Chapter 7: The Reckoning and Whispers of Deceit

Fifth day of the treasure hunt, during the Yin hour (3-5 AM).

The disciples from the three sects arrived at the designated meeting point as agreed, where their respective masters had long been waiting.

However, when the other two sects witnessed the disciples of the Tuoshan Sect, led by Zhou Zhongchen, flying in on their own, their expressions became remarkably vivid, with the most striking reactions coming from the Qinglin Sect.

They had departed in a magnificent procession, only to return as a scattered, defeated force.

The Qinglin Sect Master immediately stepped forward to inquire, then glared furiously at Zhou Zhongchen, who had just rejoined the Tuoshan Sect’s ranks, and bellowed, “This junior is truly vicious! Not only did you forbid my disciples from taking the Earth-Born Spirit Spring, but you also sought to annihilate them completely!”

The oppressive aura of a Golden Core stage cultivator spread, its spiritual pressure directly locking onto Zhou Zhongchen, who was nearly overwhelmed to the point of spitting blood.

Not only had he just entered the Foundation Establishment stage, but even cultivators long established in it would be unable to resist a Golden Core cultivator; every major realm in the cultivation world represented a chasm of difference.

Witnessing this, the Hall Master of the Lake Hall immediately stepped forward to confront the Qinglin Sect.

“Old man! To bully a junior after living for so long, are you perhaps nearing the end of your lifespan and losing your mind?!”

Lian Yueying watched the woman step forward, a peculiar feeling stirring within her heart.

‘It seems I’ve underestimated her too much. Although this master typically pays no heed to her disciples, and internal sect competition rankings mean nothing to her, she still stands up when her disciples are bullied. Moreover…’

It was clear to any discerning eye that, despite both being Golden Core cultivators, the Qinglin Sect elder was no match for her.

‘This master must usually be busy cultivating.’

Lian Yueying knew the Lake Hall Master’s name was Yue Yixuan, recorded as a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator; of course, that record dated back to when she first became the Hall Master.

At this moment, she was clad in a bright, snow-white and verdant robe, creating a silence as profound as winter, yet hints of evergreen trees, defiant of the cold, dotted the mountainside, bringing vitality to the silver-clad landscape.

Yue Yixuan stood before the disciples of the Tuoshan Sect, auspicious cloud patterns on her robes shimmering with light, her slightly petite frame emanating astonishing fluctuations.

After pushing back the oppressive aura, another large swathe of the few remaining Qinglin Sect disciples collapsed.

The Qinglin Sect disciples were already exhausted from their night-long escape, and at this moment, they were utterly vulnerable.

Seeing this, Yue Yixuan instinctively withdrew her oppressive aura before the Qinglin Sect elders could even step forward, allowing them to catch their breath.

Even so, the expressions of the Qinglin Sect masters and elders remained grim.

****

“Hanyue (TL Note: Hanyue, or ‘Cold Snow’, is Yue Yixuan’s Daoist title), if you continue to favor your disciples, we will surely report this to the Dao Alliance and ensure the swift eradication of demonic cults and evil paths.”

“Don’t try to pressure me with the Dao Alliance! Your Qinglin Sect regularly engages in murder and robbery; if we’re talking about demonic cults and evil paths, you are the true experts.”

Neither side would yield, necessitating mediators from both parties to intervene.

As for the Xuanhuo Sect? While they were usually the most bellicose, at this moment, they clearly hoped the other two sects would clash, allowing them to reap the benefits of the conflict.

During the mediation, Lian Yueying observed the internal state of her sect from a corner; disciples from all three halls expressed approval for Zhou Zhongchen’s actions, indicating a long-standing animosity between the two sects.

‘Hanyue. This is the first time I’ve heard Master’s Daoist title. She certainly favors white robes, yet her temperament is anything but as serene as snow.’

The Peak Hall Master, Gu Sheng, tried to persuade Yue Yixuan, who outwardly assented, though everyone could see she felt no wrongdoing.

Of course, Golden Core cultivators had lived for an unknown duration and were unlikely to be easily provoked; Lian Yueying was more inclined to believe they were putting on a show.

‘Considering this, the Bamboo Hall Master hasn’t moved at all. I recall he often seeks out Master; their relationship should be closer.’

A few breaths passed, and both sides gradually calmed.

The Xuanhuo Sect was the first to speak: “Since this doesn’t concern us, this old man will take my disciples back now.”

Seeing this, neither side intervened, but Zhou Zhongchen, at Yue Yixuan’s subtle signal, stepped forward, cupped his hands toward the Xuanhuo Sect, and said, “Many thanks to our friends from the Xuanhuo Sect for your assistance this time.”

The Xuanhuo Sect Master paused, then exchanged glances with his disciples.

He turned to Zhou Zhongchen, frowning, and said, “Junior, your methods of sowing discord are far too clumsy. It would do you no harm to be less of a trailblazer (TL Note: ‘出头鸟 – chūtóuniǎo’, literally ‘a bird that sticks its head out’, meaning someone who stands out or takes the lead, often drawing unwanted attention or trouble).”

“Indeed, be less of a trailblazer,” Yue Yixuan admonished, seemingly, then turned to both sides and coldly snorted, “Not all truths are meant to be spoken aloud.”

“Don’t change the subject! Our Qinglin Sect disciples suffered heavy losses this time; this matter cannot simply be overlooked!”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhongchen looked at Yue Yixuan. They appeared to be exchanging glances, but Lian Yueying knew that cultivators from Foundation Establishment upwards were likely communicating via spiritual transmission; otherwise, even a Golden Core cultivator wouldn’t instantly know what had transpired within the valley.

“Since Master says some truths are inconvenient to speak, then this junior will respond to Senior with the words spoken by your esteemed sect’s disciples.”

As he spoke, Zhou Zhongchen tossed out a pearl.

Driven by spiritual energy, it projected a scene: the words of Luo Yin, the female disciple of the Qinglin Sect, during their confrontation at the valley’s center.

The recording was remarkably complete, even capturing her subsequent attempts to shift the blame to the Xuanhuo Sect.

At this moment, Luo Yin was still alive, beside her was Wang Zhi, heavily wounded and with unstable breathing; both glared at Zhou Zhongchen, gritting their teeth.

With this act, everyone realized that the Tuoshan Sect had undoubtedly planned this in advance; otherwise, they wouldn’t have completely disregarded the Xuanhuo Sect.

As the projection ended, Zhou Zhongchen smiled and bowed, saying, “Treasure hunting within the valley, life and death are disregarded. This is a long-standing rule among the three sects. Does Senior’s unforgiving stance perhaps stem from a feeling of having suffered a loss?”

Zhou Zhongchen’s words greatly displeased the Qinglin Sect.

Ordinarily, a Foundation Establishment junior daring to speak to a Golden Core cultivator in such a manner would have been instantly struck down.

Yet, there was no fault to be found in this junior’s words, and moreover…

The two sects were not far apart, and Lian Yueying could clearly see that the four Golden Core cultivators from the Qinglin Sect, including their Sect Master, showed obvious apprehension when looking at Yue Yixuan.

‘To elicit such undisguised emotions from them, my master is truly formidable.’

“Fine! Our Qinglin Sect will remember this grudge. Since you acted without benevolence first, don’t blame us for turning hostile! Let’s go!”

With these harsh words, the Qinglin Sect’s grand ship rose into the air, carrying its defeated remnants away in indignation.

The Xuanhuo Sect then departed in another direction, and the Tuoshan Sect’s ship also slowly ascended.

On the ship, the disciples were quite cheerful, boasting about their previous night’s achievements.

Amidst this atmosphere of peace, Lian Yueying smiled outwardly, trying her best to blend in.

‘If this was planned long ago, most people should have been waiting for Zhou Zhongchen to break through, not fighting desperately. What about me, then? Why was I not informed of this plan before we went? If I hadn’t been strong enough, would I not have already been decapitated, just like that person?’

At this thought, Lian Yueying’s expression involuntarily darkened.

‘Right, I understand. Such a plan shouldn’t be revealed to someone whose origins are unknown and who rarely appears before them.’

However, Lian Yueying truly held unspeakable secrets, her past something she could only conceal.

She sighed.

Just as she was about to find a quiet spot to read, she saw Yue Yixuan appear before her.

“Still too young, it seems. You couldn’t keep up the act for long.”

Yue Yixuan’s lips did not move, yet her voice clearly resonated in Lian Yueying’s mind.

Lian Yueying immediately bowed in salute, but was stopped by Yue Yixuan just as she was about to speak.

Immediately, Yue Yixuan waved her slender hand, and the surrounding spiritual energy was instantly sealed.

“Speak. No one else can hear now.”

Seeing this, Lian Yueying looked at Yue Yixuan.

Yue Yixuan was only slightly taller than the still-unmarried Lian Yueying, possessing the charming prettiness of a girl next door, making her appear very approachable.

Yet, in the cultivation world, no one dared to underestimate such a person.

“Thank you, Master, for your concern. This disciple was merely pondering something.”

“You’re always unwilling to speak of anything.”

This was not the first time Lian Yueying had been seen through by Yue Yixuan.

Lian Yueying had considered several times whether to reveal some matters to her, but had never quite managed to make up her mind.

“Your safe return from this trip is somewhat surprising to me.

Even with our sect’s deliberate avoidance of conflict during this treasure hunt, five of our disciples went missing, all of them solitary cultivators.

Yet you not only returned unharmed but also gained something.

Hmm… it seems this isn’t your first time taking a life.”

Treasure hunting in the valley; those outside shouldn’t know anything.

Lian Yueying was somewhat surprised.

Yue Yixuan waved her hand naturally, and a few words, like a stray breeze, wafted into Lian Yueying’s ears.

–If we had known she wasn’t close with Senior Uncle Zhou, we should have divided the storage bags. That Qinglin Sect disciple wasn’t even injured by her.–

–Don’t bother. I heard she already had cultivation before entering the sect. Who knows what good things she might have? Look how powerful her escape technique is…–

As the whispering wind ceased, Lian Yueying knew that any discussions among these people would not escape Yue Yixuan’s ears, yet she found herself at a loss for words.

“You’re not old, yet you hold many secrets.

However, since you call me Master, I must tell you: your personality and experiences are no excuse for being unsociable.

Nevertheless, if you can truly achieve self-reliance without depending on others, then solitary cultivation is not necessarily a bad path.”

‘Master has indeed cleared up many of my confusions. Perhaps she, like my benefactor, walks the true righteous path.’

“Master…”

Yue Yixuan interrupted Lian Yueying, waving her hand once more, and the whispering wind rose again.

–Junior Sister knows so little. Zhou and Junior Sister Lian discovered the Harmonious Breath Fruit together. There were exactly two, so I thought there was no need to fuss. Yet, after she took her share, she turned around and smashed mine to pieces.–

–Ah? Senior Brother, your cultivation is higher than hers, why didn’t you…–

–Perhaps Zhou is not as decisive as Junior Sister Lian; after all, I still hold fellow sect affection in my heart. Ah, let’s not speak of it, let’s not speak of it.–

As the whispering wind stopped, Lian Yueying’s deeply furrowed brow clearly conveyed her thoughts.

‘Zhou Yan’s heart is truly so wicked; this has certainly opened my eyes!’

“Master, Zhou Yan is spouting utter nonsense.

I clearly found that Harmonious Breath Fruit myself after a painstaking search.

He tracked me the entire way, intending to forcefully seize it, and I was compelled to destroy the fruit and flee.”

Hearing this, Yue Yixuan offered no response.

She dispersed the surrounding spiritual lock, and as she turned to leave, a single sentence drifted softly into Lian Yueying’s ear.

“I cannot see what transpired in the valley. These are merely the one-sided accounts of you two. I will not listen; consider it yourself.”

Just as Yue Yixuan had said, the moment she departed, several gazes landed on Lian Yueying, who could only turn her back and ignore them.

‘Damn it! Damn it!’

An uncontrollable surge of anger welled up within Lian Yueying, her brows tightly furrowed, her teeth gritted, so much so that Zhou Yan noticed it the instant he approached.

“Oh, everyone else is too busy celebrating, yet why does Junior Sister Lian seem a bit… fierce?”

Zhou Yan’s voice was not soft, audible to many.

Lian Yueying turned, presenting a smiling profile to the crowd, and addressed Zhou Yan, saying, “Senior Brother Zhou and I are not familiar, so it’s quite normal for you not to know. I simply become expressionless when I’m deep in thought.”

“Oh, in that case, I’m relieved.”

Zhou Yan nodded, preparing to leave.

As he turned sideways, he leaned closer to Lian Yueying and whispered, “Junior Sister is a ruthless person, yet you show no consideration for your Senior Brother. I am close to Foundation Establishment; what harm would it have done to yield the Harmonious Breath Fruit to me?”

Lian Yueying smiled but remained silent.

Zhou Yan subtly inhaled the faint fragrance from her hair, then straightened and laughed, saying, “After a few days apart, Junior Sister’s cultivation has advanced once more. Congratulations.”

Having spoken, Zhou Yan turned and departed, while Lian Yueying, with a faint smile, nodded and watched him go.

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