Chapter 539

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Protagonist:

Yu Zhangsheng

"This is tea leaves from a Deep Sea Marvelous Life Tree that this junior happened to obtain from Hailuo Abyss City some days ago. Knowing that Third Elder usually enjoys tea tasting, I offer this as a token of filial respect, and hope Third Elder will accept it."

"After all, no matter how you put it, Wang Sheng is still considered a member of the Yu Beast Sect."

As Wang Sheng spoke, a respectful expression appeared on his face. He bowed slightly, lowered his brows, and held the wooden box with both hands, presenting it to Third Elder.

The wooden box was entirely red in color, antique and elegant, with spiritual energy swirling around it. At a glance, the material was clearly extraordinary. Through the spiritual energy, one could see wisps, like green mist, emanating from within the box.

A single sniff brought an indescribably refreshing, heart-penetrating fragrance rushing to the nose.

Third Elder's hand movements paused. He slowly turned around, looking at Wang Sheng with his respectful demeanor. Listening to his words, a trace of surprise flashed across his face, but his expression also softened considerably. He did not take the wooden box, but merely narrowed his eyes slightly and asked lightly, "To be able to obtain such a treasure from Hailuo Abyss City, you must have expended considerable effort; it was no easy feat. This item is precious, so why give it to me? Wouldn't it be better to keep it for yourself?"

【11】 "The tea leaves of the Deep Sea Marvelous Life Tree are rare; they only sprout once every hundred years. The efficacy of these leaves not only calms the spirit and stabilizes the soul, increases cultivation base, nourishes the soul, and stimulates physical vitality, but can also clarify one's resolve and enhance comprehension. This thing is worth no small amount. Giving it to this rotten old man like me is truly too wasteful."

Third Elder spoke lightly. His gaze seemed to unintentionally sweep lightly over the wooden box, and a ripple of emotion flashed in the depths of his eyes.

And this slight ripple naturally did not escape Wang Sheng, who had been silently observing Third Elder. Wang Sheng's face maintained a smile, his tone respectful, as he said with a light laugh:

"It's nothing that precious. However you say it, this humble one is also a member of the Yu Beast Sect. These years, Third Elder has exhausted his energy and poured out his heart and blood for the Yu Beast Sect. We juniors have seen it all, and naturally feel heartache. Hearing that Third Elder most enjoys tea tasting, this is merely a token of goodwill. It happens to serve for a moment of rest during Third Elder's leisure time on Mountain Elder Island, and can be considered putting it to its greatest use."

Upon hearing this, Third Elder's gaze dimmed slightly. He looked deeply at Wang Sheng for a moment, and his tone involuntarily became even gentler. Still, he did not reach out to take the wooden box, but suddenly clasped his hands behind his back and said lightly, "It counts as you having the heart. Speak then. This visit of yours, what is it for?"

Wang Sheng quietly let out a breath. Seeing that Third Elder did not directly accept the tea leaves, he simply placed it on the stone table to the side, cupped his fists respectfully, and said: "Indeed, nothing escapes Third Elder. Besides wanting to catch up on old times with Third Elder, this junior does indeed have some small matters."

Wang Sheng quietly let out a breath, seeing that Third Elder did not directly accept the tea leaves, he merely placed them on the stone table to the side, cupped his fists respectfully and said: "Indeed nothing escapes Third Elder; Elder coming at this moment, besides wanting to catch up with Third Elder, there are indeed still some small matters."

Hearing this, Third Elder raised his eyes, glanced at Wang Sheng with amusement, his tone carrying a trace of teasing profundity, and said lightly: "Really just small matters? Although this old man hasn't paid much attention to island affairs these years, I'm not completely in the dark. The matter concerning you, this Seventh Holy Son, has been spreading like wildfire recently."

Hearing this, a trace of hidden embarrassment and gloom flashed across Wang Sheng's face, but on the surface he remained perfectly calm. He slightly nodded and cupped his fists, saying: "They are all just wild, nonsensical rumors from the outside world. They can't be taken as truth. As for the specifics, please don't take them to heart, Third Elder."

"Hehe," Third Elder chuckled, shaking his head. "The specifics? I won't spell it out. You know in your own heart. As you say, no matter what, you count as half a disciple of my Yu Beast Sect. In doing things, one must still observe a sense of propriety. Don't go too far, lest you end up trapping yourself in a dilemma."

Third Elder's tone seemed to contain deep meaning. Looking at Wang Sheng, his posture was like that of an elder looking at a junior. The warning intent was obvious:

"You should know clearly in your heart what you yourself have done. Regarding these matters, because no matter what you are still my Hai Shou Tian Dao's Seventh Holy Son, I naturally chose to turn a blind eye."

"But it's still that same sentence: don't go too far. After all, the Heavenly Dao is ultimately not a place where you can act arbitrarily. You want to suppress some disciples who offended you, we won't stop you. After all, cultivation is a struggle against people, unavoidable. However, the premise for all this is still to put the overall interests of Hai Shou Tian Dao first. This time, the Ling Kuang Dao incident must not happen again."

Third Elder Wang Donghai spoke lightly. Although no emotional fluctuation could be heard in his tone, a faint threatening intent leaked out from his words.

Third Elder Wang Donghai spoke lightly, his tone revealing no emotional fluctuations, yet a faint hint of threat within his words seeped out.

Wang Sheng immediately bowed his head respectfully and acknowledged. His eyeballs rolled, he leaned in closer, and said in a low voice:

"However, Third Elder, you say, an outer sect disciple, yet holding such an important post on a spirit mine island like this on my Hai Shou Tian Dao, isn't that also a bit inappropriate?"

"This Perfect One is also very curious. Just what is the background of this so-called Yu Zhangsheng?"

Wang Donghai's expression remained as calm as ever. While watering his flowers and plants, he said lightly: "What outer sect or not outer sect? He is now also the Steward Elder of the islands under my Hai Shou Tian Dao, and has proven with strength that he can hold this post. Isn't that enough?"

"I know you harbor unwillingness toward him. But to directly drive him out of Hai Shou Tian Dao from here, that is impossible now. Especially now, the people watching him are not just me alone."

Hearing this, Wang Sheng gave a wry smile. Mentioning Yu Zhangsheng, a trace of hidden ferocity and resentment flashed in his eyes, yet he still maintained composure, slightly cupping his fists: "This junior is merely curious about this person. Now a heaven's pride, I fear he will ultimately not be willing to remain just an outer sect Steward Elder."

"I fear that given the opportunity, if he continues to develop like this, one day he will return to Upper Sea Beast Heaven Island and stand on equal footing with us."

Wang Donghai turned his head. His gaze was like a torch, staring straight at Wang Sheng. His eyes were deep, seemingly able to directly penetrate the thoughts of the heart. His mouth opened slightly, and he spoke calmly: "What do you want to express?"

Wang Sheng lowered his head and cupped his fists. His tone remained respectful: "What this junior thinks is the same as Third Elder. It's merely some conflict with this Yu Zhangsheng. I know Third Elder also dislikes this Yu Zhangsheng, fearing he will seize the opportunity to rise and threaten Xu Chengbo, adding obstacles to Xu Chengbo's Holy Son struggle. And the drawing of lots between me and this Yu Zhangsheng before is already irreconcilable. Since that's the case, why doesn't Third Elder borrow this junior's knife? It would be just right to eliminate future troubles once and for all……"

Wang Sheng lowered his head and cupped his fists, his tone still respectful: "What this junior thinks is the same as Third Elder, merely having some conflict with this Yu Zhangsheng; I know Third Elder also dislikes this Yu Zhangsheng, fearing he will seize the opportunity to rise and threaten Xu Chengbo, adding obstacles to Xu Chengbo's Saint Son struggle, and the drawing of lots between me and this Yu Zhangsheng before is also irreconcilable; since it is so, why doesn't Third Elder borrow this junior's knife, which can perfectly eliminate future troubles..."

Having reached this step, he couldn't be bothered to beat around the bush with Wang Donghai anymore. He straightforwardly laid it out directly. After all, he knew clearly in his heart that he and Wang Donghai ought to be a united front, with no direct conflict between them.

And his own little schemes couldn't be hidden from Wang Donghai. After all, an old fox is an old fox.

The Xu Chengbo mentioned in his words is precisely the Third Holy Son in Hai Shou Tian Dao, with formidable strength. And Wang Donghai is also one of Xu Chengbo's overt supporters, with a close relationship.

The reason is simple. Xu Chengbo's mother and Wang Donghai come from the same clan. There exists a certain blood relationship between the two.

Therefore, Wang Donghai naturally favors Third Holy Son Xu Chengbo. And as Wang Sheng said, the reason Wang Donghai sent Yu Zhangsheng away back then was also to be safe, fearing that one day Yu Zhangsheng would threaten Xu Chengbo.

And judging by the current situation, his thinking back then was not wrong. Yu Zhangsheng's performance indeed poses a certain threat.

Therefore, hearing Wang Sheng's such frank words, Wang Donghai's expression stiffened. He blanked for a moment, but did not get angry. He merely looked deeply at Wang Sheng again, pondered for a while: "You're quite interesting. You have a grudge with Yu Zhangsheng yourself, yet you still want to drag me into the water. What, do you really think I'd still meddle in the matter between you two?"

Wang Donghai chuckled. Wang Sheng still maintained his gentleness, merely lightly nodding his head, lowering his brows and bowing to Wang Donghai, saying:

"Third Elder jokes. I am only speaking of myself. This junior is willing to become a knife, at Third Elder's command."

Wang Donghai fell silent. After a long while, he lightly let out a breath, thought for a moment, took out a jade tube from his bosom, threw it to Wang Sheng, shook his head and said: "Inside here is all information regarding Yu Zhangsheng, including how he came to Hai Shou Tian Dao, and why he came. Take it and look. There might be what you need inside."

Wang Donghai fell silent; after a long while, he lightly exhaled a breath, thought for a moment, took out a Jade Tube from his bosom, threw it to Wang Sheng, shook his head and said: "Inside is all information regarding Yu Zhangsheng, including how he came to Hai Shou Tian Dao, and why he came; take it to read, inside perhaps there are things you need."

Wang Sheng's brows and eyes lit up with joy. He nodded, and received the jade tube.

"Hmm," Wang Donghai turned away, no longer looking at Wang Sheng. He merely lowered his head, fiddling with his cultivated flowers and spiritual herbs. His tone was somewhat ethereal and illusory as it slowly drifted over: "I'll still say the same thing. Grasp the opportunity yourself. This is the matter on Phosphorus Mine Island. It has already drawn attention. And Yu Zhangsheng has therefore entered some people's sight. Although it doesn't amount to much now."

"But if there is such an opportunity again, perhaps your deep scheming will instead become a stepping stone for him to fly up to the branches. So either don't do it, or do it absolutely. Don't expose your own weaknesses, and even more, don't build momentum for others. You must know, your position as Seventh Holy Son is not stable."

Wang Sheng fell silent. He nodded, and replied in a low voice: "This junior knows clearly in his heart. This time was merely an accident. With many scruples, this junior lost to that Yu Zhangsheng once. There won't be a next time."

Wang Sheng fell silent, nodded, and replied in a low voice: "This junior is clear in his heart; this time was merely an accident, many reservations made this junior lose to that Yu Zhangsheng once; this time it will not happen."

Wang Donghai didn't say more either. He merely, in his heart, quietly sighed a breath.

In fact, regarding the conflict between Wang Sheng and Yu Zhangsheng, he originally didn't want to interfere. The best would be to let this Yu Zhangsheng remain unknown forever. It's just a pity that sometimes things go contrary to one's wishes. The more one wants peace, the harder it is to find peace.

The outbreak of conflict between Wang Sheng and Yu Zhangsheng was unexpected to him. Even more unexpected was that Wang Sheng ultimately lost to Yu Zhangsheng in a shocking upset. To the point that Yu Zhangsheng, while not famous far and wide, has gone completely contrary to his initial thoughts.

He schemed deeply to nearly exile Yu Zhangsheng outside. Wasn't it precisely because he feared Yu Zhangsheng would make a name for himself, and thus be noticed by some people on Hai Shou Tian Dao, recruited, and become one of Xu Chengbo's strong rivals, adding pressure……

One can only say Wang Sheng's matter was an accident. Regarding Wang Sheng's actions, Wang Donghai naturally disliked them in his heart. But since things have come to this, seeing Yu Zhangsheng showing signs of rising, why not go along with Wang Sheng and make things absolute? Before he fully reveals his edge, strangle him in the cradle.

One can only say Wang Sheng's matter was an unexpected surprise; regarding Wang Sheng's actions, Wang Donghai naturally disliked them in his heart, but since things have reached this point, seeing Yu Zhangsheng showing momentum to rise, better to go along with Wang Sheng and make things absolute, strangling him in the cradle before he has fully revealed his edge.

"Many thanks, Third Elder. Since that's the case, this junior will take his leave first. Third Elder, take good care of yourself. This junior won't disturb you further."

Looking at Wang Donghai's back, Wang Sheng quietly let out a breath. After speaking thus with cupped fists, his gaze lightly swept over the wooden box placed on the stone table to the side, and he quietly left this place.

Looking at Wang Donghai's background, Wang Sheng quietly let out a breath, and after cupping his fist and saying so, his gaze lightly swept over the wooden box placed on the stone table to the side, then he quietly left this place.

Since he is asking a favor, he must adopt the proper attitude.

"What a pity, my Deep Sea Marvelous Life Tea……"

Wang Sheng sighed inwardly in a low voice, feeling a pang of distress, but his face naturally revealed not the slightest trace.

As for Wang Sheng's departure, Wang Donghai naturally did not stop him either; after silently nodding, he paid no further attention, and instead continued tinkering with the spiritual herbs as if nothing had happened.

"Like this, although it lacks grace, there is no other choice; sometimes, life simply will not let you have your way……"

Wang Donghai's gaze was deep and remote, thinking of these things in his heart; he lowered his head to look at a spiritual lotus in full bloom before him, suddenly gave a light laugh, his palm abruptly clenched the lotus blooming at its peak, and pinched it ruthlessly.

Crack……

In an instant, the spiritual lotus turned to powder, drifting away on the wind.

And Wang Donghai lightly patted his hands, his expression utterly calm.

"In the end, it is merely a flower for viewing; using it properly for viewing is best, that is your greatest value; if it is too stunning, it is easily plucked and ruined."

Wang Donghai murmured in a low voice: "Besides, this Wang Sheng is also considered sensible; it just so happens to borrow his hand to make some matters convenient to act upon; besides that, he has nothing to do with me anymore. We'll just see how Wang Sheng's methods fare."

"Or perhaps, this Yu Zhangsheng, whether he can withstand it; if he can pass even this, then he also counts as having extraordinary bearing……"

Wang Donghai thought for a moment, then slowly shook his head, suppressing the complex emotions in his heart, looking toward the stone table in the pavilion to the side, his gaze falling on the stone table, on the wooden box Wang Sheng had placed, lightly picked it up, and slowly opened the box.

Inside the wooden box, spiritual silk brocade lined some tea leaves; opening the box, a wave of clear fragrance instantly assaulted the nostrils, this scent rich and lingering, making one inhale and instantly feel refreshed, fatigue vanishing completely, mind clear and spirit invigorated.

Even more, spiritual qi was naturally attracted by it, swirling and gathering.

These tea leaves were entirely dark red in color, thin as cicada wings, like tiny five-pointed stars, crystalline and transparent, truly bizarre, obviously not ordinary objects, yet the quantity was not much, roughly only eighty-some leaves.

"Deep Sea Marvelous Life Tea……"

Wang Donghai pondered, lightly picked up a tea leaf, sniffed it slightly at the tip of his nose, and involuntarily revealed a faint smile on his face.

"It is a good thing, just right to send to Bo'er; since that is so, what harm in giving this Wang Sheng a chance?"

Wang Donghai laughed heartily, and with a wave of his sleeve, put the wooden box away. (Chapter End)