NOVEL NEXT Chapter 163 - 163: Mysterious Person Appears in the Cave
Chapter 163: Chapter 163: Mysterious Person Appears in the Cave
“Master!? How did you get here?”
Tan Yun was very surprised to see Li Fuzhou.
She remembered Li Fuzhou had told her that he had something very important to do in Yujing City and might not be able to see her for a while; yet, here he was before her now.
An Jing looked at Li Fuzhou, who wore a faint smile, and his eyebrows instinctively furrowed.
This old guy sure got here fast.
But then again, it made sense; as the Sect Master of the Demon Sect, Li Fuzhou naturally had access to information far beyond the ordinary people.
“We meet again,”
intoned An Jing somberly.
His words carried a dual meaning, referencing both his encounters with Li Fuzhou and the Ghost Swordsman’s past clash with Li Fuzhou at the Three Temple Mountain.
“Indeed, we meet again, although I’m not sure if you want to meet me or not,”
Li Fuzhou said with a light smile.
He remembered clearly that at Three Temple Mountain, the Ghost Swordsman had attacked him indiscriminately, ready to fight and kill, making him suspect this person was an enemy of the Demon Sect.
An Jing, with a profound gaze, spoke straightforwardly, “Sect Master Li, let’s not beat around the bush. What exactly is your purpose for hiding out in Yu State City?”
Li Fuzhou and Tan Yun were different: he was an old fox, and it would be tough to pry any information from him; better to be direct and straightforward.
Li Fuzhou laughed lightly and stroked his beard, “My Demon Sect is a taboo in Great Yan, akin to rats crossing the street, always hiding here and there. Is it so unusual to be hiding in Yu State City?”
“Tan Yun, aren’t you coming over?”
He said, glancing at Tan Yun.
Tan Yun looked at An Jing, still masked, and then somewhat reluctantly jumped down from the back of the Black Flood Dragon and walked towards Li Fuzhou.
An Jing frowned, Li Fuzhou’s words did indeed hold some truth—although the Demon Sect had a notorious reputation in the Great Yan Martial World, they couldn’t afford to be too conspicuous since both the Xuanyi Guard and Zhenyi Sect kept close watch on them, making it normal for them to lie low in Great Yan.
But if you’re going to hide, why hide in my home?
“Is that really so, Sect Master Li?”
An Jing took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes, “I have been to Jishi Hall, and I know Doctor An.”
What!?
Hearing An Jing’s words, Tan Yun’s mouth dropped open in shock, her eyes nearly popping out, and her jaw almost hit the ground.
The Ghost Swordsman knew about Jishi Hall, so he must know their whereabouts.
How could this be possible?
Li Fuzhou was extremely skilled at concealment, his qi flow tricky and unpredictable, making it difficult even for a typical Half-step Master standing before him to discern his cultivation.
Only someone who had seen him before and could penetrate his qi mechanism might discover Li Fuzhou.
Such a person must be a top-notch expert in the world.
And Tan Yun herself had only been to Great Yan a few times, mostly without revealing her tracks and merely killing a few people in Jianghu before hurriedly returning to the Demon Sect Main Hall.
In the Great Yan Martial World, anyone who had seen her true face was dead, so no one should recognize her.
How could the Ghost Swordsman possibly know that they were hiding in Jishi Hall?
Meanwhile, Li Fuzhou, upon hearing this, became as tense as a rock, his heart sinking as if filled with cold lead.
The Ghost Swordsman knew far too much; he was even aware of this information.
What was his intention in announcing this?
While Li Fuzhou was internally shocked, he maintained a calm and undisturbed exterior, “I’m not quite sure what you are talking about.”
An Jing, noticing the contrast in the expressions of Tan Yun and Li Fuzhou, thought to himself: This old man Li really knows how to keep his composure.
He had made himself perfectly clear, yet Li still feigned ignorance.
No matter how staunchly he refused to speak, or how tightly he held his tongue, he said nothing.
“Lord Li, we will not disturb your grandchild’s reunion; we’ll be leaving now.”
With that, Li Fuzhou glanced at Tan Yun beside him, preparing to leave with her.
“Did I say you could go, Sect Master Li?”
An Jing saw Li Fuzhou attempting to leave, then coldly chuckled.
He had not yet finished asking his questions; how could he allow Li Fuzhou to walk away so easily?
Li Fuzhou turned around, smiled faintly, and said, “You have fought fiercely against four half-step masters consecutively, using the Buddhist supreme martial arts. The stronger the move, the greater the self-harm. Why do you insist on pushing yourself?”
Li Fuzhou was well aware that the Ghost Swordsman before him had been fighting continuously, and now not only was his inner strength depleted, but he was also riddled with wounds and utterly powerless to fight.
“What you said is correct.”
An Jing’s gaze was chilly as he then controlled the Black Flood Dragon he was sitting on.
“Roar!”
The Black Flood Dragon issued a deep roar towards Li Fuzhou.
Li Fuzhou stared at the Black Flood Dragon for a moment and shook his head, saying, “This Black Python is just transforming into a Flood Dragon, its strength is greatly reduced. Moreover, it has been injured by the elder of the Five Poison Sect, Feng Lingyue. If it were to strike now, it might damage its inner core. Are you willing to pay such a price? We originally had neither grudges nor ties; why bother?”
He was sure the Ghost Swordsman had rescued Tan Yun from under the Heavenly Sword’s hand, which must have meant he bore no great malice towards the Demon Sect.
An Jing looked at the cunning Li Fuzhou before him and took a deep breath, “Just tell me your young lady’s identity, and I can let you go, never to bother you again.”
Sect Hierarch!?
Upon hearing this, Tan Yun’s face turned slightly pale.
Was the Ghost Swordsman so persistent in learning the Sect Hierarch’s identity because he rescued me for that reason?
“My young lady?”
Li Fuzhou smiled and said, “Our Demon Sect is among the top forces in Jianghu, we don’t have any delicate young ladies. Perhaps you’ve asked the wrong person? If you really want to know someone’s identity, why not ask them directly yourself?”
Meanwhile, Li Fuzhou was quickly pondering within, what does this person want with the Sect Hierarch’s whereabouts?
Could it be that he’s taken a fancy to the Sect Hierarch?
Though this idea seemed conventional, which young man in Jianghu doesn’t love a beautiful woman?
Especially a beauty who could overthrow states, like Zhao Qingmei.
“Ask directly?”
An Jing furrowed his brow.
He really wanted to know right now and couldn’t wait a moment longer to head toward Ping County, and moreover…
“Actually, it is not impossible for you to find out,”
Li Fuzhou smiled.
“Speak.”
An Jing looked at Li Fuzhou’s smile, unsure of what cunning plan he was devising again.
Li Fuzhou spoke deliberately, “Join our Demon Sect.”
Although he did not know why this man was so eager to learn about the Sect Hierarch’s whereabouts,
“Join your Demon Sect? Like a stray dog?”
An Jing, who loathed threats, scoffed coldly, “There isn’t the slightest possibility of that happening.”
Join the Demon Sect!?
From the sound of it, Zhao Qingmei must also be deeply entangled with the Demon Sect.
Yes, both Li Fuzhou and Tan Yun were from the Demon Sect, and she even had the sect’s treasured relic. How could there not be a connection!?
“That is truly a pity then,”
Li Fuzhou said with a beaming smile, “This old man is also willing but unable.”
With that, Li Fuzhou prepared to leave with the seemingly distraught Tan Yun by his side.
Watching Li Fuzhou about to depart, An Jing urgently asked, “I know Doctor An Jing from Jishi Hall, and I just want to know… what exactly is her relationship with the Demon Sect?”
Right now, An Jing was eager to find out whether Zhao Qingmei had any connection with the Demon Sect and why she wanted to marry him.
He was just a doctor!
What truly was on her mind!? Or was she coerced!?
“Doctor An?”
Li Fuzhou paused in his steps, with a hint of confusion in his words.
An Jing said again, “Jishi Hall’s Doctor An Jing.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know the person you’re talking about.”
Li Fuzhou spoke indifferently and continued walking forward.
An Jing: “…..”
The wind whistled, carrying with it swirling fallen leaves.
Tan Yun looked at An Jing, who stood motionless, and then quickly followed Li Fuzhou with gritted teeth.
“Old Li, you actually say you don’t recognize yourself!?”
It was a long while after Li Fuzhou and Tan Yun had left, An Jing, gritting his teeth, said, “Well done, Old Li, you’ve eaten so much of my silver, and now you clean your mouth and deny it, huh?”
After that, An Jing calmed down, thinking it seemed direct questioning wouldn’t make Old Li tell him anything.
Did he really have to infiltrate the Demon Sect?
What exactly was the relationship between his wife and the Demon Sect?
“Got it, since I can’t get a word out of that old fox Li Fuzhou, I might use someone with a simpler mind…”
An Jing fell into deep thought, and then something struck him.
If it hadn’t been for Li Fuzhou’s sudden appearance, he might have succeeded this time.
……
Outside the forest, among a pile of rubble.
The dense fog gradually rose, engulfing the whole mountain forest in a thick white mist, blurring everything in sight, covering the lush greenery.
Lou Xiangzhen stood on a giant rock, his eyes gazing into the distance, his body seeming somewhat hunched, his clothes fluttering at times, still at others.
“Elder Lou, you’ve grown old too,”
Meng Zhaodou stood below, looking at Lou Xiangzhen’s silhouette, and couldn’t help but softly lament.
He remembered the first time he saw Lou Xiangzhen, over thirty years ago, during the last rampant years of the Demon Sect in Great Yan. Lou Xiangzhen was spirited and talented, recognized as the strongest and most gifted among the new generation of swordsmen.
Admired by all, he was said to be the man who could carry the title of the world’s first swordsman after the Sword God and the Sword Demon.
This was the unanimously acknowledged opinion at the time.
Later, Lou Xiangzhen went to challenge the Sword God at the Yu Heng Sword Sect and, after only a few moves, was defeated miserably. That deeply shattered his spirits as a swordsman.
Such a crushing defeat dealt a horrendous blow to his pride.
And thus, his dreamlike Peach Blossom Sword Intent disappeared from Jianghu.
“Who in this world can escape aging and death?”
Lou Xiangzhen retracted his gaze, looked at Meng Zhaodou, and said indifferently, “We haven’t seen each other in over a decade, have we?”
“Thirteen years since you went into seclusion,” Meng Zhaodou replied.
“Thirteen years, another thirteen years have passed,”
Lou Xiangzhen, with his hands clasped behind his back, said quietly, “I wonder if I have another thirteen years in my life.”
Meng Zhaodou also smiled, “Elder, you’re healthy; not just one thirteen years, but two or three would be no problem.”
Lou Xiangzhen waved his hand, “You know I’ve always hated dealing with the Court’s people. Just speak your mind.”
During his early years wandering through Jianghu, he despised the Court’s people, especially the Xuanyi Guard under the Great Yan Emperor.
He felt that the Xuanyi Guard treated Jianghu like a prison, imprisoning the free souls within, which is why Lou Xiangzhen was always cold to them.
And Jiang Sanjia’s employment at the Qintian Bureau was also a major reason for their scarce contact.
Meng Zhaodou let out a wry smile, then his expression turned solemn as he saluted with clasped hands: “Elder Lou, do you know the current power of the State Preceptor?”
“Three Qi Peak?”
Lou Xiangzhen, seeing Meng Zhaodou’s expression, said lightly, “Or has he reached the Four Qi Realm?”
Xiao Qianqiu’s cultivation was revealed several years ago as Three Qi Peak, and with his talent and the support from the Zhenyi Sect, reaching the Four Qi Realm wasn’t impossible.
“He has reached the Four Qi.”
Meng Zhaodou took a deep breath.
The differences between each realm of cultivation became more apparent the further one advanced, especially within the Master Realm—differences as vast as a chasm.
“That is for the best.”
Lou Xiangzhen heard this, yet his smile deepened, as if this news was not bad, but rather a greatly favorable one for him.
Such a Xiao Qianqiu was worth defeating.
Seeing this, Meng Zhaodou hesitated, “Elder Lou…”
“Speak frankly,” Lou Xiangzhen said indifferently.
“Ah.”
Meng Zhaodou sighed slightly, then said, “The Human Emperor claimed that regardless of the outcome, this battle would be a loss for our Great Yan Martial World. He sent me to stop you, Elder, and he will also send a letter to Xiao Qianqiu, advising both of you not to fight.”
Great Yan is the ancestral land, and now, with the Human Emperor injured, Houjin and Zhao Country are also watching closely. The entire situation is delicately interconnected; a duel between the top expert of the Great Yan Martial World and a renowned Sword Immortal, and with Xiao Qianqiu also holding the position of the State Preceptor of Great Yan, any harm to him would be profoundly detrimental to Great Yan.
“Has the Human Emperor started managing things so broadly now?”
Lou Xiangzhen raised an eyebrow, “The contest between Xiao Qianqiu and me is a matter of Jianghu enmity. Don’t we even have this bit of freedom now?”
Meng Zhaodou’s mouth opened slightly, then he asked, “Then, is the senior insisting on a fight?”
“You should know about Yu Ying forcing Jiang Sanjia to his death, right?”
Lou Xiangzhen glanced at Meng Zhaodou and said indifferently.
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhaodou immediately fell silent. As the chief leader of Heaven and Earth Net, he was extremely well-informed; even seemingly highly confidential information was as familiar to him as the palm of his hand.
Yu Ying, Xiao Qianqiu’s martial uncle, was the hall master of the Heavenly Venerate Hall in the Zhenyi Sect.
The Zhenyi Sect was originally the national religion of Great Yan, with mutual binding interests and shared honor and disgrace, but the rumor that spoken of “two saints under heaven” began to circulate in recent years— the Human Emperor presiding over the court and Xiao Qianqiu presiding over the Jianghu.
And the one secretly spreading this rumor was none other than Yu Ying.
With the rapid development of the Zhenyi Sect, disciples of the sect were present all over Great Yan. If the Zhenyi Sect wanted to advance further, they would have to follow in the footsteps of the Black Ice Platform.
Although Yu Ying presided over the Heavenly Venerate Hall, he was a person of great ambition and vindictiveness.
This move was clearly a test of the Human Emperor’s bottom line.
And this was also why the Human Emperor agreed to the reason for Buddhism’s eastward crossing.
“Yu Ying indeed went too far.”
Meng Zhaodou’s eyebrows furrowed. “He even dared to reach into the inner workings of the imperial palace, crossing the Human Emperor’s bottom line.”
What Yu Ying had done, however, was not just limited to this.
“I don’t want to know how the Human Emperor views Yu Ying.”
Lou Xiangzhen waved his hand and said indifferently, “There’s no need for further words. A battle between Xiao Qianqiu and me is inevitable. If he doesn’t come, I will step into Zhenyi Mountain myself.”
The words of a swordsman should be as transcendent as a drawn sword.
“Meng understands.”
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhaodou’s heart trembled. He also saw Lou Xiangzhen’s determination, realizing that further persuasion would be futile. He then extended both hands towards Lou Xiangzhen in salute, “I now understand the senior’s intention. In three days, I will come to Abyss Lake to support the senior.”
“I will not disturb the senior any longer today, farewell.”
Lou Xiangzhen nodded slightly, no longer speaking.
Meng Zhaodou leapt up, heading into the distance.
Lou Xiangzhen still watched the drifting white clouds in the distance, his ears filled with the sound of crisp sword chimes, calming his heart as still as water, undisturbed by any waves.
There are many beautiful things in the world, but truly few belong to one’s self.
Witnessing the flowers blooming and wilting in the garden, unswayed by honor or disgrace, watching the clouds rolling and stretching in the sky, with no intention to stay or leave.
And now, as the third month came to a close and the fourth month was at its peak, was the prime flowering season of the peach blossoms.
…..
Inside Yuan City, there was constant flow of people, buzzing with activity.
Tan Yun followed behind Li Fuzhou, not saying a word.
“What’s the matter? Why so quiet today?”
Li Fuzhou looked at Tan Yun, who was silent with his head bowed.
Tan Yun raised his head and asked, “Master, what do you think is the intention of that Ghost Swordsman today?”
“What intention?”
Li Fuzhou chuckled lightly, “He seems very keen to know about the Sect Hierarch’s whereabouts. When a man is so obsessed with a woman, there are only two possibilities. Either he has fallen for that woman or… ”
Tan Yun’s heart clenched, asking, “Or what?”
“Or he has a grudge,” Li Fuzhou said indifferently.
A grudge?!
The Ghost Swordsman didn’t even know the Sect Hierarch’s identity; how could he possibly have a grudge?
Thinking this, Tan Yun’s face fell in dismay.
Yes, the Sect Hierarch’s beauty was captivating; how could most men not fall in love with such a woman?
Tan Yun asked dejectedly, “Master, why don’t you reveal the Sect Hierarch’s identity? Maybe if he knew, he would be willing to join the Demon Sect.”
Li Fuzhou shook his head, “This person is secretive and his identity unclear, joining our Demon Sect might not be a good or bad thing, plus I’ve always felt something off about him. Previously at Three Temple Mountain, he attacked us, and his attitude was unclear.”
During his earlier conversation with the Ghost Swordsman, not only did he know they were at Jishi Hall, but he also recognized the doctor, which deepened Li Fuzhou’s suspicion about the Ghost Swordsman’s identity.
A person with an unclear identity and unclear motives, how could they possibly allow him to join the Demon Sect easily?
And you told him the identity of the Sect Hierarch?
What he just said was merely to test the Ghost Swordsman. Even if he wanted to join the Demon Sect, he would need to present his credentials.
Tan Yun bit her lip, saying, “I think he is not a bad person and he also saved me.”
“Saved you? Silly girl.”
Li Fuzhou shook his head, then said solemnly, “Saving you is false, using you is true. You’d better stay away from that Ghost Swordsman.”
Seeing Li Fuzhou so serious, Tan Yun could only nod.
After a while, Tan Yun softly said, “Master, should I investigate his true identity?”
Li Fuzhou naturally noticed Tan Yun’s hidden thoughts and said, “No need. From today, just follow me.”
This Ghost Swordsman was a dangerous character, and Tan Yun’s mind couldn’t match that of the Ghost Swordsman’s. She could very likely be sold by him and help him count the money.
“I understand.”
Tan Yun, almost unable to hide her dismay, asked, “Master, where are we going now?”
“To meet someone.”
Li Fuzhou looked toward the distance and said, “Just ahead.”
Tan Yun followed Li Fuzhou’s gaze and saw a quiet alley ahead, where a ragged beggar lay at the end of the alley.
Could it be that Master wants to meet that beggar? She was greatly puzzled.
Li Fuzhou walked up slowly, “Scholar Li, we meet again.”
The beggar was lying on the ground sleeping, suddenly hearing this familiar voice, his body shuddered and he stood up, then looked at the person in front of him in astonishment, “You… You are Li Fuzhou!?”
If not for seeing it with his own eyes, he would never believe that he could see Li Fuzhou here.
Li Fuzhou, with a smile, said, “Even as a scholar, how have you become so wretched?”
“I am wretched?”
Li Qirong snorted softly, immediately jumping in anger, and said, “I beg for food as a scholar, I have food and drink, free from worries, how carefree and happy is that?”
Even if he died now, he would not die in front of Li Fuzhou.
That was the last bit of dignity Li Qirong left for himself.
Li Fuzhou listened and said melancholically, “Scholar Li said it well. Unlike me, homeless and displaced, having a home but unable to return to it…”
Li Fuzhou spoke, his tone taking on a bit of sadness and loneliness.
Tan Yun blinked her big eyes looking at Li Fuzhou, before she didn’t know what listening to music in a brothel meant. Since reading her master’s books, she had come to somewhat understand.
Her master should have been very happy.
Li Qirong, hearing what Li Fuzhou said, felt his mood lighten suddenly; the sunlight today even seemed warmer.
He said, “You, you insisted on joining the Demon Sect and became a thief of the sect. Otherwise, how glorious would your life be now?”
In those days, Li Fuzhou in Yujing City was so glorious, not only was he accepted as a disciple by Lv Guoyong, but aside from not achieving the status of Scholar, everything else went smoothly. He was even admired by the daughters of major families, most notably Liu Ruyun of the Liu Family and Zuo Linglong of the Zuo Family…
The former, the only daughter of the Liu Family, is now the Great Elder of Youfeng Valley. She has never married for his sake; and the latter, Zuo Linglong, who was the foremost beauty back then, is now the Empress, such good fortune not many can enjoy.
Li Fuzhou’s limelight at that time was indeed unmatched.
However, Li Qirong looked straight in Li Fuzhou’s eyes, the word ‘jealousy’ naked for all to see, and he even said it in front of Li Fuzhou: I am jealous of you, Li Qirong.
But now, seeing Li Fuzhou also miserable, he felt much better, even feeling a bit of sympathy.
However, Tan Yun, looking at the strange beggar in front of her, started to wonder, why did her master seem happy when hearing that he was not doing well?
Li Fuzhou, with a wistful look, said, “I returned to Great Yan this time to settle past grievances and enmities.”
Li Qirong, taken aback, said, “Settle grievances and enmities? Are you going to Yujing City then?”
Others might not know why Li Fuzhou left the Lv Sect to join the Demon Sect, but Li Qirong knew very well, involving many years of past conflicts.
“Yes.”
Li Fuzhou nodded and said, “Now in Great Yan, I have no close friends. This trip, I can only talk to you.”
If not for the matters of Lou Xiangzhen and Xiao Qianqiu and his disciple Tan Yun being involved, he wouldn’t have come to Yuan City. His trip could have been just a passing visit…
And Li Qirong hearing this also sighed deeply. Back then, his relationship with Li Fuzhou was very bad, especially since the woman he loved, Liu Ruyun, chose Li Fuzhou, even becoming his fiancée, which made him very irritable and angry when facing Li Fuzhou.
Li Qirong secretly made things difficult for Li Fuzhou on several occasions, setting traps multiple times, thinking Li Fuzhou still might not know to this day.
Reflecting on the past and discussing the present, Li Qirong’s jealousy towards Li Fuzhou had somewhat abated.
Li Qirong, moved, said, “Fuzhou, listen to an older brother’s advice. The waters of Yujing City are very deep, you are likely to die there. Don’t go. Isn’t it better to continue wandering? At least you can keep living.”
With the many masters in Yujing City, Li Fuzhou was already a traitor of the Lv Sect and also the Sect Master of the Demon Sect. Going to Yujing City would be like a turtle trapped in a jar, wouldn’t it?
Li Fuzhou sighed and said casually, “Yes, that’s why Ruyun agreed to go to Yujing City with me.”
“Ruyun…..”
Li Qirong’s smile gradually solidified, and his face suddenly turned fierce as he exploded in a curse, “Damn you, Li Fuzhou!”
Deliberate!
It was definitely deliberate on Li Fuzhou’s part!
What destitution, nowhere to live, having a home but unable to return, going to Yujing City to court death…
A person like Li Fuzhou, how could he possibly put himself in danger?
He was just showing off in front of himself!
Tan Yun watched the scene of Li Qirong seething with anger and couldn’t help but think to himself: What the hell is going on?
Li Fuzhou replied with a wronged tone, “Scholar Li, you are a learned man, how could you curse at someone?”
At that moment, Li Fuzhou’s heart was bursting with joy; it had been a long time since he had felt this exhilarated.
“Li Fuzhou!”
Li Qirong took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and said, “Just tell me, what did you come here today for?”
“I just wanted to see my good friend.”
Li Fuzhou sighed, “I’ve said it before, I hardly have any friends in Great Yan, and even fewer since I joined the Demon Sect.”
Li Qirong glared at Li Fuzhou, furious, “What good friend of mine are you, treating your good friend like this?”
The saying that rivals meeting only adds fuel to jealousy was indeed true.
Although he usually maintained his composure quite well, he couldn’t suppress the flames of anger in his heart upon seeing Li Fuzhou, especially after being recently tricked.
Li Fuzhou patted Li Qirong on the shoulder and smiled, “Scholar Li, don’t say that. You used to make things difficult for me all the time, but I’ve forgotten all about it.”
So Li Fuzhou had known all along.
Upon hearing this, Li Qirong stared at Li Fuzhou in shock. Forget it? You remember it very clearly.
“Let’s forget it, I won’t hold it against you,” said Li Qirong, waving his hand dismissively, then he asked, “Did you see Liu Ruyun?”
“I did,” Li Fuzhou responded as if it were a matter of fact.
On hearing this, Li Qirong’s heart sank even further and he scrutinized Li Fuzhou’s face carefully. Was he really the black-robed boy the others said was not flamboyant enough?
Li Qirong fell into deep thought, overcome with melancholy.
Li Fuzhou exhaled and asked, “I heard that Wang Ningshui had looked for you.”
“Indeed, being the Sect Master of the Human Sect, you know everything,” Li Qirong replied proudly.
“Yes, she did look for me,” Li Qirong affirmed.
Who was Wang Ningshui?!
The current Palace Master of the Unrivaled Palace, a master from the Five Lakes and Four Seas Hall.
In the world, the Five Lakes and Four Seas Hall was much more famous than the Unrivaled Palace.
Back in the Seven Evils Sect, Wang Ningshui had even tried to recruit An Jing, wanting her to join this Five Lakes and Four Seas Hall.
Li Fuzhou asked, “What did she want with you?”
“Why should I tell you?”
Li Qirong snorted coldly.
Li Fuzhou chuckled, “You and her… don’t have some kind of affair, do you? I’ve heard that Wang Ningshui was stunningly beautiful in her youth, and many in the Jianghu fell at her feet. Don’t get fooled by someone in a confused moment.”
Li Qirong gave Li Fuzhou a look and then continued lying on the ground, replying irritably, “Fool me? Do you think I’m an idiot? Besides, if someone fools me, it’s because I have some value to them.”
“She wanted me to go to Heavenly Gate Pass to devise strategies and assist the Marquis in resisting the Houjin army.”
Li Fuzhou frowned slightly upon hearing this.
Nowadays, Houjin was indeed making significant moves, and coupled with the rumors passed by the Demon Sect to that Marquis, it seemed he too was preparing.
“What do you think?” asked Li Fuzhou.
Li Qirong was someone he knew well, who had real skills, especially in grasping the overall situation profoundly.
“I agreed,”
Li Qirong said slowly, looking at the blue sky, “What else could I do, live in this broken Yuan City as a beggar all my life?”
Li Fuzhou nodded and said no more.
“Where did that little girl beside you come from?” Li Qirong glanced at Tan Yun.
Somehow, he felt he had seen Tan Yun somewhere before. After a closer look, he noticed that the girl bore a seven or eight-point resemblance to a woman from the Lv Mansion in the past.
“This is my disciple, Tan Yun.”
Li Fuzhou smiled subtly, “Hurry, pay respects to your Uncle Li. He is a top scholar, holding a position as a Third Grade official. Could recognizing him as your uncle possibly treat you badly?”
Tan Yun hurriedly said, “Hello, Uncle Li.”
“What Third Grade, no Third Grade.”
Li Qirong waved his hand dismissively, then looked deeply at Li Fuzhou, “Li Scholars will be Li Scholars.”
Li Fuzhou said, “Brother Li, it is still early, how about a drink?”
Li Qirong replied indifferently, “If you’re treating, I’ll go.”
…..
In the Dongluo Desert, Sealing Demon Platform.
At this moment, the great hall of the Sealing Demon Platform was still being reconstructed, in a side hall at the edge of the platform.
Ouyang Ping, the Third Elder of the Sealing Demon Platform, Yuan Feng, the Second Elder, and the former Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect, Jiang Shang, were all gathered together.
Ouyang Ping was the first to speak, “Sect Hierarch Jiang, do you really intend to go to Houjin?”
“Yes, I must visit Houjin and take the opportunity to see the Holy Master of the Great Snow Mountain too.”
Jiang Shang replied indifferently.
The Undying Blood that appeared beneath the sealing of Fa Xi Temple, although he didn’t obtain it eventually, confirmed its existence. If he could obtain the Undying Blood, he could live forever. Not even the Supreme Dao was out of reach then.
Ouyang Ping furrowed his brows, “But the current state of the Demon Sect….”
He was still filled with regret about that day’s events.
He had hoped that Zhao Qingmei would bring out the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture,’ but he had not wished to witness such a scene.
Zhao Qingmei, merely nineteen or about twenty after the New Year, had become a Grandmaster at such an age. Undoubtedly aided by the fortune within the Sealing Demon Platform, she still was a rare genius.
As long as she was steadily promoted, Zhao Qingmei, holding her position in the Demon Sect, would surely rise over the next century.
Jiang Shang pondered, “As long as we spread the word, I will hold Dongluo Pass, and let Duanmu Xinghua handle the affairs within the sect, all will be without danger.”
Ouyang Ping nodded, “Then, I will discuss with Brother Yuan on how best to rescue Sect Hierarch Zhao. According to our people reporting from below, Sect Hierarch Zhao seems to have loosened up a bit, willing to hand over the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’ if she can be rescued.”
The Sealing Demon Well could only be entered once, so after Zhao Qingmei fell into the Sealing Demon Well, the Demon Sect had sent people down to communicate with her.
They consequently knew that Zhao Qingmei was still inside the Sealing Demon Well and was alive, but she could not escape due to the immense pressure at the well’s mouth.
“We mustn’t be hasty in this matter.”
However, Yuan Feng shook his head, “In my opinion, we should wait until she hands over the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’ first.”
Ouyang Ping’s brows furrowed tightly, “This matter needs further deliberation. Rescuing her is crucial.”
Seeing Ouyang Ping say that, Yuan Feng stayed silent and instead looked towards Jiang Shang.
“Knowing Qingmei as I do, once she is out, she definitely won’t let things go easily.”
Jiang Shang shook his head, also somewhat troubled, “Let’s wait until she hands over the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’ first.”
He understood Zhao Qingmei’s character quite well.
“Sect Hierarch, I really think you’ve gone too far this time.”
Ouyang Ping sighed, “The Hierarch holds high authority, handles countless tasks daily, and given your age, maintaining a male consort isn’t really a big deal.”
Jiang Shang frowned slightly, “You don’t understand. Qingmei has developed feelings for that doctor. Extreme emotions can cause harm. It’s done, she’s killed him; if these feelings bind her, it’s not only her restraint, but also restraint for the Demon Sect.”
“If she truly can’t understand, can’t control her desires, then let her stay in the Sealing Demon Well for a lifetime.”
That was what Jiang Shang inwardly thought. If Zhao Qingmei remained so stubborn, not just as his disciple, even Jiang Renyi, he wouldn’t show the slightest mercy.
Ouyang Ping also frowned deeply; there was some truth in what Jiang Shang said.
Throughout history, how many exceptionally talented individuals had not died by the treacherous edges of the martial world’s swords but perished due to deep entanglements in love?
Most masters from ancient times till now have been lonely.
Jiang Shang slowly stood up, “Alright, I’ll go down to see Renyi first, and tomorrow I will leave the Demon Sect. You also need to be careful with the situation beneath the Sealing Demon Well.”
“Alright, you just go ahead, Sect Hierarch,”
Yuan Feng said cheerfully.
Then, Jiang Shang slowly left the side hall.
Taking a deep breath, Ouyang Ping said, “We still have time to salvage this.”
“Salvage, how do we salvage?”
Yuan Feng stared at Ouyang Ping, “Brother Ouyang, have you become senile? Yes, I know you value Zhao Qingmei’s talent, and I highly value it too. I also hope she can become a pillar of the Demon Sect and lead the Demon Sect to return to Great Yan.”
“But do you think Zhao Qingmei, with her domineering and aggressive personality, would willingly accept the existence of the Sealing Demon Platform over her head?”
“Ever since that battle, I’ve become somewhat afraid. I’m afraid that one day, when she becomes more powerful and self-reliant, the first ones she might strike at are not Zhenyi Sect or Xuanyi Guard, but us two.”
The words of Yuan Feng stabbed mercilessly, piercing straight to the heart.
Ouyang Ping became silent as well.
Yuan Feng continued earnestly, “For her to hand over the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’, wouldn’t it be a beneficial thing for our Demon Sect, where the Great Elder getting this mental method could potentially advance his cultivation, and our strengths increase significantly? Wouldn’t you say that’s a good thing?”
“If she is not wholeheartedly with us, even if she becomes a Great Grandmaster, it would all be in vain, and instead, we would be nurturing a tiger for trouble.”
Ouyang Ping sighed deeply and did not speak again.
……
In the Dongluo Desert, below the Sealing Demon Well.
Gloomy and cold, an expanse of turbid darkness.
Zhao Qingmei held some dry food in one hand and a water pouch in the other, leaning near the cave not far away, her eyebrows tightly furrowed at the moment.
The food was delivered by Yu Qiurong using wooden figures.
Being made of wood, the figures naturally weren’t affected by the restrictions of the Sealing Demon Well, so they could come and go freely.
She had been under the Sealing Demon Well for several days now, and aside from the well opening, she hadn’t found any other exit. She only found a strand of Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence in a corpse, and although this Spirit Essence was extremely precious, if she couldn’t escape from the Sealing Demon Well, it would all be for naught.
At that moment, a voice came from inside the cave, “Little girl, it seems you haven’t given up, huh? But that’s right, the others before you were just like that too. However, they weren’t as lucky as you, having no one to bring them food and drink. About seven or eight days in, they couldn’t hold on anymore.”
“You really talk too much.”
Zhao Qingmei looked at the dry food in her hand, then narrowed her eyes and said, “It seems you don’t need to eat?”
The voice laughed, “Here in this cave, not only can one survive without dying, but one can also live without consuming any food.”
The laughter was very strange, high-pitched, and extremely unpleasant to the ear.
Zhao Qingmei put away the dry food and water, her eyes intently staring ahead.
The voice kept luring her to go further inside.
Zhao Qingmei thought of something and chuckled lightly, “Fine, today I’ll see just who you really are.”
After speaking, Zhao Qingmei glanced at the wooden figure in a long robe beside her, then started controlling the wooden figure to walk forward.
She carefully followed behind the wooden figure.
“You won’t regret this,” the voice said.
The wooden figure moved slowly, Zhao Qingmei intensely focused on the cave ahead, managing to control her heartbeat and breathing very well even in such a tense situation.
“Step…..”
Soon, the wooden figure took its final step and entered the cave.
“Hiss!”
Just as it stepped into the cave, a powerful suction force came from the front, directly pulling the wooden figure in.
And following the wooden figure, Zhao Qingmei also stepped inside. The moment she entered the cave, she felt very strange, as if she was carrying a mountain on her shoulders, extremely heavy.
Finally, she saw the person in the cave.
The person was disheveled, with tattered clothes, and it was unclear whether it was a man or a woman.
“Deceived!?”
The person realizing they had sucked in a wooden figure, muttered to themselves.
At that moment, a cold light already struck at the person.
“Clang!”
The person pinched the Yuan Blade between two fingers, then directly caught Zhao Qingmei’s blade.
“Here, you are no match for me at all.”
The person said blandly.
This time, using their original voice, an old, murky voice tinged with a slight hoarseness, and distinctly female.
……
PS: Chapter 143 has been slightly modified, changing seventy years to more than fifty years to correct Jiang Sanjia’s age.