Chapter 518: Minute and Subliminal, Do Not Seek It, My Lord

Chapter 518: Intricate Beyond Measure, Seek Him Not

Half a day later, within the depths of the bamboo grove.

Xie Danran stared at the approaching figure, an expression of sheer disbelief washing over his face.

"Why, but why?"

He was utterly bewildered; he had answered flawlessly, his disguise woven seamlessly, so why had the County Princess still sent someone to take his life?

In the days prior, with his standing, he would never have feared a mere County Princess.

Yet now, having delivered Jining Prefecture from ruin, her execution of him would be nothing more than a minor caprice of absolute power.

He possessed no means to resist.

"The Princess remarked that you never once denied being a murderer, a bandit, or a villain..." The elder clad in black robes spoke with stark solemnity, the spiritual artifact trembling within his palm.

A look of utter stupefaction crossed Xie Danran's face: "But! She! Didn't! Even! Ask!"

How could he answer what was never asked? Xie Danran's eyes burned with unyielding resentment.

Alas, resentment was futile; his body went limp, and he perished on the spot.

The black-robed elder cast a fleeting glance before his form vanished into thin air.

Roughly a quarter of an hour later, another old man materialized, a steamed bun dangling from his mouth.

Surveying the corpse upon the ground, he tipped a vial and poured out a stream of liquid.

Sizzle.

Xie Danran's corpse dissolved entirely into a pool of water, leaving behind neither skin nor bone.

"According to the Young Master's words, he won't even stand a chance at becoming a vengeful phantom now."

With a sly, roguish smirk upon his face, Chen Kangbao likewise vanished into the bamboo grove.

...

The Celestial Sect stronghold.

Zhou Xun's countenance was frighteningly grim, yet he turned and bowed respectfully toward Wang Qingyi, who stood a short distance away.

"Some days ago, Danran acted rashly toward Lingxuan. I offer my apologies on his behalf."

Just moments ago, word had reached him that his disciple had fallen.

Now that Xie Danran had met his end at the hands of County Princess Jiang Yunxi, Zhou Xun was incensed, yet utterly powerless to act.

Firstly, Jiang Yunxi had slain the Ruotong River Lord, riding high on a tide of immense public acclaim.

Secondly, fresh intelligence revealed that the Ruotong River Lord shared deep, illicit entanglements with the Celestial Sect, an affair that had already claimed the life of Wei Kun, the Mournful Wind Hand; the Celestial Sect held no moral high ground in this matter.

Thirdly, the demise of Wei Kun was a severe blow to the Sect's overall strength.

Since Xie Danran was already dead, he would offer these amends on his disciple's behalf, lest the Shen family visit vengeance upon the late youth's kinsmen due to that past grievance.

This was the sole remaining duty he, as a master, could perform.

"Hmph," Wang Qingyi scoffed coldly. "He who walks in unrighteousness is bound to bring about his own destruction."

Embarrassment flickered across Zhou Xun's features, and he deftly shifted the topic: "The spiritual meat cleaver wielded by Princess Yunxi... do you truly believe it shattered, just as she claimed?"

At the mention of that mysterious spiritual cleaver, Wang Qingyi's expression grew profoundly solemn.

"It is almost certainly a ruse. To speak boldly, given Princess Yunxi's actual prowess, ten of her combined would be no match for my disciple, Lingxuan.

How exceedingly arduous must it have been to slay the Ruotong River Lord and that Elder of the Thorny Blood?

From this, it is evident that the spiritual cleaver is an implement of absolute terror... how could it possibly crumble?"

"Should the Royal Clan possess such an artifact, their might will swell immensely; the days ahead will not be easy for the Celestial Sect or the Ancient Thunder Sect," Zhou Xun lamented.

Within the State of Ning, the Royal Clan had long waned, their strength eclipsed by both the Celestial Sect and the Ancient Thunder Sect; yet with that spiritual cleaver in their grasp, the tides of offense and defense would completely turn.

"How did Princess Yunxi come to possess such an artifact? And which grandmaster's hands forged it?" Wang Qingyi mused aloud, her eyes clouded with perplexity.

It remained a profound enigma.

After all, it was common knowledge that the State of Ning currently harbored no Heaven-tier armsmashers.

As for the neighboring realms, there was no word of any grandmaster inclined to fashion a spiritual weapon... in the likeness of a meat cleaver.

A meat cleaver... it seemed far too crude and unseemly.

Though it possessed devastating might, the weapon struck a ludicrous chord in the minds of all who heard of it.

Right then, a thought struck Zhou Xun, and he murmured beneath his breath, "An artifact of this caliber would surely draw the gaze of those from the Rakshasa Empire. I wonder if Princess Yunxi can truly safeguard it."

Wang Qingyi's expression shifted drastically. "Zhou Xun, regardless of the circumstances, this remains an internal strife within our State of Ning.

Whether the spiritual cleaver rests with the Royal Clan or anyone else, it bodes well for our nation. If you intend to..."

"Senior Sister misunderstands! I would absolutely never commit such a betrayal!" Zhou Xun interjected hastily.

"Hmph!" Wang Qingyi scoffed once more.

Beads of cold sweat broke out across Zhou Xun's forehead; he felt a surge of anxiety, wondering why his attempts to divert the conversation kept infuriating his senior sister today.

It seemed he must pivot yet again.

He directed his gaze toward Shen Lingxuan, his voice softening into a measured cadence: "I have heard that Grandmaster Hengshan, the notorious flower-thief, has been lurking in the shadows, waiting for a chance to harm Lingxuan. It is rather peculiar that no trace of him has been seen of late."

"Hmph, let him dare show his face, and this old woman will ensure he suffers the consequences!" Wang Qingyi declared.

Beside her, Shen Lingxuan wore a veil of light silk that obscured her features, yet the chilling, razor-sharp aura radiating from her remained palpable.

Her thoughts drifted back to that day outside the temple, to the young man who wielded a sword of water.

She harbored an intense curiosity regarding that stranger's identity.

Without achieving the state of Unity between Heaven and Man, he had effortlessly cleaved through a peak Earth-tier combatant.

Such prowess was genuinely terrifying.

"Should he appear, this old man will not spare him either!" Zhou Xun added quickly.

"Alas," Wang Qingyi sighed. "Lingxuan... perhaps it is best if you temporarily return to the Sect."

The Profound Yin Physique was far too coveted; it was only because Shen Lingxuan had not yet attained the peak of the Earth-tier that those old, Heaven-tier monsters from other realms had not yet descended to seize her by force.

To unleash the true potential of the Profound Yin Physique, Shen Lingxuan needed to reach the Earth-tier at least, and ideally its absolute peak.

Presently, with Grandmaster Hengshan concealed who knew where, and those Heaven-tier armament-wielders from the Rakshasa Empire of the Central Plains likely aware of the events at Yeshan Lake, what if they developed designs on Shen Lingxuan?

This was the hidden anxiety weighing heavily on Wang Qingyi's mind.

Shen Lingxuan's gaze remained tranquil, and she finally nodded. "Very well."

Within the Sect, guarded by the Dao Master, flanked by other Earth-tier armament-wielders, and fortified by arrays forged from Earth-tier artifacts, even a Heaven-tier master would find it exceedingly difficult to breach their defenses.

Furthermore, the blade she had wielded in her past life rested within the Sect; should a formidable foe arise, she would possess some measure of self-preservation.

Now that a pack of wolves encircled them, it was indeed no longer wise for her to linger in the outside world.

Particularly since her recent attempt to slay Grandmaster Hengshan had already laid bare her strength as an Earth-tier armament-wielder.

Should that young man expose the truth, a storm of blood and chaos would surely be unleashed.

A Profound Yin Body at the late Earth Stage would be enough to drive a Heaven Grade Weapon Master insane.

Shen Lingxuan left the hall and returned to her quarters.

The tall and slender Zhi Shuang approached her.

Shen Lingxuan asked, her voice icy: "The young master hasn't returned yet?"

"No," Zhi Shuang shook her head, anger flaring on her face. "The young master has gone too far. He came to Ye Mountain Lake without even meeting the young lady, and now he's vanished without a trace!"

"Is he in any danger?" Shen Lingxuan asked, then shook her head.

Before his death, Qi Shi had left a gift for his son Qi Yuan. An ordinary Weapon Master couldn't harm him.

"I'm setting out for Tianmu Mountain now. Pack your things and come with me," Shen Lingxuan said.

"Should we return home first?" Zhi Shuang asked.

Shen Lingxuan shook her head: "Forget it. It would only add to my parents' worries for nothing."

...

At the Shen family stronghold, Qi Yuan and Chen Kang leisurely returned.

This stirred up quite a commotion.

But for Qi Yuan, it was nothing at all.

At that moment, he held the Divine Wood Token, sipping tea and chatting.

"I heard a strange incident occurred in Ye Mountain Lake of Ning Kingdom these past few days.

Princess Yunxi, wielding a special magical cleaver, slew the Water Lord of Luotong.

At the same time, the Thornblood Water Serpent Elder also fell.

Brother Cleaver, does that magical cleaver have anything to do with you?"

A member of Thornblood asked in the group chat.

Ji Wuyun, seeing this, was speechless.

"You're not suspecting Brother Cleaver is that magical cleaver, are you? A magical artifact has no true consciousness of its own—how could it chat with us?

Even if it did, it would be a divine artifact, and a divine artifact's intelligence is at most that of a six- or seven-year-old child. Does Brother Cleaver look like a child to you?"

This time, it was the Thornblood member's turn to be speechless.

He clearly meant to say that Brother Cleaver was the Heaven Grade Artificer who forged that magical cleaver.

"Speaking of which, shouldn't you Thornblood people compensate me? That Water Serpent Elder disgusted me. I'm claiming mental damages!" Qi Yuan said in the group.

"Come to the Divine Wood Abyss, Brother Cleaver, and I'll compensate you with a hundred thousand taels of silver."

"You said it—don't go back on your word!"

"Brother Cleaver, don't go! Thornblood must have set a net with heaven and earth around the Divine Wood Abyss!"

"How could that be? I think the Thornblood folks are all quite nice, and they're rich too." Qi Yuan was unconcerned.

"Brother Cleaver has good judgment. We of Thornblood have no intention to harm."

"Not harm? Turning people into Wraiths isn't harm?"

"A Wraith is merely another form of existence for a living being.

For instance, you avoid us Thornblood folks by disguising yourself as a woman—isn't that also changing your form of existence?"

Ji Wuyun dared not speak.

The Thornblood member continued.

"Human life is far too short—mere centuries in this world.

Unless blessed by fate, one can live a little longer.

All others are but passersby in this world. Even if they leave some traces, what does it matter?

Becoming a Wraith grants at least a thousand years of lifespan.

And... Brother Cleaver, with your talent, join us at Thornblood, hand over the Divine Wood Token, and work with me on our great endeavor.

Our merits will be enough to take us beyond the heavens, to obtain a Worship Ancestor Statue and be transformed into an immortal, indestructible being!"

The Thornblood member tempted him.

"I am already immortal and indestructible," Qi Yuan refused outright.

He was far too narcissistic to be willing to be transformed into a creature like a Wraith.

"Alas, Brother Cleaver, you misunderstand Thornblood too much. We are not here to destroy the world—in fact, we are saving it.

Have you not noticed that this world is sick?

The sovereign is unrighteous, the great clans run rampant, corrupt officials act openly, flouting the law, and the people live in misery."

"You make a good point. The moral climate is too corrupt." Qi Yuan deeply agreed.

A look of joy appeared on the Thornblood member's face: "Is Brother Cleaver willing to join us at Thornblood to change the world?"

"Forget it. The moral climate at Thornblood isn't much better. That old man even wanted to keep me as his pet. Let me change you instead!"

"Alas, it seems Brother Cleaver is unwilling." The Thornblood member sounded disappointed. "I thought you and I were kindred spirits."

"Don't say such disgusting things!"

"..."

Withdrawing from the Divine Wood Token, Qi Yuan wore a contemplative expression.

"According to the plot information I've gathered so far, this Thornblood should count as a minor boss?"

"None of that matters. What matters is improving my strength, and... role-playing."

"Ah, leveling up is too hard. I'm only at level 119 now."

After slaughtering countless Wraith Fish and the Water Lord of Luotong, Qi Yuan's experience bar had reached level 119.

Translated into this world, that was the peak of the Earth Grade Weapon Master.

One more step, and he would be a Heaven Grade Weapon Master.

This time, role-playing as the cleaver had raised him by over twenty levels, which Qi Yuan considered slow.

"Strange. Logically, with my experience bar, killing so many Wraiths and the Water Lord of Luotong should have pushed me to level 120, but it hasn't... Could it be the interference of the world's laws?"

Back in Wangyue Continent, Qi Yuan had once hit a level cap.

The experience bar would surge, but he wouldn't level up.

Now, he faced the same problem.

"It must be a restriction of this world's laws."

"For Weapon Masters to break through, they must comprehend the unity of heaven and man to advance."

"So, I too must achieve unity of heaven and man?"

Qi Yuan speculated.

In his memory, there were recollections and experiences of a blind artifact master breaking through to the level of a celestial artifact master.

Moreover, he was originally a Zi Mansion great power, so the so-called unity of heaven and man was, for him... very simple.

In an instant, he entered the state of unity of heaven and man.

From Qi Yuan's perspective, heaven and earth were still.

The wind ceased, the rain stopped.

The river halted its flow.

A ripe apple hung motionless in the air.

He seemed to merge into this world, becoming one with it.

The laws of heaven and earth flowed through his hands, and the primordial source drew close to him like a child.

Qi Yuan felt that if he merely reached out and grasped the primordial source, he could achieve unity of heaven and man.

But then, his face twisted with bitterness.

"Unity of heaven and man—heaven is vast, man is small, hence they can unite. But I seem... too vast, becoming unity of heaven and heaven?"

He had already dripped his essence blood into this game, and he was also a part of its creators, a shareholder.

When he attempted unity of heaven and man, he became unity of heaven and heaven.

"So, I cannot achieve unity of heaven and man?"

Qi Yuan was troubled.

"It seems I can only... devour the unity of heaven and man of others."

Qi Yuan sighed.

The Mother of No Food had once given him the Devouring Origin, so he had gained the ability to devour.

Unity of heaven and man could also be devoured.

"It seems I need to find some celestial-level weapon masters of the White Moonlight rank."

Now, he could only achieve unity of heaven and heaven, not unity of heaven and man. To break the boundary of advancement, he needed to slay celestial-level weapon masters and devour their unity of heaven and man.

Qi Yuan was pondering where to find an old, beloved White Moonlight, when suddenly a voice drifted into his ears.

The voice was ethereal, its origin unknown.

"Faint, so faint, my lord, seek not..."

Qi Yuan's insight came to an abrupt halt.

He immediately withdrew from the state of unity of heaven and man.

Curiosity gleamed in his eyes.

"Am I hallucinating again?"

He gazed at the sky, trying to locate the owner of the voice, but found nothing.

"Hey, who's speaking?" Qi Yuan activated his superpower to converse with the voice's owner. But all around was silent, no sound came.

"Is this game glitching?"

"That's normal—this game nearly collapsed, and it was my blood that helped it recover. A few bugs are to be expected."

"Can I exploit this bug?"

"This shouldn't count as cheating."

Qi Yuan's thoughts wandered.

Then, he took out the Divine Wood Token.

"Hey, does anyone know the origin of 'Faint, so faint, my lord, seek not'?"

When faced with something unknown, he used to ask Baidu or AI. In the game, of course, he had to ask the staff member from Thorn of Blood.

"So Brother Cleaver has indeed been to the Divine Wood Abyss," the staff member from Thorn of Blood replied, seemingly idle, always answering messages promptly.

"Oh, what does that have to do with the Divine Wood Abyss?"

"The Divine Wood Token bears inscriptions; Brother Cleaver should know."

"There is wood... Xuan Hun," Qi Yuan answered.

On the Divine Wood Token, the front read "There is wood," and the back was engraved with "Xuan Hun."

"At the entrance to the Divine Wood Abyss, there is a shattered stele, on which some words are recorded."

"Are they the ones I mentioned?" Qi Yuan asked curiously.

"In years past, there was wood, standing still in Xuan Hun.

Now I think of you, my lord, as wood longs for spring.

Faint, so faint, my lord, seek not."

"These are the words carved on the stele. By the way, the first character for 'wood' is incomplete—the right side is missing a part, so I don't know what character it is."

"Indeed, 'wood' and 'hun' don't rhyme; it's likely a missing character. Who carved these words?" Qi Yuan asked curiously.

"According to the *Secret Origins*, this might be related to that divine wood in the Divine Wood Abyss," the Thorn of Blood member calmly sent the message. "These myths and legends are too ancient. Why is Brother Cleaver suddenly interested in this?"

"Because I am good!"

...

Over the capital of Ning Kingdom, dark clouds loomed.

Crack!

The sound of hail rang out, a continuous cascade.

A young man in a purple robe embroidered with gold edges reached out, caught a hailstone, and sucked on it.

"The hail of Ning Kingdom is, after all, not as sweet as that of Raksha."

An old man dressed as a eunuch, hunched over, quickly chimed in.

"Precisely because of the royal family, even the hail and air of Raksha are sweet."

"Haha," Fifth Wei chuckled, quite pleased.

The royal family of Raksha Kingdom bore the surname Fifth.

Emperor Fifth Yuxian was the very sun of Raksha Kingdom.

After all, since the destruction of the Divine Descent, the Raksha royal family had been unstoppable—the true kings of Raksha!

"Pity that some treacherous villains cannot bear to see Raksha so beautiful and actually think of welcoming back the God of Judgment!" Fifth Wei's face turned cold as he mentioned this, murderous intent surging.

The expressions of those around him changed as well; some even trembled involuntarily.

The name of the God of Judgment weighed too heavily on them.

Even a hundred years ago, it was a sword hanging over their heads, and no one knew when that sword would fall.

“What, are you afraid of Him?” Fifth Wei sneered, a glint of disdain flashing in his eyes.

He was born after the destruction of Divine Presence and had never seen it.

Naturally, he held no reverence for Divine Presence.

Moreover, young as he was, having stepped into the Celestial rank in less than a century, he was the youngest Celestial Weapon Master in the royal family—undoubtedly at the peak of glory, exceedingly proud.

“No,” the eunuch elder quickly replied.

“It’s merely a ruined artifact; why should we fear it?” said a burly man.

Fifth Wei’s eyes gleamed with a brilliant smile: “Divine Presence is already destroyed. Even if some remnants linger outside, they are but lonely ghosts. Any one of us could suppress them with a single move.

Besides, back then our royal family suppressed Divine Presence; even if it returned in full glory, our royal family could suppress it a second time!”

The other Celestial Weapon Masters, hearing this, all drew a deep breath.

They wanted to say, Your Highness, don’t be too arrogant!

The full-strength God of Judgment was one man suppressing an entire nation.

They knew best how the God of Judgment had fallen.

Back then, the royal family, dissatisfied with the Judgment hanging like a sword over their heads, prepared to join forces with some aristocratic clans to deal with Divine Presence.

But how did they dare to confront it?

In the end, they actually broke their own spines, colluded with an enemy nation, and used a treacherous scheme.

After all, Divine Presence was merely a magical artifact, acting according to rules, easily targeted.

Thus the royal family colluded with the enemy nation.

The enemy nation dispatched a great army to besiege, and the royal family took the opportunity to summon Divine Presence.

Divine Presence descended from the heavens—just a single artifact, without a wielder, repelled the enemy seven times outside Falling Phoenix City.

But the royal family, exploiting the rules, never allowed Divine Presence to return to the city; even when it was damaged, they did not let divine-level artifact masters repair it.

Divine Presence, alone without any supplies, fought the enemy outside Falling Phoenix City for half a month until it was ultimately destroyed.

Thus, the Raksha Kingdom had no Divine Presence, and the sword over the heads of the royal family and aristocratic clans vanished.

Fifth Wei knew this history, but he had never witnessed the brutality of that battle, and from the bottom of his heart he belittled Divine Presence.

But the others were different; they knew Divine Presence’s renown and its terror.

“Divine Presence is indeed shattered. Now that strange signs appear, it should be some fragments emerging—nothing to fear,” the burly man said solemnly.

Indeed, Divine Presence had long been destroyed.

With the royal family’s cruelty, how could they let Divine Presence survive?

Back then, after the Battle of Falling Phoenix City, the royal family searched for Divine Presence’s fragments, then gathered three divine-level artifact masters to melt the fragments into ashes, ensuring Divine Presence would never exist again.

Afterward, they conducted a massive hunt for the God of Judgment’s statues, destroying every statue, completely erasing Divine Presence.

It could be said that even if some fragments of Divine Presence remained outside, without statues or anything else, at most they would have Earth-level combat power. Even if Divine Presence were special—the first divine artifact of the Raksha Kingdom—it would barely approach Celestial-level combat power, which meant nothing to Fifth Wei.

“Hmph, if it weren’t for those sewer rats of the Judgment Society lingering like restless ghosts, would a mere fragment of Divine Presence be worth my personal visit?” Fifth Wei said.

Though Divine Presence was insignificant, the Judgment Society was somewhat troublesome, with no few Celestial Weapon Masters among them.

If they found the God of Judgment’s fragments and slowly nurtured them with the full society’s power to revive the deity, perhaps one day the fragments might gain a trace of divine charm and unleash the power of a divine artifact.

That would be troublesome.

“After so many years, the Judgment Society still refuses to recognize reality—truly foolish,” the burly man said.

“Is there any information on the Divine Presence fragments?” Fifth Wei asked.

The eunuch elder quickly replied: “In Ninghe County, Jiangzhou, there have been traces of Divine Presence.”

He recounted the events at Red Cloud Fort.

Hearing this, Fifth Wei couldn’t help but sneer mockingly: “Fighting dozens of Yellow-level spectral spirits and still struggling for so long—this Divine Presence fragment is laughably weak. Why would I need to go? Even Mo San Kong, you rootless man, could drown it with a single piss.”

The old eunuch Mo San Kong gave an awkward smile, stooping even lower: “Your Highness is right.”

“This country is terrifyingly weak; only they would regard the ‘feats’ of a Divine Presence fragment as divine.

Even funnier, a mere Earth-level peak spectral spirit, and their entire nation had no way to deal with it—until some Yunxi County Princess killed it with a magical cleaver,” Fifth Wei said indifferently.

The old eunuch Mo San Kong quickly said: “If Your Highness has taken a fancy to that magical artifact, this old servant will go to Ye Mountain Lake right now and fetch it for you.”

“Hmph, a mere Celestial-level artifact is beneath my notice,” Fifth Wei said with disdain. “But I hear there is a Yin Essence Physique here—that interests me.

She is a disciple of the Heavenly Sect. Mo San Kong, take my writ to the Heavenly Sect and say that I wish to give this Yin Essence Physique a chance to become my handmaiden and follow me.”

Fifth Wei was overbearing, radiating a terrifying aura.

In the Raksha Kingdom, there were still those he feared, but in this Ning Kingdom, he was truly unrestrained.

The only thing to watch out for was the Judgment Society.

“As you command!” the old eunuch Mo San Kong quickly replied.

The other Celestial Weapon Masters showed envy on their faces.

“Congratulations, Your Highness! With this woman, your cultivation will greatly increase!”

“With the Yin Essence Physique, Your Highness’s cultivation will surely deepen!”

Fifth Wei’s smile grew even wider: “I hope this Yin Essence Physique knows her place and is pleasing to the eye, so as not to disappoint my regard.”

……

The Luo Tong Water Lord was destroyed.

The Artifact Masters’ Conference ended, but the major families did not leave immediately.

This time, many artifact masters and experts gathered—a rare opportunity.

Auctions and exchange meetings were held continuously.

In the small courtyard, Qi Yuan, clad in a white robe, looked ethereal as an immortal.

“As the saying goes, ‘Train the body to move like a crane, strangle a palace maid at midnight’… No, you are studying the *Turtle Transformation Art*; you should emulate a turtle.

When cultivating, you must imitate a turtle walking and basking in the sun,” Qi Yuan said to Zhan Wenyu beside him.

These past few days, Zhan Wenyu had come to consult him about the *Turtle Transformation Art*.

Tu San Gongzi’s silver couldn’t buy any other light swords, so he also spent money to purchase and practice the *Turtle Transformation Art*.

“Imitate a turtle walking?”

Zhan Wenyu, quite talented, immediately lay down on the ground.

“Like this?”

“Yes, your insight is good. The key to a turtle’s walk lies in slowness.”

“It’s because Master Qi teaches well,” Zhan Wenyu flattered.

Beside them, Tu San Gongzi blinked his eyes.

Had he not witnessed Qi Yuan’s power, he might truly have believed Qi Yuan was a fraud.

Learning to walk like a turtle—that was cultivation.

“But you must go further,” Qi Yuan said, giving Zhan Wenyu a push.

In an instant, Zhan Wenyu flipped over like a turtle, landing on his back.

Just as he struggled to rise, he heard Qi Yuan say, “Once a turtle is turned over, it’s hard for it to right itself. Remember this trick.”

Zhan Wenyu found this reasonable and lay still, limbs in the air.

Third Young Master Tu, seeing this, stood quietly to the side.

“Tu Jingshi, do you know where there are many Heavenly Grade Weapon Masters, especially the villainous kind?” Qi Yuan asked.

He was now eager to seize others’ Unity of Heaven and Man to advance further.

“This… I don’t know,” Third Young Master Tu shook his head.

Ning had not a single Heavenly Grade Weapon Master; how could he know where many gathered?

“Alas, life is hard. Ning is steeped in laziness—Weapon Masters don’t strive, even mosquitoes don’t strive.”

Slap!

Qi Yuan killed a mosquito.

“If only this mosquito were a Heavenly Grade Weapon Master?”

Third Young Master Tu stood silently, unsure how to answer.

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and his expression shifted: “Mr. Qi, have you heard… in the capital, Heavenly Grade Weapon Masters from Raksha have arrived. They seem to be after a deity called ‘Divine Descent.’”

As he spoke, Third Young Master Tu watched Qi Yuan’s expression.

“Among them are many Heavenly Grade Weapon Masters of formidable strength. Mr. Qi must be careful,” Third Young Master Tu warned.

“Oh, is that so?” Qi Yuan’s face was calm, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

“Those people are split into two factions—one seems friendly toward Divine Descent, the other seems intent on killing him,” Third Young Master Tu continued. “But this might be a facade; both factions could be harboring ulterior motives, merely putting on a show.”

“Mm, I understand.” Qi Yuan stretched lazily.

He looked at Third Young Master Tu, a flicker of a smile in his eyes.

“Do you dare take the light sword I bestowed upon you… and journey to the capital?”

Third Young Master Tu was stunned, a whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind.

“This…” He was afraid.

Why would Mr. Qi do this?

Was he testing him?

What would happen if he refused?

His heart was a tangled mess, a thousand thoughts swirling, and he knew not how to answer.

Just then, Zhan Wenyu, still on his back, sneered disdainfully: “Mr. Qi tells you to go, and you’re already scared?

Would Mr. Qi ever harm you?

If he wanted to harm you, why go through all this trouble? He’d just feed you to the fish!

If you don’t dare, give me the light sword—I’ll go to the capital!”

Hearing this, Third Young Master Tu’s face flushed with shame.

Indeed, if Mr. Qi wanted to harm him, why bother with such roundabout methods?

Not to mention that Mr. Qi had saved his life.

How could he be cowardly in such a matter?

Though fraught with danger, might it not also be an opportunity?

“I am willing to go!” Third Young Master Tu quickly replied. “But… after I reach the capital, what should I do?”

Qi Yuan stretched again: “Follow fate. When you feel the need to summon the divine, just summon it.”

Third Young Master Tu was bewildered.

Was he giving him full autonomy?

But then a thought struck him, and his face lit up with surprise: “I can summon the divine now?”

After the last battle, the ability to summon the divine had vanished.

The light sword had also become unusable.

“Mm, right. If you use this summoning on my behalf, I won’t let you suffer. How about I give you 3,334 taels? I’m being generous—added a little extra, so don’t call me stingy.” Qi Yuan reached for his silver.

“Mr. Qi, there’s no need for you to pay!” Third Young Master Tu quickly stopped him.

It was like someone receiving a red envelope at New Year, stuffing it back into the giver’s pocket to prevent them from taking it out.

Qi Yuan blinked: “Since you’re so insistent, I won’t go against a man’s will. No silver then.”

“That’s only right!” Third Young Master Tu naturally dared not ask Qi Yuan for silver.

“But still, I can’t let you lose out. If you use one summoning for me, I’ll modify this light sword to grant you an extra summoning. Of course, don’t use it recklessly,” Qi Yuan said.

He didn’t like taking advantage of others—unless that person was his moonlight.

Why?

Because he loved deeply.

Because his moonlight was the most special person to him.

Hearing this, Third Young Master Tu’s eyes blazed with ecstasy.

Such a pleasant surprise came so fast!

“Mr. Qi, rest assured, this humble one will not misuse it,” Third Young Master Tu said hurriedly.

“Alright, enough talk with you. I’ll pack up and head to the Celestial Sect to see my wife.”

The charade of being a live-in son-in-law had to continue—how could he play the part well without interacting with his wife?

As for the Unity of Heaven and Man and the Raksha visitors, he would let Third Young Master Tu handle them with the light sword.

(End of chapter)