Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 471 Disciple of the Divine Sword Sect

Qi Sheng saw Xue Zhao and Ye Qingchen chatting and smiled. He stood up to help Qi Tian start the fire, then opened the bundle on his back, took out an exquisite set of cooking utensils, set them over the campfire, and began to busy himself.

Xue Zhao seemed very curious about the world of Martial Artists, pestering Ye Qingchen with all sorts of questions. However, Ye Qingchen didn’t want the cruel realities of that world to tarnish the girl’s innocence, so for the most part, he carefully avoided the heavier topics and only shared some of his tamer experiences. Even so, his stories still drew sighs of admiration and a look of longing from Xue Zhao.

"Young Master Ye, Miss, we lost most of our food while fleeing from some fierce beasts," Qi Sheng said as he handed the freshly roasted rabbit to Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao. "There isn’t much left, so I’m afraid you’ll have to make do."

Ye Qingchen took the rabbit meat and began to eat, complimenting Qi Sheng on his cooking skills as he did. Qi Sheng scratched his head in embarrassment, waving off the praise. Just then, Ye Qingchen’s brows twitched. He could sense several powerful auras rushing toward their location at high speed.

A short while later, several young people on Green Spirit Horses arrived before the main hall. They noticed Ye Qingchen’s group inside but offered no greeting. Instead, they tied their horses outside and strode in with an air of arrogance, commandeering most of the hall’s space in a domineering fashion.

"Gentlemen, would you like some food?" Qi Sheng asked, greeting the newcomers warmly and offering to share the roasted rabbit he had prepared.

Ye Qingchen shook his head helplessly. Only those from the secular world could be so guileless. Having grown accustomed to the ruthless deceit of the Martial World, the straightforwardness of Xue Zhao and the two brothers is almost jarring.

The young newcomers were all around twenty years old. Despite their flashy exteriors, the malicious aura about them was impossible to hide. The leader, in particular, was unpleasant to look at, wearing an arrogant expression that seemed to look down on everyone.

The group didn’t accept the roasted rabbit from Qi Sheng, sizing up Ye Qingchen instead. After all, he was the only one in the room with any Energy Fluctuation. However, when they saw that Ye Qingchen was merely at the third level of the Martial King Realm, their faces filled with disdain. Naturally, their gazes then fell upon Xue Zhao.

Her beauty needed no description. A single glance was enough to leave the young men captivated, unable to look away. When they sensed no Spiritual Energy fluctuations from Xue Zhao or the two brothers, they exchanged knowing glances.

Ye Qingchen saw all of this and discreetly pulled Xue Zhao a little closer.

However, Xue Zhao was completely oblivious and even took the initiative to start a conversation. "Excuse me, are you all Martial Artists too? Judging by your attire, you must be very powerful, right?"

Her innocent demeanor made it difficult for anyone to be guarded around her. The leading young man’s cold expression softened into a warmer one. "The little sister guesses correctly. We are all from the Divine Sword Sect in the Eastern Region."

"The Divine Sword Sect? That sounds like a powerful name! And what’s your name, big brother?" Xue Zhao asked cheekily.

The young man, thoroughly enchanted, lost all sense of judgment. "My name is Wu Zhengyang, and I’m a Core Disciple of the Divine Sword Sect. These are my junior brothers. We’re on our way to Eternal City to participate in the Sect’s newcomer competition."

After speaking, Wu Zhengyang waved a hand at his companions. Taking the cue, they all sat by the campfire and helped themselves to the roasted rabbit.

Wu Zhengyang glanced at Ye Qingchen before pulling a delicate brocade box from his robes. He handed it to Xue Zhao, saying, "Little sister, I’ve eaten your roasted rabbit, and I happen to have some desserts here. Allow me to share them with you."

Ye Qingchen’s gaze fell upon the brocade box, and he immediately heard Wu Zhengyang’s inner thoughts. "This box contains a special drug I’ve prepared. Men who consume it will become weak and powerless, while women will be consumed by lust. This little wench has no Energy Fluctuation whatsoever. It’s your good fortune to have run into me. Soon, I’ll show you what it means to be in ecstasy. Hehehe."

Disgusted by Wu Zhengyang’s vile thoughts, Ye Qingchen raised an eyebrow. "Little sister," he said to Xue Zhao, "it’s best not to accept things from strangers. Besides, you just ate half a rabbit. You’ll get fat if you eat any more."

His well-intentioned warning earned him a vicious glare from Wu Zhengyang, but whatever Xue Zhao said next stopped the man from lashing out.

Xue Zhao playfully accepted the brocade box and replied, "You’re right, big brother. One shouldn’t eat things from strangers. But this other big brother looks so dignified! He must be a good person, so what he gives us must be okay. And besides, they didn’t suspect us when they ate our roasted rabbit, did they?"

With that, she took the desserts from the box and called over Qi Sheng and Qi Tian. The two happily accepted the treats and thanked Wu Zhengyang profusely.

Xue Zhao then offered a dessert to Ye Qingchen. "You should try one too, big brother. I just had a bite, and it’s so sweet and delicious!"

Ye Qingchen shook his head. "No, thank you. I’m full from the rabbit."

Xue Zhao pouted. "Alright then. If you won’t have any, I’ll eat them all myself!"

True to her word, she took all the remaining desserts from the box, gave a few more to Qi Sheng and Qi Tian, and gobbled up the rest in no time.

Wu Zhengyang snorted softly and shot another warning look at Ye Qingchen before walking back to the campfire to wait for the drug to take effect.

Ye Qingchen shook his head helplessly. This girl’s naivety borders on foolishness. Still, remembering her warmth and trust from when we first met, I can’t just let an adorable girl like her fall into Wu Zhengyang’s clutches.

It looks like if something happens, I’ll have to find a way to protect the three of them, Ye Qingchen silently resolved. He looked over at Xue Zhao, who noticed his gaze and playfully stuck her tongue out at him.

WHOOSH! At that moment, the rain began to pour down in sheets outside, causing the temperature in the hall to drop noticeably. Qi Sheng and Qi Tian found some more firewood from somewhere and stoked the campfire until it blazed brightly again.

Meanwhile, Wu Zhengyang and his group occupied most of the hall, each sitting cross-legged with their eyes closed as if meditating.

Ye Qingchen sat not far from Xue Zhao, his eyes also closed, but his mind was on high alert. It was almost time. Something was about to happen.