hotmtlnovel Chapter 96: The weakest among them—Chu Xuan
Chapter 96: The weakest among them—Chu Xuan
Chapter 96: The weakest among them—Chu Xuan
Chu Xuan wasted no time, arriving immediately at Wan Wuying's cave dwelling. Upon his arrival, he found that Li Xuanming, Liu Zhenxiong, and Wu Teng had already been waiting for a while.
Unlike his usual composed self, seated regally upon a throne of bones, Wan Wuying was pacing before them. Seeing Chu Xuan join, he nodded slightly in acknowledgement.
"I used to have many disciples, and now only you four remain," Wan Wuying spoke with a grave tone. "I do not wish for our lineage to die out, so there are things I need to clarify with you now."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of Chu Xuan and the others turned solemn. Li Xuanming responded with due respect, "Please speak, Master. We are all ears."
Wan Wuying continued evenly, "Several months ago, Zhao Wuya, Huang Yuanwu, and I ventured into Wu Province and took a precious treasure from the Thousand Insects Sect. What that treasure is, I'd rather not dwell on—the important thing is that it's valuable enough to attract the covetous glances of other sects. The current war between the Heavenly Seal Sect and the native sects of Wu Province was supposed to end quickly, but it has been prolonged by a third-party force, which I have now confirmed to be Imperial Spirit Mountain."
This revelation surprised Chu Xuan and the others, yet it also seemed entirely within reason. Following the destruction of the Infinite Sect, the righteous Five Sects divided the territory.
Imperial Spirit Mountain acquired a fertile third of northern Wu Province. Being the closest to Heavenly Seal Sect and Wu Province, it was most convenient for them to covertly influence the war.
"I suspected early on that someone would covet the treasure and eventually make a move against me," Wan Wuying disclosed. "Soon, Zhao Wuya and Huang Yuanwu will be called back to the Heavenly Seal Sect's main hall, and the new Golden Core cultivators taking their place are not particularly friendly towards our Extreme Yin Sect. I suspect they are preparing to act."
He continued, "I'm telling you this so you will be more vigilant in the coming days. If they plan to strike at me, they will likely target you as well. Especially the Hundred Gu Daoist from the Thousand Insects Sect; he was very fond of Chen Zhaofeng, and since Chen Zhaofeng is dead, he will undoubtedly hold you responsible."
Li Xuanming and Liu Zhenxiong felt a chill in their hearts, while Wu Teng tasted bitterness.
'I didn't even participate in that battle and gained nothing from it, yet I'm still a target?'
Chu Xuan pondered deeply. Wan Wuying had provided timely notification, fulfilling his duty as a master.
However, Chu Xuan had already sensed that dark currents were about to surge again. Unlike others, he had no qualms about escaping if necessary.
But if someone really intended to strike at him, he planned to first test their strength. Presently perceived by outsiders as only a second-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, any aggressor would likely be a third-level Foundation Establishment at most.
...
Upon returning to the Water Curtain Cave, Chu Xuan wasted no time in activating the Green Shadow Shuttle through the Blood Mirror.
This was a top-tier flying magic tool, far superior to the Heavenly Star Flying Sword. Whether for slaying foes, seizing treasures, or evading pursuit, his speed would now be vastly enhanced. Few Foundation Establishment cultivators could match his pace now!
Chu Xuan imprinted his soul blood on the Green Shadow Shuttle and took it for several test flights, thoroughly pleased with its performance, before finally stowing it away contentedly.
...
The nameless market.
In the secluded chamber of the teahouse, hidden by soundproofing arrays ensuring privacy, Zhou Yu prepared for a clandestine meeting. He had been nursing severe injuries from a previous disastrous venture to Ironwire Mountain, barely saved by his stash of medicinal pills.
The cost had nearly drained his resources, and he was eager for a chance to replenish his supplies through the proposed hunting mission.
Soon after he settled, the gaunt figure of Lu Yin hurried in. With a hearty laugh, he greeted Zhou Yu, "Fellow Daoist Zhou! I've missed you!"
Zhou Yu returned the greeting with polite laughter. The two were familiar with each other from their undercover collaborations within the Heavenly Seal Sect and caught up briefly.
After the pleasantries, Zhou Yu got straight to the point, "Tell me, who's the target? When do we strike?"
Lu Yin's smile widened, "You might remember them. Do you recall being mysteriously abducted by Li Xuanming and Liu Zhenxiong of the Extreme Yin Cave? Your injuries, too, were thanks to them. It wasn't for their insistence on dragging you to Ironwire Mountain, you wouldn't have suffered so."
Zhou Yu's expression hardened, "Are we targeting the Extreme Yin Cave? They are formidable; am I a match for them?"
Lu Yin nodded vigorously before smiling slyly, "Indeed, we are targeting the Extreme Yin Cave, but not Li Xuanming or Liu Zhenxiong. We pick the softest target, the weakest among them—Chu Xuan. We'll deal with him. This is an easy job with quick pay, and I thought of you immediately."