Chapter 136: Looking Ahead and Behind Is Not Enough to Accomplish Anything

After slipping away from the chaotic ceremony site, Da Bao led Chu Danqing in pursuit.

They followed until reaching a forest at the northern foot of Canluo Mountain.

Chu Danqing and Da Bao peered out, hesitant to approach.

The two seemed locked in a fierce argument—he didn't know why, but he guessed it had something to do with the sect leader's position.

After watching for about fifteen seconds, their voices fell silent, and both turned their gazes toward Chu Danqing and Da Bao.

"Uh, I volunteered for a street committee for two days—I've got a bit of experience mediating. Maybe I can help settle this?" Chu Danqing felt the awkwardness of being caught eavesdropping on gossip.

"Murong Ying," the woman bowed and said at once: "You're seated in the main seat—you must be of high status. Please, judge this matter for us."

Murong Ying began to speak.

Chu Danqing skipped over their melodramatic love-tragedy and got straight to the point.

Basically, Zhuo Bufan had been indecisive—he'd come down to the mountain's foot, then regretted it and wanted to go back.

"My master and uncles have treated me well, yet I'm abandoning them for my own selfish desires," Zhuo Bufan said, torn between craving freedom and not wanting to betray the sect.

That made him seem utterly twisted.

After listening, Chu Danqing understood: Zhuo Bufan didn't need strong responsibility—or none at all—but he had neither in pure form.

A misunderstanding had arisen, making Canluo Sect believe Murong Ying had bewitched Zhuo Bufan—hence they called her a demoness.

"You know it yourself, yet you dragged this young lady into it— isn't that unfair?" Chu Danqing said.

You enjoyed the benefits, and now you claim you're a free spirit and want to discard everything? That's not how it works.

Some compensation would've been acceptable, but from Zhuo Bufan's attitude, it's clear he offered no restitution at all—only thought of avoiding the burden of becoming sect leader.

Chu Danqing certainly wouldn't coddle him.

"But with your character, even if you became sect leader, you'd be a coward without backbone," Chu Danqing said bluntly: "Leave. I'll tell Zi Yu Jushi to replace you."

With this fickle nature, who knows when you'll grow restless again after becoming leader and bring ruin upon Canluo Sect.

Hearing this, Zhuo Bufan's expression softened immediately: "Thank you, Commander Chu, for mediating."

He seemed convinced Chu Danqing could resolve it, and his demeanor instantly relaxed.

Chu Danqing's eyebrow twitched—this guy had just dumped his responsibility onto him.

Seeing Zhuo Bufan's attitude, Murong Ying's face darkened instantly; the affection she once held had already plummeted to ice during their earlier quarrel.

Now, with this cowardly remark, any remaining goodwill vanished completely.

"Since you've gotten what you wanted, let's part ways," Murong Ying said, then turned and left at once.

"Thank you, Miss Murong, for your help," Zhuo Bufan said, not caring about her departure—he felt as if shackles had been lifted and the world had opened wide.

"Commander Chu, I'll take my leave now," Zhuo Bufan added, then departed without hesitation.

He had responsibility, so he hesitated.

Now that he'd dumped it onto Chu Danqing, he no longer hesitated.

Thus he left with a carefree air.

Chu Danqing shook his head: "A spineless fool—wasting such martial talent and potential."

He was certain Zhuo Bufan would remain this way for life.

He once had the chance to become another Number One Under Heaven, or at least a top-tier expert like Yuan Chong.

Now that he'd left Canluo Sect to fend for himself, let alone advancing in martial arts, even maintaining his current skill level would be difficult.

As the saying goes: the poor study, the rich train. Martial cultivation requires leaving your livelihood and eating well—without sect support, how many can go far?

"Ah, thank you, Commander Chu," Zi Yu Jushi emerged from the shadows only after Zhuo Bufan had vanished, his face heavy with sorrow.

He was still his own disciple, raised from childhood; after a brief arrangement, he followed Chu Danqing down the mountain, merely unwilling to show himself.

He'd once considered replacing him, but all elders and disciples opposed it, forcing Zhuo Bufan's ascension.

Now that he's gone, it's for the best—Canluo Sect can choose a willing leader, and Zhuo Bufan can live his carefree life.

"But how do we explain this? We can't say the sect leader fled during his succession ceremony," Chu Danqing said.

Zi Yu Jushi seemed to have made peace with it: "Just say Zhuo Bufan refused to assume the position."

Such matters can't be forced—admitting it openly is better.

"But his actions are entirely his own fault—he must be stripped of his Canluo Sect disciple status."

"And we must clarify the earlier misunderstanding about Miss Murong."

"We'll handle the expulsion ourselves, but we need your help to clear her name," Zi Yu Jushi said—he was upright and wouldn't cover it up.

Canluo Sect was a righteous sect; its actions must stand firm and honorable.

Better to resolve it now than let it fester and explode into scandal later, causing greater trouble.

"How can I help? My information network is even more closed than yours," Chu Danqing said—he had no way to assist.

"No need to overcomplicate it—just lend your weight to the proceedings; I'll handle the rest," Zi Yu Jushi didn't expect Chu Danqing to spread the news himself.

A succession ceremony that collapsed mid-event was perfect.

It just needed someone of stature to preside.

Chu Danqing was perfect for it.

"Fine, then I'll do as you say," Chu Danqing accepted the task.

The three returned to the mountain; Chu Danqing presided, Zi Yu Jushi appeared, and the matter concluded swiftly.

But fallout was inevitable—though none of it concerned Chu Danqing.

Canluo Sect would handle its own PR—no need for him to worry.

That night, after finishing all affairs, Zi Yu Jushi mustered his strength to visit Chu Danqing.

He was an old man—even a cultivator couldn't endure such repeated blows.

"Thank you, Commander Chu, for your help today," Zi Yu Jushi said, producing a worn scroll: "These are some sword insights from me and my four brothers. I hope you won't refuse them."

The scroll was old and damaged—clearly a frequently used item of the Five Elders of Canluo.

"I'll take it," Chu Danqing knew instantly it was a knowledge item—but he didn't reach for it.

He continued: "There's too much here. Let someone copy it first—I'll take the original."

The copy wouldn't be recognized by the Paradise; only the original would.

For Zi Yu Jushi and the others, it made no difference.

Zi Yu Jushi smiled: "Commander Chu, you're meticulous. I'll have someone deliver it to you tomorrow."

"Alright," Chu Danqing agreed, then asked: "Who's next for sect leader?"

"Let Zhao Mingqian take it," Zi Yu Jushi didn't hide it: "But he's young and lacks experience."

"We old men will have to hold on a few more years."

Compared to Zhuo Bufan, Zhao Mingqian was far more suitable.

Zhao Mingqian had bonds with Chu Danqing and Xiong Zhigang—he'd receive care in the future.

His talent wasn't as high as Zhuo Bufan's, but his character was better—he was decisive and accountable.

Fortunately, Zhao Mingqian was already sixteen—he'd need only three to five more years of training before taking office.

Zi Yu Jushi and the others would still be alive.

"Good," Chu Danqing wasn't surprised—there were only a few candidates, and Zhao Mingqian had connections and a powerful father-in-law; his selection wasn't surprising.

"Since that's settled, I've stayed on Canluo Mountain for half a month—I'll take the original tomorrow and head to find Xiong Grand Coordinator."

"If I stay any longer, I might not want to leave," Chu Danqing added with a teasing tone.

"If Commander Chu wishes to stay longer, Canluo Sect would be honored," Zi Yu Jushi didn't try to persuade him.

He could see Chu Danqing's resolve to leave was firm.

"Please be cautious on your journey," Zi Yu Jushi continued: "Though you've removed one threat from your bounty, I sense this matter isn't over."

Chu Danqing nodded gravely: "I'm heading to the border to resolve this."

The mastermind was a high-ranking official of Su Shen—they'd repeatedly tried to kill him; Chu Danqing wouldn't tolerate it anymore.

He'd go straight there and make them pay.

Even good men have limits—especially now, with hundreds involved.

If not for the ceremony, he'd have to spend 6, 00 Paradise Points to find Guo Ming again.

"Since Commander Chu is leaving, I can't offer nothing," Zi Yu Jushi thought for a moment, then produced a short sword.

"This blade was forged in my spare time."

"I noticed you're not skilled with weapons—this will serve well for defense."

The short sword was specially designed—unassuming yet elegant.

【Xinxin Sword】

【Type: Equipment · Short Sword】

【Quality: Excellent】

【Durability: 100/100】

【Attack: 25~25】

【Soul-Piercing (Passive): Armor Penetration +20】

【Requirement: Strength 5】

Chu Danqing glanced at the stats—its value surpassed that of the Sanshan Sword.

"This is too precious—I can't accept it," Chu Danqing refused immediately.

This wasn't some casual forgery—it was a masterpiece born of blood, sweat, and tears.

"Hahaha, Commander Chu, you jest," Zi Yu Jushi pushed the Xinxin Sword toward Chu Danqing: "All Canluo Sect sword arts use long swords or dual swords."

This short sword is not suitable.

I originally forged a long sword, but my skills were insufficient, and it turned out as a short one.

It has gathered dust ever since; now that I've met Master Chu, I might as well give it to you. Ziyu Jushi did not lie—this Sword of Suspended Heart had never been used.

Chu Danqing spread his hands: 「I don't know how to use it either. If I ever really need it, I might hurt myself.

「No matter. Whether you sell it or give it away, it will have found a place. Ziyu Jushi spoke with clarity.

He knew perfectly well Chu Danqing couldn't use it; he simply had few things to give, and the Sword of Suspended Heart happened to be valuable and potentially useful.

This was his personal thanks to Chu Danqing for helping his disciple escape—he dared not use public funds.

(End of Chapter)