I Seek Immortality Through Serendipity

Upon hearing Bian Chuyao’s words, Gu Yuan burst into laughter.

"Without moving blade or sword, you think you can get my treasure with just a few words? Junior sister, you’re the real tribulation cultivator!"

"Bah, bah! You’re the tribulation cultivator!"

"I’m thinking of your well-being. The Dao-One Cyan Lotus seed demands extreme conditions to thrive, it can’t survive without a place rich in spirit meridians. I’ve received a gift from my grandfather, with Kite Cloud Valley on Yunxuan Island as a foundation. There, this Cyan Lotus will surely flourish, and once successful, we can divide the seeds together!"

Bian Chuyao’s face softened with a smile, seemingly regaining the noble family’s dignity, she earnestly spoke to Gu Yuan.

Gu Yuan pondered slightly.

To hand over the Cyan Lotus Dao seed to Bian Chuyao for planting is naturally something he wouldn’t do. Although Yunxuan Island is good, it bears the surname Bian. If anything happens, it’s unthinkable for him to break into the Tier Three Spirit Island to demand it.

However, judging from Bian Chuyao’s words, if the Cyan Lotus Dao seed is planted and survives, it won’t just yield one seed. If that’s the case, some trade isn’t out of the question.

Thinking of this, his eyes flickered slightly, and he smiled, "There’s no need for junior sister to worry about the planting. I’ll find a way. I’m rather curious, is junior sister so keen on the Dao-One Cyan Lotus seed because she possesses an ancient seal but can’t refine it?"

Seeing Gu Yuan’s flickering gaze, Bian Chuyao suddenly felt an inkling of caution, remaining silent.

"Junior sister, don’t be nervous. I indeed owe you some credit for obtaining this lotus seed. Since that’s the case, why not let’s make a deal?"

Gu Yuan smiled as he proposed.

"What kind of deal?"

"I’ll successfully plant the lotus seed. If there are extra seeds, I can share them with junior sister. Then, junior sister may choose to grant me a few methods to refine the ancient seals!"

Gu Yuan waved his sleeve, seemingly casually saying.

Upon hearing this, Bian Chuyao almost burst into angry laughter.

Ancient seal? A few of them?

Not afraid of speaking too soon!

Yet, after thinking briefly, her anger faded as she began to ponder the current situation.

Given this selfish and self-centered villain’s nature, he certainly wouldn’t feel at ease handing over the Cyan Lotus Dao seed to her.

In that case, unless completely tearing off masks and calling on her family for interference, it’s impossible to get the Cyan Lotus Dao seed.

But such a method is the worst strategy. Although the villain’s character is vile, his talents and capabilities are incredible. In some sense, his nature suits the cultivation realm better. Had it not been for him today, she’d have been ambushed by a tribulation cultivator at White Tiger Ridge.

Such a character has a high chance to reach Foundation Establishment. In the future, he might be an aid in competing for the true inheritance. To completely sever ties over a Cyan Lotus Dao seed seems unwise and does not align with the principles of the Bian family.

If goodwill can be established with money, why turn it into enmity with force?

Yet... that ancient seal truly poses concern.

Thinking of this, Bian Chuyao felt a moment of indecision, then lifted her chin and coldly laughed, "Wait until you can successfully plant the Cyan Lotus Dao seed to talk about it. If you can’t plant it, come to Yunxuan Island, my promise still holds."

She doesn’t believe Gu Yuan can definitely grow the Cyan Lotus Dao seed. If it’s not viable, he would need to turn to her. By then, she’d have the upper hand.

"Then it’s settled!"

Gu Yuan laughed, recognizing the agreement.

"Humph!"

"You’ll surely come seeking my help!"

Bian Chuyao wrinkled her nose and spoke with some arrogance.

"Should that day come, I’ll surely visit and beg for junior sister’s assistance."

Gu Yuan laughed heartily, not arguing.

As long as benefits are awaiting, even giving Bian Chuyao a verbal edge wouldn’t matter.

"We mustn’t delay; let’s quickly head to Cloud Mist Valley!"

Having settled the matter, Gu Yuan immediately urged.

"Yes, yes, let’s head to Cloud Mist Valley at once!"

Bian Chuyao snapped awake, stopped considering these "future matters," and responded urgently.

Then the two joined forces, breaking through the demon beast’s encirclement, returning to the route previously planned by Bian Chuyao, heading towards Cloud Mist Valley.

Yet Bian Chuyao felt an odd sensation, as if Gu Yuan had become more enthusiastic, seemingly more eager than her to enter Cloud Mist Valley. Amidst the clashing sword and light, demon beasts fell one after another.

"This little thief, don’t tell me he’ll pull the same trick again!"

Bian Chuyao cautiously watched Gu Yuan’s back, staying close, fearing he’d disappear with a swish.

And as Bian Chuyao’s mind wavered, the previous Jade Hall appeared before them again.

...

...

In Jade Hall, the scar-faced Daoist, identical to the one in the Crossing True Star Array, suddenly appeared, not only that, Bian Chuyao was once again bound to the Jade Pillar.

"If you want to save her, surrender your resis..."

"Swoosh!"

Before the scar-faced Daoist’s threat finished, Gu Yuan’s sword light struck "Bian Chuyao’s" brow, slaying her.

Then, mist rose, and sword light shone brightly. In mere moments, the scar-faced Daoist was also swiftly killed.

The illusion realm of Jade Hall vanished, and Gu Yuan appeared before a stone cave, resembling the scene within the Crossing True Star Array.

But after quite some time, Bian Chuyao’s figure finally appeared beside Gu Yuan.

"Junior sister is rather slow. At this rate, it’ll be late reaching Cloud Mist Valley..."

Gu Yuan slightly frowned, sighing.

"Hmph, not everyone is like you, ruthless and indifferent, killing at sight!"

Bian Chuyao’s face flushed, but soon recovered, hearing this, she rolled her eyes at Gu Yuan.

Throughout this time together, she realized the gap in heart nature between herself and Gu Yuan, hence needing more time to break through the illusion.

But you’re just a guard, why so verbose, even more urgent than me?

Gu Yuan chuckled, regaining composure, without urging, only watching the cave before him, asking Bian Chuyao: 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Junior sister, after passing this point, Cloud Mist Valley is reached."

"Now can you tell me, inside the valley, will we encounter others?"

He had other plots in mind, hence valuing this intel more than before.

Know yourself and your enemy, and you’ll never lose a battle.

By now, Bian Chuyao didn’t hide anything, outright saying, "I can’t be certain, but if encountered, they’ll be from Sunset Glow Sect’s Flame Thunder Peak lineage."

"The Flowing Flame Golden Fruit is extremely mystical, with it, if one comprehends the technique, there’s a nearly ninety-nine percent certainty in refining Flame Yang Gold Qi, establishing the Dao foundation."

"Years ago, my grandfather and Flame Thunder Peak’s peak master participated in the war that led to the fall of Zhongshan Country and discovered the seedling of this Flowing Flame Golden Fruit. However, Zhongshan Country was hastily banished to the Land of Annihilation, plus, the fruit can’t be transplanted, only surviving on the Golden Fire Spiritual Vein at Cloud Mist Valley."

"Hence, grandfather and Flame Thunder Peak’s peak master laid dormant moves around this, each crafting two Cyan Jade Orders, agreeing upon the fruit’s maturity day for descendants to enter this valley, competing to obtain it, achieving Foundation Establishment."

"By estimation, the Flowing Flame Golden Fruit should be maturing, thus grandfather bestowed a Cyan Jade Order to me."

"However, this matter mustn’t be known to other Golden Core lineage members, lest it hinders acquiring Flame Yang Gold Qi from the Daoist School. So, I chose you to join me in the mountain."

"Should Flame Thunder Peak’s disciples also enter Cloud Mist Valley, they certainly would invite a Humble Lineage magical combat prodigy."

"Upon entering the valley, I can confidently handle Flame Thunder Peak’s disciple, but the one he invited will be yours to deal with, senior brother. Do you have the confidence?"

In conclusion, Bian Chuyao’s eyes fervently fixed on Gu Yuan, seeming to decide whether to trust him.

But Gu Yuan asked merely with calmness:

"Is killing and robbing the storage bag allowed?"

Bian Chuyao’s brewing emotions instantly collapsed, unable to resist a facepalm.