The Masked Strength of the Sect's Trash chapter 8

Chapter 8 Juxian Tower

Lu Shaoqing cursed, "Glutton."

Xiao Yi gently cradled the bird in her hands, stroking its feathers. "So smooth, even silkier than my hair. I'm so jealous."

The little red bird tilted its head, its beady eyes darting around. Even though it was just a bird, its proud expression was unmistakable.

"Second Brother, how about I take it to eat some spirit beans?" Xiao Yi suggested.

Lu Shaoqing replied, "It only eats them boiled."

"Really?" Xiao Yi said. "Then I'll buy some and cook them for it."

"Too much trouble," Lu Shaoqing said. "Just order delivery."

Xiao Yi chuckled. "How about I treat you to a meal, Second Brother?"

Lu Shaoqing's eyes lit up, but he quickly asked, "Do you have spirit stones? Don’t expect me to pay. I don’t have any to spare. If we can’t cover the bill, you’ll have to wash dishes to settle the debt."

Xiao Yi pouted. "Second Brother, you underestimate me. I may not have a lot, but I can still afford to treat you to a meal."

Lu Shaoqing smirked. "I have a big appetite. Are you sure?"

"Don't worry," Xiao Yi said confidently. "You just enjoy your meal."

"Alright then, I won’t be polite. Let's go."

With the promise of a meal, Lu Shaoqing was more than willing to make a trip down the mountain.

"Should we invite Master and Senior Brother?" Xiao Yi asked.

"No need," Lu Shaoqing replied. "Master is busy cultivating, and Senior Brother won’t pay attention to anything else for the next ten days or so. The matter of the sword cave will keep him occupied for a while."

They made their way down the mountain together. Lingxiao Sect was situated atop the mountain, while at its base lay a bustling city where mortals and cultivators mingled. This city, known as Lingxiao City, was under the protection of the sect.

As one of the three major sects in Qizhou, Lingxiao Sect naturally attracted many who sought to learn the ways of cultivation. Even the sect’s outer disciples often worked in the city to earn money. Although cultivators didn't need to eat, the desire for good food was still there, which meant there were plenty of restaurants and inns in the city.

"Where should we eat?" Xiao Yi asked, looking around at the numerous options.

"Follow me," Lu Shaoqing said, leading her to a newly opened restaurant. The red decorations at the entrance hadn’t even been taken down yet.

"This is the place," he said.

As they entered, they immediately ran into someone familiar.

"Hey, Junior Brother Wang, what are you doing here?" Lu Shaoqing called out.

Wang Yao turned around, pleasantly surprised. "Senior Brother Lu, what brings you here?"

Lu Shaoqing grinned. "Didn’t you say Old Hu moved here? I thought I'd bring my junior sister to try it out."

"Junior Sister?" Wang Yao's gaze fell on Xiao Yi.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Wang," Xiao Yi said politely, bowing.

Lu Shaoqing introduced her. "She’s our Master’s new direct disciple, Xiao Yi."

Wang Yao was stunned. In Lingxiao Sect, disciples were categorized as outer disciples, inner disciples, core disciples, and direct disciples. While anyone could become an inner or core disciple through enough contribution and cultivation, direct disciples were different. Only the sect master, vice sect master, elders, or the five peak lords could take on direct disciples. Sect rules also limited each person to a maximum of three direct disciples.

Wang Yao hadn’t expected Xiao Yi to be the third direct disciple of Tianyu Peak. Remembering the Chi Yue Peak Lord he had seen a few days ago, he suddenly understood. This must be some kind of internal arrangement—definitely some shady business.

Quickly recovering, Wang Yao bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Senior Sister Xiao."

As a direct disciple, Xiao Yi's rank was the highest. Despite being hundreds of years older, Wang Yao had to address her as "Senior Sister."

"Could you find us a private room?" Lu Shaoqing asked.

Wang Yao smiled. "Of course, leave it to me."

Knowing Lu Shaoqing well, Wang Yao personally escorted them to the best private room in the restaurant. "Senior Brother Lu, Senior Sister Xiao, this is our finest room. I hope it’s to your liking?"

Lu Shaoqing wasn’t too concerned about the decor. He just didn’t want to be disturbed. "It’s fine. Just bring out your new dishes. There must be more chefs than just Old Hu, right? Otherwise, this decor would be a waste."

Wang Yao nodded. "Of course, there are."

Half an hour later, Wang Yao left the room and ran into the manager, a plump man with a smiling face named Zhang Jin. Wang Yao had already been warned by Old Hu—Zhang Jin might look friendly, but he was a cunning man with considerable strength. It was best not to offend him.

"Manager!" Wang Yao greeted him with a bow.

Zhang Jin asked, still smiling, "You’ve put them in the first room. Who are they?"

"They’re Senior Brother Lu and Senior Sister Xiao, direct disciples of Tianyu Peak," Wang Yao replied.

"Direct disciples?" Zhang Jin’s eyes widened in surprise. In all his time here, he hadn't even seen a core disciple, let alone a direct disciple. "I should personally attend to them."

Wang Yao tried to stop him. "Manager, that might not be a good idea. Senior Brother Lu doesn’t like being disturbed."

Wang Yao had known Lu Shaoqing for years and understood his personality well.

Zhang Jin dismissed the warning. "What do you know? If what you said is true, they are distinguished guests. We can't afford to neglect them."

Ignoring Wang Yao’s further protests, Zhang Jin marched towards the room. But it wasn’t long before he returned, looking frustrated. He hadn’t even finished introducing himself before he was kicked out.

Wang Yao quietly laughed to himself. He had warned the manager, but the man hadn't listened. Now he was facing the consequences.

Zhang Jin shot Wang Yao an angry glare before storming off. He was furious. As the restaurant manager, he usually had the final say in everything. Being a member of the Fang family gave him considerable clout. Who would dare disrespect him?

But that obnoxious young man in the private room had shown him no respect at all. Did he think just because he was good-looking, he could treat others so lightly?

However, Zhang Jin couldn’t help but reconsider. If they were indeed direct disciples of Lingxiao Sect, he couldn’t afford to offend them. If they were merely inner disciples, he wouldn’t be so concerned. But he needed to confirm their identity.

As he pondered this, he saw a group of people entering the restaurant, and his eyes lit up. He quickly moved to greet them.