Putting on an act

Liu Xing's heart lurched. The previous few times the Spirit-Devouring Beast had released its divine sense, it had swept out with a force that seemed to engulf heaven and earth, scanning everything nearby before finally locking onto its target.

This time, however, the Spirit-Devouring Beast had released a wisp of divine sense so faint that it was imperceptible. Only now did Liu Xing realize that the little creature's abilities were probably far more complex than he had imagined.

Moreover, the Spirit-Devouring Beast had taken the initiative to send him a warning of danger. Liu Xing felt that his attempts to communicate with it over the past few days had not been wasted effort. Otherwise, why would it have warned him of murderous intent?

From the conversation between Lu Xuanqing and Lu Yangong, Liu Xing knew that this black-robed old man must be extremely powerful. If he intended to kill her, Lu Xuanqing would probably have no choice but to await her death.

In his urgency, Liu Xing strode forward and clasped Lu Yangong's hands, his face brimming with excitement. "Lu Xuanqing, is this the Old Immortal Lu you told me about? Now that I've met him, he truly has the bearing of an immortal and an air of natural divine majesty! If I'm fortunate enough to become his disciple, it must be a blessing earned in my previous life. Lu Xuanqing, you really weren't lying to me? The old immortal is willing to take me as his disciple?"

As he spoke, Liu Xing turned to look at Lu Xuanqing and repeatedly signaled with his eyes, warning her that this old fellow Lu Yangong secretly harbored ill intentions.

Lu Xuanqing knew that Liu Xing was reminding her to be on her guard, but against a Nascent Soul Realm expert like Lu Yangong, the outcome would be the same whether she was prepared or not.

Lu Xuanqing reasoned that whatever secret agreement Lu Yangong had made with the Bai Family, their ultimate objective was probably still the Spirit-Devouring Beast. As long as she concealed that information, she believed her life should be safe.

As for Liu Xing, even if Lu Yangong's cultivation reached the heavens, he would never imagine that the Spirit-Devouring Beast had attached itself to an ordinary person incapable of cultivation, would he?

Given their status, Lu Yangong and Bai Hengqiu surely regarded someone like Liu Xing as nothing more than an ant. They would probably consider even killing him too much trouble.

Her only option now was to distance herself from Liu Xing, obediently leave with Lu Yangong and Bai Hengqiu, and see how things developed. As long as she could keep both herself and Liu Xing alive, there would always be another chance to meet.

Having made up her mind, Lu Xuanqing had a plan. She raised her head and glanced at Lu Yangong, only to discover a trace of disgust in his eyes.

That was hardly surprising. Lu Yangong held an exalted position, yet a mortal like Liu Xing was actually clasping his hands and babbling nonsense about becoming his disciple.

A good-for-nothing like Liu Xing, who lacked an innate spiritual root, actually wanted to become the disciple of a Nascent Soul Realm expert. Was that not the wildest of pipe dreams?

Had he not been mindful of his dignity, Lu Yangong would have flicked his sleeve long ago and sent Liu Xing flying to who knew where.

At that moment, Lu Xuanqing stepped forward and lightly flicked her sleeve, knocking Liu Xing's hands away. With a cold laugh, she said, "You wild brat, you really do have your head in the clouds. My granduncle-master possesses the powers of an Earthly Immortal. Why would he take a good-for-nothing like you as his disciple? While I was recuperating on this Garbage Planet, there were things I needed your help with, so I deliberately told you I could introduce you to the Cultivation World. Unfortunately, you never stopped to think: what right does a good-for-nothing without an innate spiritual root have to enter the Cultivation World?"

As she spoke, Lu Xuanqing waved her hand. A green radiance flared, instantly knocking Liu Xing more than ten meters away. At the same time, she said, "Since you did offer me some help these past few days, I'll spare your life for now. If you dare come forward and make a scene again, don't blame me for showing no mercy."

Lu Xuanqing's strike contained a trace of hidden force. Although it would not truly injure Liu Xing, it was enough to jolt his internal organs and force him to spit out a mouthful of blood. This way, Lu Yangong and Bai Hengqiu should have no suspicions about him, leaving him a path to survival.

Sure enough, Liu Xing lay on the ground and spat out a mouthful of blood. Then he rolled over and climbed to his feet, staring at Lu Xuanqing in disbelief. He looked as though he had been betrayed by the person he trusted most.

In truth, Liu Xing naturally understood Lu Xuanqing's intentions. The complicated emotions in his gaze as he stared at her were probably something only she could discern.

Without question, neither Lu Xuanqing nor Liu Xing could contend with the strength of Lu Yangong or Bai Hengqiu. Facing such powerful opponents, what could they do besides play along?

At that moment, Liu Xing hated only his own lack of strength. If he were the powerful one, why would he have to swallow this indignity?

Liu Xing knew that acting with reckless bravado now would be foolish. Since Lu Xuanqing had already made her decision, he could only cooperate. Otherwise, would he not be wasting all the pains she had taken for him?

Only after a long while did Liu Xing seem to give up hope. He slowly dragged his feet toward the far side of the hills, looking utterly disheartened. Sure enough, Lu Yangong and Bai Hengqiu paid him no heed, their attention fixed solely on Lu Xuanqing.

Lu Xuanqing smiled sweetly and bowed to Lu Yangong. "Please forgive the embarrassing display, Granduncle-master. Earlier, to make use of that mortal, I used a little of the Heavenly Demon Soul-Confusion Art. I never imagined it would cause you any disturbance."

Lu Yangong waved his hand. "No matter. Why should we waste our time on a mortal? Little Qing, whatever you may think, the alliance between our Heavenly Demon Sect and the Bai Family is already a fact. Come with me to the Ice Phoenix System and tell me everything about that object in full detail. Be sure not to leave anything out."

Lu Xuanqing put on a reluctant expression. "Since you have given the order, Granduncle-master, I dare not disobey. I can only accompany you to the Ice Phoenix System. However, if the Grandmaster Sect Leader asks about this later, I hope you will put in a word for me."

Lu Yangong laughed heartily. "What difficulty is there in that? As long as you help me find that object, you will have rendered a great service as well. Naturally, my junior brother, the sect leader, won't make things difficult for you."

Looking weighed down by worries, Lu Xuanqing obediently stood behind Lu Yangong.

Lu Yangong nodded to Bai Hengqiu. After they exchanged a few words through voice transmission, Bai Hengqiu waved his hand and declared in a booming voice, "Prepare for the return voyage. Destination: the Ice Phoenix System."

As his words fell, a current of air swirled up around Lu Yangong, Bai Hengqiu, and Lu Xuanqing, carrying the three of them toward the largest spaceship.

PS: Today's second update. Please keep those recommendation votes coming!!!!