Chapter 309

Chapter 309: How about we make a bet?

“Hey! Isn’t that Zhuāngyuán Láng?”

Zeng Rong and his group approached Ming.

Ming turned his head, calmly sizing them up.

These people were all from the Wu Kingdom. Ming had met them during the Rootless Mystic Realm selection.

However, despite being from the same dynasty, Ming didn’t have a great impression of them.

Firstly, he just felt it—these guys didn’t seem like good people. That was his sixth sense talking.

Secondly, during the trials, they used some dirty tricks, making them feel like cowards.

Thirdly, they were wandering cultivators with not-so-great reputations. Though this might be a bit prejudiced, Ming couldn’t afford to let down his guard.

It’s like in his past life on Blue Ocean Star, where there were three types of women you shouldn’t marry. Could you say all women from those professions were bad? No, but wouldn’t you still be cautious when meeting them for a blind date?

Exactly.

“Didn’t expect it to be you, Brother Zeng.”

Ming smiled and walked forward, bowing politely, looking harmless as ever.

You need to stay alert, but appearances must be maintained.

“Indeed, didn’t expect such a coincidence.” Zeng Rong’s eyes immediately focused on the bald woman beside Ming, “And who might this be?”

Not only Zeng Rong, but everyone else who saw Shixin lit up with surprise.

Even though she was bald, she was truly beautiful—a beauty that defied description, like an art piece or a pure white lotus, sacred and untouchable.

“Oh, I forgot to introduce her.”

Ming introduced them.

“Shixin, these four are also from our Wu Kingdom. This is Zeng Rong, this is Wang Mingshan, this is Xu Sheng, and this is Bai Zhan. These brothers. And this is my newly acquainted friend from the Western Thunderclap Temple, Shixin.

I’m sure you’ve all heard of Shixin?”

“Ah, indeed, Master Shixin, your reputation precedes you.” The group, hearing “Shixin” and combining her background with her appearance, immediately thought of the top-ranked beauty on the Red Beauty List.

“Just call me Shixin,” Shixin clasped her hands together, nodding respectfully.

Shixin glanced at Ming.

Although Ming looked kind, Shixin could see through—he clearly didn’t think much of these people and was quite guarded.

“Don’t call me Zhuangyuan Lang, just Ming will do.” Ming smiled warmly, appearing completely open, almost too friendly.

“In that case, I’ll boldly call you Brother Ming.” Zeng Rong quickly closed the distance.

The more Zeng Rong looked at Ming, the more he sneered inwardly.

Sure enough, these flowers raised in greenhouses are like this—no defense against others, even giving off an innocent vibe.

How could someone like him understand the hardships of us wandering cultivators, living hand-to-mouth every day?

Experiencing betrayal at any moment, not daring to sleep soundly.

The more he thought about it, the more irritated Zeng Rong became, feeling that the other party had no talent—it was all resources piling up.

If those resources were given to him, perhaps the second place on the Azurecloud List wouldn’t be Ming but himself!

The more he thought about it, the heavier his jealousy grew, but he managed to suppress it, not showing it outwardly.

But then again, the other’s naivety made things easier.

He’d slowly kill Zhuangyuan Lang and take his time humiliating Shixin, letting the former just watch helplessly.

Though Shixin had only just met Ming and probably didn’t have any special feelings yet, there was no way he wasn’t attracted to her beauty.

Humiliating the person he liked would be far more stimulating.

“Is Brother Zhuangyuan here to get the Blood Bodhi Fruit?” Zeng Rong asked.

“Yes.” Ming nodded with a smile, “Since we’re already here, the goal is obviously the Blood Bodhi Fruit.”

“Haha, then we can cooperate. We’re all from the Wu Kingdom, no need to worry about betrayal. You might not know, but many cultivators, in pursuit of opportunities, have already started forming groups. They don’t hesitate to kill fellow cultivators and split the spoils.”

“I agree.” Ming nodded, “In the Rootless Mystic Realm, the only ones we can rely on are our own people. Others definitely can’t be trusted. Besides, I only need the main fruit of the Blood Bodhi. As you all know, there’s only one main fruit, so we can’t divide it equally.”

“No problem, it’s a small matter.” Zeng Rong smiled, “We don’t need the main Blood Bodhi fruit, ordinary ones will do. If Brother Ming feels uncomfortable, we’ll try harder later to help you find treasures of the same grade. If we can’t find treasures of the same grade, then after we leave, we hope Brother Ming can put in a good word for us before His Majesty.”

“Of course, no problem.” Ming bowed, “Then I thank you all for your assistance. Once the task is completed, I will remember your kindness.”

Originally, Ming was only slightly wary of them.

But now, Ming was more cautious, even more so.

Their agreement came too easily, almost unreal.

They were wandering cultivators—not known for their kindness. On the surface, their demands seemed reasonable.

In reality, they acted like they were forcing themselves to help, agreeing to everything Ming suggested and coming up with plausible explanations.

“Brother Ming, don’t be so polite. Time waits for no man, let’s hurry over, otherwise, we might miss the chance to help.” Zeng Rong said, looking very enthusiastic.

“Alright, let’s go now.” Ming nodded seriously, “Please, Brothers!”

“Please!”

The group harmoniously headed toward the summit of Bodhi Mountain.

“How about we make a bet?”

Ming found an opportunity and spoke to Shixin.

“A bet?” Shixin blinked her eyes softly, “What kind of bet?”