Chapter 25: Robbing for Wealth? Or Robbing for Lust!

After leaving the Xiao family estate, Xiao Yan couldn't wait to call out to Yao Lao in his mind: "Teacher, why on earth did you drag me into that?"

"My father may not seem very sharp on the surface, but if he happens to catch onto something, it will be trouble. When that time comes, don't blame me for exposing you."

Yao Lao looked at the helpless Xiao Yan and couldn't help but chuckle. "I was merely speaking from the heart. Everyone can see your potential and the effort you've put in."

"I said that to give the Xiao family more confidence in our cooperation. Besides, rest assured, I know my limits; I won't let them discover anything."

Xiao Yan frowned slightly, still feeling uneasy. "Teacher, you don't understand; although my father and the others don't say much, they are actually quite shrewd."

Yao Lao smiled, patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder, and said, "You brat, you're usually quite daring, so why are you so timid now?"

"I'm doing this to help you. With me here, even if something happens, I can handle it."

"Besides, you should have more confidence in yourself. With your current strength and ability, you are no longer the same Xiao Yan who could be bullied by anyone."

"Alright, stop thinking so much and focus on your cultivation."

"You're right, Teacher. I must work hard at my cultivation. Only then will I have the ability to resolve things the next time they arise."

...

Just as Xiao Yan was about to head to the back mountain to continue his training, he saw Xiao Zhan walking toward him.

He was momentarily stunned, then asked, "Father, are you looking for me?"

Xiao Zhan walked up to Xiao Yan, circled him a few times, stared intently at him, and said, "You must have met that senior, right? The one in the black robe who came to our Xiao family today claiming he wanted to cooperate with us?"

Xiao Yan was slightly startled, but he maintained his composure and nodded, answering, "Yes, I've met him."

A trace of doubt appeared in Xiao Zhan's eyes as he continued, "Then do you know the background of that senior?"

"Why would he suddenly choose to cooperate with our Xiao family, and even provide so many high-quality medicinal pills?"

Xiao Yan didn't know much about Yao Lao's past; after all, Yao Lao had his own secrets.

So he answered truthfully, "I haven't known the senior for long, and I am not clear about his background. Perhaps he simply took a liking to the Xiao family's status and potential in Wutan City."

Xiao Zhan didn't seem satisfied with Xiao Yan's answer and asked a few more questions about Yao Lao, which Xiao Yan skillfully deflected.

Seeing that Xiao Yan wouldn't provide any substantial information, Xiao Zhan stopped asking.

He watched Xiao Yan quietly for a moment before finally saying, "Fine, go back to your martial arts practice."

Just as Xiao Zhan was about to turn and leave, he seemed to remember something and turned back to ask: "By the way, why did that girl Ning leave without saying goodbye?"

"Where did she go? Did she run into any danger? Why didn't she even bid me farewell?"

Hearing his father ask about Ning Jiuyou, a wave of longing surged in Xiao Yan's heart.

He thought about how Ning Jiuyou had been gone for several days. He didn't know how she was doing or if anyone was bullying her, and he couldn't help but feel worried.

He steadied himself and replied to his father, "Jiuyou must have left because she had matters to attend to. Besides, didn't she write you a letter?"

"The letter should have explained her situation. Why are you still asking me?"

Hearing this, Xiao Zhan retorted, "You brat, you're just being stubborn!"

"Hmph, not a single word out of you is what I want to hear. Forget it, I'm done talking to you." With that, Xiao Zhan flicked his sleeves and walked away.

Xiao Yan watched his father’s retreating figure with a sense of helplessness.

He knew his father was concerned about Ning Jiuyou, and he felt the same. He prayed silently in his heart, hoping that she was doing well and would return safely soon.

He shook his head, pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind, and headed toward the back mountain, hoping to temporarily forget his worries through cultivation.

...

Meanwhile, Ning Jiuyou...

Ning Jiuyou walked alone along a remote mountain path. The surrounding forest was dense, with the occasional call of an unknown bird.

Just as she was focused on her journey, several men holding sharp blades suddenly sprang out from the woods ahead, surrounding her.

"This road was opened by me, these trees were planted by me. If you want to pass, leave behind..."

Before the speaker could finish, he stared at Ning Jiuyou, his eyes widening.

The leader of the group, a man with a fleshy face and greedy eyes, licked his lips and sneered:

"Oh, I didn't expect to run into such a stunning young lady in this desolate wilderness."

"It's my lucky day. If you're smart, hand over your valuables and spend some time entertaining us, and maybe we'll spare your life."

The other bandits laughed along, their eyes filled with malice.

However, Ning Jiuyou remained calm, not even frowning. As the lead bandit prepared to say more, Ning Jiuyou moved.

Her long sword flashed from its sheath in an instant, and a sharp sword aura struck the leader.

Before the bandits could react, the leader's eyes bulged, a gurgling sound came from his throat, and he collapsed stiffly to the ground.

"Leaving behind a toll is not out of the question, but what you'll be leaving behind is your lives."

The remaining bandits were thrown into a panic and rushed toward Ning Jiuyou, brandishing their weapons.

But Ning Jiuyou's swordsmanship was exquisite. She wove through the bandits with ease, and with every flash of her blade, more of them fell to the ground, stripped of their ability to resist.

A moment later, several bandit corpses lay scattered on the ground. Ning Jiuyou sheathed her sword.

She crinkled her nose slightly and muttered, "To dare to rob others with such meager skill—truly overestimating yourselves."

With that, she walked on without looking back.

However, she didn't get far before she stopped again, as if remembering something important.

She turned around and mumbled to herself, "These are all my spoils of war; I almost forgot to collect them."

After walking for a while, a towering mountain range came into view.

Ning Jiuyou narrowed her eyes, a flicker of vigilance and curiosity in her gaze.

She sensed the surroundings, raised an eyebrow, and whispered to herself: "There is a powerful aura here. I'll go inside and take a look; perhaps there will be some rewards."

A massive magical beast was coiled on an open space ahead, its body radiating a black glow.

The beast's eyes were blood-red and filled with malice as it glared at Ning Jiuyou.

Ning Jiuyou locked eyes with the beast, staying alert, but she felt no fear.

"It seems this trip was truly worth it. Such a powerful magical beast—if I can defeat it, the rewards will surely be significant."

Ning Jiuyou murmured, slowly raising the long sword in her hand...