Chapter 538 The Yellow Bird Behind (1)

as only a single choice of meat, eliminating the worry that someone might not get any. To encourage consumption, he had also carefully designed seasonings, making the food exceptionally delicious."Coo...Chapter 538 The Sparrow Awaits Behind, Part 1

It's no wonder Yang Xiu addressed him as a strategist. This title is less commonly used within martial arts families, although everyone has strategists or advisors of some sort, they typically don't refer to them as such.

"Pan Jiao, when did you arrive I've been monitoring this place and haven’t seen anyone enter or leave," Yang Xiu was somewhat puzzled. She was sure she had arrived first, yet there were no other arrivals just now. How could the others appear here

"I’ve already arrived long ago, they came when I was already here," Pan Jiao said with a smile.

“What do you mean” Yang Xiu asked in confusion. Arrived long ago

"Not only did you calculate that they would be here, we did as well. We also calculated the places where they might guard and sent people there ahead of time to take advantage of an opportunity," Pan Jiao continued with a smile.

“…” Yang Xiu fell silent; she hadn’t thought of using this strategy, only considering post-event actions instead of preemptive ones.

"So do you already have the item in your possession"

This statement was originally meant to come from Yang Xiu’s lips, but it wasn’t her who spoke. The voice seemed to come from the sky. When everyone reacted, a few more people descended from above.

"Zhao Boxuan" Both Yang Xiu and Pan Jiao shouted in surprise; clearly their appearance was unexpected.

This appeared to be yet another group of people. What could it possibly be that attracted so many to compete over it, each with their own unique strengths

Though Free-and-Easy didn’t know which forces Pan Jiao and the newly arrived Zhao Boxuan represented, both individuals' prowess spoke for itself—they were formidable.

Those who reach Saint rank are naturally exceptional. Though Pan Jiao isn't as strong as Yang Xiu, she’s not far behind. Combined with her young age, her future achievements will undoubtedly surpass Yang Xiu's. To cultivate someone of this caliber means they’re no ordinary force.

And the newly arrived Zhao Boxuan is even stronger than Yang Xiu.

If we talk about individuals above Saint rank, such people are quite rare indeed. Free-and-Easy may not sense it, but he interacts with those at the peak of the pyramid hierarchy, so encountering more Saints isn't unusual.

But having more doesn’t mean they’re any less formidable; Free-and-Easy knows these individuals aren't simple—once confronted, one must avoid them. He wouldn’t provoke such people unless compelled to.

In addition, regardless of rank, the younger a person is, the greater their potential and thus, the more they need to be cautious of. This applies even at Saint level; among those present, Yang Xiu might be the oldest but entering this stage so young makes her an exceptionally rare genius who may progress to Divine rank.

One can imagine how powerful these individuals' backing must be. With two Saints out of Yang’s six, it highlights the strength of the Yang family. Yet, Pan and Zhao families confront Yang Xiu openly despite knowing her background—this indicates they possess equivalent power to counterbalance.

This makes them far more formidable than Luo's family, even if the latter keeps some things hidden; they still can't compare to these three powerful clans, which should be part of those super powerful families akin to Black Tortoise and Vermillion Bird.

Free-and-Easy’s speculation was mostly correct. But Zhao Boxuan isn’t from a family called Zhao; he comes from a sect that ranks among the top ten martial arts factions.

The Yang and Pan families have been mortal enemies for over a century, originally due to differing opinions but turned into enmity when the Yangs accidentally killed the Pan Family’s young master. This set off a chain of events where the Pans plotted against the Yangs leading to major conflicts.

Since then, this grudge has persisted for centuries. Both sides still despise each other now, and it seems likely to continue.

This is how humans are; hatred endures while kindness can be easily forgotten—perhaps ingratitude is human nature.

"You're right, it’s me. Though I may not be as smart as you all, I know a saying: 'When the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind'." Zhao Boxuan said with eyes indicating his companions to surround Pan Jiao.

The current situation clearly shows the item is on Pan Jiao. Taking her down would achieve his goal.

“…”

Li Yihun at this moment realized how laughable his so-called wisdom was, watching others make move after calculated move, straightforwardly targeting their objectives.

The most ironic might be Zhao Boxuan; he’s been playing the observer but currently holds the upper hand.

Sometimes methods don’t require great wisdom or complexity; simplicity can often be the best approach.

"Yang Xiu, you’re an idiot. How could your plans become known" Pan Jiao immediately shouted, seemingly not too worried.

“Why me You know very well it’s because of you,” Yang Xiu said angrily.

“He clearly only prepared the flying wings when he saw yours; otherwise, why would he have such an item” Pan Jiao pointed out a crucial point immediately.

"This..." Yang Xiu was momentarily at a loss for words. Perhaps other matters could be dodged, but the Flying Heaven Wings seemed to have been prepared by him alone, and Zhao Boxuan should have followed his preparation.

"Save your arguments for later. Pan Jiao, hand over what you've got in your hands," Zhao Boxuan said coldly.

"What do I have in my hands Do you think I have anything" Pan Jiao smiled and shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.

"What are you trying to say" Zhao Boxuan was a bit confused. Was she lying, or was she lying

"I don’t have anything on me. If I did, would I be here in front of Yang Xiu She could take care of me alone, let alone with help," Pan Jiao continued to smile and looked at Zhao Boxuan and Yang Xiu as if they were fools. Her playful expression was evident.

Upon careful thought, this seemed correct too; Pan Jiao’s strength was much inferior to Yang Xiu's. If she had obtained the item now, she would have quietly left or never appeared, not openly showing up and mocking Yang Xiu.

"So you haven’t found that thing" Yang Xiu asked, "Then why did you say earlier that you got it Could you be deliberately misleading us because you already have it in your hands"

Yang Xiu was very suspicious; she suspected Zhao Boxuan felt the same way. They couldn't give up their doubts merely based on Pan Jiao’s words, even if this possibility was smaller. Perhaps Pan Jiao was just making a fuss.

"I looked for what they had, but it didn’t seem to be what we’re looking for. Either we’ve been deceived or they hid them very well," said Pan Jiao; whether her statement was true or not was uncertain, but Zhao Boxuan and the others would certainly keep an eye on Pan Jiao until she got their item.

"Hand over everything you've obtained without any omissions," Zhao Boxuan stated. Now he had the power to say this because he was the strongest one there; moreover, his subordinates were also quite powerful, making his team the strongest overall.

Very quickly, Li Yihun and others handed over all their items, some of which they kept on themselves. However, Zhao Boxuan and the rest couldn’t find what they wanted among them after everything was turned in.

"Is everything here" Zhao Boxuan asked; there didn’t seem to be anything he wanted from this pile of stuff at first glance. Could it be hidden within Or did these people not hand over all their possessions

“Yes, everything is here. Look for yourselves,” Li Yihun nodded.

"Check everything carefully; the item might be inside," Zhao Boxuan said after looking at Li Yihun for a while and ordered someone to inspect everything thoroughly, cutting open if necessary.

After a meticulous check, they still couldn’t find what they were searching for. This made them look suspiciously at Li Yihun’s group, including Pan Jiao.

Pan Jiao was already sitting in the pavilion of Xianyao and his companion, indulging herself there...

Checking those items would take time; if Pan Jiao left, Zhao Boxuan would definitely notice. So she went toward Xianyao.

"Can I sit down" At that moment, Pan Jiao approached Xianyao and asked with a smile.

"Please do."

“No!”

The first was spoken by Xianyao while the latter came from Black Snow. Xianyao didn’t mind having another person sit here; it was, after all, public space, not his personal property.

The reason for Black Snow’s refusal was simple: she disliked others disturbing them, especially a woman.

Pan Jiao ignored her rejection and sat down without realizing how much this would upset Black Snow and earn the ire of this female demon.

Although Black Snow wouldn’t kill or ruin lives, she would definitely make life difficult for Pan Jiao.

"I noticed you long ago. Your connection with Li Yihun is merely a coincidence at least on the surface," Pan Jiao said with a smile; she had been secretly observing and was aware of everything since Xianyao arrived.

“You don’t need to doubt anything, we’re just passing through. Don’t waste time on us,” Xianyao casually said; it didn’t matter if the other side believed him or not. If they wanted to investigate, let them do so.

"I’m not doubting, I was just curious. Your identity doesn't seem to be that of a scholar," Pan Jiao remarked.

"Of course it is. I read every day." Xianyao took out a book from his bamboo basket to prove something, "Books are good things; there’s gold and jade in them..."

My WeChat public account has been opened—please follow llxxsjk (the initials of Blue-collar Xiao Xiao plus jk) if you have WeChat. The complete edition of House Servant is out in Traditional Chinese, with only two more chapters left in the Simplified version, which will conclude around mid-next month. I'm still considering my next book and might release it sooner than a few months; please stay tuned...as also her thought too."Indeed, Little Houseboy's rendition is better as it feels like something’s missing," Nangong Susan shared her views as well.Princess Nangong added, “Xianyao’s performance carr...