Chapter 1346: Elder Xinran Persuades Tianlian Zhenren

Tianlian Zhenren leaned in, her eyes fixed tightly on Elder Xinran, imposing great pressure on her.

She stared like that for more than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Tianlian Zhenren did not shift her gaze; that look was truly frightening.

This is Tianlian Zhenren's usual tactic; she uses it on her own disciples, and they usually lose. She hadn't used it in a long time, but this time she employed it without any rust—indeed, she grew more practiced, a matter of bodily reflex.

Elder Xinran ignored her stare, and with a chuckle at her gaze, said: "That trick won't work on me, Fellow Daoist Tianlian. I advise you to spare yourself the trouble—what do you want to do? Just tell me directly; perhaps I can help you plan."

Tianlian Zhenren didn't expect this tactic to fail; she wasn't discouraged, for she never thought it would work on Elder Xinran anyway—this woman is her equal in ruthlessness, capable of leading the Spirit Sword Sect to destroy the Heavenly Heart Sect, exterminating it root and branch, leaving no one alive. For that sheer ferocity, Tianlian Zhenren falls short.

Don't judge Elder Xinran by her current appearance; when she turns ruthless, even Tianlian Zhenren would have to retreat three feet.

"I don't want to do anything; I'm just curious about your relationship with him. Your disciple is his sister, yet you and he are… not exactly proper. Don't you find that… awkward?"

Elder Xinran spread her hands: "Fellow Daoist Tianlian, I don't know what you're talking about. If you have nothing else, you may leave; don't disturb my sword practice."

Raising her sword blade, she prepared to practice, warning that if you kept blocking her practice, her sword would have no eyes.

Tianlian Zhenren did not retreat; instead, she smiled narrowly and asked, "Elder Xinran, may I ask how you managed that?"

"Aren't you afraid that when your disciple finds out, it will be terribly awkward?"

Elder Xinran lowered her sword blade, gazed at Tianlian Zhenren for a moment, then teased, "Fellow Daoist Tianlian, could it be that you're very interested in him?"

Tianlian Zhenren remained silent, neither denying nor admitting, merely staring fixedly at Elder Xinran.

Elder Xinran read her gaze; this woman actually wanted to poach her disciple—truly… interesting.

"Fellow Daoist Tianlian, if you want him, I might be able to help you."

Tianlian Zhenren furrowed her brows: "Fellow Daoist Xinran, calm down a bit—can't you not be so excited?"

"How could I not be excited? Fellow Daoist Tianlian, I tell you: if you just nod, I can take care of the rest, and I promise to keep it secret." Elder Xinran's heart raced with excitement—this was a great opportunity; if Tianlian Zhenren succeeded, wouldn't that be…?

By then, the embarrassed wouldn't be just me—so I wouldn't be embarrassed either, right?

Having company would naturally be best, and she felt Chen Chuyang would surely like it.

After all, Tianlian Zhenren is Shang Hongchen's master; that relationship only makes it more exciting.

I've gone off track.

Elder Xinran took Tianlian Zhenren's hand—what sword practice is this?

Practicing swords isn't nearly as fun as this; she pulled Tianlian Zhenren to sit down and exclaimed excitedly, "Fellow Daoist Tianlian, your looks are not bad at all—quite excellent, in fact, the very type Chen Chuyang likes most; you also have this idea, so I can help you."

"You also know how dangerous Tianwai is; without a reliance, it's very hard to get by."

"A beauty like you easily draws attention—I'm sure you've felt it; those men of Tianwai most like to conquer women of your spirited nature, and the more you resist, the more excited they become."

"So our situations are the same; as a woman, I naturally hope you find a good home and a strong backing."

"And as for those people of Tianwai, neither you nor I believe in them—after all, only one person is truly suitable."

Chen Chuyang is the most suitable; he is truly gentle toward his women.

He won't be like certain men who change their demeanor once they have you in hand.

Moreover, Chen Chuyang will give his women plenty of resources, ensuring their cultivation.

At least, it's nothing compared to what Tianlian Zhenren currently possesses—her resources are merely a pittance, not much at all.

Compared to Elder Xinran, the difference is vast.

Wanting to raise one's cultivation, to become strong—without resources, it's as hard as climbing to heaven.

Tianlian Zhenren knows the hardships of Tianwai; looking at that realm, it is far richer and broader, with abundant resources—but most of those resources are already claimed, so to obtain them one must fight, compete, and slaughter alongside many others.

Only those who survive to the end might possibly obtain a little bit of those resources.

Take the Mangshan Mountain Range, for example—resources plentiful, spiritual medicines countless, thousand-year-old spiritual medicines abundant—but human forces cannot set foot there, cannot enter; those spiritual medicines all have owners, and to get hold of them one must venture into the Mangshan Mountains and undergo life-and-death trials.

Fighting demonic beasts, fighting humans, fighting heaven and earth—one slip and it's eternal doom.

This is something Tianlian Zhenren cannot bear; but if she follows a powerful backing, none of this is needed—she can cultivate in peace until she becomes a strong one, which is also the importance of the sect.

Persons like Tianlian Zhenren cannot join those sects—either their secret would be exposed, or they are not disciples nurtured by the sect; wanting… to join a sect is simply too hard.

"The outside world is vast and dangerous; although Longshe Shan's location is perilous, it is much safer compared to the outside."

"Qinglong Daoren is Chen Chuyang's incarnation; you've seen it—his strength is immense, enough to protect us."

"Chen Chuyang comes by from time to time; if you want to be with him, I can ask him to come over."

"He is quite interested in you."

Elder Xinran stroked Tianlian Zhenren's face; upon close inspection, this woman is not bad-looking.

Moreover, she has spent all these years cultivating, with no experience in romantic affairs—she is a top-tier beauty.

Most importantly, it's Tianlian Zhenren's status and her former standing; Elder Xinran wants to test the waters with her, to clear the way for herself so she won't be embarrassed alone—when she has her company, she won't be too embarrassed.

Of course, those thoughts of Elder Xinran's cannot be told to Tianlian Zhenren; first we'll trap her, then talk—other matters we'll slowly coax her about later.

"Fellow Daoist Xinran, don't lie to me—Chen Chuyang has no interest in me." Tianlian Zhenren is clear-headed; she won't be fooled by a few words from Elder Xinran.

Elder Xinran gripped her hand firmly and said gently, "What does it matter whether he's interested? A beauty like you showing up at his door—could he possibly refuse?"

"Fellow Daoist Tianlian, you must have confidence in yourself; your looks and figure are top-notch—any man who sees them will be moved."

"A mere Chen Chuyang—easily pinched between thumb and forefinger."