Those seven or eight admirers immediately restrained their auras. One by one, they revealed what they considered a relaxed expression as they cupped their hands towards Zhou Xinqi.
The reasons Zhou Xinqi had come here this time was firstly, because she had heard of the rankings on the second stele, and secondly, because of some other matters. When she came closer and scanned the surroundings, she immediately noticed the awkward atmosphere. With another glance, she could instantly guess the reason behind this awkwardness. Gazing towards those seven or eight admirers, a sense of unhappiness and disgust was visible in her eyes.
“Does my, Zhou Xinqi’s business, require inteference from other people? After all, the fact that a prodigious disciple has appeared on my Scented Cloud Mountain is good news for our sect. If something like this happens again, don’t blame me for being impolite to you.” Zhou Xinqi spoke with an icy voice which was as sharp as the edge of a sword. This caused the seven or eight admirers’ faces to instantly pale. Though their countenance was bitter, they dared not say anything.
“This junior Brother who has surpassed me on the first and second stone steles of herbs, perhaps you are in the crowd. If you do not want to show yourself, then dont, you are free to do as you wish.” Zhou Xinqi’s tone was disinterested and infused with a faint sense of arrogance. She raised her head to glance at the small turtle on the second stone stele. Then, once again gazing at the crowd as she tried to suppress the dissatisfaction in her heart.
Upon hearing these words, the surrounding disciples burst into cheers for Zhou Xinqi. Most of them felt that Zhou Xinqi, the one they supported, was their Scented Cloud Mountain’s sole prodigy.
Within the crowd, Bai Xiaochun silently thought that it was no wonder why she was deemed a prodigy. That speech had been delivered beautifully. He had naturally heard the arrogance in the other party’s voice and lamented not showing himself, not because he didn’t want to, but because of Zhou Xinqi’s admirers.
“The reason I have come today is because there is another thing I hope my fellow sect disciples can help me with.” Zhou Xinqi’s expression was serene as she gazed at the audience, her tone bland.
The moment these words left her mouth, the surrounding people instantly became enthusiastic. Their expressions showed that they were attentive, and had all eagerly perked up their ears to listen.
“Recently, things have not been peaceful on the Scented Cloud Mountain. Master Li Qinghou’s Spirit Tailed Chickens have been disappearing in large numbers. Since the respected ancestor is still away, he might not care much for this matter. But as his disciple, I must take responsibility. I hope that everyone can work together to help me catch this chicken thief. If anyone is able to catch the thief, I am willing to reward you with a treasured jade tablet!” As Zhou Xinqi spoke, she retrieved a piece of green jade from her robes. This jade tablet glowed with a soft light and appeared to be extraordinary.
“This object possesses a certain defensive ability. It is something I fortuitously obtained a few years ago.” Zhou Xinqi’s voice resonated. Every disciple at the scene instantly looked towards the piece of jade and soon, an enthusiastic look had appeared on everyone’s faces as they pledged their assistance one after another.
“Don’t worry Sister Zhou! We’ll definitely give that chicken thief no place to hide!”
“To dare to steal the chickens of an ancestor, this chicken thief has some guts. I will definitely be alert when it comes to this matter!” Voices rang out in succession. Soon, everyone in the crowd had promised to help. This was especially the case for Zhou Xinqi’s admirers whose eyes shone with ferocity, their passion-filled voices were resonating in the air.
Bai Xiaochun who stood within the crowd was dumbfounded. When he gazed at the people around him who were so zealous that they seemed to have been injected with chicken blood, he felt a cold chill run down his spine.
But he was unsatisfied! Just thinking about the severe hunger that accompanied cultivation of the Unending Longevity Technique made him feel ill. Sweat accumulated on his forehead. Various ideas flew through his mind before suddenly, his eyes lit up. He cut his way through the crowd and afterwards, he suddenly patted his chest as his voice echoed loudly.
“Sister Zhou, I, Bai Xiaochun will complete your task to catch this chicken thief even if I have to climb a mountain of knives and descend to the bottom of a pot of oil!” His shrill voice gave out his location clearly. He even rushed out of the crowd and stood right in front.
His sudden secession from the crowd instantly drew the attention of the audience. Especially given the thumping noises originating from the violent patting of his chest, this act was enough to put even Zhou Xinqi’s admirers to shame. As a matter of fact