The Journey of Immortal Cultivation

Chapter 997 - 546: Stalking (Third Update—Requesting Pink Tickets!)

Huangfuming sneaked away from the Old Grand Dowager. If he stayed there, he would have to greet endless guests, not to mention Jin Manyan’s eyes glued to him, watching wherever he went. Seeing him sneak out, she hurriedly followed.

Fortunately, this place is as complex as a maze – the King Jinghai Mansion. On his territory, it’s the easiest thing to shake off someone. He only took half a moment to leave Jin Manyan behind, stomping her feet in anger.

Having shaken off the little follower, Huangfuming comfortably made his way to Yiqing Garden, carrying a box of pastries from Longyue Pavilion. Longyue Pavilion was the most famous bakery in Duling City, with its pastries often made round, like the full moon of the fifteen. Every morning after baking, they would prioritize supplying twenty boxes to the King Jinghai Mansion. This box of pastries contained six different fillings, each with a delightful aroma. Though he didn’t like sweets, it was said no girl could resist such temptation, and besides, she loved to eat them.

The attendants in the garden, seeing the little master arrive in person, hurriedly paid their respects. Among the servants, there was a way to convey messages, and the news of Mr. Huangfu’s frequent visits here had long spread far and wide through much of the King Jinghai Mansion. Many servants hoped to be transferred here, for if one was lucky enough to receive praise from the master, the promotion would be swift.

Huangfuming waved carelessly, placed the pastry box onto the square table, then frowned and asked: "Where’s my sister?"

The maid replied respectfully: "Fifty seconds ago, Elder Ning received a message from outside the mansion and hurriedly left."

He was stunned: "Fifty seconds ago? Did she leave in a hurry?"

"Yes. Elder Ning seemed pleased and even rewarded Jiu’er, who delivered the message, with a silver ingot."

Who did she rush off to meet? Curiosity piqued, Huangfuming stroked his chin: "Which gate would she have left from?"

The attendants in the room suddenly became quiet, and it was the original maid who finally spoke: "Judging by the direction, it should be the West Gate."

Huangfuming nodded and said: "The West Gate? Then there’s still time!" He turned and walked two steps before abruptly turning back and tossing a gold leaf to the maid: "This is your reward. You have a sharp mind; go report to Housekeeper Hu later."

The maid rejoiced and promptly thanked him. Housekeeper Hu was a second-class housekeeper in the mansion, and getting to work under him meant jumping two ranks.

Huangfuming left Yiqing Garden and headed directly west. Having grown up in the mansion, he was familiar with every inch; taking shortcuts through the garden and trees, he reached the West Gate just in time to see that familiar silhouette walk out.

He chuckled and swiftly followed.

Where Ning Xiaoxian was heading was the busiest street in Duling City. With busy passersby, he knew her eyes and ears were sharp, so he dared not get too close. Several times, he almost lost her. His eyes shifted, and he darted into an empty corner, pulling out a small yellow whistle from his arms and blew hard.

The whistle didn’t make a sound. Even if it did, on such a bustling street, who would notice a whistle?

Yet Huangfuming wasn’t anxious, standing arms crossed and quietly waiting, not afraid to lose track of Ning Xiaoxian.

He stood in a dark alley, flanked by shops, the place dimly lit with sunlight barely reaching even during the day. Two men emerged from the depths of the alley and, upon spotting him, flinched before saying delightedly: "What a handsome golden boy, little playboy!" One reached out to touch his face, and the other smilingly asked, "Child, where are your adults?"

Huangfuming didn’t get angry, merely smiled and said: "They’re not here."

The two men, seeing he had red lips and white teeth, with eyes captivating and a youthful, delicate skin, felt a swooning sweetness rendering half their bodies numb, wishing to press him down and thoroughly indulge in him. They swallowed collectively and said: "Why don’t you come play with us? We’ll send you home afterward."

Huangfuming laughed, revealing teeth as white as polished shells: "Play what?"

The two thugs did not expect the young boy before them to be so composed and hesitated, but soon, they were captivated by his beauty, and without hesitation, they grabbed his shoulders, intent on dragging him into the dark alley.

Huangfuming finally sighed and said: "It truly is no fun." Suddenly his face grew stern, speaking coldly: "Still not making a move?"

Make a move? They had already started to. The two ruffians hadn’t realized when a black shadow suddenly lunged over them, and instantly, they knew nothing at all.

Huangfuming glared at the shadow on the ground and muttered: "So slow, and I even prepared two sacrifices."