"Why are you called Old Dog? Is it because you've done too many sneaky things?"
"That's not it, it's because..."
"You like to act like a bully, relying on others' power?"
"That's not it either, it's because..."
"Loyalty?"
"Because Blood Spirit is a dog, so I'm called Old Dog."
Old Dog quickly interrupted Zhou You to set the record straight.
To avoid Zhou You continuing the topic, Old Dog promptly changed the subject, "Rumor has it..."
Zhou You frowned. He noticed that both Old Dog and Li Wanji had a common habit when speaking: they would always add 'rumor has it' when discussing something.
Unlike Master and those who visited Master, they would usually say, 'I saw it with my own eyes,' 'I experienced it,' and so on.
Old Dog continued his topic, "Five years ago, a powerful individual perished in One-Blade Gorge, and a treasure was lost there."
"A treasure?"
Zhou You didn't feel a strong pull, but since it was a treasure, it was worth investigating.
Old Dog nodded, "I'm not sure of the exact truth, but the rumors are quite detailed, saying it's a treasure from Sha Sect. Sha Sect is quite something; it was once among the top five hundred strongest forces in Kunyuan Continent!"
Zhou You remained silent. Although he hadn't been down the mountain for many days, he was already unfazed by this 'top five hundred strongest.'
It was just the top five hundred, yet they made it sound like the strongest in the world.
Li Wanji was surprised, "Senior, are you referring to that treasure?"
Old Dog's expression was grave, "Exactly that treasure."
Xiao Jing whispered, "I've heard of it, but I can't confirm."
Old Dog said in a deep voice, "That treasure is the most precious item of Sha Sect."
Zhou You raised an eyebrow slightly, "What exactly is it?"
"Sand Dagger."
Old Dog looked at Zhou You.
Zhou You looked at Old Dog.
Then everyone looked at Old Dog.
Old Dog was stunned, "It really is the Sand Dagger."
Zhou You slowly raised his hand and clenched his fist, "Although my Aptitude is dull and my reactions are slow, I can still distinguish between good and bad words."
Old Dog became anxious, "It's a misunderstanding, isn't it? I mean, that treasure is called Sand Dagger. It was forged by Sha Sect at great cost back then. It's said that they almost emptied the entire Sect for this Sand Dagger. Although this item is only a High Grade Spiritual Artifact, it is ever-changing and has endless wondrous uses. As for its material, rumor has it, it's Divine River Sand. A single grain of Divine River Sand is worth a thousand gold, extremely expensive."
Zhou You pondered for a moment, then shook his head, "Full of lies."
Old Dog quickly said, "Young Master, everything I said is true."
Zhou You whispered, "If such a treasure truly exists and was lost outside, would Sha Sect just leave it alone? Even if they didn't have the strength to retrieve it, wouldn't other powerful individuals covet it?"
Old Dog's expression was anxious, "There's a reason for this. Back then, the Sect Leader of Sha Sect embezzled public funds to secretly purchase Divine River Sand and sold off Sect assets to commission a divine craftsman to forge it. As a result, this matter accidentally led to the Sect's financial chain breaking, causing a famine. Would those Elders be willing? Would those Disciples be willing? Who doesn't have several crying infants waiting to be fed at home? Then they started arguing, and arguing turned into fighting. Once they started fighting, it was a river of blood and mountains of corpses. After that internal strife, very few were left alive."
Li Wanji was surprised, "Didn't they say it was because the Grand Elder of Sha Sect usurped the throne? How could it be like this?"
"Why else would I say you young people are naive?"
Old Dog shook his head, "That Grand Elder of Sha Sect wasn't a good person either. He kept more than thirty concubines outside, and he was also addicted to gambling, so his expenses were astonishingly high. Therefore, he usually accepted bribes and embezzled public funds. But just when he was worried about not being able to balance the books, the Sect Leader's embezzlement of public funds was exposed. How could he let go of such a good opportunity? Then, by fanning the flames, he also died, and Sha Sect completely went downhill. But fortunately, that divine craftsman was very trustworthy and really forged this Sand Dagger."
Li Wanji was puzzled, "How do you know so much inside information? It seems outsiders don't know any of this."
Old Dog was stunned, "This... this..."
Zhou You chuckled, "Can't you explain it?"
He felt that if what Old Dog said was true, it would be considered top secret.
Old Dog helplessly looked at Xiao Jing, "Do you remember when I was beaten half to death five years ago? Actually, I had my eyes on a few fat sheep, intending to spend their money for them. Then I hid under their bed first and overheard these things. I also learned that the one who died in One-Blade Gorge was the heavily injured, unrecovered Sect Leader of Sha Sect. Since the Sect Leader was dead, they naturally went back to collect and divide the remaining assets. Then I was discovered, and oh, they beat me almost to a pulp."
Xiao Jing's eyes showed realization, which was why he had been hungry for three days.
Zhou You nodded, "So, only you know about this matter?"
Old Dog nodded, "Outsiders only know about Sha Sect's great treasure, the Sand Dagger, but they don't know that its Sect Leader perished in One-Blade Gorge with this treasure. Even if you knew your Sect Leader died in One-Blade Gorge, you wouldn't possibly go around publicizing it, right? At most, you would wait until you were strong enough, then go retrieve the treasure yourself."
Zhou You smiled, "Why choose to tell me?"
Old Dog chuckled, "Since we're already here, how could we be content without taking the item?"
Zhou You smiled, "How are you so sure I have that ability?"
Old Dog smiled playfully and didn't answer.
You don't have that ability, but the person behind you does!
Anyway, this treasure doesn't belong to me, Old Dog. If you obtain it, it can be considered my 'bribe' to you. This way, wouldn't it bring us closer?
What is this called?
This is called tactics.
"Very good."
Zhou You nodded, "You respect me and trust me; I will not disappoint you."
Old Dog cupped his hands, "Thank you for your high regard, Young Master. This old man will certainly serve you diligently and make you comfortable."
Li Wanji reminded, "We're not far from One-Blade Gorge. I can clearly feel that the number of Yao Beasts nearby has increased."
"Increased?"
Zhou Chen asked.
Li Wanji pointed to the nearby bushes, "Look, there's more Yao Beast droppings."
Zhou Chen immediately understood, "Got it."
Zhou You glanced around, then said meaningfully, "All the world is excrement; do not smell it up close. If I descend the mountain, I shall surely slay humans, ghosts, and gods."
Old Dog thought to himself, 'What kind of nonsense is this?' but still put on a smiling face, "Young Master, good poem, a truly good poem."
"Those are my Master's words, not mine."
Zhou You looked straight ahead. There were low roars of beasts nearby, slowly approaching.
Old Dog took out a small knife, "Young Master, please proceed with peace of mind. This old man is not talented, but I am willing to clear the way for you. Xiao Jing, come along."
Xiao Jing followed with a puzzled look, lowering his voice, "What exactly are you doing? Hopping around like this, isn't it embarrassing?"
"This is called building favorability."
Old Dog whispered, "My roundabout tactics have begun. He will soon fall into my trap. Twenty years from now, everything he possesses will belong to me."