Chapter 5186 — Conceding Ten Moves
The Blossom Guardian · Page 1 of 3
The moment those words fell, Xue Jianming's eyes lit up. Though there was no real bond of friendship between him and Luo Shasheng, the man was, after all, a disciple of the Snow Sword Sect—this was truly a heaven-sent opportunity.
"Junior Brother Luo, a word with you." Xue Jianming crooked a finger at Luo Shasheng.
Xue Jianming was no cripple now; given his strength and standing, there was naturally no one in the Snow Sword Sect who would disobey him. Luo Shasheng was instantly flattered beyond measure and scurried over, his face wreathed in fawning smiles. "What orders does Senior Brother Xue have?"
"Against this Qiu Lingshan—how confident are you?" Xue Jianming asked casually.
"Completely," Luo Shasheng said with confidence. He had already been a formidable early Foundation Establishment cultivator more than ten years ago; though he had never broken through since, that was only because he lacked pills. Among all the early Foundation Establishment disciples of the Snow Sword Sect he ranked near the top, and now he faced merely a newcomer who had just broken through with an unstable foundation—a woman from the secular world, no less. If he could lose even this, he might as well eat shit.
"Good, then. This match concerns the Snow Sword Sect's face—losing is absolutely out of the question. But, well…" Xue Jianming looked Qiu Lingshan up and down in the distance, a cold flicker of killing intent passing through his eyes.
Luo Shasheng followed his gaze, rolled his eyes, and said, "I understand. Rest assured, Senior Brother Xue—I'll stop at the right point. I absolutely won't be cruel enough to destroy a flower."
Qiu Lingshan was, after all, a rare beauty—a modest maiden is a gentleman's fond desire—and he assumed Xue Jianming was scheming after this woman.
"Wrong. What I want you to do is exactly the opposite." Xue Jianming gave a cold laugh. He had indeed once set his sights on Qiu Lingshan—and not only her. He had drooled over other beauties like Ying Ziyu as well; if Xu Shilan and Cheng Yiyi had not stayed behind in the secular world instead of coming along, he had even considered simply taking Wei Zhao's entire harem in one sweep. But now was not the time to wallow in lust—so long as one's strength was sufficient, beauties could be had in any number. What mattered most to him at present was using this chance to strike at Wei Zhao.
"The opposite? What do you mean?" Luo Shasheng was taken aback.
"Simple. I want you to kill her." Xue Jianming's voice was low and heavy.
"Kill?" Luo Shasheng was startled. His name meant "killing life," and he had slain no small number of people in the past, but facing a great beauty like Qiu Lingshan he truly found it hard to bring himself to do it. Moreover, this was the trial tournament—though killing was not forbidden, without some deep-seated grudge, most people would not go for the kill.
"That's right. From now on, anyone belonging to Wei Zhao—for every one you kill, there's a rich reward. Otherwise, you're slapping me in the face. Do as you see fit." Xue Jianming gave a cold snort.
"Very well. Then just watch, Senior Brother Xue." Matters having reached this point, Luo Shasheng had no room left to hesitate. If an early Foundation Establishment disciple like him offended Xue Jianming, he could forget about ever making his way in the Snow Sword Sect again. Besides, blades and swords have no eyes—even if he accidentally killed someone in the trial tournament, he would bear no responsibility.
Over on his side, Xue Jianming was huddled with Luo Shasheng, whispering and muttering, thinking he had lowered his voice very far—never imagining that Wei Zhao's perception far surpassed that of an early Golden Core expert like himself, and that he had heard every word of this conversation clear as day.