Chapter 335: Chapter 224 Who’s the little girl again? _2
For a moment, she couldn’t look Key Smoke directly in the eyes.
She understood. Previously, she had always adopted a male persona—resolute, decisive, with a distinguished air—so the pill’s effects naturally lasted a long time. However, during this past month in Wu City, her mind had been constantly, if vaguely, occupied with a certain someone. Whether intentionally or not, these myriad thoughts had caused the Immortal Fate Pill’s effects to deplete far too quickly—especially after learning he possessed the Supreme Yang Body.
"Is there a way to get the Immortal Fate Grass, Master?"
The Immortal Fate Pill’s effects will likely only last another two or three days at most. If I can’t obtain the Immortal Fate Grass, the consequences will be dire...
Key Smoke’s brows furrowed slightly, but she still said, "Three hundred li east of Wu City lies a place called Danzhu Gorge. If such an immortal herb exists anywhere near Wu City, it would be there."
"Hurry. If you can retrieve the herb within a day, I can still refine the Immortal Fate Pill."
She paused, then continued, "After the Ascension Platform event ends, I will be going into seclusion for a while, and the Sacred Land will be closed."
"I’m telling you this in advance so you don’t come here and bother me."
Anger flickered in Ji Nanjue’s eyes. What does she mean, ’bother her’?
"Old woman, what do you mean ’bother you’?!"
"When have I ever bothered you?!"
"Just go into your eternal seclusion then."
She snatched a large handful of preserved fruits from Key Smoke’s box, spun around, and stormed out of the room.
Danzhu Gorge. She had to get there, and fast.
Watching Ji Nanjue’s rapidly disappearing figure, a smile touched Key Smoke’s lips, yet for some reason, her expression held a deep sense of unease.
For someone of her cultivation realm, the thoughts that arose in her mind already carried the weight of premonitions, of warnings from the unseen.
She rose and walked over to a bronze tray resting on a low rosewood table. Picking up three copper coins, she tossed them upwards; they arced and then gently fell.
CLATTER—
They scattered.
Then, her eyes fixed on them, she muttered, "The third line of ’Before Completion’: Advancing brings misfortune; one’s position is improper."
"The image of a waterless river: maintain integrity and await the opportune moment."
Great misfortune, yet a sliver of fortune?
Key Smoke pressed her thin lips together, trying to calm her heart.
It’s the Hexagram of Adversity...
Ziwei Doushu, like the cicada sensing the wind before it stirs.
...
When Su Bei left the Sacred Sanctuary, it was already late.
Bright lights blazed all around, illuminating the entire Sacred Land.
He walked towards the magnificent corner tower in the distance.
Brilliant lights illuminated the tower palace until it was thoroughly bright, their reflections shimmering on the rippling water below, making the surface dance with light.
Just then, the dark clouds scattered, and the moon emerged, casting its serene glow. It enveloped the palace in moonlight, making it resemble a celestial palace from the heavens.
That place was precisely the Multi-Bao Pavilion.
Speaking of which, I still haven’t exchanged my chips.
He recalled the 500,000 spirit stones he had wagered and could almost picture the Pavilion Master of the Multi-Bao Pavilion’s heart bleeding.
Was I being a bit too much?
But then again, it was all within the rules. Besides, the Multi-Bao Pavilion was clearly the one raking in profits; how much were they even paying out to me in comparison?
As he drew closer, he could already hear the sounds of stringed and bamboo instruments, the clamor of a crowd, and loud shouts:
"Tomorrow I’m betting on Buddha Gate! Mansions by the sea!"
"You think you can win by betting on the underdog twice in a row? Is Elder Tong Xi comparable to Lin Duo? You think calling him the top expert below Dao Integration is just empty talk?"
"I’m ready to start planning my bet on the next match between Sword Sect and Dao Sect, hahaha!"
Despite Su Bei’s extremely low-key attire, the moment he stepped through the doors of the Multi-Bao Pavilion, he was instantly recognized.
Instantly, a crowd surged towards him:
"Elder Su has arrived!!"
"Elder Su, I’m your fan... Elder Su!"
"Elder Su, give me an autograph, sign it on my underwear..."
Su Bei finally experienced what it felt like to be a celebrity in his past life. Like the moon surrounded by stars, he walked in with large strides, his hands clasped behind his back.
A steward on the first floor broke into a cold sweat the moment he saw Su Bei, muttering to himself, The life-claiming jinx is here...
But he quickly slapped his own face, forcing a warm, radiant smile as he cheerfully approached Su Bei, "Elder Su, you’ve finally graced us! The Pavilion Master has been waiting for you!"
As the steward’s words fell, everyone stared at Su Bei in disbelief. A wave of murmurs instantly spread through the crowd:
"The Pavilion Master? Not an Elder!?"
"I hear the Pavilion Master of the Multi-Bao Pavilion is truly mysterious; very few people have ever seen her in person."
"I wonder what kind of connections Elder Su has..."
"As expected of Elder Su!"
Su Bei nodded and followed the steward to the rear compound of the Multi-Bao Pavilion.
The Pavilion Master of the Multi-Bao Pavilion?
What kind of old man could he be?
Dressed in formal robes, with a stern, dignified expression? Come to think of it, I’ve never actually seen him. Just as the crowd said, a mysterious person who comes and goes without a trace.
There was a sizable lake. While not a vast one spanning hundreds of mu, in a place like Wu City, where every inch of land was precious as gold, what ordinary faction could afford such extravagance?
By the lake stood a wooden pavilion, a typical Jiangnan-style construction.
The entire wall facing the lake consisted of sliding doors. In summer, one could push them open to reveal the expanse of the lake, allowing a cool, refreshing breeze to waft into the pavilion, wonderfully pleasant.
The steward led Su Bei to the pavilion and then bowed slightly.