for the sect.

Shi Song still repeated his earlier excuse, but Tian Nong no longer believed him at all.

What nonsense about doing it for the sect—just how fragrant was what you ate earlier? Did you think I didn't notice?

Tian Nong didn't want to argue with him; leaving the rations with him, let alone keeping the Nether Clan Old Ancestor fed, it's questionable whether they'd even last until tomorrow.

Under Tian Nong's firm demand, Shi Song reluctantly returned the remaining fifteen rations to him.

Because Tian Nong said he would keep them safe and give them back to Shi Song tomorrow.

In response, Shi Song really had no reason to refuse; moreover, having been caught red-handed stealing food, he was already in the wrong, so now he had even less excuse.

Reluctantly, he handed the remaining fifteen rations over to Tian Nong's hand.

After receiving the rations, Tian Nong directly stored them in his space ring, though he kept one in his hand.

Junior Brother, what are you doing?

Can't I eat one share? These rations are mine; I painstakingly saved them up.

He said through gritted teeth, 'Is it easy to save up this little bit of wealth? If it weren't for the sect, could he bear to take it out?'

But who would have thought it would end up feeding that 'dog'—that damned thing constantly spouting righteous nonsense about doing it for the sect.

Yet he turned around and ate it himself; if he had come any later, there wouldn't even be scraps left.

Since that damned thing can eat it, why can't he?

Hearing Tian Nong's words, Shi Song looked pained.

Junior Brother, these rations are supposed to be kept for the Nether Clan Old Ancestor; if you eat them, I—

But before he could finish, seeing Tian Nong's deadly glare, Shi Song immediately shut his mouth.

From Tian Nong's eyes he saw killing intent; wisely choosing to stay silent.

Under Shi Song's pained gaze, Tian Nong eventually ate two rations before reluctantly stopping.

Seeing this, Shi Song finally breathed a sigh of relief.

I'll keep the remaining rations; tomorrow I'll go with you.

Having said that, without waiting for Shi Song's reply, Tian Nong rose and left the main hall.

The next morning, Tian Nong indeed arrived early at the main hall as promised; seeing this, Shi Song, who had waited all night, hurried forward with a smile.

Junior Brother has arrived.

Hmm, when do we set out?

Whatever you say, Junior Brother.

At this moment, Shi Song bore no semblance of a senior brother's authority; he simply appeared to agree with whatever was said, after all, he would listen to you.

Seeing this, Tian Nong couldn't be bothered with him; after discussing briefly, they set out for the Nether Clan Old Ancestor's dwelling.

The Nether Clan Old Ancestor's abode, a dong fu personally arranged by Shi Song, but to show respect they first announced their arrival.

Only after the Nether Clan Old Ancestor agreed did they enter the dong fu.

Inside the dong fu, the two brothers saw the Nether Clan Old Ancestor sitting with eyes closed, legs crossed.

Junior pays respects to senior.

Anything the matter?

I specially brought some specialties from our Dao Yi Shengdi for you to try; oh, this is my junior brother, Tian Nong.

Shi Song replied with a smile, also introducing Tian Nong's identity; hearing this, Tian Nong likewise respectfully clasped his hands in salute.

Immediately, Shi Song took out the rations he had prepared earlier, specially selecting a braised pork flavor.

Seeing Shi Song and Tian Nong like this, the Nether Clan Old Ancestor said without changing expression:

You needn't trouble yourselves; frankly, I currently have no intention of allying with your Haotu Shijie... uh... what is this smell?

One could guess with their toes why Shi Song and the other came early; the Nether Clan Old Ancestor didn't beat around the bush and spoke directly.

He appeared intent on making Shi Song abandon that idea as soon as possible.

But mid-sentence, the Nether Clan Old Ancestor suddenly froze; the aroma of the braised pork rations wafting forth abruptly cut off his words.

His gaze involuntarily drifted to the braised pork rations on the table, while Shi Song seized the moment to speak.

Senior, you jest; I came today with no other thought, simply to pay my respects and let you sample the food from our Dao Yi Shengdi canteen.

This time, the Nether Clan Old Ancestor did not refuse; instead, he picked up the rations on the table, inhaled deeply, examined them a few times, then took a small bite.

At first he seemed somewhat doubtful, but after that first bite his expression changed instantly.

This taste is delicious; in no time the Nether Clan Old Ancestor couldn't resist and began devouring it in big mouthfuls.

One braised pork ration was gone in a few bites by the Nether Clan Old Ancestor.

And Shi Song was also smart; throughout the process he made no demands, just as he said—purely to let the Nether Clan Old Ancestor taste the flavor of their Dao Yi Shengdi rations.

A simple ration, yet it left the Nether Clan Old Ancestor utterly satisfied.

When Shi Song took his leave, he also said that if the Nether Clan Old Ancestor didn't mind, he could stay longer at the Dao Yi Shengdi.

Anyway, the rations are certainly available every day, so he needn't worry.

Hearing Shi Song's words, the Nether Clan Old Ancestor, though feeling somewhat uneasy inside, couldn't resist the temptation of those braised pork rations and ended up nodding involuntarily.

Seeing this, Shi Song was so happy he could hardly contain himself; just agreeing was enough.

As long as we can keep the Nether Clan Old Ancestor here, once Ye Zhangqing returns, the situation might still have a chance to turn around.

"Then I won't disturb your rest, senior; if you have any needs, just give orders anytime."

After saying that with a smile, Shi Song took Tian Nong and took his leave, without shamelessly staying behind.

Over the next few days, relying on those several portions of dry rations, Shi Song indeed succeeded in keeping the Nether Clan Old Ancestor stable.

And the Nether Clan Old Ancestor was completely drawn to this dry ration, the more he ate, the more he got into it.

However, those several portions of dry rations couldn't last more than a few days; fortunately, two days later Ye Zhangqing's group finally made it back to Haotu Shijie.

On the Star Battleship, Luo Jiuyou heard that her own ancestor was now at Dao Yi Shengdi, and she exclaimed in disbelief.

"What? That old geezer is now at Dao Yi Shengdi? Why doesn't he even say a greeting?"

Hearing that, Ye Zhangqing didn't know how to respond; he is an existence of the ancestor realm, and you keep calling him an old geezer.

Still saying hello? The other party is the Nether Clan Old Ancestor—what hello to say? Who to say hello to? Looking at Luo Jiuyou before him, Ye Zhangqing always felt this guy might be getting a bit itchy.