The courtyard where the Black Snake and his group resided was very secluded, with other cultivators in the vicinity scared off by rampant demonic beasts.
The fierce battle had just ended, the sound of the exploding flame bombs was a bit loud, and the enclosed high walls muffled most of the noise.
Other cultivators who heard the commotion didn't dare to come out to watch the excitement at this time.
As for the patrol team, they wouldn't meddle in.
Even if demonic beasts broke in, as long as they didn't cause too much trouble, they would pretend not to see.
Gao Xian and Zhu Qianniang were both sensitive with their divine senses, so if anyone approached, they would detect it in advance.
The two calmly cleaned up the battlefield, collecting valuable spirit stones, magical tools, elixirs, talismans, and more.
Qing Ping, who had been knocked unconscious by the True Yang Spear, stirred slightly and regained consciousness.
As soon as Qing Ping showed signs of movement, Gao Xian and Zhu Qianniang noticed.
As Qing Ping opened her eyes, she saw Gao Xian and Zhu Qianniang standing in front of her.
She was startled, her facial muscles tensed, and fear filled her eyes.
Zhu Qianniang assessed Qing Ping, noting her plain appearance but mature charm, exuding a hint of seductiveness.
Based on her experience, men liked this kind of seductive woman.
If she were to handle it, she would naturally inquire about the situation and then kill with a single sword.
However, in front of Gao Xian, she had to seek his opinion.
This was not only due to the deep bond between her and Gao Xian but also out of courtesy and respect for a collaborator.
By luring and killing Zhu Hong'an, one could see the sinister side of Gao Xian's character.
In the fierce battle against the Iron Scale Demon Tiger, she felt it wasn't Gao Xian's bravery but his true loyalty and deep emotions.
Stealthily killing the Black Snake truly showcased Gao Xian's decisive and ruthless nature.
Such a Gao Xian, with a strong mind and sufficient power, was already a very formidable cultivator.
Zhu Qianniang used to look down on Gao Xian, but now she regarded him as an equal and intimate collaborator.
She looked at Gao Xian, seeking his opinion with her eyes.
Qing Ping keenly noticed this detail.
Of course, she knew Zhu Qianniang, the proprietress of Changsheng Hall, renowned for her combat prowess at Feima Market.
With Zhu Hong'an dead, Zhu Qianniang was now in charge.
Such a prominent figure unexpectedly seemed to defer to Gao Xian, greatly surprising Qing Ping.
However, considering that Gao Xian had single-handedly killed the Black Snake, Zhu Qianniang's attitude seemed reasonable.
Qing Ping looked expectantly at Gao Xian.
This man was quite infatuated with her body, and they had been intimate just the day before.
Moreover, she knew Gao Xian was soft-hearted and always succumbed to her temptations.
However, Qing Ping's heart quickly cooled down when she saw no sympathy or pity in Gao Xian's face, his demeanor almost indifferent.
She whispered, "A Xian, I was coerced and controlled by them, I had no choice..."
Before she could finish her words, tears silently streamed down her cheeks.
Gao Xian somewhat admired Qing Ping.
The tears came naturally, and she cried so naturally.
Expressing all the grievances, weaknesses, helplessness, and desolation, coupled with her vulnerable posture, evoked pity in people's hearts.
He felt sorry for Qing Ping.
With such acting skills and cunning tactics, if she had been born in his previous life, she could have ensnared many men and lived a comfortable life.
Unfortunately, Qing Ping was in the wrong place.
Zhu Qianniang also had some feelings.
She knew Qing Ping was acting, but there must be some genuine emotions involved.
For a female cultivator to survive in Tengshe Mountain was not easy.
Zhu Qianniang was a bit worried as she looked at Gao Xian.
She feared he might be swayed by Qing Ping's pitiful and sorrowful appearance.
Having killed the Black Snake and so many cultivators, they had made mortal enemies with the Red Snake Gang.
If the Red Snake Gang found out they were responsible, there would be no peace in the future.
Leaving Qing Ping alive would entail exceptionally high risks!
However, how many men could resist Qing Ping's pitiful and sorrowful appearance? How many could resist her soft pleas?
Moreover, the relationship between Gao Xian and Qing Ping was a bit complicated!
Zhu Qianniang was somewhat worried that Gao Xian might be deceived by Qing Ping but hesitated to directly warn him.
Just as she was worrying, she heard Gao Xian calmly say, "Qianniang, you handle this. I'll tidy up the courtyard."
Zhu Qianniang felt relieved and nodded, "Alright, I'll take care of it."
Qing Ping felt despair as she looked at Gao Xian and said sadly, "A Xian, you're so heartless..."
Gao Xian looked deeply at Qing Ping, "Ping Jie, you're too immersed in the act."
He sighed, "You schemed against me, I schemed against you, each using our own methods. If you lose, just accept your fate."
Qing Ping's face turned pale.
Gao Xian's words shattered all her schemes and left her shocked and embarrassed.
It turned out Gao Xian knew everything.
In his eyes, all her pretenses must have seemed very ridiculous...
Zhu Qianniang didn't have many emotions.
She grabbed Qing Ping by the neck and dragged her into a room.
Gao Xian closed the door, but the screams from inside couldn't be blocked out.
Although Gao Xian felt a bit reluctant, Qing Ping was still amusing, but she was a difficult person, what could he do?
He disposed of the bodies in the courtyard, then checked a few rooms and found several scrolls, all depicting erotic scenes.
There was also a book titled "Travelogue of Mingzhou."
A group of bandits and rogues, lacking in aesthetic taste and energy, had left the rooms in a mess like a pigsty.
Only these few books had some value.
Gao Xian arranged the bodies properly, gathered a large pile of firewood, and stacked it inside and outside the rooms.
Dealing with so many bodies would be troublesome, so direct cremation was the safest option.
It would also destroy all traces of the battle.
After Gao Xian finished his work, he saw Zhu Qianniang bringing Qing Ping out.
Qing Ping's body was limp like a worm, her dilated pupils dark, her breath completely cut off.
Zhu Qianniang said to Gao Xian, "I've questioned her thoroughly, give her a quick death."
Gao Xian nodded.
After Zhu Qianniang placed Qing Ping's body, he used over ten Yang Talismans to disperse any potential lingering spirits, preventing them from turning into evil spirits.
The two set fire to the pile of firewood in the room.
The flames grew larger, and soon the roof was ablaze.
The walls of the earthen house were made of wooden planks, so when they burned, the walls would collapse along with the roof, leaving a pile of rubble.
Gao Xian and Zhu Qianniang watched from a distance until the flames completely engulfed the house, then they returned home.
They didn't use the main gate but crossed over the wall, quietly returning to the main house.
Da Niu heard the door open and came out to take a look.
Gao Xian greeted him from inside, "It's me, everything's fine, go back to sleep."
Da Niu didn't think much and obediently went back to sleep.
They lit the oil lamp, placing all their gains from the day on the table - two storage bags, a robe, a flying sword, eleven various swords, twenty-three miscellaneous magical tools, and numerous talismans and elixirs.
There were also quite a few spirit stones, a total of four medium-grade spirit stones, along with other low-grade spirit stones, totaling one thousand four hundred and twenty-five spirit stones.
Gao Xian looked at the table full of spoils of war, a smile appearing on his face involuntarily.
The battle was dangerous and thrilling, but the rewards were worth the risk.
At least in hindsight, they had made a big profit this time!
(End of Chapter)