CHAPTER 547: CHAPTER 433 AMBUSH

The woman in the light yellow Daoist robe suddenly invited Gao Xuan to slay the demon together, catching everyone by surprise.

The group was young and unwilling, which naturally showed on their faces. However, they were too embarrassed to directly object.

This woman’s name was Jiang Lan, from the Cloud Mist Sect. Her cultivation was high, her demeanor gentle, and she was humble in her interactions, making many friends.

Most of the people gathered this time were here out of respect for Jiang Lan.

Gao Xuan didn’t want to get involved with this group, but the Thousand-Year-old Snake Demon piqued his interest somewhat.

Earlier, Master Wang mentioned that the skin of a Thousand-Year-old Snake Demon was the best for making tack, and now, suddenly, there was a Thousand-Year-old Snake Demon. Could it be a setup arranged by two families for him?

Then he thought it was impossible. He was just a minor figure, not worth such a setup by so many people.

This woman suddenly inviting him, with everyone else looking surprised and displeased, was clearly not prearranged.

Even in games, a temporary team-up might lead to chaos, let alone a group going to slay a snake demon.

Even if the Thousand-Year-old Snake Demon was discounted, five hundred years of cultivation was formidable. Snakes, with their resilient life force, could cause many deaths if handled incorrectly.

Gao Xuan thought about this but showed a smile, "The demonic threat of the Thousand-Year-old Snake Demon cannot be ignored by us cultivators. I am willing to join you in slaying the demon and upholding righteousness..."

Jiang Lan’s words were well said, but Gao Xuan’s were even better.

Though the people around frowned, they were even more reluctant to object.

Jiang Lan was also pleased, as Gao Xuan’s demeanor and looks were noticeably better than those around her.

Especially since the snake demon was adept in the Earth Escape Technique, Gao Xuan, a disciple of Thick Earth Sect, surely had countermeasures. Besides, she had other plans. The more recruits, the better.

Jiang Lan smiled and introduced Gao Xuan, "I am Jiang Lan from the Cloud Mist Sect, this is Shen Ming from the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, and this is Zhou Ye from the Flame Sect..."

Jiang Lan handled the introductions smoothly and thoroughly, introducing everyone to Gao Xuan.

Of course, she did have an order of precedence.

Among the dozen or so people, Shen Ming from the Ten Thousand Swords Sect had the highest status. He was handsome, dressed in a white sword robe, carrying a sword box, exuding elegance and charm.

Shen Ming’s eyes held a contained radiance, likely having reached Qi Cultivation Perfection. Along with Jiang Lan, these two had the highest cultivation among the group.

Following was Zhou Ye from the Flame Sect, donned in a bright red Daoist robe, with a slightly ruddy complexion, who looked distinguished. However, his gaze often carried an air of arrogance. Toward Gao Xuan, he was overtly disdainful.

The Flame Sect and Thick Earth Sect both belonged to the Five Elements Sect. Over thousands of years, the Thick Earth Sect declined, while the Flame Sect was now the most prominent among the Five Elements.

The sole Golden Core Expert was the Master of the Flame Sect. Hence, Zhou Ye had no respect for the two people from Thick Earth Sect, nor for Yang Wanchun of Cyan Wood Sect.

In terms of cultivation, Zhou Ye might not be higher than Yang Wanchun. Both were around the ninth or tenth layer of Qi Cultivation.

Shen Ming had the highest cultivation and was inherently proud. Yet, he was courteous and polite to Gao Xuan, giving him a sense of warm generosity in his words and actions.

Zhou Ye was cold and arrogant, while Yang Wanchun appeared stingy, with a perpetual look of discontent.

The others were disciples from various sects, none with high cultivation. Among them were two loose cultivators, but they were young and promising.

Though most looked down on Gao Xuan, a loose cultivator named Zhang Wang was quite warm toward him.

Zhang Wang, in fact, treated everyone with such humility and enthusiasm, clearly of the lowest standing among the group.

Even though his cultivation was at the tenth layer of Qi Cultivation, not any weaker than Yang Wanchun.

Gao Xuan, with his keen eye, had assessed the group’s cultivation and nature to a degree just after a few exchanges.

In terms of cunning and capability, Jiang Lan was, of course, the most insightful among them. She took the lead in any matter.

Jiang Lan did not issue orders forcefully, but she could guide the group to follow her will through words.

The Cloud Mist Sect was one of the six major sects, all local cultivator sects. There was a local camaraderie between them, and generally, they wouldn’t harm fellow cultivators.

However, Gao Xuan found Jiang Lan’s actions somewhat dubious.

Jiang Lan naturally did not know what Gao Xuan was thinking, nor did she expect that Gao Xuan, though young, had rich experience and keen judgment.

She led the group to the Wanbao Pavilion and bought two thousand pounds of realgar powder. This kind of material was inexpensive, and buying two thousand pounds didn’t cost much.

But Jiang Lan paid out of her own pocket, without asking the group to chip in.

Although it wasn’t much money, her generosity made her likable. Not to mention, Jiang Lan was beautiful.

Jiang Lan then led the group to a nearby tavern, and just as Gao Xuan was about to decline, he noticed Yuanbao skipping towards them.

With her picturesque features, Yuanbao was charming and cute, immediately drawing everyone’s attention.

Gao Xuan’s intention was also to have Yuanbao gain some experience. A girl should learn how to deal with situations like this when traveling outside.

Yuanbao blushed slightly under everyone’s gaze, but with Gao Xuan by her side, she managed to stay composed. She whispered to Gao Xuan, "What’s going on?"

Gao Xuan briefly explained a few points to Yuanbao but didn’t introduce her to the group, as she didn’t need to know them given their lower status.

However, Jiang Lan warmly greeted Yuanbao, showing considerable enthusiasm.

For Yuanbao, it was her first time interacting with a female cultivator, and she was quite excited.

With Yuanbao’s presence, the group’s attitude towards Gao Xuan improved significantly. Not that they had any intentions towards Yuanbao, but they at least wanted to display some etiquette in front of a beautiful girl.