Chapter 11: What Did He Take Her For?
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
Yu Zhao froze, her face darkening immediately.
Senior Brother Zhang, realizing something was amiss, quickly opened the registry and pointed to the entry under Yu Zhao’s name. Sure enough, her name had been circled, indicating her supplies had already been collected.
Yu Zhao’s eyes glinted coldly.
There was no need to guess—this had to be Su Ming’s doing.
Unable to borrow spirit stones from her, he had gone so far as to impersonate her to claim her supplies!
Zhou Jin Yue, overhearing their conversation, stepped forward with a grave expression. “Senior Brother Zhang, by sect rules, a disciple’s supplies must be signed for personally. Since Junior Sister Yu has not been here, how could her supplies have been taken by someone else? If everyone followed this example, would the Five Elements Dao Sect still have any rules left?”
Zhou Jin Yue rarely got angry, but her stern demeanor now was imposing. The surrounding disciples immediately fell silent, not daring to breathe too loudly.
Senior Brother Zhang scrambled to his feet, stammering, “Senior Sister Zhou, it’s not that I don’t follow the rules, it’s just… just…”
He glanced at Yu Zhao, who remained silent, and could only continue reluctantly, “It was Su Ming, from Lone Moon Peak, who said Junior Sister Yu had agreed. I assumed, since Junior Sister Yu and Su Ming are usually so close, that it was fine and didn’t investigate further.”
He hung his head, ashamed.
This was his oversight. He hadn’t expected Su Ming to have the audacity to claim Yu Zhao’s supplies without her consent, putting him in such an awkward position before Senior Sister Zhou.
Still, Zhang didn’t think much of it. Su Ming was always bragging about how he could get spirit stones from Yu Zhao without spending a dime. To him, Yu Zhao’s spirit stones were as good as Su Ming’s anyway—just passing through another hand.
Zhou Jin Yue frowned, her concern deepening as she looked at Yu Zhao. So, this was the kind of treatment she endured on Lone Moon Peak. Su Ming’s blatant disrespect showed how little he valued her.
Yu Zhao had already regained her composure.
The immediate priority wasn’t placing blame but retrieving her spirit stones before Su Ming squandered them all.
“Senior Sister Zhou, I have something to attend to and must leave. I’ll come find you later when I have time,” she said, striding toward the exit.
Zhou Jin Yue shot an angry glare at the sheepish Senior Brother Zhang before quickly following. “Junior Sister Yu, I’m coming with you.”
She feared Su Ming’s shamelessness might put Yu Zhao at a disadvantage.
Understanding Zhou Jin Yue’s good intentions, Yu Zhao didn’t refuse. After thanking her, the two headed down the mountain together.
Once their figures disappeared from view, the previously silent Merit Hall erupted into chatter.
“Su Ming’s getting bolder. Claiming Yu Zhao’s supplies without fear of punishment!”
“Come on, it’s not like she didn’t let him. If you ask me, it’s her own fault. She probably allowed it, so there’s no one else to blame.”
“I don’t think so. Yu Zhao looked pretty angry—she’s probably going to confront him!”
“Ha! She wouldn’t dare. She loves spending money on Su Ming. Anyone who stops her from doing so would get an earful. Hahaha!”
“…”
Unaware of the new gossip swirling among the disciples, Yu Zhao and Zhou Jin Yue reached the Five Elements Market, located just outside the sect.
The market was small, built to serve the sect’s disciples, and Su Ming’s reputation as a generous and free-spending customer made him a well-known figure there.
Having visited the market often in her past life, Yu Zhao knew Su Ming well. She made a beeline for the largest shop in the market, Eight Treasures Pavilion.
Before they even approached, the sound of flattery wafted out from inside the shop.
Yu Zhao’s eyes flashed with a sharp gleam as she quickened her pace, her spiritual energy boosting her steps.
“Master Su, your generosity is unmatched!”
“Master Su truly lives up to being Master Qing Yan’s disciple. Such impressive spending!”
“Congratulations, Master Su, on acquiring this rare treasure!”
“…”
A sense of unease stirred within Yu Zhao.
This profligate wastrel wouldn’t have squandered all her spirit stones, would he?
Practically running now, Yu Zhao burst into Eight Treasures Pavilion.
The clerk on the first floor jumped, thinking a troublemaker had barged in. He retreated a step but relaxed upon seeing Yu Zhao. Noting her young age and fine attire, he assumed she was a sect disciple and smiled in welcome.
“What can I help you with, Immortal?”
Yu Zhao’s gaze swept across the room.
The first-floor hall had rows of counters displaying various items, but besides the clerks, it was empty. She tilted her head upward.
The noise was coming from the second floor.
They were upstairs.
Without hesitation, Yu Zhao headed for the staircase in the corner. “I’m looking for someone.”
“Immortal, please wait! The second floor is reserved for distinguished guests. If you could let me know who you’re looking for, I can relay the message,” the clerk said with a conciliatory smile, trying to block her way.
Yu Zhao frowned and was about to name Su Ming when Zhou Jin Yue, a step behind, called out sharply, “Su Ming! Come down here!”
Though her voice was soft, it carried easily through the pavilion.
The second floor fell silent. A moment later, hurried footsteps echoed from above.
Yu Zhao paused, deciding to wait by the staircase.
Su Ming appeared on the steps shortly, his face falling when he saw Yu Zhao and Zhou Jin Yue standing together with grave expressions. Realizing the jig was up, he hesitated briefly before forcing himself to descend with feigned composure.
“Senior Sister Zhou, what brings you here?” Su Ming asked, attempting to deflect.
Zhou Jin Yue snorted. “It’s not me looking for you—it’s Junior Sister Yu.”
Zhou Jin Yue wasn’t shirking her responsibility to stand up for Yu Zhao. However, some matters between senior and junior sectmates were best resolved within their own circle. If they couldn’t settle things, she would step in later.
Su Ming’s patience was thin. “Yu Xiao Zhao, what’s the matter? If it’s something between us, we can talk back at Lone Moon Peak. Why trouble Senior Sister Zhou to come here? You two should head back; I’ll talk to you later.”
He was unsure if Zhou Jin Yue knew about his impersonation, but his priority was getting rid of them. If they made a scene here, it would tarnish his reputation.
His veiled threat wasn’t lost on Yu Zhao.
If she turned back now, recovering her spirit stones would be impossible. And Su Ming needed to be taught a lesson.
“I’m here to retrieve what’s mine. Return it, and Senior Sister Zhou and I will leave immediately.”
Yu Zhao met Su Ming’s gaze steadily, her tone calm and unyielding.
Zhou Jin Yue nodded in approval. She had worried Yu Zhao might be easily placated by Su Ming’s excuses, but this show of resolve was reassuring.
Su Ming’s face darkened as he lowered his voice. “Yu Zhao, I’ll give you your things, but not now. Stop making a fuss.”
Yu Zhao sneered.
Making a fuss?
She was simply reclaiming what was hers. And to Su Ming, this was “making a fuss”?
What did he take her for?
A money pouch, summoned and dismissed at his convenience?
? devilish, give back her money!!