After the Fairy Maidens Fell to Darkness, They Captured Me to Ruthlessly 'Repay' Their Gratitude-Chapter 57 - "Hmm, Hold What?"

“Master, I’ve discovered that the Yumo Sect has been secretly purchasing demonic pills in large quantities in the black market recently...” He Ange reported hesitantly.

Inside the grand hall of Shiyun Pavilion, He Ange’s voice was soft, almost uncertain.

On the elevated dragon chair, the black-dressed fairy, Qin Shiyan, listened intently, her phoenix-like eyes narrowing as she pondered his words.

The Yumo Sect buying demonic pills—it sounded simple enough.

But for the righteous sects, this was no trivial matter. This single piece of information was enough to infer the Yumo Sect’s larger ambitions.

This could very well be the precursor to a large-scale war.

What exactly was the Yumo Sect planning in Yong’an City?

Not long ago, the Dragon Empress herself had summoned Qin Shiyan, expressing concerns about Yong’an City. The city was a treasure trove, but its remote location made it difficult for the imperial court to govern directly. The Empress had entrusted Qin Shiyan, as an elder of the Shengxu Sect, to keep an eye on the city.

If something were to go wrong in Yong’an City, how could Qin Shiyan possibly explain it to the Empress?

Yong’an City was a major hub.

Aside from housing a priceless ancient artifact, it was rich in rare mineral veins and spiritual springs—any of which would be highly coveted by the Yumo Sect.

But with insufficient intelligence, Qin Shiyan couldn’t pinpoint the Yumo Sect’s true objective.

The city was vast, with four distinct districts, each valuable in its own way. Even if Qin Shiyan could mobilize the Shengxu Sect’s forces, it would be impossible to defend the entire city.

The enemy was in the shadows, while they were exposed. At best, the Shengxu Sect could guard one district.

This was why precise intelligence was crucial. Qin Shiyan needed to know exactly what the Yumo Sect was targeting to prepare a proper defense.

“He Ange, your efficiency is impressive. I’m quite pleased,” Qin Shiyan said softly, nodding in approval as she gazed at him with newfound respect.

He had provided her with information that no one else could, earning her trust and reliance.

Of course, this wasn’t an emotional dependence but a professional one—a partnership between master and disciple.

“Master flatters me. I merely asked a few acquaintances in the black market. It’s nothing worth mentioning,” He Ange replied modestly.

“Your network must be quite extensive...” Qin Shiyan remarked, her tone tinged with admiration.

The underground black market of Yong’an City was no stranger to Qin Shiyan. She had her own network of informants there and could usually obtain information quickly.

But the Yumo Sect’s large-scale purchase of demonic pills? That was news even she hadn’t heard of.

The fact that He Ange could uncover such a lead so easily suggested that his connections ran deeper than hers, reaching the inner workings of the Yumo Sect.

This only made Qin Shiyan more curious about her disciple.

He was undoubtedly a righteous cultivator of the Shengxu Sect, not a demonic spy. Yet he navigated the black market’s demonic circles with remarkable ease, even obtaining information directly from high-ranking members of the Demon Sect.

Was He Ange some kind of genius?

How could he accomplish things that even professional intelligence agents couldn’t?

“Master, you’re overestimating me...” He Ange said with a wry smile.

The truth was, Qin Shiyan couldn’t have learned about the Yumo Sect’s demonic pill purchases because the decision had only been made that day. It was Nightfall himself who had discussed the deal with He Ange.

If He Ange hadn’t shared this information, no one in the black market would have known.

“Besides, I can’t even confirm if this information is accurate. Why are you so certain?” He Ange added.

“You have a point,” Qin Shiyan admitted, her smile faint but genuine.

Still, she praised him. “Regardless, you’ve done well this time. I look forward to you bringing back even more valuable intelligence to help us prepare for the Yumo Sect’s eventual uprising.”

“Understood,” He Ange replied with a polite smile.

But he wasn’t so easily appeased. Qin Shiyan’s verbal encouragement alone wasn’t enough to make him work for free.

“Master, while I understand the importance of this mission, the Yumo Sect’s growing influence makes the black market increasingly dangerous. If I were to delve deeper, I fear it might be too risky,” He Ange said, his tone hesitant as he looked at Qin Shiyan with a hint of vulnerability.

Qin Shiyan immediately understood his implication.

This was the moment when the “free trial” transitioned into the “premium subscription.”

He Ange was clearly angling for compensation.

Sighing, Qin Shiyan reached into her robes and produced a gilded jade pendant. As expected, He Ange’s eyes lit up the moment he saw it, his earlier reluctance vanishing.

Raising an eyebrow, Qin Shiyan handed him the pendant, saying, “Take this. It’s the Golden Thread Heart Jade, a high-grade treasure. In critical moments, it can activate a golden barrier to protect your life.”

“Thank you, Master,” He Ange said, his face lighting up with a grateful smile. His gaze toward Qin Shiyan grew noticeably more affectionate.

The cheeky boy always seemed to get his way...

Qin Shiyan couldn’t help but feel a mix of exasperation and amusement. But she didn’t dislike this aspect of his personality.

After all, fair compensation for work was an age-old principle.

If she had forced him to risk his life for free, she would have felt guilty. No one would willingly work without reward forever.

He Ange’s straightforward approach to negotiating his worth actually made things simpler and more transparent.

“This jade pendant isn’t cheap, so don’t lose it. Always wear it when you’re in the black market. It’s for your safety,” Qin Shiyan instructed.

She added, “When activated, the pendant’s golden barrier will float above you. If you’re in danger, don’t hesitate to abandon it. Your life is more important than any treasure.”

“Understood, Master,” He Ange replied, tucking the pendant away carefully.

As he left, he couldn’t help but notice how much more attentive Qin Shiyan had become toward him lately. While their relationship was fundamentally transactional, her growing concern for him was evident.

This was undoubtedly a good thing.

But if he were honest, He Ange found it slightly unsettling.

He was hiding so many secrets from her, yet she continued to trust him and even gifted him a life-saving treasure.

“Forget it. No need to overthink,” he told himself.

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“If Master truly cares for me, I’ll repay her kindness someday. If she’s just using me as a pawn, then my using her is simply fair play.”

…

Luo Xue Peak, Evening

The silver-haired fairy, An Luo Yi, was practicing her swordsmanship alone.

Since He Ange’s last visit to Luo Xue Peak, nearly a month had passed without any private interaction between them.

During this time, An Luo Yi had devoted herself to training, her life a monotonous cycle of cultivation and sword practice.

But lately, she had begun to find it dull.

She had never found sword practice boring before. The only difference now was that He Ange hadn’t visited her.

An Luo Yi wanted to seek him out, to chat and break the monotony.

But she had promised not to interfere with his cultivation. And when she thought about it, she realized she had no other reason to approach him.

If she didn’t bring up cultivation, what else could they talk about?

This realization bothered her.

Surely, they could talk about something, anything, even if it wasn’t about training?

But what?

An Luo Yi couldn’t think of anything.

In the past, it was always He Ange who initiated their conversations. He was talkative, while she mostly listened. She rarely started conversations herself.

Even when she did, it was usually just a few words before the topic ended.

An Luo Yi suddenly felt inadequate, realizing she had no idea how to hold a man’s interest.

“Senior Sister, are you awake?” a familiar voice called out from the base of the mountain, interrupting her thoughts.

After a brief pause, she replied, “I’m awake.”

“Senior Sister, I can’t fly with a sword, and climbing the mountain is exhausting. Didn’t you promise to carry me up if I ever wanted to visit Luo Xue Peak?”

“Yes, I did... Wait a moment,” she said, her lips curving into a faint smile. Her voice remained calm, but her expression betrayed her happiness.

Closing the communication, An Luo Yi turned and summoned her sword spirit.

“Silver Phoenix, it seems you’ll have to carry the master of Silver Phoenix up the mountain. Are you ready?” she asked.

The silver sword shimmered with excitement, its blade trembling slightly.

An Luo Yi suddenly recalled the promise she had made to He Ange last time. He had mentioned being afraid of heights and said he’d only feel safe if he could hold onto something.

“Hmm... hold what?” she murmured, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.