Chapter 2330: You call this a small matter?

As Huang Lao's gritted-teeth words fell, the Heavenly Family's old ancestor instantly changed expression, immediately smiling and agreeing.

Seeing that, Huang Lao also felt helpless; indeed, trying to fool these old-timers basically had no chance.

Without reaching that price, they wouldn't nod.

The Heavenly Family's old ancestor must have guessed his bottom line from the start; it's almost certain, just waiting for him to loosen up.

"Since you're so sincere, then we Heavenly Family won't take this Nine Heavens Treasure Tree."

"Don't take the advantage and then act cute."

"Haha, I'm saying you old fogey are the one hiding things; if you'd just said it straight from the start, it'd be done. Why beat around the bush? In the end, you'll have to pay this price anyway."

"You.................."

The Heavenly Family's old ancestor laughed loudly.

It was just the price to convince the Heavenly Family's old ancestor, and it's quite high.

But mainly it's Ye Zhangqing, since he's the one cooking; there's no way around it—if we want the Nine Heavens Treasure Tree, we have to compensate elsewhere.

Next up is the old lady from the Wushen Palace; according to Huang Lao's guess, she'll probably demand the same price, otherwise it won't be settled.

Ye Zhangqing doesn't know about Huang Lao's side of things, nor that he's found himself a long-term free-loader.

At this moment, Ye Zhangqing, Miao Qianqian, and Tianlin are together drinking and chatting.

The two came specially upon hearing that Ye Zhangqing had returned, to pay a visit.

Though they said it was a visit, actually they were just craving food—after Ye Zhangqing left, they'd been surviving on rations.

Now that Ye Zhangqing has returned, they certainly ought to have a good meal.

After preparing a table of dishes, the three ate and drank while chatting; during the meal, Ye Zhangqing looked at Miao Qianqian and said.

"Holy Maiden, there's a small matter that might need your help."

"Ye Brother, just say it; if I can help, I won't refuse."

Upon hearing that, Miao Qianqian readily nodded, saying, "Eating someone's food means you definitely have to show the right attitude."

"Taking someone's mouth softens you, taking their hand shortens you—that's the principle."

Hearing this, Ye Zhangqing laughed and said.

"Actually it's not a big deal; this time I went out and accepted the Wu family—they now follow me, but there's a small trouble."

"The Wu family's Grand Elder, while traveling in the Western Border years ago, by chance obtained a Wugu Holy Insect; at the time he was blinded by greed, since it could purify the family bloodline, he secretly brought it back."

"For many years the Wu family has lived in fear, terrified that the Wushen Palace would discover it; now that they've acknowledged me as their lord, they hope the Holy Maiden will be magnanimous, out of respect for me, and waive their punishment."

Ye Zhangqing spoke slowly; after hearing this, Miao Qianqian's chewing stopped.

She stared blankly at Ye Zhangqing, dazed for several breaths, then swallowed the food in her mouth before saying with a strange expression.

"You call this a small matter?"

"Do you have any idea how rare a Wugu Holy Insect is, even if you searched the whole Western Border?"

"Each Wugu Holy Insect is extremely precious; the rule set by my Wushen Palace is unavoidable—otherwise you'd think why would the Wushen Palace demand such a high price for exchange?"

"Swallowing a Wugu Holy Insect is, to the Wushen Palace, an absolute crime; they will tolerate none of it."

"To have it end up in Ye Zhangqing's mouth and be called a small matter has left Miao Qianqian bewildered—this is a small matter?"

Ye Zhangqing laughed and said.

"I trust the Holy Maiden."

"You.................."

"Just a simple 'I trust you' left Miao Qianqian speechless for a moment; I thank you for your trust."

"But since Ye Zhangqing himself spoke up, Miao Qianqian finds it hard to outright refuse."

"First, our statuses are equal—we're both peerless talents of the age; second, during this time she's indeed been by Ye Zhangqing's side, enjoying many good things."

"Having eaten so much without giving anything back, now that Ye Zhangqing has spoken for the first time, she really can't refuse."

"If it were anyone else, Miao Qianqian would probably have turned hostile on the spot—and the Wu family would just be waiting to die."

"But the one who spoke up is Ye Zhangqing."

She clenched her teeth inwardly, glared, and said.

"Is this amount of food enough for anyone?"

"Easy to say."

Upon hearing that, Ye Zhangqing laughed, rose, and went to get more food for Miao Qianqian.

After Ye Zhangqing left the table, Miao Qianqian snapped.

"I feel like I've been tricked."

"I came just to mooch food and drink, yet somehow I've gotten tangled in this trouble."

"Miao Qianqian hadn't lied earlier; the Wugu Holy Insect is indeed very important to the Wushen Palace, mainly because it's extremely rare."

"That's why the Wushen Palace will spare no effort, expending great energy to ensure the Wugu Holy Insect doesn't leak out."

"A single meal has caused such a huge disaster."

Looking at Miao Qianqian's grit‑teeth expression, Tianlin beside her just watched the fun, unafraid of making a big deal.

He casually spat out the bone in his mouth, drank a cup of fine wine, and said with a grin.

"As the Holy Maiden of the Wushen Palace, can't you handle this small thing? It's just a matter of one sentence."

"Surname Tian, you'd better keep your eyes open when you cultivate."

Upon hearing that, Miao Qianqian immediately turned her head, glared angrily, and threatened without hiding her intent.

"One sentence? Hah, if she takes this on, when she returns to the palace, even with her status she won't escape punishment."

"Although it won't come to that, just thinking of the old lady's nagging makes Miao Qianqian feel helpless."

"What she fears most is the old lady chattering away beside her."

As usual, I've made a big mistake; of course it'll only get worse.

Although unhappy, as Ye Zhangqing added several big dishes, Miao Qianqian finally gritted her teeth and agreed.

Instead, Tianlin became the biggest winner today.

He did nothing, just followed Miao Qianqian and ate a big meal.

After all, Ye Zhangqing was the one asking for help, so naturally he still brought out some good things.

Several hearty dishes, which Tianlin had never eaten before, indeed gave him a great feast.

Seeing Tianlin eating heartily, Miao Qianqian shouted even more displeased.

"Can't you eat a little less? This was all made for me."

"Haha, do we still need to be so clear among the three of us?"

"You.................."

Tianlin didn't care at all; facing this delicious food, how could he not eat?

After the meal, Miao Qianqian felt both pain and joy; when finished, she said to Ye Zhangqing.

"Find a time, we'll go to the Wu family; no matter what, I at least need to see that witchcraft holy worm with my own eyes."

"That's natural."

Miao Qianqian's request, Ye Zhangqing naturally wouldn't refuse, and immediately nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Miao Qianqian complained, wanting to cry but having no tears.

"This time you've really killed me; when I go back, who knows what that old lady will make me into, maybe I'll be confined again."

Just thinking about that old lady finding out about this, Miao Qianqian felt a headache.

But the words have already been spoken; now there's no going back.