Chapter 146: Chapter 116: Returning to the Mountain, Southern Border Saintess, Dao Companion (Two-in-One)_4
"The essence of power of a Celestial Human Realm master can’t be changed, unless dual cultivation is involved. Since we’ve found out, it’s probably this person who acted. He managed to escape from the ninth-ranked Town North King on the Celestial Being List, indeed showing he has the ability to kill the gaunt one."
"There might be more than one person in the Demon Sect cultivating this kind of power, which makes them even more suspicious!"
Snake Granny’s voice gradually filled with killing intent.
"Isn’t it that this damned Demon Sect covets the Blood King Gu we’ve been nurturing, which is why they suddenly struck? According to your words, Saintess, the Demon Sect has suffered repeated losses at the hands of Great Yan, losing several Celestial Human Realm masters."
The Southern Border Saintess nodded in agreement, indicating her concurrence.
She also thinks the Demon Sect is the most likely suspect.
"What’s another force that’s under suspicion?"
"Secondly, it’s the True Martial Sect," said the Southern Border Saintess.
"True Martial Sect? The one attacked by the Demon Sect?"
"Yes, I looked through the sects that recently had conflicts with our affiliated forces. Just months ago, Divine Sword Sect was destroyed by Zhao Dong and his team. Then the sect leader Divine Sword Old Man escaped to True Martial Sect with his young disciple. Given True Man Longshan’s relationship with Divine Sword Old Man, True Martial Sect also has the motive to act. Previously, they sent people to investigate the Blood Pool affair."
"True Man Longshan’s strength may not suffice, but True Martial Sect also has True Man Tianjian."
Snake Granny hesitated:
"But isn’t True Man Tianjian a swordsman? His power and that of the traces from the attack are utterly opposite."
"Saintess, do you think the Demon Sect might be trying to frame the True Martial Sect, making us act as pawns? They tried to destroy True Martial Sect before."
The Southern Border Saintess slowly nodded:
"I have considered this possibility as well. For now, the Demon Sect seems most suspicious, but we can’t completely ignore the True Martial Sect."
Snake Granny nodded with a smile.
"Saintess, you are indeed the most prudent in your actions."
Her eyes were filled with admiration.
In fact, at this moment, it’s almost certainly the Demon Sect, but as a leader, one cannot act rashly. Even the slightest possibility cannot be ignored; only this qualifies as a capable leader.
"If there’s a chance to see True Man Tianjian in action, allowing me to observe his essence of power closely, it should affirm things more clearly."
Snake Granny added.
Putting a swordsman and venomous power together seemed bizarre, but it’s not unheard of for a swordsman to master using a poison sword. Everything requires personal observation. If she can witness it herself, she’ll know whether True Man Tianjian also possesses venomous power.
The Southern Border Saintess slowly stood up, sighed lightly:
"I just hope the cultivation of the Blood Emperor Gu goes smoothly. The world is about to become unstable; my Southern Border must also forge ahead with vigor. Having lost two Blood King Gu this time, we can only hurry to find replacements in the south later. If necessary, we’ll go into the mountains..."
"For now, I’ll have to trouble Granny to stay with me in Qing State. If this is the Demon Sect’s doing, we can’t just let it slide."
The Saintess slightly furrowed her brows, hinting at a murderous intent.
...
The Southern Border Alliance finally reacted.
Meanwhile, the True Martial Sect is unaware of all this; Taoist Longshan didn’t have anyone keeping watch, as that would seem too conspicuous. Perhaps acting as if nothing happened would be better, and investigating again after some time would be more appropriate.
At this moment in the Seeking Tao Institute.
The atmosphere is lively.
Another year of the True Martial Peach Assembly.
Everyone raised their glasses in celebration:
"Come, let’s raise a glass together to welcome Shi’s joining!"
"This toast is for Shi!"
Everyone burst into genuine laughter. Zhuang Chen’s chubby little face was flushed, partly from drinking and partly from excitement, as a warm feeling filled his heart:
"Dear senior brothers and sisters, I’ll drink first as a gesture of respect!"
Everything was spoken through the wine.
Saying more would actually seem pretentious.
Everyone’s faces bore smiles. During this period of time spent together, they had come to like Zhuang Chen’s character—unpretentious, often silly and smiling. Previously somewhat excessively overweight, but ever since he began cultivating the improved version of Dreaming Gluttony taught by Ning Qi, he had lost quite a bit of weight, though still a little chubby.
Logically speaking, Zhuang Chen shouldn’t be overweight; he just loves eating.
His progress in cultivating the Vengeance Stance is rapid. He himself is an unparalleled genius, born with Innate Sword Bone. Now that his sword bone has been broken down and rebuilt, his foundation is stronger than ever.
"Third senior sister’s brew is truly remarkable!" Zhuang Chen praised without reservation.
Ye Qinghe laughed heartily:
"Shi really knows how to talk."
Everyone merely smiled, but Ye Qinghe’s Peach Blossom Brew had indeed improved this year. Still, it was unclear whether Ye Qinghe’s brewing skills had advanced or if the ingredients were simply better.
Everyone munched on the True Martial Peach Fruit in their hands, finding it exceptionally sweet.
Especially Zhuang Chen, now in retraining the Body Tempering Realm. This peach fruit is even more beneficial to him; he devoured several in a row.
This is the second year utilizing the Bright Fruit for cultivation. Plus, Ning Qi relocated the peach tree to activate the Enlightenment Tea tree seed. Now the tea tree has emerged and nourishes back; naturally, the peach fruits surpass their former glory.
Everyone chatted happily.
Zhuang Chen felt the lighthearted atmosphere deeply, never ceasing to smile foolishly.
Ning Qi also listened eagerly as his senior brothers and sisters shared stories.
Ye Qinghe smiled slyly:
"I’ll tell you something you’re bound to be interested in. I once caught Fifth Brother secretly writing a love letter! This guy probably has a girl he likes, hiding it from us!"
As soon as these words were spoken.
Jiang Baishan’s face turned red, while everyone laughed joyfully, showing keen interest.
Speaking of which, many True Disciples are currently single, none of them have dao partners. Although True Martial Sect is Taoism, one can indeed form dao partnerships. Unfortunately, the others haven’t done it yet. Hearing that Jiang Baishan is to be a pioneer made everyone’s eyes brighten.
Jiang Baishan waved his hands while blushing:
"Don’t listen to Third Senior Sister’s nonsense; I was writing to a friend!"
"Bah, just tell us if that friend is a girl. Who would secretly pluck a peach blossom in Jiu’s courtyard just to write to a friend? Fifth Brother, are you fond of men?"
Luo Wentian timely chimed in:
"Tsk tsk, could it be that fierce girl who once wanted to chop off your shoulder, Fifth Brother? Then you’re probably in trouble; she’ll have you completely in her grasp in the future!"
Everyone laughed even more heartily.
Jiang Baishan smiled wryly, begging forgiveness, and only after a few more drinks did the teasing cease.
But nobody pursued the matter further. They were just joking. They knew that when the time came for serious talk, Jiang Baishan wouldn’t hide it from them.
Ning Qi smiled and listened.
For now, he doesn’t have many thoughts on finding a dao partner. He’s still young, and he might not in the future. If it ever happens, it’ll have to be someone who can truly walk the path of the Dao with him.