Mysterious Man
Universe Sect’s patriarch was on cloud nine over Gu Yitian’s fate-changing victories. He, however, didn’t expect Dustfallen Sect to also have a dark horse who expanded the biggest draw’s horizons.
“Heaven-Ending Sect’s Yang Tianhe.”
“Universe Sect’s Gu Yitian.”
Heaven-Ending Sect was ranked sixteenth. Their disciple was only at Foundation Establishment Realm’s Second Layer, unsurprisingly. Gu Yitian remained indifferent throughout. Yang Tianhe didn’t belittle his opponent armed with a heavy sword despite barely detecting a trace of spiritual energy from his opponent. Winning five matches straight wasn’t a accomplishment to be dismissive about, after all.
Yang Tianhe lowered his cudgel and lunged off one leg. Gu Yitian swung back at the iron cudgel, inducing a numbing sensation through Yang Tianhe’s arms. Realising he was at a disadvantage in close-quarters, Yang Tianhe switched to a long-range spiritual energy tactic. Yang Tianhe took to the air and threw his cudgel at Gu Yitian, adding a rotation to it.
Gu Yitian stood his ground and deflected all of the cudgel clones encroaching upon him before closing the gap lightning fast. Yang Tianhe was struck with a palm strike by the time he turned his body. The impact to Yang Tianhe’s chest sent him straight out of the ring. Gu Yitian somersaulted and landed back on the ground.
Both Mu Yu and Gu Yitian had won eight matches.
Eyes on Mu Yu, Daoist Bo Yang expressed, “Brother Feng, I have to admit I never realised Mu Yu hid so much potential.”
“You are too kind, Brother Bo Yang. Your disciple’s achievement with physical cultivation is what is truly worth commending.”
Mu Yu and Gu Yitian exchanged eye contact, the latter showing a blatant desire to fight Mu Yu. Mu Yu didn’t intend to surrender in their match tomorrow despite Feng Haochen telling him not to clash with Universe Sect. Mu Yu was eager to test physical cultivation’s potential. One of the dark horses was bound to lose. Howbeit, Mu Yu was indifferent to winning and losing the match. Mu Yu’s main goal in his match against Gu Yitian was to gain experience.
At night, Feng Haochen meditated, while Cheng Yan went out for a stroll somewhere. Mu Yu also went out.
The identity and purpose of the mysterious individual Tian Ran mentioned still weighed on Mu Yu’s mind. Whether or not Tian Ran was with Daoist Qing Song, Mu Yu intended to check up on Daoist Qing Song. In order to overcome the cultivation level barrier, Mu Yu planned to utilise his secret ability – plant control.
Mu Yu went to a forest and fused with a tree after ensuring nobody was watching. It was easy to locate Daoist Qing Song because, as the patriarch, he would be found at a unique place. Mu Yu followed a few disciples in charge of helping Daoist Qing Song out with mundane tasks to locate Daoist Qing Song’s room.
Daoist Qing Song’s place was the epitome of elegance. In the courtyard were peach trees accompanying a pool of goldfish. Mu Yu used the trees as his cover. Daoist Qing Song hadn’t returned yet. Mu Yu bent a tree branch toward the open window. Mu Yu had a clear view of the disciple, who was waiting inside, help Daoist Qing Song change. Another disciple carried in a basin of water for Daoist Qing Song to wash his feet.
“You may leave,” Daoist Qing Song said to the two disciples after getting dressed.
“Yes, Patriarch,” responded the two disciples, shutting the door behind them.
Daoist Qing Song went to the window and examined the bent tree branch, startling Mu Yu. Mu Yu thought Daoist Qing Song saw through him, but Daoist Qing Song shifted his gaze to the moon and spaced out.
Daoist Qing Song eventually went and sat on his bed to begin meditating, which was practically an invitation for Mu Yu’s brain to play. Mu Yu soaked into the moment and prayed he wasn’t staking out for nothing. Lady luck smiled upon Mu Yu. Daoist Qing Song abruptly opened his eyes. Mu Yu saw another individual in the room but never saw how the individual entered.
“Who are you?!” Daoist Qing Song hurried to his feet upon finally noticing the individual’s presence.
The individual donned red clothing. Judging from his handsome appearance, he was roughly eighteen years old. His aura indicated he had gone beyond Golden Core Realm. Mu Yu pondered if the youth was the individual Tian Ran mentioned. The youth was clearly stronger than Feng Haochen.
“You are the most advanced cultivator here? You will struggle to reach Primordial Infant Realm without guidance.”
“May I ask what someone of your calibre is here for?” inquired Daoist Qing Song, intimidated.
The youth raised the corner of his lips subtly. “What am I here for?”
The youth discharged his energy as violent as a tornado, trapping Daoist Qing Song inside and showing him just how fragile he was before the youth’s might. The pressure shut down any desire to retaliate Daoist Qing Song had. The youth stopped discharging energy after a quick second, yet Daoist Qing Song’s back was sodden with his own perspiration.
Daoist Qing Song put one leg behind the other multiple times. “Ar-Are you a Primordial Infant Realm cultivator?”
“You must have plateaued at Golden Core Realm’s Ninth Layer for, at least, a decade, right? How about we make a deal?”
Daoist Qing Song took in a deep breath. “What can I offer you when you are so far ahead of me?”
“I can help you ascend to Primordial Infant Realm.”
Daoist Qing Song shuddered. He had spent a decade trying to decipher the secret to ascending to Primordial Infant Realm; previous attempts to do so in seclusion ended in failure. Though he was revered, nobody understood the agony of being just a step away, yet unable to get that foot through the door.
“You are off track. Without the correct advice, you will be stuck where you are for your entire life. I can help you realise your dream. Now, that requires a trade.”
Daoist Qing Song regathered his thoughts and jumbled the pros and cons in his mind before questioning, “What is the price?”
“You… pledge fealty to me.”
Daoist Qing Song didn’t expect a small favour, but stepping on his pride was unacceptable. “Hmph, not happening. A patriarch does not stoop to that level. Try somebody else.”
“It sounds as though you do not understand what I mean. Let me reword the proposal. Reverend Jiuhua and you are closely matched in terms of cultivation within Moyun Mountains. If Jiuhua’s patriarch enlists as my servant, there will be no reason to keep Green Pine Sect around. Your sect and your disciples will be no more. That is the reason I am giving you a chance to make a choice. If you do not treasure the opportunity, this shall be the end of the road for you.”
“And what would that make Green Pine Sect if I were to pledge allegiance to you?”
“Your daughter Qing Mei was not in her room,” casually remarked the youth.
Daoist Qing Song’s eyes flew wide open. “Qing Mei… what did you do to my daughter?”
“That rides on your decision.”
“You are a disgrace!”
“Your cultivation is inferior to mine; I have no reason to blackmail you with your daughter. She is merely another bargaining chip. Bow to me or die. If death does not scare you, I suppose all of the enemies you have made will vent their anger on your daughter. They will deal with your daughter without me lifting a finger.”
Blanched in fear, Daoist Qing Song could almost feel the white in his cheeks. He knew better than anyone the underhanded tactics he employed to consolidate his leadership in the world of cultivation. He also knew how many people were waiting for an opportunity to exact their vengeance on him. If nothing else, the rules he stipulated at the academy and monopolising the selection rights left many sects seething with rage. The youth had an indisputable point.
Overwhelmed, eighty-year-old Daoist Qing Song flopped into his chair. He could rebuild Green Pine Sect if it hit rock bottom, but Qing Mei was his only beloved daughter. He heaved a heavy breath and rolled his shoulders over. He was forced to choose between his pride and daughter. Was there really a choice, though?
Thud! From his knees and with his head against the ground, Daoist Qing Song pleaded, “Please spare my daughter.”
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