Although they couldn't understand it in their hearts, faced with the present situation, they had no choice but to comply.
With no other option, they swallowed the pills that Su Xi offered.
As they consumed the pills, they felt an immediate sense of elation, as if they had ingested something extraordinary.
Seeing the two swallow the pills, Su Xi wasted no time. "Since you've prepared what was asked, lead the way obediently."
Now that they had taken the pills, she wasn't worried about any further defiance.
"Yes."
Indeed, having taken the pills, there was no longer any thought of rebellion.
They found it strange. Before taking the medicine, they felt resistance, but now, with the pills in their system, all resistance was gone. Their minds were focused on completing their tasks to ensure they received the antidote.
Upon hearing Su Xi's words, they eagerly chimed in, "We'll take you there right away. If we leave now, we'll reach our destination by nightfall."
Su Xi blinked in mild exasperation at their words.
The shift in their demeanor was too abrupt, leaving her momentarily taken aback.
"Alright, stop arguing. We won't leave today; we'll depart tomorrow." Su Xi instructed.
"Yes." They nodded promptly.
As long as they performed well, they would have opportunities for more freedom.
After arranging for the two to rest there, Su Xi led her group towards Ghost Elder's location.
Since they had decided to confront these sects and obtain what they desired, careful preparation was essential.
Otherwise, a single misstep could cost them their lives.
Seeing Su Xi return safely, Ghost Elder asked with a hint of excitement, "Have your issues been resolved?"
From Su Xi's appearance, he understood that the conflict between her and those so-called cultivators had concluded.
Elder Ming let out a long sigh of relief the moment he saw Su Xi, finally able to set his mind at ease.
Though he had chosen to support Su Xi, he hadn't been entirely confident, still harboring unease.
After all, Su Xi was targeting cultivators, legendary beings said to be omnipotent.
Anyone in his position would have worried.
Fortunately, he had once again proven his judgment to be sound.
Su Xi looked at Ghost Elder and produced a cultivation manual she had obtained from the others, handing it to him. "Try this. It might be of some use."
These were merely basic techniques for qi circulation, not capable of yielding significant power. To achieve more, further advancements were necessary.
Ghost Elder took the manual, looking puzzled, and began to read.
As he read, his internal energy naturally began to circulate according to the techniques.
With the circulation, he felt a series of peculiar sensations coursing through his entire body.
These sensations were remarkably familiar, echoing a power he had once possessed and lived with daily – his lost magic power.
"What is this?" Ghost Elder asked Su Xi, disbelief etched on his face.
Why was it so little? If there were more, perhaps he could regain more magic power.
Once he reached the desired realm, he could leave this desolate place.
Su Xi shook her head. "This is all I know for now. To learn more, we'll need to venture into the mountains."
Ghost Elder nodded. "In that case, let us make the journey."
If he could recover his cultivation, establishing a new government would be of no consequence.
Overhearing their conversation, Elder Ming couldn't help but interject, "Miss Su Xi, are you planning to go to Longhu Mountain?"
"Yes." Su Xi did not deny it and looked at Elder Ming. "Do you have any suggestions?"
Elder Ming nodded. "I have a small piece of advice I'd like to share."
"Please do," Su Xi replied, awaiting his words.
Her purpose for visiting today, besides informing Ghost Elder, was to secure Elder Ming's support. Since Elder Ming had other perspectives, she was eager to hear them.
Elder Ming, prepared to speak, didn't hesitate. "Legend has it that Longhu Mountain possesses a Purple-robed Celestial Master, capable of easily manipulating the heavens and earth and summoning elemental forces. You must be cautious when confronting them."
Su Xi looked at Elder Ming. She had already learned these details from Wang Gang and Li Hu. Was there anything novel he could offer?
Sensing Su Xi's expression, Elder Ming understood her unspoken question and continued, "It's rumored that the Purple-robed Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain, Wu Tian, has a particular fondness for women, indulging in revelry almost every night."
Elder Ming left his sentence unfinished, but his implication was clear.
If Su Xi was not careful, she could find herself in danger.
Su Xi felt a surge of displeasure at Elder Ming's words.
Did she appear so easily intimidated?
If others intended to deal with her, they should consider whether she was easily managed.
Otherwise, a rash move might lead to an unexpected outcome.
Su Xi turned to Elder Ming and said, "I've come today to borrow something from you."
"Borrow what?" Elder Ming looked at Su Xi, unsure what she could possibly desire from him.
Su Xi met his gaze. "I'd like to borrow some gold."
"Gold?"
Elder Ming looked at Su Xi, perplexed. Su Xi had effortlessly produced so much gold before; why was she asking to borrow it now?
Despite his curiosity, Elder Ming patiently inquired, "I don't have as much gold as you do. Why would you need to borrow from me?"
Su Xi shook her head. "You may not have enough, but surely someone does."
???
Elder Ming stared at Su Xi, not understanding her meaning.
Having fled their home, how could they possibly still possess gold? Was Su Xi mistaken?
Seeing the confusion on Elder Ming's face, Su Xi decided against further explanation. "If you can't, it doesn't mean others can't."
With that, Su Xi turned and walked towards a young woman standing nearby, regardless of what Elder Ming and the others were thinking.
The young woman appeared to be no older than twenty, yet she dressed with the maturity of someone in her thirties. Her figure was exceptionally well-developed, accentuated by her form-fitting attire.
As Su Xi approached, a flicker of panic crossed the young woman's eyes, but she maintained a calm demeanor. "Miss Su Xi, what are you doing?"
Elder Ming watched Su Xi's actions with growing bewilderment.
This woman was his eldest granddaughter, ordinarily very intelligent and capable of managing the family's affairs with such efficiency that he had considered entrusting her with everything.
Therefore, as Su Xi moved towards his granddaughter, Ming Lan, his heart grew anxious.
Could it be that his granddaughter had offended this formidable figure?
Su Xi looked at Ming Lan, touching her cheek and sighing. "You're so radiant. Your skin is like dewdrops. If I were a man, I'd surely choose you as my wife."
Upon hearing Su Xi's compliment, Ming Lan's face bloomed into a charming smile. "Miss Su Xi, you are a woman of unparalleled beauty. I am but an ordinary mortal, no match for you."
Su Xi shook her head. "No, there are things in which I truly cannot compare to you."
"Miss Su Xi, I don't quite understand what you mean," Ming Lan said, her eyes betraying a hint of evasion.
However, a possibility quickly surfaced in her mind.
This matter was highly discreet; no one could possibly uncover it.
Su Xi had been overwhelmed with other concerns these past few days and surely wouldn't have discovered it.
Su Xi studied Ming Lan for a few moments, then suddenly laughed. "You haven't woken up properly yet, have you? There's still sleep in your eyes!"
...
No one had anticipated Su Xi's remark, and everyone was momentarily stunned.
Ming Lan, the subject of the comment, felt as though tens of thousands of mythical beasts were stampeding through her mind, a profound sense of powerlessness washing over her.
Su Xi, however, showed no embarrassment. After a breath, she said, "Miss Ming, shouldn't you give me what I'm looking for now?"
"What are you talking about?" Ming Lan immediately denied it.
Knowing Ming Lan wouldn't easily admit it, Su Xi continued, "Whether you admit it or not, the outcome is already clear."
Su Xi then produced a mobile phone, which displayed a video of Ming Lan engaged in an intimate act with a man covered in scars.
The piercing sounds of moans quickly filled the air, enveloping everyone's ears.
Ming Lan's face flushed crimson as she watched her own ardent performance on the screen.
How could this be?
Was she really this popular?
She had only known herself to be a legend in Japan, but she hadn't realized she had admirers in her own country as well.
Su Xi chuckled at the scene, touching her nose apologetically. "My apologies, I seem to have the wrong file."
She quickly switched the video.
As the screen changed, it now showed Ming Lan in conversation with a man older than Elder Ming.
Their discussion revolved around how to extract gold from Su Xi and how the proceeds should be divided.