Zhao Xuankang

The one who spoke was the young golden-robed cultivator from the Xuanxiao Dao Palace, named Nan Xuanjing.

However, judging from his eyes, he must be quite old, and may have taken some kind of Beauty Preservation pill.

After hearing his blunt words, Chen Mobai was slightly taken aback, but did not deny it and simply nodded.

"On the battlefield, those two were helping the opposing camp of my Divine Wood Sect, and they showed no mercy to my sect's disciples, including Senior Brother Xie. I judged them to be enemies, so I took action and killed them both."

This was something that happened in full view of everyone on the battlefield, and Chen Mobai had no intention of backing down, so he readily admitted it.

His words surprised the two people from the Xuanxiao Dao Palace.

Aren't you afraid we'll blame us?

"Blame me? On the battlefield, if you are not skilled enough, you should die a worthy death. Do you two seniors intend to bully the weak?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai raised an eyebrow and began to assess the relative strengths of the two sides. Unfortunately, Zhou Shengqing had returned to Giant Wood Ridge, leaving only Fu Zongjue here.

I don't know if I can deal with a Golden Core True Person using the Purple Lightning Sword.

"Qiao'er and Jinzhi are my disciples. You killed them, so you have to give me an explanation."

Nan Xuanjing spoke in an icy tone, his eyes flashing with golden light. However, at this moment Fu Zongjue moved over and blocked his way.

"Then, your Xuanxiao Dao Palace disciples appeared in the Battle Formation at the top of Mountain Shaking Peak and even helped them attack our Divine Wood Sect. Shouldn't you give us an explanation?"

Fu Zongjue's tone was not very polite when he spoke.

"You are no match for me, and you are not worthy of my explanation."

As Nan Xuanjing spoke the truth, an incomparably powerful spiritual pressure erupted, clearly indicating that his cultivation level was above Fu Zongjue's.

"Is your Xuanxiao Dao Palace planning to invade the Eastern Wasteland?"

Fu Zongjue frowned and began to remind Nan Xuanjing not to go too far.

"This mere desolate land, even at the peak of your Five Elements Sect, my Xuanxiao Dao Palace could easily flatten it. Do you really think your Divine Wood Sect can withstand it?"

Nan Xuanjing's words ignited Fu Zongjue's anger, but he also knew that what he said was true.

As one of the three major sects of Eastern Yi, Xuanxiao Dao Palace not only has Nascent Soul Ancestor in charge, but also nine Core Formation True Persons, and hundreds of Foundation Establishment.

Even if all Six Major Sects of the Eastern Wasteland were combined, they still couldn't match the Xuanxiao Dao Palace in terms of raw power.

"Senior Brother Nan, we are here today to discuss the settlement of old debts between Ji Zhenshi and our Chamber of Commerce. Let's leave the matter of our two nephews aside for now."

Just then, Zhao Xuankang spoke up.

Upon hearing this, Nan Xuanjing frowned slightly, but still snorted coldly and turned to walk away.

"True Person Fu, please forgive me. My senior brother is also overwhelmed with grief because of the passing of his two disciples."

As Zhao Xuankang spoke, he smiled slightly, but Chen Mobai roughly understood the meaning behind his words.

Fu Zongjue: "What do Ji Zhenshi's accounts with your Xuanxiao Merchant Guild have to do with our Divine Wood Sect?"

Zhao Xuankang: "When Ji Zhenshi became Guest Elder of our Chamber of Commerce, he mortgaged his Void Stone Mine to us in order to purchase a Body Tempering Cultivation Method that could Nascent Formation. Although he is now dead, the Void Stone Mine still exists. In order to avoid our own losses, our Chamber of Commerce needs to take it back in accordance with the contract."

Upon Fu Zongjue's face darkened with anger.

After the Divine Wood Sect mobilized its members and cultivators from the Four Kingdoms under its command twice, finally managing to destroy the Mountain Shaking Peak and conquer the territories of these two kingdoms, the Xuanxiao Dao Palace was now trying to take away the most precious Void Stone Mine with just a few words. How could he not be furious?

"True Person Zhao, do you think it's appropriate for our Divine Wood Sect to repay the debts owed by Ji Zhenshi?"

Fu Zongjue spoke in an icy tone, clearly indicating that he did not intend to agree.

"True Person Fu, if you disagree, then this account will become a bad debt. The Body Tempering Cultivation Method that Ji Zhenshi obtained was taken from the Great Elder's collection of books. This matter will definitely have to be submitted to the Great Elder. If he is unhappy, he will not be as easy to talk to as I am."

The Great Elder of the Xuanxiao Dao Palace is that Nascent Soul cultivator.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai and Ma Gang's expressions changed, and even Fu Zongjue fell silent.

A Nascent Soul cultivator is one of the most outstanding beings, even within the Immortal Sect.

In the Eastern Wasteland, there are even more supreme experts who can sweep away all the major sects.

"When I was sorting through the accounts of the Mountain Shaking Peak, I saw that the contract signed between Ji Zhenshi and your esteemed merchant guild should have specified that the profits from the Void Stone Mine would be 20%."

Chen Mobai spoke, and Zhao Xuankang smiled slightly, taking out a latest contract from his storage bag.

"Last year, Ji Zhenshi considered that the war with your Divine Wood Sect would be protracted and realized that he could not possibly be a match for you with the strength of his sect alone. Therefore, he mortgaged all the remaining Void Stone Mine to our Chamber of Commerce in exchange for our Xuanxiao Dao Palace sending people to help him defeat your Divine Wood Sect at the Mountain Shaking Peak."

Zhao Xuankang showed the contract, and sure enough, it bore the double seals of Ji Zhenshi and Mountain Shaking Peak.

"But you didn't make a move?"

Ma Gang, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but speak up.

"Our Xuanxiao Dao Palace has many procedures. If a large number of disciples are to be dispatched, we need to apply for approval at each level. Senior Brother Nan has a good relationship with Ji Zhenshi, so he sent a group of disciples over first."

"However, I had a meeting with your Divine Wood Sect's True Person Zhou and received some benefits from him, which allowed me to delay things within the Dao Palace, giving you enough time to destroy the summit of Mountain Shaking Peak."

"That's why I'm in a bit of a predicament within the Dao Palace. If I don't take this Void Stone Mine back, I'm afraid I'll have to find another way to ask your Divine Wood Sect for it."

Zhao Xuankang spoke quite directly, and after pointing out that Zhou Shengqing had made a deal with him, he even began to threaten him bluntly.

The implication is that if they don't get it, then the army of the Xuanxiao Dao Palace will come, or even the Nascent Soul Ancestor will personally demand it.

"Oh, is that so? Senior Brother Zhou didn't tell me about it."

Upon hearing this, Fu Zongjue frowned slightly, but did not lose his composure.

"True Person Fu can have a good discussion with True Person Zhou. Senior Brother Nan and I will come again in three days."

After saying this, Zhao Xuankang smiled and left with Nan Xuanjing.

"That guy is still as cunning as ever."

Fu Zongjue watched Zhao Xuankang's disappearing figure and couldn't help but spit out a curse.

"Oh, did the old ancestor have dealt with him before?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai couldn't help but ask.

"Before our five lineages were separated, Zhao Xuankang was a guest of honor of the Five Elements Sect, and I had met him several times."

Fu Zongjue explained for a moment, then took out a Talisman and began to contact Zhou Shengqing.

Wisps of smoke rose and transformed into Zhou Shengqing's phantom image.

"Although I did contact him at the time, Zhao Xuankang was thinking of profiting from both sides. Only when our Divine Wood Sect and Mountain Shaking Peak are of equal strength can he better exploit Mountain Shaking Peak's industries."

"This guy misjudged our methods. He definitely didn't expect that Ji Zhenshi would die in less than half a year, so he came in a hurry to try and gain more benefits."

"Since they want this Void Stone Mine, let them have it. We should at least give face to that Nascent Great Elder of the Xuanxiao Dao Palace."

Zhou Shengqing's tone became somewhat helpless as he finished speaking.

Although the Divine Wood Sect is one of the strongest sects in the Eastern Wasteland, it is still far inferior to the Xuanxiao Dao Palace.

Although he still had some influence over the Sun Bathing Sea, after the passing of the Primordial Ancestor, it was impossible for him to persuade a fellow Nascent Soul cultivator to step forward and resist the Xuanxiao Dao Palace.

So after much deliberation, I had no choice but to give in.

Three days later.

Zhao Xuankang Nan Xuanjing arrived. After receiving the expected answer from Fu Zongjue, they exchanged a glance and nodded.

But then, they produced yet another contract.

"In addition to the Void Stone Mine, Ji Zhenshi also mortgaged two small Spirit Stone Mine in the Yan Kingdom to us in order to raise Spirit Stone to hire Rogue Cultivator and thieves."

Upon hearing Zhao Xuankang's words, Fu Zongjue flew into a rage.

"These three mines are the most valuable in the entire Yan Kingdom. Your Xuanxiao Dao Palace should not go too far."

"True Person Fu, didn't you also bully the Mountain Shaking Peak in the Eastern Wasteland in the same way? In this Sky River Realm, big fish eat little fish, isn't that the way of cultivation all along?"

Zhao Xuankang smiled and said something that made Fu Zongjue clench his fist.

"The Void Stone Mine is the last resort. If your Xuanxiao Dao Palace wants these two Spirit Stone Mine, then you'll have to come and fight them first."

Fu Zongjue. If he gave in again, this guy might come up with some other contracts and take away all the mining assets under the name of Mountain Shaking Peak.

Therefore, they refused decisively and expressed their determination to fight to the death.

"That's perfect. I was just looking for an excuse to get the Dao Palace to send troops to avenge my two disciples. Since True Person Fu has said so, then your Divine Wood Sect should just wait for the army of our Xuanxiao Dao Palace to come to your door."

Nan Xuanjing, who had remained silent until now, spoke with a cold smile.

Chen Mobai frowned slightly. He had originally thought that after taking down the Mountain Shaking Peak, he could cultivate peacefully in the Eastern Wasteland until Core Formation.

Unexpectedly, the struggle between sects in the Sky River Realm was even more direct than he had imagined.

Before the Divine Wood Sect could even digest the spoils of war from the Yan Kingdom and Xiao Kingdom, the Xuanxiao Dao Palace, which had been eyeing them covetously, was already preparing to launch its attack.

"Don't think that only your Xuanxiao Dao Palace has a Nascent Soul Grand Cultivator backing you up!"

Fu Zongjue said coldly. Chen Mobai was slightly surprised after hearing this. He really didn't know that Divine Wood Sect had such a powerful backer!

"If we're talking about the bonds of kinship, the Five Elements Sect is far more authentic than your Divine Wood Sect. If our Xuanxiao Dao Palace were to come knocking on our door, I reckon the Five Elements Sect Leader would be more than happy to welcome us and would be eager to join forces with us to wipe out these two traitorous factions."

Zhao Xuankang said something that made Fu Zongjue feel a sudden chill in his heart.

Indeed, given the relationship with the Primordial Ancestor, the Five Elements Sect is the rightful heir. If the Xuanxiao Dao Palace in the Eastern Wasteland were to collude with the Five Elements Sect, they would be completely powerless to retaliate.

"Two Spirit Stone Mine are absolutely not enough; I can only give you one at most."

Fu Zongjue's words meant that he had finally given in.

Zhao Xuankang Nan Xuanjing exchanged a glance, both of them smiling, but neither of them gave in, insisting on having the Void Stone Mine and the two small Spirit Stone Mine.

"I need to report this matter to Senior Brother Zhou."

Fu Zongjue could only delay again.

"We'll come back in three days. I think we should be able to see Brother Zhou again by then."

Zhao Xuankang smiled confidently and turned to leave with Nan Xuanjing once again.

As expected, after receiving Fu Zongjue's report, Zhou Shengqing snorted angrily, but still rushed over through the Teleportation Array.

This matter has reached a point where Zhou Shengqing has no choice but to intervene.

"True Person Zhao, some things are better left unsaid."

After meeting Zhou Shengqing Zhao Xuankang something coldly.

"This is also the final condition of our Xuanxiao Dao Palace. As long as we have the Void Stone Mine and two small Spirit Stone Mine, and I can clear up the bad debts left by Ji Zhenshi, the deaths of my two junior nephews, Xuanxiao and Xuan Jinzhi, can also be wiped clean."

Zhao Xuankang said solemnly. Facing Zhou Shengqing, Nan Xuanjing no longer had the indifferent expression he had before. It was clear that this Number One Cultivator of the Eastern Wasteland could still command some respect from them.

"It's settled now, we've both Dao Heart Oath."

Zhou Shengqing was also a decisive person. As long as he could buy time for Zhou to form his Nascent Formation, he could recover all the losses he had in the future, with interest.

"Brother Zhou is as straightforward as ever. I was ready all along."

After Zhao Xuankang obtained the results he wanted, he produced two identical contracts.

Then, witnessed by everyone, they made Dao Heart Oath and each took a portion.

"In the future, Senior Brother Nan will lead his lineage of the Xuanxiao Dao Palace disciples to establish Branch Sect Courtyard here, which will be like living next to the two Dao Brothers. Please take good care of us then."

After Zhao Xuankang finished this task, he introduced Nan Xuanjing, who was standing next to him.

Chen Mobai felt as if all the actions of his Divine Wood Sect were within the other party's calculations.

No wonder they stood by and watched the Mountain Shaking Peak Hanshan Mountain perish. Perhaps the Xuanxiao Dao Palace also intervened to suppress the destruction of Six Armor Mountain.

"Since True Person Nan is coming here to establish his sect, he should remember an old saying: 'A close neighbor is better than a distant relative.'"

Zhou Shengqing said this with a forced smile, Nan Xuanjing frowned, his spiritual energy surging out.

The two energies clashed, and Nan Xuanjing let out a muffled groan.

"Gentlemen, then we brothers will take our leave now. The Great Elder is waiting for us to return and report."

Seeing this, Zhao Xuankang remained expressionless. He grabbed Nan Xuanjing's hand, broke through Zhou Shengqing's aura, and then turned and left.

The two flew a long way before stopping on a mountaintop.

"Senior brother, what level has Zhou Shengqing's cultivation reached?"

"He pretended to be in the Core Formation Late Stage, but he's probably already at the peak. He agreed to our very harsh conditions, which shows he's willing to gamble to buy time for Nascent Formation. Although his age and foundation, coupled with the scarcity of resources in the Eastern Wasteland, make his chances of Nascent Formation very slim, it would still be better to try to sabotage it if possible."

At this moment, Nan Xuanjing's face no longer showed the arrogance he had shown at the beginning. Instead, he calmly revealed the details of Zhou Shengqing that he had discovered through his probing.

"If things really come to that, I'll trade my life for his."

Zhao Xuankang took out the contract in which he had Dao Heart Oath and said in an icy tone.