Chapter 970: Give Me Down

"I'm very attractive..."

Xu Xiaoshou's jaw dropped.

It was insane. How could a mere Grandmaster like himself be worth such a high price?

"Senior, you wouldn't go as far as to kill me for this, would you? I doubt even the 'Saint Source Essence' could tempt someone of your stature to act," Xu Xiaoshou said, genuinely panicked.

The Water Ghost stared at the young man for a good ten breaths, a half-smile and a hint of mockery on his face, before finally smiling and saying, "Of course, I wouldn't kill you for this; after all, I'm a good person. But you should know, the greatest purpose of a bounty notice is 'counter-intelligence'!"

Xu Xiaoshou looked thoughtful.

The Water Ghost continued, "According to unofficial statistics, roughly seventy percent of high-level bounty targets across the continent often die not at the hands of assassins, but at the hands of their own family and friends. You're clever; you should understand what I mean."

*Where did these statistics even come from...?* Xu Xiaoshou instinctively wanted to retort but, sensing the warning in the Water Ghost's words, he didn't joke around. Instead, he asked, "Senior, do you mean I should be wary of my own people?"

"Better safe than sorry," the Water Ghost chuckled, pacing. "I have my own path to sainthood, but some people have been trapped in the Grand Void realm for far too long. Sometimes, their inner demons drive them to take desperate risks, and one must be prepared for that."

"Who should I be wary of?" Xu Xiaoshou suddenly felt danger lurking everywhere. The deterrent power of this bounty notice was too strong; he felt that even Storyteller, Cen Qiaofu, and others might "take desperate risks."

"As for who to be wary of, you should know best yourself."

The Water Ghost didn't directly answer, but changed the subject:

"Anyway, I've given you the necessary warnings. Three Incense hasn't issued such a major bounty in decades, or rather...

"There have been major bounties, but the targets were either Storyteller or Bazun An.

"The former is elusive and possesses countless life-saving abilities, while the latter, with just the title 'Eighth Sword Immortal,' is enough to deter the world from acting.

"You're different!"

The Water Ghost stopped, his voice dropping as if in a threat. "You are the most realistic wanted criminal: weak in strength, yet with a high bounty... Any assassin knows this is an opportunity. They can't get Bazun An and the others, but capturing you? All they need to do is wait for a chance."

Xu Xiaoshou exhaled deeply.

It sounded like a threat, but upon closer thought, it was anything but.

This was the stark reality!

He really had been too reckless, pushed to the forefront of attention.

And with his current cultivation level, resisting animosity from all directions would be incredibly difficult; even a slight misstep would lead to total defeat.

"Who issued this bounty notice? This is such a grand gesture, not something an ordinary person could manage."

Xu Xiaoshou's mind worked quickly. He knew that since he couldn't resolve these unknown troubles himself, it would be better to directly confront the source of his problems.

As long as he dealt with that "culprit," assassins, knowing they wouldn't get the bounty, would naturally not move against "Saint Servant Xu Xiaoshou."

After all, the prefix "Saint Servant" in "Saint Servant Xu Xiaoshou" was still very intimidating.

"Night Owl."

The Water Ghost seemed to have extensive connections, giving a very definite answer. Pointing to the bottom of Lone Sound Cliff, he said, "It's right down there. With the 'Forbidden Spell Barrier' interfering, perhaps this is your best chance to solve your problems."

Xu Xiaoshou was stunned to hear this and looked down.

*I can't just jump off this cliff, buddy!*

*You're a water ghost, but I'm a living person. If I go down there, won't those big shots tear me to pieces?*

Even knowing that the Forbidden Spell Barrier was there, "Body Refinement" and "Sword Dao" were likely his greatest reliance.

But who among the people down there was simple?

No matter how strong his Sword Dao was, he wasn't stronger than Rao Yaoyao.

No matter how strong his Body Refinement was, he wasn't stronger than Wang Dachui, the Head of the Body Division, or Teng Shanhai's Azure God Armor, the Head of the War Division.

Last time, he managed to snatch a Divine Spear from Teng Shanhai using holy blood and holy statues. But once he entered the Forbidden Spell Barrier, without the holy blood, in a sense, the bottom of Lone Sound Cliff would affect him more than it would those powerful figures!

Xu Xiaoshou decisively dismissed the Water Ghost's suggestion, turning his gaze to ask, "May I ask, what price would it cost to ask for your assistance just once, Senior?"

The Water Ghost froze for a moment.

He had completely not expected Xu Xiaoshou to want to enlist his help.

But then again, this was indeed the best option for the young man.

After all, he had just demonstrated his ability to act freely within the "Forbidden Spell Barrier."

However...

"The price to enlist me is something you probably can't afford," the Water Ghost shook his head.

"Senior, if you don't say, how would you know I can't afford it?" Xu Xiaoshou's voice was full of confidence as he spoke.

He was adept at getting something for nothing.

At worst, he could use a favor to ask Bazun An for help, have Bazun An assist the Water Ghost, and then, through the Water Ghost, eliminate Night Owl.

That way, he would only owe Bazun An one more favor.

As for why he said "one more"...

Last time, Xu Xiaoshou had already incurred a debt by saving the people from the First Tower in Heaven at the Spirit Palace Auction.

People are like that: when debt-free, they think highly of themselves and believe their favors are extremely valuable.

But once they incur debt and realize they can't repay even a powerful figure's favor with their current abilities, then more debt doesn't feel like a burden.

What's more, Xu Xiaoshou had realized that Bazun An had secretly used him far too many times.

That old scoundrel was too cunning. Since he couldn't resist him currently, he had to learn to use him in return. After all, it was about reciprocity.

Hearing this, the Water Ghost burst into laughter:

"You can't enlist me!

"I'm merely a nominal member of the Saint Servants; I never do anything. This is the first time in over thirty years I've acted for Bazun An.

"To enlist me, he paid an exorbitant price—something you, at your current stage, can never provide."

"But I do look forward to the moment you grow stronger. Perhaps then, you can give me what I desire."

Xu Xiaoshou couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "What price did he give you?"

"An answer," the Water Ghost replied, his response unexpected.

*An answer...* Xu Xiaoshou thought back to the White Cave, when he met Bazun An in front of the spatial rift on Void Island.

It seemed many powerful figures in this world were searching for "answers" but could never find them, yet Bazun An always seemed able to provide this "answer."

*Is it because he's better at bluffing than I am...?* Xu Xiaoshou mused.

The Water Ghost smiled, as if guessing the young man's thoughts, and said:

"You should know, at my level, I have everything: power, fame, strength. I lack nothing.

"Even achieving sainthood, for one who has mastered the Water Elemental profound concepts, is but a fleeting thought away. Therefore, what I desire completely transcends all worldly things.

"As for Night Owl..."

He suddenly paused, then chuckled ruefully:

"I have connections in both the dark and light paths. Not to mention Bazun An, the Holy Divine Temple owes me far too many favors as well.

"Just Night Owl alone, I could make him repay three unfulfilled favors at very little cost to myself.

"But if I were to kill Night Owl for you, it would mean cutting off my own connections.

"After all, Night Owl isn't the only one from the Holy Divine Temple who owes me favors."

At this, the Water Ghost spread his hands and stared at Xu Xiaoshou's head, saying mockingly, "So, if I sold you, you wouldn't even be worth one ten-thousandth of this price. What reason do I have to act on your behalf?"

Xu Xiaoshou was dumbfounded.

*What kind of person is this?!*

*He operates in both the dark and light paths?*

That sounded even more explosive than Bazun An's title of "Master of the Dual Black and White Veins."

*Such a person could be moved by just an "answer" from Bazun An?*

*Hmm, perhaps only such abstract "answers," completely detached from the inherent value of tangible goods, could afford the price of enlisting the Water Ghost's help...* Xu Xiaoshou thought to himself.

The Water Ghost firmly rejected Xu Xiaoshou's request for help, then walked directly to the edge of the Lone Sound Cliff ruins, gazing at the vast sea of clouds, and said, "Second matter."

"Please speak, Senior." Xu Xiaoshou followed behind him, having also given up on the idea of enlisting the Water Ghost's help. It was indeed too expensive.

The Water Ghost gazed far across the expansive cliff scenery and began:

"The second matter is actually an explanation.

"Bazun An asked me to tell you that this time, he was indeed the one acting, using your identity to gather all parties here.

"For his scheme, you endured pressure that you, at your cultivation realm, should not have had to bear.

"Simply put, he used you. He's also very frank; he said he's very sorry."

Xu Xiaoshou was utterly stunned.

*That's it?*

*That's all? That's all?*

*Do you know I almost died on Lone Sound Cliff? If I hadn't had the quick wit to kick Shouye off the cliff, I wouldn't have been able to successfully sneak past Rao Yaoyao... Otherwise, I'd have been dead long ago!*

*After all that, it turns out that dog Bazun An was truly behind everything?*

"Are you saying my presence here was his arrangement?" Xu Xiaoshou asked, filled with both annoyance and anger.

"Yes," the Water Ghost nodded, chuckling. "Strictly speaking, he had me use the Holy Emperor's spiritual sense to guide you here. Not just you, Ye Xiaotian and Gu Qing'er also came this way." He jiggled the Holy Emperor Dragon Scale.

Xu Xiaoshou was speechless for a moment, his thoughts surging like a mountain torrent and a tsunami.

*Wow, how frank of you!*

*With you being like this, how am I supposed to deal with your frankness?*

*Should I just strike you down?*

*Sorry, my current strength doesn't allow for that!*

"So?" Xu Xiaoshou suppressed the urge to lash out, constantly reminding himself that impulse was the devil, and for a gentleman, revenge was a dish best served cold.

A hint of amusement reappeared at the corner of the Water Ghost's lips as he said, "Bazun An said he's very sorry, and he asked me to tell you that your previous use of him to save the situation is now cleared. From now on, you owe him nothing."

Xu Xiaoshou: ???

*That's it?*

*That's all? That's all?*

*You old scoundrel, Bazun An, your calculations are truly clinking loud!*

*Not even compensation, and even the apology has to come from someone else's mouth! That's simply too insincere!*

"Hah... Hah..."

"Hah... Hah..."

Xu Xiaoshou's face turned pale then green with anger, as he continued taking deep breaths to calm himself.

The Water Ghost turned his head, asking knowingly, "What are you doing?"

Xu Xiaoshou choked up again, thinking, *You Water Ghost, you're full of bad intentions too.* He stopped his actions and sneered, "I'm breathing, can't you see?"

The Water Ghost paused, this blatant answer momentarily rendering him speechless.

At this moment, Xu Xiaoshou suddenly turned his gaze and stared directly at the golden mask on the Water Ghost's face until the Water Ghost felt inexplicably confused and was about to say something.

Xu Xiaoshou spoke.

As if he suddenly understood why the Water Ghost couldn't comprehend his simple act of breathing, he reached out, pointed at the eye-socket area beneath the Water Ghost's golden mask, and very calmly stated, "You have eye boogers."

The Water Ghost: ???

His eyes widened instantly. He couldn't quite believe that this junior in front of him dared to speak to him like that.

"Received Suspicion, Passive Point +1."

"Received Glare, Passive Point +1."

"Received Locked On, Passive Point +1."

Three messages instantly popped up in the information bar, indicating just how shocked the Water Ghost was.

Xu Xiaoshou, as if terrified by the other's gaze, retreated repeatedly, shrinking back and humbly saying, "My apologies, Senior. I'm used to being straightforward, and I merely stated a fact. If what I just said offended you in any way..."

This humble posture successfully dispelled the Water Ghost's anger.

Just as the Water Ghost decided to let the minor offense slide, Xu Xiaoshou stopped, straightened up, and said with a perfectly calm expression, "I'm very sorry."

*Click.* The Water Ghost instantly turned to stone, as if suddenly drained of all moisture.

His indignation flared up instantly. He knew Xu Xiaoshou was retaliating for his own recent words and actions, as well as Bazun An's arrangements.

But to be mocked so by a junior, the Water Ghost found it hard to maintain his composure.

His finger twitched slightly.

Just then, the Water Ghost saw Xu Xiaoshou, as if pulling out a protective charm, retrieve an "Eight Character Token" from his spatial ring. He turned his head away, but his hand subtly clutched and wiggled the token.

The Water Ghost: "..."

He was so exasperated he found it amusing.

"When did Bazun An give you his token?" The Water Ghost suppressed the urge to strike, though he was deeply startled by this token. It was a very clear sign of an heir!

"A long time ago," Xu Xiaoshou said, staring into the air and whistling softly twice.

"Heh!" The Water Ghost was irritated by the young man's behavior, but finally let go of his anger. He knew this youngster had every right to be annoyed after being played by him and Bazun An.

To dare to vent his frustration directly was already quite courageous.

His offense deserved punishment, but his courage was commendable.

*Never mind.*

*I won't bother with him.*

"Third matter." The Water Ghost dismissed the current topic, no longer wishing to discuss it.

"Please speak, Senior." Xu Xiaoshou put away the token, thinking, *You little rascal, I can't kill you, but can't I at least infuriate you to death?*

"Bazun An says you're growing too slowly. He has an opportunity for you, but it comes with a tiny bit of risk, and he wants to know your thoughts," the Water Ghost calmly stated.

*An opportunity?*

*A "tiny" bit of risk?*

Xu Xiaoshou hesitated. *Was this another cunning trick?*

*Besides, I'm growing so fast already, and still considered slow?*

*It's only been a few months, and I'm already a Grandmaster! With the right timing and circumstances, my combat power is almost at the Dao Cutting stage, and my bounty is already the highest black-gold tier. And this is still slow?*

*Do you really think everyone in the world is like you, Bazun An?!*

"I don't want it," Xu Xiaoshou said, shaking his head decisively.

The Water Ghost let out an emotionless scoff and calmly said, "He said he knew you'd refuse; you never fall for his traps."

"Huh?" Xu Xiaoshou had never seen such a brazen person, who could so frankly admit to "setting traps."

He was momentarily choked by the Water Ghost's words, thinking, *Sure enough, it's all cunning schemes!*

"Look!"

At that moment, the Water Ghost suddenly pointed to the sea of clouds between the cliffs, his eyebrows raised in surprise, and said, "It's this thing!"

*What thing?*

Xu Xiaoshou instinctively turned his gaze, only to see nothing but white clouds and shifting mist in the sea of clouds between the cliffs.

Just then, a message popped up in his information bar.

"Received Sneak Attack, Passive Point +1."

At the same time, the Water Ghost's aura erupted violently, and he swiftly drew back his right leg, lashing it forcefully towards Xu Xiaoshou's back.

"You little brat, am I someone you can mock like that? I originally intended to be gentle with you, but now there's no chance for that...

"Now get down there!"