Swing the sword at the future female devil

Chapter 261: Is it the turn of the socially anxious person to receive benefits?

He recalled the Azure Lotus Soul Tempering Technique he had cultivated... If the Azure Lotus True Form protected his soul and sea of ​​consciousness, and the Mountain and River Map enveloped him, allowing him to use his domain to resist the lightning tribulation, perhaps there would still be some chance to pass.

But this is just speculation. Duan Huaige certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to risk his life to help the Celestial Master's Mansion obtain the Celestial Master's inheritance—unless he's sure he can withstand it, he'll run away without hesitation if there's any sign of trouble.

One's life is one's own, while the remaining map belongs to the imperial court; one can clearly distinguish which is more important.

Do you think the Celestial Master's Mansion will stick to this condition and refuse to budge?

"It's hard to say. The Celestial Master's Degree is very important to the Celestial Master's Mansion, and the same goes for the incomplete map." Qin Shuangjiang frowned. In fact, according to her memory, there was no such strange incident as the Celestial Master's Degree at the Celestial Master's Mansion.

If things had gone normally, Zhang Zhiyao would have cultivated peacefully until the age of sixteen, suppressing his cultivation level and wanting to obtain the Celestial Master's Degree for the Celestial Master's Mansion. Unfortunately, Taiqing massacred Longhu Mountain for the sake of the incomplete map, severely damaging the Celestial Master's Mansion. Stimulated by hatred, Zhang Zhiyao's temperament changed drastically. After breaking through to the Core Formation stage, he forcibly withstood the backlash of the rules and obtained the Celestial Master's Degree.

The early escape of the demoness Taiqing undoubtedly affected the development of many things. Even the meeting between Duan Huaige and the future celestial master Zhang Zhiyao was brought forward by so much time.

Perhaps... the only thing to be thankful for is that this time we don't have to worry about Zhang Zhiyao barging in with Guo Xiang's script?
The two chatted until late at night. Perhaps because of the altitude, the night on Longhu Mountain seemed clearer and brighter. The sparse starlight and bright moonlight outside fell on the window, reflecting the scene of the two talking to each other.

“It’s getting late, it’s time for us to continue our cultivation,” Duan Huaige said. “We’ve been traveling all day and we’re tired. Tomorrow we’ll test the waters with the other people on Longhu Mountain and see if we can find support from the factions that advocate handing over the incomplete map.”

"Ah."

Duan Huaige turned to leave, but as she opened the door, she suddenly heard Qin Shuangjiang's voice behind her:
"Wait a moment."

"what happened?"

Did Yan Qiuxi come to see you ahead of time?

Duan Huaige: ?

Miss Shuangjiang stared intently into Duan Huaige's eyes, seemingly trying to discern any panic or deceit, but Duan Huaige lacked acting skills this time; his expression was entirely emotional. He was genuinely bewildered.

Yan Qiuxi? How could she possibly come to see me ahead of time... I had previously thought that her incredible act of bringing official documents and an administrative jacket up the mountain was her doing.

Seeing that Duan Huaige seemed to have no flaws, Qin Shuangjiang waved her hand with some regret and said, "It's alright, you can go now."

What a pity, I was planning to use my strategic alliance to break her coalition... What's wrong with this guy? He tricked me into arriving in Jiangnan late, but then he disappeared without a trace?
Could there be some hidden trick I haven't noticed?

Miss Shuangjiang's expression changed slightly. She decided not to sleep tonight; even if she stayed up all night, she would be fully prepared. Duan Huaige returned to his room, washed up briefly, and then lay down on his bed.

He closed his eyes and began to review his duel with Zhang Zhiyao earlier that day. He had learned a lot about the combat techniques of lightning magic and golden light spell from that battle.

His talent for cultivation wasn't bad, not to mention he had a higher-level inheritance. Just as he was immersed in reviewing the battle, a soft knock sounded at the door…

Duan Huaige immediately sat up in bed, alert and ready for battle.

Of course, it's not fair to blame him for making a mountain out of a molehill. After all, this is Zhang Zhiyao's territory, and besides, the little girl was bound to be resentful after losing during the day. He had to be careful that she didn't do anything outrageous.

For example… sneaking in, lying down in Duan Huaige's arms, and then shouting "Master, save me!" The FBI bursts in, handcuffs the bewildered Duan Huaige, and takes him away, with the fitting background music of "Tears Behind Bars" playing…

To say she's "truly wicked" means that this little girl's behavior is quite wicked, comparable to the "branch king of Longhu Mountain" of the Yan King. "Who?"

Suddenly there was no sound outside the door. Duan Huaige hesitated for a moment, then tiptoed over and suddenly opened the door, startling the socially anxious girl who was just about to muster the courage to knock again.

"Huai, Huai Ge, classmate..."

Xie Cangling spoke somewhat uneasily, blinking her pure and charming eyes, while clutching a small bear in her arms.

"I...I'm a little scared...Could you talk to me for a while?"

The girl's timid appearance melted Duan Huaige's heart. He nodded and said, "Of course, there must have been many great demons killed and sealed on Longhu Mountain throughout history. It is indeed quite terrifying."

He made way for the girl to come in. Xie Cangling's eyes lit up with a hint of joy, and she obediently nodded and went inside.

The girl wore a pure and elegant nightgown, her hair cascading down her back. Her overall style resembled a bright white flower, easily arousing others' protective instincts.

Duan Huaige thought for a moment and spoke first: "I'm sorry, Cangling, I didn't know Shuangjiang brought you here... You must be feeling very uncomfortable. How about I have someone from the Celestial Master's Mansion send you away tomorrow..."

"No."

"what?"

The girl lowered her head, and her voice, barely audible, finally became a little clearer. She whispered, "I don't want to go back..."

"I didn't come here because Qin Shuangjiang brought me; I wanted to come here on my own."

"I'd like to see if I can help you, Huai Ge." Xie Cangling gently raised her head, her eyes firm, and said, "Although I may not be as beautiful or outstanding as Qin Shuangjiang, and may not be able to share your burden... but... maybe there's something I can do?"

"Even if it's just a little bit, I'll be very happy as long as it can help you, Huaige."

Duan Huaige was silent for a moment, then couldn't help but chuckle, "Who said you're useless? Your very presence is a great help to me."

"To be honest, when I first saw you coming over in your pajamas with a teddy bear, I thought you were going to warm my bed for me."

Duan Huaige's intention was simply to crack a joke and lighten the mood, but to his surprise, Xiao Xie's eyes lit up, and he asked, somewhat eagerly:
"Can I warm your bed for you, Huai Ge? ...Really?"

Duan Huaige: "..."

No, sis, do you really know the meaning behind the term "warming the bed"? You can't just warm the bed like that, honey!

He subconsciously glanced at Qin Shuangjiang, who was a few rooms away, fearing that the girl might be lying by the window trying to set up a sting operation.

Xie Cangling has, after all, formed an alliance with Qin Shuangjiang, so it's hard to guarantee she won't pull this trick!
After a careful search, Duan Huaige found no trace of the King of Qin's ambush and breathed a slight sigh of relief. He then turned his head and met Xiao Xie's hesitant gaze.

Hmm? On another note, I've already triggered three bed-warming scenarios: Xiao Jiang's affectionate touch, Yan Wang's affectionate touch, and Qin Wang's affectionate touch. Logically, shouldn't it be my turn for the socially awkward one now?
(End of this chapter)