How could a cultivator at the Sixth Layer of Qi Refinement possibly hide from a Great Cultivator of the Core Formation Stage? The two had been completely focused on their fight just now, with no attention to spare for their surroundings. Now that Qiu Jianying had slain Chi Song, she turned back to deal with the onlooker.
Zhao Chun held no illusions of luck and stepped out from her hiding place, cupping her hands in a salute.
"Inner Sect Disciple of the True Spirit Sect, Zhao Chun, pays her respects to Elder Qiu!"
Qiu Jianying lowered her eyes, a complex look flashing across them.
"So it's you."
Her hand went to the hilt of her sword, a faint killing intent rising.
"Congratulations to Elder Qiu for obtaining the treasure and bringing aid to the Sect."
"You are quite perceptive."
Her hand paused, though it did not move from her sword hilt. She spoke faintly, "You are a disciple under Elder Li, so you must be aware of his breakthrough to the Late Core Formation Stage. This aid, I'm afraid, is not for this Seat..."
Zhao Chun's eyes flickered slightly. She instantly understood that there was some hidden conflict between Elder Qiu and Li Su. Choosing her words with care, she said, "Since ancient times, when cultivators vie for treasures, they belong to the capable.
That Elder Qiu was able to slay this person proves you will surely enter the Late Stage; it is only a matter of time. Furthermore, the treasure was obtained by the Elder's own hands, so you naturally have the right to decide its allocation. This is the truth that strength reigns supreme."
Qiu Jianying's hand slid from her sword hilt to her waist. Her tone held a deep meaning as she said, "Elder Li has quite a good apprentice in you, so understanding and articulate." Zhao Chun breathed a small sigh of relief, knowing she had passed this hurdle.
Then she heard Elder Qiu ask, "Why are you here? This place is far from the Sect, sparsely populated, and devoid of spiritual objects or demonic creatures. It is no place for training."
"This matter must be explained starting from the Wind Flame Sect ruins..."
She recounted her exploration of the ruins with Meng Han and the subsequent collapse of the mountain, saying only that she had been swept into a Minor Realm and rescued by Qi Yunrong of the Everglow Sect. When she returned to the Drifting Clouds World, she had unexpectedly landed in this place.
As for the strange murals within the Heavenly Pit, she remained tight-lipped. Qiu Jianying was aware of the recent collapse of the Wind Flame Sect ruins, where many cultivators had lost their lives. However, she had been completely unaware that the mountain body of the ruins actually connected to a Minor Realm.
After hearing Zhao Chun's account, she frowned and said, "Now that the ruins have been destroyed, many of your claims are difficult to verify. According to what you've said, it's likely just as Qi Yunrong stated, a small world that has been wandering for a long time.
But since its spiritual qi is completely depleted, there is no need to find it again." A spiritless land could hardly produce people with spiritual roots. To the Drifting Clouds World, it was naturally of no great use.
"Since this Seat has obtained the treasure, I must return to the Sect at once. If you have no other business, I shall give you a ride."
The Amethyst Spirit Branch had caused a stir in the Southern Region, and many Late Core Formation Stage cultivators were eyeing it like tigers stalking their prey. Although Qiu Jianying had disposed of Chi Song's body, there was still a risk of being discovered. The most urgent matter was to return to the Sect.
With a Profound Division Stage cultivator like Master Tusheng presiding there, other petty scoundrels would not dare to act rashly. Zhao Chun replied, "Many thanks, Elder." Suddenly, she felt her body lighten and she floated up, slowly entering Qiu Jianying's sleeve.
It was dark all around, and the ground beneath her feet felt as soft as clouds. This must be the secret technique, Universe Within the Sleeve. It was truly miraculous.
After receiving her into her sleeve, Qiu Jianying's eyes glinted, and then she let out a cold laugh before flying through the air toward the Sect. True Spirit Sect, Clearview Waterside Pavilion. Zheng Chenqing sat quietly in the hall, his expression gloomy, his fists clenched tightly on his lap.
A disciple pushed the door open and entered, speaking in a low voice, "Du Fanzhi has announced to the Inner Sect that he will hold a Dueling Assembly in three months. He has sent a special invitation to Senior Brother, saying that you must attend personally..."
He presented a finely sealed letter with both hands, a hint of anger also in his eyes. Zheng Chenqing glanced at him, but his expression changed. He chuckled lightly, "What's the use of getting angry?
This isn't the first time." He relaxed his hands and gently patted the table, saying faintly, "Ever since Elder Li broke through to the Late Core Formation Stage and secured the right to preside over the Hundred Sects Assembly, he has been widely befriending disciples and holding endless banquets.
This Dueling Assembly is surely being held in his master's name as well. We'll go and see what new tricks they've come up with this time." As Li Su's personal disciple, Du Fanzhi's actions also revealed Li Su's intentions.
Recruiting talented individuals, forming his own faction, and constantly encroaching upon the influence of the other elders in the sect. Wu Yunzhang and Ge Xingchao were merely in the Early Core Formation Stage, so they were naturally beneath his notice. Previously, Qiu Jianying could contend with him to some extent, but now she too was being suppressed.
At this critical juncture, the Sect Master, Master Tusheng, had once again entered seclusion, ignoring the sect's affairs. If not for this, Li Su would not dare to be so arrogant. Zheng Chenqing was deeply troubled when he suddenly sensed a wave of pressure sweep across the sky.
Overjoyed, he went out the door and smiled, "Senior Sister is back." Qiu Jianying landed gracefully and with a wave of her sleeve, moved Zhao Chun out.
"This is..."
Zheng Chenqing recognized her and knew she was under Li Su, which filled him with suspicion.
"I ran into her on the way, so I brought her along," Qiu Jianying said, her tone indifferent, making it hard to discern her feelings or loyalties.
Zhao Chun had only just learned of the animosity between the two factions, so being here was rather awkward. She tactfully took her leave and returned to her own residence. After she left, Zheng Chenqing stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "Senior Sister, have you succeeded?"
Qiu Jianying nodded and walked into the hall with her head held high and in great strides, her good mood evident. After the matter of the Amethyst Spirit Branch was exposed in the Southern Region, Qiu Jianying had set out to find it, determined to claim the treasure.
Li Su, unwilling to be outdone, had also gone out in search of it. Now that the treasure had fallen into their hands, its benefits were endless. The gloom that had been weighing on Zheng Chenqing's heart for days instantly dissipated.
After entering the hall, he told Qiu Jianying about Du Fanzhi's Dueling Assembly. She said, "Just let him be. After I finish my seclusion this time, everything will be resolved."
Having fought with all her might against Chi Song and obtained an exotic treasure, all the conditions were met for her. The bottleneck that had troubled her for so long had also loosened. She immediately decided to enter seclusion to break through to the Late Core Formation Stage.
Zheng Chenqing's mind stirred. Understanding her meaning, he suddenly felt his spirits lift, and the fog of worry before his eyes dissipated completely. The struggle between the two factions reached a climax with Du Fanzhi's Dueling Assembly.
Zhao Chun was aware of some of the details and sighed inwardly. However, another piece of news made her think that the heavens were helping her. The Hundred Sects Assembly was a martial competition for cultivators of the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation Stages.
According to the True Spirit Sect's rules, each Inner Sect Elder could bring five Late Qi Refining Stage disciples to observe. However, with Li Su presiding this time, there was a change. Through Du Fanzhi, he had established a Dueling Assembly.
Twenty slots were up for grabs, regardless of who one was. As long as they ranked in the top twenty, even a Late Qi Refining disciple could attend the Hundred Sects Assembly. The rule that it was for Inner Sect Qi Refining disciples meant that the participants would inevitably be disciples of the elders.
Among the four elders, only Qiu Jianying had no disciples. It was clear at a glance who this move was detrimental to. Under these shifting circumstances, all the disciples felt that a storm was brewing.
However, after a few days, she still showed no reaction. Only Zheng Chenqing came forward to say that Elder Qiu was in seclusion, and that he himself would attend the Dueling Assembly personally. Zhao Chun did not care what discussions were taking place in the Inner Sect.
The most urgent matter was to first nurse her injuries, reach the entry level for the Fire Refining Furnace Technique, and with this secret technique and her Major Achievement in the Swift-Walk Sword Technique, she would fight even a Late Qi Refining cultivator!
(End of this chapter)