Chapter 775: Luo Qiqi Faints

After a few casual words, the room fell silent. Zhang Xuan raised his wine glass, his Insight Eye wriggling as he discreetly surveyed his surroundings.

A moment later, a strange expression appeared on his face.

Apart from a spirit-gathering array around him, there were no traps or formations.

Wasn't this Hu Yaoyao looking to cause him trouble?

Why hadn't she prepared anything?

Did she really think that with nothing at all, she could make him unlucky?

Teacher, look over there!

Just as he was puzzled, Luo Qiqi's voice sounded from beside him.

Following her finger, he saw a weapon rack over two meters tall in one corner of the hall, on which hung a pale yellow shield with worn patina at the edges, clearly showing its age.

Probably just a decoration!

Judging by the weapon rack's design, it was likely used for decoration. Many large family halls had such items to display martial prowess; it was nothing special.

I've studied books about Teacher Wu Yangzi. According to historical records, he forged one hundred and twenty-four weapons in his lifetime, including seventeen shield-shaped weapons. Among them was a [Bronze Flame Moon Shield] engraved with a strange Flame Moon, unique in shape, similar to this one...

Frowning slightly, Luo Qiqi said.

Flame Moon Shield? Zhang Xuan looked over.

Although they were far from it, with their eyesight they could easily see that the shield indeed bore a Flame Moon like a blazing sun, and its shape was different from ordinary shields, resembling an irregular hexagon, exuding a strange aura.

You mean... this is the Bronze Flame Moon Shield?

His heart stirred, and Zhang Xuan asked.

Mm! Luo Qiqi nodded, stood up, and walked toward the corner of the hall. Soon she reached the shield and examined it closely.

The more she looked, the more solemn her expression became.

Zhang Xuan also looked over. He had to admit that although the shield looked old, its craftsmanship was extremely complex. Based on his understanding of artifact forging, the forging technique indeed bore great resemblance to the Qin Qin Artifact Forging Method.

Insight Eye!

As the patterns wriggled, the shield's specifics immediately appeared before him.

It really was left by Wu Yangzi...

Zhang Xuan was startled.

He had thought it was a replica, but it turned out to be genuine.

The Bronze Flame Moon Shield was said to have been forged by Teacher Wu Yangzi in memory of his deceased wife and was never sold. I thought it had disappeared with his old residence, but it appears here...

Luo Qiqi also confirmed it and couldn't help sighing, but before she finished, she clenched her fists: It seems that Senior Yaoyao must know the location of the old residence. This item might even have been obtained from there!

Zhang Xuan nodded.

If this item had never been sold, it was very likely hidden in the old residence, and this Hu Yaoyao had been there and obtained it.

There's also a sword!

After examining the shield, just as they were about to return, Luo Qiqi was startled again.

On the wall not far away hung a long sword, which had been obscured by the weapon rack and not seen until now.

Like the shield, this sword also bore an ancient aura, clearly aged. As she approached, Luo Qiqi's brows furrowed tighter.

Then she took it down from the wall.

What's wrong? Was this sword also forged by Wu Yangzi?

Knowing that his student wouldn't normally touch someone else's belongings, taking it down must mean she had discovered something. Zhang Xuan couldn't help asking.

Mm. If I'm not mistaken, this should be the [Flame Moon Sword] that Senior Wu Yangzi left for his daughter. This sword was also never sold. If the blade also bears the Flame Moon pattern, then it's genuine...

Explaining, Luo Qiqi grasped the hilt and gently pulled.

Whoosh!

A cold light burst forth, and a chill tore at the skin, stiffening the body.

A fine sword!

Zhang Xuan nodded inwardly. Although this sword didn't match the level of his Ice Rain Sword, it had still reached the supreme grade, truly extraordinary.

There is indeed a Flame Moon...

Focusing on the blade, Luo Qiqi's fair face lit up with delight.

But before that delight could fully bloom, the sword let out a soft hum.

Hum!

As if a spirit stirred, it emitted a furious roar.

Damn it!

Hearing this sound, Zhang Xuan's pupils constricted. He immediately stood up and flashed to her side, but though fast, he was still too late.

Luo Qiqi's body swayed, and she was about to fall.

Surging his true qi to support her, Zhang Xuan placed his fingers on her pulse and then breathed a sigh of relief.

It's okay, just a simple fainting...

Since arriving, he had been wary of Hu Yaoyao's tricks, staying put to deal with any changes. He had thought she would set up formations or traps, but never dreamed she had placed something in the sword that made Luo Qiqi faint instantly.

Knowing she wasn't seriously hurt, Zhang Xuan lightly tapped the sword a few times, then took the Flame Moon Sword in his hand and examined it.

No poison, but an attack from its spirit. I didn't expect this sword to have the ability to shake the soul!

Powerful artifacts all have special effects, like the Bronze Mace seen at the Spirit Materials Pavilion, which had soul-destroying properties.

A single strike from that mace could severely damage both body and soul.

This Flame Moon Sword, on the other hand, has the ability to agitate the soul. When Luo Qiqi touched it, she was attacked by its spirit and, caught off guard, fainted.

Come out!

Understanding what had happened, Zhang Xuan moved his hand and gently laid Luo Qiqi on a nearby table, then let out a cold snort.

Even if an ownerless artifact has offensive power, it's not very strong. Just like before, even though he had made countless treasures in the Spirit Materials Pavilion acknowledge him as master, he still couldn't contend with Wei Changfeng.

Although this Flame Moon Sword had reached the supreme grade, its spirit was such that even a Mortal Transformation realm ninth-layer expert would find it hard to subdue. But to easily knock Luo Qiqi unconscious was clearly beyond its ability.

It was likely that Hu Yaoyao had used some unknown means.

Taking advantage of their desire to find Wu Yangzi's former residence, she had deliberately attracted them with the shield. Under the shock to their minds, she launched an attack, succeeding in one move!

It seemed she had intended to trap him, but Luo Qiqi discovered it first.

Since she had set this up, she must be hiding nearby, watching secretly; otherwise, it would have no effect.

No wonder you've made our many societies suffer greatly. Teacher Zhang truly has keen eyes!

Before long, a faint laugh sounded, the door opened, and Hu Yaoyao's tall, slender figure walked in.

A purple-red long dress perfectly outlined her voluptuous figure.

Both her clothes and face seemed meticulously adorned, even more radiant and alluring than last night.

A fifth-year student targeting a freshman—if word gets out, won't your reputation suffer?

Zhang Xuan raised an eyebrow.

Reputation? I kindly invited you to a banquet, yet you freely took my precious sword. If word gets out, it's your reputation that will suffer!

Approaching, a faint fragrance wafted into his nostrils. Hu Yaoyao said with a smile.

No wonder she was called a demon; every move carried a charm, like a fox, stirring hearts and captivating souls.

One could foresee that if she gave the order, many teachers in the academy would gladly sacrifice themselves without blinking.

But this allure, effective on others, had no effect on Zhang Xuan. Shaking his head, he looked at her calmly.

Junior, seeing a good item, I was tempted to examine it—that's no offense, is it? But you, inviting us here and then hiding aside, clearly have ill intentions. Enough, I won't waste words. The reason I agreed to come today is to ask you: where is Senior Wu Yangzi's former residence?

Hmm?

She had expected that, dressed in fine clothes and with her seductive words, even a Qiaotian realm cultivator would be at least somewhat disarmed. But not only was he unaffected, he even questioned her. Hu Yaoyao frowned.

Not only was she a Jinghong Master, but also a Sound Master. Her words were like a zither, her voice like music. Combined, even a Mortal Transformation realm ninth-layer expert found it hard to resist. How could this guy be completely unaffected?

As for the former residence, if you agree to my conditions, I'll naturally tell you!

Though puzzled, she smiled lightly, a captivating smile on her face: Join the Demon Society, obey me obediently, and I'll not only tell you where it is but also personally take you there!

Obey you? Zhang Xuan looked at her, a playful glint in his eyes: Relying on you? On your Jinghong Master skills?

Teacher Zhang made Dean Mi and Dean Zhao vie to take you as a disciple, and tamed hundreds of spirit beasts in one go. Your soul power must be very strong. Even if I used all my skills, I couldn't make you obey with just Jinghong Master techniques. I'm self-aware enough to know that.

Smiling, Hu Yaoyao's red lips curled slightly: But... what if I add Luo Qiqi?

Qiqi? What do you mean? Zhang Xuan frowned.

Luo Qiqi was attacked by the spirit of the Flame Moon Sword. If not awakened quickly, it might damage her foundation, hindering her future cultivation. Teacher Zhang, as her teacher, you can't abandon your student, can you?

Hu Yaoyao laughed.

Damage her foundation? Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

The spirit's shock had only made her faint. How could it hinder cultivation or damage her foundation? Where did this girl get such confidence to speak so boldly?

After a moment of confusion, he understood.

She probably thought he knew little about the soul and, in his concern, would obey her conditions if she made it sound serious.

If he didn't agree, she would have prepared a recording crystal. Showing it to Luo Qiqi when she woke would easily breed resentment, damaging their teacher-student relationship.

In one move, she had cornered him, making any choice difficult.

If he chose to save her, he had to agree to her conditions; if not, he would hurt Luo Qiqi and harm their relationship.

Either way, she won!

Truly worthy of being the president of the Demon Society—formidable indeed.