Chapter 705: Martial Arts: Even Archrivals Can Become Lovers 39

The Left Protector nodded again; he wasn't as flighty and flamboyant as Jiang Zhu, being stiff and somewhat dull.

"Yellow-clad, specializing in disguise, leaving no trace, he once sneaked into the Nine Abysses during your birthday, impersonating you to commit many misdeeds and even took the Nine Abyss Token."

Damn, no wonder.

So that's how the memory and token from when I was nineteen are related.

Jin Chen understood, preparing to go back and study further how to find someone.

He released the Left Protector and patted his shoulder.

"Left Elder Brother, you've worked hard!"

Having said that, he hurried back to No Spring.

The Left Protector entered the house and reported to Jin Fengxu.

"All the spies within the Nine Abysses have been eradicated, but from interrogations we learned that almost every sect in the martial world now has spies infiltrating."

Jin Fengxu shook the wine pot, then tossed it aside, bored.

"Don't worry about it; let those orthodox sects find them themselves."

"Right, give me the storehouse key, or else that brat Jin Chen will surely sneak and steal it again."

The Left Protector immediately reached for his waist, then paused.

He knelt and said, "Report to the Sect Leader, the Young Master has already stolen it."

Jin Fengxu: "……"

This kid's hands and feet are as fast as a monkey's!

At that moment, inside the storehouse.

"This old man has plenty of treasures, yet he's deceiving me."

Jin Chen sat cross-legged among the treasure pile in the storehouse, picking and choosing.

But after selecting several crates, none were to his liking.

The Jade Hilt Dragon's sword aura was too sharp; ordinary treasures couldn't block it.

If he wanted to forge a sword sheath, he needed a vessel capable of supporting and containing his spiritual energy.

Jin Chen tapped his chin, his gaze continually scanning the treasure heap.

Finally, in the deepest chest, he found a box of purple sandalwood imported from overseas.

Jin Chen leaned in to smell it—what a fine material!

This is it!

He took the purple sandalwood box, also pocketing a few gems, then left his father's treasure vault.

He still had six days; once the sheath was done, he'd go find his wife!

——

Four days after returning to the Heaven Sword Alliance, Fu Zhiyuan cleared up the misunderstanding, and he resumed his role as the beloved senior martial brother.

But… something was still missing.

Without that person constantly chattering in his ear, even the rooms felt silent and empty.

Mu Huaizhi came to his senses, took a deep breath, grabbed his sword, and went out.

Today, the leaders of all martial sects that could be named gathered at the Heaven Sword Alliance, and by noon they also shared a meal together.

The purpose was to jointly investigate the martial world, lay a net of heaven and earth, and surely locate the current stronghold of the Earth Evil Palace.

Mu Huaizhi and Fu Zhiyuan naturally had to attend.

Upon entering the grand courtyard, Mu Huaizhi greeted many elders, then forced himself to listen as they reminisced about his father.

Clearly, his father had never met them more than a few times while alive.

Clearly, before coming to the town, they had been shouting for his beating and killing.

At this moment, he suddenly recalled a complaint Jin Chen had once made.

—"Your so-called orthodox sects truly care more about face than heaven, accustomed to putting on shows and being hypocritical."

He hadn't noticed it before, but after his father's death, this feeling became increasingly obvious.

Mu Huaizhi smiled somewhat stiffly, finally taking his seat to the left of the host, and out of the corner of his eye saw Jiang Zhu beside Sang Ning.

His eyes flickered, and he unconsciously searched for another figure.

But Jiang Zhu waved him off.

"Jin Chen hasn't arrived yet; lately I don't know what he's up to, shutting himself in the courtyard all day crafting things—what a noisy lot, it's constant clatter."

Yesterday I planned to go find Jin Chen to discuss matters, but he directly threw me out.

Regarding that, Jiang Zhu said he wouldn't fan the flames, and thus wasted the nickname of 'fox spirit' that Jin Chen had given him.

Smiling, he embraced Sang Ning, lightly fanning with his fan, and Jiang Zhu began to stoke the fire.

"Young Master Mu, don't worry about Jin Chen; although he's devoted to crafting, there are plenty of attendants at No Spring, so he'll surely be well-fed, warmly clothed, and sleep well."

Sang Ning felt this wasn't quite right; slowing his chicken leg, he smeared oil on Jiang Zhu, saying, "What are you yelling about? If you don't eat, just go out."

He took a sip of tea to press down the meat, then told Mu Huaizhi, "Don't listen to his nonsense; Brother Jin surely wants to finish the task nonstop, then come find you."

Mu Huaizhi gave a faint hum, smiled at him, and said, "Brother Sang, eat more; today no one is limiting your food portions."

Since Sang Ning came as a guest to the Heaven Sword Alliance to help the Alliance Leader adjust his health these days, Mu Huaizhi finally realized that he probably hadn't eaten his fill during his time in Yunshu Town.

Fu Zhiyuan joked, "Don't let him eat the Alliance into ruin before he even inherits the Alliance Leader's position."

Mu Huaizhi had little appetite, but recalling Jin Chen's parting words, he still finished everything in his bowl.

After the meal, it was time to gather and discuss.

Many sects declared they would join this campaign to eradicate the remnants, sparing no effort to assist the Heaven Sword Alliance.

Although some still had reservations and were unwilling to participate, there was no strong opposition—only the number of people they contributed would be relatively smaller.

As Jiang Zhu, the future leader of the Qingxiao Sect on the surface, he also clearly stated that they would aid the Heaven Sword Alliance, but only that.

After all, the Qingxiao Sect has kept to itself for a long time, never participating in any factional alliances.

Mu Huaizhi and Fang Xun exchanged a glance, secretly clicking their tongues.

Before, I thought it strange, but if the entire Qingxiao Sect were actually subordinate to the Nine Abysses, not getting involved in the orthodox sects' disputes would make sense.

After expressing their resolve came the formulation of the plan, a time‑consuming task; several grand sect masters went into the Study to discuss it, while the others simply followed subsequent arrangements.

"Hey, this plan is sure to be long and stinky."

The younger generation stayed in the courtyard to watch the fish, Jiang Zhu waved his fan and tossed fish food, casually complaining.

But today there were more than just them present; many high‑spirited faction heirs were also there.

"What do you mean by that, Young Hero Jiang?" a purple‑clad youth at the stone table interrupted him, his face full of disapproval.

"The seniors' discussion of the plan comes from experience; we lack that ability, so we ought to just obey—why speak rudely?"

Jiang Zhu gave a hum, brushed his hands clean, turned, and sized up the youth.

"I know you—you're Lei Zhe, the junior hall master of the Profound Thunder Hall, right? But I was just complaining offhand; why take it seriously?"

"Ah… I see; maybe it's because your grandfather is also in there, thinking I insulted him? Then you're rather paranoid."

Lei Zhe frowned, slammed the table and stood up, his tone a bit heated.

"What nonsense are you spouting! It's clearly your fault first—can't I criticize you? Saying the plan is long and stinky makes it seem like everyone's like that Demonic Sect, shouting for battle and slaughter."

When he gets angry his hair explodes, making him look like a Thunder God.

"I've heard from my grandfather that Young Hero Jiang and that Demonic Sect's young master are still friends! They're birds of a feather."

He blurted that out, not noticing Mu Huaizhi's expression shift in the corner.

Jiang Zhu's face turned cold, his tone dangerous.

"Junior Hall Master Lei, watch your words and conduct."

"In terms of seniority, I am an elder of the Qingxiao Sect, and with your rude speech it seems the Profound Thunder Hall never taught you to respect teachers and value the Dao."