Chapter 164: Pei Yunxi's Plan

Pei Shangling had a sharp tongue: "With me protecting Azhi, we simply don't need you."

Gu Rongjin snorted contemptuously, gave Pei Shangling a dismissive glance, and said, "You? Just a three-legged cat's skill."

"You!" Pei Shangling flushed, unable to retort.

His skill really isn't up to Gu Rongjin's, but it's hardly as bad as a three-legged cat's, is it?

"I'm not wasting time here with you—I still have to…"

Before Gu Rongjin could finish speaking, his expression suddenly hardened; without another word, he flashed away to the southeast.

Pei Shangling watched the direction Gu Rongjin disappeared, pondered for a moment, then decided to continue following Mu Yuanzhi and the others.

Whether or not Gu Rongjin sensed any danger, one person going would be enough.

He needed to stay behind to protect his sister; he couldn't fall for the "lure the tiger away from the mountain" ploy!

Pei Shangling caught up with the distant Mu Yuanzhi and her companions.

In the distance, Pei Yunxi, standing on the pavilion overlooking the scene, curled her lips into a smile.

She's taken the bait.

Someone had told her that Gu Rongjin's ears were exceptionally sharp, able to determine from a hundred li radius whose footsteps they were and how skilled the person was.

So, for her to succeed this time, she had to lure Gu Rongjin away!

But there was another tricky problem: the Qilin.

That little brat Qilin is Gu Rongjin's disciple—who knows how much he's learned?

As for Pei Shangling and the National Teacher, Pei Yunxi didn't even consider them a threat.

"Yunxi." Thus line: Xiao Chuchu patted Pei Yunxi on the shoulder, "I came day and night, riding hard to meet you, but I came without telling my brother—are you sure your plan will work?"

She was very worried.

Her sister-in-law had sent word that she had been framed by Mu Yuanzhi, and now several princes believed Mu Yuanzhi's lies and wanted to lock her up; having barely escaped, she sent word to warn her.

Moreover, the letter said it wasn't convenient to say more there, asking her to come alone and they'd talk when she arrived.

"No choice but to do it, Chuchu—I can't beat Mu Yuanzhi, even if I were pregnant I couldn't beat her!" Pei Yunxi covered her face with a handkerchief and wept, "Not only has Elder Brother Chen been bewitched by her, but even my own brothers believe I'm out to harm her!"

Thus line: Xiao Chuchu exploded in anger: "You're carrying our Xiao family's flesh and blood, my brother's child, and he's still thinking about that fox spirit Mu Yuanzhi?!"

It's simply outrageous!

And which princes are her sister-in-law's own brothers? How could they also be bewitched by Mu Yuanzhi?!

"Older sister is just too scheming." Pei Yunxi sobbed, wiping her tears, "She set a trap to lure me in, then brought my several brothers over to slander me, claiming I wanted to kill her!"

"Unbelievable! You wouldn't even step on an ant—how could you possibly kill someone? Who believes those stupid letters!" Thus line: Xiao Chuchu was filled with righteous indignation, wishing she could immediately seize Mu Yuanzhi and interrogate her.

Pei Yunxi: "Chuchu, I heard you know a highly skilled monk who's staying at the temple in this town, right?"

Thus line: Xiao Chuchu nodded. "Actually, it's my brother who knows him, but I'm also quite familiar with him. What do you want to do?" she asked.

Pei Yunxi said, "I want him to lure away the Qilin; I have something I want to say to Mu Yuanzhi alone."

Thus line: Xiao Chuchu: "Sure, sure, it's a small favor, but aren't you afraid to go alone? I'll go with you!"

"You need to take responsibility for luring away Pei Shangling and the National Teacher."

"The Fourth Prince is here too?!" Thus line: Xiao Chuchu exclaimed in shock.

Pei Yunxi nodded. "Older sister said going out alone is dangerous, so Pei Shangling came along."

"She really knows how to put on an act—coming out just once, does she really need to summon all the martial arts masters to guard her?" Thus line: Xiao Chuchu rolled her eyes.

"Here, this is for you, Chuchu." Pei Yunxi produced a pitch-black object.

"What is this?" Thus line: Xiao Chuchu took it suspiciously.

"It's to protect your friend; you know the Qilin excels at poison arts—eating this will let you ignore any poison, though it doesn't last long, effective for only about half a month." Pei Yunxi said.

This was given to him by Pei Shangling earlier—namely, the moment the Qilin first gave Pei Shangling it.

"Such a precious thing?!" Thus line: Xiao Chuchu widened her eyes.

Pei Yunxi's face full of apology: "I'm worried about dragging your friend into this…"

She continued, biting her lip: "It's not precious at all—just remember to give it to your friend."

Thus line: Xiao Chuchu nodded firmly. "Sister-in-law, you're truly kind-hearted! Rest assured, I will definitely accomplish what you've entrusted me with!"

"No delay—go quickly." Pei Yunxi said.

"Mm, just wait for my good news!" Thus line: Xiao Chuchu said.

Pei Yunxi quietly let out a breath of relief.

Once everyone is lured away, Mu Yuanzhi is nothing but a paper tiger—utterly nothing to fear.

She hadn't expected Thus line: Xiao Chuchu to be so easy to deceive—a few casual words and she was brought here to be used.

Pei Yunxi laughed and shook her head.

Really, Thus line: Xiao Chuchu is so stupid.

As evening approached, Mu Yuanzhi and her three companions arrived at an inn to lodge, and saw ahead a black-clad monk wearing a gold-trimmed kasaya, strolling leisurely; his handsome, sinister face looked nothing like a monk, more like a swindler.

Meanwhile, sharp-eyed Qilin immediately noticed that the object the monk held was unusual, seemingly emitting a strange, familiar scent.

The monk gave them a sideways glance, then went up to the second floor.

"Senior sister, maybe we should change inns?" Qilin frowned, his gaze still fixed on where the monk had disappeared upstairs.

The innkeeper, hearing that, said, "Gentlemen, I'm not just making this up—right now this town only has our place with vacant rooms, or maybe it's because a guest just checked out and freed up a room."

Qilin didn't believe him: "Who are you trying to fool?"

"Sir, please don't doubt me—these past few days are our town's traditional Dragon Boat Festival; many people have come here by reputation, so the inns were all booked in advance."

Mu Yuanzhi said, "Just this inn then—no need to run around."

After a day in the carriage and an hour wandering the street, she was utterly exhausted.

The National Teacher also said, "Exactly—there's no reason not to stay just because you see a strange monk."

Qilin had no choice but to agree.

Also, maybe they just don't look like a good person?

The three people's rooms aren't adjacent; Qilin's is on the second floor, while Mu Yuanzhi and the National Teacher's are on the third floor.

Qilin first returned to his room to put away his bundle, then went up to the third floor to find Mu Yuanzhi.

Actually, he doesn't need a room at all—he has to stand guard every night.

While thinking, Qilin locked the door; suddenly he felt an unusual gust of wind coming at him, he turned around abruptly, and someone was already standing behind him.

That monk!

What superb kung fu!

Qilin instantly became alert.

He didn't notice until the monk was right upon him!

As expected, this demon monk is strange!

The monk looked at Qilin with a smile, his evil aura truly not befitting a monastic, "Good evening, patron."

He spoke, his voice becoming even more sinister.