Seeing Ye Tian's expression, Xuan Miaoyin's face alternated between blue and purple, her smile gradually fading.
But she didn't turn and flee.
Instead, she watched Ye Tian warily. "Although my cultivation has yet to reach the Title Douluo level," she said, "when it comes to escaping, no one can surpass me."
As she spoke, Xuan Miaoyin slowly approached, feigning laziness while openly displaying her alluring figure. With a seductive smile, she continued,
"Besides, given my abilities and status, I might still be of some use to you."
"I came to see you only to propose a deal."
Ye Tian chuckled lightly. "No need for suspense. Speak."
"You, Spirit Hall must be eager to find the whereabouts of the Slaughter King, right?"
"As his former confidante, I happen to know this information."
Xuan Miaoyin's tone was full of confidence, as if she was certain Ye Tian would take the bait.
However, upon hearing her words, Ye Tian's smile only deepened.
Clearly, Xuan Miaoyin had mistaken him for a high-ranking member of Spirit Hall.
From Spirit Hall's perspective, the whereabouts of the Slaughter King were indeed crucial.
Eliminating the influence of the City of Slaughter, this long-standing threat, would greatly enhance Spirit Hall's reputation.
But to Ye Tian, it was insignificant—nothing more than a passing drizzle, not worth mentioning.
Besides, he had far more important matters to attend to.
He had no interest in wasting time on Xuan Miaoyin.
"Sorry, I'm not interested."
"If you want to make a deal, go to Spirit City and find the Elder's Hall. They might be willing."
With that, Ye Tian pulled on the reins, preparing to leave.
Seeing that he was truly about to go, Xuan Miaoyin's expression beneath her black veil grew anxious.
She immediately transformed into a swarm of bats, fluttering ahead to block Ye Tian's path.
She pleaded sincerely,
"My request is simple: I need you to refine a pill that can cure my addiction to Blood Mary."
"I truly want to turn over a new leaf and become a normal soul master."
"Sorry. Not my concern."
Ye Tian shook his head without even looking at her.
Hearing this, Xuan Miaoyin's expression turned frantic.
She knew she couldn't force Ye Tian to refine the pill for her.
Given her status and strength, she was utterly insignificant in front of him.
At that moment, a thought struck her, and she hurriedly said,
"After leaving the City of Slaughter, the Slaughter King was severely weakened. A mere ordinary Title Douluo could defeat him."
"Moreover, he possesses a divine weapon. If Spirit Hall were to acquire it, your power would increase significantly."
After saying this, Xuan Miaoyin bit her lip, as if making a major decision.
"If you help me refine the pill, I will not only tell you the Slaughter King's whereabouts but also swear my eternal loyalty to you!"
This was the greatest concession she could make.
She absolutely did not want to return to that psychotic Slaughter King.
That would be a fate worse than death.
Hearing this, Ye Tian pondered briefly.
Soon, he recalled information about Tang Chen, the Slaughter King, from his memories.
Xuan Miaoyin's words were indeed accurate.
Thanks to the favor of the God of Slaughter, Tang Chen had elevated his martial soul to the level of a divine weapon.
In the original story, this divine Asura Demonic Sword was given to Tang San.
At this point in time, Tang San and Tang Chen had likely not yet met.
So the divine weapon should still be in Tang Chen's possession.
The power boost from a divine weapon was undeniable.
Ye Tian vividly remembered that, in the climax of the original novel, Tang San wielded both the Trident and the Asura Demonic Sword to defeat Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue.
And right now, Bibi Dong—well, she was practically half his wife.
His wife's enemies were his enemies.
Weakening the enemy's strength? No harm in that.
As for Xuan Miaoyin's loyalty? That was just a bonus.
Ye Tian gazed at Xuan Miaoyin with an indifferent expression.
"I can refine the pill for you, but not right now."
"I have other matters to attend to. You can wait for me in Spirit City."
Hearing Ye Tian's agreement, Xuan Miaoyin secretly breathed a sigh of relief beneath her black veil.
Her voice was filled with determination.
"I won't return to Spirit City. I never want to associate with those evil soul masters again."
"Since you've already agreed, I trust that a man like you wouldn't go back on his word."
Saying this, Xuan Miaoyin raised her right hand.
"I swear upon the Angel God—my loyalty to Ye Tian shall be eternal."
With that, she began chanting an incantation.
A contract-like scroll gradually formed in midair.
But just as it was about to solidify, Ye Tian interrupted her.
A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes—he hadn't expected Xuan Miaoyin to possess divine magic.
It seemed the City of Slaughter hid quite a few books that piqued his interest.
Suppressing his curiosity, Ye Tian raised his hand indifferently.
"I have no interest in this kind of symbolic loyalty."
"I judge my subordinates by their deeds, not their intentions."
This statement was half true and half false.
While Ye Tian did judge subordinates based on their actions, he also placed great importance on lineage.
Unless their ancestors were commoners, they could never become his trusted aides.
Someone like Xuan Miaoyin, a former evil soul master, could only serve as a fighter—never a core confidant.
However, Xuan Miaoyin was unaware of Ye Tian's thoughts.
Seeing him interrupt her loyalty oath, she actually felt grateful.
Indeed, any faction was a hundred times better than serving under the Slaughter King.
She had secretly made up her mind—she would repay Ye Tian's trust in the future.
Rather than expressing her gratitude in words, Xuan Miaoyin simply looked at Ye Tian with deep appreciation.
"…Young Master, let me stay by your side. I truly don't want to return to Spirit City and face those colleagues."
Her tone carried a hint of hesitation.
Hearing this, the Sea Witch beside them smiled playfully at Ye Tian.
"Congratulations, little brother. You've gained another capable subordinate."
She even cast a side glance at Xuan Miaoyin's figure.
Ye Tian could easily detect the teasing in her voice.
He waved his hand dismissively.
"Enough of that. I'm not interested."
Upon hearing this, Xuan Miaoyin couldn't help but feel stifled.
Her beauty and figure had been coveted by countless men in the City of Slaughter.
Even the Slaughter King himself had been reluctant to let her go.
Yet Ye Tian brushed her off so lightly.
She refused to accept this.
She made a mental note that one day, she would show Ye Tian what she had to offer.
With that thought, Xuan Miaoyin transformed into a swarm of bats, following Ye Tian as they continued toward the Star Dou Forest.
…
"Iron Thorn Trees, the signature trees of the Black Triangle Zone."
Glancing at the map, Ye Tian looked up at the towering black trees before him.
"Young Master, wait here. I'll scout ahead."
Xuan Miaoyin volunteered eagerly.
She had just sworn loyalty to Ye Tian, so naturally, she wanted to prove herself.
As someone with a bat transformation martial soul, she had a natural advantage in reconnaissance.
However, Ye Tian shook his head and stopped her.
"No need."
Pointing at the upside-down triangle mark on the Iron Thorn Tree, he said,
"This is a road sign left by Spirit Hall. If we follow these markers, we'll find Shi Fei and my sister."
(End of Chapter)
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