Chapter 106: Once Again, Jing Shushu

The timing was perfect. As soon as the half-hour mark passed, Gu Zhiheng and Liu E emerged from the site.

Liu E’s expression was grim, while Gu Zhiheng remained composed. Given their contrasting demeanors, the others couldn’t tell if they had gained anything at all.

"Well, there’s nothing there. It’s just a patch of empty land, damn it. Absolutely nothing," Liu E said, looking back at the site with annoyance before heading straight for the car.

A single jade plaque—it was basically nothing. It was a complete waste of time. Had they known they would come up empty-handed, they would have agreed to let Gu Zhiheng come alone from the start, sparing them the wasted time and effort. They could have been heading to their actual destination by now; the whole thing was beyond frustrating.

Gu Zhiheng didn't say much. Since there was nothing useful, he prepared to set off for their true destination. However, his suspicions remained. He planned to return when he had the time to take another look; there was definitely something there they had overlooked.

"Ninth Master Gu, what a coincidence!" Jing Shushu called out, causing the expressions of everyone nearby to darken instantly.

Did this woman have no sense of self-awareness? Could she stop hovering around them? They were genuinely struggling to resist the urge to kill her on the spot. Especially now that Liu E would no longer hold them back, they wouldn't hesitate to finish her off without a second thought.

"Jing Shushu, are you a ghost that refuses to leave? Why do you keep following me? Just looking at you makes me feel agitated!" Gu Zhiheng retorted bluntly before signaling for the others to get in the car and leave. It was better to stay far away from someone so brainless, lest they catch her stupidity.

Honestly, Jing Shushu had no shame. After how Gu Zhiheng and Liu E had treated her, she still insisted on flaunting herself before them. Mo Han and the others looked at her with equal disdain. If not for this woman, Gu Zhiheng wouldn't have suffered a backlash, nor would his personality have undergone such a drastic change. They felt nothing but hostility toward their enemy and were itching to deal with her once and for all.

"Ninth Master, you wound me. I just happened to be passing by and wanted to say hello." Hmph, so what if she was tracking them?

"Jing Shushu, I didn't kill you before because Liu E pleaded for you. Do you really think I’ll show mercy now?" Gu Zhiheng raised an eyebrow with a wicked smirk, his killing intent pinning Jing Shushu to the spot. "You don't actually think that bit of merit you possess can protect you, do you?" He pushed her away with disgust, finding her presence repulsive.

The merit she carried would gradually diminish as he acquired the jade plaques. It was simple: what she possessed wasn't pure merit, but the spiritual power of Ye Zheng. Every time Gu Zhiheng crushed a jade plaque and absorbed the power within, her share of merit would decrease. Her presence here was certainly linked to the jade plaques; otherwise, it would be too much of a coincidence. This woman was far more calculating than she seemed.

"Gu Zhiheng, don't be ungrateful. You think getting the jade plaque changes anything? You still won't be able to find where Gu Mojiang is." Hmph, if she couldn't have it, nobody else would!

Her words held no weight with Gu Zhiheng. He didn't care about Gu Mojiang’s whereabouts; he had only come to determine whether the man was human or a ghost.

"Liu E, if I lose control and kill her in a moment, don't you dare step in to finish her off," Gu Zhiheng said, looking at Jing Shushu with a mocking sneer that was not lost on her. When dealing with a woman like this, you have to use what she cares about most to hurt her. Seeing her pale complexion, it was clear just how effective Gu Zhiheng’s words had been.

Gu Zhiheng never showed mercy to those who practically begged to be struck, especially not to a woman who had repeatedly provoked his anger. If she weren't still somewhat useful, he would have long ago dug out her spiritual core and ended her life.

"Let’s go. Wasting time is wasting life!" Mo Han shouted, pulling Chu Xingran into his arms and moving out of sight. It was pointless; why keep a woman like this alive? Her utility was negligible, and her life or death made no difference. In his opinion, Gu Zhiheng had been too lenient, likely out of respect for his boss.

"Brother Liu, I told you the things that happened back then weren't my fault. Why won't you believe me?" Jing Shushu looked at Liu E with an aggrieved expression, tears beginning to fall.

Unfortunately, this act no longer worked on Liu E. It was precisely because of these tearful, pitiable performances that Liu E had once been deeply ensnared, leading to his betrayal by his so-called childhood sweetheart and "good brother." If he were to fall for the same trap again, it wouldn't just mean he was dim-witted—it would mean he had no brain at all.

Just as Jing Shushu opened her mouth to continue, a sharp voice cut her off. "For heaven's sake, shut up! Your fake, bitchy act is nauseating. You’re no spring chicken, so stop pretending to be pure and innocent!"

Before Liu E could respond, Qing Xiu stepped forward and lashed out, leaving Jing Shushu no chance to react. How blind must a man be to be fooled by such a "green tea" bitch? How brainless must one be to fall for a woman like this!

"This young lady, I don't believe I know you?" Jing Shushu asked, stunned by the verbal assault. Who was this woman? She was beautiful enough, so why was her tongue so venomous?

"I am Qing Xiu, Mistress of Wumei Mountain!" She muttered to herself that this formal tone felt incredibly awkward. She wasn't as elegant, graceful, or as effortlessly imposing as her master.

"Lady Qing Xiu, I apologize for my rudeness. Please, I beg your forgiveness!" Jing Shushu turned deathly pale. How had she run into one of the hot-headed troublemakers from Wumei Mountain?

"And what if I refuse?" Qing Xiu locked eyes with Jing Shushu and moved to stand directly in front of her. Just looking at her face was repulsive, especially recalling how she had repeatedly framed her master, causing her severe injury.

*Slap!*

The crisp sound of the strike echoed, and Jing Shushu’s face swelled instantly, the imprint of the hand shocking to behold. Everyone present gasped; the little lunatic Qing Xiu had struck with such force that it seemed she wanted to kill Jing Shushu with a single blow.

"Did you forget? The people of Wumei Mountain are very protective, and above all, we hold a grudge!" Ice shimmered in Qing Xiu’s eyes, piercing into Jing Shushu’s soul like shards of frost. If she dared to scheme against her master, she shouldn't be surprised by the ruthlessness that followed.

"Remember this: once you offend Wumei Mountain, you will never have a peaceful day again!" It was a blatant threat, and Jing Shushu was utterly helpless to stop it.