Chapter 88 Arrogant at First, Respectful Later
Chapter 88 Arrogant at First, Respectful Later
Shen Qingchao bowed to Zhao Yuanlang and said, "Thank you for your kind offer, Brother Zhao."
Zhao Yuanlang's pupils suddenly contracted in that instant.
Take a breath.
The divine sense imprint attached to that storage bag was left by a Golden Core elder of the Heavenly God Sect.
It takes anywhere from half a day to several days for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to refine it with their divine sense.
Even at the peak of Foundation Establishment, it would take at least half an hour to gradually break through.
But Mo Wentian only used a single breath.
Zhao Yuanlang felt a fine layer of cold sweat seeping down his back. His smile remained unchanged, even becoming more fervent, but the horror in his heart was churning like a raging sea.
Mo Wentian's divine sense could never be possessed by someone at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.
Zhao Yuanlang felt that the person in front of him had most likely entered the Golden Core realm, or at least was half a step into the Golden Core realm.
Mo Wentian's claim of "establishing a sect" is probably not just a boastful statement, but rather the goal of a Golden Core cultivator.
Zhao Yuanlang took out a brocade handkerchief from his sleeve, wrapped the broken stone slab on the table again, and returned it with both hands.
"I was presumptuous before. Since this item came from the Qingyun Sect, it should be returned to its original owner and not kept by me. I swear on my Dao heart that I will never divulge the fragments of the cultivation technique on the stone slab, nor will I report it to the Heavenly God Sect. You can rest assured, fellow Daoist."
These words represent a completely different attitude compared to the previous politeness.
The previous politeness was merely a matter of etiquette, but the current humility stems from genuine reverence.
Shen Qing took the stone slab and solemnly put it into his storage bag.
He didn't explain anything further, nor did he take the opportunity to put on airs. He simply cupped his hands and said "Thank you" in a light gesture.
Zhao Yuanlang added, "From now on, if you have any needs in Qinghe, the government will definitely provide full cooperation. As for the Huang family's spiritual vein, since you discovered it, the Qingyun Sect can handle it; the government will not get involved."
Upon hearing this, Shen Qing smiled wryly and clasped his hands, saying, "Then I thank Brother Zhao for his generosity. My Qingyun Mountain is really barren, and my nephew likes to teach others. Qingyun Mountain really can't support so many people."
"There is another matter. I will soon be leaving the mountain to travel to Shu Prefecture. My nephew Shen Qing will continue to serve as the sect leader of Qingyun Sect. I hope that Your Excellency will take good care of things on the mountain from now on."
Zhao Yuanlang was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then suddenly realized.
Shen Qing, the useless sect leader of Qingyun Sect, is said to have broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage with the help of Mo Wentian.
To force a cultivator with little lifespan and a weak foundation to establish their foundation, Zhao Yuanlang couldn't think of any other method besides the Perfect Foundation Establishment Pill.
Of course, Zhao Yuanlang wouldn't believe it if Mo Wentian didn't have a top-grade elixir like the Perfect Foundation Establishment Pill.
The wealth and resources of a cultivator who can produce a perfect Foundation Establishment Pill are self-evident.
"Don't worry, brother."
Zhao Yuanlang cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his tone solemn, "As long as I, Zhao, am in Qinghe, Qingyun Sect will be at peace."
Shen Qing nodded slightly, turned and walked towards the door. Reaching the threshold, he paused and left a single sentence.
"Brother Zhao, until we meet again."
As soon as he finished speaking, his figure silently disappeared into the night.
Only a wisp of breeze remained under the eaves, gradually dissipating.
The back room remained quiet for a long time.
Zhao Yuanlang stood there, watching the blue shadow disappear into the night sky, his fingertips lightly tapping the table.
Du, du, du (three sounds).
Xuanji pushed open the door and entered. Seeing Zhao Yuanlang's solemn expression, he couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Master, this Mr. Mo..."
Zhao Yuanlang spoke slowly, his voice carrying an unusual solemnity, "Mo Wentian is definitely not a Foundation Establishment cultivator."
He paused, then added, "This person is decisive in his actions. He can kill his enemy with a single sword at a critical moment, yet spare the lives of the rest of the Huang family. His strength and intellect are both extraordinary."
"I met him once back in Fenglin County, when he was just a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. After more than twenty years of seclusion, he has undoubtedly reached the Core Formation stage. With his Sword Heart Clarity physique, his combat strength far surpasses that of ordinary Golden Core cultivators. Such a person is not to be an enemy, but only a friend."
Upon hearing this, Xuanji's expression also turned serious, and he said in a low voice, "Master Dong, what about the Heavenly God Sect..."
"No need to report it."
Zhao Yuanlang interrupted him, his tone resolute, "Whether Qingyun Mountain has any secret treasures or not is no longer important. What is important is that Qingyun Sect has a Golden Core stage cultivator named Mo Wentian."
"Furthermore, Mo Wentian has acted with considerable discretion, not wiping out the entire Huang family. If we report this to the sect, it might push him to the opposite side. If we don't report it, it will benefit my connections and goodwill in Qinghe. Which do you think is more worthwhile?"
Xuanji remained silent for a moment, then bowed deeply: "Master Dong is truly wise."
Zhao Yuanlang picked up the teacup on the table, which had long since gone cold, took a sip, and looked at the deep night outside the corridor. Suddenly, he laughed.
"Mo Wentian. What a Mo Wentian. The waters of Qinghe have been still for decades. His arrival has stirred up a storm. How interesting."
He drank the cold tea in one gulp, put down the teacup, and shook his sleeves.
"It's getting late, you should go and rest. You'll be busy starting tomorrow."
Xuanji withdrew immediately.
The lights in the back room gradually went out, leaving only the half-empty teacup on the corner of the table, still emitting a faint warmth.
January 12th, morning.
Before the New Year celebrations were over, Sun Wenyuan carried his book box and walked up the mountain path.
Most of the snow on both sides of the mountain path has melted, revealing the dark blue stone steps underneath.
He stopped halfway up the mountain to rest, gazing at the newly built houses at the summit.
With its upturned eaves and green bricks and gray tiles, it was many times more magnificent than the Qingyun Gate he remembered.
The grand mansion that the Huang family painstakingly built now has a new owner.
Another hour passed, and in front of the new Qingyun Ancestral Hall, Shen Qing, disguised as Mo Wentian, greeted Sun Wenyuan.
He spotted the figure in the green robe from afar, then stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Senior Mo."
Shen Qing turned around, his tone gentle, "How are you, sir?"
TOEFL.
Sun Wenyuan placed the book box at his feet and got straight to the point, "Senior Mo, I've come today to discuss with you the matter of the academy recruiting new disciples after the New Year."
"The turmoil in the Huang family has affected the academy for more than two months. I had previously discussed with Sect Leader Shen that we would recruit a second batch of students next year. Now that the academy is about to reopen, we need your advice on how to recruit, how many students to take, and how to set the rules."
Shen Qing paused for a moment. Sun Wenyuan was asking about serious matters, but he couldn't answer.
It's not that I don't want to answer, it's that I can't. As Mo Wentian, I know too little about the daily affairs of Qingyun Sect. The more I say, the easier it is to expose my secret.
He shook his head slightly and said, "Mr. Sun, I have returned only for revenge and know nothing about the academy's regulations. This matter concerns the future foundation of the Qingyun Sect and cannot be taken lightly. It would be better if you could discuss it with my nephew Shen Qing after he comes out of seclusion."
Sun Wenyuan stared at "Mo Wentian" for a long time, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. In the end, he didn't say anything, but just nodded: "Alright, it was Wenyuan who was presumptuous. Then Wenyuan will wait until Sect Master Shen comes out of seclusion before coming again."
After speaking, Sun Wenyuan picked up his book box, bowed, and turned to walk towards the academy.
UGB