Promise!

Chapter 217, Volume Two, Subduing the Tiger

Amidst the majestic mountains, a caravan drove by, the creaking of horse-drawn carriages echoing through the air.

One of the luxurious carriages was so quiet that one could hardly feel any vibration while sitting inside. Zhuang Jin sat cross-legged, closing his eyes to cultivate.

He carried the dried meat of the Windwing Thunder Tiger, along with a low-grade Black Yuan Pill made primarily of nearly a hundred-year-old Black Jade Grass, which allowed him to barely advance his accumulation of the third level of the Innate True Qi Realm by one or two steps.

Just as he finished another round of refining and it was time to rest, a melodious and clear voice came from outside: "Mr. Zhuang!"

This is Ji Tongxiu, the person in charge of the caravan, who brought over some snacks and fruits as he watched the time.

The Mu family needed a lot of resources to establish itself as a family and cultivate its loyal followers. Some of these resources had to be purchased in the state capital. The Ji family in the state capital had some kinship ties with the Mu family, so this order fell to the Ji family in the state capital... Zhuang Jin was just hitching a ride on the Ji family's merchant caravan.

Ji Tongxiu was the person in charge of the Ji family's caravan on this trip. She was at the second level of the Qi Refining Realm, making her the highest-level female martial artist Zhuang Jin had ever seen. She possessed the heroic spirit of a martial artist, the competence of a caravan leader, and the gentleness of a woman, all combined into one, giving her a unique charm.

"Put it down, thanks!"

Zhuang Jin had a good impression of this woman. She was quite capable and did not cause him any trouble or disturbance along the way. She was also very tactful and respectful, but she did not make him feel that she was out of line or annoying.

“Mr. Zhuang, we will be passing through Tiger Leap Gorge ahead. There is a Black Fiend Tiger, a beast in the Bone Forging Realm that migrated here due to the tide of primordial energy. It often blocks the road, but as long as you feed it meat and blood, it will not harm you. We may have to stop there for a while.”

Ji Tongxiu didn't dare ask Zhuang Jin for help; he just came over to ask for instructions.

"I understand." Zhuang Jin nodded lightly, without saying whether or not she would intervene.

"Then Tongxiu will go down first."

Ji Tongxiu turned around and took two steps.

"Cousin!" a young man in a brocade robe who looked to be about eighteen or nineteen years old called out and quickly came over.

This man was named Mu Bai, a cultivator at the Six Classics Realm. He was a distant nephew of Mu Yuantu. Originally from a county town under Huaihua Prefecture, he came here after hearing that Mu Yuantu had established a Xiantian family. Due to his age and the fact that he arrived a little late, he no longer had a good position in the Mu family, so he followed a merchant caravan to the prefecture city to make his way in the world.

By all accounts, Mu Bai and Ji Tongxiu are related in a roundabout way, so calling her "cousin" wouldn't be inappropriate. However, this guy clearly doesn't want to just be a cousin, as he's often seen fawning over Ji Tongxiu lately.

Seeing this, Zhuang Jin shook his head slightly and continued cultivating, but he silently reduced the presence of his embryonic breathing realm that he had originally displayed.

……

The convoy moved slowly forward, and from the air, a canyon could be vaguely seen in the distance.

"Pass on the young lady's order to check again to ensure the exotic beast meat is fresh. Do not make any mistakes."

"Let me repeat myself, if we encounter that Black Fiend Tiger later, do not make a move unless it attacks first. Even if there are so many of us, we might lose most of our men and still not be able to drive it away."

"Hey, you, Xiao Liu, hold onto your weapon tight... Never mind, put down your weapon and get out of here."

……

Not long after, as they passed Tiger Leaping Gorge, a sudden black wind arose, and amidst the flying sand and stones, a large tiger, about ten feet long, with a golden body covered in black stripes and a 'king' character on its forehead, fell to the ground.

The caravan was prepared, carrying out baskets of exotic animal meat.

"Roar!"

The black tiger roared and arrogantly lay down in the road to feast. Because the creature was blocking the way, the caravan had no choice but to stop and wait.

As is customary, once it has eaten its fill, it will naturally move aside and leave.

But today, the black tiger had only taken two bites when it suddenly sensed something, got up, pretended nothing was wrong, shook its rear end, and darted away, running faster and faster.

Just as the caravan members were wondering—

Swish!
A white shadow flashed by.

"Don't panic, everyone stop and rest, wait where you are." Ji Tongxiu's clear voice rang out, calming the caravan members.

……

"Roar!"

Not long after, the Black Fiend Tiger roared and quickly returned, stirring up a black wind as it fell from mid-air, carrying a figure on its back—it was Zhuang Jin.

He had already subdued the Black Fiend Tiger!
Zhuang Jin chased after it, revealing his cultivation aura, and then took out the dried meat of the Windwing Thunder Tiger. The Black Fiend Tiger obediently subdued it... just kidding!
The silly tiger thought it was going to be fed, so it licked its face and came closer, only to be slapped down by Zhuang Jin. It immediately became obedient and lay down with its tail between its legs.

Even if it lay down, the procedure still had to be followed. Zhuang Jin forced it to spar a bit, then threw it a piece of Windwing Thunder Tiger's exotic beast jerky to feed it, completing the 'carrot and stick' process.

"Roar!" The creature's voice instantly changed from fear to joy, indicating submission.

—It, the Black Fiend Tiger, would never submit to a two-legged beast… Well, such a powerful two-legged beast, providing food and lodging, isn't out of the question.

Zhuang Jin actually had some disdain for this Black Fiend Tiger, as it was far inferior to the Windwing Thunder Tiger.

However, the reason for still having some patience is that this Black Fiend Tiger is only at the Bone Forging Realm, and the meat of exotic beasts is useless to him. There is no need to add to the killing. On the contrary, as a mount, it can play a little role and make do. At the same time, it is also because the Wind Wing Thunder Tiger did not know the time and made up for the regret.

This black tiger was unaware that it was merely a substitute for a lower-ranking one, and it had a high opinion of itself. To outsiders, it certainly appeared majestic and imposing.

Especially when leaping across steep canyons, kicking up sand and stones, and casting large shadows against the light, Zhuang Jin, dressed in white, appears even more handsome and unparalleled. One can't help but exclaim, "What a fine young man in white!"

Zhuang Jin broke through to the Innate Realm at an extremely early age, and after that, he aged very slowly. Therefore, he still looks like a young man. The youthful spirit and calm and composed temperament he exudes are contradictory yet harmonious, which has an indescribable charm in the eyes of women.

For example, Ji Tongxiu paused for a moment when looking at Zhuang Jin in the light and shadow, as if she had thought of something and made up her mind. A blush appeared on her beautiful face.

"Please have the caravan feed my mount for a while. If there's no exotic beast meat, ordinary blood food will do. I'll pay you in silver."

"Mr. Zhuang, you flatter me. With this tiger traveling with us, the caravan will be spared countless troubles. How could we dare to accept any more money? We will certainly make proper arrangements for you."

Ji Tongxiu watched Zhuang Jin return to the carriage before giving orders and arranging various matters. Her command was decisive and orderly, and the convoy soon set off again. During this process, Mu Bai was like a diligent little bee, constantly buzzing around her.

Many people in the caravan looked at this scene with strange expressions.

As the head of the caravan, Ji Tongxiu was exceptionally capable and beautiful, and was considered a 'goddess' in their eyes. Although they dared not dream of having her, they did not want her to be taken away by anyone, especially someone like Mu Bai, whom they saw as a fledgling and a young man. Naturally, they did not find her very pleasing to the eye.

……

That evening, Ji Tongxiu came over, clearly having dressed up carefully. She had lightly painted her eyebrows, applied a light touch of makeup to her oval face, and changed out of her usual outfit into a lake-green dress with a pale yellow short coat. She had a faint fragrance that was like orchids and musk.

"Mr. Zhuang is of innate superiority. When he first arrived in the state city, he still had to complete the tasks step by step and upgrade his token. Of course, with your strength, you will not be stumped by this, but you will still waste your energy on this tedious matter... The Ji family is willing to help you complete the token upgrade task until you reach the Golden Carp level. At that time, you will only need to complete a Mystic Serpent level task and pass the realm verification to advance and obtain the Mystic Serpent Token."

When discussing state capitals, one cannot avoid mentioning the Suspended Heaven Bureau. The imperial court and the powerful families of various state capitals have built a rigorous system around it, using tokens to distinguish different ranks: Bronze Carp, Silver Carp, Gold Carp, Black Serpent...

—That's why, since using an alias was useless, Zhuang Jin didn't bother to hide anything.

The Innate True Qi Realm corresponds to the Mysterious Serpent Token. Obtaining the Mysterious Serpent Token allows one to be integrated into this vast system, gaining various privileges and standing at the top of the pyramid in the state city, thus enabling the implicit exploitation and oppression of martial artists below the Innate Realm.

"Oh?"

Zhuang Jin looked over and asked, "What do I need to give in return?"

"I only ask that after you obtain the Xuan Snake Token, you grant my younger brother a recommendation spot for this year's class of White Deer Martial Academy."

Bailu Martial Academy is the top-tier martial arts academy in Cangzhou City, and the only super-grade martial arts academy. Disciples from the three major families also begin their martial arts training there. Xuan She Token can recommend one person each year, which is one of the many privileges of Xuan She Token.

Zhuang Jin, having obtained this basic information through various channels including Teng Yuansong, the Shen family, the Mu family, and Mu Qing, remained noncommittal upon hearing it, secretly pondering: 'My original plan was to use the Teng family, where Teng Yuansong resides, as a starting point to help me accomplish some trivial matters. Now, having another option might not be a bad thing.'

The price to pay? The recommendation quota for this year's White Deer Martial Academy, the privileges attached to the Xuan Snake Token, is just one of the basic benefits, a benefit without cost.

However, this was nothing in Zhuang Jin's eyes. For first, second, and third-rate families below the Innate Realm, it was an unattainable opportunity. It can only be said that there is a huge mismatch in value between different levels. Just like how a tiny bit of Zhuang Jin's generosity could allow some relatives and friends below to defy fate.

Seeing Zhuang Jin's thoughtful expression, as if hesitating, Ji Tongxiu finally gritted her teeth, made up her mind, and let her pale yellow coat fall down, revealing her fair and slender shoulders. The enchanting atmosphere and the hazy night made one feel a restless and agitated feeling: "I am but a willow in appearance. If Mr. Zhuang does not mind, I am willing to be your slave."

Seeing Zhuang Jin's calm expression, she realized that he, who was usually poised and capable, had lost his composure slightly. His face turned as red as blood, and he stammered, "Mr. Zhuang, I am not a casual woman. I am still... still a virgin."

Her family had planned to arrange a marriage for Ji Tongxiu to a playboy from a powerful family, hoping she would gain a place at Bailu Academy. Ji Tongxiu was trying to avoid this by leading a caravan, but she knew she couldn't escape it in the end.

Since you're destined to make a choice, why not choose something better that you like?

She saw it clearly: this has always been the way of the world; power is only passed down through sex and blood.

Zhuang Jin's expression shifted slightly as she looked at the goddess in the hearts of everyone in the caravan, the white moonlight that Mu Bai could not obtain, who was now actively pursuing her. This was the charm of power!

"This is a transaction, I won't put any emotion into it, do you still insist on that?"

Having been away from the prefectural city for half a month, Zhuang Jin did indeed have this need. He wouldn't be indiscriminate in his desires or be controlled by them, but he wasn't pretentious either.

Seeing that Zhuang Jin had explained everything clearly and frankly, Ji Tongxiu's face paled slightly, but she nodded slightly: "Yes, Tongxiu is willing to act as a link between the two parties to show the Ji family's sincerity."

She had inquired about Zhuang Jin's character and knew that following him, even if there was no affection or formal status as he said, she would be endlessly grateful for any benefits he might offer.

Furthermore, there was something she couldn't say: the scene she witnessed during the day stirred her heart, and that stirring was worthwhile.

To put it more bluntly, Ji Tongxiu is somewhat superficial, and in this respect, Zhuang Jin is in the top 1%, not the kind of person that 99% of people would consider themselves to be in the top 1%.

"Then let's do it that way!"

Zhuang Jin beckoned, and Ji Tongxiu, suppressing her shyness, lowered her head and came over.

Amidst the rumbling of the carriage, some suppressed, plaintive voices rose up, and a passionate lovemaking ensued; the details of which need not be elaborated upon.

……

About half an hour later, Ji Tongxiu went out and encountered Mu Bai on his way back.

This was the first time Mu Bai had seen Ji Tongxiu dressed like this, especially under the bright moonlight tonight, she seemed even more charming, and his eyes widened: "Cousin, what's this?"

"I'm going to talk to Mr. Zhuang about some things."

"Oh, Lord Zhuang is a master of innate skill. My cousin's good relationship with him will be of great help."

Mu Bai didn't think much of it. In his mind, he subconsciously believed that Zhuang Jin was not of the same generation as him, so he didn't think it would matter. He pointed to the large bowl covered in his hand and said solicitously, "I caught a rabbit. I thought that my cousin had been working hard recently and had lost a lot of weight, so I stewed it for her to nourish her."

"No, I had some snacks last night and don't have much of an appetite. You can eat by yourself!" Ji Tongxiu shook her head slightly.

"That's okay too!"

Mu Bai watched Ji Tongxiu leave in a hurry after refusing, feeling a little strange, but he didn't think much of it. He shook his head and chuckled to himself, feeling that his cousin still cared about him and let him eat by himself. What else could this be but care?
……

In the days that followed, Mu Bai noticed some strange things: his cousin was less involved in managing the caravan; often, when he went to look for her, she wasn't there; after traveling overland, they switched to waterways and took a boat, and sometimes when he went to look for her in the cabin, he was stopped outside. Even though his cousin was clearly inside, she would say she had something to do and ask him to leave first...

However, his cousin seemed to be getting more and more beautiful and charming, which made him even more attentive. Although he could clearly sense Ji Tongxiu's rejection, he thought it was just a test and that he was still not patient enough. If he saw her smile unintentionally one day, he would be completely captivated and overjoyed for the whole day.

Some people in the caravan looked at him strangely, and sometimes someone would pat him on the shoulder as if they wanted to say something but hesitated. It was really inexplicable. It's just a pity that there is no such thing as a "green hat" in this world, otherwise many people would have been putting wild vegetables on his plate these days.

In fact, Mu Bai was not entirely unaware of the truth, but he simply refused to believe it, deceiving himself and finding pleasure in it.

……

Ten days passed quickly, and after switching between land and water routes, they finally approached the city.

……

(End of this chapter)