Chapter 249

“Zhang Elder, then... then I’ll take my leave...”

Seeing Zhang Kun’s nearly frenzied expression, the inner sect disciple immediately retreated toward the door, voice trembling.

Afraid he’d be caught in the crossfire of this “mad bull” at any moment.

“Wait! Stop!”

A thunderous bellow exploded beside his ear, making him shudder violently, his body frozen as if bound by a paralysis spell.

He struggled to lift his head, meeting Zhang Kun’s massive, bloodshot eyes brimming with savagery; the dark veins on his blackened face still pulsed, terrifying to behold.

“From now on, I’m assigning you a task.”

Zhang Kun locked onto him, growling like a wild ox:

“Go to the vicinity of Tianyun Peak and keep constant watch on that gray-robed old man!”

“If he shows any sign of leaving the sect grounds, come report to me immediately!”

“Understood?”

He was mad, but not stupid.

Even if he hated Jiang Ye with every fiber of his being, he couldn’t possibly storm Tianyun Peak and tear that damned old man apart in front of so many witnesses.

The only way was to wait until Jiang Ye left the sect grounds, then seek his chance.

Hearing this, the inner sect disciple felt a bitter tide surge in his chest, silently cursing his misfortune for being saddled with this task.

But faced with Zhang Kun’s intimidating, unyielding gaze, he lacked the courage to refuse, and could only grit his teeth and bow deeply:

“Yes... Zhang Elder. I’ll go at once.”

Zhang Kun waved his hand impatiently; the disciple fled the courtyard as if granted a reprieve.

Once the disciple’s footsteps vanished beyond the courtyard wall, Zhang Kun turned his gaze once more toward Tianyun Peak, his thick fingers cracking with each clench.

Six primordial qi threads...

With Liu Qingyu’s foundation, barring any mishap, her entry into the Primordial Realm was all but certain.

Once she successfully broke through, she’d firmly establish herself within the upper sect—and then his leverage over her would dwindle further.

This woman—he, Tie Niu—would claim her.

The more he thought, the more frantic he grew; the more frantic he grew, the more he drew a blank. Frustrated, he raised his massive fist and slammed it hard against his own skull—blows landing flesh on bone, numbing his scalp.

Suddenly, as if struck by revelation, his bulging eyes flashed with sudden brilliance, and a cold, cruel smile curled his lips.

“Ah...”

“How could I have forgotten this!”

“For Tianqing Sect to remain in the upper sect, it must pass the evaluation!”

As a Primordial Elder of Lingniu Peak, he naturally had the authority to be assigned as an evaluator by the sect.

Then, if he volunteered to personally intervene on the training ground, if she wished to spare Tianqing Sect from elimination, she’d have no choice but to beg him for mercy.

And the price of begging him? Those who understand, understand.

“Hahahahahaha!!!!!!”

One moment Zhang Kun’s face was twisted with rage—the next, he threw his head back and erupted into a maniacal laugh of impending triumph, shaking the roof tiles above the courtyard.

He already pictured Liu Qingyu’s exquisite face bowing before him in submission.

His dark face flushed with uncontainable excitement; his breathing grew ragged.

Tianyun Peak, East Peak.

Jiang Ye sat cross-legged beside the Qingyan herb field, his body surrounded by a thick surge of heavenly and earthly energy, gradually refining the Five Elements True Gang within him into perfect harmony.

Suddenly, he slowly opened his eyes, a faint, almost imperceptible glint flashing in his aged gaze.

A presence capable of stirring heavenly energy was approaching—yet devoid of hostility, halting just beyond the courtyard gate, as if patiently waiting.

Moments later, Lü Ming tiptoed to the gate, his plump face etched with disbelief, lowering his voice to announce: “Jiang Elder, Zhu Elder of Wanliu Sect has come to pay his respects.”

“Oh? Zhu Elder of Wanliu Sect...”

Jiang Ye raised an eyebrow, a wry glint in his eyes.

He’d taken all six primordial qi threads from Tianyun Peak—this Zhu Elder should harbor deep resentment toward him.

Yet now he comes calling? That’s interesting.

“Show him in.”

He waved his hand, signaling Lü Ming to bring the visitor in, then rose slowly to his feet.

Soon after, Zhu Junwen entered the secluded courtyard under Lü Ming’s guidance.

He wore a fresh, pale blue robe, his demeanor restored to its refined, composed poise.

“I am Zhu Junwen of Wanliu Sect. I pay my respects to Elder Jiang.”

This Primordial Elder bowed respectfully upon entering.

Lü Ming, standing nearby, nearly popped his eyes out.

No wonder Jiang Elder commands such respect.

Even a Primordial cultivator treats him with deference.

Lü Ming suppressed his excitement, wisely bowed and withdrew, closing the courtyard gate gently behind him.

“Zhu Elder’s personal visit is indeed unexpected.”

Jiang Ye gestured toward a seat, his tone calm, yet laced with subtle amusement.

Zhu Junwen sat at the stone table, his refined face wearing a candid, wry smile, his voice unguarded:

“Elder Jiang, due to sect interests, there may have been minor tensions between Wanliu Sect and yours.”

“But in this battle for the primordial qi threads on Tianyun Peak, Elder Jiang’s methods have truly opened my eyes.”

“All six primordial qi threads now belong to your sect—I accept it wholeheartedly.”

His candor caught Jiang Ye off guard.

In truth, Zhu Junwen had thoroughly reconsidered the entire affair upon returning.

From the start, they’d vastly underestimated Tianqing Sect.

They assumed these country bumpkins from Yunling Prefecture would collapse under their combined pressure, just like the old Qingyun Sect—unable to last even months, let alone compete for primordial qi.

But reality had slapped every one of them hard across the face.

This Jiang Elder had taken all six primordial qi threads from under the noses of three Primordial cultivators—and escaped unscathed.

Such strength, such tactics...

He genuinely admired him.

Moreover, Tianqing Sect appeared to have Lu Guizhou, the Enforcement Hall Elder, standing behind it.

Since Tianqing Sect’s rise could no longer be halted, it was wiser to lower his pride and forge goodwill, rather than stubbornly follow Cheng Yuan’s path to ruin.

He was nothing like that emotional fool Cheng Yuan.

He understood cost and benefit.

Cultivating ties with Tianqing Sect was clearly advantageous.

As he spoke, he withdrew a square token from his sleeve and placed it gently on the stone table: “Forgive me, Elder Jiang. This is my first visit as a neighbor.”

“This token holds three thousand unnamed contribution points.”

“Consider it a welcome gift to my new neighbor.”

Jiang Ye blinked in surprise.

This Wanliu Elder was surprisingly astute.

Three thousand contribution points at once—enough to cover three months’ stipend for an Elder.

Between them, aside from that brief clash atop the peak over the primordial qi, no deep enmity had formed.

Since he extended goodwill, Jiang Ye had no reason to shut him out.

Besides—he needed contribution points now.

Jiang Ye smiled faintly, pushing the token beside his teacup—no words spoken, yet his action made his stance clear.