Chapter 125: A Favor Turns to Resentment

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Southern Abyss City, also known as the First City of the Southern Region, bustled with cultivators coming and going every day.

Little Red’s shrill voice pierced the air, her words about spirit stones instantly drawing the attention of passersby. Oblivious to the stares, she continued glaring at Yu Zhao with indignation.

Yu Zhao glanced at her coldly, her demeanor unmoved.

No wonder people say, “A favor given in grains can cause resentment in bowls.” Indeed, they were right.

“Why should I lend you anything when we share no bond?” Yu Zhao asked, her tone sharp.

“Because… because I need it!” Little Red blurted out. Realizing how unreasonable she sounded, she hastily added, “You were so generous before; this amount of spirit stones is nothing to you. And I swear I’ll pay you back someday. Can’t you just help me out?”

Nearby, someone eager for gossip chimed in loudly, “Senior, what’s your relationship with this girl?”

Yu Zhao’s lips curled into a faintly mocking smile. “She was my guide when I first came to Southern Abyss City. This is only the second time we’ve met.”

“What? Just a guide?”

“Ah, I thought you two were related. You don’t even look alike!”

“Asking for spirit stones from someone she barely knows? That’s some nerve!”

“…”

The world of cultivation never lacked spectators. Upon learning the true nature of Yu Zhao and Little Red’s relationship, the onlookers were bewildered. Their gazes at Little Red turned increasingly peculiar.

Little Red’s cheeks flushed bright red. “I’m only asking for a small loan of spirit stones, and I said I’d repay it. Why shouldn’t I?”

“Do you think spirit stones grow on trees? Can you even pay them back?”

“Your shamelessness knows no bounds.”

“A mere late-stage Qi Refinement junior daring to act so brashly before a Golden Core cultivator? Who gave you the courage?”

Before Yu Zhao could say another word, the crowd’s scornful remarks nearly reduced Little Red to tears. She wanted to flee, but thoughts of her younger brother gave her the resolve to stay.

With newfound defiance, she shouted at Yu Zhao, “You spent so many spirit stones at the Merfolk Pavilion—just a small fraction would be enough for me and my brother. Didn’t you act all kind and generous before? Why can’t you spare some pity for us now?”

Her outburst brought a shift in the crowd’s focus. Whispers filled the air as many cast wary glances at Yu Zhao.

Little Red’s words revealed something significant: Yu Zhao was very wealthy. In fact, obscenely wealthy.

Yu Zhao’s expression turned icy. Regardless of whether Little Red’s words were intentional or accidental, they had placed Yu Zhao in a precarious position. Her stupidity wasn’t just frustrating—it was dangerous.

“A month ago, I gave you six top-grade spirit stones. Are you saying that wasn’t enough for you and your brother?”

The crowd gasped audibly.

Yu Zhao’s revelation redirected their attention to Little Red. Six top-grade spirit stones—a sum that could sustain their cultivation for over a decade—gone in less than two months?

Only a fool would believe such a story.

“I… I lost the spirit stones! I don’t have any left!” Little Red stammered, panic flickering in her eyes. She hadn’t expected Yu Zhao to air her past generosity so publicly and scrambled to explain herself.

Her evasive gaze and jittery demeanor made her seem even guiltier in the eyes of the crowd. Now, the unkind stares turned sharply toward Little Red.

She was on the verge of tears, fully aware that trouble was brewing. Having grown up in the chaotic underbelly of Southern Abyss City, she was keenly attuned to malice. She knew she had just landed herself in serious danger.

“Senior…”

Yu Zhao walked straight toward the city gates without sparing Little Red a glance, ignoring her entirely.

Little Red bit her lip, determination flashing in her eyes, and suddenly knelt down with a heavy thud. Bowing her head to the ground, she pleaded earnestly, “Senior, I beg you, have mercy… please save me!”

Yu Zhao’s face remained expressionless, her pace unwavering. Her demeanor radiated an air of unapproachability, making others too intimidated to block her path, clearing a way in silent deference.

Under Little Red’s despairing gaze, Yu Zhao left without hesitation, her figure fading into the distance—a resolute, unyielding silhouette.

“Bravo! I can’t stand those people who think being weak gives them the right to demand things! Honestly, you shouldn’t have given her those six top-grade spirit stones in the first place!” The merfolk became more talkative after leaving the Merfolk Pavilion, chattering incessantly in Yu Zhao’s ear, his disdain for Little Red evident.

“Those six spirit stones weren’t meant for her,” Yu Zhao replied calmly.

Five of the six top-grade spirit stones had been payment for the Tea Doctor, but he had refused to accept them. Instead, they fell into Little Red’s hands. Rather than being grateful, Little Red became greedier, coveting even the spirit stones in Yu Zhao’s storage space.

“Hmph! Her greed brought her downfall—she deserves it,” the merfolk snorted, clearly satisfied with Yu Zhao’s approach. His wariness toward her seemed to lessen unconsciously.

After leaving the city, Yu Zhao noticed that Ji Han Zhou had yet to arrive. She took the opportunity to climb a nearby desolate mountain, where she buried the remains of Lady Hua and her companions. Returning to wait outside the city, she dealt with several Golden Core cultivators who tried to ambush her.

Eventually, Ji Han Zhou hurried over.

“Did you send the message?” Yu Zhao asked.

Ji Han Zhou smiled, nodding. “Yes, the people from the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion said it should reach the sect within a month.”

A flicker of hesitation crossed Yu Zhao’s face. “Junior Brother Ji, now that this matter is resolved, you don’t have to stay in the Southern Abyss with me. It would be better for you to return home and reunite with your family and fellow disciples.”

Even the fastest round trip to the merfolk’s undersea palace would take nearly a month, and Yu Zhao felt it unnecessary for Ji Han Zhou to accompany her.

“Senior Sister Yu, I still want to learn more from you. Besides, last time we went to the undersea palace, I didn’t even see what it looked like. People would laugh at me if they found out!” Ji Han Zhou protested, his tone laced with playful grievance.

The timing of his fainting spell during their last visit had been truly unfortunate—he missed everything. Determined, he insisted on visiting the palace again.

Yu Zhao had no objections but worried the merfolk might not be pleased. Thankfully, he made no complaint. The three of them set sail and spent nearly half a month returning to the Dead Island.

With the merfolk’s guidance, Ji Han Zhou didn’t have to expend energy breaking the restrictions. They passed through the undersea passage with ease, entering the Undersea Palace.

From the moment they disembarked and entered the sea, the merfolk fell silent. Once inside the palace, his suppressed emotions erupted. He let out sorrowful wails, filled with years of anguish and despair, venting every ounce of pain he had endured.

Yu Zhao and Ji Han Zhou, moved by his sorrow, couldn’t help but feel their eyes sting with unshed tears. Knowing the merfolk tribe’s tragic history and having been saved by the old merfolk’s sacrifice, Yu Zhao felt the weight of his grief even more profoundly.

Suddenly, there was a soft, nearly imperceptible click.

Yu Zhao’s sharp hearing picked up the sound, and her gaze turned in its direction. A tiny bead, no larger than a grain of rice, rolled to her feet.

She bent down, picking it up for a closer look. Her eyes flickered with a hint of contemplation.

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