Desolate Devouring Art

Chapter 372 - Negotiation

Liu Wuxie got up at dawn and left the courtyard after washing up. Given his current cultivation, he could move to the upper region if he wanted to.

If it weren't for the upcoming competition, his current strength would have made it easy for him to advance to the inner sect.

He descended the mountain at a leisurely pace, following the mountain path. After walking for about an hour, he exited the mountain gate and found Jian Xing'er waiting.

She had deliberately changed into new clothes that perfectly outlined her delicate figure. It was clear at a glance that she had spent a lot of effort dolling up, and even Liu Wuxie was briefly stunned.

Perhaps due to the Abyssal Underground Palace's conditions, Liu Wuxie couldn't clearly see Jian Xing'er's beauty. She appeared worn and surrounded by abyssal energy.

After returning to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and resting, Jian Xing'er had fully recovered, revealing her true appearance. There was no doubt about her beauty. If Xu Lingxue were a perfect ten, Jian Xing'er would easily be a nine.

Jian Xing'er was pleased and puffed her chest out upon seeing Liu Wuxie stunned.

Upon noticing Jian Xing'er's pleased expression, Liu Wuxie quickly averted his gaze to avoid any misunderstandings. The dim lighting at the auction had only allowed him a side view of her, and he didn't want her to think he was staring inappropriately.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Senior Sister!" Liu Wuxie rubbed his nose, not expecting Jian Xing'er to have arrived so early. There wasn't a soul on the mountain path, and she must've left her residence before daylight since she came so quickly.

"No worries. I just got here. Let's go!" Jian Xing'er was cheerful. Since returning from the Abyssal Underground World, she had advanced to the second level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm. Liu Wuxie had given her the Frost Demon Ape's beast core before they had parted ways, helping her accomplish her mission.

The two walked side by side, and there was a large city about five hundred miles away from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. It was a prosperous city that Liu Wuxie had once visited with Bai Lin and Tang Tian. But they had only stopped by to buy the necessary items before leaving.

Since entering the cultivation world, Liu Wuxie had dedicated all his time to cultivation and needed a break now. This was a rare chance for him to explore the cultivation world more fully, knowing that reaching the Immortal Realm required significant time—possibly anywhere from one hundred to one thousand years, or perhaps never.

He needed to understand and adapt to this world to find his path to immortality.

"Senior sister, you still haven't told me why you want me to accompany you," Liu Wuxie asked and turned his head to Jian Xing'er. The night before, she had simply requested his company without specifying their plans or who they would meet.

"You'll know when we get there!" Jian Xing'er didn't say much, with a hint of sorrow on her face. This made the atmosphere somewhat oppressive, and neither spoke further.

Liu Wuxie could tell from her face she had no choice but to leave the sect. But since Jian Xing'er didn't want to discuss it, Liu Wuxie decided not to press further.

Their relationship had deepened significantly. Their time in the Abyssal Underground World had forged a bond richer than months of ordinary interaction. Facing life and death together had solidified their closeness. While they hadn't crossed a certain line, Jian Xing'er had been nearly naked, lying in Liu Wuxie's arms.

They finally arrived in Hong City half a day later. When they entered the city, Liu Wuxie noticed Jian Xing'er had grown even more nervous.

On the other hand, Liu Wuxie was utterly relaxed. But he kept using Ghost Eye to scan the surroundings and observe every detail.

Hong City's layout and size were far inferior to Fan City's, and it was not one of the nine major cities. At best, it could be considered a second-rate city.

Hong City was only half the size of Fan City in terms of population or area. Even so, it resembled a small nation in the mundane world. The streets were also wide enough to accommodate eight carriages at once.

The sides were lined with shops selling pills, herbs, weapons, cosmetics, and other goods. The streets were bustling with people, especially in the more prosperous regions.

"Senior sister, where are we headed?" Liu Wuxie withdrew his gaze and asked Jian Xing'er.

"To the Clearcross Inn!" Jian Xing'er was familiar with Hong City and led Liu Wuxie through several streets before they reached the inn. But there was a hint of hesitation on Jian Xing'er's face before entering.

"Senior sister, what's the matter?" Liu Wuxie wondered if there was any danger inside to see Jian Xing'er hesitate at the entrance. He scanned the Clearcross Inn with Ghost Eye and couldn't find any threat. This made him wonder what business she had here.

"Junior Brother, whatever happens next, please remain silent," Jian Xing'er pleaded with hope in her eyes as she looked at Liu Wuxie.

"Okay!" Liu Wuxie agreed. He was only here to accompany Jian Xing'er and wouldn't intervene unnecessarily. He could guess that Jian Xing'er was here to meet someone who strongly influenced her.

The inn was bustling with people when they stepped in.

"Junior brother, you wait here while I go upstairs," Jian Xing'er said before leading Liu Wuxie to a quiet corner. She headed upstairs after that, leaving Liu Wuxie alone.

Liu Wuxie ordered a pot of tea and quietly enjoyed it while looking at the streets. Some had smiles on their faces, while others looked worried, reflecting the facets of life.

He was once an Immortal Emperor and had never experienced life. But over the past year, he had experienced joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, which made his dao heart more complete.

Even as an Immortal Emperor, his dao heart wasn't complete, and he could feel something was lacking. He now understood that he lacked the experience of life.

Cultivation didn't mean isolating from the outside world or severing all his emotions. Many saints had a habit of experiencing the world, tasting all the bitterness and sweetness like others would experience to complete their dao heart further and achieve transcendence.

Suddenly, the surroundings seemed to freeze, and Liu Wuxie entered a state of selflessness. The transformation of mental state was ten thousand times harder than the cultivation.

Cultivation could be achieved through hard work and resources, but the mental state required comprehension. Some people wouldn't even be able to find the direction to improve their mental state in their lifetime.

"Junior brother, junior brother..." a voice called Liu Wuxie back to reality. He saw Jian Xing'er standing before him, waving her hand and looking worried.

Two people stood behind her: a middle-aged man who bore a resemblance to Jian Xing'er and a young man with an aloof expression.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought," Liu Wuxie smiled to dissolve the awkwardness. He had entered a state of selflessness without knowing, which was commonly known as enlightenment.

This was a rare opportunity, and Liu Wuxie had seized it. Even his cultivation rose significantly, and more laws appeared like tiny figures walking in the Heavenly Dao Book.

This shocked Liu Wuxie because it was the scene of the mortal world. Even his soul had become clearer and his thoughts lucid. He felt that he could break into the Heavenly Dipper Realm anytime.

However, as there were outsiders around, it wasn't convenient for him to make his breakthrough. He wouldn't hesitate to return to the sect if possible to make the breakthrough.

The middle-aged man behind Jian Xing'er furrowed his brows and looked at Liu Wuxie with a displeased expression while the young man beside him gazed at Liu Wuxie with disdain. He had reason to be proud, given his cultivation in the fifth level of the Heavenly Dipper Realm.

"Father, let me introduce you. This is Junior Brother Liu, and it was thanks to him I survived in the Abyssal Underground World." Jian Xing'er looked at the middle-aged man behind her.

Liu Wuxie was slightly puzzled that this man was Jian Xing'er's father. He quickly stood up and cupped his fists together, "I pay my greetings to Uncle!"

"I'm grateful to Young Master Liu for saving my daughter. Today is our family reunion, so feel free to leave if you have other matters to attend to," Jian Botong said courteously. However, his words lacked sincerity and subtly hinted that Liu Wuxie's presence wasn't welcome at their family gathering.

Liu Wuxie turned to look at Jian Xing'er, seeking her opinion. He didn't say much, as he couldn't understand the reason for the hostility coming from Jian Xing'er's father.

"If you want to talk, talk here, or I'll leave immediately!" Jian Xing'er's attitude suddenly became firm, as though she had changed into a different person.

Jian Botong's face became ugly, and they turned to look at the youth beside him.

"Young Master Liu, Jian Xing'er is my fiancée, and we're here to discuss our marriage today. I believe it's inappropriate for an outsider like you to stay here." The youth spoke with a hint of provocation in his tone. He was furious that Jian Xing'er had brought a man here with her. He restrained himself from lashing out out of courtesy, but that didn't stop him from holding back his mockery.

"Who's your fiancée? I've never agreed to it; it's just your imagination," Jian Xing'er interrupted the youth.

"Xing'er, cut the nonsense!" Jian Botong scolded.

"If you want to talk, sit down and talk. Otherwise, we'll be leaving." Jian Xing'er was ready to leave with Liu Wuxie, not wanting to continue this conversation.

Liu Wuxie was still baffled and had yet to process everything. Judging from this conversation, it felt more like a negotiation rather than a marriage.

"Alright! You can stay, but don't interfere in our discussion." Jian Botong warned Liu Wuxie.

Jian Xing'er's face improved, and she sat down with Liu Wuxie. Jian Botong sat down with the youth beside him, and the four looked at each other.

"Speak, why did you two look for me!" Jian Xing'er said coldly without a hint of emotion.

"I'll get straight to the point. You're not young anymore, and it's time to consider your marriage. Young Master Teng sent the betrothal gifts to the Jian Clan a year ago, and we can't drag it on any longer," Jian Botong went straight into the topic.

The young man beside him was Teng Zijun, who had sent the betrothal gifts to the Jian Clan a year ago. Did this mean they were engaged?