Chapter 103: Blood Oath Alliance

On the other side, Danzhou.

At noon, within a bamboo grove behind the Danyang Academy, a white stone chess platform stood set.

Mu Yunling, dressed in a scholar's robe, sat on the right side of the platform; his shoulders were broad, his back wide, and his limbs powerful, yet his demeanor was quite scholarly, making him look like a middle-aged martial artist in his forties or fifties.

Opposite the platform, the Prince of Dan, Zhao Xiao, wore a python robe; though he too carried himself with dignity, he still seemed a size smaller compared to Mu Yunling. After pondering for a long time, he placed a stone:

"The Hidden Immortal Sect has taught such a high disciple. Mr. Mu, have you heard not a single word of news?"

Mu Yunling was only a few years younger than Lu Wu Zhen and others; now he was eighty-four. He was a disciple of the 'Sword and Book Twin Sages', Ye Ci, and was a senior brother with Fan Li, the Director of the Imperial Academy. However, he inherited the 'Sword', while Fan Li inherited the 'Book'.

As one of the two red batons of the Confucian school, Mu Yunling should have been stationed permanently in Jingcheng. Only after the Prince of Dan was enfeoffed in Danyang was he transferred to the Academy, with the first purpose being to protect the Prince's safety, and the second being to serve a 'supervisory' role.

To prevent court officials from gossiping and slapping a label of 'Mu Yunling and the Prince of Dan are in cahoots' on them, the Prince rarely contacted Mu Yunling in daily life. Today's visit was to discuss some trivial matters.

"This old man is not familiar with those people of the Hidden Immortal Sect, but the day before yesterday I asked an elder, and that elder replied, 'Everything has cause and effect'."

The Prince of Dan looked slightly puzzled:

"What does this statement mean?"

"Interpreted literally, it means that Xie Jinhuan's descent from the mountain had the 'cause' buried long ago. However, it is also possible that the elder was not clear and was just speaking casually to provoke a sharp retort. In any case, no matter what situation arises in the future, this statement will make people suddenly realize the truth."

"Oh... a high person is indeed a high person. These words are indeed of a high level..."

As the two were chatting idly like this, the sound of wind suddenly came from above the bamboo grove:

Whoosh~

Rustle, rustle, rustle~

The Prince of Dan looked up and saw a figure drift over the emerald green bamboo tops, slowly landing beside the chess platform.

The figure wore a black-and-white Taoist robe, a black gauze canopy hat on her head, and a yellow-brown sword case on her back. The wide sleeves of the robe and the canopy hat fluttered in the wind, exuding an ethereal quality of being detached from the world, and her temperament was even like ice that had not melted for ten thousand years.

Seeing this, the Prince of Dan greeted:

"It has been several months. Sect Master Nangong has become even more ethereal."

The canopy-hatted woman who suddenly arrived was Nangong Ye, the Sect Master of Mount Zihui, also known in the streets as the 'Number One Beauty of the Taoist Sect'.

Although famous for her looks, Nangong Ye was not a vase-like ancestor. Benefiting from the Taoist secret classics left by True Person Qixia and the family foundation accumulated by Mount Zihui over six hundred years, she was previously the 'Strongest First Grade of Great Qian'.

After landing, Nangong Ye clasped her hands in a bow:

"Your Highness summoned me, is there something to discuss?"

Her voice was ethereal, neither hurried nor slow.

The Prince of Dan was always approachable to others. He raised his hand to signal Nangong Ye to sit:

"It is not a major matter. News came from Jingcheng. A few days ago, Fanyun Temple submitted a memorial to the imperial court, saying that demonic qi is raging in Danzhou, and the sects have not fulfilled their duty of guarding. If precautions are not taken, it may harm the common people in the future. Therefore, they hope to build a 'Ziyun Temple' outside Danyang City to jointly guard Danzhou with the Taoist Sect and prevent evil spirits from causing trouble."

Nangong Ye sat on the side of the chess platform. Hearing this, she could not help but frown:

"The only cave heaven and blessed land outside Danyang City is Mount Zihui. If Fanyun Temple wants to come, does it not mean Mount Zihui must cede its sect's foundation?"

The Prince of Dan nodded: "That is what Fanyun Temple means. His Majesty asked for my opinion. Just as Sect Master Nangong has returned, I called you over to chat."

As a sect master, how could Nangong Ye cede territory to Buddhist baldies without cause? In an instant, she turned her gaze to Mu Yunling:

"What does Mr. Mu think of this matter?"

Mu Yunling had been pondering the chess game. At this moment, he casually interjected:

"If it were me, I would go to Fanyun Temple tomorrow to lecture those monks. I will return only when I have thoroughly read 'Emperor Wu of Qi Exterminates Buddhism'."

The Prince of Dan laughed: "Mr. Mu still likes to convince people with reason so much. However, Fanyun Temple is eyeing Mount Zihui. It is not appropriate for Mr. Mu to go lecture. If Sect Master Nangong can explain the Taoist laws to the abbot of Fanyun Temple, then this King can also give an answer to the imperial court."

Hearing this, Nangong Ye understood the meaning of inviting her over today—the imperial court suspected that Mount Zihui could no longer play the role of guarding the region. They needed her, the top boss, to prove that Mount Zihui was still one of the three giants of the Danding Sect, and not something run by a courtesan.

Nangong Ye possessed the secret treasure passed down by True Person Qixia. Under normal circumstances, she did not fear the abbot of Fanyun Temple.

But now she was indeed entangled in a small trouble and could not act for a short time.

And the reason for this goes back to last year.

Before winter last year, she went to the Fire Phoenix Valley in the Southern Borderlands to lie in wait for a Phoenix Feather Grass that was about to mature.

Bu Yuehua, the master of Que Moon Manor, had the same cultivation level as her, and both were female cultivators and sect masters. They had actually contacted each other frequently in previous years. At that time, she was also looking for this object nearby.

Things created by heaven are obtained by the capable. There was only one immortal grass. When the two met, they definitely had to test their strength and decide who would take it based on skill.

But unexpectedly, during the fight, the two accidentally fell into the ground.

The space below Fire Phoenix Valley was extremely vast, and it contained only the most yang qi. It was suspected to be the legendary 'Zhu Que Mausoleum'.

Zhu Que Mausoleum, like the Dragon's Lair in the East Sea and the Soldier Sage Mountain in Western Rong, were legendary secret realms full of opportunities. Wei Wu Yi had started his career at Soldier Sage Mountain.

As for selling hooks in Western Rong, that was just a wild story in the Jianghu.

Facing such a great opportunity, neither of them wanted to give up. Exploring alone was too risky, but they were afraid the other would strike a black hand. Therefore, they decided to swear an oath by blood!

The method of the alliance was that she would implant the 'Seven Stars Nail' into Bu Yuehua, and Bu Yuehua would cast the 'Burning Immortal Gu' on her. If one got into trouble, the other would face nine deaths and one life. Thus, they must help each other. If they obtained treasures underground, they would split the loot fifty-fifty afterwards.

Unfortunately, after searching underground for a few days, the two only found some broken stones. Bu Yuehua's yin qi was too heavy, making it difficult to replenish her qi sea in the most yang place. The two could only withdraw and discuss a method to go deeper outside.

But Bu Yuehua might have known that due to her cultivation technique, she could not go deep underground and would not get the opportunities inside. So she secretly picked the Phoenix Feather Grass and said:

"We swore an oath by blood; you and I can be considered sisters. All the opportunities underground belong to you; I will only take this immortal grass."

Nangong Ye was not sure if there were treasures underground. How could she agree? As a result, the demoness turned and ran.

Nangong Ye chased and fought for a few days, then stopped chasing. After all, they were still in a 'Xue Alliance' state. This demoness could not remove the Seven Stars Nail and would come to find her sooner or later.

And sure enough, Bu Yuehua found that Nangong Ye had not come to compromise. Not long after, she actively came over, saying she wanted to reconcile.

Nangong Ye's response was simple: "Hand over the Phoenix Feather Grass. Let us continue to spar. Whoever wins takes it."

Bu Yuehua felt that she had given up the opportunity at Zhu Que Mausoleum and kept the secret for her, so she should take this hush money. She was unwilling.

Nangong Ye had not found the opportunity, so naturally she did not agree.

Then the two dragged on from last year to this year. Currently, they are still in a state of sisters sharing life and death!

Although she had little time, Bu Yuehua was also running out of time. Now it was just a matter of seeing who would break under the pressure and compromise first.

Without having resolved the Fiery Immortal Gu, Nangong Ye cannot deal with the Abbot of Fanyun Temple.

Fortunately, she already has news of the 'Life-Returning Grass'; tomorrow she will meet that mysterious buyer. As long as she resolves the Fiery Immortal Gu herself, that demoness will surely yield.

However, the Sect Master is the core of the sect; if the outside world learns of his physical condition, those with ulterior motives will surely take advantage of the opening.

Facing the Pill King's inquiry, Nangong Ye merely replied:

"Tomorrow I will enter Jingcheng first to gauge the situation. If Fanyun Temple is unreasonable, I will make them retreat in the face of difficulty."

Seeing Nangong Ye's confidence, the Pill King revealed a smile:

"That is good. Ling'er has already set out and should arrive in Jingcheng tomorrow. Qingmo and Xie Jinhuan went there a few days ago. This Xie Jinhuan is a rare talent; Sect Master Nangong, if you have the leisure, I hope you can offer some guidance."

Nangong Ye had already heard of Xie Jinhuan's astonishing deeds and felt quite interested, nodding in agreement:

"That goes without saying."

……

——

In the blink of an eye, it was afternoon!

Xie Jinhuan had spent the whole day with Seeing Mo Mo and Yang Dabiao searching for clues regarding the Mingshen Sect, but the result was obvious—nothing found!

Thinking that he only had nineteen days left and had wasted an entire day for nothing, Xie Jinhuan could not help but feel worried.

Linghu Qingmo was more of a workaholic; after running around all day, she had almost forgotten the shyness and annoyance at Xie Jinhuan kissing her. Now back at Wang Fu, seeing Xie Jinhuan's expression of concern for the nation, she comforted him:

"I know you want to slay demons and destroy evil, but the Mingshen Sect has taken root for a long time. This matter cannot be rushed. You have already tried very hard; it is just that half a day has passed without results."

Yang Dabiao's legs were almost broken from running; he nodded and said:

"Yes, solving cases requires a balance of work and rest. I heard the Young Master has prepared a 'Roasted Whole Elephant' on Changle Street. How about we..."

"Gurgle!"

Meiqiu, perhaps hearing about roasted elephants for the first time, immediately perked up.

But Xie Jinhuan still had five thousand taels of silver in accounts to collect this week and truly had no time to look at strange things. After everyone returned to their rooms, he sat on a chair again and took out the Juan Sect file on the 'Ghostly Disturbance at the Summer Palace' to examine.

Although he had told Uncle Fei that Zhou Mingan would be dealt with later,

whether Zhou Mingan would have a future was uncertain. If one did not take revenge on the spot, who knew what trouble would arise in a few days?

Ye Hongshang, already understanding Xie Jinhuan's character, suddenly appeared from behind and asked:

"Preparing for the second round?"

Xie Jinhuan did have that thought, but after a moment of consideration, he felt a bit troubled:

"This person Zhou Mingan has major problems and must be investigated. But I just killed Han Jingchuan yesterday, received the file this morning, and Zhou Mingan died tonight. Acting so arrogantly, even Seeing Mo Mo could guess I did it; it would be difficult to handle the aftermath."

Ye Hongshang, like a good wife, raised her hand and pinched Xie Jinhuan's shoulder:

"Then fake it as 'suicide out of fear of punishment'. Sister will make him possessed by a demon, and he will hang himself. The imperial court cannot forcibly arrest you."

Xie Jinhuan blinked his eyes and turned to look at the ghost wife as beautiful as a flower:

"Is that possible?"

Ye Hongshang stood tall and proud: "Zhou Mingan is merely a civil official. As long as he has no cultivation to protect him, Sister making him possessed is simpler than hypnotizing the maid Wanyi."

Xie Jinhuan indeed wanted to investigate the specifics of his father's case. Since there was a way, he naturally wasted no time, put away the file, stood up, and went outside the door.

In a room not far away, the ever-workaholic Seeing Mo Mo was sitting by the round table, seriously writing today's 'Xie Jinhuan Quotes'.

Meiqiu, having wandered around blindly all day, looked a bit tired; she squatted on the round table, tilting her head and watching Seeing Mo Mo write.

Hearing the sound from outside the door, Linghu Qingmo turned her head:

"You just got back, and you are preparing to go out to find clues again?"

Xie Jinhuan was preparing to settle accounts, but this matter was not easy to tell Seeing Mo Mo, so he thought for a moment and said:

"No, I'm just going to drop by Physician Lin's place."

"?"

Linghu Qingmo blinked her eyes, her gaze implying—You only saw Physician Lin last night, and you are going again today?

But if she didn't let Xie Jinhuan go, Xie Jinhuan would probably crawl into her bed...

After a moment of silence, Linghu Qingmo said:

"Oh... then go ahead. Ling'er should enter Jingcheng tomorrow; remember to come back early."

Xie Jinhuan could sense that Seeing Mo Mo's gaze was off, but he was going to kill and burn, and could not take Seeing Mo Mo with him:

"Fine. If you are bored, let Meiqiu keep you company."

"You have injuries, hmm... take care of your health, let Physician Lin check on you more often, and don't overwork yourself."

"I know."

……

Soon, Xie Jinhuan leaped into the air and disappeared outside the door.

After finishing her patrol notes, Linghu Qingmo sat alone in the room, rubbing Meiqiu. Feeling a bit bored and unable to focus on cultivation, she turned her head to look at Meiqiu on the table:

"What does Xie Jinhuan do when he is bored?"

"Gurgle?"

Meiqiu blinked her amber eyes twice, then raised her wings to wipe Linghu Qingmo's neck.

Linghu Qingmo figured this must mean 'slaying demons and destroying evil', so she hoisted Meiqiu onto her shoulder, picked up her sword, and went out, preparing to do the same as Xie Jinhuan: when bored, go hunt evil spirits and demons.

Meiqiu did not expect to have to work overtime while following Seeing Mo Mo, but overtime with extra food was the custom, so she immediately perked up again...

(End of this chapter)