CHAPTER 27: CHAPTER 27: BLOOD WOLF

"Welcome, esteemed guests."

The maid at the door looked quite ordinary, but she was very enthusiastic, smiling as she greeted Shen Wang and Paper Kite.

Shen Wang walked through the front door and found a large fish tank in front of the screen, its surface inlaid with purple crystals. Inside was a miniature rockery, looking quite impressive.

"Master, does this suit your needs?"

Paper Kite inquired about Shen Wang’s specific requirements.

"No, I want something transparent and colorless, so that I can see the fish from the side."

Shen Wang shook his head.

"It requires white crystals to work; these types of crystals are fairly cheap and should be easy to find."

Paper Kite said easily.

The two chatted and found a seat by the window on the second floor.

"Just bring us five of your signature dishes, no alcohol."

Shen Wang wasn’t planning to indulge; he just wanted to fill his stomach and wasn’t in the mood for drinking.

"Alright, please wait a moment."

While waiting for the dishes, Shen Wang looked out the window to further observe the vicinity and noticed many martial artists wielding weapons, mostly from various shops and caravans, indicating that the crystal trade wasn’t all that peaceful.

He quickly averted his gaze as a waiter brought over a glittering bowl of pork knuckle and announced casually, "Crystal pork knuckle coming right up."

Shen Wang, already hungry, saw the pork knuckle with its appealing color, aroma, and taste, and eagerly invited Paper Kite to eat.

Paper Kite, seeing Shen Wang’s young face under his cloak, was increasingly content that he didn’t look down on her low status.

"Hmm, this pork knuckle is indeed quite good."

Shen Wang gave high praise; for him, "good" meant it was delicious.

"I’m glad the master is satisfied."

She ate in small bites and casually laughed, "Master is still very young, may I ask if you’re married?"

"Married, why, are you interested?"

Shen Wang glanced at Paper Kite.

"I would certainly love to work for you, master; I just fear you look down on me."

Paper Kite stated boldly without any hesitation.

"I don’t look down on you. You’re from the Yun Family, so is it really that hard to find a good match? Following me might mean only suffering."

Shen Wang spoke plainly while he observed the second dish the waiter brought, a plate of special braised beef, which he tasted and also found palatable.

Seeing Shen Wang’s lack of interest in herself, Paper Kite could only respond somewhat disappointedly, "It’s possible to find a good family, but rare to find an Immortal Root, so I can only rely on myself."

This clearly meant she wished to marry a Cultivator rather than a Martial Artist.

Even among Cultivators, the potential is higher than Martial Artists, with a longer lifespan, and crucially, a higher probability of offspring having Spirit Root.

Every female Martial Artist wants to marry a Cultivator if possible.

"Your idea is correct, but unfortunately, we’re not suitable."

Shen Wang shook his head. Similar to her thoughts, the woman he sought also needed to be as much of a Cultivator as possible; otherwise, having children without Spirit Root was quite problematic. Martial Arts Training demands a lot of perseverance, which not everyone possesses.

Jia’Er being able to become his woman was purely because she had been with him long enough to be familiar, and so he did not want to abandon her, also considering his daughter when accepting her.

Paper Kite was not discouraged but sighed softly, forcing a smile, "The master is correct. We women without a Spirit Root almost ensure our offspring also won’t have it, dragging a master like you down."

If a Cultivator and a Cultivator combine, their offspring seldomly have Spirit Root; let alone a Cultivator and a Martial Artist without Spirit Root combining, which is just slightly better than commoners.

"Just enjoy your meal and don’t think too much."

Shen Wang quickly moved his chopsticks, thoroughly enjoying the meal.

While enjoying the food, Shen Wang sensed someone watching him, but when he turned his head, the spying sensation disappeared.

Shen Wang glanced at Paper Kite without saying anything, but he became cautious within his heart.

After finishing their lunch, the two left the restaurant and continued toward their destination.

Not far from leaving town, just as Shen Wang was about to ask Paper Kite about the approximate price of the crystals, he suddenly felt his foot touch something and a large net descended from above.

His footsteps paused, pulling the frightened Paper Kite back at the very moment the net fell.

Whizz!

As he retreated, three darts shot toward him, blocking his left and right escape routes, forcing Shen Wang to step back swiftly to dodge.

The darts embedded in the ground behind him to the left, and Shen Wang then halted, coldly staring at the bushes to the right.

"Oh, such a quick reaction."

A man in a green robe walked out, looking about thirty, with a cross-shaped scar on his right cheek, its origin unknown whether accidental or intentional.

This man exuded a fierce aura, staring coldly at Paper Kite, with a blood-hued air swirling around him like a bloodthirsty wolf.

"Blood Wolf!"

Paper Kite’s face changed as she instinctively stepped back half a step, a dagger appearing in her hand, clearly recognizing the person.

Shen Wang frowned, seeming to realize they had a grudge, complicating matters.

From his perception, the man was already Innate, a Grandmaster Level Martial Artist, yet used a net as a trap and attacked with darts, clearly showing he wasn’t arrogant.

"Master, please save me. I can forgo both the crystals and the reward; I’m even willing to offer myself as compensation."

Paper Kite pleaded anxiously, evidently very afraid of the man.

"A lowlife is just a lowlife, instantly selling herself."

Blood Wolf glanced at Shen Wang with a cold expression, "Leave behind your possessions and then scram."

"You’re too greedy."

If this person only had issues with Paper Kite, not implicating himself, Shen Wang might not have intervened. But daring to target his belongings made the choice for him.

"A Fourth-Layer Qi Cultivation novice dares call me greedy?"

Blood Wolf’s grin was malevolent and sinister, "Didn’t your master tell you not to provoke Martial Artists of the same level within ten feet? I have killed Cultivators before."

Paper Kite tightened her grip and murmured, "This Blood Wolf is a mid-stage Innate Grandmaster, his Blood-Transforming Palm is cruel and vicious, and his hidden weapon skills are unpredictable."

She revealed Blood Wolf’s details to Shen Wang. Being a mid-stage Innate Grandmaster, he’s a threat to late-stage Qi Cultivation Cultivators; if Shen Wang ran away out of fear, she wouldn’t hold a guilty conscience if she died.

Without a word, Shen Wang flipped a talisman onto Paper Kite’s chest and activated it, enveloping her within a circle of silver light.

Paper Kite stared at Shen Wang dumbfounded; he had actually used a precious talisman on her.

"You still need to guide me to buy crystals, so you can’t die just yet."

Shen Wang said plainly, using the talisman to protect her life. The cost of the talisman alone exceeded her run’s commission, but he felt he had no choice.

In his eyes, if he couldn’t protect the woman next to him, it would make him appear too weak.

"Hehe, don’t worry, I won’t kill that bitch. Not having tortured her yet, why would I let her die?"

Blood Wolf snickered sinisterly, "Looks like you’re not planning to leave, so I guess I’ll have to reluctantly kill another Cultivator."

"You can try."

Shen Wang’s expression was calm; he didn’t use the Silver Radiance Talisman himself. Defensive light-element talismans weren’t suitable for fast movement, which would impede his advantage.