It's Hard Being the Bad Guy

Chapter 30

When Wen Ai set out on this journey, although it was under the guise of official business, it turned out to be more of a sightseeing adventure. Along the way, they stopped to admire the scenery, joined in on any lively events they encountered, and took their time, stretching what was supposed to be a one-month itinerary into two.

Upon entering the Western Region, they encountered vast stretches of sandy deserts. The trio traversed through the desert until they finally reached the prosperous cities built on oases.

Once inside the city, Wen Ai excitedly hopped off the carriage and pranced on two legs down the bustling streets, his curious eyes darting around.

The people of the Western Region had mixed bloodlines, their iris colors distinct from those of the Central Plains. With their high noses and deep-set eyes, towering stature, Wen Ai couldn't help but notice that each one seemed handsome or beautiful, albeit with a striking similarity among them.

The women here dressed boldly, their voluptuous bodies subtly outlined beneath sheer fabrics. Their legs, their chests—Wen Ai couldn't help but blush and turn away at the sight. A veiled woman nearby found his reaction adorable and playfully tossed a sachet towards him. Caught off guard, Wen Ai instinctively caught it, then stood awkwardly in place.

Wu Zhi stepped forward. "Master, let me hold onto this."

"No need," Wen Ai felt it inappropriate to do so in front of others, so he hung the sachet around his waist instead.

The veiled woman looked surprised, then placed her right hand over her left chest and bowed her head in gratitude.

Wu Yi intervened to explain, "This gesture signifies gratitude."

Wen Ai curved his lips and returned the gesture gracefully.

The three settled into an inn within the city, with Wu Yi staying by Wen Ai's side as a guard while Wu Zhi went out to gather information.

In reality, the so-called "Demon Cult" wasn't called that. They had a proper name: the Holy Fire Sect. However, due to the demonization in the Central Plains martial world, they were given this ominous nickname. The Holy Fire Sect had an amicable relationship with the locals, making it relatively easy for Wu Zhi to gather information.

The next day, Wen Ai, accompanied by Wu Yi and Wu Zhi, entered the territory of the Holy Fire Sect.

Perched atop a cliff, the Holy Fire Sect greeted them. Wen Ai formally presented his letter of introduction, and despite being from the Central Plains, they treated him without discrimination, quickly ushering him into the guest hall.

The people of the Western Region preferred milk tea over traditional tea leaves. Wen Ai sat upright, sipping the authentic milk tea, contemplating how he would negotiate with the sect leader according to the plot.

Suddenly, footsteps approached from outside. Wen Ai set down his cup and turned to the door, where a tall and imposing figure strode in. His aura was so intense that Wen Ai shuddered even from a distance—it must be the sect leader, Lu Mingxiao.

As Lu Mingxiao drew closer, Wen Ai noticed the two individuals following him: a charming-looking man and a ruggedly dressed woman, likely the left and right guardians mentioned by Unhealed.

Lu Mingxiao initially headed straight for the main seat in the hall, but then his gaze inadvertently fell upon Wen Ai in the guest seat. He changed direction and stopped directly in front of him.

With a cold tone, Lu Mingxiao spoke, "It's you."

Wen Ai lifted his head in confusion, meeting a pair of deep blue eyes. "Does Sect Leader Lu know me?"