My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult - Chapter 153 - Chapter 153: Chapter 153 Lou Xiangzhen's Divination for Qingmei

Chapter 153: Chapter 153 Lou Xiangzhen’s Divination for Qingmei

Sword Qi turned into a river!

Cui Daoxian exhibited his power to the utmost, vast and boundless.

The sky filled with sweeping sword qi, mixed with its supreme sword intent.

An Jing stood under the limitless sword qi, like a small boat in a storm, unstable and drifting.

Everyone could see the helplessness of the Ghost Swordsman, as if in the next moment he would be ground into dust by that sword intent.

An Jing held the Evil Suppressing Sword in his hand and thought to himself in awe, “Worthy of the Heavenly Sword, one of the top five Sword Immortals.”

His thoughts rapidly turning, An Jing gripped the Evil Suppressing Sword tightly.

The sword intent within his body also instantly condensed, as if countless threads converged to form a giant sword made of sword intent.

Lou Xiangzhen and Cui Daoxian could both feel the vastness of the sword intent.

When sword intent operated to its extreme, it could condense into form, and after An Jing’s sword intent condensed, it seemed to be just a huge shell, seemingly expansive, but empty within.

The higher the stack, the more solid the foundation needs to be.

The pitch-black night sky, like numerous silver beads densely packed, embedded within, looked like a glowing white belt.

The heavens have limits, but that vast sword intent seemed even more extensive than the heavens.

But this sword intent had not yet fully formed, so it appeared somewhat hollow; it still needed time to amass and refine.

The giant sword and the myriad sword shadows converged as if raindrops struck the earth, becoming more fierce and vigorous, and at that moment, time itself seemed to stop.

All the onlookers’ eyes were tightly fixed, afraid of missing any thrilling detail.

And Lou Xiangzhen’s expression also turned stern.

The next moment, under the barrage of sword shadows, the giant sword began to fracture as if it was about to collapse.

“The Ghost Swordsman is going to be defeated.”

Seeing this, everyone took a deep breath of relief.

Many didn’t find the result of this duel surprising, but still couldn’t help but marvel at the spectacle of this astonishing battle.

An Jing’s brows were tightly furrowed, and his forehead was also covered with beads of cold sweat.

He stood as straight as a sharp sword, unmovable even as the aftershocks of the sword qi struck him.

At that moment, the Evil Suppressing Sword emitted a trembling sound.

The flowing blood became dazzling and bright, then refracted rays of golden light.

An Jing seemed to see a person, disheveled and wearing a dragon robe, his mere presence exuding an overwhelming aura.

The Great Zhou Human Emperor!?

Seeing the suddenly appearing master, the only thought in An Jing’s mind was this.

In a trance, Cui Daoxian saw a phantom appear behind An Jing, covering him with a supreme, tyrannical force, so overwhelming that it left him struggling to breathe.

Especially those sharp eyes, which seemed to mercilessly see right through him.

“There was actually…. in the Evil Suppressing Sword”

Cui Daoxian was immensely shocked.

Suddenly, the sword intent on the Evil Suppressing Sword surged, and the giant sword became even more brilliant, bursting forth with a supremely tyrannical chilling force.

The incomparable aura directly penetrated through, and the sword shadows in front were instantly pierced.

“Thump thump thump….”

“Wow!”

Cui Daoxian’s body shook, and he staggered backward, feeling an intense burning pain in his chest when he finally came to a stop, then a stream of blood spurted out.

At the same time, the sword intent also retracted completely, and the sword qi dissipated like smoke.

There was a deathly silence over the earth, and everyone was dumbstruck by the scene.

What exactly happened?

A moment ago, Cui Daoxian was in absolute control; how did he end up retreating and spitting blood so quickly?

Cui Daoxian looked at the Ghost Swordsman opposite him and gave a bitter smile, “I have lost.”

He knew he was defeated by the Evil Suppressing Sword, but to be able to wield the Evil Suppressing Sword was also a skill, wasn’t it?

As Cui Daoxian’s words fell, the long-silent surroundings couldn’t help but erupt, and the sounds of discussion surged like a tide.

“This… the Sword Master was defeated?” a Jianghu master exclaimed, muttering to himself.

“Cui Daoxian actually lost, am I dreaming?”

“Impossible, how could the Heavenly Sword be defeated?”

“My heavens! The Ghost Swordsman really defeated the Heavenly Sword.”

“The Sword Dao of the Ghost Swordsman is truly terrifying!”

“It seems that Jianghu has indeed seen the rise of the sixth Sword Immortal, and no one will question it anymore.”

…….

The world was in shock, no one had expected that the Ghost Swordsman could defeat Cui Daoxian.

Who was Cui Daoxian?

He had been ensconced in the Sword Tomb for over thirty years, taught thousands of swordsmen, and his fame had deeply entered people’s hearts. He stood at the pinnacle of swordsmanship under the heavens.

Moreover, in today’s world, only White Tiger Sword Yi Daoyun had narrowly lost to Lin Yiyang thirteen years ago. Aside from him, no other among the five great Sword Immortals ever clearly outperformed the others.

Today, the renowned Heavenly Sword, lauded in two countries, had actually lost to the Ghost Swordsman.

A year ago, no one even knew who this Ghost Swordsman was.

“What’s happening?”

Bian Jingdao looked incredulous.

Just a moment ago, Cui Daoxian was utterly dominating. It seemed that the Ghost Swordsman was about to be defeated, but unexpectedly, in a blink, Cui Daoxian was spitting blood in defeat.

The change happened so fast that Bian Jingdao couldn’t even catch his breath.

“Good lad.”

Lou Xiangzhen also furrowed his brows, “This lad actually still had a trick up his sleeve, that cultivation definitely belongs to the realm of a Five Qi Grandmaster, otherwise, he couldn’t have displayed such powerful might.”

The Evil Suppressing Sword also called Ye Tai’e, had originally been forged and never revealed until it absorbed the essence blood of the ninth generation Human Emperor of Great Zhou.

So, the Evil Suppressing Sword must contain the essence blood of the Human Emperor of Great Zhou.

Initially, he thought An Jing was going to lose today, but unexpectedly, he turned defeat into victory.

Seeing this moment, Lou Xiangzhen suddenly felt that the Evil Suppressing Sword was not as simple as rumors suggested, it must have other secrets.

“Whew….”

Standing still, An Jing was also breathing heavily and then looked at his trembling hands.

At that moment, he too had felt like he was on the brink of defeat.

“Ah.”

Cui Daoxian let out a long sigh and then turned to Bian Jingdao, “I lost, I’m sorry, it’s Cui’s incompetence.”

“Senior Cui is too humble.”

Bian Jingdao quickly replied, “This was fate, how could I possibly blame the senior?”

It wasn’t that Cui Daoxian wasn’t strong enough, but rather that the Ghost Swordsman wielding the Evil Suppressing Sword was too strong.

Everyone was sighing incessantly, marvelling at the spectacular duel between the two great swordsmen today.

“Where is Tan Yun?”

An Jing had also come back to his senses and looked around, finding no trace of Tan Yun.

He had been fighting Cui Daoxian and dared not be distracted at all, so he was completely unaware of the surroundings.

Lou Xiangzhen came over to An Jing and said lightly, “Just now, some people from the Demon Sect came and took that young girl away.”

“Senior, why did you let her go!”

An Jing suddenly became anxious upon hearing this.

He still had many doubts he wanted to ask, but Tan Yun had already left?

She had actually gone?!

‘Weren’t you trying to save her?’ Lou Xiangzhen looked at An Jing and said indifferently, “I saw you lad showing signs of defeat just now, if that young girl didn’t seize the time to escape, was she supposed to wait here to die?”

“Besides, the Xuanyi Guard and the Demon Sect have nothing to do with me, why would I bother jumping into this muddy water?”

An Jing, upon hearing this, was at a loss for words.

Lou Xiangzhen was indeed right, but he still had many questions he wanted to ask Tan Yun.

Li Fuzhou is the master of the Human Sect of the Demon Sect, and Tan Yun is a master from the Human Sect of the Demon Sect, then…

‘Impossible, absolutely impossible.’

An Jing shook his head, seemingly somewhat guilty as he thought secretly, ‘How could my wife possibly have any connections with the vicious Demon Sect? It’s absolutely impossible.’

Because of Jiang Shang, the reputation of the Demon Sect in Great Yan was indeed viciously evil, considered a taboo sect.

If any trace of a member of the Demon Sect was discovered, it would lead to eradication to prevent future problems.

If Zhao Qingmei had even a slight connection with the Demon Sect, An Jing would also end up on the wanted list of the Xuanyi Guard.

From then on, there were no more peaceful and tranquil days.

“…Could Qingmei be coerced by the people of the Demon Sect?”

An Jing’s heart sank, recalling the letter Zhao Qingmei had once sent him. Logically, she should have been on her way back and might have already been near Yu State City by now.

But time kept dragging on. Could there be some hidden secret?

The more An Jing thought about it, the more afraid he became.

“Could this person be the Peach Blossom Sword Immortal, Lou Xiangzhen?”

At this moment, Cui Daoxian, seeing Lou Xiangzhen, couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart.

“Indeed.”

Lou Xiangzhen nodded indifferently.

Upon hearing this, Cui Daoxian quickly said, “I never expected to meet both of you here today. This truly is a stroke of fate.”

Upon hearing this, Bian Jingdao and many other Jianghu experts among the Xuanyi Guard were greatly shocked.

It was already surprising enough that the Heavenly Sword, Cui Daoxian, and the Ghost Swordsman had appeared, but now even the Peach Blossom Sword Immortal, Lou Xiangzhen, had also shown up.

Lou Xiangzhen laughed, “Indeed, it is fate. The name of Heavenly Sword is well-known, and I have long wanted to witness it for myself. Today has truly opened my eyes.”

Cui Daoxian took a deep breath and said, “You flatter me, senior. It is I who have long admired your great reputation.”

Today’s swordsmen, both in terms of seniority and fame, are almost fewer than Lou Xiangzhen.

The name Lou Xiangzhen represents a top swordsman spanning two eras.

“It’s all mere empty fame.”

Lou Xiangzhen waved his hand and then said to An Jing beside him, “It’s time to go.”

“Okay.”

An Jing’s brows were tightly furrowed, lost in thought beside him.

Then, in an instant, the two figures leaped and disappeared from Huangyao Town.

Cui Daoxian watched their departing figures, feeling a bit melancholic. Originally, he had come to Great Yan to exchange pointers with Lin Yiyang but ended up being defeated by the Ghost Swordsman first.

“If I had the Heavenly Sword with me, perhaps I could have won today.”

Cui Daoxian shook his head and then walked towards the distance.

Today, if he had brought the Heavenly Sword from the tomb, he was confident he could have defeated the Ghost Swordsman.

Though he was defeated by the Ghost Swordsman, his determination to proceed to the Yu Heng Sword Sect had not changed; instead, it had grown even stronger.

Reaching the Sixth Realm was his main purpose for coming to Great Yan.

The surrounding people of Jianghu, seeing the three individuals leave and then disappear instantaneously, were desperate to spread what they had just witnessed throughout the entire Jianghu.

“Boss, what do we do now?”

A Silver Constable, looking at the chaotic, wrecked scene, couldn’t help but ask.

“You handle the aftermath here.”

Bian Jingdao said gruffly, “I’ll send this news back immediately. Let’s see what the deputy governor has to say.”

……

In a dense forest to the north of Huangyao Town.

The moonlight slanted down like flowing silk.

A campfire rose, crackling loudly.

Lou Xiangzhen, holding a rabbit in his hands, placed it over the fire, the fat sizzling as it cooked through, nearly eighty percent done.

An Jing watched the fire, his mind still preoccupied with the events of the day.

The sudden appearance of Tan Yun today had been too much of a shock for him, so much so that it made An Jing question his life.

Tan Yun, that dim-witted maid, turned out to be a master of the Demon Sect.

Was this her acting, or her true nature?

If it was real, why would the Demon Sect send her to be undercover, and even more, to lurk within his own home?

Could it be… that Grandfather Jiang also had connections with the Demon Sect?

An Jing racked his brains but couldn’t figure it out, feeling as though he was caught in a maze, needing only to find the crucial clue to understand it all. Yet, this crucial clue remained elusive.

“What are you thinking about, lad? You’ve been quiet since just now.”

Lou Xiangzhen tore off a leg of the rabbit and started chewing on it vigorously.

An Jing looked at Lou Xiangzhen, a glint of realization in his eyes. “Senior Lou, do you also have great knowledge in divination?”

Lou Xiangzhen turned around, “You little brat, thinking of scheming against Grandpa Lou?”

Jiang Sanjia was proficient in divination, and each divination of heaven’s secrets would consume essence blood and lifespan. Even though he was very careful, his lifespan still depleted when he was just over seventy, despite regularly taking elixirs that helped prolong life.

Knowing that his end was near, he went to Yujing City to settle the grudges and affections of his life.

Lou Xiangzhen didn’t delve much into divination exactly because it shortened life too much.

“How could this be considered scheming?”

Upon hearing this, An Jing couldn’t help but say, “Senior, that rabbit is one I caught, and I couldn’t even bear to eat it.”

Lou Xiangzhen took a big gulp from his wine gourd at his waist and said, “It’s just a rabbit. Tomorrow, I’ll give you ten, a hundred.”

An Jing directly asked, “Senior Lou, how can you help me with a divination?”

“Helping you with a divination isn’t impossible,” he said.

Lou Xiangzhen extended his sleeve and wiped his mouth, “Call me Grandpa Lou, and I’ll do the divination for you.”

“You’re being unreasonable, Old Lou.”

Upon hearing this, An Jing slightly raised his eyebrows, “I consider you a trusted friend, and here you are always trying to take advantage of me?”

Upon hearing this, Lou Xiangzhen could no longer hold back and shouted angrily, “To hell with it, you’re just a greenhorn whose milk smell is not yet dry. When I was roaming Jianghu, your father wasn’t even in your mother’s belly.”

Thinking of acknowledging a greenhorn as a brother, Lou Xiangzhen wished he could run him through with a sword.

Seeing this, An Jing coughed lightly, “Old Lou, help me with a divination; consider it a favor you owe me, how about that?”

“What use is your favor to me?”

Lou Xiangzhen didn’t buy An Jing’s act at all.

An Jing was at a loss for words; Old Lou’s strength was above his own, and he really couldn’t help him for the time being.

Lou Xiangzhen was a tough nut, not like Jiang Sanjia, who was more emotionally driven. Without any benefits, he probably wouldn’t do the task for him.

Thinking this, An Jing said solemnly, “I’ll just tell you the truth. I’m well acquainted with Li Fuzhou, the Sect Master of the Demon Sect. If you ever need any information, I might be able to help.”

Lou Xiangzhen looked at An Jing somewhat surprised, “You brat, you’ve got quite the nerve, making connections with people from the Demon Sect?”

In Great Yan, associating with people from the Demon Sect was a major taboo in Jianghu; even mere association made one a target of intense scrutiny by the Xuanyi Guard, a thorn in their side.

An Jing laughed dryly, “Hehe, what do you think, Senior?”

He and Li Fuzhou were indeed familiar; just that it was uncertain if Li Fuzhou would heed his words.

“Do you know who Meng Zhaodou is?”

Lou Xiangzhen raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t know.”

An Jing shook his head. His understanding of Jianghu largely came from Zhou Xianming, so while he knew of the well-known figures, he was unaware of hidden experts.

“He is the leader of the Heaven and Earth Net. He nearly died once at the hands of Jiang Shang.”

Lou Xiangzhen smiled faintly, “I saved him back then.”

Upon hearing this, An Jing opened his mouth in surprise, not expecting Lou Xiangzhen’s connections to be so extensive.

He was at most acquainted with Li Fuzhou, who may not even listen to him, but Lou Xiangzhen had saved Meng Zhaodou’s life.

“How about this?”

After thinking for a while, An Jing reluctantly took out the Holy Essence Gu from his bosom, “If you help me with a divination, I will give you this Holy Essence Gu. How about that?”

Lou Xiangzhen’s eyes lit up, “Oh? Are you really willing to give up the Holy Essence Gu?”

An Jing, annoyed, said, “Old Lou, just say if you’re willing or not.”

It was a rare opportunity indeed; if not for wanting to know about his wife’s situation, he wouldn’t have considered offering such a treasure.

“Alright, I’ll reluctantly agree then,” Lou Xiangzhen said, smiling and stroking his beard.

“Then hurry up with the divination,” An Jing urged promptly.

Seeing how eager An Jing was, Lou Xiangzhen set down the rabbit leg he was holding, tucked away the Holy Essence Gu, and said, “You brat, calling me grandpa wouldn’t have been a loss for you, yet you had to be stubborn, now look how pained you are.”

An Jing’s mouth twitched. If Lou Xiangzhen really were his grandfather, it genuinely wouldn’t have been a loss, and he wouldn’t have fled Yu State City in such an embarrassing manner.

But Grandpa Lou, you came too late.

“What do you want to calculate?”

Lou Xiangzhen asked indifferently.

“My wife.”

After a moment’s hesitation, An Jing said, “Zhao Qingmei, how is she now, where is she?”

“Watch closely.”

Lou Xiangzhen nodded his head and then wiped his oily hands on An Jing’s robe. He took out a turtle shell from his bosom, “My divination method is different from Jiang Sanjia’s.”

“Whoosh whoosh!”

As he spoke, Lou Xiangzhen threw the turtle shell in his hand, and the palm-sized shell flipped in mid-air.

The turtle shell spun rapidly in the air, releasing beams of light.

“If your wife is just an ordinary person, I can not only predict her life and death but even easily determine her location.”

Lou Xiangzhen said indifferently.

An Jing opened his mouth slightly, now feeling a slight uncertainty himself.

Whether his lady was ordinary or not….

Even when he had discovered that Li Fuzhou was the Sect Master of the Human Sect, An Jing hadn’t doubted his wife at all. But upon discovering Tan Yun, he began to waver.

“My warm and comfortable home might actually be a den of the Demon Sect.”

An Jing felt utterly lost and anguished as he spoke, “My lady might have been coerced. No, she must have been. How could she possibly belong to the Demon Sect?”

Somehow, he violently recalled the words of Aunt Niu (Chapter 132) and felt even more unease.

Why did Zhao Qingmei insist on him specifically?

Could there really be some hidden purpose behind this?

The turtle shell spun faster and faster, even emitting beams of light, looking like a ball of flame burning in midair, causing Lou Xiangzhen’s brows to furrow. Soon after, he drew out the Peach Blossom Sword.

“Hiss!”

The sword light was extremely fast and soon ignited within the flames, creating a series of imprints.

It was precisely the three characters, Zhao Qingmei.

Then, the sword light merged with the flames and completely disappeared.

After engulfing the sword light, the flames surged more fiercely, their color changing dramatically to a dark purple.

“Hmm!?”

Lou Xiangzhen’s eyebrows lifted, his expression suddenly changing.

“Craack, Craack, Craack!”

Just then, a series of cracking sounds emerged from within the dark purple flames.

“Tap!”

About three breaths later, the flames suddenly vanished, and the cracked turtle shell emerged and heavily fell to the ground.

“Wow!”

Lou Xiangzhen spat out a jet of blood and wobbled several steps backward.

“Old Lou, are you alright?”

An Jing rushed forward upon seeing this.

“You… You kid, you’re trying to kill your grandpa Lou,” Lou Xiangzhen wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.

“This…”

An Jing looked puzzled, “How could I possibly be trying to trick you?”

Lou Xiangzhen took a deep breath and stared at An Jing, “This Zhao Qingmei, bearing such a significant destiny, and you said she was nothing special. I was nearly severely wounded by the backlash of the heavenly secrets.”

“What!?”

An Jing, startled by Lou Xiangzhen’s words, looked shocked, “You’re saying my wife carries a great destiny?”

The great destiny Lou Xiangzhen mentioned was definitely extraordinary.

Lou Xiangzhen was also deeply shaken, “That’s right, like you, she is a person who carries a great destiny. Predicting her fate would cost me at least five years of lifespan, and even then it might not reveal anything.”

Considering the destiny this young man bore was already enough to defy the heavens, but to think his wife was also someone of significant destiny.

This was terrifying.

The Ghost Swordsman, not yet in his twenties, had already become a renowned swordsman across the world, and he might potentially break through the constraints and reach the Grandmaster Realm in the future.

But his wife was similar as well, and she might also have a chance to reach the Grandmaster Realm in the future. Such a woman, whom this young man described as nothing special.

An Jing hesitated for a moment and then said, “Could it be that my destiny has transferred to her?”

“It’s not impossible,” Lou Xiangzhen looked at An Jing and slowly said, “But for an ordinary person to bear an unwarranted destiny, that’s a calamity.”

Hearing Lou Xiangzhen’s words, An Jing sighed deeply.

His heart became even more confused.

“Forget it, let’s head north to Ping County first,” he said.

“Boy, do you still not understand your wife?”

Lou Xiangzhen raised an eyebrow, “This old man almost took a big fall, luckily I reacted quickly and stopped the divination in time.”

Upon hearing this, An Jing hurriedly retorted, “What do you mean by that? Don’t I understand my own wife?”

Lou Xiangzhen’s face showed disbelief; everything about this youngster was somewhat strange, including his wife.

Seeing Lou Xiangzhen’s expression, An Jing anxiously said, “My wife and I know each other thoroughly; how could I possibly not understand her?”

……

At Dongluo Pass, the top floor of Dongluo Tower.

Zhao Qingmei, dressed in white, sat beside a soft couch, holding a book in her hands.

She rarely wore white clothing. Her snow-white, radiant legs were exposed, revealing delicate ankles and feet as fair as frost-covered snow. Now clothed, coupled with her exquisitely beautiful features, she seemed like a fairy banished to the mortal world.

“Why does it feel like several years have passed in just a few months?” she wondered.

Zhao Qingmei felt somewhat frustrated; she simply couldn’t concentrate on the book.

“Sect Hierarch!”

At that moment, Yu Qiurong’s urgent voice came from outside, “An urgent report from the Sealing Demon Platform.”

“Oh?”

At these words, a cold light flashed in Zhao Qingmei’s eyes, “Come in and speak.”

“Creak–!”

Yu Qiurong pushed open the door, looking somewhat rushed as she bowed and said, “Sect Hierarch, the Sealing Demon Platform seems very unsatisfied with the delay; the Third Elder is asking you to hurry to the Sealing Demon Platform.”

Not to mention outsiders, few within the Demon Sect knew about the Sealing Demon Platform, but in everyone’s eyes, it was a holy place.

The day before yesterday, the Sealing Demon Platform had summoned Zhao Qingmei, but she outright refused.

“Summon me?”

Zhao Qingmei sneered, “Who in this world can summon me?”

Yu Qiurong was very anxious, “Sect Hierarch, the Third Elder has already sent four secret letters…”

Although she understood Zhao Qingmei’s domineering and assertive nature, she did not want her to clash with the Sealing Demon Platform. It wasn’t just about whether the Sealing Demon Platform would severely punish Zhao Qingmei; one must know that many masters within the Sealing Demon Platform were also the foundation of the Demon Sect, a capital for contending with the world.

If Zhao Qingmei were to clash with the Sealing Demon Platform, it would be akin to severing her own arm.

Zhao Qingmei thought for a moment and said, “They are getting anxious; since that is the case, it might as well meet with those old folks at the Sealing Demon Platform.”

She had not intended not to go to the Sealing Demon Platform, but the attitude of the Sealing Demon Platform had greatly displeased her. Having already delayed for two days, it was time to gauge the true state of the Sealing Demon Platform.

“Okay, I’ll go prepare the carriage now.”

Yu Qiurong, hearing this, breathed a sigh of relief and quickly walked out.

Zhao Qingmei stood up and walked to the desk, picking up two blades hanging on the wall.

The blades were called Mandarin Duck Blades, one longer and the other shorter–the longer blade was the Yuan Blade, the shorter was the Duck Blade, bright and clean, unstained by mud.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve used these blades.”

Zhao Qingmei muttered to herself, then played with them for a while.

“Sect Hierarch, the carriage is ready.”

“Understood,” she replied.

Zhao Qingmei responded, then placed the Mandarin Duck Blades on her body and walked outside.

The weather today was very good, the sun was bright, and the sky clear.

Due to the special location of Dongluo Pass, the weather was somewhat hot at the moment, and many merchants on the street had donned thin garments.

At that moment, a beautifully decorated carriage drove out from Dongluo Tower, surrounded by several figures in black, top experts from the Demon Sect.

The inside of the carriage was spacious.

In the center was a small square table, laid with delicious pastries.

Zhao Qingmei sat next to the table, her expression calm and serene.

Meanwhile, Duanmu Xinghua’s eyebrows were tightly furrowed, looking anxious and concerned.

“What are you thinking about?” Zhao Qingmei asked.

Duanmu Xinghua bowed and said, “I’m worried about the Sect Hierarch’s trip to the Sealing Demon Platform this time.”

“Oh?”

Zhao Qingmei couldn’t help but laugh, “Tell me about the worries in your heart.”

Duanmu Xinghua reflected for a moment and said, “The Sect Hierarch’s delay of two days in heading to Dongluo Pass may have already upset the Third Elder.”

As she spoke, she hesitated to continue and finally chose to remain silent.

Originally, the summoning of Zhao Qingmei to the Sealing Demon Platform was meant to be a show of authority since, after becoming the Sect Hierarch, she had never visited the Sealing Demon Platform.

Which previous Sect Hierarch hadn’t gone to pay their respects at the Sealing Demon Platform upon taking office?

Only Zhao Qingmei continued to ignore it without any concerns. The Sealing Demon Platform had been tolerantly biding its time.

Now that Zhao Qingmei had acquired the “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture,” things had become even more complicated.

The “Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture” was a martial arts of what kind? It was one of the three major secret techniques of the current world. If a Half-step Master practiced it, it could increase their cultivation to approach the Grandmaster Realm, and for those in the Grandmaster Realm, it could help reach the Great Grandmaster Realm.

Such martial arts, how many in the world could remain unmoved?

Zhao Qingmei looked intently at Duanmu Xinghua, “Do you think I care about their dissatisfaction?”

Duanmu Xinghua gave a wry smile and said no more.

Such words could only be spoken by Zhao Qingmei.

The carriage sped along, rushing in the direction of the Sealing Demon Platform.

…..

Dongluo Desert, Sealing Demon Platform.

Before them, within an oasis, several magnificent Jade Towers were built, with golden roofs and red doors, brimming with ancient charm and ethereal immortal energy.

A pathway made of white jade stones spread deep into the distance. Alongside it, there were clear, piercing pools and exotic, rare beasts.

This was the Demon Sect’s holy land, the Sealing Demon Platform.

Duanmu Xinghua led the way at the front, with Zhao Qingmei and other high-level experts of the Demon Sect following behind her.

Before long, a man appeared ahead, dressed in splendid clothes with a jade ornate hanging from his waist, his eyes carrying a hint of pride.

This man appeared to be just over thirty, but his cultivation was not low. He was at the First Grade, a top-notch expert in Jianghu.

Upon seeing Duanmu Xinghua, the man greeted with a closed fist, “Sect Master Duanmu, it’s been a long time.”

“Hierarch, this man is the son of the Third Elder, Ouyang Quan.”

Duanmu Xinghua then introduced them, “This is the current Hierarch of our Demon Sect.”

Ouyang Quan’s eyes showed a hint of admiration, then he greeted Zhao Qingmei with a fist and said, “Hierarch, please come in. My father and the Second Elder have been waiting for a long time.”

Zhao Qingmei nodded her head and said nothing.

The two led the way to the Great Hall.

The interior of the Great Hall was very luxurious, supported by many large red pillars, each engraved with lifelike, swirling golden dragons, creating a spectacular sight.

Additionally, several beautiful maids stood on both sides of the hall.

At the upper end of the Great Hall, two old men were seated.

The elder on the left wore a green robe and had a benign appearance with a smile on his lips, while the one on the right looked rather cold, his brows furrowed tightly, making the air around him suddenly chilly.

Zhao Qingmei had seen the elder on the right before; it was he who had led her into the Sealing Demon Well.

Duanmu Xinghua conveyed in a whisper, “Hierarch, these two are Yuan Feng, the Second Elder of the Sealing Demon Platform, and Ouyang Ping, the Third Elder. Ouyang Ping was the leader of the previous generation’s Heavenly Sect, while Yuan Feng was the Sect Master of the Earth Sect before last.”

Yu Qiurong, upon seeing the two men, had a sudden change in expression.

The man on the right, she had seen his portrait within the Demon Sect; his name was Ouyang Ping, with unfathomably deep strength. The last time he was seen was thirty years ago, and at that time, his cultivation had already reached the Grandmaster Realm. Many thought he had died, but not only had he not died, he had directly entered the Sealing Demon Platform to become an elder.

The person next to Ouyang Ping was even older, and although Yu Qiurong did not recognize him, she knew his status was certainly extraordinary.

Zhao Qingmei, hearing the whisper, furrowed her brows tightly. It looked like these two old foxes were at least over a hundred years old, looking somewhat close to death, but they were evidently well-maintained.

Yu Qiurong, looking at the cold-faced Ouyang Ping, felt a surge of nervousness.

“Indeed, a young hero, excellent, excellent.”

Yuan Feng laughed loudly, “Hierarch, you must be tired from the journey, please have a seat.”

Zhao Qingmei slowly sat down and said, “I have met Elder Ouyang once before, but today is the first time I’m meeting Elder Yuan.”

Regrettably, Yuan Feng said, “Yes, for the past few decades, I have been in seclusion and thus, never had the opportunity to meet with the new Hierarch. It must be said that Jiang Shang has found a good disciple.”

At nineteen years old, she had reached the Grandmaster Realm, and there was a great possibility she could strive for the Great Grandmaster level. If she really could make it to the Great Grandmaster Realm, she could definitely guarantee the development of the Demon Sect for three hundred years.

Zhao Qingmei modestly said, “Elder Yuan overestimates me; my cultivation is still far inferior to my master’s.”

Yuan Feng waved his hand and remarked sentimentally, “Although your current cultivation is still shallow, you are also young. Given time, you will definitely reach the pinnacle of the Five Qi and attain the Great Grandmaster Realm.”

Although Ouyang Ping had many grievances against Zhao Qingmei, he couldn’t help but nod at these words.

At that moment, a beautiful servant girl brought up some tea.

Yuan Feng smiled and said, “Please try this–the tea is called Purple Tribute Tea, brewed with oasis spring water. It has a refreshing aroma that soothes the soul and heart.”

Zhao Qingmei did not pick up the tea. Instead, she spoke directly, “Elders, you have summoned me here; what matter is it that can’t be discussed openly? There are still many duties within the Sect that await my arrangement and handling.”

From the attitudes of Yuan Feng and Ouyang Ping, it became clear that there must be something important they wanted to discuss.

Zhao Qingmei did not wish to waste time on probing and tact; it was best to lay some matters outright.

Ouyang Ping frowned deeply.

“I have long heard that the Sect Hierarch is hasty. Seeing it today confirms the rumor. Since the Sect Hierarch speaks so, I will speak plainly,” he said.

Yuan Feng hesitated for a moment then said, “We have heard that the Sect Hierarch has obtained our Demon Sect’s supreme martial scripture ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture.’ Is this true or false?”

Here it comes!

Duanmu Xinghua felt a slight stir in her heart upon seeing this.

At this moment, Yu Qiurong’s heart also rose to her throat; clearly, the people from Sealing Demon Platform had no good intentions in summoning the Sect Hierarch.

“That’s correct.”

Zhao Qingmei nodded and did not deny it.

Even though Yuan Feng and Ouyang Ping had already known the news, hearing Zhao Qingmei personally confirm it still brought a gleam to their eyes.

“The Sect Hierarch has been at the helm of the Demon Sect for two years now, so you should also be aware of the current world situation. No Grandmaster has yet managed to control the heaven and earth,” Yuan Feng took a deep breath and said.

“And the Great Elder of the Sealing Demon Platform is currently in closed-door cultivation, preparing to break through the Grandmaster barrier. If he had this ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture,’ the process would surely be more effective. If he reaches the Grandmaster Realm, our Demon Sect would surely hold heaven and earth in its grasp and no longer have to flee from Great Yan like before…”

Ouyang Ping nodded, agreeing with Yuan Feng’s words.

In today’s world, among all the forces, the one to first reach the Grandmaster would have absolute authority.

Zhao Qingmei’s fingers tapped on the desk, and she said lightly, “So the two Elders mean for me to hand over this ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’?”

Yuan Feng slowly replied, “This is also for the sake of the Demon Sect’s millennia-old plan. Besides, you only need to hand over a copy of this ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture.’ If the Great Elder breaks through to the Grandmaster Realm, our Demon Sect can be as stable as Mount Tai, which would be beneficial for the Sect Hierarch.”

Zhao Qingmei nodded solemnly. “The Elders are not wrong. If our Demon Sect were to boast a Grandmaster, we would indeed have a place in today’s world.”

She agreed very much with some of the points.

Even Yuan Feng, upon hearing this, a smile flickered across his eyes: “So, does this mean the Sect Hierarch agrees?”

‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’–this represents the supreme pinnacle of martial arts. In the entire world, there are only three such arts, with Buddhist sector’s own being so unique that only their formidable masters can cultivate it, and the Mystical Sect’s ‘Jade Emperor Scripture,’ divided into three branches, one of which is in the hands of Zhenyi Sect, another in the Ghost Valley Sect, and the third lost to the world.

And now, the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’ was right before him, how could he not be tempted?

“Second Elder must be joking,”

Zhao Qingmei said lightly, “I never said I would hand over the mental method to you.”

Yuan Feng’s smile briefly faltered: “Then what do you mean?”

The entire hall’s atmosphere froze.

“If the Demon Sect truly had a Grandmaster, it indeed would be able to control the heaven and earth.”

Zhao Qingmei smiled and said, “So I, as the Sect Hierarch, will certainly cultivate diligently to reach the Grandmaster Realm soon, fulfilling the desires of both Elders.”

Ouyang Ping finally spoke up, “So, are you unwilling to part with the mental method?”

Ouyang Ping’s voice was a bit hoarse with a hint of chill, immediately making the whole hall three times colder.

It wasn’t just Yu Qiurong, even Duanmu Xinghua had her eyebrows tightly furrowed, thinking to herself: ‘The cultivation of this Third Elder seems to surpass hers, at least at the Second Qi Grandmaster level, and possibly even reaching the Third Qi Grandmaster.’

Zhao Qingmei, seemingly unfazed by the cold, said, “This mental method is a secret not passed on within our Demon Sect, only the Sect Hierarch can cultivate it. Why should I pass it to you?”

Yuan Feng said sternly, “The times are different now, we need to learn to adapt. If a Grandmaster were to emerge in the Demon Sect at this time, it would be a great fortune for you and me and for the whole Demon Sect.”

Zhao Qingmei laughed out loud, “You speak so grandly, yet you just want to cultivate the ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’ yourself. There’s no need to pretend to be so noble.”

“If today’s meeting is about this matter, then I fear the Elders will be disappointed. The ‘Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture’ belongs to me, and I will let no one take it away.”

After speaking, Zhao Qingmei stood up and walked towards the hall’s exit.

Seeing this, Yuan Feng and Ouyang Ping’s expressions turned very ugly, as they had not expected Zhao Qingmei to be so firm and to outright tear off the pretense.

Duanmu Xinghua gave a bow to the pair and quickly followed after.

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“Little Qingmei, why the rush?”

Just then, a voice suddenly rang out.

The voice wasn’t loud, but it echoed in everyone’s ears.

Upon hearing this voice, Yu Qiurong felt as if thunder had exploded in her heart.

Zhao Qingmei paused slightly, her beautiful eyes narrowing into slits.