Chapter 11
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Feng Ci was rather exasperated.
He originally still wanted to carefully probe Pei QianYue a bit more about how he knew the concept of the ‘small worlds’, as well as why he’d ask that kind of question. However, that asshole escaped too fast. Within a blink of an eye, even his shadow disappeared from sight.
Feng Ci couldn’t do anything. Therefore he got on the sword and flew back to LangFeng City.
It wasn’t until now that Feng Ci realized, on their trip to Mount Yao, Pei QianYue was actually waiting for him intentionally.
Right now on their journey back, that asshole’s flying speed had increased twofold and then some. Even Feng Ci found it a bit hard to chase after him.
As a demon(妖), Pei QianYue had a natural advantage cultivating flying techniques and required less effort than normal people. Feng Ci was too lazy to waste energy and just gave up. He leisurely reduced his speed.
When he returned to the foot of Kunlun Mountain, the sky was already dark.
Pei QianYue had disappeared a long time ago. Through the transportation array at the foot of KunLun Mountain, Feng Ci entered the mountain and returned directly to the outer disciple’s courtyard.
As soon as he entered the gates of the courtyard, he bumped head on into someone. What a coincidence, it was that youth called Song Zhou again.
“JingMing, why would you be here?” Due to relations with Cheng Bo, the outer disciples usually didn’t dare to interact with Feng Ci. The only one who’s somewhat familiar with him and can speak a few words with him was Song Zhou.
Not understanding this sudden and random question, Feng Ci asked: “Why can’t I be here?”
“Weren’t you……” Song Zhou blinked in confusion. Then he recalled something and hastily yanked him outwards: “Go out and hide, quickly. Don’t let them see you—”
“Why do I need……”
Feng Ci didn’t even finish this question when a yell suddenly came from inside the courtyard: “Isn’t that Lu JingMing?!”
Song Zhou: “……”
Feng Ci: “?”
A moment later, Feng Ci was brought inside the courtyard. Over a dozen outer disciples squeezed inside the courtyard. They were standing in front of the opened door to a disciple’s room. Cheng Bo came out of there with the support of others.
His forehead and cheek were clearly red, swollen, and bruised. As soon as he saw Feng Ci, he sneered: “Finally willing to come out, en?”
Feng Ci had left the disciple’s courtyard for an entire day and night. He was completely unaware of what had happened. Looking around in a circle, he nodded almost tentatively: “En, I went out to get some air.”
“You still have the audacity to get—” Pissed off, Cheng Bo immediately wanted to stand up. However, accidentally tugging on some unknown wound on his body, he fell back into the chair again with an “aiyo”.
Feng Ci asked with uncertainty: “This injury……could it have been caused by ‘me’?”
Cheng Bo yelled loudly: “If it’s not you, then who? Stop pretending!”
Feng Ci: “……”
Yesterday night, he snuck out to follow Pei QianYue. To prevent others from looking for him while he’s out of the sect, and stirring up more trouble when they find him missing, Feng Ci casually created a duplicate and placed it inside his room to feign sickness in bed.
Normally, the Art of Duplication allowed a transfer of senses between the body and soul; the consciousness was also connected, making the duplicate no different from the real deal. However, doing that would consume a huge amount of energy. Feng Ci was worried that this trip would require spirit energy. Not to mention, these young disciples of the outer sect had low cultivation; they shouldn’t notice anything amiss. Therefore, he had only made an empty shell to temporarily impersonate him for a day or two.
This duplicate was not under his control, but has roughly the same personality as him. It can engage in simple communication with others and use some low level magic.
Logically speaking, it shouldn’t randomly hurt anyone.
Ca atlr wbwfca, Mfcu Jl vlvc’a rff atf veqilmjaf. Lf jirb vlvc’a xcbk ktja fzjmais tjqqfcfv, rb tf rjlv: “Jtfcu-Vtlzlbcu, P’w gfjiis rbggs. Pc atf joafgcbbc, P kjr wevvif tfjvfv ogbw atf ofnfg. Po P tjnf boofcvfv sbe, qifjrf fzmerf wf.”
Jtfcu Db rcffgfv: “Zevvif tfjvfv ogbw j ofnfg sfa ralii mjqjyif bo rewwbclcu j rkjgw bo yffr ab mtjrf jcv ralcu wf? Vtlvl lr ageis KljcWejc Vfma’r qglhfv vlrmlqif. Rb kbcvfg atf Jlas Zjrafg abbx jc lcafgfra lc sbe.”
Oh, now that was indeed his usual tactic.
Feng Ci continued to ask in bewilderment: “But I don’t see any sting marks on Shixiong?”
Cheng Bo’s expression turned even more indescribable.
Behind Feng Ci, Song Zhou tugged on his sleeve: “Stop talking already.”
“The outer sect had class today. Cheng-Shixiong sent people to call you several times without any response. Therefore, he went personally. Unexpectedly, he only lifted your blankets and immediately ended up getting chased all over the mountain by the swarm of bees you summoned.”
“You didn’t come out of your room for an entire day so you might not have known. To hide from the bees, Cheng-Shixiong jumped headfirst into the small river in the back mountains and almost drowned.”
Feng Ci: “……”
Cheng Bo: “Are you laughing at me?”
Feng Ci, seriously: “No.”
Cheng Bo narrowed his eyes.
He stood up from the chair. Refusing support from other disciples, he limped over in front of Feng Ci and said coldly: “Lu JingMing, don’t act too wild. Let me tell you. The incident today with you feigning illness to skip class, I have already reported to the lecturing Elder. Once the City Master learns of this, he’s certain to expel you from the sect.”
“……Just you wait and see.”
Shrouded in mist, in the middle of the mountains, the red maples grew uninterrupted like an ocean. On top of a cliff, someone was sitting upright and playing the zither.
The sound of the zither was unhurried and ethereal. However, the audience was not refined enough to appreciate it: “Sect Leader Wen, I know that back then when you became a disciple of QingJing Sect, Pei QianYue had secretly helped you. You are grateful to him, therefore you obey him. But don’t you forget, right now you’re the Sect Leader of QingJing Sect. You should consider the big picture.”
The sound of music did not rest. Wen HuaiYu spoke up leisurely: “Then according to Elder Cheng Chao, what has HuaiYu done that did not take into account the big picture?”
“Even right now, you’re still pretending to be stupid in front of me!” Elder Cheng Chao berated: “You’re silently allowing a snake demon to sit at the head of the Immortal Alliance, yet you dare to say that you’re looking at the big picture?”
“All creatures have souls. All living beings are equal. Any, who has not built karma from murder, can cultivate and obtain enlightenment (Dao).” Wen HuaiYu’s voice was like the sound of his zither, gentle and refined: “Elder Cheng Chao, these are words from your LingXiao Gate’s Sect Leader. Just because the person sitting above you is a different race, does LingXiao Gate plan to now violate the founding constitutions?”
“……Within a mere 2 days, two cultivation sects have already been exterminated. Instead of investigating the truth, you’re here inciting strife between the 6 Sects. Is this your so-called big picture?”
Elder Cheng Chao’s face instantly turned extremely unsightly.
He stood behind Wen HuaiYu, expression very gloomy: “Don’t tell me you really trust in Pei QianYue’s words and believe that someone within the 6 Sect is wantonly slaughtering fellow cultivators, right?”
“That mystery murderer had massacred over a dozen cultivation sects consecutively. Consider the entire cultivation world. Other than that snake demon, Pei QianYue, who has cultivated for thousands of years, who else has this kind of ability? Unless it’s the Grandmaster QianQiu himself, who descended back down into this world again?
“It’s not for treasures or magic items, only for the sake of murder. Pei QianYue says he can’t see the murderer’s true intentions. Don’t tell me, you also can’t see?” Cheng Chao sneered: “How can there be such a coincidence? The deceased are all sects not part of the Immortal Alliance. Is that mystery murderer trying to announce to the world, once you join the Immortal Alliance, you’ll be protected?”
“The Immortal Alliance, the Immortal Alliance. Isn’t this Immortal Alliance built by that Pei QianYue? Is there anyone, in this entire cultivation world, who desires to stabilize the Immortal Alliance’s reign more than him?”
“It’s been five months and the people of the cultivation world are panicking. How many small sects have dismissed their disciples one after another due to fear of attracting disaster. But what about the Immortal Alliance? This year, the disciples who voluntarily joined the Immortal Alliance’s sects, and those who participated in the Immortal Alliance entrance exam have tripled in numbers.”
“—Sect Leader Wen, have you ever pondered clearly about what all of this indicates?”
The sound of the zither stopped abruptly.
Wen HuaiYu raised his head and looked towards the horizon. The moonlight was hidden behind the mist, only showing a hazy glimmer: “But despite saying all of this, it’s only your assumptions.”
“Isn’t that why I came to discuss this with Sect Leader Wen?” Cheng Chao’s expression relaxed somewhat: “Right now, it’s only assumptions. However, we only need to unite various sects, lay siege to LangFeng City, and capture Pei QianYue alive…… then slowly interrogate him. By that time, there’s no need to worry about being unable to find evidence.”
Wen HuaiYu fell silent.
Elder Cheng Chao said slowly: “My LingXiao Gate definitely won’t sit silently and allow Pei QianYue to do whatever he wants. I have traveled here on orders from my Sect Leader-Shixiong to persuade Sect Leader Wen. I hope Sect Leader Wen will consider it carefully.”
Wen HuaiYu asked quietly: “How are you certain I’d definitely stand on your side, and not City Master Pei’s?”
“Sect Leader Wen, Pei QianYue has never been one of us. Why bother defending him all over the place? If he didn’t hold Grandmaster QianQiu’s legacy in his hands, why would he be worthy to sit in that spot? To say it another way……”
Cheng Chao paused for a moment, a smile finally appearing in his eyes: “As long as he falls, everyone can obtain Grandmaster QianQiu’s legacy and the position of the Alliance Leader… can’t anyone take the seat?”
Wen HuaiYu’s eyes flashed faintly.
A moment later, the ethereal sound of the zither could be heard again on the mountain cliff, as well as Wen HuaiYu’s quiet voice, which was almost concealed beneath this music: “Unfortunately, it’s only your sect and mine. I’m afraid that it’s still not enough to handle Pei QianYue. This matter still requires more time and further discussion……”
Naturally, Feng Ci was not expelled from the sect by Pei QianYue. In actuality, ever since they parted ways that day on Mount Yao, Feng Ci has never seen Pei QianYue again.
“Lu JingMing, stop sleeping already. Cheng-Shixiong wants you to go clean CangJing Pavilion.” Bright and early, someone was already calling him outside.
Ever since the day Cheng Bo failed to get Feng Ci out of bed and was chased all over the back mountains by bees, even fewer people dared to approach Feng Ci. Even when coming to give him instructions for tasks, they’d stand far, far away inside the little yard and yell at him.
However, the good thing was that, besides arranging a bit more work for him, Cheng Bo didn’t really dare to cause any more trouble.
The disciple, who came to notify him, originally only planned to call him once and then leave. However, as soon as he turned around, a hand grabbed him.
Unknowingly, Feng Ci had appeared behind him and grabbed him by the back of his collar. At the same time, Feng Ci was still rubbing his eyes sleepily with the other hand: “CangJing Pavilion…… Wasn’t it just cleaned a few days ago?”
It was clear to see he had just woken up. While speaking, he was even still yawning.
“You let…… let go!” That disciple struggled briefly, but didn’t manage to break free. With a stiff neck, he said: “What’s wrong with cleaning it again? You dare disobey Cheng-Shixiong’s instructions?”
“Obey, how can I dare disobey.” Feng Ci said: “I just wanted to ask, is there nowhere else?”
“Where do you want to go?”
Feng Ci: “LinXian Terrace.”
That disciple looked at him in shock, like seeing a ghost.
Feng Ci gave him a friendly smile: “I know the sect brothers do not dare to set foot in LinXian Terrace. The City Master treats me pretty well. If there are tasks for LinXian Terrace, I’m happy to work in place of the sect brothers.”
Feng Ci really wanted to meet with Pei QianYue again.
The main reason was that Feng Ci felt a bit interested in what Pei QianYue had said prior to leaving that day. After returning, the more he thought about it, the more interested he became as well. Feng Ci had a small personal flaw. He hated to keep things inside. If he couldn’t figure things out clearly, he’d feel terrible all over.
Therefore, in the last few days, Feng Ci has really missed Pei QianYue, quite like the saying ‘a day without seeing each other is like being separated for 3 autumns’.
However, Pei QianYue had locked himself inside LinXian Terrace for several days consecutively without going out, much less leave the sect again. Feng Ci didn’t even have the opportunity to repeat his old trick of sneaking out to follow him.
With no other choice, he could only think of some other plan.
Yet that disciple answered: “You can forget about LinXian Terrace right now.”
Feng Ci: “Why?”
“The inner sect had already sent a messenger to announce that the City Master has been cultivating in seclusion on LinXian terrace lately. They told us all to stay away from LinXian Terrace.”
Feng Ci was shocked: “Why suddenly go into secluded cultivation?” Wasn’t he fine a few days ago?
“How would I know why the City Master needs to cultivate in seclusion?” That disciple finally yanked his collar out of Feng Ci’s hand and yelled: “In, in any case, hurry up and get to work. Don’t be searching around for excuses to be lazy all day. You don’t even read any books or practice the sword, ever. Now there’s all this chit chat just to complete a task. You might as well just die of laziness.”
That disciple left, cursing and swearing. Feng Ci, however, put away the playful smile on his face. The light in his eyes turned slightly darker.
Everything was perfect, so why go into seclusion just like that?
Did something happen?
On LinXian Terrace, the guarding disciples stood on both sides of the magic array, expressions solemn. Behind them, 300 stone steps made of white jade ascended into the layer of clouds. A quiet, majestic palace could be seen vaguely within the enveloping clouds and mist.
The door of the palace was tightly closed. A wisp of green smoke drifted inside noiselessly.
Feng Ci appeared inside the palace.
Unlike usual, his figure was half transparent. Both of his feet touched the ground airily, not making the slightest noise.
There’s still no lights inside the palace hall, however, it was a lot messier than the last time he came. With a frown, Feng Ci floated inside and saw the shattered pieces of vases, teacups, and even a broken, smashed chair.
…… Using the phrase ‘a chaotic mess’ to describe this was to say it lightly.
Pei QianYue’s presence could not be felt inside this entire palace hall. However, Feng Ci didn’t dare to relax after the experience from last time. Holding his breath and focusing his senses, he quietly walked into the inner hall.
Nevertheless, after searching all over in both the inner hall and outer hall, he still couldn’t find traces of Pei QianYue.
Where did this person go to cultivate in seclusion?
Just at this time, Feng Ci felt something touching his leg in the darkness.
To enter LinXian Terrace stealthily, Feng Ci had separated his Divine Consciousness from his body. This state was no different from being a soul or spirit. Logically speaking, unless he actively touched something, other things definitely couldn’t touch him.
Yet he was being touched by this thing.
Not only touched, this thing even rubbed against the hem of his clothes and then climbed inside directly from the bottom.
The sensitivity of the Divine Consciousness surpassed the physical body. Feng Ci trembled uncontrollably for a moment and then figured out what it was.
That was…… the tail of a snake.
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Feng Ci was rather exasperated.
He originally still wanted to carefully probe Pei QianYue a bit more about how he knew the concept of the ‘small worlds’, as well as why he’d ask that kind of question. However, that asshole escaped too fast. Within a blink of an eye, even his shadow disappeared from sight.
Feng Ci couldn’t do anything. Therefore he got on the sword and flew back to LangFeng City.
It wasn’t until now that Feng Ci realized, on their trip to Mount Yao, Pei QianYue was actually waiting for him intentionally.
Right now on their journey back, that asshole’s flying speed had increased twofold and then some. Even Feng Ci found it a bit hard to chase after him.
As a demon(妖), Pei QianYue had a natural advantage cultivating flying techniques and required less effort than normal people. Feng Ci was too lazy to waste energy and just gave up. He leisurely reduced his speed.
When he returned to the foot of Kunlun Mountain, the sky was already dark.
Pei QianYue had disappeared a long time ago. Through the transportation array at the foot of KunLun Mountain, Feng Ci entered the mountain and returned directly to the outer disciple’s courtyard.
As soon as he entered the gates of the courtyard, he bumped head on into someone. What a coincidence, it was that youth called Song Zhou again.
“JingMing, why would you be here?” Due to relations with Cheng Bo, the outer disciples usually didn’t dare to interact with Feng Ci. The only one who’s somewhat familiar with him and can speak a few words with him was Song Zhou.
Not understanding this sudden and random question, Feng Ci asked: “Why can’t I be here?”
“Weren’t you……” Song Zhou blinked in confusion. Then he recalled something and hastily yanked him outwards: “Go out and hide, quickly. Don’t let them see you—”
“Why do I need……”
Feng Ci didn’t even finish this question when a yell suddenly came from inside the courtyard: “Isn’t that Lu JingMing?!”
Song Zhou: “……”
Feng Ci: “?”
A moment later, Feng Ci was brought inside the courtyard. Over a dozen outer disciples squeezed inside the courtyard. They were standing in front of the opened door to a disciple’s room. Cheng Bo came out of there with the support of others.
His forehead and cheek were clearly red, swollen, and bruised. As soon as he saw Feng Ci, he sneered: “Finally willing to come out, en?”
Feng Ci had left the disciple’s courtyard for an entire day and night. He was completely unaware of what had happened. Looking around in a circle, he nodded almost tentatively: “En, I went out to get some air.”
“You still have the audacity to get—” Pissed off, Cheng Bo immediately wanted to stand up. However, accidentally tugging on some unknown wound on his body, he fell back into the chair again with an “aiyo”.
Feng Ci asked with uncertainty: “This injury……could it have been caused by ‘me’?”
Cheng Bo yelled loudly: “If it’s not you, then who? Stop pretending!”
Feng Ci: “……”
Yesterday night, he snuck out to follow Pei QianYue. To prevent others from looking for him while he’s out of the sect, and stirring up more trouble when they find him missing, Feng Ci casually created a duplicate and placed it inside his room to feign sickness in bed.
Normally, the Art of Duplication allowed a transfer of senses between the body and soul; the consciousness was also connected, making the duplicate no different from the real deal. However, doing that would consume a huge amount of energy. Feng Ci was worried that this trip would require spirit energy. Not to mention, these young disciples of the outer sect had low cultivation; they shouldn’t notice anything amiss. Therefore, he had only made an empty shell to temporarily impersonate him for a day or two.
This duplicate was not under his control, but has roughly the same personality as him. It can engage in simple communication with others and use some low level magic.
Logically speaking, it shouldn’t randomly hurt anyone.
Ca atlr wbwfca, Mfcu Jl vlvc’a rff atf veqilmjaf. Lf jirb vlvc’a xcbk ktja fzjmais tjqqfcfv, rb tf rjlv: “Jtfcu-Vtlzlbcu, P’w gfjiis rbggs. Pc atf joafgcbbc, P kjr wevvif tfjvfv ogbw atf ofnfg. Po P tjnf boofcvfv sbe, qifjrf fzmerf wf.”
Jtfcu Db rcffgfv: “Zevvif tfjvfv ogbw j ofnfg sfa ralii mjqjyif bo rewwbclcu j rkjgw bo yffr ab mtjrf jcv ralcu wf? Vtlvl lr ageis KljcWejc Vfma’r qglhfv vlrmlqif. Rb kbcvfg atf Jlas Zjrafg abbx jc lcafgfra lc sbe.”
Oh, now that was indeed his usual tactic.
Feng Ci continued to ask in bewilderment: “But I don’t see any sting marks on Shixiong?”
Cheng Bo’s expression turned even more indescribable.
Behind Feng Ci, Song Zhou tugged on his sleeve: “Stop talking already.”
“The outer sect had class today. Cheng-Shixiong sent people to call you several times without any response. Therefore, he went personally. Unexpectedly, he only lifted your blankets and immediately ended up getting chased all over the mountain by the swarm of bees you summoned.”
“You didn’t come out of your room for an entire day so you might not have known. To hide from the bees, Cheng-Shixiong jumped headfirst into the small river in the back mountains and almost drowned.”
Feng Ci: “……”
Cheng Bo: “Are you laughing at me?”
Feng Ci, seriously: “No.”
Cheng Bo narrowed his eyes.
He stood up from the chair. Refusing support from other disciples, he limped over in front of Feng Ci and said coldly: “Lu JingMing, don’t act too wild. Let me tell you. The incident today with you feigning illness to skip class, I have already reported to the lecturing Elder. Once the City Master learns of this, he’s certain to expel you from the sect.”
“……Just you wait and see.”
Shrouded in mist, in the middle of the mountains, the red maples grew uninterrupted like an ocean. On top of a cliff, someone was sitting upright and playing the zither.
The sound of the zither was unhurried and ethereal. However, the audience was not refined enough to appreciate it: “Sect Leader Wen, I know that back then when you became a disciple of QingJing Sect, Pei QianYue had secretly helped you. You are grateful to him, therefore you obey him. But don’t you forget, right now you’re the Sect Leader of QingJing Sect. You should consider the big picture.”
The sound of music did not rest. Wen HuaiYu spoke up leisurely: “Then according to Elder Cheng Chao, what has HuaiYu done that did not take into account the big picture?”
“Even right now, you’re still pretending to be stupid in front of me!” Elder Cheng Chao berated: “You’re silently allowing a snake demon to sit at the head of the Immortal Alliance, yet you dare to say that you’re looking at the big picture?”
“All creatures have souls. All living beings are equal. Any, who has not built karma from murder, can cultivate and obtain enlightenment (Dao).” Wen HuaiYu’s voice was like the sound of his zither, gentle and refined: “Elder Cheng Chao, these are words from your LingXiao Gate’s Sect Leader. Just because the person sitting above you is a different race, does LingXiao Gate plan to now violate the founding constitutions?”
“……Within a mere 2 days, two cultivation sects have already been exterminated. Instead of investigating the truth, you’re here inciting strife between the 6 Sects. Is this your so-called big picture?”
Elder Cheng Chao’s face instantly turned extremely unsightly.
He stood behind Wen HuaiYu, expression very gloomy: “Don’t tell me you really trust in Pei QianYue’s words and believe that someone within the 6 Sect is wantonly slaughtering fellow cultivators, right?”
“That mystery murderer had massacred over a dozen cultivation sects consecutively. Consider the entire cultivation world. Other than that snake demon, Pei QianYue, who has cultivated for thousands of years, who else has this kind of ability? Unless it’s the Grandmaster QianQiu himself, who descended back down into this world again?
“It’s not for treasures or magic items, only for the sake of murder. Pei QianYue says he can’t see the murderer’s true intentions. Don’t tell me, you also can’t see?” Cheng Chao sneered: “How can there be such a coincidence? The deceased are all sects not part of the Immortal Alliance. Is that mystery murderer trying to announce to the world, once you join the Immortal Alliance, you’ll be protected?”
“The Immortal Alliance, the Immortal Alliance. Isn’t this Immortal Alliance built by that Pei QianYue? Is there anyone, in this entire cultivation world, who desires to stabilize the Immortal Alliance’s reign more than him?”
“It’s been five months and the people of the cultivation world are panicking. How many small sects have dismissed their disciples one after another due to fear of attracting disaster. But what about the Immortal Alliance? This year, the disciples who voluntarily joined the Immortal Alliance’s sects, and those who participated in the Immortal Alliance entrance exam have tripled in numbers.”
“—Sect Leader Wen, have you ever pondered clearly about what all of this indicates?”
The sound of the zither stopped abruptly.
Wen HuaiYu raised his head and looked towards the horizon. The moonlight was hidden behind the mist, only showing a hazy glimmer: “But despite saying all of this, it’s only your assumptions.”
“Isn’t that why I came to discuss this with Sect Leader Wen?” Cheng Chao’s expression relaxed somewhat: “Right now, it’s only assumptions. However, we only need to unite various sects, lay siege to LangFeng City, and capture Pei QianYue alive…… then slowly interrogate him. By that time, there’s no need to worry about being unable to find evidence.”
Wen HuaiYu fell silent.
Elder Cheng Chao said slowly: “My LingXiao Gate definitely won’t sit silently and allow Pei QianYue to do whatever he wants. I have traveled here on orders from my Sect Leader-Shixiong to persuade Sect Leader Wen. I hope Sect Leader Wen will consider it carefully.”
Wen HuaiYu asked quietly: “How are you certain I’d definitely stand on your side, and not City Master Pei’s?”
“Sect Leader Wen, Pei QianYue has never been one of us. Why bother defending him all over the place? If he didn’t hold Grandmaster QianQiu’s legacy in his hands, why would he be worthy to sit in that spot? To say it another way……”
Cheng Chao paused for a moment, a smile finally appearing in his eyes: “As long as he falls, everyone can obtain Grandmaster QianQiu’s legacy and the position of the Alliance Leader… can’t anyone take the seat?”
Wen HuaiYu’s eyes flashed faintly.
A moment later, the ethereal sound of the zither could be heard again on the mountain cliff, as well as Wen HuaiYu’s quiet voice, which was almost concealed beneath this music: “Unfortunately, it’s only your sect and mine. I’m afraid that it’s still not enough to handle Pei QianYue. This matter still requires more time and further discussion……”
Naturally, Feng Ci was not expelled from the sect by Pei QianYue. In actuality, ever since they parted ways that day on Mount Yao, Feng Ci has never seen Pei QianYue again.
“Lu JingMing, stop sleeping already. Cheng-Shixiong wants you to go clean CangJing Pavilion.” Bright and early, someone was already calling him outside.
Ever since the day Cheng Bo failed to get Feng Ci out of bed and was chased all over the back mountains by bees, even fewer people dared to approach Feng Ci. Even when coming to give him instructions for tasks, they’d stand far, far away inside the little yard and yell at him.
However, the good thing was that, besides arranging a bit more work for him, Cheng Bo didn’t really dare to cause any more trouble.
The disciple, who came to notify him, originally only planned to call him once and then leave. However, as soon as he turned around, a hand grabbed him.
Unknowingly, Feng Ci had appeared behind him and grabbed him by the back of his collar. At the same time, Feng Ci was still rubbing his eyes sleepily with the other hand: “CangJing Pavilion…… Wasn’t it just cleaned a few days ago?”
It was clear to see he had just woken up. While speaking, he was even still yawning.
“You let…… let go!” That disciple struggled briefly, but didn’t manage to break free. With a stiff neck, he said: “What’s wrong with cleaning it again? You dare disobey Cheng-Shixiong’s instructions?”
“Obey, how can I dare disobey.” Feng Ci said: “I just wanted to ask, is there nowhere else?”
“Where do you want to go?”
Feng Ci: “LinXian Terrace.”
That disciple looked at him in shock, like seeing a ghost.
Feng Ci gave him a friendly smile: “I know the sect brothers do not dare to set foot in LinXian Terrace. The City Master treats me pretty well. If there are tasks for LinXian Terrace, I’m happy to work in place of the sect brothers.”
Feng Ci really wanted to meet with Pei QianYue again.
The main reason was that Feng Ci felt a bit interested in what Pei QianYue had said prior to leaving that day. After returning, the more he thought about it, the more interested he became as well. Feng Ci had a small personal flaw. He hated to keep things inside. If he couldn’t figure things out clearly, he’d feel terrible all over.
Therefore, in the last few days, Feng Ci has really missed Pei QianYue, quite like the saying ‘a day without seeing each other is like being separated for 3 autumns’.
However, Pei QianYue had locked himself inside LinXian Terrace for several days consecutively without going out, much less leave the sect again. Feng Ci didn’t even have the opportunity to repeat his old trick of sneaking out to follow him.
With no other choice, he could only think of some other plan.
Yet that disciple answered: “You can forget about LinXian Terrace right now.”
Feng Ci: “Why?”
“The inner sect had already sent a messenger to announce that the City Master has been cultivating in seclusion on LinXian terrace lately. They told us all to stay away from LinXian Terrace.”
Feng Ci was shocked: “Why suddenly go into secluded cultivation?” Wasn’t he fine a few days ago?
“How would I know why the City Master needs to cultivate in seclusion?” That disciple finally yanked his collar out of Feng Ci’s hand and yelled: “In, in any case, hurry up and get to work. Don’t be searching around for excuses to be lazy all day. You don’t even read any books or practice the sword, ever. Now there’s all this chit chat just to complete a task. You might as well just die of laziness.”
That disciple left, cursing and swearing. Feng Ci, however, put away the playful smile on his face. The light in his eyes turned slightly darker.
Everything was perfect, so why go into seclusion just like that?
Did something happen?
On LinXian Terrace, the guarding disciples stood on both sides of the magic array, expressions solemn. Behind them, 300 stone steps made of white jade ascended into the layer of clouds. A quiet, majestic palace could be seen vaguely within the enveloping clouds and mist.
The door of the palace was tightly closed. A wisp of green smoke drifted inside noiselessly.
Feng Ci appeared inside the palace.
Unlike usual, his figure was half transparent. Both of his feet touched the ground airily, not making the slightest noise.
There’s still no lights inside the palace hall, however, it was a lot messier than the last time he came. With a frown, Feng Ci floated inside and saw the shattered pieces of vases, teacups, and even a broken, smashed chair.
…… Using the phrase ‘a chaotic mess’ to describe this was to say it lightly.
Pei QianYue’s presence could not be felt inside this entire palace hall. However, Feng Ci didn’t dare to relax after the experience from last time. Holding his breath and focusing his senses, he quietly walked into the inner hall.
Nevertheless, after searching all over in both the inner hall and outer hall, he still couldn’t find traces of Pei QianYue.
Where did this person go to cultivate in seclusion?
Just at this time, Feng Ci felt something touching his leg in the darkness.
To enter LinXian Terrace stealthily, Feng Ci had separated his Divine Consciousness from his body. This state was no different from being a soul or spirit. Logically speaking, unless he actively touched something, other things definitely couldn’t touch him.
Yet he was being touched by this thing.
Not only touched, this thing even rubbed against the hem of his clothes and then climbed inside directly from the bottom.
The sensitivity of the Divine Consciousness surpassed the physical body. Feng Ci trembled uncontrollably for a moment and then figured out what it was.
That was…… the tail of a snake.
Feng Ci was rather exasperated.He originally still wanted to carefully probe Pei QianYue a bit more about how he knew the concept of the small worlds', as well as why he'd ask that kind of question. However, that asshole escaped too fast. Within a blink of an eye, even his shadow disappeared from sight.Feng Ci couldn't do anything. Therefore he got on the sword and flew back to LangFeng City.It wasn't until now that Feng Ci realized, on their trip to Mount Yao, Pei QianYue was actually waiting for him intentionally.Right now on their journey back, that asshole's flying speed had increased twofold and then some. Even Feng Ci found it a bit hard to chase after him.As a demon, Pei QianYue had a natural advantage cultivating flying techniques and required less effort than normal people. Feng Ci was too lazy to waste energy and just gave up. He leisurely reduced his speed.When he returned to the foot of Kunlun Mountain, the sky was already dark.Pei QianYue had disappeared a long time ago. Through the transportation array at the foot of KunLun Mountain, Feng Ci entered the mountain and returned directly to the outer disciple's courtyard.As soon as he entered the gates of the courtyard, he bumped head on into someone. What a coincidence, it was that youth called Song Zhou again.JingMing, why would you be here? Due to relations with Cheng Bo, the outer disciples usually didn't dare to interact with Feng Ci. The only one who's somewhat familiar with him and can speak a few words with him was Song Zhou.Not understanding this sudden and random question, Feng Ci asked: Why can't I be here?Weren't you Song Zhou blinked in confusion. Then he recalled something and hastily yanked him outwards: Go out and hide, quickly. Don't let them see youWhy do I needFeng Ci didn't even finish this question when a yell suddenly came from inside the courtyard: Isn't that Lu JingMing?!Song Zhou: Feng Ci: ?A moment later, Feng Ci was brought inside the courtyard. Over a dozen outer disciples squeezed inside the courtyard. They were standing in front of the opened door to a disciple's room. Cheng Bo came out of there with the support of others.His forehead and cheek were clearly red, swollen, and bruised. As soon as he saw Feng Ci, he sneered: Finally willing to come out, en?Feng Ci had left the disciple's courtyard for an entire day and night. He was completely unaware of what had happened. Looking around in a circle, he nodded almost tentatively: En, I went out to get some air.You still have the audacity to get Pissed off, Cheng Bo immediately wanted to stand up. However, accidentally tugging on some unknown wound on his body, he fell back into the chair again with an aiyo.Feng Ci asked with uncertainty: This injurycould it have been caused by me'?Cheng Bo yelled loudly: If it's not you, then who? Stop pretending!Feng Ci: Yesterday night, he snuck out to follow Pei QianYue. To prevent others from looking for him while he's out of the sect, and stirring up more trouble when they find him missing, Feng Ci casually created a duplicate and placed it inside his room to feign sickness in bed.Normally, the Art of Duplication allowed a transfer of senses between the body and soul; the consciousness was also connected, making the duplicate no different from the real deal. However, doing that would consume a huge amount of energy. Feng Ci was worried that this trip would require spirit energy. Not to mention, these young disciples of the outer sect had low cultivation; they shouldn't notice anything amiss. Therefore, he had only made an empty shell to temporarily impersonate him for a day or two.This duplicate was not under his control, but has roughly the same personality as him. It can engage in simple communication with others and use some low level magic.Logically speaking, it shouldn't randomly hurt anyone.Ca atlr wbwfca, Mfcu Jl vlvc'a rff atf veqilmjaf. Lf jirb vlvc'a xcbk ktja fzjmais tjqqfcfv, rb tf rjlv: Jtfcu-Vtlzlbcu, P'w gfjiis rbggs. Pc atf joafgcbbc, P kjr wevvif tfjvfv ogbw atf ofnfg. Po P tjnf boofcvfv sbe, qifjrf fzmerf wf.Jtfcu Db rcffgfv: Zevvif tfjvfv ogbw j ofnfg sfa ralii mjqjyif bo rewwbclcu j rkjgw bo yffr ab mtjrf jcv ralcu wf? Vtlvl lr ageis KljcWejc Vfma'r qglhfv vlrmlqif. Rb kbcvfg atf Jlas Zjrafg abbx jc lcafgfra lc sbe.Oh, now that was indeed his usual tactic.Feng Ci continued to ask in bewilderment: But I don't see any sting marks on Shixiong?Cheng Bo's expression turned even more indescribable.Behind Feng Ci, Song Zhou tugged on his sleeve: Stop talking already.The outer sect had class today. Cheng-Shixiong sent people to call you several times without any response. Therefore, he went personally. Unexpectedly, he only lifted your blankets and immediately ended up getting chased all over the mountain by the swarm of bees you summoned.You didn't come out of your room for an entire day so you might not have known. To hide from the bees, Cheng-Shixiong jumped headfirst into the small river in the back mountains and almost drowned.Feng Ci: Cheng Bo: Are you laughing at me?Feng Ci, seriously: No.Cheng Bo narrowed his eyes.He stood up from the chair. Refusing support from other disciples, he limped over in front of Feng Ci and said coldly: Lu JingMing, don't act too wild. Let me tell you. The incident today with you feigning illness to skip class, I have already reported to the lecturing Elder. Once the City Master learns of this, he's certain to expel you from the sect.Just you wait and see.Shrouded in mist, in the middle of the mountains, the red maples grew uninterrupted like an ocean. On top of a cliff, someone was sitting upright and playing the zither.The sound of the zither was unhurried and ethereal. However, the audience was not refined enough to appreciate it: Sect Leader Wen, I know that back then when you became a disciple of QingJing Sect, Pei QianYue had secretly helped you. You are grateful to him, therefore you obey him. But don't you forget, right now you're the Sect Leader of QingJing Sect. You should consider the big picture.The sound of music did not rest. Wen HuaiYu spoke up leisurely: Then according to Elder Cheng Chao, what has HuaiYu done that did not take into account the big picture?Even right now, you're still pretending to be stupid in front of me! Elder Cheng Chao berated: You're silently allowing a snake demon to sit at the head of the Immortal Alliance, yet you dare to say that you're looking at the big picture?All creatures have souls. All living beings are equal. Any, who has not built karma from murder, can cultivate and obtain enlightenment Dao. Wen HuaiYu's voice was like the sound of his zither, gentle and refined: Elder Cheng Chao, these are words from your LingXiao Gate's Sect Leader. Just because the person sitting above you is a different race, does LingXiao Gate plan to now violate the founding constitutions?Within a mere 2 days, two cultivation sects have already been exterminated. Instead of investigating the truth, you're here inciting strife between the 6 Sects. Is this your so-called big picture?Elder Cheng Chao's face instantly turned extremely unsightly.He stood behind Wen HuaiYu, expression very gloomy: Don't tell me you really trust in Pei QianYue's words and believe that someone within the 6 Sect is wantonly slaughtering fellow cultivators, right?That mystery murderer had massacred over a dozen cultivation sects consecutively. Consider the entire cultivation world. Other than that snake demon, Pei QianYue, who has cultivated for thousands of years, who else has this kind of ability?Unless it's the Grandmaster QianQiu himself, who descended back down into this world again?It's not for treasures or magic items, only for the sake of murder. Pei QianYue says he can't see the murderer's true intentions. Don't tell me, you also can't see? Cheng Chao sneered: How can there be such a coincidence? The deceased are all sects not part of the Immortal Alliance. Is that mystery murderer trying to announce to the world, once you join the Immortal Alliance, you'll be protected?The Immortal Alliance, the Immortal Alliance. Isn't this Immortal Alliance built by that Pei QianYue? Is there anyone, in this entire cultivation world, who desires to stabilize the Immortal Alliance's reign more than him?It's been five months and the people of the cultivation world are panicking. How many small sects have dismissed their disciples one after another due to fear of attracting disaster. But what about the Immortal Alliance? This year, the disciples who voluntarily joined the Immortal Alliance's sects, and those who participated in the Immortal Alliance entrance exam have tripled in numbers.Sect Leader Wen, have you ever pondered clearly about what all of this indicates?The sound of the zither stopped abruptly.Wen HuaiYu raised his head and looked towards the horizon. The moonlight was hidden behind the mist, only showing a hazy glimmer: But despite saying all of this, it's only your assumptions.Isn't that why I came to discuss this with Sect Leader Wen? Cheng Chao's expression relaxed somewhat: Right now, it's only assumptions. However, we only need to unite various sects, lay siege to LangFeng City, and capture Pei QianYue alive then slowly interrogate him. By that time, there's no need to worry about being unable to find evidence.Wen HuaiYu fell silent.Elder Cheng Chao said slowly: My LingXiao Gate definitely won't sit silently and allow Pei QianYue to do whatever he wants. I have traveled here on orders from my Sect Leader-Shixiong to persuade Sect Leader Wen. I hope Sect Leader Wen will consider it carefully.Wen HuaiYu asked quietly: How are you certain I'd definitely stand on your side, and not City Master Pei's?Sect Leader Wen, Pei QianYue has never beenone of us. Why bother defending him all over the place? If he didn't hold Grandmaster QianQiu's legacy in his hands, why would he be worthy to sit in that spot? To say it another wayCheng Chao paused for a moment, a smile finally appearing in his eyes: As long as he falls, everyone can obtain Grandmaster QianQiu's legacy and the position of the Alliance Leader can't anyone take the seat?Wen HuaiYu's eyes flashed faintly.A moment later, the ethereal sound of the zither could be heard again on the mountain cliff, as well as Wen HuaiYu's quiet voice, which was almost concealed beneath this music: Unfortunately, it's only your sect and mine. I'm afraid that it's still not enough to handle Pei QianYue. This matter still requires more time and further discussionNaturally, Feng Ci was not expelled from the sect by Pei QianYue. In actuality, ever since they parted ways that day on Mount Yao, Feng Ci has never seen Pei QianYue again.Lu JingMing, stop sleeping already. Cheng-Shixiong wants you to go cleanCangJing Pavilion. Bright and early, someone was already calling him outside.Ever since the day Cheng Bo failed to get Feng Ci out of bed and was chased all over the back mountains by bees, even fewer people dared to approach Feng Ci. Even when coming to give him instructions for tasks, they'd stand far, far away inside the little yard and yell at him.However, the good thing was that, besides arranging a bit more work for him, Cheng Bo didn't really dare to cause any more trouble.The disciple, who came to notify him, originally only planned to call him once and then leave. However, as soon as he turned around, a hand grabbed him.Unknowingly, Feng Ci had appeared behind him and grabbed him by the back of his collar. At the same time, Feng Ci was still rubbing his eyes sleepily with the other hand: CangJing Pavilion Wasn't it just cleaned a few days ago?It was clear to see he had just woken up. While speaking, he was even still yawning.You let let go! That disciple struggled briefly, but didn't manage to break free. With a stiff neck, he said: What's wrong with cleaning it again? You dare disobey Cheng-Shixiong's instructions?Obey, how can I dare disobey. Feng Ci said: I just wanted to ask, is there nowhere else?Where do you want to go?Feng Ci: LinXian Terrace.That disciple looked at him in shock, like seeing a ghost.Feng Ci gave him a friendly smile: I know the sect brothers do not dare to set foot in LinXian Terrace. The City Master treats me pretty well. If there are tasks for LinXian Terrace, I'm happy to work in place of the sect brothers.Feng Ci really wanted to meet with Pei QianYue again.The main reason was that Feng Ci felt a bit interested in what Pei QianYue had said prior to leaving that day. After returning, the more he thought about it, the more interested he became as well. Feng Ci had a small personal flaw. He hated to keep things inside. If he couldn't figure things out clearly, he'd feel terrible all over.Therefore, in the last few days, Feng Ci has really missed Pei QianYue, quite like the saying a day without seeing each other is like being separated for 3 autumns'.However, Pei QianYue had locked himself inside LinXian Terrace for several days consecutively without going out, much less leave the sect again. Feng Ci didn't even have the opportunity to repeat his old trick of sneaking out to follow him.With no other choice, he could only think of some other plan.Yet that disciple answered: You can forget about LinXian Terrace right now.Feng Ci: Why?The inner sect had already sent a messenger to announce that the City Master has been cultivating in seclusion on LinXian terrace lately. They told us all to stay away from LinXian Terrace.Feng Ci was shocked: Why suddenly go into secluded cultivation? Wasn't he fine a few days ago?How would I know why the City Master needs to cultivate in seclusion? That disciple finally yanked his collar out of Feng Ci's hand and yelled: In, in any case, hurry up and get to work. Don't be searching around for excuses to be lazy all day. You don't even read any books or practice the sword, ever. Now there's all this chit chat just to complete a task. You might as well just die of laziness.That disciple left, cursing and swearing. Feng Ci, however, put away the playful smile on his face. The light in his eyes turned slightly darker.Everything was perfect, so why go into seclusion just like that?Did something happen?On LinXian Terrace, the guarding disciples stood on both sides of the magic array, expressions solemn. Behind them, 300 stone steps made of white jade ascended into the layer of clouds. A quiet, majestic palace could be seen vaguely within the enveloping clouds and mist.The door of the palace was tightly closed. A wisp of green smoke drifted inside noiselessly.Feng Ci appeared inside the palace.Unlike usual, his figure was half transparent. Both of his feet touched the ground airily, not making the slightest noise.There's still no lights inside the palace hall, however, it was a lot messier than the last time he came. With a frown, Feng Ci floated inside and saw the shattered pieces of vases, teacups, and even a broken, smashed chair. Using the phrase a chaotic mess' to describe this was to say it lightly.Pei QianYue's presence could not be felt inside this entire palace hall. However, Feng Ci didn't dare to relax after the experience from last time. Holding his breath and focusing his senses, he quietly walked into the inner hall.Nevertheless, after searching all over in both the inner hall and outer hall, he still couldn't find traces of Pei QianYue.Where did this person go to cultivate in seclusion?Just at this time, Feng Ci felt something touching his leg in the darkness.To enter LinXian Terrace stealthily, Feng Ci had separated his Divine Consciousness from his body. This state was no different from being a soul or spirit. Logically speaking, unless he actively touched something, other things definitely couldn't touch him.Yet he was being touched by this thing.Not only touched, this thing even rubbed against the hem of his clothes and then climbed inside directly from the bottom.The sensitivity of the Divine Consciousness surpassed the physical body. Feng Ci trembled uncontrollably for a moment and then figured out what it was.That was the tail of a snake.
