Chapter 1240: Jianghu Swindler

Zu An's scalp prickled with dread. These women were far too clever; they could deduce clues from just a few words.

Facing the three women's scrutinizing gazes, Zu An was merely a fraction of a second away from being exposed. Fortunately, at that moment, Star Slave arrived with people to escort them.

With this brief moment of respite, he finally came up with an explanation.

He cleared his throat and replied, "There was a note hidden in this morning's pastries. It said that she had coincidentally obtained this intelligence and was warning me."

Yan Xuehen uttered an "Oh?" "Logically, only high-ranking officials in the royal court should know about this. How could she have gotten the information?"

Yu Yanluo explained, "Fox tribe members are always adept at social maneuvering and highly resourceful, maintaining good relations with various factions. Their intelligence-gathering capabilities are also well-known."

Yan and Yun nodded subtly. Yu Yanluo was more familiar with the demon race, so her judgment seemed reasonable.

"But I'm more curious why she would notify you, and in such a manner," Yun Jianyue looked at Zu An doubtfully. Having grown up step by step in an environment like the Demon Sect, she was sensitive to everything and felt that something was very wrong with this situation, though she couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

Zu An had already sorted out his thoughts and explained, "I suppose it's because I saved them yesterday, and she's returning the favor. The reason for notifying me this way was probably for her own protection, to prevent anyone from knowing she was the one who informed me. Her not coming out to see us off today was likely also to avoid suspicion, making other factions believe her relationship with us isn't that close."

After speaking, he felt a bit impressed with himself, thinking he was a genius for being able to make it all sound plausible.

"So that's how it is," the women sighed in unison. "Before, we thought Tu Shan Yu was being somewhat negligent, but now we realize we misjudged her. We must thank her if we get the chance next time."

After this episode, everyone gradually quieted down, and a strange silence settled inside the lizard carriage.

Yu Yanluo found an opportunity to discreetly tug Zu An's sleeve, then transmitted her voice through energy: "A'Zu, did I inadvertently offend them somehow? You must tell me, so I don't make a mistake without realizing it."

Zu An felt a bit awkward: "No, you're just overthinking it."

How could she be wrong? Ultimately, she was the one who became the scapegoat.

"No, there must be something," Yu Yanluo's brows furrowed slightly. She subconsciously looked at the two women. Ever since morning, when they greeted each other, she had felt their attitudes were off. At first, she hadn't thought much of it, but as more and more clues emerged, it became clear there was a problem.

Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue, who had been observing the two, instinctively turned their heads away, each silently scoffing, "They're whispering secretly again, probably flirting."

"Does this woman enjoy sneaking around so much?"

"And Zu An, this guy has no self-respect. Does he have to flaunt their affection in front of us?"

...

Fury points from Yan Xuehen +111 +111 +111...Fury points from Yun Jianyue +111 +111 +111...

Seeing a string of fury points in the backend, Zu An was completely baffled, but he dared not ask at that moment.

The atmosphere in the carriage remained extremely strange and tense for the rest of the journey. When they reached the next small town, Zu An quickly called for a stop to rest for a while.

Star Slave outside was somewhat puzzled: "We haven't even been out of Qingqiu City for half a day. Are we stopping so soon?"

Yu Yanluo cleared her throat: "Just stop when you're told to stop."

Yun Jianyue and Yan Xuehen also couldn't stand the strange atmosphere in the carriage and unanimously agreed to get out for some fresh air.

As the group walked along the town road, each lost in their own thoughts, Zu An quickly found a topic to break the awkward silence: "Oh, I seem to have seen many experts from various races along the way."

"Indeed. We noticed that in Qingqiu City earlier. At the time, we thought Qingqiu City was exceptionally open, which is why experts from all races flocked there, drawn by the fox women," Yun Jianyue, who initially didn't want to engage him, replied when the topic turned to serious matters.

Yan Xuehen also sighed: "Since the great war between humans and demons back then, it's been a long time since I've seen so many demon races."

Yu Yanluo initially wanted to ask if the two women had also experienced that brutal decisive battle, but recalling their strange behavior today, she swallowed her words.

*Hmph, if you're going to give me the cold shoulder, why should I bother trying to warm up to you?*

"Just now, I vaguely heard those demon races muttering about treasure maps and great treasures," Yun Jianyue said, always attentive and aware of her surroundings.

"I noticed it too, but it seems many people have a map-like object in their hands. It would be strange if it really were a treasure map," Yan Xuehen naturally didn't believe it. If there were truly a great treasure, the map would be extremely precious, so how could everyone have a copy?

"Tu Shan Yu seemed to have mentioned that some things recently happened in Qingqiu Country that required her to stay and handle. Did she tell you anything?" Yu Yanluo also ignored the two women and looked directly at Zu An.

Zu An's smile instantly froze: "No..."

Before, the two of them had been too focused on their "private conversation." Even when they did discuss topics, they were related to the royal court and super-grade aptitudes.

If he had known, he would have asked her then. Given their current relationship, she certainly wouldn't have kept it from him.

"Come one, come all, esteemed customers, take a look! This is a treasure map I coincidentally acquired. It contains immense opportunities, and perhaps the next lucky person will be you!"

"For just ten taels of silver, you could become the chosen one and obtain an unparalleled serendipity!"

"Ten taels of silver buys you no loss, no deception! Can't even afford ten taels? You poor wretch!"

...

Hearing a grumbling voice, the group exchanged glances. The voice was familiar; it was none other than the chubby Daoist priest Wu Liang, who had previously been a fortune-teller.

The group followed the sound and quickly saw Wu Liang passionately hawking maps to passersby, spitting as he spoke.

Today, he wasn't carrying his "Half-Immortal Wu" banner, nor was he wearing his Daoist robes. Instead, he wore a dog-skin hat, looking entirely like a street vendor.

He made his rounds, and many people walked away grumbling, but quite a few were willing to spend ten taels of silver to try their luck. This way, he had successfully sold quite a few along the journey.

The group was dumbfounded: "This guy really is a con artist!"

As Wu Liang was immersed in counting his silver, someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder. He instinctively turned around: "Ah, looking to buy a treasure map... Oh, it's you all!"

Zu An said with a half-smile, "Daoist priest, have you changed professions?"

Wu Liang's face remained impassive: "The people here are too enthusiastic. As soon as they saw my Daoist attire, they wanted to give me offerings, and I couldn't refuse them. I didn't want to get too entangled with the karma of the mortal world, so I specifically changed my clothes."

The group was speechless. This guy was utterly spouting nonsense with a straight face.

"Then aren't you afraid of getting entangled in the karma of the mortal world by selling this 'treasure map' now?" Yun Jianyue sneered from the side.

Wu Liang sighed: "Even hermits need to eat. What's wrong with earning money through my own abilities?"

Everyone: "..."

At this moment, Wu Liang's eyes suddenly lit up, and he winked at Zu An: "You're glowing with good fortune, and your eyes show signs of romance. How did that romantic luck I told you about last time taste?"

Hearing his words, the three women, who had been sulking at each other, all looked at Zu An in unison.