Chapter 94
Leaving the place, Jiang Hao felt a bit emotional.
His master had given him three thousand spirit stones.
It seemed Senior Brother Mu Qi had mentioned to the master that Jiang Hao had a liking for spirit stones.
So, when he hesitated, the master handed him the three thousand stones directly.
Jiang Hao was quite pleased with this outcome.
Three thousand, indeed.
Upon returning from the mines before, he hadn't received so many spirit stones.
Just two thousand more and he could start feeding the rabbit.
This would further awaken its bloodline.
Yet the more it awakens, the faster it advances, and the collar would demand quite a few spirit stones too.
Uncertain if it’d invite trouble.
At the foot of the Law Enforcement Peak, Jiang Hao encountered Zheng Shijiu and Xin Yuyue.
The other two hadn't arrived yet.
Seeing Jiang Hao, the two smiled and greeted him.
They were inwardly complaining, wondering what grudge they had with the Law Enforcement Peak?
To end up with Jiang Hao on a mission again.
But this time, there were no people from the Heavenly Joy Pavilion, plus it was about recruiting disciples, so nothing should happen.
Whatever happens, as long as it doesn't drag the two of them down, they didn't care.
Hundred Flowers Lake.
Under the pavilion, Hong Yuye in red placed the stone slab on the table.
She remained silent.
Seemingly pondering how to handle this item.
After a long pause, a white figure descended before the pavilion, bowing respectfully:
"Pavilion Master."
"Has there been any progress with the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower over the past six months?" Hong Yuye casually inquired while gazing at the sky.
"It's grown quite a lot; the growth speed isn't slow." Bai Zhi answered and continued:
"Jiang Hao's been unusually quiet these past six months, almost as if he's lying low, becoming increasingly calm and serene.
Somewhat unusual.
While a mid-level Foundation Establishment cultivator in their early twenties isn't unheard of, someone as steady as him is certainly rare.
Especially given his above-average talent."
Seeing Hong Yuye remain reserved, Bai Zhi added:
"The traitor matter was investigated, and nothing indicates he has issues.
However, various issues combined don’t prove he’s clean either.
The death of Ming Zuoqian in the Hundred Bone Forest leaves him as the prime suspect.
If not him personally, then likely someone behind him.
From my perspective, Jiang Hao might not be the traitor, but he's certainly not clean.
He requires close monitoring.
Needless to say, cultivating the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower around him will surely attract traitors, even if he isn't one; he might get pulled in by others."
"Who is closest to him?" Hong Yuye queried suddenly.
"The one from Law Enforcement Peak, Liu Xingchen," Bai Zhi replied.
"Is there anything wrong with him?" Hong Yuye casually asked.
"No issues from his behavior, past, and law enforcement duties.
However, his background is mysterious. When he joined the Heavenly Sound Sect, he merely mentioned being tired of wandering cultivation and wanted to join a sect," Bai Zhi explained.
"Any reaction from Azure Sky Mountain?" Hong Yuye moved to the flowers, asking.
"Nothing. Since the last heavy blow, they're recuperating.
If we want to eliminate Azure Sky Mountain completely, it’s best next year, once we've recovered, to wipe them out in one fell swoop."
"No need, let them continue growing stronger." At the lakeside, Hong Yuye scattered fish feed, saying:
"What’s Profound Heaven Sect up to?"
"In a few days, they might come to take people back, though they've said they want an explanation.
At least someone has to bear some consequences," Bai Zhi indicated meaningfully.
Hong Yuye, still scattering fish feed, replied calmly yet authoritatively:
"Let them speak when they arrive."
"Oh, right." Finishing her task, Hong Yuye conjured a transparent box, holding a quietly lying wrist guard inside.
She tossed it, and Bai Zhi caught it:
"Merits deserve rewards."
"Understood." Receiving the box, Bai Zhi responded respectfully.
After reporting a few more matters, she withdrew.
Looking at the wrist guard, she knew who it was for.
Jiang Hao was under suspicion, but also showed potential, a sentiment she sensed from the Pavilion Master.
As for Liu Xingchen, she didn’t care much.
She hoped for someone influential to watch over Jiang Hao, to get close to him.
Catching such a traitor would highlight her accomplishments.
For ranks like Core Formation and Foundation Establishment, it's just a matter of keeping them from stirring trouble.
Other sects also have their people, but infiltrating senior levels is hard, and even harder to trace out.
Where the Pavilion Master uses the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, she would surely lure those in the shadows.
It's just uncertain when they'd act.
"Yet the external troubles concern me. With the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower's emergence, many experts likely know, and the Profound Heaven Sect might plot against us."
Yet, she remained unsure how to respond.
The primary issue was understanding the Pavilion Master's stance on Jiang Hao.
Whether only he could cultivate the Dao Flower, or anyone could.
Once that was clear, she’d know how to decide.
Profound Heaven Sect.
In the training field, Situ Jian finished sparring with a senior brother and sighed:
"Your skills are getting sharper. Even when limiting your cultivation to early Core Formation, I'm no match."
"Not worth mentioning," Huo Tianyi shook his head, humbly stating, and then left with Situ Jian:
"I heard the sect plans a trip to the Heavenly Sound Sect; what do you think?"
"I think it's best to focus on bringing the elders and Senior Brother Xuanyuan back without unnecessary complications."
"Haha, you're still the same," Huo Tianyi chuckled:
"If the elders heard, they'd say you're bolstering demonic ambitions."
"One shouldn't underestimate the Heavenly Sound Sect. The Demonic Mistress there hasn't appeared in over a century.
She took power ruthlessly, with assertiveness.
It's wise to remain vigilant," Situ Jian said.
"This time, in alliance with other sects, the Demonic Mistress does pose concerns, but she's been missing for sixty years.
Her intimidatory power doesn't match what it used to be.
And it seems they could be seeking a scapegoat to offer us face.”
Situ Jian simply smiled, knowing only ordinary elders would be visiting, so problems wouldn’t escalate.
After parting with Huo, he saw Ren Shuang speaking with a middle-aged man.
"Tell me, during your time at the Heavenly Sound Sect, were you bullied? If so, I’ll go demand justice from them," Ren Tianhe sternly said.
Hearing this, Ren Shuang reflexively touched her neck, recalling Jiang Hao’s appearance, her heart filled with resentment.
Yet, remembering Situ Jian's warning also brought fear.
She forced a smile, shaking her head:
"No, nothing like that."
Looking at his daughter, Ren Tianhe sighed:
"You've grown quite a bit."
Once he left, Situ Jian approached, saying:
"Seems you're not as naive as I thought, Junior Sister."
Startled, Ren Shuang turned, protesting:
"Do you really think that person is dangerous? I heard he’s being made the Heavenly Sound Sect's sacrifice for this deal.
If he survives, he'll be severely tested."
"Who knows?" Situ Jian gazed afar:
“Time will tell us. In the coming time, you might feel relieved for today’s choice.”