Chapter 219: Ming Jianzi

Ming Jianzi greeted his martial uncle.

Inside an inn in Longshe Cheng, a man with sword-like brows and starry eyes performed a bow.

Xinran Zhanglao waved a hand: "Sit down."

Thank you, martial uncle.

Ming Jianzi sat down, raised his head, and looked at the martial uncle before him—the renowned martial uncle of the Spirit Sword Sect—who had not returned to the sect for a long time after leaving.

Ming Jianzi did not expect to meet this martial uncle here; it was also a coincidence. He had come to investigate the Wild Dragon Snake matter, caught a familiar scent of Technique, entered the inn, and thus the scene just now occurred.

Martial uncle, Master misses you greatly.

Hehe.

Xinran Zhanglao chuckled, curled his lips, and said: "I think what he misses is not me, but worries that I'll go on a killing spree."

Ming Jianzi again clasped his fists: "I, as his nephew, do not mean that."

Alright, no need to be so flustered; you are not unaware of the martial uncle's temper—how is your master doing?

Thank you for your concern, martial uncle; Master is doing well. Ming Jianzi then said: "Martial uncle, Master misses you greatly and hopes you can return soon."

He did not want to say these words, but before descending the mountain, Master found him and specially instructed him: upon seeing Xinran Zhanglao's words, he should let her return early, not jump about outside, not cause trouble outside, as things outside are chaotic lately.

This martial uncle is difficult to deal with; Ming Jianzi does not want to interact with him, as he lashes out at people at the drop of a hat, putting lives at risk in minutes.

Having met him, he could only grit his teeth and say those words.

Indeed, as soon as he spoke those words, the martial uncle's killing intent fell upon him.

Martial uncle, this is for atonement; it is Master's order to the disciple, not the disciple overstepping.

Ming Jianzi felt the killing intent weaken and continued: "Master said that Junior Sister Churan also has reached the time to forge a sword; she should return to forge it."

Forging a sword is a major affair of the Spirit Sword Sect.

Each disciple can forge a sword once, one suited to himself; once chosen, he basically uses that sword for his whole life.

Of course, one can also replace it, but… it's not the same.

After replacement, one also loses the original intention; perhaps… one can no longer make further progress.

Under normal circumstances, Spirit Sword Sect disciples do not lightly replace their swords, nor do they use them casually; once chosen, they basically do not change them—this is the peculiarity of the Spirit Sword Sect, and what sets it apart from other sects.

Understood, I will return. Xinran Zhanglao waved a hand, utterly unconcerned; the sword, her disciple already has one, and she looks down on the sword the Spirit Sword Sect would forge for her.

She has examined that sword's quality; it is excellent and very suitable for Chen Churan.

You didn't come to Longshe Cheng this time for the Wild Dragon Snake, did you?

Ming Jianzi stood up, clasped his fists: "Martial uncle, please understand; Master said that the Wild Dragon Snake's cave-heaven has manifested, ordering the disciple to come inspect it; if he finds the Wild Dragon Snake alive, he is to kill it."

Moreover, the Wild Dragon Snake's corpse would benefit the sect, Master said.

Xinran Zhanglao could bear no more, raised a hand, and interrupted his words.

Alright, don't always hide behind your master; what's so good about him that you obey him so?

The Wild Dragon Snake is not something you can kill, nor something you can interfere with; martial uncle advises you to return early, as you cannot control it.

Ming Jianzi continued clasping his fists: "Martial uncle, this is the disciple's mission; he cannot return empty-handed."

If martial uncle knows any news of the Wild Dragon Snake, could you tell the disciple's nephew?

Xinran Zhanglao looked at him for a long time, then shook his head: "The Wild Dragon Snake is very dangerous; you had best not interfere."

If you insist on interfering and something happens, do not blame the martial uncle for not warning you.

Disciple takes heed. Ming Jianzi answered firmly.

This mission, he cannot possibly not do it.

Xinran Zhanglao sighed: "You and your master are both base-born."

……

Indeed, it is the martial uncle; his words are still as aggressive as ever.

The Wild Dragon Snake's cave-heaven is right below; you had better think it through before going, for many powers have set their sights on this cave-heaven.

Recently, the Heavenly Heart Sect sent a true-transmission disciple, who died.

Your fate will likely be similar to his.

Xinran Zhanglao finished speaking and left.

Good advice cannot persuade a ghost bent on death.

Ming Jianzi performed another salute, turned, and left.

Chen Churan watched his senior brother depart, then turned his gaze to his master.

Master, you… aren't afraid that the senior brother will also die?

Xinran Elder Zhang stroked Chen Churan's head and said: "It would be good if he were that easy to kill; do not underestimate your senior brother."

He is not someone just anyone can kill; besides, your senior brother is no fool—I have already warned him, and he will surely pay attention.

The Wild Dragon Snake is not something they can covet.

Chen Churan will not go, nor will he get involved; staying by his master's side is safest.

These days, you must not leave my side, following as your teacher.

Yes, Master.

……

Inside the Wild Dragon Snake's cave-heaven.

Heishanyang saw the huge corpse of the Wild Dragon Snake, and his eyes gleamed.

Greedily drinking in the pervasive aura, if it were not for Chen Chuyang being here, it would have long since flown free.

Be careful; the Wild Dragon Snake is not yet completely dead, so do not make a fuss or provoke it.

Heishanyang drew a deep breath, and then his eyes stood upright, fixed upon the Wild Dragon Snake's corpse, which loomed like a mountain peak.

The eyes shifted, flashing a strange light.

After staring for a while, Heishanyang's eyes returned to normal.

"He's completely dead."

"No soul remains alive, kid; are you scaring yourself?"

Chen Chuyang looked at the Wild Dragon Snake again; just like before, it seemed those movements weren't caused by it.

However, what he experienced back then was genuine; he had almost been killed.

"No, it's definitely still alive."

"Last time, when I entered, I merely took its Monster Pill, and it chased me to kill me; if it weren't for me..."

Beside, Heishanyang blew up, jumping up immediately and staring at Chen Chuyang.

"What did you say?"

Heishanyang's fur stood on end, his eyes shocked beyond belief.

"I just took its Monster Pill; who knew it would go berserk, and then..."

Briefly describing the scene then, Heishanyang's eyes flashed with doubt.

He turned back and looked again at the Wild Dragon Snake.

Those eyes turned red, staring for a long time; Heishanyang wondered aloud: "Strange, there's no sign of life; it's truly dead through, impossible to be alive; perhaps what you encountered was merely its final backlash."

"The Wild Dragon Snake, after all, is a snake; it's normal for it not to be completely dead."

"However, according to what you said, it's indeed strange; this snake might still have a trump card; no wonder you didn't want to come in; turns out you took the Wild Dragon Snake's most precious Monster Pill."

"You've got real guts, kid; even I wouldn't dare mess around with this."

Heishanyang really wanted to give Chen Chuyang a thumbs-up and praise him profusely.

"He's a lunatic, a real lunatic, someone who would risk his life for the Monster Pill."

"Back then I had no choice; if I hadn't taken it, I might have died."

"Having obtained the Monster Pill, that trace of consciousness was also obliterated by him."

"If he hadn't done that, it's likely that trace of consciousness would have killed him."