HBWnovel Chapter 532: Huiyao (II)
Chapter 532: Huiyao (II)
Chapter 532: Huiyao (II)
The two men left and Li Yuanjiao stood with his hands behind his back, somewhat absent-minded before slowly closing his eyes. Li Qinghong looked back, and Li Yuanjiao murmured, "There is a demon outside."
The two of them rode the wind out and soon spotted a green fish hovering in the air. A pair of scaly wings grew from beneath its ribs, making it look particularly strange. Li Yuanjiao rode forward to meet it.
The fish's large eyes locked onto the two cultivators, its mouth opening and closing as it spoke in a clear voice, "Where do you come from, fellow Daoists? This is the territory of my Zhunan Serpent Dragon Palace."
This fish demon was at the ninth heavenly layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, and had not yet achieved the Foundation Establishment. Both members of the Li Family were Foundation Establishment cultivators, and were much stronger than it was. The fish demon was quite polite, yet spoke to them as equals in conversation.
Li Qinghong spoke respectfully, "My brother and I were originally cultivators from a minor sect at Lake Xian. After our sect collapsed, we passed through here and considered settling down here. However, we are unfamiliar with this place and hope you can offer us some advice, fellow Daoist."
"You are too polite, fellow Daoist," the fish demon replied, folding its wings and stepping onto the demonic wind. Its fish lip curled up slightly as its scales flipped in the wind and dripped with mucus.
With a cryptic expression, it continued, "I am from the Hui Clan in the algae, patrolling the sea for the Serpent Dragon Palace. My name is Huiyao. If the two Daoists are willing to serve my Serpent Dragon Palace, I will naturally share everything I know."
The fish then retracted its tail and transformed into a half-man, half-fish figure, looking rather sinister and ugly. It wielded a fork and stared at the two of them. In this situation, the status of the cultivators from the mainland and the overseas demons was reversed; Li Yuanjiao and the others were now asking for favors, like Luken the deer demon from the past.
Nevertheless, Li Yuanjiao was not one to blow his own horn. Despite the fish demon's grotesque visage, he smiled and said in a deep voice, "This way please, fellow Daoist."
As soon as they descended together, Zong Yan approached and bowed, "Greetings, Grandpa Sea Patrol. I have prepared the tributes!"
Huiyao chuckled and happily replied, "Hehe! Good for you. After enduring for so many years, you're finally in charge of this place!"
"Y-Yes..." Zong Yan nodded, flattered, and signaled for his men to fetch the tributes. They entered the hall, and the servants quickly served them tea. Zong Yan kneeled beside Huiyao and presented a jade bottle filled with red blood.
Huiyao waved his hands, scolding, "You blind fool! We have a distinguished guest today; it is inappropriate to drink this!"
Realization struck Zong Yan as he retracted the bottle respectfully. Li Yuanjiao's expression remained unchanged, while Li Qinghong's smile grew more pronounced.
Huiyao continued, "My subordinate has embarrassed himself. Please forgive him, both of you."
Hu Yao looked down to see a small flower resting inside the jade box. He sniffed it and exclaimed, "A Foundation Establishment Realm spirit item?!"
"Yes, one flower in exchange for five years' worth of medicine-humans," Li Yuanjiao replied, putting it away before Huiyao could inspect it further.
Huiyao wiped his drool but protested, "Five years? That's too much!"
"Think about it again, fellow Daoist. This is a spirit flower from the mainland. It makes a good present for a demon general. I acquired it through some favors with the Han Family," Li Yuanjiao countered.
Huiyao's face lit up with greed upon hearing that. Li Yuanjiao deliberately paused before asking, "Will this work?"
"Yes! Yes!" Huiyao replied eagerly, but Li Yuanjiao deliberately continued, "Alas, it's a pity that this cannot be shown to others... On second thought... Perhaps I should go with medicine-humans!"
"Fellow Daoist, what do you mean by that?!" Huiyao's expression shifted dramatically once more.
Li Yuanjiao explained in a low voice, "This flower was acquired through certain means... The Han Family has always kept its existence under wraps. If it becomes public knowledge, it could lead to serious trouble!"
The Wanglin Blossom was not exclusive to his family. Li Yuanjiao was an overthinker, so it was impossible for him to overlook this, so he made up a story to tempt Huiyao.
"Ah!"
Huiyao's expression changed completely as various possibilities raced through his mind.
Li Yuanjiao smiled, adding, "I came to the Eastern Sea merely to find a place to settle. If things don't work out, the worst I can do is leave and return home. The Serpent Dragon Palace cannot extend its reach to the mainland. Fellow Daoist, you better consider this carefully!"
His tone was gentle, but an underlying threat was evident. Huiyao fell silent for a moment, then realized that Li Yuanjiao had stepped closer, pressing his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Huiyao started, catching a glimpse of the green and white sword light flowing in Li Yuanjiao's grasp. For a moment, his legs turned to jelly, and panic set in.
The situation had shifted too quickly; in just a few exchanges, the power dynamic had completely changed. It seemed he had no choice but to comply with this person.