Chapter 20: Could It Be That Kind of Drug?

Hearing the murmurs around him, Zhou Qing felt a quiet surge of delight.

After all, no one wanted to bear the stigma of a lustful demon—he still needed to team up with other female disciples for training expeditions; if he carried this reputation, who would dare join him?

Even in the wild, he’d have to sleep with one eye open.

“Strange, how did they end up together?” Li Daoxuan glanced casually downstairs as he stepped out of a private room, his face filled with confusion.

Today was the second brother’s birthday; the senior and junior brothers had gathered here to celebrate, yet he never expected to witness this scene.

Let me take a look at what’s going on.

Soon, he discerned the truth from Shi Zhen’s behavior and glances.

“It seems they only became acquainted after a clash—this younger brother Zhou has become her chance to get close to the Ghost Hound.”

Li Daoxuan shook his head and paid no further attention.

The junior sister said she’d never tasted the signature dish [Rabbit Silk Stir-Fried Spirit Celery]; he must hurry over and order two more portions.

After entering the private room, Zhou Qing looked around and was filled with awe.

To be honest, he’d been in Taiqingmen for so long yet rarely came here; he was content just to eat enough in the kitchen, and spirit stones were better spent on cultivation.

“I should’ve invited Third Brother!” The thought flashed through Zhou Qing’s mind, but he immediately realized it was inappropriate.

A serving disciple brought the menu; Zhou Qing casually ordered a few dishes, and Shi Zhen added more upon seeing this.

Soon, a variety of exquisite dishes were served.

As they ate and chatted, as expected, Shi Zhen subtly inquired about Elder Brother Ghost Hound’s seclusion—whether he would emerge for the [Five Sects Exchange Fair], and about his daily preferences.

Zhou Qing answered every question, but most of the information he truly didn’t know, so he gave vague replies.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Just as the two were enjoying their conversation, a sudden knocking came at the door.

Before Shi Zhen could rise to open it, a round-faced, small-eyed head eagerly poked in.

“Oh my, Fourth Brother, you’ve got guts—hiding here eating alone without telling your senior brother!” Yan Xiaohu looked furious.

Zhou Qing immediately felt embarrassed.

Shi Zhen smiled and explained, “Younger Brother Yan, I invited Younger Brother Zhou. I originally planned to call you too, but didn’t you say on the way here that you had something to attend to and couldn’t come?”

“Hehe, I finished my business—better late than never. Looks like most of these dishes haven’t been touched yet, and I’m starving from walking all this way—I won’t be polite then!”

Yan Xiaohu finished speaking, sat down beside them, grabbed his chopsticks, and began wolfing down the food.

Watching Third Brother gorge himself like this, Zhou Qing looked at Shi Zhen with an apologetic expression.

Shi Zhen merely smiled faintly, signaling it was fine.

After all, they were all that man’s junior brothers.

“Dishes alone aren’t enough—we need wine. Come, come, try my private stash; today you’re in for a treat.”

Yan Xiaohu shoveled a few bites, seemed to choke, rolled his eyes, and hurriedly pounded his chest.

Then he slapped his storage pouch, and a jar of liquor appeared on the table.

Pulling out the stopper, an indescribable wine aroma flooded the air; Zhou Qing and Shi Zhen’s eyes instantly brightened.

Yan Xiaohu leaned over the jar and inhaled deeply, his face filled with bliss.

“Third Brother, you’re amazing—hurry up, hurry up!”

Zhou Qing couldn’t help but lick his lips, quickly grabbing an empty bowl and handing it over.

He’d never drunk such fine wine with Third Brother before—this man had hidden it well.

Indeed, fine food pairs best with fine wine.

Yan Xiaohu immediately poured a bowl for Zhou Qing, then turned to Shi Zhen and asked, “Would you like some?”

Shi Zhen felt slightly shy, but the wine’s aroma was so intoxicating that even her internal spiritual power yearned for it fiercely.

“Thank you, Younger Brother Yan!” She also took a bowl and handed it over.

Zhou Qing stared in wonder at the liquor in the bowl—it was pure, snowy white, like the most flawless winter ice crystallized.

He took a small sip; the liquid slid down his throat like a cold spiritual serpent slithering through his body, making him involuntarily shiver, every pore feeling scoured by ice.

But immediately afterward, an extreme sense of comfort spread through his limbs and bones; his spiritual power, stirred by the wine, surged like a awakened beast, racing and swelling through his meridians.

“Excellent wine!” Zhou Qing’s face flushed red, and he couldn’t help exclaiming.

Shi Zhen nodded repeatedly; though women rarely drank, this was the finest wine she’d ever tasted in her life.

“Ghhh~~” Yan Xiaohu had already downed two bowls, then let out a long burp and grinned.

“Of course—this wine is from old…” Yan Xiaohu had just begun speaking when his expression suddenly changed.

Instantly, he snatched back the jar and hurriedly left.

Zhou Qing stood frozen, bewildered; he was about to rise and call out to Third Brother when his legs went weak and he nearly collapsed.

“This wine is strong!” A wave of dizziness hit him, and he muttered in awe.

Yet the next second, he suddenly realized something, his face filled with disbelief as he stared at the open door, his entire body breaking out in goosebumps.

“Third Brother, there was no note on his head just now!!”

Shi Zhen gently shook her head; she’d only taken a tiny sip, yet the aftereffect was unexpectedly potent.

“Younger Brother Zhou, what are you talking about?” Shi Zhen asked, puzzled.

Zhou Qing involuntarily swallowed hard, a deep sense of helplessness rising within him.

Because he’d been tricked again by Second Uncle.

Looking at Shi Zhen’s slightly flushed face, then at the liquor in the bowl, his heart clenched tightly.

“Damn it—could it be that kind of drug?”

After dragging him to sneak a peek at Senior Sister Shi Zhen bathing, he now shows up here drinking with them?

Isn’t that too convenient?

“Uncle, your saving my life isn’t repaid this way—if you really must, just take back the spirit stones—I don’t want them anymore, okay?”

This was utterly unpredictable!

Fortunately, he’d only taken a tiny sip; to prevent either of them from doing something inappropriate, Zhou Qing prepared to leave.

But at that moment, a mischievous head peeked out from the doorway, then burst into laughter.

“Younger Brother Zhou, you’re really here! I knew the sounds from next door sounded familiar—I told the other senior brothers, but they didn’t believe me!”

Lu Yaoyao walked in, her face beaming with delight; she glanced at Shi Zhen’s flushed face as if she’d uncovered a secret.

But when she noticed Shi Zhen’s jet-black hair, she grew confused.

“Greetings, Senior Sister Shi Zhen!” Lu Yaoyao still bowed politely first.

Shi Zhen rose and smiled, saying, “I didn’t expect Little Sister Lu to be here at Yushantang today—come, sit with us.”

Before Zhou Qing could speak, five towering, muscular men appeared at the door.

Who else could they be but those five from Shenyue Peak?

Seeing their eyes, as if ready to devour him alive, Zhou Qing immediately felt a pounding headache.

Without hesitation, he quickly gathered his wine.

“Senior Sister Shi Zhen, this wine’s no good—don’t drink it!” Zhou Qing swiftly snatched away her bowl as well.

Shi Zhen was utterly confused.

Isn’t this the wine your senior brother poured for us? Why can’t I drink it?

Lu Yaoyao blinked, then raised her eyebrows—she seemed to understand something, and cast Zhou Qing a sly, lewd glance.

(End of Chapter)