Chapter 59

Five days later.

The Cloud Climbing Sparrow set down Chen Zhao and the other two, then chirped noisily as it flew back to the cottage.

If it could speak human words, it would surely go complain to Li Zhiwei.

I'm just a Qi Refining sparrow, usually doing recon—how could I possibly carry three people on a long flight?

Not to mention one of those three was carrying a cat!

But Chen Zhao was quite decent—he fed me Spirit Beast Pills all along, which kept me from exploding in rage right then and there.

As it floated lazily past the sect gate, it habitually looked down to scout—and spotted a fat figure dart past.

It grabbed Chen Zhao in one swift motion and vanished with him.

A primal fear stirred in its heart; it flapped its wings and fled at once.

……

Discipline Hall's main hall.

"You've done well, boy—the old man's been watching that False Core for so long, and you've drawn him out."

Zhang Chunfeng clapped his hands and laughed, pulling Chen Zhao close.

Around them stood a group of Elders.

Many had ties with Fang Zhang; since this incident, they've all defected to the right side.

Now each of them chimed in, hastily praising, "Heroes always emerge in youth!"

Of course, their real intent was to flatter Zhang Chunfeng—like Xiang Zhu dancing with his sword, aiming for Pei Gong.

Chen Zhao didn't take it seriously; instead, he murmured curiously:

"Elder, this 'old man' you mentioned…"

"Lin Yutang, the Sect Master, known as the True Man of Liyang—he's quite approachable. You needn't be so wary."

Zhang Chunfeng draped an arm over his shoulder, assuming Chen Zhao merely dared not speak plainly.

Chen Zhao's eyelids twitched.

Joking.

After seeing that one sword, even if told the man was humble, he wouldn't dare show the slightest disrespect.

Chen Zhao glanced around—the other Elders showed no reaction; clearly, they were used to it.

"Thanks to your tip-off, the old man has promised me the next Hall Master position—and sent you here to claim your reward."

"Your position and share in Juxian Pavilion remain unchanged; once you reach Qi Refining tenth tier, you may be promoted directly to the Inner Sect, with no age restriction."

No wonder everyone was fawning over him.

Chen Zhao understood at once and took the yellow jade Token.

The front bore the words Juxian Pavilion; the back, the Tiankui Sect emblem.

It seemed Juxian Pavilion, too large to ignore, had been taken over by the Sect.

He probed gently.

Learned that Liu Chen and the others kept their positions, but their shares were slashed drastically—now they were effectively working for the Sect.

"At least we still get a share. Such a big operation—the Sect won't let this cash cow slip away."

Zhang Chunfeng's share was cut the most, yet he took it in stride.

After all, everyone only dared mutter such things about the old man—anyone who dared demand an explanation would be asking for death.

"Perhaps this current arrangement was entirely orchestrated by him—even the Su Family incident. The moment you contacted me, he happened to emerge from seclusion. What are the odds?"

He casually added this, leaving Chen Zhao lost in thought.

Using the traitor to lure out the Evil Cultivators might have been Lin Yutang's plan all along—otherwise, how could a Foundation Establishment cultivator have secretly colluded with Evil Cultivators without a Golden Core noticing?

This Sect is truly a gathering of old foxes putting on a Liaozhai play.

"The Sect Master has planned for years, but even I don't know the name of the Evil Cultivator organization."

Chen Zhao followed the thread, feigning a sigh.

The Fang Clan was destroyed; Liang Chenfeng still lived. Though he bore Chen Zhao no grudge, Chen Zhao still needed to guard against future threats.

"The old… Sect Master said it might be called Wusheng Sect?"

Zhang Chunfeng's eyes narrowed; a familiar feeling rose in his chest—but when he tried to recall, the memory grew hazy.

He shook his head, deciding to verify with the Sect Master later.

At that moment, he pulled Chen Zhao aside and whispered:

"Regarding the Evil Cultivators, I'll give you some personal rewards—don't go boasting about them to the other Elders."

He handed over a Storage Bag, its surface still wet with the blood of the Fang character.

"I only took a few Top-Grade Dharma Treasures—the rest are yours."

"Also, about your trip to the Sect Ruins—I told no one except the Sect Master."

Fair enough.

Chen Zhao bowed in thanks and took his leave.

"But the old man asked me to pass on a message."

"The more heavenly a cultivation technique seems, the less you should learn it."

As Chen Zhao stepped past the hall's threshold, Zhang Chunfeng's voice echoed in his ear.

He thought of the Xuan Shui Chang Sheng Lu, and frowned.

Compared to the Sect Master he'd never met, he trusted the divination more—but now that he'd begun cultivation, he'd need to be more cautious.

Summer wind brushed past; shadows of trees swayed across the stone steps, peaceful and pleasant.

Chen Zhao descended a few steps—then saw a shadow appear before him.

"Zhao... the sect gave us a Jia-Xia rating and awarded me three First Grade Upper Tier Array Diagrams."

Xin Tong leaned over, speaking with evident pride.

Array Diagrams are far more valuable than Dharma Treasures; when Chen Zhao once gifted her the Array Diagrams he found in the ruins, she couldn't stop smiling ever since.

"A Jia-Xia rating..."

Chen Zhao raised an eyebrow.

After an Outer Sect Disciple voluntarily completes a mission, they receive a rating—the greater their contribution to the sect, the higher the rating, and the richer the reward.

It seems the sect is generally satisfied with the outcome.

As for why it's only generally...

"Su Muqing also received a High-grade Dharma Treasure as a reward... but she must take on a year of miscellaneous duties."

Chen Zhao nodded slightly.

Merit cannot compensate for fault, but it can deter those who act recklessly because of their achievements.

Yet Su Muqing's punishment was so light.

Besides her own "returning to the right path," it was also because the Elders, seeing the close bond between Chen and Zhang, seized the opportunity to express loyalty to Zhang Chunfeng.

Even so, doing miscellaneous duties isn't easy.

"So what exactly will she do? Carry water, run errands, or tend the furnace?"

She's at Qi Refining Seventh Layer—she can't be made to do trivial, pointless work, can she?

Xin Tong's expression turned peculiar, her tone tinged with envy:

"She... says she's going to tend the fire and perform Alchemy for the Chief Alchemist of Juxian Pavilion."

Chen Zhao drew out a long "Oh," as if something had just come to mind.

He had turned Su Muqing against Fang Zijing—this wouldn't look like... in Zhang's eyes.

Besides, he kept calling her "Little Qing"...

No.

If this gets out, how is he any different from that traitor Cao?

The two strolled to Juxian Pavilion, where every disciple's gaze followed them closely, burning with intensity.

Yet there was not a trace of admiration.

Especially among male disciples with partners—their eyes burned even hotter.

Then they hurriedly shielded their partners.

Some had already invented jokes.

"As Fang Zijing and his bride were exchanging vows, Brother Chen stepped forward and shattered the red candle—his true identity no longer concealed—he summoned the Su Ancestor. Fang the rogue tried to strike, but was suppressed by Foundation Establishment Qi, cried out in despair, and then Su Muqing was snatched away and instantly became his partner!"

"What a despicable trick! I'd like a word with you in private."

"Brother, you speak well—I happen to have a copy of Fangjia Shennü Lu right here. This item is destined for you—just one Low-grade Spirit Stone."

The sect didn't know Fang Zijing was dead, so they issued a wanted notice with a reward.

The affair between Fang and Su may have spread because of this, becoming widely known among the disciples.

Chen Zhao took the book upstairs to the third floor.

He tore off his disguise and flipped through it to see how they'd fabricated the story...

Xin Tong jumped up, eager to take a look, but he held up his hand to stop her; she pouted in annoyance.

"Hmph... if I'd known this, I'd have bought a copy too, so Su Muqing could see it."

"That wouldn't be bad—as long as you don't pick up bad habits. As for her..."

Xin Tong followed his finger and saw Su Muqing asleep on the table, the Fangjia Shennü Lu open halfway.

This girl is beyond saving—letting her read it won't hurt.