She was more adept at understanding human nature than captivating with beauty.
Nine-tailed believed Xiao Chenmu was easy to please, that he would agree to any of her requests. In truth, it was because each request struck a chord with him. He couldn't help but suspect her, as her appearance was too coincidental, and her existence too mysterious.
Thus, she tread on his bottom line, dispelling all his doubts step by step.
Gu Junshi had important matters to attend to and did not intend to entangle herself with Nine-tailed. So, she said, "Sect Leader, may I entrust you to Elder Jiu Li for a while?"
Upon hearing that she intended to abandon him, Nine-tailed immediately became displeased. "What did you say?"
Gu Junshi detected the threat in his voice but maintained a calm and unhurried tone. "Sect Leader, have you forgotten that Gu Yi is but a mortal? Carrying you all this way has left my arms and shoulders sore. I don't plan to go anywhere, I just want to find a secluded spot to watch the matches and rest a bit."
Nine-tailed, having transformed into a small fox, was not exactly light. Carrying him for such a distance would indeed cause fatigue for someone with ordinary human physiology.
There was nothing wrong with her words, yet Nine-tailed sneered, "Useless."
If it were that hateful woman, she wouldn't be as weak as this mortal.
It was said that beings like demons, besides bullying the weak, were also accustomed to pushing their luck.
Gu Junshi heard this, and the corners of her lips, which had been straight, curved upwards. Her long, narrow pupils darkened, and her face, like a snowy peak, emitted a cold, shimmering light. "Oh yes, I forgot to ask something. Sect Leader, why do you not appear in your true form, but instead present yourself as a beastly creature? Do you have some unspeakable difficulty?"
The moment Nine-tailed heard the words "beastly creature," he bristled.
He darkened his fox eyes and glared at Gu Yi, his pupils rippling like waves, faintly cold, as if carrying a murderous intent.
"Who are you calling a beastly creature?"
But Gu Junshi was not afraid. She simply stated a fact in a flat tone, "Gu Yi's knowledge is shallow. What kind of creature is this fox? A beast or a demon? Gu Yi is merely a mortal and does not quite understand the distinction between the two in this cultivation world. May I ask the Sect Leader to enlighten me?"
Nine-tailed: "..." Enlighten her head! He felt greatly offended!
But could he get angry because of her ignorance?
Yes, he could!
Just as he was about to unleash the "Soul Locking Curse" to make this presumptuous woman understand what it meant to invite disaster upon oneself with one's words, he saw Elder Jiu Li and Zi Ying approaching together. His fox eyes flickered, and he immediately suppressed his murderous intent, disguising himself as an ordinary spirit fox.
Elder Jiu Li showed no surprise upon seeing Gu Yi. Presumably, Xiao Chenmu had already informed him.
Gu Junshi paid her respects, "Elder."
Elder Jiu Li waved his hand, telling her to forgo such formalities. "Why have you come here?"
Gu Junshi's eyes were calm. "I was a little worried about my husband, and I couldn't sleep in my room, so I thought I'd come and see. I happened to meet young master Xiao from the Void Sect and asked him to escort Gu Yi here."
Elder Jiu Li had witnessed the affectionate relationship between Liu Jiangfusheng and his mortal wife, so he believed her explanation. However, he corrected her, "Young master? Such a title is not customary in the cultivation world. You should address him as Immortal Master or Immortal to show respect."
Xiao Chenmu's cultivation was a realm higher than Elder Jiu Li's. Even he had to cup his hands in respect. For a mere mortal like her to address him improperly would be an offense.
Gu Junshi calmly agreed.
At this moment, Xiao Chenmu, through their conversation, had confirmed the veracity of what Madame Liu Jiang had said. Her identity was now established, so he no longer needed to probe the situation with his spiritual sense.
Feeling Xiao Chenmu's spiritual sense withdraw, Gu Junshi ceased her act. "This silver fox was left by my husband to keep me company and alleviate my loneliness. Unfortunately, Gu Yi cannot use a spirit beast pouch, so it is inconvenient to carry it. I would trouble the Elder to help me look after it."
"Silver fox?" Zi Ying interjected. She had already noticed the small, snow-white fox by Gu Junshi's feet. Its fluffy tail was held high, and its body was delicate and lovable. Anyone who saw it would want to pick it up and stroke its smooth, white fur.
Thinking this, Zi Ying's heart itched, and she reached out, "I'll help Sister Gu look after it."
However, Nine-tailed skillfully dodged her, glaring fiercely at Gu Junshi.
Gu Junshi knew she had angered Nine-tailed. With his petty nature, he would surely seek revenge. However, her calculations were precise; she knew he would not dare to act against her now, considering Elder Jiu Li and the others were present. As for what would happen afterward, she had her own plans.
"Gu Yi will not accompany the Elder to the viewing platform. I can find a place to watch the competition," she said gracefully, knowing how to advance and retreat.
"That is fine. Do not wander too far. It is quite safe within the Void Sect. However, remember to avoid people as much as possible and do not cause trouble."
Elder Jiu Li was pleased with her discretion. He nodded. He had not wanted to look after the spirit fox for her, but seeing that she knew her place and wouldn't force herself to the viewing platform, he understood it would avoid gossip. Especially since their sect, Da Yan, had recently been in the spotlight. If a popular disciple were to become a Dao companion with a mortal, it would surely invite ridicule.
He casually forced Nine-tailed into his spirit beast realm within his storage ring and then returned to the viewing platform with Zi Ying.
Seeing that Nine-tailed had left with Elder Jiu Li without resistance, Gu Junshi knew he was currently enraged and would not forcibly follow her. She had deliberately angered him to get rid of him so she could attend to her own business.
At this moment, Zi Ying glanced back at Gu Junshi.
Unintentionally, she met Gu Junshi's gaze. Her eyes, like two black pearls soaked in a cold pool, were sharp and chillingly icy, causing Zi Ying to shiver for some reason.
She quickly averted her eyes.
She mumbled to herself, confused.
Why did that Gu Yi always make her feel dangerous? Every time she encountered Gu Yi, she wanted to get closer but dared not, like plucking a flower from the brink of a cliff, reaching out yet fearing to plunge into a bottomless abyss.
Gu Junshi had considered directly capturing Zi Ying and searching her soul. However, it was still too early to act against her. She wanted to use Zi Ying to reel in a bigger fish. If she startled the snake prematurely, it would be difficult to catch such an obvious tail again.
Gu Yi walked leisurely, finding a cliffside platform parallel to the viewing area. Concealed by a crookedly growing cliffside tree, she looked towards the "little competition" grounds, where peaks were arranged like a black and white chessboard, forming arenas.
Her gaze was unwavering, but a wisp of black mist drifted from her body, submerging into the clouds and quietly entering the arenas of the "little competition."
The black mist swept across the arenas one by one, as if searching for a branch to perch on. Finally, it found its "branch."
"This beauty's embarrassed and angry look is even more captivating. Alas, what am I to do?"
A pleasant and exaggerated exclamation rang out on the arena. Judging by the tone, it was clear the speaker was a glib-tongued individual.
"Shut up! If you dare to provoke me with such disgusting words again, I will kill you!" This was the voice of a furious young girl.