"Thanks, I did save your life just now, so consider this a token of gratitude, okay?"

Shao Qi chuckled, "They were after you from the start."

"But weren’t you just being charmed? Don't think I didn't notice. That elder disciple was completely smitten by your looks and even tried to hide it. Did he think I wouldn't hear his racing heartbeat?"

Shao Qi twitched his lips, turning his face away, "Even without you, I could have killed him."

"Oh? By sacrificing your charms?"

"Are you asking for trouble?" Shao Qi asked through gritted teeth.

Concerned he might have angered Shao Qi, Zhou You quickly wiped off the blood from his dagger and handed it to him, "Take a look at this material. Which one is better, this or Yao Shaowei's?"

Shao Qi glanced at him dismissively, "Why compare? They serve different purposes. This dagger is most effective in their hands. Their weapons are custom-made, not suitable for you."

"Oh, I see. No wonder it looks so ominous." Zhou You tossed the dagger aside and gazed worryingly at the wrecked medical vehicle, "With the vehicle in this state, where will we stay?"

The seat Shao Qi was sitting on was the only item intact in the vehicle. Dr. Zhao lay at his feet, his chest still heaving, or Zhou You would've mistaken him for dead.

"How is Dr. Zhao? What was that black mist earlier?" Zhou You crouched down to check Dr. Zhao's pulse which seemed normal, only to hear an impatient Shao Qi reply, "Why the barrage of questions? He's fine, just weakened for a few days. As for the black mist, think of it as a life essence. Different from what his master practices, perhaps he's just not skilled enough."

With the attackers dead, Zhou You faced a dilemma. The convoy members were still unconscious, and he wondered how to explain the bodies when they woke.

"By the way, that elder disciple injected something into you earlier. What was it? Are you alright?" Zhou You's concern finally shifted to Shao Qi.

Shao Qi touched his neck where a small needle mark remained and sneered, "It's nothing, just concentrated ether. It has no effect on me."

He moved to Xiong Yi's body, rummaging through the pockets, discovering various items and a ring identical to his own.

Shao Qi handed the ring to Zhou You, "Hide this well. Once in Yang City, get someone to erase his credentials, and you'll inherit all his assets."

Holding the hot ring, Zhou You inquired, "Won't that cult, whatever it's called, come after me?"

"Are you afraid of them?" Shao Qi remarked, having seen Zhou You's impressive skills firsthand. Xiong Yi and Qiu Zihao were notable figures, yet they had fallen to Zhou You, mostly due to their infighting which gave Zhou You an advantage.

"Of course I am. I'm only one person and don't want endless pursuits."

"The best way is to kill Master Wei. With him gone, that ridiculous cult will dissolve, and no one will know you took their wealth. All their assets combined are quite a fortune, enough to buy whatever you want."

The lure of wealth affected even Zhou You, who cautiously suggested, "You should have a share, right? It might be good to have someone share the potential threat."

But Shao Qi haughtily responded, "I don't lack money!"

Zhou You was at a loss for words. He then watched Shao Qi make additional cuts on Xiong's body, looking disgusted, "You still have that hobby?"

Shao Qi flicked the blood off his dagger, casting a dark glance at him, "I hold grudges. He pricked me with a needle, so I need to repay tenfold."

Zhou You thought to himself: Indeed, it's best not to cross such a vindictive person.

Author's note: Shao Qi asks, "How can make someone shut up when can't beat him? Urgent answers needed."

Chapter 038: Tracking

"Alright, it's time to deal with the instigators. Their presence here suggests that Wei, the wicked sorcerer, must be nearby. Your white tiger has a keen sense of smell and should be able to find him. Would you like to join me in taking him down?"

Zhou You thought it was a good idea but cautiously asked, "Are we a match for him? Wait, aren't you forbidden from fighting now? Will it be just me?"

Shao Qi replied with conviction, "Of course. You're incredibly skilled, handling him will be a piece of cake. You've already killed so many of his disciples, creating a sworn enmity. It's either him or you. It's better to strike first."

Zhou You's lips twitched, "Why do I feel like you're using me?"

"Nonsense! You're the one who made an enemy out of Master Wei and killed his disciples, not me. I'm just stating the facts. It's up to you whether to go or not!"

"Of course I'll go. But don't trick me. You share this vendetta too. Do you think you can escape it?" Zhou You picked up the little white tiger, wiped the blood from its mouth, and set it next to Xiong Yi. "Little White, sniff him. See if there are any of his kind nearby."

It took a few demonstrations by Zhou You for the little white tiger to understand. It sniffed, then jumped out of the window.

Zhou You and Shao Qi followed. They noticed everyone in the camp was deep asleep. Concerned about any mishaps after they left, they woke up a few of the night guards, instructing them to rouse the others.

Leaving the camp, they followed Little White westward. After a kilometer, they spotted an armored vehicle, presumably belonging to the group they encountered earlier. The vehicle was empty. Zhou You and Shao Qi exchanged glances, then instinctively began to jimmy the door.

Shao Qi managed to unlock the door first. Zhou You admired his skill, noting he used a smart key. Somehow, it effortlessly unlocked the door.