Chapter 2257: Friends and Foes
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Why are you still pretending to be pure and innocent? It turns out that you are not even a virgin.”
“Fairy Shadowless is one of the most beautiful female creatures in Celestial Court. Even if she lost her virginity to Supreme Saint Ruochen, she is still worth it.”
…
Hearing all kinds of scurrilous, sarcastic, and teasing remarks, Lian Xi felt so humiliated that her mind almost collapsed. She wanted nothing more than to self-detonate her Sainthood Source and perish together with this group of Immortal Vampire Supreme Saints.
However, Supreme Saint Xueqi, Lord Canghu, and Lord Bei were all in Hundred-Shackle Realm. While they used the Blood Qi to form chains to bind her, they also suppressed the circulation of the Saint Qi in her body and restrained her spiritual power.
Her desire to die was a wild wish.
She finally understood why they all said that if she fell into the hands of Infernal Court cultivators, she would suffer a fate worse than death. She looked at the Immortal Vampire Supreme Saints in front of her. All of them looked as if they wanted to devour her. Their eyes were blatantly filled with l.u.s.t.
Although the words that Xue Tu said were unpleasant to hear, perhaps that was the dark and cruel reality that she was about to face.
If she really became a s.e.x slave alternately used by different Infernal Court Supreme Saints. She wouldn’t be able to die if she wanted to. She wouldn’t be able to escape if she wanted to. She didn’t dare to imagine how much of a commotion this news would trigger among Celestial Court cultivators if they knew about this.
If the cultivators of Soul Realm knew, how would they look at her?
‘Wh-Why…’
Lian Xi felt bitter. At the same time, she didn’t understand why so many Immortal Vampire Supreme Saints would gather in a city of Infernal Court?
‘How can the force of Infernal Court be so terrifying?
‘If I say that I’m Zhang Ruochen’s woman, will they spare me?
‘However, Zhang Ruochen has just entered Supreme Sainthood not long ago. Even if he is now one of Infernal Court cultivators, he’s only a Supreme Saint with the lowest rank. It is impossible that his words can sway the decision of these three Hundred-Shackle Realm Supreme Saints.’
After the fight, Lian Xi clearly realized that no matter how powerful she was when she was a Saint King, after becoming a Neverwilt Realm Supreme Saint, it was impossible for her to defeat a Hundred-Shackle Realm opponent.
Hence, she perceived that even if she claimed she was Zhang Ruochen’s woman, that could not change the situation.
Zhang Ruochen stood on the periphery. His eyes were indifferent. He watched everything quietly and did not go forward to stop them.
He had long expected that Xue Tu alone could not suppress the four Celestial Court Supreme Saints. The reason why he left Xue Tu alone to guard them was actually intentional.
It was to let them escape from Vastsea Manor.
Zhou Zhen and Shentu Yunkong had secrets that Zhang Ruochen wanted to know. If Zhang Ruochen interrogated them, they would rather die than spill the beans.
Only by letting Immortal Vampire Supreme Saints teach them a lesson could they realize their current situation and the cruel reality.
Then, they would be more obedient.
There were very few Supreme Saints and deities who were not afraid of death.
The key was whether it was worth dying.
If there was still a chance to live, even if there was only a sliver of hope, who would be willing to die?
Besides, the scarier thing than death was being tortured and humiliated in some ways worse than death.
Xue Tu’s eyes darkened. “Why are the three of you still imprisoning Fairy Shadowless? Do you really think that my senior brother is kind enough to let this slide? Do you still want to partic.i.p.ate in Celestial-Hunting Festival after humiliating his woman?”
Defeating the Three Top Elites of Bloodskly Clan and suppressing the six Supreme Saints of the Mara family had caused Zhang Ruochen’s reputation to rise.
In Bloodsky Clan, who would dare to challenge him?
Who wouldn’t be afraid of him?
Lord Canghu did not sound tough as before. His tone softened. “These Celestial Court Supreme Saints barged into the Divine Domain of Destiny. They should belong to whoever captured them.
“Of course, if Fairy Shadowless is really the woman of Supreme Saint Ruochen, I will definitely give him face. However, as you can see, Fairy Shadowless has never said so.”
Lord Bei said, “That’s right! If she is really the woman of Supreme Saint Ruochen, we will definitely give him face. It is only right to let her go.
“However, we have been arguing here for so long. Regardless of whether it is Supreme Saint Ruochen or Fairy Shadowless, neither of them expresses their stance.
“So if we let her go just like that, it will put our reputation at risk.”
Lord Canghu and Xueqi Supreme Saint both nodded their heads.
Lian Xi was quite surprised. She didn’t expect Zhang Ruochen to have such influence over Infernal Court. Even the three Hundred-Shackle Realm Supreme Saints had to give him face.
She could not bring herself to claim she was Zhang Ruochen’s woman. Moreover, what if she said so but Zhang Ruochen denied it, wouldn’t she become the laughing stock among Infernal Court cultivators?
Zhou Zhen couldn’t bear the pain. “I’m… I’m Zhang Ruochen’s friend. We have a deep friends.h.i.+p… You can’t… You can’t do this to me…” His voice was feeble, his tone sad.
The Hundred-Shackle Realm Supreme Saint, who had twisted Zhou Zhen into the shape of Braided Ribbon Twist1 to drink Zhou Zhen’s blood was called Huo Duan. He was shocked upon hearing that.
‘This fellow is actually Zhang Ruochen’s friend!’
Zhang Ruochen wasn’t someone ordinary cultivators could offend, so the Hundred-Shackle Realm Supreme Saint withdrew some of his power and asked, “Are you really Supreme Saint Ruochen’s friend?”
“Yes, I am,” Zhou Zhen said.
Seeing Zhou Zhen yield, Zhang Ruochen smiled and walked out of the crowd.
As soon as the Hundred-Shackle Realm Supreme Saints saw Zhang Ruochen appear, they were all moved. Their expressions became stiff. They were worried that Zhou Zhen and Lian Xi really had close ties with him.
Huo Duan withdrew all his Blood Qi and put Zhou Zhen back on the ground.
Zhou Zhen’s cultivation was high after all. Hence, his tattered body recovered quickly with the help of the 60th level spiritual power. However, he had lost a lot of blood. His face was pale, his breath weak.
The moment Zhou Zhen saw Zhang Ruochen, his eyes were apprehensive. He didn’t dare to look directly at Zhang Ruochen.
He had been tortured to the point of breaking down just now, so he had no choice but to shout Zhang Ruochen’s name. But now, he was worried that Zhang Ruochen would expose his lies in public.
However, unexpectedly, Zhang Ruochen reached out his hands and help Zhou Zhen up. He said with concern, “Brother Zhou Zhen, are you okay? Are you hurt badly? This is an Earth-Grade healing pill. Take it first.”
Zhou Zhen was confused. He didn’t know what Zhang Ruochen was up to.
However, he had no other choice now. He took the Earth-Grade healing pill. After a slight hesitation, he swallowed it.
Huo Duan was extremely nervous. He quickly walked up and said carefully, “Supreme Saint Ruochen, I didn’t know he was your friend. I just saw him disturbing the order of Bingsi District. That’s why I…”
Zhang Ruochen waved his hand, “No need to say more. This time, it’s not your fault. Remember, this spiritual power Supreme Saint is the current-gen leader of Formation Sect. His name is Zhou Zhen. He’s my bro.”
Exclaim came from surrounding cultivators.
“Formation Sect is the pilgrimage place for Celestial Court cultivators practicing arrays and formations. It has produced many powerful High-Saint Array Masters and Archsaint Array Masters. I didn’t expect him to be the leader of this generation. No wonder he’s so hard to capture.”
“Zhou Zhen, I’ve heard of his name. He’s a prodigy.”
“How can he be mediocre since he is Supreme Saint Ruochen’s bro?”
…
Hearing the discussions of the crowd, Zhou Zhen didn’t smile at all. On the contrary, he was about to cry.
He already understood that this was Zhang Ruochen’s evil plan.
He believed that this matter would soon be reported back to Celestial Court and Formation Sect.
At that time, no matter how he explained, it would be useless. There was no way things would go back.
Even if he went back, he would probably be locked up and never be able to make it out of the prison alive.
Gaunt, on the other hand, with his neck tied up and dragged along, roared in rage. “Zhou Zhen, you conspired with Zhang Ruochen since a long time ago. No wonder Zhang Ruochen let you go during the battle in Central Imperial City. It was you who leaked our plan to Zhang Ruochen!”
Shentu Yunkong, whose body had been cut in half, fell. “Traitor! Coward!”
Zhou Zhen’s face was bitter. He wanted to deny it, but seeing the ferocious looks of the Immortal Vampires around him, he could not do so.
Lian Xi was shocked. Zhang Ruochen seemed to have a high status in Infernal Court. Even a Hundred-Shackle Realm Supreme Saint had to bow to him.
At this moment, Zhang Ruochen’s eyes were fixed on her.
Lian Xi wanted to lie like Zhou Zhen, telling them she was Zhang Ruochen’s woman. so she could suffer less. However, the dignity and unyielding will within her were resisting her thought.
Some words could not be said, not even over her dead body.
Zhang Ruochen clearly saw this. He glanced at Supreme Saint Xueqi, Lord Bei, and Lord Canghu. A powerful Saint aura burst out from his body. He snorted coldly, “How dare you. Release Lian Xi immediately.”
Supreme Saint Xueqi, Lord Bei, and Lord Canghu all thought that Zhang Ruochen was really angry. They were terrified. They quickly withdrew the chains and retreated to the side.
As soon as the three chains disappeared, Lian Xi immediately mobilized the Saint Qi in her body, wanting to self-destruct.
However, the next moment, Zhang Ruochen held her delicate body tightly in his arms. He put one hand around her slim waist and caressed her face with the other.
His gentle appearance made all the cultivators present think that Fairy Shadowless was really Zhang Ruochen’s lover.
However, Lian Xi was in great pain. The Saint Qi that was originally circulating was forcefully suppressed by Zhang Ruochen. At the same time, an even more powerful force surged out of Zhang Ruochen’s body and completely sealed her Sea of Qi and Saint Heart.
Gaunt was extremely angry and howled, “I knew it! I knew it!” He said, “You B*tch, you surrendered to Zhang Ruochen’s tyranny.
“Otherwise, how could it be that coincidental when we were in Central Imperial City?
“It was you… You and Zhou Zhen who betrayed us.”
Lian Xi’s beautiful face showed signs of struggle, but she couldn’t say a word because of Zhang Ruochen’s suppression.
Although she was unwilling to accept Zhang Ruochen’s scheme, deep in her heart, she felt relieved.
The reason why she felt so conflicted was that it was better to fall into Zhang Ruochen’s hands than those Immortal Vampire Supreme Saints.
Moreover, this was Infernal Court.
She probably couldn’t find a safer place than Zhang Ruochen’s embrace.
Of course, she was shocked as soon as that thought appeared in her mind. She quickly cleared it out.
She was a n.o.ble beauty depicted on Portrait of the Nine Beauties, a talented beauty, the future ruler of Soul Realm. How could she belittle herself like this?
“If you don’t want to give up your life and want to survive, come with me. In Infernal Court, only I can save you and allow you to preserve your most basic dignity. You’re a smart woman. You should know what to choose.”
Zhang Ruochen held Lian Xi’s waist and stared at her.
Lian Xi’s heart trembled slightly as she met Zhang Ruochen’s eyes. She felt a majestic pressure in his eyes that made her unable to breathe.
In the end, she had to close her eyes and lean into Zhang Ruochen’s arms.
Zhang Ruochen nodded in satisfaction and walked toward Vastsea Manor. Suddenly, he turned around and stared at Xue Tu, “Gaunt and Shentu Yunkong aren’t my friends. Instead, we have a deep grudge against each other. Help me teach them a lesson. Bring them to me only when they are tamed. Remember, I want them alive.”
Xue Tu was delighted. “Can I devour their Saint Blood?”
“You have full authority,” Zhang Ruochen said.
“Don’t worry, Senior Brother. I’ll take care of them.”
Xue Tu had felt sullen recently. He finally had a chance to vent his anger and display a Supreme Saint’s dignity.
Returning to Vastsea Manor, Zhang Ruochen looked at the devastation in front of him. He narrowed his eyes and said, “Zhou Zhen, you’re a brilliant High-Saint Array Master. It shouldn’t be a problem for you to change and restore the environment, right?”
Zhou Zhen said nothing.
He suppressed his resentment, and his eyes were cold. He wanted to take this opportunity to launch a sneak attack on Zhang Ruochen.
However, he thought that the success rate of the sneak attack was too low. Moreover, even if the sneak attack succeeded and killed Zhang Ruochen, he would not be able to escape.
Even if he escaped, it was unlikely that he could return to Celestial Court.
‘What should I do?’
Zhou Zhen hesitated for a long time and smiled. “It’s a small matter. Leave it to me.”
While Zhou Zhen was restoring the environment and buildings of Vastsea Manor, Zhang Ruochen let go of Lian Xi. With his hands behind his back, he stood tall and firm. He said, “Do you know why I saved you?”
Lian Xi stood in front of him, her eyes as cold as ice. She said, “I didn’t ask you to save me.”
“No, deep in your heart, you want me to save you,” Zhang Ruochen said.
“Why don’t you kill me and give me a quick death? I’ll be grateful to you.”
“Coward,” Zhang Ruochen said.
“What did you say?”
“I said that you’re too weak and your spiritual will is not firm. When you encounter adversity, you would only want to die. A cultivator like you, no matter how talented, is useless. Your future achievements are limited.
“Whether you live or die, you won’t have any impact on the world.”
Of course, Lian Xi was not satisfied with Zhang Ruochen’s evaluation of her. When she was about to speak, Zhang Ruochen continued.
“Those who have the potential to attain G.o.dhood will never give up. Even if you are in Infernal Court and suffer all kinds of torture and humiliation, your heart should never waver. Instead, you should just take this as a test to make you stronger.
“Can you do it? No, you can’t take it. In other words, you are a coward. You have no courage to face such adversity.”
Lian Xi was even more dissatisfied. She wanted to refute, but could not open her mouth.
Zhang Ruochen continued, “Let’s go back to the first question. Do you know why I saved you?”
“Why?”
“Because you’re my captive. Everything about you belongs to me. Even you should live or die, I should be the one who decides.” Zhang Ruochen’s eyes were cold, filled with authority.
Lian Xi was so angry that her delicate body was trembling. But this time, she did not mention that she would rather die.
Perhaps Zhang Ruochen was right. Her state of mind was not strong enough. She should have seen today’s incident as a test, a test that would train her state of mind. As long as she could withstand it, she would have a more promising future.
By then, it would not be too late to seek revenge on Zhang Ruochen.
When the time came, she could even make the entire Infernal Court suffer.
Zhang Ruochen stared at Lian Xi with a satisfied expression. As long as she did not seek death, it would be his first step to success. Next, he would slowly conquer her and control her.
Lian Xi’s ability was not weak, so she was still of some use for the time being.
“Two out of these four Supreme Saints of Heavenly Realm and its allies no longer share the same stand. Their resolution is no longer as firm as before. In other words, it’s the time for interrogation.” Zhang Ruochen’s eyes were deep, his expression darkened.