Chapter 420: Bargaining
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For Su Cheng today, getting lost was practically an insult.
No matter how green he was, he now possessed the cultivation of a Nascent Soul. Times had changed. Thirty years of fortune in the east, thirty years of misfortune in the west—he was now invincible in this world!
Back then, he could only protect himself by hiding within the Lingxian Hall. Now, even when venturing out, ordinary people couldn't touch him!
Strolling through the woods, he soon located the Mingxin Cave.
Standing with hands clasped behind his back at the cave entrance, he heard sounds of slaughter echoing within—as if a woman were enduring unimaginable torment.
Listening closely, one could detect a distinct emotion mingled within the bird-like cries—a defiant spirit, a refusal to yield even unto death.
"If you've got the guts, just kill me!"
"I will never yield to you!"
Such defiant words mingled with heart-wrenching screams, making the bloody scene inside almost too horrific to imagine.
But Su Cheng merely smiled wryly and slowly stepped into Mingxin Cave.
After just a few steps inside, the space suddenly opened up!
Though the entrance was narrow, the interior was a world unto itself!
Su Cheng found it fascinating! He never expected that despite frequent human activity, the cave entrance remained completely untouched!
It seemed the owner of Mingxin Cave diligently maintained it on a daily basis.
Su Cheng didn't rush inside. He simply waited at the entrance, observing. He felt certain someone would eventually be unable to resist.
Moreover, this vantage point allowed him to admire the art up close. Indeed, this was not mere craftsmanship—it was art.
From the outside, one might have thought he was a cold-blooded, ruthless man, but now that he saw him up close, Su Cheng realized he wasn't all that.
Compared to him, Guo Ce was infinitely more gentle!
And this woman? She was nowhere near as good as Yu Lan!
So, when it comes to many things, you really have to trust the system's creations. A demi-god physique with a supreme dual cultivation holy body isn't something ordinary people can endure, nor is it something ordinary people can enjoy.
In such a peak confrontation, even the Dragon King could only trade verbal jabs before the battle. After multiple exchanges, the Dragon King hadn't gained the slightest advantage!
Su Cheng decided to stop watching and focus on finding what he needed.
Though called a cave, its interior was tastefully arranged—a style seemingly unique to the demonic race. A hunting theme?
Seemingly bored by the spectacle, Su Cheng walked straight inside. While they played their games, he busied himself rummaging through chests and cabinets…
Whether they were too engrossed in their game or something else, neither noticed Su Cheng. Each continued with their own business.
Su Cheng paid them no mind either, solely focused on searching for the Void Blueprint…
"Hmm… I don't know whether to say these two are incredibly bold or just incredibly focused…"
Dongfang Jue tended to think things through thoroughly, imagining every possibility: "Could it be they've already noticed the Master, but are pretending not to see out of fear?"
"Or could it be that Master used some kind of immortal technique to make himself invisible?"
Dongfang Jue and Su Muchan crouched at the cave entrance, watching the peak battle between the man and woman inside.
Their techniques were extraordinary, moves never heard of before, leaving the two observing disciples in awe!
"Sister Jue, I thought you weren't interested in this sort of thing. Who knew you'd be watching so intently~"
"Humans aren't saints, and immortals are immortals, but they're still human."
"Speaking of which, don't you think Master seems in a particularly good mood today?"
"Really?" Dongfang Jue hadn't noticed. To him, the Master always seemed the same—hardly something to judge as happy or not.
"Hmm, didn't you hear Master humming just now?"
"Really?"
Dongfang Jue genuinely hadn't noticed!
But today, the Master did give off a rather dazed vibe.
"Who's there!"
A thunderous shout mixed with a woman's scream snapped Dongfang Jue back to reality—his master had been discovered!
"Don't mind me, carry on, carry on~"
Su Cheng finished speaking and resumed rummaging through drawers and cabinets…
But with a living person standing right there, how could Guo Ce possibly continue?
The beautiful woman was frantic. Her small hands fluttered helplessly—neither covering her face nor shielding her body. She hastily pulled the blanket from beneath Guo Ce and wrapped it around herself…
"Fellow Daoist, barging into my cave dwelling like this—isn't that a bit…"
Reaching the Nascent Soul stage was already extraordinary in the mortal world, let alone in this realm.
To slip in so silently proved Su Cheng's extraordinary prowess!
Even if one's power was average, they'd likely come prepared!
Guo Ce was lustful, but he wasn't stupid. His opponent's strength matched his own, and they'd come prepared. Acting rashly would only lead to trouble!
Despite the beautiful woman beside him repeatedly demanding his death, Guo Ce maintained absolute rationality and composure under these circumstances.
"Don't worry about it. I'm just here to find something. Once I have it, I'll be on my way."
Su Cheng didn't even turn his head, just hunched over, peering here and rummaging there…
"Fellow Daoist, I don't frequent this place often. If there's something you seek, why not tell me? I could take you to my residence another day?"
Dongfang Jue was genuinely surprised. To be honest, before Guo Ce uttered the word "residence," she hadn't understood what her master and this Guo Ce were up to.
But now, she understood.
Adult games were often far from simple. Dongfang Jue still had much to learn.
"Someone told me you took my things. I just want them back."
Su Cheng spoke with righteous indignation, yet his tone was as calm as a summer breeze, as if whether he found it or not didn't really matter.
Guo Ce visibly froze for a moment before suddenly seeming to grasp something, chuckling.
"Oh, oh, oh! You mean that thing, right?"
Su Cheng smiled and turned around.
"That's right, exactly that one. Brother Guo Ce, would you be so kind as to return it to me? That item is very important to me."
"Well, to be honest, it's not in my possession now. It just passed through my hands temporarily."
"Is that so?"
"Exactly."
Su Muchan patted Dongfang Jue's shoulder. They were hiding too far away—though they could hear the words, they couldn't grasp the underlying meaning…
"Senior Sister Jue, why is Master chatting with him like that? It's like they're putting on a show."
"You wouldn't understand. Often, the approach matters most. Master doesn't have time to waste on this guy."
"What do you mean? If he's so pressed for time, why waste so many words?"
Dongfang Jue didn't elaborate, merely motioning for Su Muchan to continue watching the spectacle.
Su Cheng sat on a low table resembling a TV stand, lit a cigarette, and after a long drag, held up three fingers and declared with full vigor.
"In that case, I can offer triple the price."
"Well… once something's been handed over, getting it back might be a bit tricky."
"Just name your price."
By this point, Guo Ce had formed his own suspicions!
Su Cheng looked formidable, likely more powerful than him. The fact that he hadn't acted directly left only two possibilities.
First, he might be baiting a bigger fish lurking in the shadows.
Second, it was highly likely he was unable to act himself…
Guo Ce hoped it was the former, for inconvenience didn't mean impossibility.
"I'll need to ask that person myself. If they're willing, it would be a splendid arrangement."
"Hmm, no problem. Heavenly treasures, rare herbs, miraculous elixirs—I can trade any of these. Just return my belongings, and everything can be discussed."
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