Chen Shuangbai originally thought that Yu Laoliu would be somewhat sleazy, or at the very least... unremarkable, but she never expected that he would have such a heroic appearance.
Chen Shuangbai and Zhao Shiyong turned their gazes over.
Upon hearing this, Yu Laoliu, he did not immediately express his opinion, but silently looked at Zhao Shiyong, waiting for him to continue.
Seeing that Lady Yun did not speak again, Chen Shuangbai glanced at Zhao Shiyong beside him. The latter stepped forward and said gently to Yu Laoliu and Lady Yun:
What are your thoughts, gentlemen?
After hesitating for a moment, Lady Yun said somewhat timidly, "Please wait a moment, we need to discuss this privately."
"There's nothing wrong with that."
After the two left the side hall, only Chen Shuangbai and Zhao Shiyong remained in the main hall, along with a maid who served them tea before taking her leave.
Inside the main hall, it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Chen Shuangbai heard a voice and turned her head. She saw that Zhao Shiyong was not looking at her, but was looking at the falling leaves outside the hall. However, his lips were moving slightly. If he had not cultivated the [ Spirit-Appraising Pupil ] technique, others would probably not have noticed.
"Fellow Daoist, don't you find this a bit strange?"
"Everyone says that Yu Laoliu is a guest elder of the Rosy Clouds Abode Alliance, but judging from the way the two of them were communicating just now... it seems that this Lady Yun values Yu Laoliu's ideas very much... or perhaps their way of communicating is always about respecting Yu Laoliu?"
Chen Shuangbai did not answer, but Zhao Shiyong knew he had heard him.
Chen Shuangbai was also a little confused.
Under his spiritual sense, Yu Laoliu was only at the Qi Refinement Fourth Layer, while Lady Yun was at the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining level. Judging from her appearance just now... something seemed rather strange.
Chen Shuangbai couldn't help but recall what Zhao Shiyong had said earlier—that this Yu Laoliu came from Lineage cultivators, and perhaps his family possessed secret techniques, allowing him to tame a water beast of considerable strength?
The two remained silent and discussed the matter telepathically.
Zhao Shiyong wasn't as wary of the Rosy Clouds Abode Alliance as he was of Chen Shuangbai, and added, "If they don't know what's good for them, I'll have to take action. I hope you'll understand, fellow Daoist, this news shouldn't leak out."
Chen Shuangbai gave him a deep look, knowing that he was truly determined to kill.
To their disappointment, Lady Yun and Yu Laoliu emerged after a brief discussion, and Lady Yun bowed slightly to Chen Shuangbai and Zhao Shiyong, saying with a hint of apology, "I'm sorry to disappoint you both. Our Rosy Clouds Abode Alliance is small and our members are weak; we are truly willing but unable to..."
Lady Yun's words of evasion caused Chen Shuangbai and Zhao Shiyong to frown slightly.
Chen Shuangbai was alright; he wasn't the type to be intolerant of others.
When he came here, the Rosy Clouds Abode Alliance did not hinder him in the slightest, so there was no hatred between the two families. But Zhao Shiyong was different.
This inner disciple of the Profound Firmament Sect was extremely arrogant. He treated Chen Shuangbai also came from a prestigious sect, with some degree of equality, but he treated these two rootless Rogue Cultivator...
Zhao Shiyong raised an eyebrow, and suddenly a crimson light flashed on the robe covered with fire and cloud patterns. A powerful spiritual pressure was released without reservation, and with a flick of his right hand, he summoned the small cauldron.
Lady Yun and Yu Laoliu's expressions changed drastically. They felt a chill run down their necks and a murderous intent gripped their hearts.
Lady Yun's expression changed drastically, and she was about to retrieve her Law Artifact, but Zhao Shiyong said in a gloomy tone:
"Move again, and you die!"
She dared not move, and even Yu Laoliu dared not make any move. Instead, he stared intently at Zhao Shiyong with his hawk-like eyes and finally spoke in a low voice.
"Are the disciples of the Profound Firmament Sect... really this domineering?"
Zhao Shiyong snorted coldly and said, "Is this the first time you've found out?"
The Profound Firmament Sect on par with the Black River Water Manor, founded by that demonic dragon, within the territory of the Zhao Kingdom. If everyone in the sect is indecisive, how can they possibly defend against that cunning and treacherous demon?
Zhao Shiyong stared at Yu Laoliu, whose eyes were filled with malice, and said, word by word, "In the past, the Yu Clan of Xu Kingdom was considered a prestigious family. Although they suffered a great calamity, the remaining branches still inherited some of the family property. Don't try to play games with me; my master has already deduced your origins."
Yu Laoliu's face turned pale instantly, but quickly became ugly again, with a hint of forced sophistry. However, Zhao Shiyong just stared at him, the black bird pattern on the small red cauldron he held in his left hand becoming more and more lifelike, as if it would jump out at any moment and burn everything.
His expression finally changed, and he said, "So what if it is?"
"My family is now torn apart, and all I want is to live a peaceful life. Why does your Profound Firmament Sect still disturb my peaceful cultivation?"
Zhao Shiyong said, "I don't care what you think, but I've already told you about this. If you don't agree now, it's inevitable that it will leak out... Anyone who leaks it will die!"
"Fellow Daoist Chen, don't you agree?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Shuangbai realized that Zhao Shiyong had included her in the calculation, but there was nothing she could do about it.
He also coveted the treasure, so he could only willingly jump down inside. He then spoke up, saying, "Fellow Daoist Zhao is right. There are many dangers down there, and strange beasts are blocking our way. We need a water beast to help us. Please join us."
"Rest assured, fellow Daoist, as long as you sign the Dharma Contract and swear an oath, you will have a share of the treasure."
One hand holds the stick, the other the carrot.
Chen Shuangbai finally understood why Zhao Shiyong had so confidently declared he could persuade the Rosy Clouds Abode Alliance when he arrived... it turned out he was using coercion and enticement!
As expected, the two of them, one playing the good cop and the other the bad cop, actually made Lady Yun and Yu Laoliu's expressions more pleasant.
The two men looked at each other for a long while before Yu Laoliu finally nodded with a serious face, indicating that he was willing to join.
Seeing this, Lady Yun knew she had no choice but to agree.
After the two signed the Dharma Contract and swore an oath, Zhao Shiyong put away his Law Artifact and Law Power, and said with a forced smile, "I hope you two fellow Daoists will forgive me. I had no choice just now, and it was truly my fault."
Lady Yun; she often felt a certain apprehension towards cultivators from powerful sects.
Yu Laoliu was still a little awkward, but Zhao Shiyong said a few kind words, which made him feel a bit better.
Now that all four of them are in the same boat, the atmosphere has naturally eased considerably.
Zhao Shiyong explained the situation below to give the others some understanding of what was happening there.
"Below lies a network of caves, a unique topography formed by the river's relentless erosion, which has created an extremely complex waterway. Without the assistance of water beasts, we certainly wouldn't be able to descend."
"Fellow Daoist Yu, please release that water beast for us to see."