novelraw Chapter 422: The Best Choice for the Penniless
Chapter 422: The Best Choice for the Penniless
“Impossible!” Su Ming stepped forward in protest. “If Yu Zhao wanted to return to the Cultivation World, how could Dao Lord Tai Wei possibly allow it?”
They had all been present at the time. Anyone with eyes could see how much Dao Lord Tai Wei favored Yu Zhao. After Yu Zhao agreed to go back with her, there was no way she would let Yu Zhao leave. Unless… something unexpected happened along the way…
Fang Cheng Lang’s fists clenched tightly, his eyes brimming with seething hatred!
Ye Cong Xin!
It had to be her! She must have done something!
Fang Cheng Lang deeply regretted not killing her with a single sword strike back then. If something terrible had truly befallen Little Six, how could he face living on in this world?
His expression darkened further as his right hand slowly moved to rest on his flying sword.
“Senior Brother, the fact that Little Zhao is not in the North Abyss Realm doesn’t necessarily mean she’s in danger,” said Cui Jue, sharply aware of Fang Cheng Lang’s actions.
Fang Cheng Lang’s hand trembled for a moment before he let it fall back down. “You’re right. Little Six is so clever—she could never come to harm.”
Good fortune follows those of noble character. Little Six would surely be safe and sound.“The most important thing for us now is to survive, grow stronger, and find a way to leave here! Everything else should be set aside for now—don’t think about it!” Cui Jue declared, stepping forward resolutely.
Though there had been disagreements among them before, in this unfamiliar world, the four of them had no choice but to put their differences behind them and unite as one. If not, they would surely be broken apart by the cruelty of this place, never to return home.
The three others exchanged glances and nodded solemnly. No matter how difficult, they would endure. If they endured, there was hope of returning home.
…
“You want to ride a Starship?”
“Is it inconvenient?”
A hint of polite apology appeared on Yu Zhao’s face, as though she regretted making an unreasonable request.
Tu Xiao quickly regained his composure and denied it immediately. “No, it’s no inconvenience at all. I’d be happy to help.”
He even felt a bit of secret joy. Both the Wind Family and Water Family had starships, yet Yu Zhao had come to him specifically. How could he not feel flattered?
“Traveling by Starship does require some preparation. Where would you like to go? I can have someone get ready in advance,” he offered.
Yu Zhao touched her forehead in slight distress. “I’m not very familiar with the Southern Region.”
In truth, she had no particular destination in mind. She simply wanted to learn the entire process of traveling by Starship to prepare for the future.
After a moment of thought, Tu Xiao suggested, “You’ve already been to the Wind Realm and Water Realm. Why not visit the Earth Realm as my guest this time?”
Though his tone seemed to seek her opinion, his confident demeanor made it clear he wasn’t giving her much choice.
Yu Zhao did not object and agreed with a smile.
As soon as she returned to her quarters, news of her impending visit to the Earth Realm with Tu Xiao spread. There was no need to guess who leaked it.
Before long, three visitors arrived at her door.
By the next day, as they prepared to set off, Tu Xiao was glaring at the three uninvited men.
Huo Shao Yan, thick-skinned as ever, showed no shame. Grinning, he slung an arm over Tu Xiao’s shoulder. “It’s been ages since I’ve ridden a starship. I figured I’d tag along and enjoy your hospitality.”
Though Tu Xiao brushed his arm off disdainfully, he didn’t object. They had already agreed to certain ground rules: no interference with other competitors. Everyone relied on their own skills.
As Yu Zhao watched the banter between them, she turned to Feng Jiu Si and remarked with a smile, “They seem to get along so well.”
Feng Jiu Si’s lips curved into a subtle, knowing smile. “After all, they grew up together.”
Yu Zhao snorted inwardly. Bonds of sentiment were likely the least valuable thing to these men. Shared interests were what truly held them together.
After a few more jabs, Tu Xiao finally retrieved the Starship from his storage space.
Up close, the Starship’s gleaming silver surface shimmered with intricate formations, their mysterious patterns drawing the eye.
As someone currently engrossed in the study of formations, Yu Zhao couldn’t help but take a closer look. Yet, as she stared, she felt as though her soul were being drawn into the patterns. Her body swayed.
“Stop!”
A low, sharp voice snapped her out of it. Her soul snapped back into her body, leaving a stabbing pain in her Sea of Consciousness.
Tu Xiao frowned. “Trying to comprehend formations of this level is beyond your current cultivation. Don’t act so recklessly again.”
Pale-faced, Yu Zhao forced a weak smile. “I’ll be more careful next time.”
Seeing her discomfort, Feng Jiu Si seized the opportunity to offer her a pill that could soothe and nourish the soul. “She’s unfamiliar with starships,” he scolded Tu Xiao. “You should’ve warned her instead of scolding her after the fact.”
Taking the medicine bottle, Yu Zhao gave Feng Jiu Si a grateful look.
“I…” Tu Xiao seemed briefly flustered.
He had always looked down on Yu Zhao and naturally never considered things from her perspective. Instead, he had simply thought her overestimated herself. What was meant to impress her had turned into a chance for Feng Jiu Si to shine.
Reluctantly, he retrieved an even more precious pill and handed it to Yu Zhao. “I was worried about you earlier and spoke harshly. Please don’t be upset.”
Of course, Yu Zhao wasn’t upset.
She accepted the apology gift, soothing Tu Xiao with a few kind words. Inwardly, she marveled at how much she had learned from Ye Cong Xin about reading people. Even applying a fraction of those skills was enough to make these men dance to her tune.
If Ye Cong Xin herself were here, they wouldn’t even be enough to warm up her games.
Speaking of which, was Ye Cong Xin still alive? They had entered the same spatial passage, so if she survived, Ye Cong Xin likely did as well—especially with the help of that malevolent spirit in her body.
“Yu Liu Yun, it’s time to board,” Tu Xiao called, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Shaking off her musings, Yu Zhao smiled at him and stepped onto the Starship.
Inside, the ship was remarkably spacious, designed with tasteful simplicity that exuded comfort. It could easily accommodate dozens without feeling crowded.
Once all four had boarded, Tu Xiao closed the entrance. Moving to the front, he placed three Spirit Jades into their respective slots and issued the command for liftoff.
The Starship ascended swiftly. Only by heightening her senses could Yu Zhao detect the faintest hint of weightlessness.
Settling into a seat, Tu Xiao commented offhandedly, “Starships are great and all, but they devour Spirit Jades like crazy.”
Huo Shao Yan smirked. “A round trip only costs three Spirit Jades. Don’t tell me the mighty Tu Xiao can’t afford it.”
“I can, but using the Star Region Transmission Passage costs only a hundred high-grade Spirit Stones. It’s far more economical.”
“True. Starships are just for the novelty.”
“…”
Hearing their discussion, Yu Zhao silently crossed her Starship escape plan off her list.
The Star Region Transmission Passage—the best choice for the penniless.