Chapter 639 - 638: Shameless Master Li

More than two hours later.

Having had his fill of food and drink, Xiaoyao Zi contentedly rubbed his stomach, casually wiping his oil-covered mouth with his sleeve.

Just as he was about to pick his teeth with a toothpick, Li Jing asked a question.

"The Yaochi Divine Emperor, she’s pretty powerful, right?"

"Anyone worthy of the title ’Emperor’ is naturally among the upper echelons of the Upper Three Realms."

Xiaoyao Zi responded.

"Compared to the Buddhism Emperor Prajna, how does she rank?"

Li Jing asked, tilting his head.

"Emperor Prajna?"

Xiaoyao Zi snickered, saying.

"In terms of strength, he isn’t even fit to carry the Yaochi Divine Emperor’s shoes."

Li Jing remained silent, then spoke in a quiet voice.

"I killed the Azure Qilin, the Yaochi Divine Emperor should be furious, right?"

"Of course!"

Xiaoyao Zi responded with a matter-of-fact voice.

"You’ve never seen that woman, so you wouldn’t know. In all of the Nine Heavy Heavens of the Upper Three Realms, she’s famous for being petty. The Azure Qilin was her favorite pet, she won’t just let it go."

With that, he gloated gleefully.

"You really shouldn’t have, shouldn’t have thundered him in front of so many people in Haoran City. The news may not reach the top immediately, but so many people have seen it, she’ll find out sooner or later. When that time comes ... "

Before he could finish his sentence, Li Jing spoke up in his deep voice.

"So, the question arises; you ate quite a bit of the Azure Qilin’s meat, wouldn’t you share some of the blame when the time comes?"

"..."

Xiaoyao Zi.

He was not a fool.

Li Jing’s words weren’t simply superficial.

The underlying meaning was that he wanted to shift the blame for killing the Azure Qilin onto him.

Seeing the guy glaring at him intently, Xiaoyao Zi made a face that signaled a stomachache.

"In this Immortal Realm, no one can harm you. Even if the Power of Rules is properly restored, people like the Yaochi Divine Emperor can’t just descend to the lower world. Not to mention she’s always being watched due to her domination of the Second Heavy Heaven, she can’t leave."

"Better safe than sorry."

Li Jing shook his head, saying.

"Right now, I can barely go head-to-head a few times with an Emperor level figure. Based on what you said about the gap between Emperors and God Emperors, then I clearly can’t compare. But from what I gather about your cultivation and your past in the Upper Three Realms, you must have a lot of connections, right? How about I just drop your name next time?"

"..."

Xiaoyao Zi.

This Li Jing....

He’s sporting quite the audacious face these days!

He was somehow sly before.

Now, he’s even talking about dropping his name openly.

Too much!

That’s way too much!

But facing this particular person, he really couldn’t muster any anger.

Let alone that he was counting on this guy to turn the tide, and avoid being blamed for destroying the world.

If he really ran into the Yaochi Divine Emperor, whatever this guy says isn’t something he can control.

Looking at the empty plate on the table, Xiaoyao Zi was welling up with tears.

He really shouldn’t have been so greedy for a piece of meat!

But it was simply too delicious!

After breathing out a deep sigh of frustration, he waved his hand in surrender.

"Fine, if it comes to that, you can’t fight anyway. So you dropping my name wouldn’t matter."

"Agreed."

Li Jing smiled.

Just as he was about to say something more, Xiaoyao Zi scrambled to get up.

"Stop! Don’t come up with any more crazy ideas. I’ll take the blame for what happened to the Azure Qilin, that’s it. Goodbye, and hopefully, never see you again."

With that, he stepped out and mysteriously disappeared.

Seeing this, Li Jing was momentarily stunned.

This old guy...

He really is quite capable.

Li Jing can come and go without a trace, relying purely on spatial rules.

But Xiaoyao Zi was different.

There were no rules invoked in front of him.

Li Jing had no idea how he left, only vaguely sensing a mysterious force wrapped around him when he took that step.

Staring in the direction where Xiaoyao Zi had left, Li Jing narrowed his eyes.

He must keep an eye on this matter with the Yaochi Divine Emperor.

Using Xiaoyao Zi’s name?

He just mentioned it casually.

Without it, this problem probably won’t be solved...

Xiaoyao Zi’s reputation in the Upper Three Realms might not be that good.

Also, the old man agreed too easily, there might be a potential deceit.

It’s better to depend on oneself.

He must fully prepare himself.

A God Emperor?

Li Jing glanced at the sky, packed up the dining table, transformed into a Taoist Master, and then tore through space.

The next second.

He returned to the Ascend to Immortality Tower.

A few hours had passed.

By now, Haoran City had already returned to peace.

The mental resilience of the people in the Immortal Realm is truly strong.

Especially the ordinary ones.

To them, god-like fights happen everywhere in the Immortal Realm at any given moment.

As long as innocent bystanders aren’t involved, they will return to their normal lives shortly.

But Li Jing’s case.

Was somewhat special.

The Ascend to Immortality Tower, even with its kitchen roof blown off, not only did not close down, but had several times more customers than before; it was simply overcrowded.

These people.

Were not interested in the food, or the girls of the Ascend to Immortality Tower.

Rather, they continually looked around, as if expecting something.

What they were expecting.

Needs no mention.

However, tonight, they are destined for disappointment.

Li Jing, disguised as Taoist Master, walked into the Ascend to Immortality Tower with an ostentatious swagger. He looked around and quickly spotted Kong Zhi drinking alone in a corner.

Kong Zhi was very sensitive.

And was clearly waiting for someone to return.

As Li Jing saw him, he too, saw Li Jing and stood up.

Seeing this, Li Jing nodded and walked out.

Kong Zhi wasn’t slow either. He called upon a servant, paid his bills and left the Ascend to Immortality Tower.

...

By the time Kong Zhi walked out of the Ascend to Immortality Tower, Li Jing was already at a street-side tea shop.

The shopkeeper of the tea store was quite savvy with his trade.

When Li Jing came here earlier, there was no such storefront.

Now, it existed.

Clearly, the owner was trying to take advantage of Master Jiu’s popularity.

Indeed.

At this time, a storyteller was vividly recounting the tale of Empress Jiu Li.

The tale he told was not entirely made up.

It recounted the incidents of the past, where Empress Jiu Li forged ahead against all odds, and made a hole in the sky.

Though he had exaggerated a lot.

But that’s why it was so thrilling to listen to.

Even Li Jing himself thought so.

Apart from Li Jing, there were also many people at the tea stall who were keenly listening to the storyteller’s incredible rendition of Empress Jiu Li.

Although everyone knew it was largely nonsense...

Seeing that Li Jing was listening to the tale at a tea stall across the street, Kong Zhi approached with a strange expression.

"Master... Taoist Master."

"Hmm."

Li Jing waved him to sit down, subtly manipulating a thread of Chaos Qi to make the Silent Shadow function around their table.

Kong Zhi sensed this and sat down at the table.

"Now that the matter is over, are you planning to leave, Master Jiu?"

"No hurry, I plan on staying in Haoran City for a while since there’s nothing to do."

Li Jing responded, then turned his gaze to ask,

"What about you, what are your plans with Fairy Yangxue?"

"Yangxue and I plan to stay in Haoran City for a while."

Kong Zhi replied, saying.

"Yangxue is currently taking care of Uncle Qi, handling some matters at his house. If everything goes as planned, the two of us will move here to live with Uncle Qi, find some work at the Ascension Pavilion for a while."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing raised an eyebrow.

Staying to work in the Ascension Pavilion was obviously Yangxue’s idea.

It wasn’t that she needed the immortal crystals, but she planned to take care of Uncle Qi until his health recovered.

On the surface, it seemed that Yangxue was merely showing allegiance and friendship.

However, it also demonstrated that their meeting with the destined ones was fated...

After giving it some thought, Li Jing said,

"If you can, help me find a job at the Ascension Pavilion too."

?

Kong Zhi.

As Li Jing expected.

He and Yangxue were planning to work at the Ascension Pavilion not to earn money, but for Uncle Qi.

Of course, the initiative mainly came from Yangxue.

Kong Zhi was merely joining her.

So.

What was going on with Li Jing?

What was his identity?

What sort of person was he?

Going to work in a pleasure house when he had nothing to do!?

Truth be told.

Kong Zhi could not comprehend at all.

He could guess that Li Jing probably had a goal.

But he couldn’t figure out what goal would compel a person of his stature to lower himself to work in a pleasure house.

Upon seeing Kong Zhi’s befuddled expression, Li Jing pursed his lips.

"What are you looking at? Is it convenient or not, just say so."

"This..."

Kong Zhi hesitated, then said,

"Convenience is not an issue, after all, Yangxue is a fox demon, she could easily secure any position at the Ascension Pavilion without going through the proper process."

Speaking of which, he asked out of curiosity,

"So, Master Jiu, what role are you planning to take on at the Ascension Pavilion?"

In response to this question, Li Jing said,

"I’m definitely not suited for serving tea or carrying water, I can’t do such work; I can help Uncle Qi in the kitchen."

Upon hearing such a response, Kong Zhi bitterly smiled.

"Master Jiu, I’m afraid that’s not suitable either. If a person of your stature ends up assisting an ordinary man, even if he’s unaware, it would be quite taxing on him. Additionally, if you work in the kitchen, you’ll likely be ordered around. Since we’re here under disguise and cannot stand being mistreated, this wouldn’t be fitting for you."

Li Jing fell silent.

He intended to say that he doesn’t mind some humiliation.

But then he thought about it, it would indeed be unseemly for the master of Chen Tang to be ordered around this way.

After a moment’s consideration, Li Jing said,

"Okay then, I’ll disguise myself as a woman and work as a musician, playing the guzheng but not selling my body."

"Musician?"

Kong Zhi was momentarily startled.

"Are there any issues with that?"

Li Jing asked.

"Not really..."

Kong Zhi shook his head reflexively, saying,

"But Master Jiu, do you know how to play?"

"Ha! Are you underestimating me?"

Li Jing revealed an unhappy look.

Seeing him like this, Kong Zhi promptly wanted to say no, but before he could, he saw Li Jing pull out a snow-colored guzheng.

As soon as the guzheng came into view, Kong Zhi’s eyes widened.

Taoist item!

At the same time, Li Jing transformed into a young girl who, though plain-looking, possessed a stunning charm.

"Pluck-n-pluck."

The strings vibrated, breaking the Silent Shadow.

What accompanied it.

Was a dream-like scene.

Amidst the rising cloud and mist, the illusions of over a dozen enchanting maidens appeared, dancing within the cloud and mist.

Being in the midst of the fog, they...

Were not wearing any clothes.

That dreamlike figure was hidden just right in the fog, continuously dancing with the rhythm of Li Jing’s music, capturing a sense of revealing then concealing mastery.

It’s as though you saw something, but didn’t see anything at all.

This illusion unfolded.

People at the tea store and even passers-by nearby were naturally drawn in.

Seeing those ten or more ladies in the fog, they can’t help but become infatuated instantly, each of them yearning for more.

More of it!

A bit more!

Damn, could this fog be any more obstructive!?

Kong Zhi was also drawn in.

The key point is,

these lady illusions not only captured the insistence of revealing then hiding, each of them was also immensely attractive while looking so good.

Even the inherently coquettish fox demon seemed inferior in comparison.

Kong Zhi wasn’t aware.

The ones dancing before him were demons of lust and desire.

Being a fox demon was just due to nature.

As for these demons of lust and desire, it was their inherent duty to entice and corrupt.

They are professionals.

The song Li Jing was playing now was essentially a modified version of lust and desire induced by the guzheng.

What Kong Zhi failed to notice was.

As the astonishingly attractive ladies in the fog danced, each and every one of them was casting an extremely resentful gaze at someone.

Throughout these hundred years.

Li Jing has indeed summoned them before.

But whenever he did, he wasn’t asking them to indulge, but rehearsed some compositions he had self-studied from lust and desire.

Not that Li Jing was research-free.

Mainly because Chen Tang City had gradually expanded over these hundred years and all the necessary changes had to be eventually made.

Including the annual meeting.

If there was an annual meeting, wouldn’t it need a bit of talent and performance, right?

For this, the ladies of Immortal Music Palace would suffice.

However, as the one pulling strings behind the scenes, he should also be prepared.

An annual conference was a joyous occasion.

While everyone was amused and laughing, him demonstrating his mastery in music wasn’t a problem, was it?

Of course.

This song was never brought out by Li Jing in the annual meeting, after all, it was a bit too saucy.

Maybe the girls of the Immortal Music Palace would care more about whether the song sounded good, but the other girls in Chen Tang City might not think so.

Moving on.

Facing the resentful gazes of MengLu and the other demons of desire, Li Jing steadfastly continued his silent performance. With his heart, he communicated with them.

"Don’t worry, I will let you all have a good feast when the opportunity arises. However, let’s make this clear first, unless I instruct you, don’t be too aggressive and cause trouble."

Hearing his heartfelt voice, MengLu and the other demons of lust and desire opened their eyes wide, expressing radiant brilliance, conveying their eagerness to behave themselves in anticipation of good food and drink.

Before long, the song ended.

With Li Jing’s last note, the silent shadow effect activated again.

???

The surrounding crowd.

A moment ago, they were all captivated by the dreamlike melody.

But more so.

They were attracted by the illusion.

So no one really noticed who had suddenly started playing the music.

Now that the performance ended, they remembered to look for the mystery performer. However, to no avail.

Over here.

Li Jing looked at Kong Zhi with a smile that wasn’t really a smile.

"What do you think?"

Kong Zhi raised his hand, silencing the crowd with a thumbs-up gesture.

Li Jing laughed, and with a flip of his hand, he put away Taoist Snow Sound.

"Since that’s the case, let’s settle on this, you help me arrange."

Kong Zhi instinctively agreed, but then voiced his doubts.

"May I ask, Master Jiu, your transformation into this..."

As he spoke, his gaze inevitably fell on the flat chest area of Li Jing, unable to find an appropriate word to describe it.

Li Jing mysteriously smirked at Kong Zhi’s hesitation to speak.

"Do you think it’s a pity that I look this way, wasting such a pretty face? Pity is exactly the effect I’m aiming for. To be precise, it’s this kind of attention."

...