Chapter 133

Chapter 133: A Willing Alliance

Now Dian Dian didn’t even need to say much more for Yun Xi to understand that the entire affair was a trap. Still, she was puzzled. This flying glow butterfly was a third-rank creature, equal to a human cultivator at the Golden Core stage. How had it been driven out to the outer valley?

She voiced her thoughts openly, asking Dian Dian, “Why did it flee to the outer valley? Doesn’t it have the strength to fight?”

From what Yun Xi knew, demon beasts in the cultivation world were always fierce and territorial. It was uncommon for them to abandon their own nests.

Dian Dian twitched its little whiskers and explained, “The flying glow butterfly resisted, but those villains dirtied its wings with something foul. It was almost captured. It had no choice but to abandon its eggs, fleeing from the inner valley to hide among other butterflies, waiting for an opportunity.”

“Am I the opportunity it waited for?” Yun Xi asked.

“Yes,” Dian Dian replied.

“Why?”

“Because it said master can restrain those villains.”

Understanding filled Yun Xi’s expression, and she smiled knowingly. She had a lightning spiritual root, which naturally countered demonic cultivators. It was impressive that this little creature had sensed it so clearly.

She continued, “And what good does it do me to help it?”

Dian Dian turned and exchanged another brief conversation with the flying glow butterfly before answering, “Master, it said that if you drive away those villains, it will gift you ten of its eggs as thanks.”

“Only ten?” Yun Xi immediately bargained, “That’s too few. I want twenty.”

After a friendly round of negotiation, they finally settled at fifteen third-rank flying glow butterfly eggs, with no restrictions on any lower-rank butterfly eggs Yun Xi might gather herself.

Once the deal was struck, both sides sealed the agreement with a Heaven Earth Pact. Yun Xi withdrew her mystic ice needles, and the third-rank flying glow butterfly landed gracefully upon her hairpin, disguising itself as an elegant, multicolored butterfly ornament, completely inconspicuous.

Guided by the original master of the valley—the third-rank flying glow butterfly—Yun Xi smoothly entered the inner valley. Along the way, she gathered some rank-three butterfly love flowers, blossoms the butterflies deeply favored.

She carefully sealed the blooming butterfly love flowers into jade boxes, pretending to cautiously explore the area. In reality, with her spiritual sense spread out fully, she had already bypassed two groups of cultivators intending to orchestrate a “chance encounter,” frustrating the people secretly observing her.

The flying glow butterfly was also anxious, constantly urging Dian Dian, who dutifully served as their intermediary, calming its nervous companion.

Actually, Yun Xi believed the odds of this butterfly reclaiming its eggs were slim. Since they had been targeted by demonic cultivators, she could easily imagine what those villains intended to do with the butterfly and its eggs. Thus, despite signing the Heaven Earth Pact, Yun Xi’s real aim had always been the butterfly itself. Why hatch eggs herself when a better option was right before her?

Once Yun Xi had harvested nearly all the resources within the inner valley, she ceased avoiding the next group of cultivators who tried to “chance” upon her.

Three cultivators approached—two males and a female, all looking extremely disheveled. The female cultivator carried an injured male cultivator unconscious upon her back, while the remaining male protectively escorted them forward.

Their spiritual senses touched briefly, quickly withdrawing as both parties detected each other’s presence.

Yun Xi extended her hand, grasping the Seven Star Fatal Staff tightly. The opposing male cultivator also tightened his grip on his sword, addressing her first, “Fellow Daoist, we only wish to leave the valley. Please don’t block our way.”

Yun Xi scanned them briefly before saying, “Fellow Daoists, I have no intention of blocking you. I just wanted to ask if there truly are third-rank flying glow butterfly eggs in this valley.”

The male cultivator visibly relaxed upon confirming Yun Xi was alone. He didn’t conceal the truth, replying, “There are indeed butterfly eggs here. We managed to snatch three, but were ambushed by other cultivators upon leaving the valley basin. Outnumbered, they stole our eggs and tried to silence us. My companion here was gravely wounded helping us escape, so we decided to retreat.”

Yun Xi frowned and asked, “How many are they? What is their cultivation level?”

The male cultivator immediately responded, “There are four of them. Three are at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, and one is at the late stage. My companion was injured by the late-stage cultivator.”

Yun Xi didn’t ask further, but the female cultivator interjected, “Fellow Daoist, if you go there alone, you’ll surely meet disaster. I advise against being rash.”

“I know,” Yun Xi said calmly, “but I doubt only those four are in the inner valley. I can find others to form a team. After all, everyone shares the same goal.”

The two cultivators exchanged glances. After a silent agreement, the female cultivator proposed, “If you don’t mind, we’d like to join you. Aside from retrieving the eggs, we also wish to seek justice for our friend.”

Yun Xi cast them a skeptical look, saying, “Four against four might give us a chance, but one of you is gravely injured. How do we team up? You’re not thinking of using me as cannon fodder, are you?”

The female cultivator replied calmly, “We’ve been in the valley for several days and know a safe spot where we can recover. Once my companion heals, we can set off together. You’re clearly new here, so joining forces will save you much time. We’ll even promise you an extra butterfly egg when distributing the spoils.”

Yun Xi pretended to deliberate before finally agreeing, “Fine. Since you’re sincere, I’ll join you temporarily. Lead the way—any action must wait until your friend recovers.”

“Very well. Follow me.”

Yun Xi trailed behind as they moved toward their safe haven. Dian Dian transmitted mentally, “Master, they carry that foul scent. Are you sure about joining them?”

“Of course,” Yun Xi replied calmly. “They asked for it, so I must keep up appearances. Otherwise, how would I claim my reward?”

“They deliberately feigned injuries to lure you in,” Dian Dian quickly deduced.

“Exactly,” Yun Xi agreed. “If they approached openly as three against one, I would naturally steer clear. They’re quite clever.”

“Master, don’t worry. The flying glow butterfly says it will closely watch these people. I’ll also be vigilant, and we’ll inform you immediately of any suspicious moves.”

“Good. Let’s see what they have planned.”

Half an hour later, the trio stopped before a cliffside. The male cultivator performed a hand seal, revealing an entrance hidden within the rock.

“It’s here,” he said, stepping inside first.

Yun Xi entered behind them, glancing around to see a man-made cave illuminated by three fist-sized luminous pearls embedded in the walls—a prearranged refuge.

The previously unconscious cultivator had awakened and was now meditating, having swallowed a healing pill. The other two also took pills to replenish their spiritual energy.

Yun Xi deliberately chose a seat near the exit, openly signaling her mistrust.

Soon, the female cultivator emerged from meditation first. Smiling gently, she asked Yun Xi, “Fellow Daoist, we don’t yet know your name?”

“My surname is Wei.”

The instant Yun Xi spoke, the female cultivator crushed a pill, sweeping the powder toward Yun Xi with a flick of her sleeve.