The Young Master’s Favorites

Hearing Gu Feiyan’s complaints, Qin Gou explained with an air of wisdom, “Little Yan, you’ve misunderstood me. Think about it—since we switched to this route, have we encountered any major trouble?”

“No major trouble, but the constant small annoyances—these bandits and thieves—are like pesky flies, endlessly bothering us,” Gu Feiyan replied, her tone clearly annoyed.

“Exactly! That’s the point. I deliberately chose this perfect route!” Qin Gou declared confidently.

“What did you say?” Gu Feiyan blinked, wondering if she had misheard.

Qin Gou smirked knowingly. “You see, most of these bandits and thieves are ordinary mortals who haven’t cultivated. Even if a few are cultivators, their levels are too low to be a real threat. After all, how many powerful cultivators would stoop to becoming bandits? And what do bandits fear the most? Accidentally robbing someone they absolutely can’t afford to provoke—a true powerhouse!”

“So, when it comes to avoiding major trouble, these bandits are the real experts.”

“So you deliberately led us near these bandit dens?” Gu Feiyan sighed, shaking her head. “I feel like I’m starting to believe you.”

“Because I make sense,” Qin Gou said, spreading his hands.

“Twisted logic,” Gu Feiyan said, unable to suppress a laugh.

“Twisted logic is still logic,” Qin Gou replied cheekily.

Just then, a loud voice called from outside the carriage. “Who was the brat who said, ‘Don’t move, leave it to me’? Why haven’t you shown up yet? Do bandits not deserve respect? If you keep stalling, don’t blame us for not leaving anyone alive!”

“You see? My guests are getting impatient. I’ll handle this and be right back. We can chat later,” Qin Gou said with a warm smile.

“Go, go. It’s not like I’m dying to chat with you anyway,” Gu Feiyan said, waving him off with mock disdain.

—

Half an hour later, Qin Gou returned, not only having dealt with the bandits but also having raided their hideout. His efforts earned him another 200 merit points, leaving him thoroughly satisfied.

—

Ding. Host now has 1,050 merit points, meeting the conditions to break through to the Hidden Artifact Realm. Upon breaking through, the spiritual tool prototype, ‘Green Water Droplet,’ will naturally evolve into its complete life-bound spiritual tool form.

—

Back in the carriage, Qin Gou immediately said to Gu Feiyan, “I feel like I’m on the verge of a breakthrough. I’ll soon reach the Hidden Artifact Realm.”

Gu Feiyan’s tone turned serious. “Don’t break through here. There are too many variables. Let’s head to the nearest mortal city and find a secluded room where we can all guard you.”

Qin Gou nodded in agreement. Although using merit points to break through only took an instant, the process of his spiritual tool prototype evolving into a life-bound spiritual tool could vary in length.

***

Half a Day Later, Outside Falling Wood City.

Since revealing their identities was not an option, the group queued up with ordinary travelers to enter the city.

Hu Le went ahead to scout the situation and returned with an angry expression. “The guards at the gate are comparing everyone to the wanted posters for Senior Sister Gu. The Young Master has gone too far this time.”

Qin Gou remained calm. “I chose this city carefully. There are very few cultivators here, and the guards at the gate are likely just mortals. They’re probably just going through the motions and won’t see through our disguises.”

Hu Le nodded but grumbled, “It’s still infuriating.”

Gu Feiyan, her eyes still closed, said coolly, “We’ll deal with this later. Our priority is ensuring Qin Gou’s breakthrough. Put all personal grievances aside for now.” While the others were unaware, Gu Feiyan knew that as the sect’s top seed, Qin Gou’s breakthrough couldn’t afford any mishaps.

***

Soon, their carriage reached the front of the line.

A toothless old guard held up a wanted poster of Gu Feiyan, glancing at the group with disinterest. “What’s your business here?”

Swish.

Qin Gou snapped open his folding fan, his expression haughty. “Blind fool! Who do you think this grand display is for?”

The old guard squinted at the banner reading Little Qin’s Money House and scoffed. “Never heard of it. What’s there to brag about? Are you entering the city or not? If you are, answer my questions properly.”

“Spit it out,” Qin Gou said dismissively, fanning himself.

The old guard glared at him before pointing at Liu Ying and Gu Feiyan. “What about these two women? Who are they?”

“They?” Qin Gou smirked, his tone playful. “Naturally, they’re my favorites—my personal concubines.”

At this, Liu Ying blushed on cue, twisting her body shyly as she said, “Young Master, you’re so naughty.”

The old guard snorted. “Concubines? I suspect one of them is actually the demonic woman Gu Feiyan in disguise!”

“Hahaha!” Qin Gou burst into laughter, nearly in tears. “Old man, are you joking? If Gu Feiyan were here, do you think you’d still be standing here chatting with me? She’d have snapped your neck and swallowed you whole by now!”

As he spoke, Qin Gou felt a sharp pinch at his waist, causing him to wince.

“If you’re so confident, prove it! Prove that they’re really your concubines,” the old guard said with a sly grin, revealing his true intentions.

“Prove it?” Qin Gou asked, bewildered. “What do you want me to do? Put on a live performance for you? You’ve got some nerve, old man!”

“I didn’t say that. How you prove it is up to you. If you’re not happy, you can always leave. But think carefully—this is Falling Wood City, a famous isolated city. There’s no other settlement for hundreds of miles!” The old guard smirked, clearly enjoying his position of power.

“You!” Qin Gou gritted his teeth, racking his brain for a solution.

Suddenly, Liu Ying wrapped her arms around Qin Gou’s neck like a lazy cat. She kissed his cheek gently, then licked her lips with a seductive smile. “Young Master, how much longer until we can enter the city? I can’t wait any longer.”

Qin Gou felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over him. “Well? Old man, what do you have to say now?”

The old guard, momentarily stunned by the display, quickly recovered and pointed at Gu Feiyan. “What about her?”