Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 167: Chapter 167: Great Courtesies

The group set out again, with Hu Ji acting very obediently. Aside from occasionally exchanging a few words with Li Zongrui, she never inquired about the group’s itinerary or their purpose in heading to the capital. Moreover, whenever it was mealtime, Hu Ji would always prepare food in advance and invite everyone to eat together.

However, it was clear that with the exception of Li Zongrui, everyone in the group harbored considerable suspicion toward her. Thus, despite Hu Ji’s earnest hospitality, no one would eat the food she had prepared. Li Zongrui was indignant at their behavior but couldn’t say much. He could only accept the meal Hu Ji offered and tried to console her.

”Miss Hu Ji, don’t mind them,” he said. ”This bunch is just strange and ungrateful. From now on, you don’t have to cook for them!”

Hu Ji nodded and replied to Li Zongrui in a gentle tone, ”Young Master Li, you don’t need to comfort me. I know that when you’re out in the world, you shouldn’t wish harm upon others, but you must always be on your guard. It’s right for them to act this way. I won’t take it to heart. I’m already so grateful that everyone has helped me this much; how could I possibly ask for more? And I won’t be discouraged. I believe that as long as I keep trying, a day will come when they finally understand.”

Li Zongrui was moved by Hu Ji’s deceptively innocent words and said no more, instead taking large bites of the food she had made. As he ate, he praised her excellent culinary skills, claiming she was a hundred times better than the chefs in the great taverns. Li Zongrui’s compliments made Hu Ji giggle.

Such delicious food, and you’re not eating it. Instead, you’re gnawing on dry rations. Truly blessed but you don’t know how to enjoy it, Li Zongrui thought, inwardly scorning Ye Qingchen and the others.

Meanwhile, Li Zongrui observed Hu Ji’s every move. How could such a well-behaved and sensible girl be a bad person? he mused. In that moment, he once again saw the image of Li Susu in Hu Ji. The Su Su from before was just as sensible as Hu Ji, but later... Alas, it was all that bastard Ye Qingchen’s fault! How could he be so cruel and heartless to a woman!

In his heart, Li Zongrui also began to blame his father, Li Qingfeng. Father must be getting senile to be so bewitched by Ye Qingchen, to actually believe that Sister Su Su is a bad woman! Sister Su Su would never deceive me the way Father claimed she would.

Little did he know, his actions had already earned him the label of ’moron’ in Hu Ji’s mind. However, she could also tell that everyone in this group was extraordinarily strong. If she wanted to succeed, she would have to use her wits. And Li Zongrui is my best way in!

So, Hu Ji was in no rush. She continued to humor Li Zongrui, completely unbothered by the strange looks from the others. The group continued their journey, encountering some close calls but no real danger. Hu Ji persistently prepared meals for everyone, treating each person with politeness and care. Slowly, it seemed everyone began to lower their guard around her.

Although Li Zongrui was still the only one who ate the food she made, Hu Ji didn’t mind. She had been observing the subtle changes in everyone’s reactions over this period.

Two days passed quickly, and now they were only a day’s journey from the capital. Today, Hu Ji had prepared an even more sumptuous feast, showcasing her best culinary skills. The enticing aroma of the dishes wafted through the air, detectable even from a great distance. Hu Ji was exceptionally attentive to everyone as she spoke.

”I wish to thank you all for taking care of me these past few days. Tomorrow, we will arrive at the capital, which means it will be time for us to part ways. I have no way to repay your great kindness, so I’ve prepared this humble meal to express a small token of my gratitude. Please, my benefactors, do me the honor of accepting.”

Everyone hesitated for a moment. What Hu Ji said was true; they would reach the capital tomorrow, and this would be their last meal together. It seemed there was no reason to refuse. Besides, they had all witnessed her behavior over the past few days. She acted just like a sweet girl from next door, always making a point to move far away whenever the group discussed anything important so as not to eavesdrop. Moreover, Li Zongrui had been eating Hu Ji’s cooking for days now, and wasn’t he still perfectly fine and full of life?

With this in mind, the group no longer stood on ceremony. They accepted the food from Hu Ji and began to eat. To be cautious, however, a few of them secretly took out silver needles to carefully test for poison before taking a bite.

Seeing everyone finally accept Hu Ji, Li Zongrui was delighted. He couldn’t help but shoot a look at Ye Qingchen, cursing him internally. Ye Qingchen, just keep up your high and mighty act. Everyone else is eating except you. How shameless can you be?

Over the past two days, Hu Ji had discerned Ye Qingchen’s unique standing within the group. Seeing that he hadn’t touched her food, she personally served him a portion, brought it to him, and said in a sweet, delicate voice, ”Young Master Ye, please have a little.”

Ye Qingchen waved his hand. ”I’m sorry, I’m not hungry.”

Hu Ji’s expression fell, and tears began to well up in her eyes. ”Does Young Master Ye still not trust me? Do I really seem like such a bad person? I only wanted to repay everyone, which is why I took special care in preparing this today. Can’t you grant me this one small favor?”

Hu Ji was naturally charming, and her tearful, pitiable appearance was enough to make one’s pulse race. Seeing her like this, a troubled look crossed Ye Qingchen’s face. This is working, Hu Ji thought to herself, and she continued her coquettish act.

After a while, Ye Qingchen seemed unable to refuse any longer. He finally accepted the bowl from Hu Ji and began to eat.

It had to be said, Hu Ji’s culinary skills were truly excellent. Especially after so long on dry rations, the sudden burst of such delicious flavor was incredibly satisfying for everyone in the group. In a short while, they had polished off all the food Hu Ji had prepared, leaving none even for herself.

Watching everyone eat her food, Hu Ji appeared deeply moved. Afterward, the group continued on their way. Some people secretly circulated their Cultivation Techniques to check their bodies. Finding nothing amiss, they finally relaxed.

Li Zongrui, however, trailed behind the group, endlessly slandering Ye Qingchen in his heart. You hypocrite, Ye Qingchen, pretending to be so noble. You wrongly accused Miss Hu Ji of being a bad person, so what now? Aren’t you eating her food just the same? Hmph!

After the group had traveled for about an hour, a bamboo forest appeared before them. Deputy Pavilion Master Liu said excitedly, ”Once we pass through this bamboo forest, the capital is just a stone’s throw away!”

Seeing the bamboo forest ahead, a look of delight appeared on Hu Ji’s face, and a cold glint flashed in her eyes. The opportunity has arrived!