Chapter 176: Shadows of Betrayal

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"You…"

Shui Niang Qing glared at Lan An's shameless demeanor. He had casually sipped from her teacup, even praising its taste, and her anger simmered as she gritted her teeth. Yet, in such a setting, she couldn't reclaim the cup to drink from it. Instead, she lifted the one meant for him and took a sip.

"Khkhkh!"

Madam Hua laughed until her body quivered. She had never seen her daughter at such a disadvantage. Another might have provoked Shui Niang Qing's wrath, but Lan An, both guest and benefactor, forced her to swallow her ire, her face flushed crimson.

Knowing the moment risked awkwardness, Lan An shifted topics. "How has Lady Shui dealt with Shui Mo Er?"

As a Void Refinement expert, Shui Niang Qing's composure was formidable. After a brief flare of anger, she regained her calm, replying evenly.

"After discussions with the Sect Master and elders, Shui Mo Er's offense was weighed against his merit in transporting vast resources for the sect. Thus, his cultivation resources will be cut for a year, and he must return to Bai Ling Academy for disciplined study, forbidden to leave for three months."

Mentioning her brother, Shui Niang Qing's tone softened with exasperation. Shui Mo Er had idolized her since childhood, striving for her approval in all he did, this incident no exception.

Shui Niang Qing had no interest in the Sect Master role. Her ambition was to become a peerless expert, free and unrivaled, her fighting spirit equal to any man's. She poured her heart into grooming Shui Mo Er as her successor, hence her strictness. What sister could truly despise her brother?

"Sister, though Brother Lan An's cultivation is low, his talent and combat prowess are the most terrifying I've seen. You mustn't let him slip away…"

Recalling Shui Mo Er's earnest words before departing, Shui Niang Qing inwardly scoffed. Did this brat fear she'd remain unwed? Her suitors could circle Hong Island twice over.

Lan An nodded at her response. As expected, no one in the Lan Hong Sect truly blamed Shui Mo Er; their actions aimed to spur his growth.

"Xiao Nan, you're not from Lan Zhou, are you? If you need aid, just say the word. If it's within the Lan Hong Sect's power, we'll make it happen," Madam Hua said earnestly.

Lan An felt a quiet gratitude. "I came to Lan Zhou mainly to hunt Octopus Beasts for their demon cores."

"Octopus Beasts? They dwell only in the Western Sea. Our Eastern Sea lacks them, sadly," Madam Hua replied, then glanced at Shui Niang Qing. "You're free, Niang Qing. Tear through the void and take Xiao Nan there. He's unfamiliar with Lan Zhou."

Shui Niang Qing nodded without hesitation. The Lan Hong Sect owed Lan An a debt, and this task was no great burden for her.

Lan An's heart lifted. Though Ji Ya could guide him, traveling with the spirited beauty Shui Niang Qing promised its own allure. He quickly agreed.

"We'll depart once the Black Shark Pirate issue is resolved," Shui Niang Qing said, her alluring lips parting coldly, a glint of killing intent in her eyes.

How could she overlook those who dared harm her sect's people?

Lan An nodded. A great sect must act decisively when robbed and attacked, lest its prestige crumble and its disciples lose face.

"Lady, the young master of the Dong Ming Commerce Guild from Ming Island seeks an audience. The Sect Master and elders are receiving them," Elder Fu's voice echoed from outside.

"Dong Ming Commerce Guild? I haven't even sought them out yet… hmph!" Shui Niang Qing snorted delicately.

Noticing Lan An's confusion, Madam Hua explained. "The Dong Ming Commerce Guild, a seventh-rank force specializing in trade, was Shui Mo Er's recent trading partner. The goods he transported came from them."

Lan An pondered, noting Shui Niang Qing's demeanor. A thoughtful gleam crossed his eyes as a suspicion formed.

The seas are vast, and Shui Mo Er's transport was secretive, using a single warship with minimal fanfare. Yet, the Black Shark Pirates ambushed him with precision. The Dong Ming Commerce Guild likely leaked information, colluding with the pirates.

Shui Niang Qing rose gracefully, her form vanishing with a light step.

"Madam Hua, I'll follow and observe," Lan An said, curious to glimpse this Dong Ming Commerce Guild.

"Go on. Niang Qing is cold outside but warm within. Seize your chance!" Madam Hua winked.

Lan An chuckled, offering no rebuttal, and departed leisurely.

"What an intriguing young man," Madam Hua mused softly, reclining languidly.

In the grand hall, Lan Hong Sect Master Shui Xiong and several elders hosted three figures—two elderly, one young.

The young man, around thirty, exuded noble bearing, his narrow eyes glinting with cunning. Dressed in a purple robe, he was Dong Ming Zhe, young master of the Dong Ming Commerce Guild.

The two elders in black stood calmly behind him.

Shui Niang Qing's arrival drew every eye, her presence commanding the room.

Dong Ming Zhe's eyes lit up. He rose swiftly, smiling warmly as if they were old friends. "Greetings, Sister Niang Qing. Have you been well since we parted?"

"A Void Refiner like me is naturally well," Shui Niang Qing replied, flicking her sleeve with indifference.

Dong Ming Zhe's face stiffened. Her meaning was clear: your cultivation lags mine, mind yourself first. Anger simmered within him.

"What brings Young Master Dong Ming to our Lan Hong Sect?" Sect Master Shui Xiong asked.

Shui Niang Qing sat gracefully, her piercing gaze sweeping the room.

"I come as a mediator," Dong Ming Zhe said, regaining composure, a sly smile curling his lips.

"Mediator?" Lan An, seated in a corner, felt a stir of curiosity.

"Mediator? State your purpose clearly," Shui Niang Qing demanded, her willow brows knitting.

"On behalf of the Black Shark Pirates," Dong Ming Zhe declared boldly.

Crack…

Shui Niang Qing's hand tightened, the elders glared furiously, and Shui Xiong roared, "Are you mocking our Lan Hong Sect?"

"No, no, no…" Dong Ming Zhe shook his head, feigning innocence. "I mediate for the Black Shark Pirates' leader, a deal beneficial to us all, especially your sect."

"Speak, then leave. The Black Sharks are our sworn enemies. One day, I'll claim Hei Sha's head," Shui Niang Qing said, her purple lips parting with icy resolve.

Hei Sha, the Black Shark Pirates' leader, matched her early Void Refinement cultivation.

"No need for verbosity. Per Hei Sha's terms: hand over the one who killed Hei Ao, release the captured prisoners, and compensate with ten thousand top-grade spirit stones. All will be forgiven. Otherwise, the Black Sharks will make you regret it," Dong Ming Zhe said slowly, his eyes glinting with amusement as he added, "The killer of Hei Ao isn't from your sect. No need to risk war for an outsider."

Lan An's eyes flickered. He had slain Hei Ao cleanly, and the prisoners remained in the sect's dungeon. How did the Black Sharks and Dong Ming Commerce Guild know an outsider, not the sect, was responsible?

"Who gave Hei Sha such audacity?" Shui Niang Qing asked coldly.

Shui Xiong and the elders glared.

"Because Hei Sha has broken through to mid-stage Void Refinement. Is that answer enough?" Dong Ming Zhe said with a sinister smile. "Though Sister Niang Qing is a peerless genius, capable of fighting above her level, even you can't defeat Hei Sha. If he stalls you, your sect's members are mere prey to the sharks' jaws."

Shui Niang Qing's expression shifted. She hadn't anticipated Hei Sha's breakthrough at this critical juncture, explaining his boldness. She had believed her strength could storm the Black Sharks' lair, where even Hei Sha once fell short.

Yet, her face remained frigid. She regarded Dong Ming Zhe coolly. "Don't waste threats. Our sect's overall strength may not match the Black Sharks, but if they war with us, they'll pay dearly perhaps perish together. Hei Sha lacks such courage."

Dong Ming Zhe clapped, feigning admiration. "Worthy of the Water Dragon Immortal Fairy. Your poise is truly inspiring."

"Don't test my patience," Shui Niang Qing snapped, her face darkening. Was he worthy to praise her?

Dong Ming Zhe's smile turned eerie. Before the stunned gazes of Shui Niang Qing and the others, he produced an item.

Lan An's eyes narrowed.

It was a jade-blue storage ring, once worn by Shui Mo Er.

"Impossible…" Shui Niang Qing and Shui Xiong leapt to their feet.

The elders gasped in shock.

Shui Mo Er's exile to Bai Ling Academy was a closely guarded secret, known only to the sect's high echelons, revealed to Lan An mere minutes ago.

Even if the Black Sharks knew of his exile, pinpointing his route was improbable, with multiple paths from Hong Island to the academy.

Yet, they had ambushed and kidnapped him precisely?

One word echoed in every mind present.

"Traitor!"

The Lan Hong Sect harbored a traitor, and their rank was no mere disciple.

Lan An's face darkened, his thoughts racing.

Shui Niang Qing trembled with fury, spitting each word. "Well played, Black Sharks. Cunning indeed."

Shui Xiong's face was grim as water. He rasped to Dong Ming Zhe, "What must we do for Hei Sha to release Shui Mo Er?"

"Simple. Beyond the prior terms, Sister Niang Qing must seal her cultivation and journey alone to the Black Sharks' stronghold to wed Hei Sha. Shui Mo Er will return unharmed," Dong Ming Zhe said, his voice tinged with envy. To claim Shui Niang Qing was every man's dream.

"Too far!" Shui Xiong roared, pulverizing the table before him.

"Hei Sha courts death," Lan An sneered inwardly, but he scanned the room, studying each face. Finding the traitor was paramount.

Ding, Branch Mission Activated: [Slay the Black Sharks]. Success rewards one Soul Skill Summon and one Bloodline Summon. Failure forfeits the chance to bond with Shui Niang Qing… The system's voice chimed in his ear.

Lan An quickly checked the mission details: "Eradicate the Black Shark Pirates, resolving all threats to the Lan Hong Sect."

"I've guessed part of the traitor's identity, but since this ties to your mission, I won't interfere," Jin Ni's childish voice teased.

Lan An nodded. He couldn't rely on Jin Ni for everything; some challenges demanded his own resolve.

He recalled that during missions, Jin Ni rarely meddled, even when he ceded the 99th step's inheritance to Xiao Qing Xuan, leading to failure.

Jin Ni offered knowledge and encouragement but never swayed mission outcomes, likely bound by the system's intricate rules.

Even with Xiao Qing Xuan's Strange Fire, Jin Ni withheld that detail until later.

As Shui Niang Qing's phoenix eyes flared, killing intent swirled through the hall.

Dong Ming Zhe and his escorts sweated under the pressure. A Void Refiner like her could slaughter them effortlessly.

"I'm merely Hei Sha's messenger. Don't vent your anger on me," Dong Ming Zhe said hastily. "Hei Sha warns: if Sister Niang Qing doesn't appear at their lair within seven days, Shui Mo Er's head will be delivered to your sect."

"Scoundrel!" Shui Xiong and the elders' eyes blazed, glancing at Shui Niang Qing. With a hostage in enemy hands, rash action was impossible.

Shui Niang Qing inhaled deeply, turning to Elder Fu. "Elder Fu, prepare a ship. I'll face Hei Sha alone."

"No! Niang Qing, you can't be reckless!" Shui Xiong protested.

"I can't let that boy die," Shui Niang Qing said, her resolve unshakable. The elders exchanged helpless glances.

The air grew heavy with tension.

"Hold on!" A calm voice cut through, drawing all eyes.

Lan An stood, stretching lazily, then turned to Dong Ming Zhe with a smile. "I'm the one who killed Hei Ao, the man Hei Sha seeks. I'll willingly bring the spirit stones and join the Water Dragon Immortal Fairy on this journey."