Chapter 74: You’re Actually Not So Bad
“Ah, these belong to Xiao Hu. Our fellow cultivator, Hu Daoist, is a chivalrous figure and can’t stand seeing his fellow cultivators suffer, so he decided to share his replenishing pills with everyone.”
Yun Zhonghe spoke with a straight face, his heart steady and cheeks unreddened. This even made Mu Jixue believe him.
Phew, almost blown my cover! Thank goodness for my oily tongue—no, no! My silver-tongued eloquence—which convinced Huang Aotian to wholeheartedly accept it.
“Xiao Hu is such a nice person,” Mu Jixue couldn’t help but comment.
Only Daoist Hu was left with a full brain of question marks, unknowingly labeled as “a nice guy.”
They saved Lin Zhongyu, and even other fellow cultivators who were supposed to d*e in the dungeon in the original storyline were rescued by Yun Zhonghe’s group.
“Thank you for saving us. We are deeply grateful.”
“We will never forget your kindness. We’ll repay you tenfold someday!”
“Friends…”
Yun Zhonghe felt surrounded by grateful arrows. It was like his virtue was skyrocketing.
If only Huang Aotian’s opinion of him could rise that fast, it would be great.
“Now isn’t the time to talk about this. Let’s meditate to recover spiritual energy and get out of here. Time’s precious.”
Following his instructions, the injured cultivators took the replenishing pills and promptly began their meditation.
But there was a problem. Despite searching thoroughly, Yun Zhonghe hadn’t found what he was looking for.
Where was Qin Hongye?
His heart sank slightly.
Logically, Qin Hongye should also be in the dungeon.
In the original plot, a random passerby destined to be Qin Hongye’s follower had accidentally entered the dungeon. Only Qin Hongye was alive. The passerby quickly took her away.
How come she’s nowhere to be found now?
She was his sister—akin to a brother! He absolutely couldn’t let anything happen to her!
Could it be because his presence altered the plot and she bit the dust early?
Nope, that’s unlikely.
Yun Zhonghe guessed if Qin Hongye wasn’t in the dungeon, she might have been taken to the big boss’s hideout. But where exactly was that?
He had scoured the dungeon but found no other entrances.
The situation seemed stuck in a deadlock.
Meanwhile, Mu Jixue, who had just distributed the last of the replenishing pills, felt something calling her.
It was like she was being pushed from behind toward a specific direction, as though fate had predetermined her path to meet someone important and fulfill a crucial task.
The feeling grew stronger, even compelling her toward some dark corner.
“Snow?”
Lin Zhongyu had partially recovered and noticed Mu Jixue’s strange behavior. She wanted to investigate but was stopped by Yun Zhonghe.
“I’ll handle it. Miss Lin, you and Daoist Hu take the others out.”
Yun Zhonghe was always reliable, slightly startling Lin Zhongyu inside.
“Got it, Brother Yun. You two stay safe.”
She felt unshakably confident in them both.
After sending everyone off, Yun Zhonghe hurried after Mu Jixue.
Judging by her expression, she must have sensed something again. Maybe it’s the convergence of world lines leading her to her mission.
In the original plot, Mu Jixue was set to annihilate the boss and save Qin Hongye, making Qin Hongye fanatical about her. Unfortunately, she never found reliable teammates, receiving useless advice, and Qin Hongye’s mild naivety led her down the villain path.
But now, with a pro-villain turnaround guy on board, Yun Zhonghe was determined to help her achieve her goals!
Unprecedented responsibility burned in Yun Zhonghe’s heart.
“Are you guys going to hunt the monster cultivator? Take me too! I’ve been waiting long enough to grow mushrooms!”
Xiao Hu, catching onto their secrecy, immediately joined in.
He had watched Yun Zhonghe arrange treatment for the injured and instruct Lin Zhongyu to lead people out, finding him incredibly dependable despite being similar in age.
He noticed Yun Zhonghe treated the others, excluding Lin Zhongyu, with familiarity.
Surprisingly, Yun Zhonghe paid for their medical treatment. Xiao Hu had never seen such a simpleton.
Cultivators here cared too much about personal gains, apathetic to others’ fates. Sometimes Xiao Hu wondered if this cultivation world was too cold-hearted.
But Yun Zhonghe’s nature warmed him like a fire.
Without realizing it, Xiao Hu had tagged Yun Zhonghe as a “nice guy.” Seeing his enthusiasm, he knew arguing was useless.
Yun Zhonghe understood Xiao Hu’s stubborn nature. If you argued with him, he’d clash till dawn, doing the opposite of what was told. Yet, if handled gently, he’d be obedient and calm.
Sounds like the personality of a certain game protagonist.
Yun Zhonghe paused, confused, but seeing Mu Jixue heading alone, he resumed focus.
“Stick close. If danger comes, hide behind me.”
Daoist Hu likely wasn’t weak, judging by his spiritual power, which matched Yun Zhonghe’s and Mu Jixue’s. He could be a useful assistant.
Just that the upcoming battle was perilous. In case of danger, Yun Zhonghe still reminded him about safety.
Being advised by Yun Zhonghe, Xiao Hu’s eyes showed a few ripples.
He rubbed his head and said, “You’re actually not so bad.”
Facing Xiao Hu’s gaze, Yun Zhonghe felt weird.
A man being stared at by someone whose gender he was unsure of was unsettling.
Probably nothing to worry about.
With Yun Zhonghe’s permission, Xiao Hu followed closely, catching up to Mu Jixue.
Ahead lay a long, deep cave that ascended.
They walked for a while before they saw an exit above.
Air in the cave smelled oddly sweet and metallic.
“Be careful; enemies might be outside.”
“Ee-yi!”
Yun Zhonghe grabbed Mu Jixue’s shoulder, startling her.
Yun Zhonghe: ? ?
Luckily, Mu Jixue remained quiet.
Mu Jixue: “Why did you follow me?”
Yun Zhonghe: “…”
I’ve been sticking by you all along, and you didn’t notice?
He was speechless. Huang Aotian must be really oblivious, daring to act independently in an enemy lair.
Actually, Mu Jixue found it odd herself. Her intuition brought her here.
Just as she was about to explain, an evil chuckle echoed from outside the cave.
“I suggest you give up. Wouldn’t it be better if I devoured you sooner?”
