She was a girl, perhaps fifteen or sixteen, clad in a long white gown, radiating youthful vibrancy, yet her brow held an unmistakable air of arrogance.

Behind her trailed three or four guards, each following with cautious steps, seemingly fearful of the young mistress. Moreover, when the merchants on the street glanced at her, their faces betrayed expressions of dread.

The girl, however, thoroughly enjoyed this deference, sweeping into an inn on the right side of the street with her entourage. A server hurried out to greet them, his body visibly trembling upon seeing the girl's face.

“Has my luck suddenly skyrocketed? My Nine Nether Cold Qi is too heavy; now I have celestial fire coming to my aid. I urgently need a Wood Spirit Body to refine a Blood Corpse, and just like that, a native Innate Wood Spirit Body appears! Hahahaha…” Seeing the girl enter the inn, Liang Xiaoke burst into laughter.

“Damn it, you’re not actually planning to turn that girl into a Blood Corpse, are you?” Ye Jingyu rolled his eyes. To think of such a lively girl transformed into a ghastly puppet—he couldn't imagine it.

“Heh heh, don’t tell me you’ve developed a conscience. Or perhaps you fancy the little lass? If that’s the case, brother will reluctantly let her go. I’ll find another Wood Spirit Body!” Liang Xiaoke clapped a hand onto Ye Jingyu’s shoulder, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

“A conscience? Am I that kind of person? Refine her if you must, but we are here to rescue Gongsun Xiangyi. Don't cause me trouble!” Ye Jingyu brushed Liang Xiaoke’s hand away, stating calmly.

“Relax, it’s still early, and we’re not in a rush. Why don’t we head into that inn for a bite too? We can size up this girl and see who she is!” Liang Xiaoke nodded, his face wreathed in smiles.

It made sense; he had just been thinking of finding one or two Wood Spirit Bodies, and now one had shown up. Anyone would be thrilled.

“Mhm,” Ye Jingyu nodded lightly and led the way toward the inn.

As they reached the entrance, the server who had greeted the girl earlier emerged. However, a distinct five-fingered slap mark now marred his face, and his expression was mournful, though he forced a smile and bowed deeply toward Ye Jingyu and his companions. “Honored guests, please come in. Are you lodging here, or perhaps looking to dine?”

“Yay, hey kid, what’s that on your face? Did you get slapped by your wife?” Liang Xiaoke roared with laughter, pointing at the mark on the server’s cheek.

Hearing Liang Xiaoke’s final question, the server’s complexion turned instantly ashen.

“My lord, please… please speak softly. Don't let Miss Gongsun hear you, or not only will you be in trouble, but I myself will surely face death!” the servant pleaded, his face a picture of misery.

“Oh? Miss Gongsun? You mean the young lady who just went inside?” Liang Xiaoke feigned interest, inquiring in a low voice.

Overhearing the name Gongsun, Ye Jingyu’s eyes brightened, though his expression remained blank. Internally, however, he couldn't help but admire Liang Xiaoke’s knack for intelligence gathering, already probing into the girl’s background without leaving a trace.

“My lord, you must be from out of town, which is why you don’t know. That young lady is Gongsun Lu, the most cherished great-granddaughter of the Gongsun Family Head, Gongsun Sheng. The Gongsun Matriarch is gravely ill, and Miss Gongsun is in low spirits—it’s best not to anger her!” the servant whispered, clearly terrified of being overheard by those inside.

“Oh, I see. Never mind, I won't speak of it again. Just prepare us the best meal your establishment has. I’ve been traveling all day and am famished!” Liang Xiaoke clapped the server on the shoulder, but his force was so tremendous it nearly crushed the servant’s collarbone, making him grit his teeth in pain.

Led by the servant, Ye Jingyu and the others were guided to a window table on the second floor. They saw the girl named Gongsun Lu seated at another table, which was laden with food. She was currently attacking a medicinal dish called ‘Hundred Flowers in Full Bloom.’

As if sensing they were being watched, the girl paused and turned her gaze toward Ye Jingyu’s party. Her eyebrows immediately shot up, and she snapped, “What are you looking at? Haven’t you ever seen a beauty eating? Look again, and I’ll gouge out your dog eyes!”

Ye Jingyu was momentarily stunned. Liang Xiaoke was equally taken aback. Hu Yanmeng froze as well…

What was that all about? They had merely glanced at her, and she responded with such an insult? They had encountered domineering people before, but never one so aggressively overbearing!

After the initial shock, Liang Xiaoke was about to erupt in fury when Ye Jingyu quickly restrained him.

“Heh heh, my apologies, Miss. It’s just that we have never seen a woman as beautiful as you, and we were momentarily mesmerized. Forgive us, forgive us!” Ye Jingyu said, forcibly pulling Liang Xiaoke back down into his seat.

“Hmph!” Gongsun Lu seemed placated by Ye Jingyu’s flattery, or perhaps because Ye Jingyu himself was handsome. She merely snorted coldly, paid them no further mind, and turned back to her meal.

“Hey, why did you pull me back? I’ve lived this long and never met such a spoiled brat! I was considering showing her mercy, but now, if I don't turn her into a Blood Corpse, my surname isn't Liang!” Liang Xiaoke was seething with rage.

“Do as you wish, but since she belongs to the Gongsun family, moving against her now would alert the enemy. Until I rescue Gongsun Xiangyi, you are not to act rashly!” Ye Jingyu stated coolly.

“Damn it, I get it! Damn it, after I turn this girl into a Blood Corpse, I’ll defile her daily—no, even before refining her, I’ll thoroughly—you know! Damn her for daring to insult me! She doesn't want to live!” Liang Xiaoke cursed resentfully.

At that moment, the server brought their dishes. It had to be said, the efficiency of this inn was astonishingly fast.

The three said no more, lowering their heads to eat.

Not far away, after finishing the massive platter of Hundred Flowers in Full Bloom, Gongsun Lu turned to one of the guards standing opposite her. “Li Er, you say that vixen harmed Great-Grandfather so badly, why doesn’t Grandpa just execute her?”

“Miss, this…” The guard named Li Er clearly looked distressed, though inwardly he cursed, Are you an idiot? The Family Head has been poisoned; no one in the entire Gongsun clan can detoxify him. If they truly kill her, what happens if the Head dies?

“Forget it, forget it. With your brain, you wouldn't understand anyway. Did you find the person I asked you to look for?” Before Li Er could finish, Gongsun Lu waved her hand to interrupt him.