Chapter 1341: Chapter 517: The White Cauldron Presses Fate, Old Grievances Stir Ghostly Schemes (Part 2)
"Divine House Mountain? Where is that?" The Ritual Officer frowned, pulling a gift list from his sleeve and flicking it over.
Zhao Yang took it in hand, glanced at it, and saw it was filled with numerous spiritual medicines and rare treasures, some familiar to him, some unheard of. He couldn’t help but wonder, "What does this mean?"
The Ritual Officer chuckled and signaled to a long-term follower beside him, "You explain it to him."
The long-term follower replied boldly, "Listen up, a month from now, the Sect Leader will hold a grand banquet for guests. If your teacher asks for anything, just read from this gift list."
Zhao Yang was perplexed, saying, "But these aren’t things we seek."
The Ritual Officer sneered, "You pretend not to understand, or you truly don’t understand? Timing matters in battle, whether early or late, it’s all part of the strategy. This was all arranged by Elder Wen in our sect. Follow this gift list’s demands, and you’ll be given a good opportunity to step forward. This way, you can avoid danger and gain benefits. Why not? But we do not do this for free. We take seventy percent of the things on this list, leaving thirty percent to you, which is substantial enough. You should be content."
After a slight pause, he added, "I reside in the East Arrival Garden. If you want to think it over, come find me."
With these words, he did not wait for Zhao Yang’s response and, with a wave of his hand, turned and left with the long-term follower.
Once out the door, the long-term follower suddenly patted his forehead as if he remembered something, saying, "Sir, I seem to have heard of Divine House Mountain somewhere?"
The Ritual Officer sneered, "Here in East Victory Continent, is there a cultivator with a notable name that your master doesn’t recognize? As for those involved with our Zhongtai elders, they’ve already been notified. Those few people staying at the foot of the mountain are clearly insignificant. If they are unwilling, report to Elder Wen, and they will surely suffer."
After the Ritual Officer left, Zhao Yang remained calm, only finding the situation amusing. He thought it over, deciding not to alarm his teachers. He tucked the gift list away casually and returned to practice his daily coursework.
The next day, Zhao Yang spoke of this matter, and Zhang Boyant narrowed his eyes slightly. He pulled out a Jade Token, saying, "Take this to the Sixth Prince, and whether there’s a result or not, report back to me."
Following instructions, Zhao Yang went, and by noon, he returned, saying, "Master, disciple discovered the change in the Chu Kingdom’s palace last month involved several princes, and the Sixth Prince was imprisoned as part of the ordeal."
In Da Yang City, within the sound of the Absolute Tower, Lady Lian sat inside the alchemy room. She exhaled a stream of Elixir Evil from mouth and nose, blending with the clear smoke filling the room. After about an hour, her cultivation reached perfection, and she slowly settled her Qi Mechanism.
Since the passing of her two sworn brothers, she lost her greatest support. Thus, she kept a low profile daily, diligently practicing Mysterious Skill. Unexpectedly, recent palace changes led to the execution of several adversary concubines, while she avoided trouble through secluded cultivation, narrowly escaping disaster. Recently, there were signs of overcoming barriers indicating fortune born from calamity.
She picked up a Jade Scroll before her, and with focused attention, she mused, "The cultivation technique my uncle sent is indeed mysterious. In just days of practice, my cultivation has made significant progress. If I become a Nascent Soul, the master will surely regard me, unlike before when he ignored me. But there are several difficult spiritual medicines needed for this technique. Yes, since the master emptied the house for the upcoming fighting, perhaps I could find a chance there."
While lost in thought, a gentle knock came from outside the gate, accompanied by a voice, "Lady, Elder You has arrived saying there’s an urgent matter to discuss."
Lady Lian snorted. Since the death of her two sworn brothers, Master You hadn’t visited again; what brought him here today remained unknown. But he was, after all, a Nascent Soul True Master and had been friendly with her, not someone to offend. Perhaps the matter she just contemplated could involve him. With her mind made up, she said, "Invite him to the hall."
After briefly tidying herself before the mirror, Lady Lian donned a great cloak and went to the grand hall, only to find, apart from Elder You, another person seated there. The person had a scholarly appearance with a clear beard reaching his chest, smiling and nodding at her.
Seeing this person, Lady Lian could not help but be startled, taking a few steps back, "Qu Changzhi? You, what are you doing here?"
She turned her head, feeling infuriated, looking at Elder You.
Qu Changzhi had long been expelled by Ancestor Hui Xuan, yet surprisingly appeared at her place, which could become significant if word spread.
Qu Changzhi said leisurely, "Why panic, Lady Lian? How could I walk in Zhongtai territory without the approval of the Ancestor?"
Lady Lian remained vigilant, "Is Master Qu free of worry?"
Qu Changzhi sneered, "The Lian Sect Leader allows the Evil Sect Demon Cultivators to attend the fighting conference. So why shouldn’t I return?"
Lady Lian felt slightly reassured and cautiously seated herself at the main position, frowning, "What business does Elder Qu have at my place?"
Qu Changzhi smiled deeply, "No particular reason, just to inform Lady Lian that Daoist Zhang from Divine House Mountain has arrived at Da Yang City, attending the Dragon Pillar Meeting."
Lady Lian said expressionlessly, "What relation does Daoist Zhang from Divine House Mountain have with me?"
Elder You laughed heartily, "Lady Lian, Elder Qu is sincere in coming, no need to hide from him. Back then, that Daoist Zhang offended you. Surely, you wish to repay him?"
Knowing she couldn’t hide it, Lady Lian glared at Elder You fiercely, then thought a bit and shook her head, "I fear to disappoint Elder Qu. With my two sworn brothers gone, I am but a fallen phoenix, powerless."
Qu Changzhi smiled, "Lady, rest assured. Since he’s here for the meeting, there’s much that can be done. With a little arrangement, he’ll have no return without us needing to lift a finger."
...
...(To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to vote on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)
