Chapter 486: Two Birds with One Stone

Sang Hong was distraught. "But my son had no grudge against the Blood Tribe. Why did they kill him?"

Zhuxie Chixin replied, "The Blood Tribe kills without reason. They don't just target humans; even if they encounter a lone demon, their bloodthirsty nature will compel them to attack."

Sang Hong understood. Ultimately, his son had terrible luck, encountering a Blood Tribe demon.

"But why are the Blood Tribe here?" Sang Qian asked resentfully, biting her red lip.

"They probably don't want the Emperor to achieve immortality. Since the Demon Emperor has acted, I must report this to His Majesty as soon as possible," Zhuxie Chixin replied.

Sang Hong said, "I want to avenge my son first, and then I will surrender myself. I hope Lord Zhuxie will show leniency."

Zhuxie Chixin coldly stated, "No. I am responsible for bringing people like you to justice; I cannot let you leave. Furthermore, you are severely injured. Even if you encountered the killer, you would likely be no match for them and would only die in vain. Guards, shackle him."

Soon, an Embroidered Uniform Guard came forward and locked his hands with special shackles. Feeling his vital energy suppressed by the restraints, Sang Hong knew revenge was hopeless, and sorrow welled up in his heart.

"Father~" Sang Qian noticed her father's eyes were tearful. For so many years, her father had always been a tall and imposing figure in her mind, always in control and providing a strange sense of security. She had never seen him so helpless before.

Seeing the pitiful appearance of the father and daughter, Zhuxie Chixin frowned. "Lord Sang, you don't need to worry too much. Since there are remnants of the demon tribe, if I encounter them, I will deal with them for you."

Sang Hong's worry turned to joy. "Thank you, Lord Zhuxie!"

Zhuxie Chixin nodded and then ordered his men to shackle Zheng Dan as well. Clearly, he had done his research before arriving, knowing she was Sang's daughter-in-law and one of the wanted criminals.

Zheng Dan knew resistance was futile in front of so many masters. She hurriedly looked at Pei Mianman, but then glanced at Chu Chuyan nearby, hesitant to speak certain words aloud.

Pei Mianman smiled, guessing her thoughts. She transmitted her voice using vital energy: "Don't worry, I will definitely rescue Ah Zu."

Zheng Dan breathed a sigh of relief, her lips moving silently to mouth, "Thank you!"

Pei Mianman nodded at her. At the same time, she thought, *What's wrong with this Zu An? He's attracted so many women, and now I have to intervene on his behalf in front of his wife. How annoying...*

After the criminals on the list were apprehended, Zhuxie Chixin finally asked, "Where is Zu An?"

"He was captured by the Demon Sect Saintess and the Eight Great Rogue Cultivators. Not long ago, he was in an inn in the nearby town, but our rescue attempt failed, and we don't know his current situation," Pei Mianman replied. She thought, *Now, I can only rely on their power to rescue Zu An. Then, I'll take him away amidst the chaos. I hope everything goes smoothly.*

"What about Prince Liang and Liu Yao?" Zhuxie Chixin asked.

Sang Qian replied from the side, "They were previously attacked by Lu Sanyuan and his rebel army. The Embroidered Uniform Guards took Zu An and the others away amidst the chaos, so we don't know their whereabouts now."

"Hmph, they're useless." Zhuxie Chixin couldn't help but snort, clearly expressing significant displeasure.

The others were startled to hear this. Knowing that one was the Emperor's uncle and the other the Empress's uncle, his impolite evaluation showed how confident he was.

After confirming the direction of the town, Zhuxie Chixin hesitated, debating whether to head straight there or first contact Prince Liang's forces.

After all, the Demon Sect's adherents had likely already left the town, and more manpower would be needed for a thorough search. Therefore, it seemed safer to rendezvous with Prince Liang first.

Pei Mianman noticed his hesitation and suggested going ahead. "So many cavalry riding there would create too much commotion. It would be bad if we alerted them. I'll go to the town first and check the situation."

Chu Chuyan also said, "Indeed. I'll go with her. That way, we can look out for each other."

Zhuxie Chixin nodded. "That's fine, but don't say I didn't warn you. If you dare to secretly let Zu An escape, then the Chu and Pei families will suffer the same fate."

Chu Chuyan and Pei Mianman exchanged glances, seeing the worry in each other's eyes, but they agreed. "Alright!"

The two women then headed towards the town hand-in-hand. One was elegantly ethereal, the other a captivating beauty. Their combined figures from behind formed a breathtaking scenic painting, even making the disciplined Tiger Guards and Embroidered Uniform Guards stare in admiration.

Zhuxie Chixin let out a heavy snort, pulling his subordinates' attention back. He then turned to Sang Hong and his daughter. "Tell me in detail everything that happened along the way, especially how those Embroidered Uniform Guards died."

***

Before they knew it, night had fallen. At the Four Seas Inn in the small town, the Eight Great Rogue Cultivators had already purchased various supplies in town and returned to their rooms to rest after dinner.

Qiu Honglei went to Zu An's room. Since she wanted to find an opportunity to obtain the "Phoenix Nirvana Sutra," the other rogue cultivators had no objections.

However, remembering the rumors of Zu An being a playboy, they worried that this lewd fellow might truly act inappropriately towards the Saintess. So, they specifically sent one of the rogue cultivators to guard on the rooftop.

Rogue Cultivator Bing volunteered. He was quite displeased with Zu An after the previous battle, and combined with Qiu Honglei's ambiguous attitude towards Zu An, he absolutely would not allow anything to truly happen between them that would benefit that scoundrel.

He lay on the rooftop, somewhat smugly crossing his legs, and then pricked up his ears, paying attention to the situation inside the room.

Zu An saw Qiu Honglei enter and said, looking a bit embarrassed, "Isn't your sect a little too enthusiastic with guests? Not only do you offer company for meals and entertainment, but at night, you even send the Saintess to alleviate my loneliness?"

Rogue Cultivator Bing: "..."

Rage points from Rogue Cultivator Bing +358!

*This guy is truly detestable! When I return to the sect, I'll definitely tell all of the Saintess's suitors. When they find out you've been teasing their goddess like this, they'll surely flay you alive.*

Qiu Honglei gave Zu An an annoyed glance. "Sometimes I don't know whether to admire you or scold you. In this situation, you still have the leisure to make jokes."

*This guy really... he was so serious and solemn when burying those dead soldiers, and now he's all smiles and jokes again.*

"Living with a smile is one day, living with a long face is also one day. If that's the case, why shouldn't I live every day with a smile?" Zu An shrugged, answering indifferently.

Qiu Honglei's expression shifted, and she finally couldn't help but exclaim, "You are the most open-minded person I have ever met."

"Actually, I'm not as good as you praise," Zu An said, a little embarrassed. "Mainly, it's because I know you'll protect me. Since you're the Saintess of that sect, your status there must be extraordinary. With you covering for me, of course I'm not afraid."

Qiu Honglei shook her head. "My status in the sect isn't as high as you imagine. Ultimately, this is a world where strength is respected. I'm too young, and my cultivation is only at the sixth rank. There are countless masters in the sect; many don't truly regard me. I only maintain a superficial politeness with them because of my master."

"So, the only way for you to truly secure your place in the sect is to offer the 'Phoenix Nirvana Sutra' to my master."

Zu An snorted. "If I hand over that thing, I guarantee I'll die even faster."

Qiu Honglei explained, "I understand your concerns, so I thought of a win-win solution: have the Sect Master take you as a disciple. This would silence those who might accuse the Sect Master of seizing your 'Phoenix Nirvana Sutra,' while also ensuring your safety. With this identity, your future development within the sect would be much smoother."

Hearing her detailed plan, Zu An knew she was genuinely considering his well-being and not trying to trick him into giving up the "Phoenix Nirvana Sutra" like others. Although touched, he had no intention of joining the Demonic Sect. So he said with a smile, "Your Sect Master must be a lecher, right?"

"Huh?" Qiu Honglei was startled. "Why would you suddenly say that?"

Zu An replied, "Otherwise, why would she take such a charming and beautiful female disciple like you?"

Qiu Honglei's face instantly turned crimson. "What nonsense are you spouting? My master is a woman!"