"You really do have some nerve, showing yourself so openly before Xiao Xuan. He was once a figure on par with my father, you know. Aren't you afraid he'll discover you and leave you dead without even a place to be buried?"
During the short walk toward the stone tablet, Gu Xun'er's voice suddenly rang out in "Xiao Yan's" mind, tinged with amusement and surprise.
"Xiao Yan's" steps faltered slightly. His expression stiffened, and he discreetly glanced out of the corner of his eye at Gu Xun'er beside him, whose smile was not quite a smile, before falling silent.
"You never rise early unless there's profit in it. Tell me, what exactly are you after, coming to Xiao Xuan at such enormous risk?"
"Xiao Yan" clenched his fists again, several veins bulging hideously, but soon relaxed them and let his hands fall helplessly. A trace of resignation appeared on his face as he transmitted a message into Gu Xun'er's mind.
There was nothing he could do. With Gu Xun'er holding something over him, "Xiao Yan" could only comply reluctantly. Still, he was not afraid she would tell Xiao Xuan and expose him. The reason was simple: he had something on Gu Xun'er as well. They were now grasshoppers tied to the same string, each keeping the other in check. If either of them got into trouble, the other would not escape unscathed. After all, Xiao Xuan was no pushover.
As Gu Xun'er listened to "Xiao Yan's" voice transmission, the amusement in her eyes slowly faded, replaced by a burning greed. Excitement rose on her exquisite face, and she involuntarily extended her pink tongue to lick her lips before transmitting her reply.
"Count me in!"
"Xiao Yan's" lips twitched. From the moment Gu Xun'er appeared, he had known this trip would