You don't want your secret to be revealed by others, right?

Chapter 118 - 48, Falling into One’s Own Trap

South of Liangzhou City, a range of mountains, sinuous and undulating, stretched for hundreds of miles, perpetually wrapped in a veil of clouds and mist. Among them hid dozens of towering and picturesque peaks.

This is none other than the famously renowned Lishan of Liangzhou.

Its fame arose from the presence of two first-rate sects within its midst—the Nanyun Sect and the Qinghe Taoist Temple.

The Nanyun Sect occupied over a dozen picturesque peaks in the northern parts of Lishan. As a first-rate Martial Cultivation Sect, countless Martial Artists flocked daily, seeking to study; yet, most could not even enter the gates.

Deep within the Nanyun Sect, atop one of the picturesque peaks, sat a grandiose estate, as splendid as a palace.

"Truly such a genius?"

Inside a secret chamber of the estate, a woman in her late twenties, clad in a vivid, colorful dress, her face lovely and seductive, sat in a chair, looking in astonishment at Song Cidong, who knelt before her.

"Yes, master." Song Cidong’s forehead pressed against the floor, "That person obviously had never fought with anyone, lacking experience. Despite his youth, he possesses peak Five Elements Heavenly Barrier strength, and the Sect Leader and Elders treat him exceptionally well. Clearly, he is a genius secretly nurtured by our Red Maple Lake."

"Very good, if it’s true, I shall reward you handsomely."

The seductive woman smiled, her toe in embroidered shoes pressing lightly against the back of Song Cidong’s head, and she asked, "You said just now, when you encountered that genius in the Forbidden Land, there was also a female Guard with him? Who is she?"

Song Cidong, trembling with excitement and allowing the woman to press on him, obediently replied, "The female Guard wore a hat and veil, so I did not recognize her, but I suppose she is a Guard specially found by the sect to protect the genius."

"What about her cultivation?" the seductive woman inquired.

"This... her aura didn’t seem strong, but she is definitely a Martial Cultivator. When that female Guard tied me up, the knot was at the exact point of force application; it was clear she understood Martial Cultivation well."

After a moment of thought, Song Cidong suddenly said, "Right, master, I remember now, another thing, when the genius had that female Guard lift me up, he cautioned her to be careful not to get hurt by me."

"Oh?"

The seductive woman said disinterestedly, "You’re all tied up and yet he fears her getting hurt by you; it seems that female Guard is at most at the Five Elements Heavenly Barrier level."

"Master is wise," Song Cidong flattered.

Lightly drumming her fingers on the armrest of the chair, the seductive woman spoke softly, "They didn’t even tell you the genius’ name, and you happened upon him by chance. It seems Red Maple Lake has hidden him very deeply, probably a talented individual worth worrying about being discovered."

"Heh heh... I never expected to stumble upon such a big fish."

A covetous and excited smile crept across the seductive woman’s face as she asked, "Any other discoveries?"

"There is also..."

Song Cidong hesitated before saying, "Master, it seems the broken stele in the Forbidden Land has also been moved, perhaps by the Sect Leader’s decision. I have no idea what that old man is up to, but this means you will not be able to comprehend that stele any longer."

"No matter, it’s just a set of incomplete killing skills," the seductive woman said unconcernedly. "The last three moves on that stele are too profound for me to learn; at best, they are useful for inspiration. Besides, it’s incomplete. Even including the stele fragments I have collected, the fourth and fifth strikes lack a progressive and coherent sense of depth, rendering them meaningless."

"Master is wise and mighty; surely you will obtain even better Divine Skills Secret Books in the future," Song Cidong fawningly assured. "I wonder when Master intends to make that genius kneel before your skirt? Yesterday, when I saw his arrogant demeanor, I was already fantasizing about him being trampled under your feet."

"Hmm?"

The seductive woman’s toes suddenly pressed down with force, grinding Song Cidong’s head into the floor, while she smiled icily, "What nonsense are you talking about, you filthy dog? I’m collecting Martial Cultivator geniuses for those above; I harbor not the slightest bit of personal desire. The only reason I reluctantly took you in was that you’re so worthless that those above didn’t want you, so now you’re just a dog to me."

Fear and excitement mingled in Song Cidong as he pleaded, "Yes, I misjudged Master with my dog eyes; I beg Master’s forgiveness."

"Truly a wretch," remarked the seductive woman coldly, "Men really are despicable, whether they are Martial Cultivators or not."

"Master speaks the truth," Song Cidong, only more roused by the scolding, urged, "Master, please allow me to atone by bringing you that genius."

The seductive woman frowned slightly, then with a swift kick sent Song Cidong flying.

Immediately after, she commanded coldly, "You are more likely to ruin than to achieve anything; don’t do anything unnecessary. I will personally bring him back tonight; stay here and behave, do you hear me?"

Song Cidong turned over and knelt again, speaking excitedly and respectfully, "Yes, master."

He looked up, eyes brimming with eagerness, at the seductive woman, like a dog awaiting its master’s feeding.

With an empty hand, the seductive woman produced a porcelain medicine bottle, and then threw it onto the floor before Song Cidong, shattering it to pieces.

The grayish-green liquid inside immediately splashed all over the floor.

Song Cidong’s eyes turned red with overwhelming desire, his body shaking uncontrollably, yet he did not dare move without a command.

"To think I use the treasures given to me from those above to feed medicine to dogs like you; you should feel honored," the seductive woman said with a morbid smile, "Begin."

The moment she spoke, Song Cidong could no longer restrain himself. He pounced towards the liquid on the ground, disregarding the shards of the porcelain bottle. He began to lick it up frantically.

...

Three days later.