Chapter 885: Old Friend

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: Papatonks

Shuddering, Zhuo Fan was rooted in place. Looking back, he saw a dry smile and a pair of teasing eyes.

[What the h.e.l.l is Danqing Shen doing here?]

Frowning hard, Zhuo Fans heart was racing.

[This coot knows who I am. What am I supposed to do if he exposes me?]

The fact Danqing Shen started off with Grandmaster Gu showed he had no intention of doing that, for now at least.

He breathed easier.

Zhuo Fan calmed himself after that a.n.a.lysis

Yes, Sword King sir! The guards obeyed, leaving at once.

Danqing Shen held his beard, content that Zhuo Fan was here. But Shangguan Qingyan was stumped, Youre the Sword King, Shangguan Feiyun? You look nothing the part. So old too.

Ugh!

Danqing Shen shook and chuckled, Young miss, central areas Sword Star Empire has Nine Sword Kings. Shangguan Feiyun isnt the only one, ha-ha-ha

Nine Sword Kings?! Then youre

Dragon Cleaving Sword King, Danqing Shen! With a grin, Dragon Cleaving Sword King announced himself.

Shangguan Qingyan was frightened, her heart sinking.

[Why is there another Sword King in Flying Cloud City?]

It was bad enough dealing with Shangguan Feiyun, needing them to be very cautious, but now there was another one just like him around, would their ambush work the second time?

Shangguan Qingyan looked white as paper.

Zhuo Fan spoke in a way to ease her worries but also get her to go away, Cousin, are you still angry? Cant you accept that you cant just waltz wherever? This is Flying Cloud manor, not your backyard.

Shangguan Qingyan squinted at him, only to see his look. Then he touched her cheek, Look at your pretty face. Being sour is ruining it.

Shangguan Qingyan was enlightened. The sudden appearance of Danqing Shen had her make weird faces, giving her away. Zhuo Fan was watching her back.

So, acting angry, she twisted away with a pout. Zhuo Fans warm touch lingered on her cheek, making her blush at once.

Danqing Shen raised an eyebrow, picking up on his meaning and chuckling, Ha-ha-ha, young miss, dont be cross with Grandmaster Gu. I may be just another guest in the Flying Cloud manor, but at least everyone knows to show respect. Look, take my token and youll get to go wherever you want and stroll the manor how you like it, ha-ha-ha

Danqing Shen took a metal brand, with the dan character carved in it.

Shangguan Qingyan peeked at Zhuo Fan.

Dragon Cleaving Sword King cares for you. Go ahead, take it. Play around, but not go overboard. You better bring that token back in one hour. Zhuo Fan looked like a big bro looking after his baby sister, ruffling her hair.

Shangguan Qingyan nodded and said thanks before leaving in joy. But she still took a glance behind, at Zhuo Fan, to tell him to be careful.

He would be alone with a Sword King. Caution was a must.

Not that she needed to know Zhuo Fan and this Sword King had met before. The third wheel here was her, also why Zhuo Fan found an excuse to get rid of her and Danqing Shen played along.

She wanted to stay, but the two worked together to get rid of the extra, though she didnt know that, and probably never would. Her thought was she might expose them with her reaction, so Zhuo Fan had used this excuse to get her act together.

Zhuo Fan sighed, easing up. Danqing Shen eyed him hard with amus.e.m.e.nt, What, is someone watching you?

What makes you so sure, senior? Zhuo Fan glanced with a chuckle.

Danqing Shen shook his head, How else do you explain finding an excuse to send her away? Ha-ha-ha, boy, youre still up to your old tricks. You shooed her while faking concern, when youre using her for your own greed. Though you better watch out and not let greed be the end of you one of these days.

Thanks for the compliment.

That was a warning! Danqing Shens eyes flashed, The girl is from Shangguan clan? Better keep your distance.

Oh, you know this too?

Ha-ha-ha, the only one with the nerve to just waltz in here is Shangguan clan. Danqing Shen spat, From the girls att.i.tude, I could tell shes hiding something. Baili Jingwei wouldve singled her out with one look if it werent for you covering for her.

Zhuo Fan gasped, You mean Sword Star Empires wisest man, the Prime Minister Baili Jingwei? Hes here in Flying Cloud City too?

Not just that, but the host of the Pill King Convention. Danqing Shen smiled, You two have even met and he looked quite eager to get you back to the imperial capital. Though hes quite suspicious in nature and only if youre not a Shangguan clan spy

Zhuo Fan paused, then gasped, Oh, its that guy. I just knew his demeanor wasnt fit for a steward of the manor. So hes the Prime Minister. No wonder hes so familiar with Zhuge Changfeng, ha-ha-ha

Youre still laughing?

Danqing Shen rolled his eyes and sighed, Kid, Baili Jingwei is shrewd and sharp. Capable of twisting the board and manipulating everything. You got lucky to fall under his radar, but hes bound to grow suspicious in a couple of days. Thats when therell be no escape from his sight!

Zhuo Fan nodded, I know that much. Ive heard quite a lot about him ever since I came to the central area. He sure looks the part now that I saw him. Though it wont take nearly as long, in just a couple hours hell know who I am. Oh, my Gu name and connection with Shangguan clan

What?!

Danqing Shen shuddered and cried out, In two hours?! How are you so sure?

Zhuo Fan shrugged, Because I saw how he closed the net. The Pill King Convention is only in name, as he found excuses to throw away the real alchemists and let the spies around. Oh, Old Dan, did you know Shangguan clan sent two spies? Im the sub while the main is in the net, awaiting capture. I reckon Baili Jingwei will get him in two hours and, by extension expose me.

Why are you so calm? Danqing Shen was stunned, Not even I can save you if Baili Jingwei finds out about you.

Zhuo Fan chuckled, Senior, I didnt know you cared so much. Im truly touched.

Who the h.e.l.l would? Its because of our once friendly dealings. I just dont want you to come to an abrupt end, is all. Danqing Shen huffed.

Zhuo Fan shook his head, Senior sides with me I see. Im relieved, ha-ha-ha

I just dont get whats going through that head of yours. I may side with you, but I have no say in this place.

No worries, senior, Ill be safe and sound.

Grinning, Zhuo Fan said, Ive already thought it out. Judging by his nature, Baili Jingwei cherishes talent beyond question. I showed my hand just now to make him sorry about offing me. On top of that, me and the Shangguan clan met by chance, giving enough room to wiggle me out. So you tell me, will he still kill me?

Danqing Shen huffed, Ha-ha, you sure are confident. Baili Jingwei is known to be harsh and decisive. One moment hes smiling and the other hes a devil. Confidence can lead to conceit, falling right into his hands.

Not likely. When killing someone, it is either out of emotion, like strong hatred, or having the grounds to do it.

Zhuo Fans eyes flashed all-knowingly, My excuse will be emotion, and if that is not enough to budge him, the logical reason hes using is to catch Shangguan clan. He wants the big fish, not just the spy. Getting the spy is only the first phase of his plan. And since he wants to use me, theres no need to spill blood. Ha-ha-ha

Squinting, Danqing Shen stared at him for long then shook his head, Youre as twisted as that Baili Jingwei. What if he loses it and wants to kill you, what then?

Then Ill be in seniors care. Zhuo Fan paused and showed a crafty look and a sly smile