Chapter Fifty-Seven: This Is What Comes of Not Reading Enough

The young girl pondered for a moment, then asked, “Apart from what you’ve already reported, have you discovered anything else?”

Tiger-Dragon’s eyes darted cunningly. “The cultivator next door was killed—most likely by that boy. I heard from the Tribunal of Evil Punishment that the deceased’s Dao companion will be coming soon to claim this courtyard.”

The girl’s eyes flickered, and then she suddenly smiled. “Keep a close watch for me. I don’t care what methods you use—just bring that person to me.”

Tiger-Dragon asked with curiosity, “And what does the mistress intend?”

“Don’t ask what you shouldn’t,” the girl replied, unwilling to say more. She then vanished from sight.

…

The Imperial Palace of Grand Jin, a chill in the night air.

Within the Palace of Prayer Clouds, Princess Royal Luo Shuxian reclined with regal elegance and a hint of languor upon her couch. Her immortal robes were of exquisite fabric, yet none could rival the striking gleam of her silken white ankle stockings.

“Your Highness, your mount has run wild and injured several guards. Its whereabouts are now unknown.”

Luo Shuxian’s elegant brows furrowed slightly. “Could it have turned into a fiend?”

“That creature must have been biding its time… And it was formidable from birth—even the Foundation Establishment guards were no match for it. Its bloodline is surely extraordinary.”

Luo Shuxian seemed unconcerned. “Inform the Tribunal of Evil Punishment. If there’s any sign of that wretch, kill it on sight.”

“Your Highness is wise… Such a creature is indeed unsuitable to remain your mount. Otherwise, one day it might become a prize for the demon clans…”

Luo Shuxian’s gaze shifted as she spoke softly. “How goes the Tribunal’s other matter?”

“It is nearly complete. A few days ago, our spy sent word that the Abyss of Heaven is about to open. The Southern Demon Sect has suffered heavy losses, so very soon will be the perfect opportunity to act.”

Luo Shuxian gave a slight nod, saying nothing more.

…

Meanwhile, the Lord, having just escaped the palace, hid under cover of darkness within a secluded courtyard. Glancing at the punishment details that surfaced in his mind, he scoffed.

Demons are eternal—they know nothing of lifespans or death. Yet the punishment was not limited to mere years lost… Though not fatal, it would hardly be pleasant.

He was, however, quite interested in the rewards for this mission.

[Annals of Time.]
[The complete trajectory of your future.]
[Dragon Transformation Technique.]

The Lord fought hard to suppress his covetousness, then began to think.

He had already tried, back in the palace, to summon his ninja legion, but nothing happened. This proved beyond doubt that he had indeed arrived in a strange new world.

Who had brought him here?

This matter was beyond his comprehension. But no matter who the opponent was, the Lord had no wish to make enemies here and now.

He realized the only thing he could do was adapt to the circumstances.

Besides, he knew nothing of this world. He had no wish to linger, though the wretched mission seemed complicated, it did not appear truly difficult.

He had no idea what this so-called Righteous Alliance was, but assumed it was much like the Black Hand Gang.

For him, killing one lackey was no different from killing five thousand.

Yonghe Street…

He would begin with the old beggar. It seemed the simplest task.

He didn’t know what was so special about the beggar, but in the end, a beggar is just a beggar.

The Lord tilted his head, puzzled. “But… where is Yonghe Street?”

He promptly seized the courtyard’s owner, and quickly learned the exact location.

…

Su Jian was practicing the Profound Maiden Sutra with Zhao Qianxue late into the night when a message abruptly appeared in his mind, causing him to stop the cultivation unconsciously.

Zhao Qianxue looked on with some resentment…

[The Lord tried to seize Tiger-Dragon in one move, but was unexpectedly sent flying several yards by Tiger-Dragon’s counterattack. Gravely injured, the Lord used the Rabbit and Snake Talismans to escape swiftly, then the Horse Talisman to heal completely.]

So reckless?

Yet this old fellow didn’t seem terribly smart… Not even bothering to test the waters first—clearly judging by appearances.

That’s what comes of not reading enough books…

Nevertheless, the Lord was much more useful than Ouyang Feng.

Ouyang Feng had been utterly quiet for a full day.

And, come to think of it… the starter gift package he had given seemed rather superfluous.

The Lord appeared to possess his full strength, and all twelve talismans as well.

To escape openly under the old beggar’s nose was already quite impressive.

…

After fleeing the city, the Lord’s face was grim.

He had never expected a street beggar to wield power equal to that of an immortal.

But being immortal himself, he did not truly fear the beggar. Even if he could not win, he could always escape with ease.

…

But learning the beggar’s purpose in lurking on Yonghe Street was clearly not something brute force would accomplish.

So, the Lord doubled back into the city.

At this time, Tiger-Dragon was still closely watching the goings-on at Su Jian’s courtyard on Yonghe Street.

The moment the Lord appeared, Tiger-Dragon’s divine sense locked onto him.

Tiger-Dragon, incensed, laughed coldly. “You petty scoundrel, you dare return?”

The Lord hurriedly signaled him to wait, his face amiable. “My friend, it was all a misunderstanding earlier. I mistook you for someone else. Why don’t we sit down and become friends?”

Tiger-Dragon frowned. “Where are you from?”

The man’s words… sounded odd.

The Lord feigned calm. “Where I’m from doesn’t matter. What matters is making friends—more friends, more paths, don’t you agree?”

He longed to invent a background for himself, but he knew nothing of this world.

Tiger-Dragon suddenly grinned. “Then do me a favor, if you would. You wouldn’t refuse, would you?”

The Lord was speechless.

He had only meant to exchange a few pleasantries—how had the other taken it seriously?

Though the Lord dearly wished to refuse, he knew that a word once spoken could not be withdrawn. If he refused now, he would lose all chance of approaching his target in future.

Besides…

He could agree, without any guarantee of following through.

The Lord forced a smile. “We’re friends—just tell me what you need.”

Tiger-Dragon chuckled. “Help me capture someone.”

He was stretched too thin and had no time to seek out Ruan Chidao’s Dao companion himself.

Such matters couldn’t be delayed—otherwise, the target would soon move in next to Su Jian.

Once that happened, it would be much harder to act without alerting Su Jian.

He would have to strike either on the road or at the target’s family home.

As the Lord agreed, he asked, “By the way, may I have your name?”

“Tiger-Dragon,” he replied after a moment’s thought—no reason to hide it.

The Lord probed, “Brother Long, with your strength, why humble yourself here?”

It was a roundabout way of broaching his first mission.