Stirring Things Up, Part 2

Inside the quiet and desolate Sea Gazing Temple.

A burly humanoid figure, as imposing as an iron tower, stood quietly beside the spot where Kong Xiang had been killed.

He seemed to be observing, or perhaps pondering.

"Well? Did you see anything? Kong Ding."

As the sound came.

Deep within the Inner Courtyard, another figure silently appeared once more.

The man was thin, but he wore a wide robe. His face was not visible in the darkness, but his clear eyes, reflecting the moonlight, were like two black crystals, extremely eye-catching.

"This technique is somewhat reminiscent of a Grandmaster of the Extreme Realm," the Iron Tower-like humanoid Kong Ding replied.

"Those guys at the Extreme Realm really annoying. Their traces are everywhere," the gaunt figure said helplessly.

"However," Kong Ding continued, somewhat hesitantly.

"How?"

"However, even a Grandmaster at the Extreme Realm wouldn't be able to strike with such precision, killing someone in one hit."

If it's those Great Grandmaster are well-versed in the secrets of various sects, then forget about it.

But the traces here seem more like the result of a full-scale battle between the Spirit Vein of two sects, with Kong Xiang ultimately being killed using mortal methods.

"So, this is very strange." Kong Ding sighed.

"Where is Kong Wu? He has now advanced to the Grandmaster level and is no longer the Sea Dragon King. Let him handle this matter," the gaunt figure instructed.

"Master, Kong Wu is physically inconvenient and is too conspicuous," Kong Ding reminded him.

"Then you can stay and cooperate with him. People from the True One Sect have also arrived. And there are also people from those rats at the Sensing Gate."

Nowadays, the Citong is becoming increasingly chaotic, and sufficient power is needed to maintain stability here.

Also, you previously said that the goods detained here were transported to an island?

"Yes, we are still looking into who sent it and where it was sent."

However, judging from the marks here, they don't seem to be traces of the Thousand Sect Alliance's martial arts, but rather the work of the remnants of the Eastern Sect, those who Rebel Sect.

"But the Rebel Sect's forces are no match for Kong Xiang and his group. So either they have a powerful backer, or the Thousand Sect Alliance is deliberately creating a diversion," Kong Ding replied.

"You and Kong Wu handle this. If anything happens, you can get the Taiqing Lineage to cooperate."

"Understood." Kong Ding nodded.

"I'll leave this place to you. I can only stay here for a week at most. The situation in Xi Yi is getting increasingly chaotic, and I must get there as soon as possible," the thin figure said calmly.

"Disciple understands." Kong Ding his head and said in a deep voice. "Within a week, disciple and Kong Wu will first eliminate the main forces of the Rebel Sect here and investigate clues. However, Taijing Zi and Zuo Han are here, and disciple is worried."

"Don't worry, I'm here, they'll stay away," the thin figure said softly.

"Yes."

***Two days later, at dawn.

Aloeswood Palace.

After breakfast, Zhang Rongfang ate an orange while looking at a secret letter in his hand with a slight frown.

The letter was sent from the Thousand Stone Sect.

Nowadays, Thousand Stone Sect has quite a few experts under his command, so Zuo Han's connection with him is becoming increasingly close.

"Mahoraga? What level is that?"

He knew nothing about the Western Sect, only that the True Buddha Temple was the highest military institution of the Western Sect.

Seating arrangements are mostly based on generational names.

Kong Xiang, who came before, was one of the members of the Kong Generation.

The secret letter was written by Zuo Han, the leader of the Thousand Stone Sect. It mentioned that because a master of the Yuan Generation from the Western Sect had secretly arrived in Citong, he was instructed to behave himself and not make any unusual moves.

Otherwise, the consequences are unpredictable.

Zuo Han wrote in an extremely solemn tone, mentioning that because this Mahoraga had a bad temper and disliked those of the Sensing Gate, they had to temporarily avoid him for a while. They would return later.

'What a grand display! Just because they dislike something, they force others to actively retreat and stay away, not even allowing them to stay in the same city.'

This imposing aura made Zhang Rongfang involuntarily think of a certain level— Great Grandmaster.

"It seems that only Great Grandmaster- level being could make a Grandmaster retreat like this. At a time like this, this Mahoraga would definitely not come here personally just because of the death of a Kong Xiang."

They must have come here on some official mission, and just happened to be checking on Kong Xiang's case.

Zhang Rongfang touched his chin and felt some newly grown stubble.

"I was wearing full armor when I made my move, with a human Leather Mask underneath, so no one should have recognized me."

Since that's the case, just bear with it for a while. Once your lifespan exceeds two hundred, a new talent should appear.

He had high hopes.

In addition, regarding the Main Herb of the Golden Toad Skill, they said they found a clue, but so much time has passed and the experts sent to find the medicine have not yet returned.

I guess either they haven't found it, or something else has happened.

At this level, the Main Herb required for the Golden Toad Skill Sun Chasing are all absolute rare and precious natural treasures.

It's normal for accidents to happen.

We'll have to follow up and investigate further.

He carefully lit the secret letter, burned it, and crushed it.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came from outside the courtyard.

"Daozi! Daozi! That Xue Ji Young Master Xue is here again!"

The old Daoist priest Aloeswood Palace rushed into the courtyard, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zhang Rongfang, and hurriedly reported the news in an anxious tone.

"What has this Young Master Xue done this time?" Zhang Rongfang asked calmly.

Xue Ji, relying on his mother being the Eleventh Princess of the current dynasty, is arrogant and has come to the Aloeswood Palace to cause trouble for two consecutive days.

He seemed convinced that Princess Yongxiang's death was related to him.

He 'accidentally' smashed the main store of the Guardian Group.

A moment later, it 'accidentally' collided with a cart of medicinal herbs purchased from the Aloeswood Palace, crushing and destroying a whole cart of high-quality herbs.

Yesterday, he even allowed his guards to injure more than ten Greeting Daoist who were welcoming guests at the Aloeswood Palace, claiming that these priests had treated him rudely and disrespectfully.

Who knows what this guy is planning to do today?

Zhang Rongfang remained unmoved.

He had previously planned to teach Xue Ji a lesson in secret, but now that a big shot had arrived from the Western Sect, he could no longer act rashly.

"Daozi, you must go and see! That Young Master Xue is now insisting that Miss Sun Chaoyue broke his Lion Nine Revolutions Glazed Cup and is demanding five thousand taels in compensation!" the old Daoist said helplessly and urgently.

"Let's go take a look." Zhang Rongfang's expression remained unchanged as he stood up, dusted off his Daoist robe, and walked towards the courtyard gate.

Although it's not advisable to make a big fuss, he is still, on the surface, a Super Grade expert in External Medicine. Not just anyone can bully him.

Following the old Daoist priest's lead, the two quickly passed through the corridors and arrived at an open space between a shrine and a reception area in the Aloeswood Palace.

As expected, Xue Ji, with a cold expression, led a group of Great Ling soldiers to surround the open space.

Beside him stood a strong, tall woman, arms crossed, staring expressionlessly at Sun Chaoyue, who was surrounded.

"You broke this cup today. If you can't afford to pay for it, that's fine too. According to the Great Ling Law, debts are settled by paying with a person. From now on, you are mine." Xue Ji's voice was steady.

"I heard you are one of Zhang Ying's confidants. I wonder how he will react without you."

"Young Master Xue, what brings you to my palace today?" Before the words were finished...

Zhang Rongfang's voice came from the passageway on one side of the temple.

A group of Daoist priests surrounded him as they walked towards him.

Although there were many Daoist priests, they were no match for the elite armored soldiers that Xue Ji had brought with him.

They were significantly weaker in terms of momentum.

"Your men broke my precious cup. Zhang Ying Daozi, you'd better deal with it." Xue Ji pointed to a broken ordinary wine glass on the ground, then turned to look at Zhang Rongfang with a half-smile.

"Daozi, I didn't! I..." Sun Chaoyue hurriedly tried to explain, but saw Zhang Rongfang raise his hand, signaling her to stop and be quiet.

Zhang Rongfang glanced at the broken pieces of the cup on the ground; it was an ordinary porcelain cup that wouldn't cost more than an ounce on the market.

"Someone, bring five thousand taels of silver! Since we have broken Young Master Xue's precious cup, we should apologize."

The surrounding Daoists were taken aback at first, then a slight commotion arose.

Obviously, there's no cup on the market worth five thousand taels!

That's five thousand taels!

In an era when a plow ox only cost forty or fifty taels, five thousand taels could buy hundreds of the best oxen! As soon as Zhang Rongfang said this, even Xue Ji was stunned.

He frowned, staring at Zhang Rongfang, as if trying to figure out what he was up to.

But Zhang Rongfang's expression was calm, with a smile on his face, showing no resentment whatsoever.

His eyes still held a genuine sense of apology.

Soon, a Daoist priest brought over a silver note, totaling five thousand taels, and delivered it to Xue Ji.

"Is Young Master Xue satisfied? I failed to discipline you properly, and you were frightened," Zhang Rongfang said gently.

Xue Ji squinted and looked at the silver notes on the plate in front of him.

Five thousand taels was no small sum even for him. And yet the other party gave it to him so readily.

He picked up the banknote and examined it carefully; it was indeed Great Ling Official Bank.

You can exchange them at any money exchange in Great Ling.

"Daozi has a good temper. But as I said before, it will be three days." He held up three fingers.

"Today is exactly the third day. I Daozi what instructions you have for me?"

"Young Master Xue, why go to such lengths?" Zhang Rongfang sighed, a look of helplessness on his face. "Actually, when the princess disappeared, I also searched everywhere for clues. But..."

"But what?" Xue Ji asked coldly. "Could it be that you have some unspeakable secret?"

"I was born into poverty, unlike you, young master, who is born noble. There are some things that I dare not say even if I find out." Zhang Rongfang looked as if he dared not say more.

"You can say whatever you want in front of me. You should know that my mother is Princess Yunxi! Tell me, and I will guarantee your safety!" Xue Ji slightly raised his chin, his expression cold and arrogant.

Zhang Rongfang sighed again.

"Young master, may I have a word with you in private?"

"Why not?" Xue Ji raised an eyebrow.

Before he came here, someone told him that Zhang Ying was not a good person, that he held immense power and influence in Ci Tong Port, and that he was very likely the murderer who caused Princess Yongxiang's disappearance and death.

But now that he's seen it for himself, Zhang Ying seems to be a very good-natured and kind person, not as domineering as that person described.

Even though he bullied the other person so much, the other person still treated him with such good temper.

The Daoist Daozi of this Great Dao Sect truly possesses extraordinary skills in cultivating inner energy.