Could it be that I am the cruel villain?
Chapter 382 - 244 Joyful Sect, Ying Spirit_2

Chapter 382: Chapter 244 Joyful Sect, Ying Spirit_2

With his physique and focus on physical cultivation, he could roam the Southern Border with ease, yet this approach proved ineffective upon reaching the Central Plains where spells, Daoist skills, Divine Skills, and Magic Treasures emerged endlessly.

Various Cultivation Techniques and unique supreme skills caused him to sweat profusely, feeling utterly flustered. Had it not been for his robust physical condition, he would’ve likely been beaten to a pulp.

Taking out his notebook, he began recording the masters he had encountered recently. However, suddenly a soft and ethereal female voice reached his ears, as if someone was whispering right next to him, sounding pleasantly delightful.

"Young master, dear young master, if you’re tired, why not come inside and rest awhile?"

"Ah, someone’s there?"

The young man leaning on the doorway looked surprised.

He had merely planned to rest his feet a bit, never expecting to find someone in this worn-out tavern, and especially not a cultivator whose voice directly penetrated into his ears.

This small Country Liang truly hid dragons and crouching tigers.

"Alright, I’ll come now."

His response was unexpectedly straightforward.

Being invited, he naturally accepted. In contrast, ordinary people hearing such a mysterious voice, especially in pitch darkness, would initially think it was a ghost and run away.

Even cultivators, upon hearing this, wouldn’t actually go inside but observe from outside, most likely running away. But this kind of eerie Chinese horror didn’t seem to be within Cen Zhuangzhuang’s range of fears.

He truly wasn’t scared at all.

Pushing the door, which was left open, he directly walked towards the room inside which flickered with light, where odors of alcohol and other rank smells lingered. He straightened his clothing and strode in.

Inside, a woman sat at the center of the hall.

Her face was veiled, her long hair pulled up, wearing a crystal-clear ornament that resembled a bird. Layers of thin fabric concealed her body without exposing any excessive skin, although her clothes, possibly intentionally tight, perfectly outlined her remarkably tiny waist.

Including the astonishing curves at her chest, which too drew attention. Though the attire wasn’t overly revealing, the excessively tight undergarment outlined her figure entirely, especially enhancing her ample bosom.

Paired with the intermittently visible veils and a belt cinched at her waist, the impression she gave could only be described in two words.

Provocative.

She somewhat resembled a spotless celestial being descended to the mundane world, with a hint of suggestiveness. Laughter filled her eyes, and though her face was veiled, one could still feel the liveliness in her eyes which seemed to speak.

Blinking as if they were speaking,

"This humble woman is named Ying Ling, born near here in Country Liang, essentially a local. Seeing young master dressed for a long journey, why not rest here awhile before continuing your travels?"

She gestured invitingly.

Her words seemed to carry a magical allure; Cen Zhuangzhuang revealed a naive smile and without ceremony, sat down on a chair.

The woman did not continue speaking, merely smiling subtly. Even without seeing her face, one could feel her smile as she appraised Cen Zhuangzhuang up and down before speaking.

"Judging by your attire, young master, it appears you are a distinguished guest from the Southern Border. May I inquire what brings you to our small, remote town? If possible, I would love to offer some assistance."

She spoke her mind candidly, paired with those captivating eyes, exuding persuasive power. This was the highest form of subtle manipulation, though many think that ladies from the Joyful Sect only know to flirtatiously primp and pose.

True seduction tactics are far from vulgar. Seducing others involves catching their psychological needs, catering to their tastes, and mannerisms must also be appropriate, treating rough folks one way and those from cultured and noble backgrounds another.

It’s like when you go out for an evening stroll and see someone flirting aggressively late at night, your first instinct is to run.

But!

"Little brother, I noticed you live near my home, and you usually jog at night, right? I’ve been trying to lose weight and keep fit lately, but it feels slightly unsafe in the dark—I wonder if you could join me on my nighttime jogs?"

Engaging in such a manner, strolling and talking together, you find she shares similar knowledge, insights, and interests. When parting, you even exchange contact details.

The more you talk, the happier you feel, and she persistently invites you out. Whatever you like, she joins you. You believe you’ve met your dream lover and affectionately cherish her until eventually, under the trend of love, you both end up in a hotel to passionately celebrate.

During our final farewell, she gave you a letter, instructing you to open it back home, strictly not now.

You, filled with curiosity and anticipation, thought the letter contained gifts or sweet nothings, but upon opening it, you were greeted with several bold characters.

"Welcome to the world of AIDS."

That’s what you call a beauty trap.

The robust man before you is obviously honest at first glance, young with notable cultivation, carrying a faint scent most likely from a Gu Worm.

For such straightforward men, direct questions work best. True to form, Cen Zhuangzhuang immediately responded with a smile, "This lady has good observation, I indeed come from the Southern Border. I came to Dongliang City because I heard there are many experts here and wanted to broaden my experience. By the way, Miss, your cultivation is also quite impressive, may I ask which sect you belong to?"

"Gain some perspective..."

Eyes curved like crescent moons.

Although Country Liang isn’t under the protection of Joyful Sect, it isn’t too far from the sect, and it would make sense on both an emotional and logical level to send someone, especially since.

This can be considered a provocation from other territories against us in the Central Plains.

"May I know your honorable surname and distinguished name?"

"Oh, my surname is Cen, Cen Zhuangzhuang, from the Cen Family of the Southern Border."

Without any guard, he truthfully revealed his real intentions, Ying Ling didn’t dislike this straightforwardness but instead took the initiative to say, "I am from Joyful Sect, have you heard of it, sir?"

Taking initiative, she picked up the teapot, poured a cup. Now in March, with a slightly cool temperature, she pushed the hot tea gently towards him, her etiquette and demeanor impeccable.

But unexpectedly,

"Hehe, thank you for the hospitality, I’ve been traveling for two days, aside from finding rivers in the mountains, haven’t touched water, finally got some hot stuff to drink."

And then he chugged it.

Yes, chugged the tea leaves and all.

Looking somewhat shocked, even Ying Ling from Joyful Sect had never seen such behavior, moreover, wasn’t this youngster afraid of being poisoned?

Apparently not.

He said, drinking something as toxic as Paraquat would just cause diarrhea for two days, and after finishing, Cen Zhuangzhuang even pushed the cup back to her.

Ying Ling paused, then realizing that the youngster hadn’t had enough, she refilled and he chugged again.

"Huh, Joyful Sect of course I have heard of it, even in our Southern Border it is very famous, those elders often say your sect’s women... uh."

He seemed to realize halfway he was saying the wrong things, scratching his head awkwardly with a forced smile; clearly, it wasn’t nice to speak ill of someone else’s sect.

But Ying Ling maintained her elegance, continued pouring tea for the young man.

"It’s okay, young sir, just speak your mind."

"Well, I..."

He hesitated for a moment, then Cen Zhuangzhuang really spoke bluntly, "I’ve heard those elders from the families say, Joyful Sect men and women are both of questionable character, claiming the women there are loose, and warned me to be careful out there with those promiscuous people."

"As expected, Joyful Sect always had a not-so-good reputation outside, but, in your eyes, is Ying Ling such a woman?"

She smiled faintly.

Her face showed no anger but was rather calm and serene, this immediately made Cen Zhuangzhuang shake his head.

"No no no, quite the opposite, the lady is both beautiful and dignified, not at all loose or licentious as they described, it’s just..."

Looking at the thin veil covering the lady’s cheeks, Cen Zhuangzhuang bluntly said, "The lady is that kind, um... hidden promiscuity, acting all proper on the surface but very passionate privately."