Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1524 - 945: Lingmeng Alert_2

My apprentice is still slumbering, oblivious. Even if I were to gift you this substantial iron pot, you likely couldn't manage to transport it back yourself, could you? Perhaps..."

Shu Ci, observing his deliberate delay, grew increasingly impatient. "Just hand it over; spare me the lengthy discourse."

The blacksmith's lips parted, but seeing her assertive demeanor, he restrained himself, merely frowning before asking, "Even so, esteemed customer, why don't you accompany me?"

Discarding the cloth from his shoulder, he guided Shu Ci into a stone dwelling cluttered with various iron pieces. He gestured towards a colossal black iron pot leaning against the wall, nearly reaching half a person's height.

Displeased by Shu Ci’s tone and attitude, his former politeness waned. He stated with a hint of sarcasm:

"This vessel was crafted precisely to your specifications. Should you lack the strength to carry it away unassisted, you cannot hold me responsible for any deviation from your exact demands."

Upon beholding the immense pot, Shu Ci was more than satisfied.

Without further exchanges, she strode directly towards it and effortlessly procured two hemp ropes from a nearby pile.

With one hand gripping the pot's rim, she lifted it effortlessly into the air using her arm. It settled steadily onto her back as she deftly twisted and secured the hemp ropes around her waist.

Under the blacksmith's utterly astonished gaze, she exited the door, the enormous pot balanced on her back with a remarkably stable gait.

A cauldron that typically required the combined might of two strong men to move was being carried with such ease by her, a woman alone. The blacksmith, astounded, clicked his tongue in lingering wonder.

At that precise moment, an aged voice resonated from the doorway.

"Master Wang, I wonder if the Hundred Iron Sword I commissioned yesterday is now complete?"

"I intend to confront demonic entities by the river tonight, so its perfection is paramount... Hmm? Is that not Madame Baili?"

Recognizing the voice, it was none other than the esteemed Old Taoist Huang. He had likely arrived to retrieve his sword and had chanced upon Shu Ci. His formerly affected tone instantly transformed, brimming with unconcealed delight.

"To encounter Madame here, it must indeed be fate."

Shu Ci, eager to return home and prepare her stew, found herself running into the elderly Taoist from the previous day amidst her haste.

On a more pleasant day, Shu Ci might have tolerated the Old Taoist's rather pungent breath, even if it tickled her sensitive fox nose. However, after enduring a night plagued by unsettling nightmares, her temper was far from good. The Old Taoist now stood like an immovable obstacle in her path, engaging in cheerful chatter while his words and actions subtly obstructed her progress.

Furthermore, the significant argument she had with Baili An yesterday was, in large part, due to this very individual.

The amiable facade he presented yesterday had now become intensely irritating to Shu Ci, his presence exuding a mischievous and underhanded aura.

Truly an offense to the senses of a discerning fox!

Unaware of Shu Ci's homicidal glare, the Old Taoist continued to observe her.

He simply gazed at her, her slender frame supporting a pot far too immense for her size. He then chuckled with feigned surprise: "Madame, why are you here alone so early? And by yourself, burdened with such a colossal pot?"

The Old Taoist exhibited a mixture of delight and feigned distress, his thin hands trembling as he extended them forward.

As if convinced the iron pot would crush her delicate form, his face was a mask of theatrical concern.

"Your husband must possess a truly heartless disposition, compelling you to undertake such arduous labor solitary."

"This man of yours is utterly incompetent; if you must handle everything yourself, what purpose does he serve?"

"Quick now, allow this old Taoist to assist you with that burdensome pot..."

Though he claimed to offer assistance with the pot, his trembling hands, akin to withered chicken claws, made an ungainly lunge towards her chest.

Shu Ci's gaze remained distant, tinged with a definite indifference.

With a cold snort, she shifted her foot. A forging hammer lying nearby was expertly kicked upwards, its substantial head striking the Old Taoist’s elbow with considerable force.

His outstretched arms recoiled violently, striking his own face with the back of his hand, producing a sharp, resounding slap.

The Old Taoist cried out in pain, staggering back a couple of paces. His elbow immediately began to swell, and his face flushed crimson from the impact of his own blow.

Shu Ci's expression turned glacial, a stark contrast to her demeanor the previous day: "Venerable fool, if you cannot even stand upright properly, perhaps focus on managing yourself first."

The Old Taoist stared at Shu Ci, who had transformed into a hostile figure after receiving her goods, struggling to process the abrupt turn of events.

It wasn't until a trickle of blood flowed from his nose into his mouth, the metallic tang stinging his throat, that his rage erupted: "How dare you!"

Shu Ci glanced at him dismissively, "Dare what, precisely?"

She moved with unhurried grace from the shadows into the sunlight, her captivating features displaying a hint of sinister cruelty, her formidable aura radiating a charm that could stir the very soul.

An overwhelming murderous intent, forged over countless eons of death and slaughter, was not something any ordinary mortal could withstand.

The old Taoist felt his heart constrict, simultaneously terrified by the potent aura and captivated by the woman's ever-increasing, stunning beauty. Instantly, his momentum and fury were completely quelled, leaving him to lament:

"Madam... Must you be so fierce? This old Taoist did indeed present you with a golden hairpin..."

He risked a glance upwards, noting Shu Ci's remarkably simple attire that day. Her long, unbound black hair cascaded like ink across her shoulders, possessing a breathtaking beauty even without any embellishments. The old Taoist's gaze remained fixed, and he muttered again, "What? You didn't favor the hairpin I bestowed? Why do you not wear it?"

The reminder stirred Shu Ci's memory; she did recall accepting a hairpin from this old man. Just the previous night, in a fit of pique directed at that brat, she had crushed it into a small, round golden bean.

Shu Ci had intended to set it aside, planning to reshape it into a hairpin during the night. However, when bedtime arrived, she became engrossed in savoring steamed buns by the fire, and ultimately, the golden bean vanished without a trace.

As a Demon, Shu Ci possessed little concept of monetary value, viewing it as a triviality, scarcely worth regretting if lost. She knitted her brows and stated, "The hairpin was a nuisance; I disliked it and discarded it."

The old Taoist found her words unbelievable. What woman wouldn't cherish gold, deeming it bothersome enough to cast aside? He suspected she merely wished to keep his possessions for herself.

Astonishing! Truly astonishing!

She took his wealth but was unwilling to pay the cost – how could such a preposterous situation exist! The old Taoist's eyes suddenly gleamed with malice, and he spoke with a chilling tone, "Madam, your assertion is nonsensical. There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world! Having accepted this old Taoist's possessions, this matter will not be so easily dismissed?!"

From his declaration, it appeared the hairpin was not precisely a gift? He expected some form of recompense? Dealing with humans was truly exasperating and petty! If that was the case, why hadn't he made it explicit when offering the item?

Shu Ci, a master strategist in political intrigue and even a conspirator, possessed scant understanding of worldly customs and human affairs. Having long held dominion over life and death as a ruler of a realm, she rarely engaged in discourse of reason or righteousness with others. Moreover, the hairpin had been proactively offered by the old Taoist initially.

In the Demon World, whatever she desired, regardless of the owner's willingness, was hers without dispute of moral right or wrong, simply because she wanted it. Might dictated terms; the weak spoke of principles.

She cast another glance at the old Taoist, letting out a cold laugh that contorted her features into a uniquely sinister and malevolent expression, causing the old Taoist to tremble involuntarily. Shu Ci, without deigning to exchange further pointless words, picked up her iron pot and departed into the distance.

The old Taoist watched Shu Ci's receding figure with resentful eyes, his fists clenched tightly. He murmured in rage, "I cannot endure this humiliation and anger! I will make you pay; just you wait!"

"Master..." a young disciple slowly emerged, casting a hesitant glance at the old Taoist before speaking, "If Master intends to deal with that woman, this disciple does possess some leverage concerning her husband."

The old Taoist uttered an "Oh?" and regarded the disciple with a look of deep significance. The young disciple appeared somewhat apprehensive of his master's methods, shrinking back slightly. However, contemplating the potential rewards for fulfilling his master's desire, he couldn't resist flattering his way closer, whispering conspiratorially.

The old Taoist initially displayed surprise, then a sinister smile spread across his face. "According to this, this cunning, fox-like woman will truly not escape this Taoist's grasp. Everything hinges on tonight."