Chapter 283 - Blight of the Infernal Aura (2/2)
Xiao Chen delivered a kick into the cat spirit’s hind parts, sending it reeling away with a protesting howl. “My apologies, ladies,” he said, smiling, “Please do not mind the meaning ramblings of this insane cat spirit.”
The two handmaidens bowed to the Three Friends before they whispered furtively to each other, “What a cute little cat! It can even talk!”
Zhiluan seethed furiously, indignant at Xiao Chen’s treatment although it could do nothing but glower quietly. They later reached a hall furnished with chairs and tea tables arranged neatly with servants waiting nearby. The staff immediately made tea while one of them left the hall to send for the City Master.
It did not take long for the City Master to come. He stepped into the hall, a man in the prime age of forty-odd who looked stern and proud in green robes, and his broad and stout physique radiated with the strength of a warrior of the peak Core Forming Realm. He addressed the Three Friends politely, who reported to the City Master their encounter with Xiao Chen, and the City Master turned at once to face the stranger.
“So, you are Young Master Xiao from the Daoist League of the Five Continents? My, my… You look as strong as they say. My name is Ye Lingfeng.”
“You flatter me, City Master Ye.” Xiao Chen got to his feet. “I am Xiao Chen of the Jade Qing Sect. This is my Junior Sister Huangfu Xin’er.” He gestured at her.
Ye Lingfeng studied her for a second or two and remarked, “You’re injured, Lady Huangfu. And a serious one at that too.” He waved for a steward and barked, “You there! Head to the Elixir Room and fetch me a pill—the Healing Elixir of the Purple Jade!”
Xiao Chen smiled at the City Master and returned a look at Huangfu Xin’er. “I thank you for your kindness, City Master Ye,” he responded, saluting.
“Let’s dispense with the formalities. Sit now, and let us talk!”
Zhiluan scowled at being ignored. “MEOW! How dare you ignore my presence!”
Ye Lingfeng regarded the strange cat who was sitting smugly on a chair with a wondrous look. He smiled. “Forgive me, little Immortal Lingzhi. I offer you my apologies, my respect, and my hospitality.”
“DON’T YOU DARE ‘Little’ ME!” Zhiluan yelled lividly, “I have lived for thousands of years! You could at least address me by ‘Senior’!”
A few of the servant girls could not help but stifle a giggle at the antics of the cat spirit who looked no more like a venerable elder with more than a thousand years of age, than a ten-year-old child having his tantrum.
“All right, all right,” Zhiluan said at last, waving its paw dismissively, “I should have known that simple folk like you would know nothing about my greatness. I’ll forgive you, just as long as you prepare the best food for me. I’m famished.”
“Understood, esteemed Immortal Lingzhi,” Ye Lingfeng smiled wearily and said, “I’ll send word quickly to the kitchens.”
Xiao Chen threw a glare at Zhiluan and hissed, “Can’t you practice a little more restraint in the house of others! You’re embarrassing us! Have some sense at least!”
The cat spirit crossed its arms again indignantly and pursed its lips. “And it is all because of a certain someone who has continually lacked in according me the proper respect and food.”
Two handmaidens appeared not long after, bearing trays of fruits and pastries. With no penchant for dignity and manners, Zhiluan began inhaling the food while Xiao Chen discussed with Ye Lingfeng about the details of the gorge with the evil aura.
The gorge was a bottomless abyss where no one had ever dared to explore. All had been fine until recently, the infernal aura appeared and began spreading further and further, growing steadily in fervor and malice that no one could go nearer without being infected.
Anyone who was infected would turn into cruel abominations with an insatiable thirst for blood before succumbing to the sickness. There was no cure. On the contrary, the infection of a cultivator with magical powers could bring about incalculable damage and risk; he or she might be utterly corrupted and become a member of the Devil’s Practice, renewed as a minion of havoc and carnage.
Ye Lingfeng’s forehead creased with worry. “Is there a problem, City Master?” Xiao Chen asked.
“It’s…” But Ye Lingfeng paused and feigned a smile. “It’s fine. You’ve traveled far, Young Master Xiao. We should have a banquet for you since you’ve only just arrived.”
Just then, a woman in her thirties paced hurriedly into the hall. Her eyes immediately fell on Xiao Chen, anxious and tense, and she asked, “Is, is this the messenger from the Daoist League of the Five Continents?”
“My name is Xiao Chen. How should I address you, Lady?” Xiao Chen asked, rising up from his seat.
“This is my wife, Lady Jiang,” Ye Lingfeng introduced with a flustered smile, before he glared with displeasure at her. “Why are you here?”
Lady Jiang tugged at Xiao Chen’s sleeve, begging dismally with her face fraught with distress and anxiety, “Please, Young Master Xiao! Please save my daughter!”