Chapter 575: I Am Xu Xiaoshou

Xu Xiaoshou?Xu Xiaoshou again?Why is it always Xu Xiaoshou?!

At this juncture, everyone present couldn't help but feel an intense curiosity about Xu Xiaoshou, whom they had never met.

“Who exactly is he?”

Speculated, Passive Point, 17.Doubted, Passive Point, 3.

Even those unfamiliar with Xu Xiaoshou were practically itching with curiosity, desperate to unmask the invisible figure and get a good look.

As for those who knew Xu Xiaoshou...

Shouye was completely stunned. He had previously seen Yu Zhiwen beside Xu Xiaoshou, but only had a slight impression of her. He never expected that merely traveling alongside her for a short while would influence the girl to such an extent.

Was it good? Or bad?

“Wait.”

With his thoughts in turmoil, Shouye abruptly stopped himself. The immediate priority wasn't what had happened to Yu Zhiwen. Rather, it was whether the Xu Xiaoshou she spoke of was truly present. Or, was Xu Xiaoshou that very person?

“Miss Zhiwen...”

Shouye looked at the old man in the straw hat in the sky and spoke hesitantly. But as soon as he moved, Lan Ling flashed in front of him and stopped him. As a woman herself, she could clearly sense that Yu Zhiwen's emotions at the moment seemed off. This was unlike the intelligent young woman she had known, who was solely devoted to the Way of Heavenly Secrets. Instead, her words now were filled with emotion.

“Zhiwen, tell your elder sister, is Xu Xiaoshou truly here?” Lan Ling transmitted her voice softly, her gaze unconsciously drifting towards the old man in the straw hat in the distance: “What is his relationship with... that person?”

No one knew the answer. Even at this moment, no one dared to make a wild guess. Because a slight misstep could lead to complete annihilation. Meanwhile, the only person present who seemed to grasp something was currently suppressed by the terrifying aura of Saint Slave No. 2. It was as if another baseless word could lead to instant death.

Lan Ling's fingers moved slightly, and a spirit seal formed. But at this moment, she discovered with horror. She could no longer control the Heaven-Sealing Grand Formation! Even if she wanted to teleport Yu Zhiwen away, the grand formation completely refused to obey her!

“Xu Xiaoshou?”

Among those present, aside from the Red Clothes, the only one who could possibly control the Heaven-Sealing Grand Formation was Xu Xiaoshou, as spoken of by Yu Zhiwen. Had he made his move?

Startled, Passive Point, 1.

Xu Xiaoshou touched his straw hat with one hand, then lifted it with a wry smile. Then, with the back of his other hand, the one holding the sword, he scratched his scalp. Among everyone who was already stunned, no one noticed that in that single raising and lowering motion, the straw hat had already been swapped. The next second, fierce white flames ignited in his palm, which he had lowered and spread open.

“Puff, puff.”

A faint sound spread across the sky. The Red Clothes immediately focused their attention.

“Is he about to make a move?”“Is he planning to surrender...?”

Even the storyteller on the other side, who had countless questions to ask, but when the words reached his throat and he saw that display of white flames, he couldn't help but temporarily swallow his questions.

Feared, Passive Point, 19.

“Impressive.”

Xu Xiaoshou genuinely praised, “Your friend is indeed impressive; they've taught you so much. It seems their influence on you runs deep.”

No one noticed that amidst the raging white flames, a cuboid console lay flat. The Heavenly Pivot Console!

Xiao Ji, who had been secretly swapped and transformed back into the Chicken Sword, now inserted into the slot, was trembling uncontrollably in the terrifying high temperature. It felt like it was about to melt. But without Xu Xiaoshou's command, it didn't dare utter a single whimper. Everyone knew that this was a critical moment. If a slight mistake on its part were to put the Great Demon King Xu into a desperate situation, then Xu Xiaoji's life would soon be forfeit!

“Puff, puff...”

Xu Xiaoshou turned his head to look at the Heavenly Pivot Console in the flames in his palm. Daring to produce this item and control the Heaven-Sealing Grand Formation under everyone's gaze was purely due to the 'Disappearing Art'! When he had previously experimented with the 'Disappearing Art' in his Yuan Mansion space, Xu Xiaoshou had already realized that this awakened ability was similar to 'Ascension in One Step'. While it couldn't make others disappear, the latter also couldn't teleport others. However, awakened abilities inherently possess a unique characteristic pertaining to the wielder. Any spiritual object connected to the host, or with which a bond has been formed, falls within the scope of the awakened ability's effect after it's cast. This was true for 'Ascension in One Step', which could teleport his clothes along with him, preventing the embarrassment of being naked after instant transmission. The 'Disappearing Art' was also the same. Spiritual attire could disappear, his sword could disappear, and the Heavenly Pivot Console, which had formed a connection with him through the Chicken Sword underground, could also disappear.

However, the consumption of the 'Disappearing Art' was still immense. The fact that Xu Xiaoshou could produce this Heavenly Pivot Console meant that Yu Zhiwen couldn't remain here for much longer.

“This girl is too clever...”

Xu Xiaoshou felt a trace of bitterness in his heart. He considered Yu Zhiwen a friend. But sometimes, friendship isn't something anyone can easily declare or readily bear the responsibility for. Simple-minded fools like Xin Gugu, who charge forward recklessly without a care for their lives, were truly rare. If there were any, Zhou Tianshen was the only one. Yu Zhiwen, however, was different. She had her own background and her own affiliations. Just as he had realized when he resolutely decided to leave her back then. Some people are born with their destinies already sealed.

“Ultimately, you and I are merely strangers who walked together for a few days.”“And the Holy Divine Palace is your ultimate destination.”“But...”

Xu Xiaoshou felt a profound discomfort. He could understand Yu Zhiwen's actions. After all, if he were a member of the Holy Divine Palace, he would undoubtedly do anything to uncover the secret of the so-called 'Saint Slave No. 2' for the sake of the Red Clothes and his own faction, thereby ensuring his people's safety. But understanding was one thing. Objectivity and subjectivity were entirely different feelings.

At least.

“This feels bad...”

An emotion, as if of betrayal, welled up uncontrollably. It lingered, impossible to shake off.

“I've lost.”

Xu Xiaoshou spoke with a nonchalant smile. His next words made everyone tremble with fear.

“Therefore, the game ends!”“You've won, but regrettably, while you were given the winning conditions, you didn't claim the spoils.”

The Red Clothes were immediately taken aback. While everyone was stunned, Xu Xiaoshou shook his head and sighed, “But the debts I have yet to collect have been outstanding for a little too long.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Lan Ling immediately realized something was wrong.

“Be careful!”

After a sharp shout, she pushed off the ground, about to dart towards Yu Zhiwen. But at that moment, light suddenly descended from the sky, instantly enveloping all the Red Clothes.

“Teleportation.”

With a whoosh, multiple sounds merged. The dozen or so Red Clothes were instantly separated again, each teleported to an extremely distant location.

“Zhiwen!!!”

Lan Ling's eyes were wide with despair. All the Red Clothes had been teleported away, leaving only Yu Zhiwen. It didn't take a genius to figure out who the old man in the straw hat's target was. But Yu Zhiwen couldn't die!

But...

Lan Ling stretched out a hand, and her feet stumbled in mid-air.

—Powerless!

The scene seemed to freeze in slow motion. Lan Ling stared blankly into the distance, her gaze completely unfocused. She had never imagined that a mere few miles, which she usually paid no mind to, would now become an unreachable distance.

As far as her eyes could see. Suddenly, Saint Slave No. 2 was no longer visible at his location. It was identical to the scene she had just witnessed. When he reappeared, he was already beside Yu Zhiwen.

The next second.

“Puff, puff.”

Flames surged skyward. White flames swallowed every scene in her vision.

“Run—!”

The moment the towering flames vanished, a faint, strained cry seemed to erupt from within.

Lan Ling froze.

Gone!

When the white flames were drawn back into the old man in the straw hat's hand, Yu Zhiwen had already vanished into thin air. The image of the three white skeletal Master-level beings instantly vanishing, body and spirit, after being engulfed by the white flames, replayed relentlessly in Lan Ling's mind at that moment.

“Yu Zhiwen, is she dead?”

Her heart instantly seized up. Lan Ling knew things had gotten serious. Dao Xuanji's disciple was dead? The Dao Palace Lord's niece was dead?

And...

That wasn't even the most important thing. What mattered was her final cry of “Run!” before her death... What did that mean?

At this moment, Lan Ling felt her mind had turned to mush, completely muddled. Earlier, when Yu Zhiwen had transmitted to her about a plan, she had mentioned the possibility of Xu Xiaoshou being present. She had expressed support. And in Yu Zhiwen's plan, if Saint Slave No. 2 didn't dare to answer her questions directly, it would implicitly be an indirect admission of Xu Xiaoshou's existence. Furthermore, if the other party's tone was defensive, or an attempt to dissociate their relationship, that would further prove that Xu Xiaoshou and Saint Slave No. 2 actually shared an inexplicable, entangled bond.

And the most terrifying, most unbelievable speculation was this: if Saint Slave No. 2, enraged by the questions, were to make a move prematurely, even demonstrating the ability to control the Heaven-Sealing Grand Formation... Perhaps it wouldn't just be that Xu Xiaoshou might be present. But rather... Saint Slave No. 2 was Xu Xiaoshou!

In fact, by the time events had progressed to that point, even if Yu Zhiwen hadn't said anything, Lan Ling had vaguely understood something. Saint Slave No. 2's prolonged inaction, his deliberate failure to overwhelm her and others with his terrifying aura, and other small details and behaviors... Was it because he didn't want to, or because he couldn't? This question wasn't just in Yu Zhiwen's mind. Lan Ling had also thought of it! In fact, according to Lan Ling's own speculation, it was almost certain that this Saint Slave No. 2 was also fake. Without Yu Zhiwen needing to say anything more, she only needed to observe Saint Slave No. 2's reactions for a while longer to decide whether to make a move.

But... What did that cry of 'Run!' mean then?

At this very moment, Lan Ling was truly baffled. According to her and Yu Zhiwen's deductions, if Saint Slave No. 2 were to make a move out of anger, directly ending the game, his chosen target would still be the weakest person present – Yu Zhiwen. In that case, he would be Xu Xiaoshou, one hundred and twenty percent!

“But that cry of 'Run!'...”

Lan Ling swallowed hard, fear seizing her heart.

“Could it be that our deduction was wrong?”“Zhiwen, she... at the last moment, realized her deduction was wrong, and there was still an uncertain factor present that could prove...”“Saint Slave No. 2 is not Xu Xiaoshou?!”“Then wouldn't that mean...”

Lan Ling's spine instantly ran cold. “The person before us, whom the Red Clothes are about to face, is the second-in-command of the Saint Slaves at his peak, plus the seventh-in-command?”

“How could we possibly make a move against that?!”

“Heh heh heh...”

In mid-air, the old man in the straw hat, with his dry, peeling lips stretched into a sinister grin, cast an indelible shadow over everyone's hearts at that moment.

Xu Xiaoshou licked the corner of his mouth. With a flick of his wrist, he revealed the object in his hand.

“The Heavenly Pivot Console!!!”

Lan Ling went mad, screaming out without any regard for her image. The sight of the Heavenly Pivot Console further tangled her already jumbled thoughts into an unsolvable mess! The other Red Clothes still didn't know what this rectangular box was, but upon hearing her shout, looks of horror appeared on all their faces.

The Heavenly Pivot Console! Everyone had long heard of this item's infamous reputation. But why was this thing in Saint Slave No. 2's hands?

“You...” Lan Ling pointed, her finger trembling uncontrollably, unable to utter half a sentence. She was completely bewildered. The Heavenly Pivot Console was in Saint Slave No. 2's hands? The Heavenly Pivot Console was in Xu Xiaoshou's hands? Was Xu Xiaoshou Saint Slave No. 2? Was Xu Xiaoshou not Saint Slave No. 2? Why could Saint Slave No. 2 obtain the Heavenly Pivot Console? If Xu Xiaoshou was him, would he have the audacity to reveal the Heavenly Pivot Console? Or, was the Heavenly Pivot Console originally in the true Saint Slave No. 2's hands, and Yu Zhiwen's deduction was completely wrong?

“Ugh.” Lan Ling clutched her head, pressing her thumb and forefinger hard against her temples, and her slightly protruding eyeballs instantly became streaked with red veins. She was baffled. At this moment, Lan Ling suddenly felt her brain capacity was insufficient.

“Lan Ling...” Xin flashed over, pressing close with concern. He could sense that everyone present, including Lan Ling, Saint Slave No. 2, and even the young girl Yu Zhiwen, were engaging in a way he simply couldn't comprehend... They were clashing! A full-blown, intense confrontation! But he couldn't discern...

“So, who has won now?” Xin looked at Shouye in bewilderment, asking with difficulty.

Shouye's face was equally bewildered. Earlier, when his judgment hadn't been interfered with, he still had some ability to think. But now... Even Lan Ling had gone crazy like this. What kind of answer could I, Shouye, possibly give? I, this old man, had already withdrawn from the battle a long time ago, you happy, clueless bald man! Damn, I'm so envious!!

“Se-second Brother...” The storyteller looked at his second brother, who was gazing at him with that calm expression while holding the rectangular box, and felt his mouth go dry.

Sure enough. Second Brother spoke: “Didn't you have a question you didn't finish asking earlier, wanting that young girl to explain it clearly?”“Isn't it just a 'Heavenly Pivot Console'?”“Didn't you see me using it underground before?”“What's with your reaction now?”“How were you speaking just now, let me think...” Xu Xiaoshou tilted his head, a reminiscent look flashing in his eyes.

The storyteller's legs went soft. “Second Brother, don't think about it, no need to think. I've always been on your side, rest assured.”“It's just, what's going on...” He pointed at the crazed-looking woman leading the Red Clothes, then glanced at the Heavenly Pivot Console, asking timidly.

Xu Xiaoshou snorted, looking at Lan Ling, who was being guarded by Shouye, Xin, and Hei Ming. He raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly, “What, did that young girl's cry before her death interfere with your judgment?”“How amusing!”

“Heh heh, heh heh ha ha ha...” Xu Xiaoshou seemed to recall the funniest joke, his laughter evolving from suppressed chuckles to uncontrolled, boisterous guffaws that echoed endlessly throughout this ancient book space. He suddenly reined in all his laughter, his face turning solemn and serious.

“Why aren't you inferring anymore?”“That's right, I didn't think of any of the things you've imagined. I am, after all, a mindless person.”“As you wished, whoever obtains the Heavenly Pivot Console can control the Heaven-Sealing Grand Formation, and that person is...”“What was that fellow's name again?” Xu Xiaoshou tilted his head, pondered for a moment, then realized, “Oh, right, Xu Xiaoshou.”“That's right, I am Xu Xiaoshou. I am exactly as you imagined. I... no, I am that young girl's friend.”

“Heh heh heh heh...” Xu Xiaoshou couldn't stop laughing again, even starting to wipe away tears with his sword hilt.

“Hahahaha, this is too amusing.”“Your thoughts are truly perfect, truly brilliant.”“I am Xu Xiaoshou!”