Chapter 578: “How Is This Guy Even More Arrogant Than Me?!”
White Paper Immortal City.
Ghastly green flames burned fiercely upon the enormous giant paper statue near the southern gate.
Someone cast a spell, conjuring surging waves of water in an attempt to extinguish the blaze.
But when the tide swept downward, the green fire abruptly transformed, turning into yellow flames that continued burning. Borrowing the force of the surging water, the fire’s intensity multiplied several times over!
From afar, Ning Zhuo watched the scene and thought to himself, “This fire has some peculiar properties. It seems capable of borrowing the Water Element and converting it into the Fire Element. If I could observe it closely during battle, I might be able to determine what technique it is.”
Ning Zhuo’s attainment in the Five Elements was extremely profound, and he himself knew quite a few methods that used water to amplify fire.
Regardless of whether it was the same technique as those he knew, Ning Zhuo was confident that if he observed it up close, he would definitely uncover its secrets and master it.
But soon, the water waves dissipated, having almost entirely fueled the flames instead.
The yellow-green fire enveloped the entire statue, which then collapsed with a thunderous crash. Its shattered remains struck the ground, triggering tremors across the earth as shockwaves and clouds of smoke and dust surged outward.
Ning Zhuo suddenly felt an inexplicable heaviness in his heart.
He said to Sun Lingtong, “Boss, White Paper Immortal City is far too chaotic. It’s a dignified immortal city—clearly protected by formations—yet people are still able to fight openly.”
“They’re not just fighting either. They can even burn down landmark structures in the city. What does that imply?”
“It means White Paper Immortal City has already been heavily infiltrated. There must be numerous traitors inside. Otherwise, the city’s formation alone could suppress these people completely.”
Even from a distance, though he could not see the exact battle scene, the scale of the destruction made it obvious that the saboteurs were facing little to no suppression from the city’s formation.
Otherwise, they could never have caused such tremendous damage!
“White Paper Immortal City is beset by troubles both within and without. A great upheaval is inevitable,” Sun Lingtong nodded, fully agreeing.
The defensive power of an immortal city was exceptionally formidable.
Compared to the frontline military camps of Liangzhu Kingdom, the defensive strength of an immortal city surpassed them by far.
The great formation of an immortal city could heavily suppress cultivation levels and combat power. For the defending side, the geographical advantage was enormous.
If, during the Second Grand Battle of Thousand Peaks Forest, the Liangzhu Kingdom army had occupied an immortal city instead of their actual position, the entire battle situation would have looked completely different.
In fact, the Thousand Peaks Forest coalition army would likely never have even considered launching a direct assault on an immortal city defended by Liangzhu Kingdom’s forces.
Just moments ago, Ning Zhuo had been thinking of observing the battle up close. Now that thought had completely vanished.
“Although we didn’t have the chance to gather detailed intelligence before entering the city, from what we’ve experienced so far, White Paper Immortal City is clearly in a state of internal and external crisis.”
“The external threat is the Ghost Tide. The White Paper City Lord, the main pillar here, seems to have fallen into difficulty. That alone casts a huge shadow over the city’s ability to defend against the Ghost Tide.”
“As for the internal threat, it should be the City-Overthrowing Alliance. So far, one of its members I know is the Bone Crocodile Demon. As for Xie Sichao, the strategist of the Yin Soldiers, he should belong to some force from the Underworld. Since the City-Overthrowing Alliance has already colluded with outside forces, its threat level has grown significantly.”
“Sigh… White Paper Immortal City is a place of endless trouble. We shouldn’t stay long. Boss, let’s quickly find the Funeral Music Nether Performer and have her perform a divination. Once we get the result, we’ll leave immediately.”
Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong communicated secretly.
However, Sun Lingtong had a different idea.
He shook his head slightly and transmitted through spiritual sense, “Don’t be like that, Little Zhuo. We’ve never experienced what a Ghost Tide is like. It might be interesting to witness it once.”
“Besides, the greater the danger, the greater the opportunity.”
“Think about it carefully—our wealth has increased by thousands, even tens of thousands of times compared to before. Why?”
“Isn’t it because we risked our lives participating in Liangzhu Kingdom’s great war?”
“So this Ghost Tide crisis in White Paper Immortal City might also become another huge opportunity for us!”
Ning Zhuo fell silent.
Sun Lingtong continued persuading him, “Little Zhuo, we actually have an advantage right now. You’re currently using the identity of a Male Consort—you can access the highest levels of the city!”
“If an opportunity appears, that identity could bring even greater benefits.”
Ning Zhuo nodded slightly. “That makes sense.”
“But why do I feel like, Boss, you just want to watch the excitement?”
Sun Lingtong chuckled. “Tell me, was anything I said wrong? Aren’t you tempted?”
Ning Zhuo fell silent again.
He really was tempted.
Back when he was in Huoshi Immortal City or at the Myriad Medicines Sect, he would definitely have rejected such an idea and left White Paper Immortal City as early—and as far—as possible.
But now…
He had indeed gained enormous benefits from taking risks.
His experiences on the battlefield had also awakened a new layer of understanding about life and existence.
“Then we’ll first use this identity to approach the city’s high-level figures and see if any opportunity appears,” Ning Zhuo said.
Sun Lingtong was so delighted he nearly slapped Ning Zhuo on the shoulder. “Little Zhuo, you’re becoming more and more to my taste. If I’d known earlier, I should’ve dragged you out traveling years ago.”
But Ning Zhuo added, “Still, I think the chances are slim. If I were the City Lord, I would definitely conduct strict investigations on any Male Consort approaching her.”
“We’ll probably fail the first round of inspection.”
Sun Lingtong said, “Even though my theft techniques have improved greatly, I really don’t have confidence against the scrutiny of an immortal city.”
“Let’s just take it step by step. Even if we get discovered, we can reveal our identities. The Funeral Music Nether Performer holds a fairly high status here.”
“And even if they want to punish us, we can escape using the Wanli Dragon.”
After settling their plan, the two continued forward along with the others.
Not long later, they arrived at a separate residence.
On the plaque above the gate were three large characters—
Hidden Yang Residence.
The gray paper lion statues at the entrance saw the group approaching and spoke first. “Are these the newly arrived Male Consorts?”
The guide immediately confirmed.
“Enter.”
The gray paper lions opened the gate.
The group filed inside.
As soon as they entered the residence, a paper maid bowed and said, “Please follow me.”
The group passed around a screen wall, walked through the main hall, crossed three layers of green-tiled corridors, passed through five layers of Yin Qi barriers, and arrived at a delicate little garden.
“Please wait here for a moment. The Chief Steward will arrive shortly.”
After the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, a middle-aged human cultivator wearing silver robes slowly walked forward.
He scanned the group, slightly tilting his head back, and said arrogantly, “Listen up, newcomers. This steward will announce today’s three matters—dining, familiarizing yourselves with the grounds, and room assignments.”
“Starting today, you’ll be living here for some time. I expect you all to behave well!”
After finishing, the steward clasped his hands behind his back and strolled away.
“Strange. There’s no inspection?” Sun Lingtong and Ning Zhuo exchanged glances, both finding it odd.
At noon, a paper maid arrived and led the group to the dining hall.
The moment they entered, they saw the hall was packed—at least a hundred people inside.
“Could it be that all these people are…” someone asked.
The paper maid nodded. “That’s right. They are all Male Consorts of this generation.”
The crowd fell silent.
The seats were not assigned; everyone could sit freely.
Sun Lingtong had just been about to sit beside Ning Zhuo when a paper guard suddenly shouted, “Insolence! A mere servant of the Ghostfolk dares to sit with a Male Consort?”
Ning Zhuo didn’t want to separate from Sun Lingtong, so he briefly explained, saying Sun Lingtong was his lifesaving benefactor.
But the paper servant immediately scolded Ning Zhuo as well, showing him no respect whatsoever despite his status as a Male Consort.
Ning Zhuo was slightly stunned, but after glancing around at the entire hall of Male Consorts, he immediately understood the true status of this group.
Sun Lingtong shot Ning Zhuo a look and decisively separated from him, squatting in the corner with the other servants to eat.
Just as Ning Zhuo was about to start his meal, another paper servant called out, “Jiao Ma, the Chief Steward summons you.”
“What for?” Ning Zhuo asked, puzzled.
The paper servant sneered. “You’re a newcomer, yet you broke the rules the moment you arrived. Of course you’re going to be scolded. Did you think it was something good?”
Ning Zhuo had no reply.
Inside a private room, he met the silver-robed steward again.
The steward was enjoying a table full of delicacies. While picking his teeth, he said to Ning Zhuo, “Jiao Ma, you’ve just arrived and already broken the rules. That deserves punishment!”
Ning Zhuo immediately cupped his fists and spoke politely, smiling without servility or arrogance.
Seeing this demeanor, the steward’s arrogance subsided slightly. “Judging by your bearing, you must come from a wealthy family. So it’s not that you don’t understand the rules—you’re simply rich and bold.”
“Come on then. How much money did you bring for me? Let me see your sincerity, so I can assign you a good room.”
Ning Zhuo was surprised.
He hadn’t expected the steward to solicit bribes so openly.
He immediately recalled the steward’s earlier statement in the garden about the three matters—dining, familiarizing with the grounds, and room assignments.
“So the rooms must vary in quality. Since the steward controls their distribution, he’s using his authority to seek bribes and profit from it,” Ning Zhuo quickly realized.
Having just arrived and still knowing nothing about the place, Ning Zhuo wanted to gather more intelligence. So he asked, “Chief Steward, what are the price tiers for the rooms? Perhaps you could explain them to me.”
The steward sneered disdainfully. “Do you know who I am? You expect me to explain things to you? If you’ve come to be a Male Consort, didn’t you do even this little bit of homework beforehand?”
“Just give me the money. I’ll arrange things accordingly. Understand?”
Ning Zhuo possessed immense wealth. If he revealed the truth, the steward would never believe it. Even a tiny fraction of his fortune would make the steward extremely satisfied.
But after thinking for a moment, Ning Zhuo chose not to do so.
He shook his head and sneered back.
“Heh! I can’t stand that kind of attitude the most. I originally planned to give you a little money and be done with it. But now? Heh.”
After saying that, he turned around and walked straight out.
The steward was left standing there dumbfounded, staring as Ning Zhuo strode away.
“Wait… wait!”
“What the—”
“How is this guy even more arrogant than me?!”