Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 780 - 382 Additional Payment_2

Chapter 780: Chapter 382 Additional Payment_2

Jiang Shouzhong nodded, not expecting the other party to provide an explanation.

After Second Uncle’s soul completely dissipated, Duo Ying and the Fifth Senior Uncle happened to walk over.

"Jiang, Fifth Senior Uncle and I have business at the Moon in Water Bridge, so we’ll be leaving for now. If there’s a chance in the future, I’ll invite you to Danxia Peak as a guest."

Duo Ying said these final words with a face full of helplessness.

After all, whether Danxia Peak could still be entered in the future was uncertain.

Unless they could seize the opportunity at the Moon in Water Bridge, there would be no chance of driving away those thieves.

Jiang Shouzhong then said, "Perfect timing—we are also headed to the Moon in Water Bridge. Let’s go together."

"Ah?"

Duo Ying hadn’t expected them to suddenly form a party. Just as she was about to speak, Jiang Shouzhong had already turned toward Xiao Lingqiu to call for her.

Duo Ying looked helplessly at the Fifth Senior Uncle beside her.

The latter’s face turned grim, fists slightly clenched.

...

To avoid unnecessary trouble, Xiao Lingqiu purposely wore a silk scarf across her face, concealing her peerless beauty.

But even so, her graceful, voluptuous figure and unique aloof demeanor still sparked amazement in Duo Ying, who couldn’t help but admire Jiang Shouzhong’s good fortune.

The Fifth Senior Uncle, too, stared surprised at Xiao Lingqiu, his eyes flickering, thoughts unknown.

The group began their journey to the fabled Moon in Water Bridge.

For this trip, Jiang Shouzhong specifically hired a carriage, the purpose being to protect Duo Ying at close range.

Originally, he’d considered outright killing this Fifth Senior Uncle but thought better of it. Killing directly might be hard to explain to Duo Ying—he couldn’t exactly say that her Second Uncle’s soul had revealed the truth to him.

The secret of being able to converse with the dead was something Jiang Shouzhong wouldn’t share with anyone.

The atmosphere inside the carriage was a bit peculiar.

Duo Ying was the one driving.

Meanwhile, Fifth Senior Uncle, Jiang Shouzhong, and Xiao Lingqiu sat together.

With some casual chatting, they learned that this Fifth Senior Uncle, named Zhao Yuanhua, had grown up in Danxia Peak and was the direct disciple of the previous sect leader, with extraordinary talent in alchemy.

Seldom venturing outside, she primarily stayed in her cave residence to cultivate.

For someone like her, it was indeed difficult to understand how she could collaborate with outsiders to harm her own sect.

"I heard Ying’er say that Jiang is a disciple of the Sword Demon Yan Changqing—your swordsmanship must be exceptional."

Zhao Yuanhua spoke slowly.

Jiang Shouzhong replied with a smile, "Just luck, really. As for my swordsmanship, it’s a mess—not even close to a tenth of my master’s skill."

Zhao Yuanhua’s face squeezed out a hint of a smile:

"Jiang, you are modest. Without some genuine ability, how could you earn the favor of the Sword Demon himself? However, I’ve heard rumors—people say you carry the Taoist River Map. Is that true?"

Jiang Shouzhong waved his hand dismissively, "It was snatched away by Zhenxuan Mountain long ago."

"Oh?"

Zhao Yuanhua’s expression showed some surprise. "Zhenxuan Mountain dares to be so bold as to offend the Sword Demon?"

Jiang Shouzhong was even more astonished.

From the way the other party asked, it seemed she was still unaware of what had transpired in Dazhou.

Danxia Peak, being located in an extremely remote area connected to both Dazhou and Nanjin Country, coupled with its members mostly confined to the sect practicing alchemy, it wasn’t surprising that they were out of touch with external events.

Jiang Shouzhong shifted the subject: "Earlier at the inn, I heard you mention something about a ’Divine Pill’—what is that?"

"That’s our Danxia Peak’s—"

"Ahem..."

Outside the carriage, Duo Ying, who was swinging the whip, was just about to answer when Zhao Yuanhua interrupted her with a low cough.

Duo Ying had no choice but to remain silent.

Zhao Yuanhua casually answered, "Just a relatively precious pill, that’s all."

"Oh."

Jiang Shouzhong nodded.

Zhao Yuanhua’s gaze shifted to Xiao Lingqiu, asking curiously, "I wonder, Ms. Jiang, where you are from and under which sect you studied?"

Xiao Lingqiu replied, "I’m from the Capital, without sect or affiliation."

Zhao Yuanhua hesitated for a moment before saying, "I feel as though I’ve seen Ms. Jiang somewhere before—there’s a sense of familiarity. Ms. Jiang, if you don’t mind, could you remove your veil? Perhaps we’ve truly met."

Xiao Lingqiu’s tone was cold: "Apologies, I mind."

"..."

Zhao Yuanhua felt a bit awkward, unable to press further.

Jiang Shouzhong recalled Zhao Yuanhua’s reaction upon first witnessing Xiao Lingqiu at the inn, sensing something.

He gently held Xiao Lingqiu’s delicate hand, placing it on his leg, stroking it as he addressed Zhao Yuanhua:

"If you don’t mind, Senior, could you share what truly happened at Danxia Peak? Your sect being the paramount alchemy sect, tied closely to various sects and even the court, doesn’t seem likely to have major grievances."

Xiao Lingqiu, whose hand was held, didn’t resist. On the contrary, she sat closer to the man.

Seeing this, the doubt in Zhao Yuanhua’s eyes gradually faded away.

After all, in her knowledge, Empress Dowager Yan Rong was aloof and proud—such intimate behavior with a man was impossible.

Moreover, back then, Zhao Yuanhua had followed Senior Brother Dong to present pills and had only seen the Empress Dowager once by chance. Though the impression was profound, time had blurred details.

As Zhao Yuanhua pondered, Duo Ying spoke:

"It all starts with First Uncle. Twenty years ago, First Uncle quarreled with the Sect Leader and left Danxia Peak in a huff. I heard from my teacher that they even fought.

But about half a month ago, First Uncle suddenly returned to Danxia Peak, bringing with him a group of mysterious individuals. They seriously injured and imprisoned the Sect Leader, seizing the main peak’s pill operations.

What’s worse, many disciples at Danxia Peak turned traitor. These people are really despicable!"

The young girl grew angrier as she spoke, fiercely whipping the horse’s haunch.

Jiang Shouzhong nodded in agreement, "Exactly right. Traitors deserve to die—shouldn’t even have skin for their children—simply shameless, absolutely disgraceful. Don’t you think, Senior Zhao?"

Zhao Yuanhua’s expression turned unpleasant, her head nodding stiffly.

On the road, many Jianghu wanderers came and went.

Most merely glanced at the carriage without paying much attention, and no disputes occurred. After roughly two hours, the carriage stopped at a mountain path’s entrance.

"This is Demon Sea Mountain’s territory. The Moon in Water Bridge is up the mountain."

Duo Ying pointed toward the peak.

Jiang Shouzhong gazed upward; judging from the mountain’s overall shape, there wasn’t anything remarkable, except for a faint five-colored rainbow suspended high in the heavens.

At this moment, he noticed Zhao Yuanhua’s expression looking rather nervous, her gaze flitting about.

Jiang Shouzhong scanned the surroundings but found nothing unusual, so he straightforwardly asked, "Senior Zhao, what’s making you nervous? Is it fear of Second Uncle’s pursuit?"

Zhao Yuanhua shook her head, "If Second Uncle pursues us, it’s not a big deal—we can just flee. I’m more concerned about whether Duo Ying’s master and senior brother have appeared here."

Adopting a teasing tone, Jiang Shouzhong said:

"I get the feeling Senior Zhao is quite conflicted—both wanting to see them and seemingly not wanting to."

Zhao Yuanhua forced a smile, "Indeed, I’d like to see they’re safe here but also worry they may be discovered by Second Uncle and those thieves, putting them in danger."

"Senior Brother!"

As the saying goes, speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Just then, Duo Ying’s eyes lit up as she shouted toward a familiar figure at the mountain’s foot.

Zhao Yuanhua’s expression changed sharply as she instinctively prepared to rush forward.

But Jiang Shouzhong was one step ahead, coincidentally blocking her path, allowing Duo Ying to be the first to run over.

"Jiang!"

Zhao Yuanhua’s face was filled with anger.

Jiang Shouzhong feigned confusion, "What’s wrong, Senior Zhao? Why is it that you seem even more tense now?"

Zhao Yuanhua secretly channeled qi, her fingers curling into claws.

But then, a sudden change unfolded—

Just as Duo Ying sprinted up to her senior brother, Hou Qi, ready to speak, he abruptly grabbed her throat.

Bang!

Duo Ying’s petite frame was flung through the air, crashing heavily onto a stele at the mountain’s base.

Hou Qi stepped forward, preparing to deliver another punch to his beloved junior sister, but a shadow suddenly darted in front of him.

Hou Qi was struck hard in the abdomen, sent flying backward.

Jiang Shouzhong helped Duo Ying up, furrowing his brows as he stared at Hou Qi, whose eyes were filled with violent, murderous rage: "What’s wrong with him? Could he be possessed?"

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