I Pick up a Lost Godhood

Chapter 136 - 134: Big and Small Beauties

The man was practically drooling. If the first time was a coincidence, could the second time be one as well?

Wang Meng, however, just shrugged helplessly. "Looks like we’ll still have to let Song Zhong handle this. Digging like this is going to kill me."

Even though this was Zone B, it was only slightly better than Zone A. Wang Meng had hoped to find more high-quality ore to trade with Song Zhong, but it seemed that plan wouldn’t work. Going any deeper would start to take a toll on him.

Yang Ying wasn’t as shocked as Guo Rongjin. She had already witnessed far more surprising things.

"There’s always a solution. Let’s head out."

These deep mining pits really weren’t suitable for a young woman to stay in for too long.

On the way out, Guo Rongjin was like a changed man, constantly clicking his tongue in amazement as he hugged and caressed the Seventh-Grade Ore. His love for ores was a passion others couldn’t possibly understand.

Wang Meng didn’t seem to mind, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Yang Ying. "I wonder what that Song Zhong wants. If we knew, we could probably make a trade."

Yang Ying, however, was focused on something else. Wang Meng’s voice was steady, showing no signs of heavy exertion. Yet, judging by his Elemental Power signature, he really was only at the Fifteenth Layer. An ordinary practitioner at that level would be gasping for breath right now after enduring that pressure and then a round of digging. But here was Wang Meng, complaining about being tired while looking completely fine.

"Junior Brother Wang, how did you find it? Can you teach me? Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to teach me for nothing. As long as you’re willing, any ore I dig up will be all yours! I, Guo Rongjin, am a man of my word. If you don’t believe me, ask Senior Sister Yang!"

Guo Rongjin really couldn’t hold it in any longer. As an ore fanatic, he wasn’t just obsessed with finding good ore; he adored the thrill of pulling high-grade specimens from the darkness.

Wang Meng smiled. "It’s not that big a deal. It’s really just about the difference between ’ore’ and ’metal.’ Brother Guo just needs to consolidate his Innate foundation."

Yang Ying shot Wang Meng a slightly reproachful glance. ’He’s so eager to help others, but when he helps me, he has to make demands.’

Though the words were ambiguous, they struck Guo Rongjin like a bolt from the blue. It was as if Wang Meng were an old friend who could see right through his secrets at a glance.

The trio fell silent. Guo Rongjin began to mull over Wang Meng’s words, and the more he thought, the more profound they seemed. What Wang Meng had said might have meant nothing to someone else, but to Guo Rongjin, whose cultivation was based on the Metal element of the Five Elements, it was another matter entirely.

By the time they reached Zone A, Guo Rongjin finally snapped out of his thoughts. "Brother Wang, you’re a true friend. But I, Guo Rongjin, am not one to go back on my word. From now on, any ore I find with this method, I’ll send it to Hengshan Hall."

"Brother Guo, you’re making me look bad," Wang Meng said, waving his hand. "I just said it offhandedly. Whatever enlightenment you gained is your own achievement."

They hadn’t been out for long when they ran into a group of people.

Zhao Lingxuan was leading them. The little girl seemed anxious. ’It’s pitch black down here... what if Senior Sister Yang tries to take advantage of Brother Meng?’

The Nine Heavens Fire Simurgh, privy to her thoughts, rolled its eyes. ’It’s hard to say who’d be taking advantage of whom. My master’s way of thinking is always so unique.’

"Big Brother."

"Heh, Little Lingxuan, what brings you here?"

Zhao Lingxuan rushed over, only to skid to a halt right in front of Wang Meng.

"The Ancestral Master told me to learn from Brother Song, so I’ll be dropping by to bother him now and then."

Zhao Lingxuan said obediently. With that innocent look on her face, no one would doubt for a second that she was a perfectly well-behaved girl.

"That’s good," Wang Meng said with a smile as he reached out and patted Zhao Lingxuan’s head. "You’re still young, so you shouldn’t be running around everywhere. It’s good to learn more from your seniors." ’This girl is becoming more and more sensible.’

The entire group from Fire Cloud Hall was petrified. ’...Is that really Zhao Lingxuan???’

In that instant, Song Zhong felt like none of this was real.

Yao Yuan’s first instinct was that Wang Meng’s hand was about to be chopped off. But instead, Zhao Lingxuan was as meek as a kitten, allowing Wang Meng to stroke her head.

Yao Yuan was inwardly amused. ’"One should be seen in a new light after an absence of three days," as they say. I can’t keep judging Junior Sister Zhao by old standards.’ Just as he was about to say something, he felt Zhao Lingxuan’s blade-like glare "stabbing" in his direction.

It was just as piercing as ever, sending a cold shiver down his spine. He immediately clamped his mouth shut. If he had said something he shouldn’t have just now, Yao Yuan had no doubt his fate would have been truly, utterly miserable.

He glanced at Song Zhong and the others... ’Damn it! The bastards didn’t even flinch. They were obviously scared to death but put on such a convincing act! They almost got me killed!’

Guo Rongjin had, of course, heard of the renowned Zhao Lingxuan, but he wasn’t someone who cared about status. "Zhao Lingxuan, I’ve long heard of your name. I am Guo Rongjin. Any friend of Wang Meng is a friend of mine. Feel free to look for me if you ever need anything."

Zhao Lingxuan’s eyes were still fixed on Wang Meng. Song Zhong was amused. ’This guy is all brawn and no brains. What is there that Miss Zhao can’t get? As if she’d care about his offer.’

"Aren’t you going to thank Brother Guo?" Wang Meng said with a smile. "He’s an expert at mining. You can go to him for any Sixth or Seventh-Grade ores you need."

Song Zhong couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. ’This Wang Meng is quite the character, really full of himself. Miss Zhao is famously fickle and unpredictable. Who the hell is Guo Rongjin that he deserves a "thank you" from her? Everyone knows the Zhao Family places the utmost importance on etiquette and propriety.’

Song Zhong waited for Miss Zhao to erupt; it was bound to be a good show. However, Zhao Lingxuan tore her gaze away from Wang Meng and gave a gentle nod. "Then thank you, Brother Guo."

"Haha, don’t listen to Wang Meng’s bragging! If you want Seventh-Grade Ore, I’ll give it my all. I’ll spend a year or two in these mines if I have to, but I’ll find some for you. For anything better than that, though, you’ll have to ask him!" Guo Rongjin said, pointing at Wang Meng.

As if Zhao Lingxuan cared about ore. She immediately changed the subject. "Big Brother, Brother Song has already agreed to your request."

"Ahem, Junior Brother Wang," Song Zhong began. "Actually, we do have a batch of ore in our inventory. It was originally intended for our own reserves, but seeing as you are truly in need... how about this? I’ll sell it to Hengshan Hall for a ten percent discount."

Song Zhong didn’t really need to backpedal so quickly, but he ultimately decided to do it for Zhao Lingxuan’s sake.

"Heh, in that case, many thanks, Brother Song."

"This is great, a happy outcome for everyone. Brother Wang, if I dig up any good ore, I’ll send it your way," Guo Rongjin added.

Song Zhong and his companions exchanged bewildered glances. ’Although Guo Rongjin is a Hengshan Hall disciple, he’s actually quite famous around here. He’s skilled enough to participate in the Grand Tournament, possesses an outstanding talent for ore appraisal, and on top of that, he’s a decent blacksmith. His influence in Hengshan Hall is on par with Tang Wei’s, just in a different field. What on earth did Wang Meng give him to earn such loyalty?’

Yang Ying watched quietly from the side, like a mere observer. ’I was originally planning to negotiate with Song Zhong myself, but now the matter is resolved so effortlessly. With a single word from Zhao Lingxuan, Song Zhong would have to comply even if he were terrified. But... how did Wang Meng become so close with Zhao Lingxuan?’

She had heard a bit about Zhao Lingxuan. Along with Li Tianyi, she was known as one of the two great hopes of the Main Hall’s younger generation. The only reason she wasn’t as famous as Li Tianyi was that the Zhao Family preferred to keep a low profile, and besides, she was still very young.

’But she seems hostile toward me,’ Yang Ying thought, baffled. She had very little contact with the Zhao Family, let alone with Zhao Lingxuan herself. But a woman’s intuition was sharp, and she could feel Zhao Lingxuan secretly sizing her up.

Zhao Lingxuan was sizing her up as well. ’Yang Ying really is breathtaking. Her reputation as the number one beauty of the Holy Hall is well-deserved. I’m sure I’ll be just as pretty when I grow up, maybe even prettier. But what am I supposed to do right now?’

’If something has already... happened between them, it’ll be too late for me to do anything!’

Wang Meng and Song Zhong immediately began to discuss the details. This was no small matter, after all. Even with Zhao Lingxuan’s backing, a deal was a deal, and rules were rules. Song Zhong wouldn’t bend on that front. Hengshan Hall wasn’t wealthy, so they had to operate within their means. However, with Guo Rongjin providing a steady supply of high-quality ore, they should be able to manage.

"Junior Sister Zhao, you’re so pretty," Yang Ying said with a smile. "I wonder who will be the lucky man to spend his life with you one day." Although they were "rivals," any girl’s mood would brighten after receiving such a compliment from Yang Ying.

Zhao Lingxuan bit her soft, pink lip and glanced at Wang Meng. "Who knows."

That one glance startled Yang Ying. ’...Could it be?’

It all clicked for Yang Ying. ’No wonder Zhao Lingxuan has been treating me with this hesitant hostility.’ A smile played on her lips. ’What young girl doesn’t dream of romance? Of course, Zhao Lingxuan’s feelings are likely just a hazy crush, but there’s no reason for me to be the subject of this misunderstanding.’

’I really didn’t expect Wang Meng to be so popular, though.’

Yang Ying pulled Zhao Lingxuan aside and whispered in her ear. The sight of the two beauties, one grown and one young, was truly a feast for the eyes of Fang Lufei, Guo Rongjin, and the others.

’This must be an intimate moment between the current number one beauty of the Holy Hall and the future one,’ they thought. ’Who knows when we’ll ever see such a splendid sight again.’

"You’re a good person, Sister."

In just a moment, Yang Ying had gone from "Senior Sister" to "Sister."

"Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him for you."

"Mhm, I’m completely at ease with that. I couldn’t find anyone better for the job than you, Sister."

Zhao Lingxuan was completely at ease. And when a genuine smile blossomed on her face, though she was still a child, it was enough to make all the men around her stare blankly.

Wang Meng and Song Zhong had also just about wrapped up their discussion. Naturally, neither of them would handle the specific logistics. If not for showing deference to Zhao Lingxuan, Song Zhong wouldn’t have bothered himself with such a minor affair.

Zhao Lingxuan, of course, wanted to chat more with Wang Meng, but there were prying eyes all around. Moreover, the Nine Heavens Fire Simurgh was already nagging her to hurry back. She would surely be punished if she returned late. Most importantly, if she got grounded, she wouldn’t be able to come out to play.

Song Zhong and his group naturally escorted Zhao Lingxuan away, while Wang Meng said his goodbyes to Guo Rongjin.

"Brother Guo, you should take a look at the Golden Palace Technique when you have time."

A jolt went through Guo Rongjin; he knew Wang Meng was giving him a pointer.

"Brother Wang... I have no words to thank you for this great kindness."

Wang Meng just smiled, then left with Yang Ying via Sword Control.

The feeling of returning to the open sky after being underground was incredibly refreshing. Wang Meng couldn’t help but ask, "You and Little Lingxuan warmed up to each other pretty quickly. She can be obedient, but she can also be a handful. What were you two so happy talking about?"

Yang Ying suddenly burst into a peal of melodious laughter. Her beauty in that moment left even Wang Meng stunned. ’Even calling her a peerless, kingdom-toppling beauty wouldn’t be enough,’ he thought.

"Is my question that funny?"

"I thought our Junior Brother Wang was all-powerful and all-knowing, indifferent to everything. It turns out there are things that pique your curiosity too," Yang Ying said with a laugh. "But, well... it’s a girls’ secret. I’m not telling."

In the instant he was taken aback, Yang Ying had already vanished into the distance on her sword. Wang Meng shrugged helplessly. ’Whether they’re a great beauty or a little beauty, they’re all the same...’ (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)