Chapter 8: Sharing a Room

【Host, please complete the task actively; the time limit is only three days~】

The system’s voice carried a teasing tone, reminding her of the ticking clock with little sympathy.

Chu Yuyao’s face darkened as she cursed the damned system under her breath. Forcing herself to calm down, her gaze swept across the five male leads listed on the system’s panel, studying each name in turn.

She began to analyze who would be the best starting point.

Su Qinghan, the chief disciple of Ling Cang, the leader of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, was acknowledged as the foremost genius of swordsmanship among the younger generation. Born with a sword bone, he was an unparalleled talent—a true sword fanatic: emotionally detached, extremely taciturn, his only weakness being his master.

Approach him?

She’d most likely be treated as air or a mere obstacle, thoroughly ignored. Sharing a room with him for twelve hours was an impossibility—unless the two of them fell into some unusual place and couldn’t escape.

Yan Jingchen, known as the Smiling Shura, the young master of the Yan Fortress, the second-ranked cultivation family. Outwardly charming and flirtatious, but inwardly scheming and deeply calculating. He was adept at disguises and manipulation, using his alluring appearance and charisma to achieve his aims, ruthless and sometimes utterly unscrupulous.

Getting close to him would mean being played to pieces, sold off and still counting his money for him. Such a dangerous man was best avoided unless absolutely necessary—engaging in a battle of wits was simply exhausting.

The third was Ji Ciyuan, young master of the Ji family, the top cultivation clan. His status was illustrious, born not with a golden spoon but with spiritual stones and rare treasures. Exceptionally gifted, possessing a natural Dao body, and at eight, awakened the Divine Eye, able to see through all illusions in the world—a prodigy among prodigies.

His favorability was at -90, a bit higher than the others. Unfortunately, his personality was overwhelmingly arrogant, conceited, scornful of others, venomously sharp-tongued, obsessive with cleanliness, and narcissistic. Within three feet, not a single female was allowed; anyone daring to approach would be kicked to death or tossed far away.

If she truly had to share a room with him for twelve hours, that damned man would be disgusted to death, bathing for three days and nights would be the least of it—he might soak himself endlessly and frantically disinfect.

She suddenly laughed—should she go and disgust him a bit?

Thinking of how she had slapped him not long ago, and the widely spread rumors of her divorcing him, she shook her head again.

If she dared to show herself before Ji Ciyuan now, with his temperament, he would probably wish to tear her into pieces.

Forget it, best not to provoke him.

As for Shangguan Yuheng, the Saint Son of the Medicine King Valley, outwardly gentle as jade, but deeply concealed. Not only was his talent in alchemy extraordinary, but his skill in medicine was also peerless, well-versed in poisons and gu, his cultivation far outstripping others.

It was said he was also proficient in the Five Elements, the Eight Trigrams, mystical arts, and mechanisms—a formidable character.

A true genius.

However, being a healer, perhaps she could approach him through the matter of the “Thousand Absolute Powder,” seeking him out to detoxify her. As a healer, he surely would not refuse to save a life.

Moreover, the “Thousand Absolute Powder” was an ancient, incurable poison; for someone like him, the more impossible the poison, the more intriguing it would be. This interest would lead him to seriously study her condition.

Sharing a room for twelve hours—essentially one night—would pass quickly, not so hard to achieve.

Still, he was too clever, likely to see through her cards, which carried risk.

The last was Ye Cangming, young master of the Ten Thousand Demons Hall, the strongest force in the demonic path: wicked, wild, violent and cold, slaughtering as he pleased—known as the Star of Calamity.

Approaching him?

Unless she had a death wish.

After much consideration, she still thought Shangguan Yuheng was the most suitable. Though too clever and prone to seeing through her, he was the easiest to approach and most likely to help her complete the task.

Her mind made up, she prepared to start with Shangguan Yuheng.

“System, help me locate Shangguan Yuheng right now.”

She called out inwardly.

With only three days, who knew where Shangguan Yuheng was? If she relied on herself to search, who knew how long it would take?

No reason not to use her golden finger.

【Please wait, host. Query in progress...】

The system was very pleased with her proactive attitude and instantly cooperated.

Soon, it responded.

【Host, Shangguan Yuheng was recently at Taixu One Leaf Pavilion having tea with Yan Jingchen and others. He is currently returning to Medicine King Valley, accompanied by Ye Cangming. The two seem unrushed, traveling at a leisurely pace.】

Chu Yuyao frowned upon hearing Ye Cangming, the Star of Calamity, was accompanying him. “Isn’t Ye Cangming the young master of Ten Thousand Demons Hall? Why isn’t he returning west to his sect, but following Shangguan Yuheng?”

【Host, you may not know, Ye Cangming’s mother, Meng Wanyin, was cursed early in life and has been in eternal slumber within the forbidden ice coffin of Ten Thousand Demons Hall. Ye Cangming has been searching for a cure for years. Shangguan Yuheng is not only a master of alchemy, but also an expert in medicine and poison. This journey is likely for Meng Wanyin’s curse.】

“Where exactly are they? What’s their route?”

She asked again.

【Currently near White Egret Mountain. If you hurry, you should be able to catch up.】

The system finished, instantly sending the route directly into her mind.

She scanned it with her consciousness, swiftly rose from her lodging, and changed into a set of lightweight clothes—a fresh, elegant dark green.

After a brief tidy-up, satisfied there were no issues, she hurried out.

The original owner was at the eighth level of Qi cultivation, so sword flight was naturally out of the question.

Fortunately, there were plenty of flying instruments in her storage ring, some gifted by Chu Xiong, others purchased by the original owner.

She picked one that pleased her, infused it with spiritual energy, and after it enlarged, she hopped aboard and sped away.

The gates of the Heavenly Dao Sect towered majestically.

The disciples guarding the gate spotted the iconic half-mask on her flying instrument from afar, not even bothering to lift their eyelids.

Who didn’t know the young lady was now the sect’s joke?

The true daughter turned out to be fake, shamelessly divorcing five peerless Dao companions, angering the sect leader to the point of storming off. The fact she hadn’t been expelled was only due to the leader’s lingering affection.

Chu Yuyao was in a hurry to catch up, paying no mind to others’ opinions, flying out of Heavenly Dao Sect and following the system’s route swiftly.

She pondered how to broach the subject with Shangguan Yuheng upon meeting him.

Should she directly say she was poisoned and seek his help?

No, too abrupt.

Furthermore, the “Thousand Absolute Powder” was an ancient, incurable poison. Suddenly being poisoned, and knowing exactly what it was, seemed suspicious.

If Shangguan Yuheng asked how she was poisoned, how would she answer?

Should she say Chu Ruoyan secretly administered it?

That “white lotus” had only been in Heavenly Dao Sect for a short time, but her reputation was astonishingly good—beautiful, kind-hearted, talented, beloved by all.

If she accused Chu Ruoyan, Shangguan Yuheng would likely not believe her, thinking it was jealousy and slander.

No, this reason wouldn’t work.

Chu Yuyao frowned, thoughts racing through her mind as she urged her flying instrument to go faster, ever faster.

Fortunately, the flying instrument was powerful, and the distance was rapidly closing.