Chapter 105: Do You Want to Learn Dual Cultivation From Me?
Li Ran sat upstairs, observing the woman in black.
Her restrained spiritual energy and strong aura clearly marked her as a formidable practitioner.
The feeling she gave Li Ran was similar to Lin Langyue’s, suggesting that she, too, was at the peak of the Golden Core stage.
Such experts were rare in a place like Cold Wind City.
The woman seemed particularly interested in Lin Langyue’s beating. She casually tossed a few banknotes towards the stage, saying, “Describe how brutally Lin Langyue was beaten, in detail. The more detailed, the better. If you satisfy me, money is no issue.”
Her generosity attracted the attention of everyone present.
Though her face was concealed behind a veil, her graceful figure and her naturally seductive aura captivated the male patrons. However, none dared approach her—her imposing presence and lavish spending indicated she was not someone to be trifled with.
The old storyteller, thrilled by the woman’s tip, enthusiastically exaggerated the tale, describing how Lin Langyue was bloodied and disfigured, beaten beyond recognition.
The woman laughed delightedly, tossing more money at the old man.
Upstairs, Li Ran could only shake his head, amused.
Although he had indeed beaten Lin Langyue rather severely, her defensive spells and protective defensive Immortal Treasure had shielded her from most of the damage. Despite the internal injuries she may have suffered, her outward appearance wasn’t nearly as bad as the story suggested.
“It seems she holds a grudge against Lin Langyue,” Li Ran mused.
Beside him, Ah Qin, curiously watching the scene unfold, asked, “Holy Son, why is that woman throwing money onto the stage?”
Li Ran casually replied, “That’s called ‘tip’, She probably just has more money than she knows what to do with.”
“Oh,” Ah Qin nodded in understanding.
<+>
After finishing their meal, Li Ran and Ah Qin left the inn and continued strolling through the city. Li Ran was focused on gathering the materials he needed, while Ah Qin, experiencing her first real “shopping trip,” was full of curiosity about everything around her. The earlier tension had faded, and she now asked questions non-stop, her childlike wonder shining through.
“Holy Son, what’s osmanthus cake?”
“Let’s get a piece to try.”
“Holy Son, what’s spring silk cake?”
“Let’s get a piece to try.”
“Holy Son… hiccup…”
“Let’s get a piece to try.”
<+>
Whatever Ah Qin asked about, Li Ran bought for her, until her cheeks puffed up like a hamster’s from all the food.
“Holy Son, I’m too full to walk…” she said, clutching her stomach.
They had just eaten a full meal, and now, after consuming a variety of street snacks, she was feeling overwhelmed.
Li Ran, both amused and exasperated, said, “I bought these for you to taste, not for you to finish them all.”
Ah Qin shook her head earnestly. “The Holy Son bought them for me, so of course, I had to finish everything.”
Li Ran was speechless at her logic.
What a silly girl…
Seeing Ah Qin’s pale face, he realized she was genuinely uncomfortable.
While cultivators could refine food into spiritual energy, it still took time for the body to process it all.
He remembered how even he, a Golden Core stage cultivator, had felt stuffed during his date with his master.
Ah Qin, being a mere Foundation Establishment stage cultivator, would naturally have an even harder time.
“This is my fault,” Li Ran admitted, rubbing his forehead. He noticed a teahouse nearby and said, “Go rest in there for a while. I’ll come back for you soon.”
“Okay…” Ah Qin nodded, reluctant to leave his side but too uncomfortable to keep walking.
After settling her in the teahouse, Li Ran cast a tracking spell on her to ensure her safety, then left to continue his shopping.
<+>
Bang!
The door to the teahouse was kicked open as several men barged in. Dressed in black, they exuded arrogance, their heads held high as they strode in.
“Where’s the boss?”
“Coming, coming! Please, come in!” the teahouse owner greeted them with a forced smile, recognizing them as cultivators from a sect—people far beyond his ability to offend.
The men sat down, ordering loudly, “Bring us your best spiritual tea!”
The owner hurried to prepare their order while the men began chatting among themselves.
“Hey, what’s taking the Saintess so long just to eat?”
“She’s not just eating; she’s listening to a storyteller. The story was about Lin Langyue getting beaten, so she’s probably enjoying it.”
“Lin Langyue? What kind of grudge does the Saintess have against her anyway?”
“No idea, and I don’t dare ask…”
Just then, one of the men spotted something out of the corner of his eye. “Hey, stop chatting and look over there!” he said excitedly.
The others followed his gaze and saw a woman sitting by the window, resting her chin in her hand as she gazed outside. Even just her side profile was enough to make their hearts race.
“Her aura… her physique… she’s a perfect candidate for dual cultivation!”
“That natural seductive charm… she’s definitely practiced some dual cultivation techniques!”
“And she’s only at the Qi Refining stage? If we bring her back to the sect, the sect leader will definitely reward us!”
Excited, the men stood up and approached her.
<+>
Ah Qin, sensing the danger, grew nervous as the men surrounded her.
“W-What do you want?” she stammered.
The leader, flashing a lecherous grin, said, “Young lady, I can tell you have great potential. How about learning some dual cultivation techniques with us?”
Ah Qin, realizing their intentions, shook her head vehemently. “No! The Holy Son will be back soon. You should leave before it’s too late.”
“The Holy Son?” The man sneered. “What sect are you from?”
“From the Hidden Gauze Sect,” Ah Qin said earnestly. “The Holy Son is very powerful. You shouldn’t mess with me.”
The men exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.
The leader shook his head. “Of all the sects you could’ve named, you chose the Hidden Gauze Sect? Everyone knows their cold-hearted leader forbids any romantic or dual cultivation practices. No way you’re from there!”
“If you’re from Hidden Gauze Sect, then I’m the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion’s Head Disciple!”
Growing impatient, one of the men said, “Why waste time? Let’s just take her!”
With that, they lunged at Ah Qin. Having anticipated this, Ah Qin quickly retreated and leapt out the window.
The men immediately gave chase, but Ah Qin, though lacking combat skills, had been taught some self-defense techniques by Li Ran.
Using a footwork technique, she darted through the crowded streets like a fish in water, keeping ahead of her pursuers.