Chapter 76

A male fairy…

The term used by the Melon-Eating System nearly made Ning Su think she was Tang Sanzang.

Tang Sanzang was always surrounded by seductive female demons. But she was just a little Qi Condensation cultivator.

Ning Su didn’t touch the plum blossom cake in front of her. Instead, she took out a plate of almond crisps from her storage bag.

These were snacks specially made for her by the Innocent Cultivator.

She gave Supreme Furnace a polite smile. “I prefer these.” A gentle but firm rejection.

Supreme Furnace smiled and said nothing more.

【Tsk tsk tsk, the Innocent Cultivator looks a little pleased.】

【That puppy’s smile is so pure and innocent. Compared to that, Supreme Furnace’s smile is full of schemes!】

Ning Su: …Isn’t that a bit biased? That has to be biased, right?

From the very beginning, the Melon-Eating System had labeled Supreme Furnace as a schemer. And now it was using the same term again.

Ning Su took a sip of tea, listening idly to Elder Wu and the Goddess chatting, while asking the Melon-Eating System, “What do you mean?”

【With a physique that rare, and the ability to keep it hidden for so many years without anyone finding out—how could he not have some tricks up his sleeve?】

【He’s flirting with the Goddess while still trying to win your favor. Maybe he’s already seen your potential!】

【Either way, he’s definitely up to no good!】

Ning Su: …

She had originally thought the Goddess only intended to chat with them briefly. But to her surprise, the conversation stretched on for two whole hours.

If the Wu Family Patriarch hadn’t sent someone to summon them, the idle chatter might have gone on even longer.

Ning Su said to the Melon-Eating System, “Looks like Elder Wu might still have a shot.” Otherwise, why would the Goddess talk with him for so long?

Although there were many people present, most of the conversation was between the Goddess and Elder Wu.

The Melon-Eating System wasn’t optimistic. It said slyly, 【Here comes another pair of twins.】

【These two are inseparable—where one goes, the other follows. Each has their own charm. Are they planning to woo the Goddess together?】

【Hehehe, the Goddess really is living the dream.】

【Compared to them, that old man Elder Wu really doesn’t stand a chance!】

The How to Capture the Heart of a Rich Older Sister in a Short Time guide Ning Su had written was completely useless here. Not because the guide was flawed, but because Elder Wu’s competition was simply too strong. Whether it was Elder Wu or the Supreme Furnace before her, both were seeking the Goddess’s protection.

Each had their own struggles.

But there was only one Goddess…

In the proper cultivation world, noble families still upheld monogamy. With Elder Wu’s pride, he would never accept sharing affections with a third party.

Ning Su frowned slightly. “We can’t just let the Elder get snatched up again by that Hehuan Sect cultivator. Sure, it’d let him lie low for a while, but there’s no need to go that far.”

【Exactly. No need to act like we’re scared of that old hag! With so many people watching, that Hehuan Sect woman wouldn’t dare go too far.】

【Besides, it’s not like we’ve hit rock bottom yet.】

【Even if Elder Wu has already pulled out all the stops, you and I haven’t even used our ult yet. Hehehe.】

Elder Wu: …

Ning Su, of course, understood what the Melon-Eating System meant by “using their ult.”

By the time she and her teammates arrived at the main hall, all the guests invited by the Wu Family Patriarch had already arrived.

Just as she was about to join the crowd to see what was going on, Elder Wu grabbed her arm.

Elder Wu cleared his throat lightly. “We still need you over here.”

In truth, he just didn’t want more people overhearing Ning Su and the Melon-Eating System’s heart-to-heart.

But when Ning Su and the Melon-Eating System heard those words, they took on a different meaning.

Ning Su replied, “Alright.”

The Melon-Eating System clicked its tongue twice. 【Looks like Elder Wu is truly head over heels for the Goddess. Too bad—two whole hours and he still couldn’t win her over. Lacking skill, clearly.】

Elder Wu, Goddess Yu Tao: …

Their group found an empty table and sat down. Not long after, the Goddess and the Supreme Furnace also joined them at the same table.

Immediately, they drew countless glances—some open, some covert—from all around the venue.

The Goddess smiled faintly, like spring blossoms in bloom, radiant and enchanting. “You don’t mind us sitting here, do you?”

How could Elder Wu and the others possibly say they minded?

Once the guests had all taken their seats, the Wu Family Patriarch led Wu Luchen up onto the stage.

He was glowing with pride today, dressed in formal robes that radiated the dignity of a clan leader. Wu Luchen, too, carried a new air of nobility—clearly a man transformed.

As the Wu Family Patriarch passionately introduced Wu Luchen to the crowd, the Melon-Eating System said to Ning Su, 【Thirty degrees to your right.】

【See those two male cultivators?】

Ning Su said, “I see them.” Then, realization dawned. “They’re the twins you mentioned?”

【Exactly! They’ve got real skill. With looks and talent like that, they could easily be headliners at the Laurel Pavilion.】

Laurel Pavilion was the most renowned pleasure house in the Cultivation World.

Everyone: …

【Now shift your gaze left—see that table near the camphor tree, facing us? That female cultivator who looks pretty average—do you see her?】

Ning Su said, “I see her.”

She quickly caught on. Her lips pressed into a thin line. “That’s the one who abducted Elder Wu for a hundred years?”

【Yes.】

【She’s disguised herself slightly today to sneak in.】

Ning Su took a sip of tea, using the motion to discreetly study the woman.

“She seems to be looking our way.”

【She is.】

The Melon-Eating System’s tone turned serious. 【She’s spotted Elder Wu.】

【And that useless Elder Wu—his face has gone visibly pale.】

Ning Su’s expression tightened as well. “After being a black slave for a hundred years, it’s no wonder he has a trauma response.”

She was the one who had called Elder Wu here today.

No matter what, she wouldn’t let anything happen to him.

In fact, the reason she’d dared to bring him here was because she intended to settle this matter once and for all.

The presence of that Hehuan Sect cultivator had always been a thorn in Elder Wu’s side.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have tried to assassinate her before.

But his cultivation wasn’t strong enough, and he was powerless against her. If the sect leader hadn’t lent a hand, he might’ve fallen into danger once again.

Even with all of them combined, they were no match for that woman.

But they could use leverage—seek outside help.

Goddess Yu Tao was someone the Melon-Eating System had high hopes for.

If they could build a good relationship with her, maybe—just maybe—they could finally put an end to this.

Ning Su set down her teacup and said to the Melon-Eating System, “The Hehuan Sect cultivator must die.”

【Yes! She must die!】

【With the Goddess’s cultivation, she could crush that woman with ease. And if she’s not interested in Elder Wu, then we’ll have to step up!】

Elder Wu: ??? You’ll step up? Step up how?

Goddess: …

She looked at the pair scheming against her right in front of her with such blatant audacity, and her voice, though gentle and laced with amusement, carried a subtle edge. “Why has this junior remained so quiet?”

Ning Su was momentarily stunned before realizing the Goddess was referring to her. Holding a teacup in her hand, she gave a faint smile. “I’m not sure what to say.”

The Goddess responded with remarkable warmth and ease. “No matter. Let’s just chat casually. What do you usually enjoy doing?”

Ning Su replied, “Cultivating.”

The Goddess: …Isn’t your real hobby eating melons?

“And what else?”

“Food.”

The Goddess nodded.

At that moment, Elder Wu, perhaps struck by a rare pang of conscience, took over the conversation. Finally, Ning Su had a moment to return to chatting with the Melon-Eating System.

“You mentioned before that the Goddess is currently looking for an Eighth-grade Alchemist.”

“The Eighth-grade Alchemist she had worked with for years recently passed away. Now she needs to establish a solid partnership with a new one.”

“But most Eighth-grade Alchemists already have backing from powerful clans or sects. They’re not likely to take on new partnerships easily.”

“So, have you picked someone yet?”

The Melon-Eating System grinned smugly. 【I’ve picked someone.】

【Not only have I chosen the person, I also know their weakness.】

【As long as we tell the Goddess, and she approaches them from the right angle, there’s no way they’ll refuse!】

【Her need for an Eighth-grade Alchemist isn’t exactly a secret in Star Peach City.】

【If we help her secure this partnership, then asking her to kill a female cultivator—such a small matter—she’ll definitely help us get it done.】

Everyone: …So when you said “you go up,” this is what you meant?

Wait a second—“killing a female cultivator, such a small matter”?

That’s a powerhouse in the Integration Stage!

How is that a small matter?

The Goddess: …They really have everything planned out for me, don’t they?

—

—Tang Sanzang is the monk from Journey to the West, constantly pursued by demons seeking his flesh for immortality. Ning Xu feels like him because she’s surrounded by “male fairies,” similar to how Tang Sanzang was chased by female demons.