Chapter 72: Nangong Xue’s Conditions

A faint, cool voice drifted from Nangong Xue’s lips, making Ye Cheng pause in surprise. He asked with some skepticism, “You really have a way out? It seems the only exit here is that passage ahead.”

This ancient cave was deep within the territory of the Demon Ape Tribe, and the sole entrance and exit was that stone gate. But passing through that stone gate would be ill-advised; to leave by that route was to expose oneself entirely within the tribe’s domain, where countless demon apes lurked, watching for any opportunity. Ordinary demon apes would be manageable—Ye Cheng’s current cultivation at the peak of the Blood Energy Realm, coupled with his fighting prowess far exceeding that level, left him unafraid of them.

His sole concern, however, was the Silver-haired Demon Ape. That creature’s strength rivaled the advanced stage of the Vital Energy Realm. Even with the recent surge in his own blood energy, Ye Cheng remained no match for such a foe. Even adding Nangong Xue, who herself had reached the peak of the Blood Energy Realm and comprehended a spiritual martial art, would not tip the scales. The gap between the Blood Energy Realm and the Vital Energy Realm was as vast as the gulf between a river and the sea—impossible to cross.

“There is indeed only that passage in this stone cave, but it’s not the only way out. Otherwise, what do you think gave me the courage to come here alone? Without a retreat, I wouldn’t have acted so rashly.” Nangong Xue cast Ye Cheng a sidelong glance as she spoke.

“So, what other way is there?” he asked.

“Have you ever heard of a teleportation array?”

“You mean—you plan to use a teleportation array to get out? You have one with you?” Ye Cheng immediately grasped her meaning, astonished as he turned to her.

He was, of course, familiar with such arrays. They were formations crafted into portable models, allowing one to carry the power of teleportation on their person. But these were rare and exorbitantly expensive; even great powers and clans would feel the loss of one. Only the most influential and wealthy families would equip their most valued or promising members with such items as a last resort for safety during their journeys.

What Ye Cheng hadn’t expected was that Nangong Xue herself possessed such a treasure.

“No wonder—so you’re the heiress of Eternal Joy City,” he murmured quietly. Yet upon reflection, it was hardly surprising. As the daughter of the city lord of one of the largest cities in Nanyang Prefecture, she would never have been sent out without powerful means of self-preservation. This, too, spoke volumes about her status within the city.

Though Ye Cheng’s voice was soft, it reached Nangong Xue’s ears. She frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure on her face, but recalling her own intentions, she chose not to argue and instead shifted the subject. “I do have such an item, but if you wish to leave, you must promise me one thing. What do you say?”

“A condition?” Ye Cheng was taken aback, unprepared for such a turn. Unsure what she was planning, he looked up at her, smiling lightly. “Since you ask, let’s hear it.”

“No. You must agree first. In exchange, I will see you safely out of this cave and away from the Demon Ape Tribe’s territory.” Nangong Xue was unmoved by his attempt to bargain, her clear eyes fixed on him as she shook her head.

“We just risked our lives together to escape the Golden-furred Ape King. We can at least be honest with each other. Tell me what you want. Otherwise, what if you ask me to dash my head against the wall—should I really go through with it? That would be rather tragic, wouldn’t it? And if your request is beyond my ability, I fear I won’t be able to help even if I wish to.” Ye Cheng spread his hands helplessly; such a demand left him uneasy, unwilling to give a blind promise.

“No.” Nangong Xue was unmoved, her tone resolute. But upon seeing the woeful expression on Ye Cheng’s face, she finally relented a little. “But rest assured, I won’t ask you to do anything foolish like bashing your head against the wall. It will be within your abilities—all I require is your best effort.”

“There is another way, of course,” Ye Cheng said, feigning menace, “I could simply refuse your terms and take the teleportation array from you by force.”

Had this been before he received the inheritance of the Fire Body, perhaps he wouldn’t have had the confidence to defeat this cool and elegant girl. But now, with his power surging, he felt certain he could subdue her.

“I admit you now have the strength to defeat me,” Nangong Xue replied coolly, “but I don’t believe you could kill me in an instant, without giving me time to destroy the teleportation array. I think you’re smart enough not to try.”

Ye Cheng was left speechless by her words. She had made her point—how could he continue to argue? In the end, he could only sigh and say, “Fine. I’ll agree. Now, will you tell me what you want?”

With Ye Cheng’s agreement, Nangong Xue breathed an inward sigh of relief. Though she could not be sure he would really be able to help, with his strength, there was at least hope. After a brief pause, she began to explain.

“In Eternal Joy City, the Nangong family has held the city lord’s title for generations, by the decree of the former Prefect. My father, Nangong Xiong, is both the current city lord and the head of our family. Yet, even in our city, there are other great powers. Only the authority of the former Prefect and my father’s formidable strength have kept them in check.”

“But with the former Prefect’s mysterious disappearance and a new Prefect in power, his authority no longer holds sway. Not long ago, my father was framed and gravely wounded—he now lies in a coma.”

“So that is why you risked everything to seek the Soul Grass—for your father’s sake,” Ye Cheng finally understood. This explained why she valued the herb so highly, even willing to give up the inheritance of the Fire Body.

“Yes,” Nangong Xue replied, her beautiful eyes meeting his gaze. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and continued, “Because of my father’s injury and the former Prefect’s disappearance, some of the city’s powers have begun to stir. The Bloodshade Gang is the most conspicuous and dangerous among them—a malignant force.”

“The Bloodshade Gang!” Ye Cheng’s eyes narrowed. This was the first he had heard of such a group. “They’re targeting your family?”

For a group bold enough to challenge the city lord’s clan, their background must be formidable—far beyond what a small family like his own in Luoyang Town could withstand. He was also keenly aware of his own limitations. Frowning, he asked, “You’re not asking me to go up against such a powerful faction, are you?”