Chapter 302 119: The Plot Advances Ahead of Schedule, Are My Feet Pretty?, Altering the Corresponding Memories (Part 2)

If one were ownerless, it would surely spark a bloody conflict.

Jiang Lan was well aware of the importance of a Dao Artifact in this world. Even with the resources and connections of the Prime Minister's Mansion, one could not be bestowed lightly.

Things like Dao Marks could not be forged and condensed by an ordinary Artifact Refiner. Most Dao Artifacts were formed through gradual nurturing over time.

"What if," Song Youwei began, a hint of a smile on her lips as a thought occurred to her, "when I get to Qianyuan Prefecture, I pretend to be one of your retainers?"

Jiang Lan was taken aback.

"No." He refused without a second thought.

Song Youwei was still the demoness of the Blood Immortal Sect. Even if she were only pretending to be a retainer, he didn't want to have any public association with her.

Once an association like that was made, he would have to spend even more effort to conceal it later. He had neither the time nor the energy for that.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, Jiang Lan realized his mistake.

"The situation is delicate right now. The Imperial Capital is full of all sorts of people, and experts are everywhere. There are plenty of eyes watching the Prime Minister's Mansion, and watching me."

"I don't want you to be exposed so early, not even as a retainer..." he said, looking at Song Youwei and explaining earnestly.

'I was careless. How could I make such a rookie mistake? It must be the thought of Jiang Ruxian that distracted me.'

"It seems Young Master Jiang was a bit distracted just now, letting your true feelings slip out..." Song Youwei said, still smiling.

"But I was just teasing you. I know you value your reputation, Young Master Jiang."

"The way I said it, it almost sounded like I was asking you to marry me."

Jiang Lan chuckled. "If you were willing, why would I refuse? It would just mean having a bed-warmer by my side."

"Is warming your bed all Young Master Jiang wants from me?"

A smoky, hazy yet captivating charm filled Song Youwei's gentle, moon-like eyes.

"Do you want to hear my true thoughts, or something else?" Jiang Lan retorted.

"I don't want to hear either..."

Song Youwei rose with a lilting smile, preparing to put on her shoes and socks. "Time is short. I'll go find the person in the portrait for you, Young Master Jiang."

"You don't want to hear about your sister either?"

Jiang Lan remained seated cross-legged on the mat, completely unhurried.

'I know I angered her with that last comment,' he thought. 'Women are such emotional creatures. She's gone back to calling me 'Young Master Jiang'.'

Song Youwei was in the middle of sliding a foot—as perfect and white as sculpted jade—into a silk sock. At his words, she froze.

Jiang Lan watched her with a smile as she obediently sat back down, blinking, waiting for him to continue.

"Is that any way to sit?"

Jiang Lan seemed oblivious to her eager expression, his gaze falling to where she had only managed to put on one of her silk socks.

Song Youwei tugged at the hem of her dress, trying to cover her slender legs, but this only served to reveal her other foot, which was still bare.

A red string tied around the delicate, pale ankle with its perfect curve was particularly eye-catching.

Noticing his gaze, her smile remained as she asked openly, "Young Master Jiang, are my feet beautiful?"

"Delicate and elegant, sparklingly white, so pale they put the frost to shame. Among all the women I have ever met, they rank near the very top," Jiang Lan appraised seriously.

Song Youwei shot him a playful glare, then suddenly felt her cheeks flush. She tugged her skirt down again to cover herself.

"Blood Evil Granny's current cultivation, while not on par with that old eunuch we encountered, still places her among the top experts of the Seventh Realm."

"The Blood Immortal Curse on you is under her control. Unless you have the power to kill her in an instant, any attempt to resist will be countered."

"As for your sister, she has her imprisoned in a Little World. The Key to enter that world has always been in her possession."

"However, you can rest assured. Your sister isn't in any danger; in fact, she's quite safe. Blood Evil Granny has been hiding any information about your connection to her, and even intends to train her..."

Jiang Lan didn't mince words, telling Song Youwei everything about her sister's current situation.

Hearing this, Song Youwei was finally able to put her mind at ease. To get her revenge, she knew she had to improve her cultivation. Only then could she one day kill Blood Evil Granny and rescue her sister from that living hell.

Jiang Lan continued to string her along with promises, telling her not to worry and that he would take action later.

The little bit of pique Song Youwei had felt vanished like smoke. She stayed with him until 9 p.m., leaving only when the moon had yet to cross the second roof eave.

Afterward, Jiang Lan returned to the Prime Minister's Mansion.

You'Er was still engrossed in studying the Secret Technique Scrolls. He went to check on her, offered a few words of encouragement, then turned his attention to the small bottle of Muddy Blood that Song Youwei had brought him.

During the Refinement process, Jiang Lan was surprised to find he could purify and absorb a significant amount of Qi and Blood Power from it.

Of course, compared to his current reserves of Qi and Blood Power, it was but a drop in the ocean and not worth much attention.

Several days later, Jiang Lan successfully refined the half-bottle of Muddy Blood for his own use.

Meanwhile, Song Youwei had made progress. After dispatching people to gather information on Loose Cultivators across the various cities of Great Xia, she had finally found a suitable candidate who met Jiang Lan's requirements.

The middle-aged female cultivator was named Liu Ruli, and she had a clean background.

Decades ago, she had come to live in South Alley of Guangyuan City.

Her life before then was unknown, a complete blank slate. It was suspected she came from another kingdom.

Her daily life was very simple. She would take on missions for Loose Cultivators in South Alley in exchange for Spirit Stones to fund her cultivation. She was also learning the art of Talismans and could inscribe a few simple ones. Her social circle was very small, and she didn't know many other cultivators.