Huang Jiu noticed the resolve in my eyes and said, "The thief cat's been caught by Big Black. He'll bring it over later. We'll see if we can tame it."
His injuries told me the mission had succeeded. If two against one couldn't secure a live capture, it'd be inexcusable.
But taming it? I hadn't considered it. Plague God's warning held merit—as a cultivator, surrounding myself with demons was risky. Yet under these circumstances, there was no choice. Besides, demons were more straightforward than humans.
I nodded. "Brother Huang, have you ever seen the Mountain Lord Token in the Ten Thousand Mountains? The three factions allied for it."
He shook his head. "Never. But legends say it commands all life there. Still, the Mystic World and Three Yin Sect wouldn't want it—only mountain natives can wield it."
I'd already guessed as much. With Ten Thousand Mountains traitors involved, they'd never let outsiders claim the token. Their alliance likely aimed to install a rebel leader who'd trade immortality secrets for power.
"Can you spread a rumor?" I asked. "Say Xiaocui gave me the secret of immortality as her dowry. It's no longer in the mountains."
Huang Jiu hesitated. "Humans and beasts barely communicate, let alone cultivators and demons."
Only Zhan Ling could help.
"You want to sow discord?" he asked warily.
"Exactly. If everyone wants the prize, no one dares strike first. It buys us time to find their spies."
"But you'll become the most wanted man alive!"
I glanced at Xiaocui sleeping peacefully. "So be it."
Huang Jiu sighed. My true goal wasn't meddling in mountain politics—it was finding the statue that had incapacitated Xiaocui. Whatever harmed her spirit must be destroyed.
But first: transportation. Last night's fiasco couldn't repeat.
Right on cue, Zhan Ling called—she'd picked up Xu Wanrong.
---
Half an hour later, Xu Wanrong entered the shop, gaunt and grief-stricken from Tang Quan's death. She collapsed against my shoulder, weeping violently until Xiaocui shoved her away with a possessive growl.
Regaining composure, Xu Wanrong brushed stray hairs from her face. "I brought all my master's belongings."
Three crates of mystical tools filled the trunk. After helping unload, Zhan Ling prepared to leave. I pulled her aside.
"Spread the rumor: Xiaocui's dowry holds the immortality secret. Use whatever funds needed."
---
As Zhan Ling departed, the mother from yesterday arrived with her daughter. Both knelt before me.
"I wasn't your savior," I said hastily, steering them toward Plague God.
"No need for thanks," he intoned. "But a Nine Yin Fate attracts spirits. Her only path is joining the Yin-Yang Sect."
The mother immediately kowtowed to me. "Master Li! Take my Rain as your disciple!"
Trapped, I improvised: "I can't teach her, but I'll accept her as a proxy disciple for another master's legacy."
Left unsaid: This child would inherit Zuo Daoran's manuscripts. Whether she'd honor his name depended on her choices.
---
By noon, I took Xu Wanrong and Xiaocui to lunch, explaining my plans.
"I'll stay," Xu Wanrong declared. "With my master gone, revenge is my purpose."
"Can you drive?"
At her nod, we bought a $50,000 SUV immediately—no time for paperwork.
---
Returning, we found Jin Youcai's niece's vandalized car parked outside. Prepared with cash, I entered to find the girl pointing accusingly. "Uncle! That's the thief who hijacked me!"
Jin Youcai beamed like a shark. "What luck! My niece and I both suffered your 'attacks' last night, eh?"
Plague God snorted confirmation.
"Let's settle everything at once," I said coolly, heading to secure Tang Quan's artifacts.
Xu Wanrong whispered as we worked: "How do you know a *Juxia Realm* expert?"
"Fate works strangely," I deflected. Some questions had no safe answers.
**(Note:** *Juxia Realm* refers to a supreme cultivation stage where one "lifts rosy clouds," symbolizing celestial ascension.)