Chapter 974: Not Necessary to Try So Hard

Rushing to Emerald Bamboo Peak, Lu Ye saw Yiyi standing in front of his bamboo house, watching from a distance. Amber had also revealed its true form, crouching low and letting out a series of low roars and growls at the bamboo house.

Lu Ye focused his gaze, and his brow furrowed. This was because there were clear traces of numerous formations enveloping the bamboo house. This undeniably meant someone was inside! The activated formations suggested that Yiyi had likely tried to enter the bamboo house to clean, only to trigger the defensive arrays and be blocked.

Something wasn't quite right. Given his Second Senior Sister's Divine Sea Realm cultivation, it was implausible she wouldn't have noticed a trespasser. Therefore, if someone was residing here, it had to be with her permission. Yet, this was his spiritual peak and his bamboo house. Who could Second Senior Sister have allowed to stay here?

As Lu Ye pondered, a beautiful face appeared in the window on the second floor of the bamboo house. The occupant had clearly noticed the commotion outside and peered out. Their eyes met, and Lu Ye exclaimed in utter surprise, "My Lord?"

The person residing there was none other than Nian Yuexian, who had announced her intention to go into seclusion for a period. Amber instantly transformed into the size of a cat, its earlier imposing presence gone, now appearing utterly docile.

"My Lord, why are you here?"

Nian Yuexian looked at him and said, "I came here for secluded cultivation; I'm simply borrowing your space. I've already informed Shui Yuan."

Only then did Lu Ye understand. He quickly cupped his fist and said, "This subordinate was unaware. Please don't be offended, my Lord. I shall take my leave immediately!" With that, he beckoned to Yiyi and Amber, and they swiftly departed.

Lu Ye quickly understood. Since Nian Yuexian needed to go into seclusion, she required a quiet place. As a rogue cultivator, though Bing Province was vast, she had no other place to stay besides Haotian City. However, Haotian City was clearly unsuitable for her purpose. The Scarlet Blood Sect was the best choice. Apart from Shui Yuan, few disciples frequented this part of the sect, and with Shui Yuan there to oversee things, Nian Yuexian wouldn't be disturbed. She certainly hadn't expected to be disturbed by him and Yiyi today.

On second thought, Nian Yuexian seemed to have a particular fondness for his bamboo house. It had been the same back at Cangyan Mountain Pass; the very first bamboo house he built had been forcibly occupied by her. Now, she was once again usurping his space. The Ao Mountain region was vast, with no shortage of spiritual peaks, yet she insisted on choosing Emerald Bamboo Peak for her secluded cultivation. There was nothing he could do or say about it.

Upon returning to Shou Zheng Peak, Lu Ye found Shui Yuan busy in the small kitchen. Xiao Xinghe was assisting her, though it was evident he was unused to such chores, fumbling about but seemingly enjoying himself. Shi Junxin was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Third Senior Brother?" Lu Ye asked.

"He's gone fishing in Moon Lake," Shui Yuan replied casually. Disciples originating from the Scarlet Blood Sect held a particular affection for the Blood Red Trout found in Moon Lake. Just as Seventh Senior Brother did, Third Senior Brother was no different. Having been away from the sect for so many years, it was only natural for him to indulge in a treat upon his rare return.

"Seventh Senior Sister, I need some supplies!" Lu Ye stated.

This trip back to Ao Mountain wasn't truly a direct route. He had deliberately made a detour for this very purpose. While Lu Ye now had a steady, substantial monthly income from battle achievements, which was more than enough for his needs as long as he wasn't overly extravagant, his merit points were almost depleted. Although he didn't have a constant high demand for merit points, there were always specific times when they became necessary. For instance, the Divine Mechanism he had previously purchased from the Heavenly Mystery Treasury for his team required merit points, as did his daily cultivation method of "stealing heavenly secrets" by using spirit talismans.

Acquiring merit points was quite straightforward: he simply needed to sell more items to the Heavenly Mystery Treasury. When Lu Ye had twice extorted various major sects of the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge during the Spirit Creek battlefield, the collected resources, valued at tens of millions of merit points, had all been stored in the Scarlet Blood Sect's treasury. Now that he needed to access them, Shui Yuan naturally had no objections.

After receiving the jade key for the treasury's restrictions from Shui Yuan, Lu Ye proceeded with practiced ease, familiar with the route. The treasury was located within Shou Zheng Peak. Using the jade key to unlock its many restrictions, he entered a vast cavern, systematically filled with various cultivation resources and spirit artifacts. Lu Ye proceeded to gather what he needed from within.

Soon after, he exited the treasury and went to the Heavenly Mystery Hall, where he sold the items he had gathered to the Heavenly Mystery Treasury. His merit points visibly soared, and he only stopped when they neared a million. This substantial amount of merit points was more than sufficient for his use for a considerable period.

As night fell, seven individuals gathered in the small kitchen, enjoying Shui Yuan's cooking. Lu Ye and Lin Yinxiu exchanged toasts, and even Shui Yuan, who usually disapproved of her junior brothers drinking, partook in a few cups. Xiao Xinghe, unaware of his alcohol tolerance, joined in and quickly turned rosy-cheeked. Had he not possessed True Lake Realm cultivation, he would have long since collapsed. A joyous atmosphere prevailed.

Below them, Zhou Wang and the eight other captured individuals watched from afar, their eyes filled with envy. They recalled their past lives, and their hearts ached with bitterness. The feast finally concluded late into the night, and everyone retired to rest.

At dawn the next day, Lu Ye and the others were prepared to depart. Shui Yuan earnestly cautioned them, "Don't act recklessly if you encounter trouble. The old man is currently in Haotian City; if anyone dares to make things difficult for you, go find him."

"Understood, Seventh Senior Sister," Lu Ye and Lin Yinxiu replied in unison.

"Go now, and try to visit more often when you have the time," Shui Yuan said, waving her hand.

"Seventh Senior Sister, please take good care of yourself!" Lu Ye and Shi Junxin bowed together.

A moment later, Lu Ye transformed into a streak of light and soared into the sky. On Emerald Bamboo Peak, from the second floor of the bamboo house, Nian Yuexian watched silently. Only after Lu Ye disappeared from sight did she wave her jade hand, activating the surrounding formations and restrictions. She resumed her secluded cultivation.

***

Haotian City, Law Enforcement Department's minor hall.

It was a relatively quiet day, with fewer official duties than usual. Such a rare, leisurely day meant Qian Youdang naturally wouldn't remain seated in the Law Enforcement Department's hall all the time. He rose and walked out, intending to visit the Command Department to speak with Fan Xiangyi and air his grievances. He was truly suffering! Ever since Yinxiu had left, he frequently sent messages, but rarely received much in return. His heart remained unsettled, constantly worrying that she might be bullied or encounter an insurmountable foe outside.

As he passed the Hunting Pavilion, he paused, then turned and stepped inside. The portly old man was sound asleep at his desk, snoring loud enough to shake the heavens. A vein throbbed in Qian Youdang's forehead as he stepped forward and rapped on the desk. The portly old man finally looked up, eyes still heavy with sleep. Seeing Qian Youdang, he immediately huffed, "Disturbing a good dream for no reason—are you trying to be as annoying as Lu Ye?"

Qian Youdang, exasperated, let out a laugh. "Is that how you guard the Hunting Pavilion?"

The portly old man straightened up. "I've toiled my whole life and am now this old. All I desire is to live out my remaining years in peace, with no further ambitions. What, is Lord Lingzhou going to reward this old man for dereliction of duty? Come on, quickly send me to the prison for a few days to enjoy some solitude."

Qian Youdang, completely disarmed, retorted, "You weren't like this when you were young! Why are you becoming more eccentric with age?" Not wanting to bicker, he changed the subject. "Seriously, has that kid Lu Yiye not returned to turn in his mission yet?"

The portly old man looked greatly surprised. "Yinxiu is in his team; how could you not know his situation?"

Just mentioning that made Qian Youdang's heart twinge. Perhaps he had been too strict with Yinxiu for so many years. Now that she had tasted freedom, she was somewhat letting herself go, often not even replying to his messages.

"I, Lord Lingzhou, am asking you now!" Qian Youdang declared, adopting the authoritative demeanor of a Law Enforcement Department Lord.

The portly old man continued to needle him, chuckling. "Yinxiu doesn't want to contact you, does she? I told you long ago that girls shouldn't be raised that way; overprotecting them isn't good, but you wouldn't listen. That girl Yinxiu, she may seem well-behaved and docile, but deep down, she's just like her mother."

Qian Youdang turned to leave. The portly old man grabbed his arm. "What's the rush?"

"Old man, I have nothing more to say to you! Let go!" Qian Youdang snapped.

"I haven't finished yet. Weren't you asking about Lu Yiye's situation?"

Qian Youdang stopped struggling. "How is it?"

"There's nothing special to report. I haven't seen him recently."

Qian Youdang seemed to ponder. "So that means the mission he took last time hasn't been completed yet. The previous two times he finished them so quickly—was that simply pure luck?"

"It would seem so," the portly old man affirmed with a nod.

Qian Youdang nodded in understanding. "That's normal then. One's luck can't always be that good."

No sooner had he spoken than he turned his head to look outside, just as a familiar figure, saber slung across his back, stepped inside.

"Senior, I'm here to turn in a mission," Lu Ye said, walking into the Hunting Pavilion. He then looked surprised. "Lord Lingzhou, you're here as well."

Qian Youdang smiled. "Mission completed?"

"It's completed," Lu Ye replied, handing the task scroll he had taken previously to the portly old man.

"Not bad," Qian Youdang remarked. Ignoring the two previous instances where missions were completed in mere days, taking half a month this time was a normal rate of efficiency. He thought for a moment before advising, "You don't need to push yourself so hard. It's more important to focus on your own cultivation. Only with higher cultivation can you complete missions more effectively."

"Understood," Lu Ye replied casually, then asked the portly old man, "Senior, where are those task scrolls you brought out last time?"

"They're all here," the portly old man said, taking out the task scrolls. These were the kind of tasks that nobody ever asked for, so he had naturally kept them.

Qian Youdang's brow furrowed. He had just told Lu Ye not to push himself so hard, and now the kid was already preparing to take on more missions? He was practically ignoring Lord Lingzhou's advice! Just as he was about to advise Lu Ye to let Yinxiu rest for a few more days, he saw Lu Ye briefly examine the task scrolls, then hand them back to the portly old man. "I'm turning in the missions!" he declared.

The portly old man stared at Lu Ye, who stared back, their eyes locked for a moment in confusion. "What do you mean?" the portly old man asked, utterly bewildered.

"Senior, didn't you say last time that the targets for these missions could be apprehended first, and the mission handover process could be completed afterward? Is that no longer the case?"

The portly old man regained his composure, looking somewhat incredulous. "Are you saying you've apprehended all the target individuals listed on these?"

"They're all awaiting disposition at the prison," Lu Ye replied, giving a thumbs-up and gesturing ahead.

The portly old man turned to look at Qian Youdang, who was currently examining a report that had just arrived from the prison. Noticing the old man's gaze, Qian Youdang nodded slightly, his expression a mix of surprise and doubt. He had just been thinking that completing one mission in half a month was a normal rate of efficiency. But if eight missions were completed in half a month... that was anything but normal. How had the kid managed that?