Chapter 77

Andequan, who had been lying beside the work, wore an extremely gratified expression. The situation was finally developing in their favor. Although Hu Xiaotian was cunning, he ultimately couldn't escape the grasp of this little girl.

Hu Xiaotian still gazed at the small red dot on his arm: "Cooperation should be done with some sincerity. You actually shot me with a needle?" He felt a foreign object in his arm, and the poisonous needle was clearly still inside him.

The little girl said, "The Seven-Day Soul-Cutting Needle is not made of metal. Once it comes into contact with human flesh, it will melt from body heat. The poison will spread through your bloodstream, and within seven days, it will cover your entire body. If you don't get the antidote in time, you will suffer from intestinal perforation, mouth ulcers, and body-wide pus."

Hu Xiaotian felt a sense of familiarity. After careful thought, he realized these words were part of the oath he had made with Shi Xuedong. Damn, it seems you shouldn't make oaths casually. I haven't done anything to wrong Shi Xuedong, so I shouldn't be punished. Now, I can only temporarily submit. Damn, I never thought I would be outsmarted by a minor girl.

Hu Xiaotian smiled and said, "Fine, let's cooperate. I'll take you to Xiezhou! I have to pass by there anyway, so it's no trouble to take you along. When are you planning to set off?"

Andequan said, "The sooner, the better."

Hu Xiaotian glanced at Andequan and shook his head, "I don't think your body can handle it. Although the distance from here to Xiezhou isn't far, the journey is treacherous and difficult."

"Who said I'm going? You can take her, and I'll stay behind!"

The little girl firmly shook her head, "If we go, we go together. I won't leave alone."

Andequan said, "He's right. To get to Xiezhou, we must cross the Pengyin Mountains. The road is dangerous and difficult. Taking me along will only slow you down. My current injuries are not suitable for travel. Staying here might give me a chance to survive. If I go with you, I might not make it."

The little girl pursed her lips. Although she was young, she was clear-headed and rational. She understood that everything Andequan said was true. She turned to Hu Xiaotian, "Leave some food for my grandfather and one of your men to take care of him." Her words were authoritative and left no room for negotiation.

Hu Xiaotian was truly at a loss, feeling both amused and frustrated. "Do I owe you something? You're giving me orders. But after being shot with that needle, I can't afford to be stubborn. The wound has grown to the size of a soybean, and there's a red rash around it. I'm really scared. I guess this little girl isn't lying. What bad luck, to be outsmarted by a minor girl."

The little girl said, "Did you hear me?"

Hu Xiaotian gritted his teeth and nodded.

Andequan said, "Mr. Hu, rest assured. We had no choice but to resort to this. As long as you safely escort her to Xiezhou, she will give you the antidote. We will remember your kindness." His tone was friendly, but in Hu Xiaotian's eyes, they were wolves in sheep's clothing, people who repay kindness with enmity. He had really taken a big hit.

Hu Xiaotian said, "What if I can't complete the task?"

Andequan didn't answer his question but gave a cold smile, clearly implying that if he failed, he would die with them.

Hu Xiaotian was furious, cursing Andequan and the little girl's ancestors. Despite his anger, he put on a face of acceptance and sighed, "Don't worry, I'll do my best to take her to Xiezhou. But who are you? Can you reveal a little?"

Andequan said, "The less you know, the better for you."

Hu Xiaotian said, "That's not fair. You know everything about me, but I know nothing about you. You talk about cooperation, but you show no sincerity."

The little girl said, "It's your men who can't keep their mouths shut. I didn't even have to ask much, and he spilled everything about your family."

Hu Xiaotian immediately flew into a rage, "Who?"

The little girl pointed outside, where Liang Dazhuang was feeding the horses.

Hu Xiaotian let out a thunderous roar, "Liang Dazhuang!"

Liang Dazhuang, with a bruised face, squatted by a puddle. He didn't even recognize himself after being beaten by Hu Xiaotian. He couldn't blame anyone but himself for being too talkative. He couldn't resist a few kind words and revealed all of Hu Xiaotian's personal information to the little girl. He never imagined that a ten-year-old girl could be so cunning, tricking him so badly. He had clearly been told to keep it secret, but in a moment, he had betrayed himself.

After beating Liang Dazhuang, Hu Xiaotian felt much better. The rain had also lessened. He instructed Hu Fo and the others to prepare to leave Lanruo Temple. Including Murong Feiyun, none of them knew what had just happened. No one would have guessed that Hu Xiaotian, who usually had the upper hand, had been completely outmaneuvered and was now in the hands of the little girl.

Murong Feiyun was quite surprised. Just a moment ago, Hu Xiaotian had blamed her for being meddlesome and wanted to part ways with the old man and the girl. Now, he had suddenly changed his mind, agreeing to travel with them and even to escort the little girl to Xiezhou, acting like a great benefactor. Could it be that he had a sudden change of heart?

Andequan ultimately decided to stay behind. Hu Xiaotian, following the little girl's instructions, left some food for the old eunuch and also left Liang Dazhuang to take care of him, which was also a punishment for his loose lips.

Andequan, however, declined Hu Xiaotian's offer. He quietly called Hu Xiaotian over and whispered, "It's better to take the fat man with you. I can manage on my own. If he stays, and my enemies catch him, he might reveal everything about you."

Hu Xiaotian shivered, realizing he had overlooked such an important matter. He had been outsmarted by a minor girl and was about to make another big mistake by leaving Liang Dazhuang behind, which would have been a huge risk. Hu Xiaotian, however, didn't admit his mistake and chuckled, "I can always kill him before anyone catches him."

Andequan chuckled, "Young man, you have a ruthless heart."

Hu Xiaotian thought, "No matter how ruthless I am, I'm not as ruthless as your granddaughter, who could harm her savior. A despicable person." He whispered, "Since you find him troublesome, I'll take him with me." He observed Andequan's face, which showed signs of anemia, but his spirit was still strong. He was amazed that the old eunuch, who had suffered such severe injuries and had just undergone a leg amputation, could still talk and laugh despite the pain. This old man's willpower was truly superhuman.

Andequan handed him the jade pendant, "I have nothing else to give you. This jade pendant is a memento. This parting might be our last. I probably won't be able to repay you."

From these words, it was clear that Andequan had resolved to die.

Hu Xiaotian, though he despised Andequan's ingratitude, felt a pang of sympathy. He whispered, "You could come with us. With your strong will, even a difficult journey should be manageable."

Andequan smiled and patted his shoulder, "I appreciate your kindness, but let's set off soon. Remember my words, don't delay on the journey."

Hu Xiaotian pursed his lips, "Take care!"