Using Others' Strength Against Them

After careful consideration, Mu Feng decided to exclude his Black and White Impermanence from the matter.

Taking action to control a high-ranking member of the Holy Spirit Cult was entirely different from casually dealing with a few low-level evil Soul Masters. The severity of it was practically equivalent to betraying the cult.

Although the two usually obeyed his every word, Mu Feng did not dare entrust his life to them in a matter like this.

This operation was a decapitation mission planned by Mu Feng alone, and it could only succeed, never fail. After all, Mu Feng absolutely could not bear the consequences of failure.

Not only might Mu Feng be killed on the spot by Gui Xiao if his decapitation attempt failed and Gui Xiao reacted in time, but even if he escaped from Gui Xiao by sheer luck, he would still face the Holy Spirit Cult's endless pursuit—not to mention Ye Xishui's curse still lingering in his mind.

Therefore, without absolute confidence, Mu Feng would rather maintain the status quo.

Just as Mu Feng was considering how to scheme against Gui Xiao, a sound suddenly came from the bushes behind him. It was already nighttime; aside from young couples sneaking out for trysts, who else would come to such a remote place?

Mu Feng turned around. Moonlight reflected off the lake and illuminated the bushes, revealing a familiar face.

He asked in surprise, "Qiu Li? What are you doing here?"

Di Qiuli was also startled to see Mu Feng. She had not expected to encounter him here. Once she recovered, she turned to leave, but Mu Feng grabbed her arm.

Although Mu Feng had recently focused all his attention on Gui Xiao, he had also noticed that Di Qiuli seemed to have been avoiding him.

Mu Feng asked doubtfully, "What's wrong with you?"

Di Qiuli turned back, her face so dark it seemed ready to drip water. Her cold voice made her sound like a stranger. "Let go."

Mu Feng released her. He could tell that Di Qiuli's indifference was not the affectation she put on when angry before; it was genuine, unmistakable coldness.

Her icy words stirred a trace of displeasure in Mu Feng's already irritated heart. Frowning, he said, "Why are you always being so unreasonable? If you have any complaints, just tell me directly."

Di Qiuli turned her head away, pressed her lips together, and sniffed once. Ignoring Mu Feng's questioning, she quickly left.

Watching her figure disappear into the darkness, the troubled Mu Feng sat back down on the bench. Anger rose within him, an emotion he had not felt since he began paying attention to self-restraint and cultivation.

By the lake, Mu Feng took several deep breaths before calming his restless heart.

Suddenly, inspiration flashed through Mu Feng's mind. He said in annoyance, "How could I have forgotten about her?"

Having spent so much time with Di Qiuli in human form, he often overlooked the fact that her true identity was that of a fierce beast from the Star Dou Great Forest.

As a spy sent by the Holy Spirit Cult to infiltrate Shrek Academy, the forces represented by his identity were already complicated enough.

Since he could not solve the problem with his own strength alone, why not introduce an entirely new outside force?

Other than the royal families of the three great empires, the only force capable of contending with both sides was the Soul Beast faction led by Di Tian.

Having figured it out, Mu Feng sought out Di Qiuli early the next morning. Sure enough, she still wore that icy expression.

Although Mu Feng was deeply displeased by Di Qiuli's attitude, this matter involved far too much, so he had no choice but to speak to her gently.

Mu Feng humbled himself and said, "Qiu Li, listen to me. This matter is extremely important. I hope you can introduce me to Senior Bi Ji."

Di Qiuli's tone was as cold as if she were speaking to a stranger. She said flatly, "What does this have to do with me?"

Mu Feng frowned, but quickly forced out a smile. He could only try to build rapport with an awkward grin, like making small talk at a drinking table in his previous life. "We haven't known each other for just a day or two. We're friends, after all. Besides, I only want to meet Senior Bi Ji. I won't trouble you with anything else."

Mu Feng's fawning manner left Yu Tianhuang, who was watching from afar without understanding the situation, utterly surprised.

He walked over to Nanmen Yun'er and asked in confusion, "Did those two have another argument?"

Nanmen Yun'er shook her head. "I don't know either. Qiu Li has been in a bad mood for quite some time now, but she won't say anything when I ask her."

Yu Tianhuang nodded thoughtfully. Mu Feng had recently been coming and going without a trace. Perhaps Di Qiuli was so angry because he had no time to spend with her.

However, what puzzled Yu Tianhuang was that Mu Feng's ingratiating smile seemed a little too humble.

In the end, Mu Feng pestered her relentlessly and pulled out every trick he had before finally making the iceberg that was Di Qiuli relent a little.

"I'll only ask for you once. Whether she agrees or not, and whatever happens afterward, has nothing to do with me. Don't come bother me again."

Mu Feng nodded repeatedly and wiped the fine sweat from his forehead. Seemingly blind to the coldness in Di Qiuli's words, he readily agreed again and again. "Thank you."

Di Qiuli cast Mu Feng a sidelong glance before turning and leaving.

The moment Di Qiuli vanished from Mu Feng's sight, his expression darkened sharply, and he did not linger any longer.

The next time Mu Feng received news from Di Qiuli, it came in the form of a folded note delivered by Nanmen Yun'er.

Mu Feng quietly opened it when he was alone.

"Three days from now. Star Dou Empire. The usual place."

Those few short words finally eased Mu Feng's anxious heart.

Mu Feng thought to himself, It seems Bi Ji has agreed to meet me.

If she is willing to agree, then there is still a chance.

After careful consideration, Mu Feng realized that he had no valuable treasures on him that could move Bi Ji to help him eliminate Gui Xiao.

The only thing he could possibly offer was his secret. Perhaps coming clean to Bi Ji about everything was his only slim hope.

For that reason, Mu Feng had no choice but to swallow his pride and beg Di Qiuli.

Now that he had received Bi Ji's definite response, Mu Feng had no need to keep pestering Di Qiuli.

Mu Feng first asked Mu Jin for leave, made some simple alterations to his appearance, changed into another set of clothes, and quietly left Shrek City with a merchant caravan.

Looking at the familiar babbling stream before him, Mu Feng could not help but sigh. "So many things have happened here. It really is strange."

Mu Feng arrived at the agreed location on time. Along the way, he had been considering how to broach the subject with Bi Ji.

Negotiations required strategy. He certainly could not reveal all his secrets outright, and if he appeared too eager, then as the weaker party in the negotiation, he would likely end up being led around by the nose by Bi Ji.

"You're here."

A gentle voice rang out, and a jade-green figure stepped out from behind a thick tree trunk.

It was Bi Ji, who had arrived early. She smiled at Mu Feng. Mu Feng had already removed his disguise when he arrived here.

As someone asking a favor, Mu Feng politely greeted her. "Senior."

Bi Ji said with great interest, "What does this little fellow want from me?"