Chapter 376: Competing to Be the Tool

Chapter 376: Competing to Be the Tool

Lin Nuo found that wherever he usually went, Qin Shili would discover him.

Clearly, it was a place seldom visited, empty for more than half a month, devoid of spiritual energy, resources, and space. It was just a spot where he was bored and decided to barbecue.

Qin Shili bluntly asked, “Why keep this from me?” catching Lin Nuo completely off guard.

What was she talking about? There were plenty of things to consider.

As for the reason, wasn’t it normal? I’m not your wife; why should I report my whereabouts to you?

Lin Nuo felt that if Qin was asking about something, it must be recent and related to her.

It only made sense it was about his undercover work.

The agreement was that he would go undercover in Helong Hall for the Xuanyun Sect, but it turned out he had created a whole new identity to infiltrate Helong Hall, totally against their initial pact.

So, Qin Shili must have discovered that he had blended into Helong Hall under the guise of Ni Daye without informing her, and she might’ve sensed his ulterior motives.

This was bad; he had to maintain the situation.

Also, Mu Yiting was present, and she probably didn’t know yet because otherwise, their earlier conversation would have definitely touched upon the fact that he was Ni Daye—clearly, she was unaware.

Thus, he needed to speak delicately so as not to let Mu Yiting realize that he was Ni Daye; otherwise, all his prior deception would be for nothing.

Facing Qin Shili’s inquiry, Lin Nuo calmly replied:

“I have my reasons; this is part of my plan.”

“So it’s true after all.”

“Yes, I had no intention of hiding it.”

Lin Nuo was straightforward, not planning to deny this matter because the more one denies, the guiltier one seems, which would only backfire.

Trying to cover up wouldn’t work on Qin Shili; she was someone who practiced demonic cultivation techniques. Although she was currently stuck at a bottleneck in her training, that didn’t change the fact that she wasn’t purely a righteous cultivator—there were shadows mixed in.

This woman wouldn’t be like those who are always righteous, single-mindedly thinking about saving the world. Those kinds, upon finding out he was acting against the organization’s arrangements, would vehemently accuse him of treason.

But Qin Shili was different; although her thoughts were hard to fathom, she was much easier to reason with than those mainstream righteous sect cultivators.

“I have my thoughts on this matter; you will know in due time, and I will explain it to you.”

“I can’t wait for that day. You can undertake any task you like; I won’t interfere, even if you go alone, but right now, you have to tell me: Why her?”

Qin Shili pointed at Mu Yiting, her icy tone barely concealing her anger.

Lin Nuo’s glance confirmed it; she was indeed concerned about this matter.

The connection with Mu Yiting literally could only be about the undercover situation.

Why her?

She was the young master of Helong Hall—powerful, and if he didn’t band with her, how could he climb the ranks? Besides, Mu Yiting seemed to favor him and entrusted him with important tasks; this could save him many detours.

Moreover, this all relied on his own abilities. In the underworld, most relied on connections, but with such a meritocratic female superior, who else would he choose but her?

Just as Lin Nuo was about to make a defense, Mu Yiting leaned against him, interrupting:

“Lin Shixiong chose me, doesn’t that signify his feelings for me? Is there a problem, Shijie?”

With that, she didn’t forget to give a disdainful, provoking smile, clearly trying to bait Qin Shili.

From their dialogue, Mu Yiting surmised something was up.

It must be about Lin Nuo changing his name to go undercover in Helong Hall, and by chance, he chose her faction. Her power might be weak, but Lin Nuo choosing to ally with her was a clear indication of his intentions.

Mu Yiting thought Qin Shili must have realized she was a small leader of Helong Hall. However, possibly with this undercover excuse shielding her, Qin Shili could do nothing about it.

Mu Yiting was openly challenging Qin Shili’s patience.

Qin Shili already had a distaste for this woman, who constantly acted cute and tried making others close to her, having even attempted to approach her before, although she totally ignored her.

Not knowing what kind of potion Mu Yiting poured into Lin Nuo, causing him to be so smitten as to choose her was truly maddening.

But showing anger on the spot would mean admitting defeat, as it would come across as petty and ungracious; naturally, she couldn’t do that.

Calmly, Qin Shili said:

“Mu Shimei, you are an outer disciple and have no right to interfere in my conversation with Shidi.”

Mu Yiting wasn’t about to back down either:

“But this concerns Lin Shixiong and me. How can I not have the qualifications?”

“Your business with him? I’d still advise you not to be too confident; after all, you might just be a tool he’s using. You haven’t seen his methods yet? You’re too naïve.”

“Even if I’m a tool, I’m willing! To be his tool is a great honor!”

Mu Yiting continued to hold her ground with a retort,

“So, Shijie, in your lofty position, why do you care about Lin Shixiong’s matters? This isn’t your style. If you don’t want to be Shixiong’s tool, why are you stopping me? Isn’t that a bit petty?”

“I’ve long been his tool; you’re just behind the curve. All the favors you’ve received from him are merely remnants of what I’ve played with.”

Qin Shili shot back, not caring about dignity; the two were even competing over being Lin Nuo’s tools.

Lin Nuo felt the conversation was veering into absurd territory; what initially started as a discussion about him and Mu Yiting had somehow transformed into a contest over who gets to be his tool.

Of course, he wouldn’t deny that he had thoughts of using them; to be clear, it did have a flavor of usefulness.

But concerning the idea of them being tools, at least it should be him, when alone, speaking coldly: “Heh, you’re just my tools.”

Then add one line: “Just call me Lin Xiaonuo.”

Now that would have sounded imposing!

But now they were both battling to be his tools…

Was it him who had lost his marbles, or were they the ones who had gone mad?

The two continued to bicker, arguing civilly without resorting to blows or getting angry; it was a battle of words, each jab sharper than the last, volleying playful retorts back and forth like a duel of swords.

Lin Nuo felt his head spinning; these two girls were chattering away, truly a nuisance to endure.

He interrupted their conversation:

“Hold on a moment, arguing until the sky falls won’t lead anywhere; let me speak a few words.”

Lin Nuo pulled Qin Shili aside hastily.

Mu Yiting tried to follow but he quickly stopped her.

With Qin Shili in tow, he fled to the side, releasing her once they were sufficiently away.

Qin Shili asked:

“Alright now, can you explain? Why her and not me?”

Lin Nuo replied solemnly:

“Mu Yiting’s identity is special. I have grand plans and must leverage her influence; no one else will do. Can you help me flourish in Helong Hall? If you can, then I’d pick you.”

“That I cannot do.”

Qin Shili replied evenly,

“But what does the Water Spirit Heart have to do with Helong Hall? Can you explain?”

“Water Spirit Heart? How do you know about that?”

“That’s not for you to worry about; I’m seeking you precisely because of the Water Spirit Heart. I know you and Mu Yiting both possess the Water Spirit Heart, but what does that have to do with Helong Hall?” Qin Shili asked.