Chapter 92: Let Her Come Beg Me Herself (52K, Second Update)

Nighttime.

Ren Yidao had the dream again.

It was still the same space, the same situation.

Unable to move, he could only wait for that Nine-Tailed Creature to slowly approach from behind him.

The only change was that the waiting time had become significantly shorter than the last time.

It was getting closer and closer to him.

Upon reaching this conclusion, Ren Yidao felt no panic.

In this dream, his thinking was extremely calm; he could not feel even a shred of agitation.

Ren Yidao sensed the subtle changes in the air, then seized the moment to lunge forward.

The next moment, he woke up.

……

"Once again."

Half a month had passed since he started having this dream on the first day.

He had this dream almost every single day.

Only one day was an exception.

Last night, after Ren Yidao finished drinking with Li Long, the drunken Ren Yidao did not dream of anything, but instead slept until dawn.

"Is it because of that meal of alcohol? Or is it because of something else? For example, because Li Long was by my side?"

If it were the former, that would be fine; at worst, he could swallow his pride and ask for some.

If it were the latter... hiss!

Go find my brother to sleep with me?

Could it be that I have to offer myself to the Inner Palace?

Funny.

After thinking for a while, Ren Yidao once again chose to slack off.

If he couldn't think of anything, he would just wait until he slept at night to control the variables and conduct a controlled experiment.

If that really didn't work, then it didn't matter.

As long as I slack off fast enough, you cannot cause me a Broken Defense.

Moreover, it was not as if Ren Yidao didn't have other thoughts in his mind.

"Come on then."

"Hurry up!"

"You had better really find me in Wentian City, so I can ask my big brother to help punish you."

Once this village is passed, this shop will no longer be here.

After a simple wash, Ren Yidao put on his clothes and went downstairs; as he entered the living room, he raised an eyebrow at the two unexpected figures.

Why did they come?

Taking two quick steps, Ren Yidao cupped his hands toward the unexpected guests and smiled:

"Brother Shi, it should have been me visiting you; why did you come here yourself?"

"Did Miss Shi tell you?"

Smiling at the expressionless Shi Xue, Ren Yidao then said to Shi Anqi:

"Aren't you making things difficult for me? I had already planned to pay a visit today."

Ren Yidao did indeed have a plan to meet Shi Anqi, but the priority was set very low, probably ranked among the last few.

Nonsense.

Why would I be in such a rush to see a man?

Besides, he is the one who needs me now; it would be bad to go out of my way to find him.

Shi Anqi's attitude was the same as last time; he laughed heartily and patted Ren Yidao on the shoulder.

"It's because you arrived in Wentian but didn't tell me, so this old brother could only come find you himself, right? Haha!"

"If it weren't for a slip of the tongue yesterday, I wouldn't have known."

Shi Xue: Ah, yes, yes, yes, it's all me.

She looked helpless, not bothering to pay attention to her second uncle's nonsense here, and turned to find Yu Yu and the others.

You two can chatter here by yourselves; I'm not serving you anymore.

Watching Shi Xue's look of disdain, the two were stunned for a moment before they both laughed.

"Hahaha, Miss Shi is still as straightforward as ever."

"Excuse the rudeness, excuse the rudeness!"

After chatting awkwardly for a while, Ren Yidao saw that Shi Anqi had no intention of getting to the main point, so he pointed to the study.

"Brother Shi, let's not stand here; why don't we go to the study and sit down to talk?"

The speaker had no intention, but the listener took it to heart.

It was a normal request, but he didn't expect Shi Anqi's expression to change after hearing it.

Shi Anqi waved his hands repeatedly and shook his head vigorously:

"Sit!!? Uh, no, no, no, that, I think I won't sit for now."

Hm?

Confused by Shi Anqi's overreaction, Ren Yidao raised an eyebrow.

What does this mean?

Realizing his own lack of composure, Shi Anqi coughed twice and scratched his head in embarrassment.

"I'm getting on in years, and sitting for too long is bad for my lower back, cough cough! I'll be fine if I stand for a while, just a while."

Shi Anqi wanted to continue the charade, but Ren Yidao, having sensed something fishy, was no longer going to let him off the hook.

After a quick glance, Ren Yidao noticed a detail he had previously overlooked.

Ever since he met Shi Anqi, the man had always been facing him.

No matter the angle, he was always perfectly facing him head-on, not once turning his back.

He didn't even give a single angle, maintaining a relatively static position toward Ren Yidao.

It was just like a 2D sprite that only had a front view.

What kind of situation is this?

Do you also need to protect the back of your neck?

Blinking his eyes, Ren Yidao looked behind Shi Anqi without warning and cupped his hands, saying:

"Brother Shi, is this lady behind you your wife?"

"What!?"

With a jolt, Shi Anqi didn't even think; he turned around reflexively, a fawning smile on his face.

"That..."

!!?

Then, looking at the empty space behind him and the look his niece was shooting at him like he was an idiot, Shi Anqi realized the problem.

Damn it!

Hearing Ren Yidao gasp behind him, he then asked hesitantly:

"Hiss! Ah, this, hiss!"

"Brother Shi, your... butt is?"

Looking at the massively protruding, faintly bleeding giant buttocks, Ren Yidao's expression control completely collapsed.

What, what a plump, perky butt!?

Did you go find a Kardashian to get implants?

How can it be so big!

"Ah! This... sigh!"

At first he was a bit ashamed and angry, but Shi Anqi soon sighed and said bitterly:

"It's a long story."

How to explain it?

"It's okay, we still have plenty of time, Brother Shi can sit... oh, stand and tell me slowly."

Taking out a jar of Incense Wine from somewhere, the gossip burning in Ren Yidao's eyes was raging.

To have a butt like that, there must be a story behind it!

You have a story, and I have wine.

We can talk about it slowly!

Shi Anqi, who had originally decided not to say a word even if he died, saw his eyes light up fiercely when he saw that wine jar.

And upon sensing the scent of Incense on it, his eyes almost burst with golden light!

Incense Wine!!!

As long as I have this, the days of being unable to lift my head because of that woman can end!

As long as I have it!

"Cough cough, but Brother Ren is not an outsider; if you want to know, it's not that I can't tell you... it's just that this matter is truly too shameful to speak of."

"I need to drink some wine."

He understood the implication behind the words.

Ren Yidao caught on immediately and said right away:

"I have some here, we can drink slowly, and you can also take some to drink with your wife at night."

"Hehe, that's too embarrassing, come, come, let's go inside and talk."

……

Shi Xue watched the two walk into the study with their arms around each other's shoulders and rolled her eyes.

Can't any of them act properly?

The second uncle is like this, Ren Yidao is the same, and even His Majesty hasn't been able to avoid this vulgarity.

This Beigan is finished!

"Sister Shi, are your eyes uncomfortable?"

"Uh, it's nothing."

Feeling a bit awkward being asked such an innocent question by Yu Yu, Shi Xue blinked and changed the subject:

"What are you preparing here?"

Hmph hmph!

Proudly puffing out her chest, which made Shi Xue narrow her eyes, Yu Yu said triumphantly:

"Oh oh, Senior Brother said we are going to Mei Garden to enjoy the flowers today, so I prepared some easy-to-carry food."

"I made all of these!"

Yu Yu is proud!

She puffed out her chest, waiting to hear Shi Xue's praise, but she didn't hear any for a long time.

Eh?

She stole a glance at Shi Xue, discovering that her gaze was somewhat distant and her expression somewhat grave.

"Mei Garden, is it..."

Coming back to her senses, Shi Xue looked at Yu Yu and asked earnestly:

"Which Mei Garden are you going to?"

"It seems to be the one in the south of the city."

"So it really is that one..."

Tsk.

Recalling the news she had learned, Shi Xue's expression became somewhat grave.

The feng shui in the southern suburbs outside Wentian City was poor, and it had never been a place where high officials or noble lords resided; it had always been a place where commoners lived.

But that was not the issue; what truly made her hesitate was an old piece of news.

Over a hundred years ago, a tragedy had occurred there.

A local family was slaughtered to the last by a Demon, who then used their bones to refine a Yin Array, trapping their souls inside to suffer eternal torment.

Although the Yin Array was destroyed by soldiers sent by Wentian, that Demon had never been caught to this day.

And that Mei Garden was built upon the ruins of that family's estate!

Although a long time had passed, and the place had become a popular spot for outings and sightseeing because the plum blossoms bloomed out of season.

Yet, from time to time, rumors would still leak out.

People often claimed they could see white shadows drifting through the Mei Garden at night, and in a daze, catch glimpses of a grand scene of feasting and revelry.

As if the people of that family had not died, but had turned into wandering souls remaining in the Mei Garden.

Shi Xue had heard these rumors inadvertently and had never taken them to heart.

After all, if those rumors were true, the Northern Qian Imperial Family would have no reason to ignore it and would have sent people to resolve it long ago.

Moreover, people had been going there to view the flowers for so many years, and nothing major had ever happened; no one had ever been hurt.

But now that it was Ren Yidao and the others' turn to go, she subconsciously recalled this rumor.

"Sister Shi, is there a problem with that place?"

"That place, um, it's nothing."

Although they were just some unpleasant rumors, it should be fine, right?

"Forget it."

Raising her hand to gently tug at Yu Yu's cheeks, Shi Xue said with a chuckle:

"Now I'll have to trouble you to make one more portion."

Yu Yu was stunned for a moment, forgetting even to struggle, and asked in surprise:

"Don't pull my chee—eh! You're coming too?"

"Yes, I'll go with you all."

This was not just out of concern for them; Shi Xue herself had nothing to do, otherwise she wouldn't have come here with Shi Anqi.

Her return was still a secret, known only to a limited few, and it was inconvenient for her to appear in other settings.

Since she was idle in Wentian anyway, she might as well go outside the city with them to avoid the political turmoil within the city.

With Qiushui acting in such a way, the situation in the city was likely to descend into complete chaos.

If she stayed here, it would only tie her hands.

Although she had said time and again that she would not favor any prince or princess, could Shi Xue truly be impartial?

She could not.

People all have their own selfish motives.

If there must be one person to be Emperor in the end.

She hoped it would be Li Qiushui.

"You want me to help Li Qiushui?"

Ren Yidao looked at the serious Shi Anqi and slowly repeated:

"I help Li Qiushui?"

"That's right."

Frowning, and finally scratching his head in confusion, Ren Yidao spoke in bewilderment:

"Brother Shi, are you sure you know what you are saying?"

"I help her?"

What kind of development is this?

Shi Anqi nodded without a hint of jest in his expression:

"It is absolutely true, I am very clear about what I am saying."

Since Ren Yidao already knew, Shi Anqi stopped hiding things and simply chose the most comfortable posture, sticking his butt out.

If it weren't for such a serious occasion, Ren Yidao would have truly laughed out loud.

But fortunately, the impact of this request was great enough to make him overlook Shi Anqi's comical appearance.

After locking eyes with Shi Anqi for a while, Ren Yidao shook his head.

"Brother Shi, in what capacity are you lobbying me right now? Her advisor? Or yourself?"

"Myself, the Ninth Princess is not yet aware of this matter."

Li Qiushui is not even aware of this matter yet...

Ren Yidao was even more bewildered.

"Setting aside what my relationship with Li Qiushui is like for a moment, I want to ask one thing: what makes you think I can help her?"

"I, Ren Yidao, have just arrived and am unfamiliar with the place; how could I possibly have the ability to help her seize the throne?"

By relying on me to sell my looks?

I can't tell, you with those thick eyebrows and big eyes, you aren't an honest person either.

Shi Anqi smiled, more confident than Ren Yidao himself:

"By relying on yourself."

Frowning, Ren Yidao changed his tone and said seriously to Shi Anqi:

"General Shi, let's just speak plainly."

"Taking a step back, even if I were willing to intervene, would she even look favorably upon me?"

It would be good enough if the Ninth Princess you favor didn't secretly cause me trouble, let alone choosing me to be her confidant...

I think you are truly drunk.

Seeing that Ren Yidao was somewhat indignant, Shi Anqi also adjusted his posture and said solemnly:

"I do not mean to joke at all. Daoist Ren, you have overlooked one thing: although your reputation is not prominent, you possess another layer of identity?"

"... Me?"

Ren Yidao raised his eyebrows, barely managing to control his expression.

What identity?

Are you saying I am the Imperial Brother of Li Long?

Or that I am a spy for the Demon Race?

Or that I will be the behind-the-scenes investor for the largest Fox Cafe chain in the future?

"Daoist, you are from the Divine Path Sect, and you are a heaven-gifted talent who rang the bell nine times."

Oh, you mean that!

That is the title I am least able to show off.

"Super sects also have needs for secular royal power; I think the Divine Path Sect cannot be an exception."

Ren Yidao really wanted to shake his head on the spot.

No, no, no!

You are wrong about that.

I know them; my fellow disciples truly do not need it.

What is socializing? Don't come near me!

Divine Path Sect: Don't come and get involved!

"The Second Prince has the backing of Wanhua Valley, and the Seventh Prince has the secret support of the Sword Casting Pavilion behind him. Only the Ninth Princess, while currently having the highest acclaim, lacks a powerful force standing behind her."

Coming to the end, Shi Anqi directly clarified his purpose:

"Daoist Ren, I hope you can represent the Divine Path Sect in choosing the Ninth Princess."

Was he here to recruit Ren Yidao?

No, Shi Anqi came this time for the Divine Path Sect behind him.

"..."

After thinking for a while, Ren Yidao still shook his head.

"General Shi, do you really think I can represent the Divine Path Sect? The Divine Path Sect will not change its attitude toward the outside world because of my support."

That group of social phobics will not change.

But Shi Anqi did not care about this point and laughed:

"Daoist, there is no need to be so self-deprecating. Do not look down on your own weight, and furthermore, outsiders do not need to know the truth of the matter at all."

Whether it is true or not doesn't matter, as long as there is a member of the Divine Path Sect standing for her, that is enough, right?

That is also true.

If a prince truly claimed to have gained the favor of the Divine Path Sect, which never interferes with the outside world, it would attract a great deal of attention regardless of whether it were true or false.

Many times, just having that kind of attention is enough.

"What does the Daoist think?"

This seems to be a win-win situation.

As long as Ren Yidao steps forward to support her, Li Qiushui can gain assistance, and he can also use this to obtain her favor and a large amount of cultivation resources.

But, is the matter really that simple?

Although Shi Anqi is smooth and has a sensitive political sense, he still overlooked one thing.

He is a subject, not a master.

People like Ren Yidao and Li Qiushui have their own pride.

They will not hand over their fate to others to control, even if the other party is acting out of good intentions.

Shi Anqi's purpose might be good, everything is for the sake of letting Li Qiushui successfully ascend to the throne, but his approach is very inappropriate.

Ren Yidao reined in his emotions, returned to the attitude he usually had when interacting with Shi Anqi, and smiled easily.

He said:

"I refuse."

Ren Yidao stood up, pushed a jar of Incense Wine in front of Shi Anqi, his tone devoid of ripples:

"Taking a step back, even if one day I were to join her camp, it would only be because of her own will, not because of anyone else's persuasion."

"Brother Shi, please just go back."

If she wants me to help her, she must come and beg me herself.

Others are not qualified enough.

Even Li Long does not have this qualification, let alone you, Shi Anqi.

"I will be staying here for this period of time; if she has made up her mind, she can just come here to find me."

"However, not today; I am going to admire the flowers today."

"I say, Miss Shi... are you Wentianguo people always this hardcore when admiring flowers? You don't even care about ghosts haunting the place!"

Looking at the shadowy ghost figures in Mei Garden, Ren Yidao was shocked.

"This is the first time in my life I've seen so many ghosts!"

Is this a passing of the ghost army?

Or a hundred ghosts night parade?

Didn't the Ghost Festival just pass not long ago?

And unlike the astonished Ren Yidao, Shi Xue's expression was incomparably serious.

"Stop talking nonsense! Hurry up and think of a way!?"

Hasn't this Mei Garden never had any incidents? Aren't these ghost shadows non-aggressive?

Why are they rushing toward us!

They were a group of four.

One Body Cultivator, not skilled at dealing with ghosts and monsters.

One newly initiated Dao Cultivator, who hadn't even figured out what a ghost was yet.

He himself was not skilled in lightning or fire techniques, so his usefulness was limited.

The only one among the group who might be of use was just standing there sighing.

"You want me to take action?"

Ren Yidao blinked his eyes, turned his head, and asked solemnly:

"If I come in, the commotion might not be small; are you sure you want me to take action?"

Shi Xue was about to have a Broken Defense, standing in front of Yu Yu and preparing to deal with the impact of the ghost shadows.

"If you're going to act, hurry up!"

Why be so fierce? I didn't say I wouldn't act, I was just asking you.

Ren Yidao curled his lips and muttered:

"Fine, you said it yourself, don't blame me for not warning you in advance if something happens later."

Alright, the disclaimer has been stated.

Ren Yidao looked at the rapidly approaching ghost shadows, the corners of his mouth secretly hooking into a dangerous arc.

"After so many years, I finally have the chance to use it... hehehe, jie-jie-jie!"

He frowned, retreated behind the group, shielded everyone in front of him, then reached his hand behind his butt to grope around, pulling with some effort.

Pop.

Accompanied by a soft sound, Ren Yidao took out a thick, ferocious cylinder over three feet long.

Click-clack.

Ren Yidao stuffed the condensed Merit Grenade into the cylinder.

That's right, this is the weapon formed by the fourth tail of his Heavenly Fox Bloodline innate ability!

【Portable Merit Rocket Launcher】

Which is to say...

R! P! G!

Damn it!

Art is an explosion!

Ren Yidao hoisted the Merit Rocket Launcher, aimed it at the flickering, surging black shadows, and shouted excitedly:

"Fire!!!"

Whoosh—

Boom!!!

The seventh day of writing ten thousand words, it really is too hard, I'm a bit too tired to keep going.

Yesterday, both new subscriptions and new average subscriptions dropped, which was a double blow.

I don't know how many more days I can hold on, but regardless, I hope everyone continues to support me—

Asking for Monthly Tickets, asking for auto-subscriptions, asking for tips, asking for comments!

By the way, happy tenth anniversary of video posting to my favorite content creator, the great Gray Christmas Tuotuo, the eternal villain, the Father of Grilled Fish, Brother Api, Pi-Cancer, God of War Pi—young Pi.

I didn't expect ten years to pass in the blink of an eye; I'm also a nine-year fan.

PS: He is one of the inspirations for Ren Yidao's character design...