The young daoist was the Sect Master's disciple, someone who could very well become the next sect master. Yet, he had died here tonight. What would the consequences be...
How would the sect master react to this matter?
The daoists' expressions were very unsightly. They were well aware of the disposition and style of the Sublime Bright Sect's sect master. Once he learned of this incident, thunderous anger would undoubtedly descend upon them. None of them would be able to escape.
With this in mind, they all turned to look at that daoist.
The daoist's expression became rather ugly. He had managed to catch his breath when Yu Xiyi withdrew his sword earlier, but he had never expected that Yu Xiyi's action was not due to qi exhaustion but rather, preparation to strike and kill.
Although it was not him who was killed, since he killed that young daoist, how hard would it be to kill him after?
After a moment of silence, the daoist suddenly shouted, "Hurry up and attack, kill these two! Or else, how can the sect master possibly spare us?!"
His voice was booming, sending shivers down their spines.
The bodies of the purple-robed daoists trembled. Without hesitation, they moved towards Chen Chao and Yu Xiyi, encircling them.
At this time, how could they have the capacity to think so much? They only considered that since it was the daoist who had spoken, there must be some reasoning behind it, so they did just that.
Right at this moment, the daoist suddenly darted toward the distance, moving at an incredibly fast speed. In just an instant, only an afterimage remained.
The wind whistled.
Yu Xiyi glanced at Chen Chao and questioned with his eyes, asking if they should give chase.
Chen Chao also looked at Yu Xiyi, then slowly shook his head.
Yu Xiyi did not hesitate anymore and instantly linked his mind with the Wild Grass once more.
After that daoist left, how could there be anything to fear about these purple-robed daoists? Moreover, after seeing that daoist leave, they no longer had the will to fight. So, it did not take long for them to be cut down by Yu Xiyi's sword.
Soon, this area was left with only corpses.
Yu Xiyi sheathed his sword, blood dripping from the blade as it fell onto the ground, disappearing without a trace.
The flying sword was now immaculately white, without any trace of blood.
The young sword cultivator looked at Chen Chao and asked, "Why didn't you chase after him?"
Chen Chao thought about it and said with a smile, "Why should I chase?"
"Why? He left, so the situation here isn't completely resolved. It might happen again tomorrow."
Yu Xiyi thought for a moment and shook his head, saying "So, regardless of whether he left or not, there will be another group tomorrow."
Chen Chao nodded in approval. "Fellow Daoist Yu, your brain is indeed sharp."
Though this was praise, it somehow sounded like sarcasm. Yu Xiyi furrowed his brows and cut to the chase, "So, what exactly are you thinking?"
"That daoist naturally came to kill us, so there's enmity. If we could eliminate him without paying too much of a price, I definitely wouldn't have let him leave. But obviously, killing him would come at a significant price, so it's not worth it. Besides, I figure he wouldn't need us to chase after him. Right now, he probably wouldn't dare to return to the Sublime Bright Sect, and the sect would definitely find him too."
Chen Chao rubbed his temples. Tonight was indeed rather exhausting.
"To be honest, I've said so much just to convey one thing: this matter isn't over yet. What I need to do doesn't really have anything to do with whether he lives or dies tonight."
Chen Chao looked at him.
"I have a daring idea, I wonder if you'd be interested in joining me?"
Yu Xiyi furrowed his brow and did not respond immediately. He remained silent for a while, looking towards the distant sky. Dawn was about to break, some faint morning glow was impatiently trying to break into this dark world.
Bringing light to this dark world, that was what it had been doing every day.
Yu Xiyi said, "Since it's a daring idea, at least tell me what it is."
Chen Chao did not beat around the bush and said bluntly, "Since they've tried to kill us once, I plan to go find trouble with him."
Yu Xiyi frowned and said, "Are you saying you're going to the Sublime Bright Sect?"
Chen Chao nodded, confirming Yu Xiyi's guesses.
Yu Xiyi was somewhat shocked, he had not expected Chen Chao's idea to be this terrifying.
Going to the Sublime Bright Sect.
There was a terrifying Nepenthe cultivator there.
Perhaps at this moment, that person might think that the matter was not major yet, so he would not personally take action. But who could expect whether or not he would later perceive this incident to be too major, and then personally take action?
If he were to personally take action, then regardless of whether was it Chen Chao or Yu Xiyi, what could they do?
That was a Nepenthe cultivator, how could he be easily challenged by ordinary people?
Chen Chao continued, "I'm the warden of Rainwater Commandery, a military officer of the imperial court. Yet, this group of people dared to attack me. If you were in my shoes, could you tolerate it?"
Yu Xiyi was expressionless as he said "Since the other party includes a Nepenthe cultivator and also a sect, and I'm just at this cultivation level, even if I don't want to endure, I can only choose to endure it."
"But after some time, I'll definitely slash apart that lousy sect and split him into two."
Yu Xiyi was a sword cultivator, he had the pride of a sword cultivator, but he was not foolish. If he were foolish, he probably would not have survived to this day.
After all, he had plenty of enemies too.
Chen Chao did not speak.
Yu Xiyi suddenly said, "You're not a fool."
Chen Chao nodded and said as a matter of course, "Of course I'm not a fool."
"We learned about that secret. The Sublime Bright Sect will keep hunting us down."
Yu Xiyi said, "I'm a sword cultivator, I can flee. But you're the local warden, you can't run away."
Chen Chao explained, "Indeed, according to the Great Liang's law, since I'm currently the warden of Rainwater Commandery, I can't leave the jurisdiction of Rainwater Commandery without proper authorization. This is my duty."
Yu Xiyi furrowed his brows, "But I still can't figure out how you plan to resolve this problem."
Chen Chao did not speak.
"But since you're not a fool, let's make a trip then."
Yu Xiyi rubbed his head.
Chen Chao looked at the morning light and said with a faint smile, "I've thought about this for a long time."
……
……
The Dean traveled south all the way. After leaving the Sword Qi Mountain, he went to many places, stayed for a while, and finally arrived at the White Deer's Xie Clan as the evening glow painted the sky.
He waited in front of the door. Then, the influential figures of the Xie Clan started gathering.
"He's here. What should we do?"
"What can we do? He's a scholar, he should be reasonable."
"Not necessarily. I've heard that this scholar is notorious for being unreasonable, only measuring things by the size of his fists."
"Nonsense. If he were unreasonable, how could he become the leader of scholars in the world?"
"Stop arguing, he's here. Should we open the main entrance or not?"
"That's a good question. Why not ask the Family Head?"
The Family Head is in closed seclusion, you idiot."
"He's here, shouldn't the Family Head come out?"
"The Family Head is obviously hiding. Perhaps he already knew that this old fogey was coming. Otherwise, why would he choose to go into seclusion when that girl came? Logically speaking, the Family Head definitely wouldn't be scared of that girl."
……
……
The main entrance of the White Deer's Xie Clan slowly opened with creaking sounds that echoed far and wide, naturally alarming the state capital. The news quickly spread, drawing countless people to gather and look at the main entrance that was currently opening, as well as the black-haired man standing at the entrance. They were all trying hard to think how that man was, trying to fathom just how remarkable he must be to make the White Deer's Xie Clan open their main entrance to welcome him.
However, they soon drew a conclusion.
The news spread.
People became even more astonished.
The Dean actually left the Divine Capital and came here.
One had to know that the Dean rarely left the Divine Capital. Every time he did so, it was bound to alarm countless people. Though news of his departure had long circulated, no one could have expected that he would end up at the Xie Clan.
Though the White Deer's Xie Clan had produced many accomplished scholars over the generations, in front of the Dean, what significance did they hold?
This person was the leader of all scholars in the world.
"Lord Dean, please enter."
A snow-haired old man walked out. He was not a steward of the Xie Clan but a figure of great authority within the Xie Clan. He personally received the Dean, which was a clear indication of the importance the Xie Clan attached to the Dean.
Of course, they were also eager for the Dean to enter the premises sooner rather than later, to avoid any potential disturbances outside.
"And that old fellow?"
The Dean headed toward the Xie Clan, glancing at the plaque above.
It was unknown whether there was some dissatisfaction or not, the Dean's brow furrowed as he entered the gate.
Once inside, someone promptly moved to shut the main entrance.
That snow-haired Xie Clan old man laughed bitterly. He naturally understood that the "old fellow" the Dean referred to was the current family head of the Xie Clan.
In fact, very few outsiders knew that the family head of the Xie Clan had once studied at the academy. At that time, the Dean was just an ordinary student from the South. In fact, he failed to even enter the academy at first. After finally joining the previous Dean's tutelage, due to many reasons, the current Dean did not really have many friends, but the current head of the Xie Clan was considered a friend.
"The Family Head has been in closed seclusion for many days. It's just uncertain when he'll emerge."
The old man sighed inwardly, feeling convinced. It turns out that the Family Head had long foreseen such an event and chose to go into closed seclusion well in advance, just to avoid people.
"Does that old fellow think his seniority is high enough, and that both of their surname is Xie, so it gives him the right to bully a young girl? Now that I'm here, what can he do to hide?"
The Dean took a look at that old man and said with a smile, "Go and tell him now that if he doesn't come out to meet me, I'll tear down your Xie Clan's ancestral shrine, take the memorial tablets of your ancestors, and use them as kindle for fire."
The old man was stunned, his expression ugly to the extreme.
These words were undoubtedly challenging the entire Xie Clan. Even if someone else said this, they would not have the ability either. But, coming out of the Dean's mouth, they would have to take it seriously.
The old man's voice was slightly chilly as he said, "Lord Dean, I'm afraid you can't say such things casually."
The Dean said indifferently, "I just said it, bite me."
The young daoist was the Sect Master's disciple, someone who could very well become the next sect master. Yet, he had died here tonight. What would the consequences be...
How would the sect master react to this matter?
The daoists' expressions were very unsightly. They were well aware of the disposition and style of the Sublime Bright Sect's sect master. Once he learned of this incident, thunderous anger would undoubtedly descend upon them. None of them would be able to escape.
With this in mind, they all turned to look at that daoist.
The daoist's expression became rather ugly. He had managed to catch his breath when Yu Xiyi withdrew his sword earlier, but he had never expected that Yu Xiyi's action was not due to qi exhaustion but rather, preparation to strike and kill.
Although it was not him who was killed, since he killed that young daoist, how hard would it be to kill him after?
After a moment of silence, the daoist suddenly shouted, "Hurry up and attack, kill these two! Or else, how can the sect master possibly spare us?!"
His voice was booming, sending shivers down their spines.
The bodies of the purple-robed daoists trembled. Without hesitation, they moved towards Chen Chao and Yu Xiyi, encircling them.
At this time, how could they have the capacity to think so much? They only considered that since it was the daoist who had spoken, there must be some reasoning behind it, so they did just that.
Right at this moment, the daoist suddenly darted toward the distance, moving at an incredibly fast speed. In just an instant, only an afterimage remained.
The wind whistled.
Yu Xiyi glanced at Chen Chao and questioned with his eyes, asking if they should give chase.
Chen Chao also looked at Yu Xiyi, then slowly shook his head.
Yu Xiyi did not hesitate anymore and instantly linked his mind with the Wild Grass once more.
After that daoist left, how could there be anything to fear about these purple-robed daoists? Moreover, after seeing that daoist leave, they no longer had the will to fight. So, it did not take long for them to be cut down by Yu Xiyi's sword.
Soon, this area was left with only corpses.
Yu Xiyi sheathed his sword, blood dripping from the blade as it fell onto the ground, disappearing without a trace.
The flying sword was now immaculately white, without any trace of blood.
The young sword cultivator looked at Chen Chao and asked, "Why didn't you chase after him?"
Chen Chao thought about it and said with a smile, "Why should I chase?"
"Why? He left, so the situation here isn't completely resolved. It might happen again tomorrow."
Yu Xiyi thought for a moment and shook his head, saying "So, regardless of whether he left or not, there will be another group tomorrow."
Chen Chao nodded in approval. "Fellow Daoist Yu, your brain is indeed sharp."
Though this was praise, it somehow sounded like sarcasm. Yu Xiyi furrowed his brows and cut to the chase, "So, what exactly are you thinking?"
"That daoist naturally came to kill us, so there's enmity. If we could eliminate him without paying too much of a price, I definitely wouldn't have let him leave. But obviously, killing him would come at a significant price, so it's not worth it. Besides, I figure he wouldn't need us to chase after him. Right now, he probably wouldn't dare to return to the Sublime Bright Sect, and the sect would definitely find him too."
Chen Chao rubbed his temples. Tonight was indeed rather exhausting.
"To be honest, I've said so much just to convey one thing: this matter isn't over yet. What I need to do doesn't really have anything to do with whether he lives or dies tonight."
Chen Chao looked at him.
"I have a daring idea, I wonder if you'd be interested in joining me?"
Yu Xiyi furrowed his brow and did not respond immediately. He remained silent for a while, looking towards the distant sky. Dawn was about to break, some faint morning glow was impatiently trying to break into this dark world.
Bringing light to this dark world, that was what it had been doing every day.
Yu Xiyi said, "Since it's a daring idea, at least tell me what it is."
Chen Chao did not beat around the bush and said bluntly, "Since they've tried to kill us once, I plan to go find trouble with him."
Yu Xiyi frowned and said, "Are you saying you're going to the Sublime Bright Sect?"
Chen Chao nodded, confirming Yu Xiyi's guesses.
Yu Xiyi was somewhat shocked, he had not expected Chen Chao's idea to be this terrifying.
Going to the Sublime Bright Sect.
There was a terrifying Nepenthe cultivator there.
Perhaps at this moment, that person might think that the matter was not major yet, so he would not personally take action. But who could expect whether or not he would later perceive this incident to be too major, and then personally take action?
If he were to personally take action, then regardless of whether was it Chen Chao or Yu Xiyi, what could they do?
That was a Nepenthe cultivator, how could he be easily challenged by ordinary people?
Chen Chao continued, "I'm the warden of Rainwater Commandery, a military officer of the imperial court. Yet, this group of people dared to attack me. If you were in my shoes, could you tolerate it?"
Yu Xiyi was expressionless as he said "Since the other party includes a Nepenthe cultivator and also a sect, and I'm just at this cultivation level, even if I don't want to endure, I can only choose to endure it."
"But after some time, I'll definitely slash apart that lousy sect and split him into two."
Yu Xiyi was a sword cultivator, he had the pride of a sword cultivator, but he was not foolish. If he were foolish, he probably would not have survived to this day.
After all, he had plenty of enemies too.
Chen Chao did not speak.
Yu Xiyi suddenly said, "You're not a fool."
Chen Chao nodded and said as a matter of course, "Of course I'm not a fool."
"We learned about that secret. The Sublime Bright Sect will keep hunting us down."
Yu Xiyi said, "I'm a sword cultivator, I can flee. But you're the local warden, you can't run away."
Chen Chao explained, "Indeed, according to the Great Liang's law, since I'm currently the warden of Rainwater Commandery, I can't leave the jurisdiction of Rainwater Commandery without proper authorization. This is my duty."
Yu Xiyi furrowed his brows, "But I still can't figure out how you plan to resolve this problem."
Chen Chao did not speak.
"But since you're not a fool, let's make a trip then."
Yu Xiyi rubbed his head.
Chen Chao looked at the morning light and said with a faint smile, "I've thought about this for a long time."
……
……
The Dean traveled south all the way. After leaving the Sword Qi Mountain, he went to many places, stayed for a while, and finally arrived at the White Deer's Xie Clan as the evening glow painted the sky.
He waited in front of the door. Then, the influential figures of the Xie Clan started gathering.
"He's here. What should we do?"
"What can we do? He's a scholar, he should be reasonable."
"Not necessarily. I've heard that this scholar is notorious for being unreasonable, only measuring things by the size of his fists."
"Nonsense. If he were unreasonable, how could he become the leader of scholars in the world?"
"Stop arguing, he's here. Should we open the main entrance or not?"
"That's a good question. Why not ask the Family Head?"
The Family Head is in closed seclusion, you idiot."
"He's here, shouldn't the Family Head come out?"
"The Family Head is obviously hiding. Perhaps he already knew that this old fogey was coming. Otherwise, why would he choose to go into seclusion when that girl came? Logically speaking, the Family Head definitely wouldn't be scared of that girl."
……
……
The main entrance of the White Deer's Xie Clan slowly opened with creaking sounds that echoed far and wide, naturally alarming the state capital. The news quickly spread, drawing countless people to gather and look at the main entrance that was currently opening, as well as the black-haired man standing at the entrance. They were all trying hard to think how that man was, trying to fathom just how remarkable he must be to make the White Deer's Xie Clan open their main entrance to welcome him.
However, they soon drew a conclusion.
The news spread.
People became even more astonished.
The Dean actually left the Divine Capital and came here.
One had to know that the Dean rarely left the Divine Capital. Every time he did so, it was bound to alarm countless people. Though news of his departure had long circulated, no one could have expected that he would end up at the Xie Clan.
Though the White Deer's Xie Clan had produced many accomplished scholars over the generations, in front of the Dean, what significance did they hold?
This person was the leader of all scholars in the world.
"Lord Dean, please enter."
A snow-haired old man walked out. He was not a steward of the Xie Clan but a figure of great authority within the Xie Clan. He personally received the Dean, which was a clear indication of the importance the Xie Clan attached to the Dean.
Of course, they were also eager for the Dean to enter the premises sooner rather than later, to avoid any potential disturbances outside.
"And that old fellow?"
The Dean headed toward the Xie Clan, glancing at the plaque above.
It was unknown whether there was some dissatisfaction or not, the Dean's brow furrowed as he entered the gate.
Once inside, someone promptly moved to shut the main entrance.
That snow-haired Xie Clan old man laughed bitterly. He naturally understood that the "old fellow" the Dean referred to was the current family head of the Xie Clan.
In fact, very few outsiders knew that the family head of the Xie Clan had once studied at the academy. At that time, the Dean was just an ordinary student from the South. In fact, he failed to even enter the academy at first. After finally joining the previous Dean's tutelage, due to many reasons, the current Dean did not really have many friends, but the current head of the Xie Clan was considered a friend.
"The Family Head has been in closed seclusion for many days. It's just uncertain when he'll emerge."
The old man sighed inwardly, feeling convinced. It turns out that the Family Head had long foreseen such an event and chose to go into closed seclusion well in advance, just to avoid people.
"Does that old fellow think his seniority is high enough, and that both of their surname is Xie, so it gives him the right to bully a young girl? Now that I'm here, what can he do to hide?"
The Dean took a look at that old man and said with a smile, "Go and tell him now that if he doesn't come out to meet me, I'll tear down your Xie Clan's ancestral shrine, take the memorial tablets of your ancestors, and use them as kindle for fire."
The old man was stunned, his expression ugly to the extreme.
These words were undoubtedly challenging the entire Xie Clan. Even if someone else said this, they would not have the ability either. But, coming out of the Dean's mouth, they would have to take it seriously.
The old man's voice was slightly chilly as he said, "Lord Dean, I'm afraid you can't say such things casually."
The Dean said indifferently, "I just said it, bite me."
