“Senior Brother, could it be that you’ve taken a liking to that woman?” Xu Hao wasn’t an idiot, so although Hu Xun didn’t speak clearly, how could he not understand?
But then again, which man wouldn’t be tempted by such a beautiful woman? Last night, he had been in a daze, and as he meditated, the image of her slightly pale face flashed across his mind. Although this woman seemed to be a few years older than him, to a cultivator with a long lifespan, what did the difference in age matter?
If he could be connected with such a woman, even if he had to lose half of his lifespan, Xu Hao would be willing.
But now, Senior Brother Hu had spoken his thoughts in front of him.
Xu Hao’s heart was filled with anger, suddenly feeling like the object of his true love was being coveted, but facing this Senior Brother who had taken care of him since he was a child, he had no way to vent his anger.
“Junior Brother, if you can lend me a hand, after this matter is completed, when I return to the hall, I will naturally speak a few words of praise for Junior Brother in front of Master. Master will be pleased to pass the second part of the Violent Wind Art to you.”
Xu Hao’s heart pounded.
Although he had entered Spirit Sea Palace to cultivate, his status and identity were far inferior to Hu Xun’s. If Hu Xun was an elite Core Disciple in Spirit Sea Palace, then he would be a lower ranked ordinary disciple. If not for this, the Sect’s mission this time would not have been led by Hu Xun.
All these years, he had only cultivated the first half of the Violent Wind Art, and his cultivation had barely reached the Third Order True Element Stage. If he wanted to further improve his cultivation, he needed to obtain the second half of the Violent Wind Art.
However, his Master had not shown any intention of teaching him these past few years, seemingly wanting to test him again, and this mission was one of the tests.
If Senior Brother Hu Xun could put in a good word for him, obtaining the second half of the Violent Wind Art shouldn’t be a problem.
There was no shortage of beautiful women in this world, but he only had one cultivation technique he needed. What’s more, even if he were to compete with Senior Brother Hu, he might not necessarily win.
Although Xu Hao was a bit reluctant, he quickly understood and nodded, “Senior Brother treats me like a brother, if there is anything I can help you with, please feel free to ask.”
Hu Xun smiled and nodded, patting him on the shoulder, “As expected of my good Junior Brother! That woman’s injuries aren’t light, she will need at least a month or two to recover! En, first think of a way to help me inquire about her background.”
Xu Hao asked curiously, “Didn’t the one called Zhao Yebai say he didn’t enter the Sect? This brother and sister should have only embarked on the path of cultivation because of some fortuitous encounter, right?”
Hu Xun said, “That may be the case, but it’s best to investigate first.”
“Good, Senior Brother, don’t worry, I’ll ask.”
For the next few days, Zhao Ya stayed in the courtyard to recuperate while Aunt Mei visited her every day for several hours. When Zhao Ya was awake, she would talk to her, and when Zhao Ya was asleep, she would stand guard.
On the other hand, Zhao Yebai felt somewhat embarrassed, feeling that he had been too troublesome.
During this time, Xu Hao brought Hu Xun to visit Aunt Mei and Zhao Ya.
However, this time, when the two of them returned, Aunt Mei left the room to meet them, not allowing them to disturb Zhao Ya’s rest.
After cultivating on Azure Jade Peak for thirteen years, Zhao Ya’s cultivation had been deliberately suppressed by Yang Kai. Even if her cultivation had not risen, it was only natural that her physique had improved.
Her physique was the same as Zhao Yebai’s. Among cultivators of the same age and realm, she was an existence that others could only look up to. It was just that her usually tender appearance was quite difficult to see.
Although her injuries weren’t light, after just three to five days, Zhao Ya was able to get up and walk again.
Her powerful physique was one of the reasons she was able to recover so quickly, and the healing pills Yang Kai gave her were naturally another reason.
After receiving Hu Xun’s instructions, Xu Hao asked his mother for some information about Zhao Yebai and Yang Kai, but the two of them didn’t reveal much, so Xu Hao’s information was quite limited.
“Seven Stars Collections?” Inside the room, the flickering candlelight made Hu Xun frown slightly.
“Senior Brother, I’ve heard of Seven Star Square before. Many years ago, Seven Star Square was just a Second Class Sect, but a Third Order Emperor Realm master suddenly became their Supreme Elder and immediately promoted to a First Class Sect.”
Hu Xun nodded and said, “I also know about this matter. This Seven Stars Collection should be based on Seven Star Square.”
“If that’s the case, these two are most likely Seven Star Square’s disciples?”
Hu Xun tapped his finger lightly on the table, “That man’s aptitude is quite low, such a young man is only at the Qi Transformation Stage. When he said he didn’t enter the Sect, it must be true, it shouldn’t have anything to do with Seven Star Square. On the other hand, Zhao Ya may be from Seven Star Square, but even if she is, she should only be an ordinary disciple.”
Xu Hao nodded, “Senior Brother is right.”
Zhao Ya was a few years older than him, but she was only at the Ninth Order True Element Stage, so her aptitude wasn’t much better than his. Even if such a person entered Seven Star Square, their status wouldn’t be high.
“With Senior Brother’s cultivation and status, it is truly her good fortune to be able to obtain Senior Brother’s favor!” Xu Hao flattered.
Hu Xun shook his head and said, “It’s a pity that this woman’s temperament is so cold that it’s difficult to approach her.”
These past few days, it wasn’t that they hadn’t tried to get in touch with Zhao Ya, but the few times they had met, Zhao Ya’s expression had been cold and indifferent, not even sparing them a glance. On the contrary, she was extremely concerned about Zhao Yebai, causing Hu Xun to secretly feel annoyed.
As an elite Core Disciple of Spirit Sea Palace, he had reached the Third Order Immortal Ascension Stage at a young age and was surrounded by countless Senior Sisters and Junior Sisters in the Sect. When had he ever been treated so coldly by a woman?
“And your mother!” Hu Xun glared at Xu Hao as he spoke.
For some reason, Zhen Xuemei had been accompanying Zhao Ya almost every day, making it difficult for Hu Xun to display his charm in front of her.
Xu Hao’s expression became awkward as he quickly changed the subject, “That Zhao Ya’s recovery is quite fast. With such heavy injuries, she was actually able to get out of bed and walk these past few days.”
Hu Xun coldly said, “I can’t stay here for too long, we need to hurry back to the Sect, otherwise no one will be able to bear Master’s blame.”
“Then what should we do?” Xu Hao was secretly gloating, but he didn’t show it on his face. Although he didn’t have a chance to win Zhao Ya’s favor, he didn’t want to see Hu Xun have a chance. If he could return empty-handed, that would be for the best.
Hu Xun’s expression became gloomy for a moment before a cold light flashed across his eyes, “If soft tactics don’t work, then we can only use hard tactics. When it comes to women, they will naturally obey you!”
Xu Hao was startled, “Senior Brother, you want to…”
Hu Xun said solemnly, “I need Junior Brother’s help!”
Xu Hao was frightened.
The next day, in the courtyard, Zhen Xuemei chatted with Zhao Ya. Normally, she would be the one speaking while Zhao Ya listened quietly.
Zhen Xuemei also noticed Zhao Ya’s absent-mindedness, but she didn’t pay it any mind. Fortunately, Zhao Yebai would occasionally interrupt.
Every time this happened, Zhao Ya would listen attentively, often covering her mouth and smiling.
The sound of hurried footsteps rang out and the three of them turned their heads to see Xu Hao rushing over.
“Hao’er!” Zhen Xuemei stood up, “Why are you here?”
Xu Hao smiled, “Mother, Father wants you to go over.”
“Your father is looking for me?” Zhen Xuemei was surprised.
Xu Hao nodded, “En, I don’t know what it is, but it seems to be quite urgent.”
Zhen Xuemei’s brow wrinkled slightly before quickly relaxing. Turning back to Zhao Ya and Zhao Yebai, she said, “Rest early, I’ll go take a look.”
Zhao Yebai stood up and saw her off, “Aunt Mei, take care.”
After watching Zhen Xuemei leave, Zhao Yebai cupped his fists towards Xu Hao and said, “Senior Brother Xu, I’ve been troubling you for the past few days, but Xiao Ya’s injuries are almost healed. We’ll leave in a few days.”
“You’re leaving just like that?” Xu Hao was surprised as he stared at the indifferent Zhao Ya, a trace of reluctance appearing in his heart.
Zhao Yebai nodded, “We came here to look for someone, but unfortunately we haven’t found any clues so far, so we want to continue searching.”
Xu Hao nodded subconsciously.
“If you want to find someone, this Hu can help you. After all, this is my Spirit Sea Palace’s territory. If you don’t mind, you can come with me to Spirit Sea Palace as a guest and I’ll definitely be able to help you find the person you’re looking for,” Hu Xun’s voice came from outside, and in the next moment, Hu Xun stepped in.
Zhao Ya’s lowered eyes flashed.
Zhao Yebai’s brow wrinkled. This was Xu Hao’s home, so if Xu Hao didn’t invite him in, it would be reasonable, but Hu Xun’s attitude was quite rude. However, Zhao Yebai wasn’t someone who liked to make things difficult for others, so he still politely cupped his fists and greeted, “Senior Brother Hu!”
Hu Xun didn’t even look at him, instead staring at Zhao Ya as if he wanted to eat her alive, “Young Lady Xiao Ya, are you willing to return to Spirit Sea Palace with me?”
“Scram!” Zhao Ya didn’t even raise her eyes as she coldly spat out a single word.
Hu Xun’s expression changed slightly as he took a deep breath and grinned, “Young Lady Xiao Ya, you have a pure heart, I don’t believe you can’t see through this Hu’s affection for you. This Hu has seen many women in his life, but the only one who can truly move my heart is Young Lady Xiao Ya. I sincerely want to ask Young Lady to accompany me back to Spirit Sea Palace. Young Lady, please rest assured, when we return to the palace, I will naturally ask Master to host our wedding. In the future, for all eternity, the only woman by my side will be you!”
Zhao Yebai, who was listening from the side, was dumbfounded. He didn’t expect a man to speak like this in front of a woman.
However, for some reason, he felt extremely uncomfortable in his heart. For the first time in his life, he had an impulse to beat Hu Xun up. Originally, his impression of Hu Xun was quite good, but now that he looked at him again, he felt that this man’s appearance was extremely disgusting and sinister.
“Are you deaf? Did you not hear me tell you to scram?” Zhao Ya finally raised her eyes, her cold gaze like a ten thousand year old iceberg.
Hu Xun sighed lightly, “You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit, Junior Brother Xu!”
Xu Hao’s expression changed slightly as he struggled for a moment before quickly grabbing Zhao Yebai.
Zhao Yebai was dumbfounded, “Senior Brother Xu?”
Xu Hao’s face was filled with shame, but he didn’t say a word and simply carried Zhao Yebai out.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Martial Peak