Demonic Path Attacks

He wanted to ask about the secret, and the two stood far apart. The crowd couldn't figure out what they were talking about, only seeing Lu Wanqian yelling at Yue Qianchou, who was scared like a little chick. When the two returned one after the other, Lu Wanqian's expression was grim, clearly angered. Yue Qianchou, on the other hand, was dejected, as if he had suffered immense injustice. It was impossible to tell what the former had done to the latter.

In reality, it was nothing much. Lu Wanqian laid his cards on the table and directly demanded the secret. Yue Qianchou vehemently denied it, insisting there was no secret, only saying that his Master used to give him elixirs and he truly didn't know if there was any secret in them. He had made up his mind: since they said there was a secret, he would push all responsibility onto his deceased Master. If they wanted to know, they could ask his Master.

Ever since he learned the truth of that day from Wu Baoru, Lu Wanqian had already labeled Yue Qianchou as a scoundrel and a rogue. Naturally, he didn't believe anything Yue Qianchou said. After asking for a long time without getting any answers, Lu Wanqian was so enraged he was practically screaming. In the end, he even resorted to threats, but Yue Qianchou still insisted he didn't know.

Lu Wanqian threw down a parting shot: "You won't say? You'll have your day when you're begging to tell." The two parted on bad terms.

Afterward, he sullenly called Gao Shiping aside to talk. Everyone could tell the atmosphere was a bit off.

His granddaughter, Lu Xia'er, however, was carefree, her big eyes wide as she pestered Yue Qianchou to write a song for her.

Yue Qianchou glanced at Lu Xia'er's already developing shapely figure, cursing the old man internally for being so arrogant. If I get angry enough one day, I'll get your granddaughter into bed and get her pregnant. Let's see if you're still so tough then. On the surface, however, he maintained his dazed and dejected appearance, forcing a miserable smile and saying, "What song can I possibly write? It's uncertain whether I'll even survive this year."

Qu Ping'er and the others were startled by his words. Lu Xia'er gasped and asked, "Martial Uncle, what's wrong?"

"What's wrong? It's still about me and Elder Wu." He gave a bitter smile and said desolately, "It's a pity my Master died early and I have no one to protect me. Having offended Elder Wu, the Elders of the Sect probably all want me dead. Your grandfather is here today at the Sect Master's behest, wanting me to confess and accept my punishment."

Everyone exchanged glances, thinking, No wonder Elder Lu brought us here today. We thought he really wanted us to broaden our horizons!

"You're talking nonsense, my grandfather isn't that kind of person!" Lu Xia'er defended her grandfather.

"Alas! Whether it's nonsense or truth, what meaning does it have to me? What benefit would I get from lying to you?" Yue Qianchou's expression was bleak, his suffering evident on his face. The onlookers fell silent.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he said with emotion, "If I, Yue Qianchou, am truly guilty, then as a man, I'll take responsibility alone. I won't need your grandfather to speak; I'll smash my head against this spot to atone to the world. But if I am innocent, how can I confess? Though my Master, Yue Qianchou, is dead, I will never do anything that compromises my integrity. I would rather die standing than live kneeling!"

His words were resolute and his demeanor righteous, earning the respect of everyone present. Even Lu Xia'er believed him and lowered her head sadly.

Lu Wanqian and Gao Shiping returned. The former glanced at Yue Qianchou with a cold sneer, while the latter shook his head helplessly at him.

Yue Qianchou looked at Gao Shiping and said with a calm smile, "Senior Brother Gao, there's no need to be troubled. I presume Martial Uncle wants you to give me more burdens? It's fine, Senior Brother, just do as you're told."

Gao Shiping was taken aback, his expression slightly embarrassed. He then glanced sheepishly at Lu Wanqian. The latter snorted and said, "You refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"

Combining what they saw, everyone became convinced that Yue Qianchou was telling the truth. It seemed Elder Lu was indeed going to make things difficult for Martial Uncle Yue.

Someone was getting anxious. Lu Xia'er stomped her foot and called out to Lu Wanqian, "Grandfather, how can you do such a thing?"

Lu Wanqian glared at her and barked, "This is grown-ups' business, why are you children butting in? We're leaving." Lu Xia'er protested loudly and made a fuss, but her grandfather grabbed her and took her away. The group of disciples also turned into streaks of light and followed.

"Old man, you dare threaten me! Today I'll add a little something to your plate, to make your ears ring when you get back, so you don't come back empty-handed." Yue Qianchou muttered as he watched the departing crowd. Although his voice was low, he made no effort to hide it from the two people beside him.

Shi Xiaotian was not stupid. Combining what his Boss had said earlier with what he was hearing now, his previously sympathetic gaze towards his Boss instantly turned to stunned disbelief.

Although Gao Shiping didn't know what had happened, he could naturally tell from Yue Qianchou's words that he was cursing Lu Wanqian. He couldn't help but admire Yue Qianchou's audacity, daring to curse a Sect Elder. Then, he felt a sense of satisfaction. Yue Qianchou daring to curse him to his face clearly showed he didn't consider him an outsider.

"Senior Brother Gao, tell me, how does Grand Elder Lu intend to torment me?" Yue Qianchou said mockingly.

Gao Shiping shook his head and gave a wry smile, "Junior Brother, it seems you've truly offended the Sect Master severely. Elder Lu is here specifically to deliver the Sect Master's decree for you. He didn't say anything else, just told me that starting today, your mining quota will be doubled. Alas! You know, I can protect you in other matters, but the extraction of Spirit Stones is supervised by disciples from different veins, so I dare not show favoritism. I'm afraid you won't be able to complete the task, and this punishment I..."

Yue Qianchou waved his hand to interrupt him, "No need to say more, Senior Brother, I understand. Just do as you're told. Trying to stump me with such a small matter is simply childish."

Gao Shiping secretly thought it was a pity. With this, his own income would likely be gone. Those were high-grade Spirit Stones!

Yue Qianchou seemed to see through Gao Shiping's thoughts and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Senior Brother. A stone or two won't trouble me. We'll proceed as usual. However, there is one thing I need to trouble you with."

His words had subtly hinted at something. Gao Shiping understood immediately. Yue Qianchou was clearly telling him that he wouldn't be shortchanged on high-grade Spirit Stones. His eyes lit up, and he patted his chest, saying, "Junior Brother, no problem, I have no problem at all. Just say what you need."

Yue Qianchou smiled. He liked people who were straightforward when they took money; such people weren't afraid of you asking, but afraid of you refusing. He said solemnly, "I hope Senior Brother can prepare more food and wine for the two of us to take into the cave. After all, with the increased mining quota, not having enough to eat will cause big problems."

"I thought it was something serious. Junior Brother, rest assured, this is on me." Gao Shiping guaranteed.

Yue Qianchou then said to Shi Xiaotian, "Xiaotian, you go and get some good rest now, build up your energy for work tomorrow."

Gao Shiping also chimed in, "You call him Shi Xiaotian? Follow Junior Brother Yue closely, and I won't treat you unfairly when the time comes." It's a joke! Helping Yue Qianchou do a good job is the same as helping him do a good job, so of course he said that.

Shi Xiaotian nodded and returned to his room without a word. In fact, he wasn't worried at all. The place his Boss found, let alone doubling the quota, he could dig out three or four times the amount.

After the three parted ways, Yue Qianchou lazily lay back in his chair to continue sunbathing. He was contemplating a problem. The conflict with the Qingguang Sect had reached this point, and it seemed impossible to stay there long-term. However, letting out the secret was even more impossible. In this cultivation world where the strong preyed on the weak, it was his trump card for survival, and he would never tell anyone. The current plan was to stay in the Spirit Stone mine for one more day and try to extract as much as possible. Once he had enough Spirit Stones, he would pack up and leave. If this place doesn't keep me, another will. What's there to fear!

The next day, after entering the Spirit Stone mine, Shi Xiaotian noticed his Boss's expression had become much more serious. Upon entering the mine, he didn't walk slowly as usual but went directly to the mining area. Shi Xiaotian was secretly puzzled. What was his Boss worried about? With so many Spirit Stones, why would he fear not completing the task?

Before they began mining, Yue Qianchou solemnly instructed, "Xiaotian, from today onwards, focus all your efforts on mining mid-grade Spirit Stones. Don't worry about low-grade Spirit Stones for now; we'll deal with them later. Remember?"

Shi Xiaotian had become extremely impressed with his Boss over the past two days. Seeing his Boss speak so seriously, he understood there must be a reason, so he nodded heavily without asking further questions.

Yue Qianchou looked at him with appreciation and nodded. The two immediately split up and began their fervent excavation.

Within three days, Yue Qianchou returned to the Golden Bead. He saw the piles of Spirit Stones in the forest but still seemed unsatisfied. He understood the principle of "money is needed when it's scarce." Since he had embarked on the path of cultivation, he had to build a solid foundation for the future as much as possible.

The white fox, initially displeased by the piles of Spirit Stones in its elegant domain, wanted to scold Yue Qianchou when she saw him appear after a long absence. However, seeing the rare seriousness on his face, she knew something must be up and was about to ask when that detestable fellow disappeared again.

Gao Shiping, as promised, received another piece of high-grade Spirit Stone, and Yue Qianchou and his companion completed their task. This made Gao Shiping extremely impressed, and he generously rewarded them with good wine and food.

Halfway through the drinking, Gao Shiping stopped drinking and told them to continue. Yue Qianchou asked curiously, "Senior Brother Gao hasn't finished drinking yet, why are you stopping?"

"The Sect will send people to transport the Spirit Stones, and I have some arrangements to make. Originally, all the miners had to go to work, but you two are exempted. Just drink to your heart's content." Gao Shiping said.

Yue Qianchou nodded and saw him out. Not long after they finished the food and wine, Gao Shiping returned with a crestfallen face. Upon seeing him, he said with a wry smile, "Junior Brother, I have to break my promise. The Elder leading the transport this time is Elder Lu Wanqian. He saw that you weren't among the miners and reprimanded me, specifically ordering you to work alongside the other miners. Junior Brother, I apologize."

"Damn it! This old bastard is really trying to get me," Yue Qianchou stood up and cursed. But there was nothing he could do, so he went with Shi Xiaotian and Gao Shiping.

At the entrance to the cave where the Spirit Stones were stored, Lu Wanqian, standing in front of a group of miners, saw Yue Qianchou arrive and snorted coldly. His granddaughter had been arguing with him endlessly about this matter for the past few days. The more than ten Elders beside him also looked over, all familiar with Yue Qianchou.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Lu Wanqian took out a small golden dragon from his storage bag. He formed hand seals and shot several beams of white light towards the small golden dragon, then tossed the dragon into the air. The golden dragon emitted a dazzling light and grew in the wind, instantly transforming into an enormous, lifelike giant dragon before everyone's eyes. Lu Wanqian made another hand seal, and a piece of the giant dragon's belly scales detached, revealing a large opening. The scales then formed a ramp leading into the opening.

Yue Qianchou watched in amazement. Although he had heard of this transport artifact before, this was the first time he had seen one. After being inspected, all the miners were herded into the dragon's opening. The vast cave was filled with bags of Spirit Stones, making Yue Qianchou's mouth water. They were then ordered to carry the bags of Spirit Stones into the belly of the giant dragon.

Shi Xiaotian was determined to follow his Boss. Wherever his Boss carried a bag, he would carry one too. Wherever his Boss went, he would follow. The space inside the giant dragon's belly was truly immense. With so many miners carrying bags, their movements constant and ceaseless, Yue Qianchou couldn't keep track of how many bags were transported.

They had carried enough. The two re-entered the cave, which was now empty except for the two remaining bags. Yue Qianchou, too lazy to carry them himself, casually grabbed Shi Xiaotian and pulled him to the side. Someone would naturally come to carry them later. As expected, two miners walked over and hoisted the bags onto their shoulders.

"You two, put those down." A familiar voice came from behind them. Yue Qianchou turned his head to see Lu Wanqian staring at him coldly. Lu Wanqian slowly said, "You two carry them out."

Yue Qianchou was speechless. He wished he could bite Lu Wanqian to death in his heart. The two of them reluctantly carried the last two bags of Spirit Stones out. Inside, Lu Wanqian shouted again, "Everyone out, prepare for inspection."

Inside the dragon's belly, the two set down the Spirit Stones. Just as they turned to walk towards the entrance, a beam of red light suddenly descended from the sky, shooting directly into the group of assembled miners. Instantly, a deafening explosion erupted, and a powerful shockwave, mixed with shattered, flying corpses, burst outwards. The two standing at the dragon's belly entrance were stunned and, before they could react, were pushed back inside by the blast.

"The Demonic Path is attacking! Qingguang Sect disciples, follow me to meet the challenge!" Lu Wanqian's hysterical shout echoed from outside. The two Elders guarding the dragon's belly immediately shot out.