Chapter 34: Recruiting two actors
Luo Yuanshan and Luo Yan were still processing.
They’d thought death was certain, yet Luo Jiutian showed no intent to kill them.
Standing there, they weren’t sure whether to relax or stay tense.
Luo Jiutian, seeing their reactions, smiled and helped them up: “I know what kind of people you are. If Luo Chen hadn’t pushed you, it wouldn’t have come to this.”
Luo Yuanshan, stunned, said complexly: “Thank you…”
Luo Yan, wary, frowned: “You’re letting us go so easily? That’s not like you.”
Luo Jiutian patted his shoulder: “Don’t misunderstand—I’m no saint. I just happen to need your cooperation.”
He turned to Luo Yuanshan, saying directly: “I need you to return to Luo Chen’s side, gain his trust, report any moves to me, and stand by.”
Luo Yuanshan blinked, surprised: “You want me to be a spy?”
“Exactly.” Luo Jiutian nodded.
Luo Yan, silent for a moment, asked tentatively: “And me? What do I do?”
Luo Jiutian rubbed his chin: “Don’t worry, you have a role too.”
He laid out the plan in detail.
Luo Yuanshan frowned: “Wait, aren’t our roles reversed? I’m a terrible actor. Spying on Luo Chen? I’ll slip up. Let Luo Yan do it—he’d pull it off better.”
Luo Jiutian grinned: “That’s the point.”
He paused, continuing: “Luo Chen’s no fool. He’ll suspect you at first, but if you both follow the script, he’ll eventually let his guard down and trust you.”
Luo Yuanshan hesitated: “But I’m really bad at acting…”
Luo Jiutian leisurely pulled a booklet from his robe, titled The Actor’s Self-Cultivation, and handed it to him: “Take this. Study it on the way. You’ll get the hang of it.”
Luo Yuanshan took it, bewildered.
Luo Jiutian turned to Luo Yan: “Remember, don’t appear at the ruin’s exit with Luo Yuanshan. Stick to the plan.”
Luo Yan stared silently.
Luo Jiutian patted his shoulder again: “Relax, I keep my word. You’ll each get a Tempering Origin Persimmon.”
Luo Yuanshan and Luo Yan exchanged a glance, nodding.
“But…” Luo Jiutian’s tone shifted, still smiling, “since we’re working together, can you agree to a small request?”
Luo Yan tensed, thinking it wouldn’t be that simple.
“I need a wisp of your divine souls,” Luo Jiutian said bluntly. “Don’t worry, it’s not a threat—just insurance.”
Their faces changed.
Luo Yuanshan gripped the booklet tightly, hesitating: “It has to be this way?”
Luo Yan, stone-faced, neither agreed nor refused, just stared.
Luo Jiutian looked innocent: “You know me—I’m cautious, terrified of betrayal. If something goes wrong, my fragile heart couldn’t take it.”
He assured them: “As long as you play fair, you’ll be fine.”
They were silent, then nodded.
They had no choice.
Refuse, and they’d likely follow Su Zimo and Su Xinyan’s fate.
With their lives in his hands, what choice was there?
If they could survive, make Luo Chen suffer, and get a Persimmon, it was worth it.
They closed their eyes, each condensing a wisp of divine soul into a faint light, floating to Luo Jiutian.
He took them without hesitation.
He could sense a faint connection— with a thought, he could end them instantly.
“All right, off you go.” He waved casually.
Luo Yuanshan and Luo Yan exchanged a complex look, took a deep breath, and left.
Once alone, Luo Jiutian’s smile faded, his gaze settling on one wall.
It was the only undamaged part of the chamber.
He recalled his simulation with Su Wan’er, where the beastly shadow forced them to flee, leaving no time to inspect.
Now, observing closely, he realized—
This wall was off.
Its material differed, and while other walls cracked under the shadow’s rampage, this one was untouched.
Luo Jiutian approached, activating Chaotic Flower Pupils to probe.
But then, ripples spread across the wall, and a sudden suction force erupted.
“Crap!”
He tried to retreat, but his body was pulled in.
Resistance failed. With a low curse, he vanished from the chamber.
…
When he opened his eyes, it was dark.
Wary, he scanned his surroundings—a narrow passage.
Turning, he saw the wall behind him.
He activated Chaotic Flower Pupils again to examine it, but halfway through, an invisible barrier disrupted his casting.
Frowning, he gathered spiritual energy and struck the wall.
It didn’t budge, the recoil making his blood surge.
He steadied himself, sighing inwardly. This wall was beyond his current realm—Golden Core strength at least was needed.
“Brat, don’t waste your energy,” White Tiger’s voice sounded, cool as ever. “This place has a special seal. With your current skills, you can’t break it.”
Luo Jiutian lowered his head helplessly.
White Tiger, thinking he was discouraged, softened slightly: “Don’t be down. I sense an unusual aura here—not an ordinary sealed space. There might be opportunities ahead. Explore, and if danger arises, I’ll keep you safe.”
Luo Jiutian looked up, grinning: “I’m unstoppable, kids! Just looking at a wall triggers a hidden stage.”
White Tiger: “…”
She seriously questioned his mental state. Maybe a trip to Hundred Flowers Valley for a checkup was in order.
Before she could speak, Luo Jiutian refocused and walked deeper into the passage.
At its end was an ancient stone door.
He pushed lightly; it trembled, opening a narrow gap, just wide enough for one person.
Scanning for danger, he stepped through, and the scene shifted.
A small, simple chamber, with one striking feature at its center.
A gray-white object floated in the air, its shape eerie—not quite a lotus, its edges twisting and flowing, exuding a oppressive aura.
“What’s this…”