Chapter 175: Stealing the Fruits of Labor

Upon hearing the words "Sect Leader," Hu Bugui’s expression suddenly grew intensely animated. He sprang to his feet with a whoosh. "What did you say? They already know who the new Sect Leader is? Tell me, who is this new leader?"

His reaction seemed a bit extreme. Liu Linger’s lips twitched slightly. If she revealed the truth, would he lose control and fall into madness? If that happened, wouldn’t his son Huli tear her apart?

"Hurry up and speak! This is a matter of utmost importance to the world. If I weren’t stuck here, I’d fly straight to Ma Tianqiong to get a clear answer. It’s really frustrating—niece, do you know or not?" Seeing Liu Linger hesitate, Hu Bugui grew more anxious, pacing back and forth in the room.

Clearing her throat, Liu Linger said, "Cough! To be honest with the general, I am actually the new Sect Leader. I am the Sect Leader."

"What?!" Hu Bugui’s eyes widened dramatically, his eyeballs nearly popping out. If not for his eye sockets holding them in, they might have fallen to the floor. After a moment of stunned silence, he asked in disbelief, "You’re the Sect Leader? Girl, you’re not joking. Do you have proof?"

Hu Bugui tugged at his hair in complete disarray. His anxiety was understandable; the Sect Leader had long been absent from the world, and the Tianfa Organization had been managed only by deputies. Since the passing of the old emperor, the Tianfa Organization had gradually lost its vitality. If this continued, it would soon vanish from the Eastern Chu Kingdom altogether.

Thankfully, the Sect Leader’s token was a significant artifact. Liu Linger had kept it close at hand. She reached into her bosom and pulled out the token, holding it up before Hu Bugui. "Of course, there is proof, Uncle Hu. This token is the best evidence."

Hu Bugui examined the token carefully, muttering to himself, "This isn’t a deputy’s token... No, this is the Sect Leader’s token—there’s no mistake!" The Sect Leader’s token, lost to the world for centuries, had reappeared. Suddenly, Hu Bugui recalled the ancestral words: “The token rules the world; the followers obey the law.”

With a whoosh, Hu Bugui knelt. "Sect Leader above, the Hu family’s followers of the law pay their respects to you." Liu Linger quickly tucked away the token and stepped forward. "Uncle Hu, please rise. This kneeling isn’t fitting—it shortens my lifespan."

"Rules must be followed. Without rules, there is no order. How could I, an old man, dare to break the Tianfa’s regulations for my own sake?" Hu Bugui wiped the sweat from his brow. Although Liu Linger lacked the intimidating presence or regal bearing of a ruler, as long as she held the title of Sect Leader, he must obey her. This was an unchangeable truth.

To betray was akin to suicide. Even if Liu Linger did not kill or trouble you, you would continuously encounter accidents until your demise. This curse was laid down by Empress Ma, the founding queen, and since the establishment of the Tianfa Organization, no one had dared to rebel. The followers always received more than they gave.

The enduring prosperity of the family was proof enough. Moreover, leaning on the great tree of the Tianfa Organization, causing trouble for its followers was tantamount to provoking the entire organization. The organization would naturally step in to resolve conflicts. With such benefits, who would choose to leave this big family if they had any sense?

After about half an incense stick’s time, Liu Linger walked into her room, face filled with disbelief. If her identity as Sect Leader had shocked Hu Bugui, the name of a certain follower he mentioned had truly frightened her.

Standing before Liu Linger, Baili Xian was unaware of her inner turmoil. She suddenly stumbled forward into him with a soft yelp. Covering her head, she regained her senses. "Baili Xian, why are you standing here? You hurt me!"

Baili Xian chuckled. "Heh, Liu Linger, are you out of your mind? I’ve been inside the room all along, but you’ve been acting strange ever since talking with General Hu. Walking without watching where you go—if I hadn’t been standing here, you might have crashed into the wall."

Liu Linger’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "So I should thank you. How did you know I was about to crash into the wall? I’m not trying to get myself killed. Why would I do that?"

Baili Xian shrugged. "I never said you wanted to die. Tell me the truth—what did General Hu say to you? You look like you just lost your soul."

Liu Linger suddenly recalled that she’d promised to tell Baili Xian what she discussed with Hu Bugui, but this concerned the Tianfa Organization—it was her greatest trump card and her deepest secret. Apart from being a transmigrator, this secret was her second greatest.

"What secret? You hesitate so much. If you don’t want to say, fine—I’m not listening!" Baili Xian threw up his sleeves and sat at the table in a huff. He wasn’t usually one for gossip, so why did he feel so upset that Liu Linger was keeping things from him?

Around midday, smoke curled through the Wutuo Mountains. Hu Bugui led the soldiers deep into the forest. Even in the mountains, they had to eat. When mealtime came, the fire was lit for cooking. Seeing the smoke, a sudden spark of inspiration struck Liu Linger.

She took a few small steps toward Baili Xian, grinning as she leaned close. "Oh, Your Highness Xian, don’t be angry. What I told General Hu might make you laugh—it’s a bit embarrassing. I begged him for a kind of soporific incense that can put us to sleep. If used, especially the first time, it’s definitely a powerful secret weapon!"

Baili Xian pursed his lips. "That’s all? Just say it openly; I won’t blame you. Besides, if there’s any to share, I want half of that incense from General Hu. Otherwise, I’ll tell your father you weren’t on your best behavior during our diplomatic mission to Zhongtong."

Liu Linger’s hand trembled with anger. "Baili Xian, you’re shameless, trying to snatch my hard-earned spoils. Don’t you feel embarrassed?"

"Who said I’m toothless? Look at my mouth, full of teeth. If that’s called toothless, then no one in the world has teeth!" Baili Xian opened his mouth wide, flashing two rows of pearly whites, deliberately twisting her words.

Liu Linger was instantly annoyed and tickled his ribs mercilessly. "You’re truly shameless, twisting words like that. No way—I have to scratch you to death to rid the world of your harm."

The commotion caused Baili Xian to stand up. "You dare tickle me? Let’s see who’s begging for mercy later!" He retaliated immediately. Liu Linger was very ticklish, unable to bear even a gentle touch.

After just two strokes from Baili Xian, Liu Linger nearly collapsed to the floor. She rolled onto the bed, her skirt catching and tripping Baili Xian as well. By sheer coincidence, he fell atop her.

Outside the door, a young maid hurried in. Hu Li had prepared food and wine; this maid had been sent to summon Baili Xian and Liu Linger to eat.

Coincidentally, this was the same maid who had earlier helped Liu Linger to this room to rest. Back then, she had misunderstood Baili Xian and Liu Linger. In broad daylight, a man and woman sharing a blanket—no one would believe they were just talking innocently.