Chapter 585: Ten Deaths Without Life Realm

A single "Brother" almost made Luo Leilei keel over from sheer revulsion.

Her shoulders trembled uncontrollably; she seemed on the verge of laughter. Yet, the goosebumps covering her body brought a stronger sensation: disgust.

"Xu Xiaoshou, you finally got what was coming to you!"

Watching Xu Xiaoshou, utterly powerless under the oppressive influence of the Senior Storyteller, Luo Leilei felt a mix of pity and, surprisingly, satisfaction. She knew how incredibly resourceful this young man was. It was true at Tianxuan Sect, and it remained true after entering the White Cave and even the Storyteller's ancient tome space. But now, with his identity exposed, he was completely suppressed in front of the Storyteller, unable to even make a ripple.

"Ah…"

The Storyteller beamed, highly pleased by the address. After basking in the moment for a long time, he finally spoke, "Well then, little Wen Ming, since you're so eager to know, I'll tell you."

"Outer Body Incarnation…" The Storyteller exhaled a warm breath, his voice filled with allure. "Want to learn?"

"No!!!" Xu Xiaoshou nearly had his soul scattered on the spot. His ears even turned red, though he didn't know why. But could he truly utter that "no"?

"You don't want to learn?" Seeing Xu Xiaoshou hesitate, the Storyteller's expression suddenly hardened. He emphasized, "This is an Outer Body Incarnation that only a Half-Saint might grasp. I think highly of you, which is why I want to teach it to you!"

"Yes…" Xu Xiaoshou was on the verge of tears, saying helplessly, "I… *ptooey!* I really want to learn…"

Luo Leilei nearly spat out a mouthful of blood. What had she just heard? Xu Xiaoshou, almost homogenized?

"Mm-hmm, that's more like it!" The Storyteller finally released Xu Xiaoshou's shoulders, turned around, and with delicate steps, moved to stand before him. "I knew you secretly wanted to learn, but for me to teach you, there's a prerequisite…"

"What prerequisite?" Xu Xiaoshou asked.

"You must come with me." The Storyteller extended a slender, jade-like finger and poked Xu Xiaoshou's chest, his red lips parting slightly as he said, "I know Brother likes you very much, but now, I like you very much too."

"So, if you want to learn, you must promise to come with me eventually. As for later… you mustn't be led astray by Brother, understand?"

Seeing the man in the red dress about to press close, and feeling the binding force completely undiminished, Xu Xiaoshou couldn't even take a step back. He could only try to lean his soul backward, asking with difficulty, "Brother, who? The Eighth Sword Immortal?"

The Storyteller's close-pressing motion suddenly paused, and a hint of amusement appeared in his eyes. "You rascal, it's come to this, and you still dare to bait me for information?"

"Do you really think I've forgotten what you just did?"

"Uh…" Xu Xiaoshou's face stiffened, as if he had no such intention at all. He asked again, "Baiting? I'm just curious." He continued, his gaze shifting to Luo Leilei, "Don't you want to know why I lasted longer than Tears in Two Rows? It's because I met an uncle earlier who gave me a manual."

Luo Leilei's face darkened. Before she could speak, the Storyteller's interest was clearly piqued.

"What manual?"

"The Classic of Sword Contemplation!" Xu Xiaoshou finally detected a normal person's curiosity in the Storyteller's gaze, feeling a sense of relief and deliverance. He continued, "That uncle saved my life. Seeing my extraordinary talent, he gave me an ancient text, which was the Classic of Sword Contemplation."

Having said this, Xu Xiaoshou pursed his lips and remained silent, his gaze still fixed on Luo Leilei. But his hidden "Perception" continued to observe the Storyteller's reaction.

"Classic of Sword Contemplation…" The Storyteller's eyes showed confusion. "The Classic of Sword Contemplation created by the Eighth Sword Immortal?"

"Yes." Xu Xiaoshou nodded, a hint of surprise in his heart. Could it be that he had guessed wrong? That slovenly uncle and the Saint Slave Chief weren't the same person?

"What does he look like?" The Storyteller frowned. Clearly, at this moment, the matter of "Brother" had superseded all his other concerns.

"Slovenly, long hair, covered in grease, and dragging a large sack…" Xu Xiaoshou described, observing the reaction. Seeing no significant feedback, he pondered for a moment, then added, "Eight fingers, and a large scar on his neck."

The Storyteller's pupils subtly trembled. If not for Xu Xiaoshou's keen "Perception," he wouldn't have even noticed this tiny detail. He immediately checked his information panel.

"Suspected, Passive Points +1.""Noticed, Passive Points +1."

Suspected? Xu Xiaoshou was startled. What did this mean? What was the Storyteller suspecting? Suspecting the truth of his words? Or was he suspecting the identity of that slovenly uncle? Or, because of his words, did he now suspect his so-called "Brother"?

"You're lying to me!" the Storyteller suddenly stated with certainty.

"No." Xu Xiaoshou immediately shook his head like a rattle-drum, his eyes earnest. "I, Xu Xiaoshou, never lie!"

"*Ptooey!*" Luo Leilei, standing nearby, spat in disgust and anxiously warned, "Senior Storyteller, absolutely do not fall for his tricks! If nine and a half out of ten of this guy's sentences are true, that's already a miracle!"

Xu Xiaoshou's forehead creased with annoyance. Trying to set him up, huh! You little brat, just make sure you don't end up alone where I, Xu Xiaoshou, can catch you! Or you'll regret it!

"Hehe…" The Storyteller's eyes swirled, his interest growing even stronger.

"Liked, Passive Points +1.""Liked, Passive Points +1."

Xu Xiaoshou saw these messages and was utterly dumbfounded. As expected, the next second, the Storyteller spoke, "Little brother, I'm becoming more and more curious about you."

"Alright then." He paused, pondering, "I can let bygones be bygones regarding previous matters. You don't have to worry about me killing you."

"But, there's just one condition!" The Storyteller held up a single finger.

"You release me first," Xu Xiaoshou immediately interjected, not even waiting to hear the condition.

The Storyteller raised an eyebrow.

*Poof.*

Ripples lightly spread through the void. Xu Xiaoshou instantly felt as if he was once again recognized by the Heavenly Dao.

*Whoosh!*

He took a step, directly flashing dozens of yards away.

"Don't run, you won't escape!" The Storyteller's eyes narrowed into a smile. "But if you really want to play eagle catching chicks, I'll play along with my life, you know!"

"Anticipated, Passive Points +1."

Xu Xiaoshou was tempted to use "Disappearance Art" to turn invisible and get away from the area. However, he wasn't sure about the Storyteller's specific abilities. Compared to Night Watch, this guy was far too troublesome. "Disappearance Art" might protect him for a moment, but not for long. If the other party truly had the ability to pinpoint him… being caught would only be a matter of time.

"I'm not running." Xu Xiaoshou exhaled, surveyed his surroundings, and mused, "I just prefer to have my own personal space."

The Storyteller's eyes held a smile. Dozens of yards was, to him, just a step away. Since Brother's Wen Ming wanted to maintain distance, he would grant that respect. He wiggled the finger he had held up.

"One condition."

Xu Xiaoshou felt overwhelmed and could only ask, "What condition…" He shifted his gaze to Luo Leilei. "If it's that condition you mentioned at Tianxuan Sect back then, then I'm sorry, I, Xu Xiaoshou, cannot accept it."

"What did you say?" The Storyteller turned his head to look at Luo Leilei.

Luo Leilei had a headache. She replied, "It's what you want to ask, Senior."

The Storyteller's gaze sharpened. The temperature of the world began to drop. It wasn't an ice attribute, but a chilling killing intent that descended, making even the Heavenly Dao tremble in silence.

"I'll give you a chance to reconsider," the Storyteller said, lowering his eyes. "Remember, only one chance."

"I…" Xu Xiaoshou was speechless for a moment. His reason told him he couldn't act tough anymore. But… he couldn't do it! If he really had to go with the Storyteller, he might as well fulfill Night Watch's wishes and return to the Red-Robed Prison for a while. Being next to this red-dressed pervert, who knew what terrible things might happen? What if his integrity was compromised?

But refusing… Xu Xiaoshou was caught in a dilemma. How he wished something unexpected would happen at this moment, like a meteor falling from the sky to smash the Storyteller to death. How could someone be like this? How could someone be so terrifying? What kind of freaks and oddballs did this "Saint Slave" organization recruit anyway!

"Your brother said he wouldn't force me to go; he respects me very much." A thought flashed, and Xu Xiaoshou offered an alternative.

But the Storyteller was unmoved. "Brother is Brother, and I am I."

"Right now, it's not his business; it's *my* interest in you." Tilting his head, the Storyteller smiled. "How have you considered it?"

Xu Xiaoshou fell silent. Going with the Storyteller was impossible! But if not… Fight? Xu Xiaoshou's hand touched his chest. Even when facing Night Watch, he hadn't summoned A-Jie. But now, he seriously doubted if A-Jie, even if summoned, could contend with the Storyteller. This guy wasn't Night Watch; would he hesitate to blow up the White Cave in a fight?

Clearly… no!

"Mama…" A-Jie's soft hum echoed, seemingly sensing "Mama's" panic. This was an emotion he had rarely felt before.

"Don't move." Xu Xiaoshou communicated with his spiritual sense, reassuring, "Don't worry, you don't need to come out now. He won't kill me."

"Mama…""Comforted, Passive Points +1."

A warm current flowed through his heart. Xu Xiaoshou clutched the stone-like A-Jie and looked at the Storyteller. "May I ask, what realm are you currently in?"

The Storyteller's interest deepened. "You want to fight me?"

At this moment, even Luo Leilei's heart tightened. She recalled Xu Xiaoshou's words from Tianxuan Sect back then. "My world, I will see for myself, even if… I'm covered in wounds?"

"Senior Storyteller!" Luo Leilei immediately sent a telepathic message: "You absolutely cannot kill him! He is someone the Chief thinks very highly of. If you kill him, then…"

The Storyteller cast a calm, indifferent glance back. Luo Leilei's voice cut off abruptly.

It's over… It's over! How did it come to this? Xu Xiaoshou was not only favored by the Chief, but he was also Senior Wuxiu's disciple. Senior Storyteller, please don't! But despite her desperate desire to intervene, the Storyteller's casual glance made Luo Leilei realize that she had no right to speak in this place. The superficial meekness and coyness were a facade; the Storyteller, in essence, feared no one! How could he lightly give up on someone he had taken an interest in?

"Worried, Passive Points +1."

"No fight, no fight." Xu Xiaoshou waved his hands repeatedly. "I'm just curious… overly curious, I guess."

The Storyteller's attitude toward the young man before him was countless times better than it was toward Luo Leilei.

"Dao Slashing," he said with a smile, answering the question. "Peak Dao Slashing."

Xu Xiaoshou didn't believe it. "Night Watch of the Red Guard is also Dao Slashing. Why do I feel you're so much stronger than him?"

"No need to flatter me," the Storyteller said, looking refreshed. "That old fellow didn't dare to undergo the Nine Deaths Lightning Tribulation. I did."

"How many tribulations?"

"All of them." The Storyteller answered readily, but Xu Xiaoshou's mind went blank. If he had truly undergone all Nine Deaths Lightning Tribulations… then the Storyteller was only half a step away from the Grand Void realm?

Xu Xiaoshou was instantly disoriented. This was almost the closest he had ever been to the world's strongest realm. Not counting those distant, embarrassed Saints who could only communicate with him across several planes, nor the Saint Slave Chief, who was half-crippled and in a dying state. The Storyteller was in his full, peak condition! How could a mere Innate realm practitioner like himself contend with such a person?

After weighing his options, Xu Xiaoshou still wanted to struggle. "If I, this junior, were to foolishly ask for some guidance, would Senior Storyteller be merciful enough to go easy on me?"

Luo Leilei's forehead instantly broke out in cold sweat. Is he suicidal?! Xu Xiaoshou, are you insane?!

"Stopped, Passive Points +1."

Xu Xiaoshou, however, completely disregarded Luo Leilei's gaze and met the Storyteller's eyes directly. The Storyteller's eyes once again filled with appreciation and deep fondness.

"How do you want me to go easy on you?"

"Is one move enough?" He suddenly shook his head. "That's too little. How about this: I'll let you make the first moves until you're tired, then it'll be my turn?"

Xu Xiaoshou's body instantly bristled with goosebumps. While quietly contemplating "Textile Mastery" and communicating with the rules of this White Cave world, he wiped cold sweat and said, "No, what I mean is, Senior, could you let me run first, and then after a while, you can chase me?"

The Storyteller let out a soft laugh, then covered his mouth, saying, "You're so amusing."

"Run?" He tilted his head, pondering for a moment, then his expression suddenly turned serious. "If you want to run, why are you communicating with the Heavenly Dao? Are you trying to follow your previous method in the ancient tome space and blow up the White Cave?"

With a wave of his hand, Xu Xiaoshou instantly felt that the Heavenly Dao rules he was communicating with were directly blocked. This time, even "Textile Mastery" seemed to have failed. No matter how he tried to immerse himself, he could no longer perceive the rules of this world.

Banishment… A word that perfectly fit his current state popped into Xu Xiaoshou's mind. He was powerless. If he couldn't even detonate the White Cave, how could he escape this predicament? This was simply impossible… A death trap! A death trap with no chance of survival!