Ningxin Cottage

Chapter 41: Ningxin Cottage

On this day, the tragedy that occurred at the Black and White Divine Palace shook the entire sect.

Li Baidao was brutally murdered, and the Inspection Hall was ambushed and suffered heavy losses, sending shockwaves through the sect. That very evening, even worse news arrived—Inspection Hall deacon Luo Qiuzhen had been ambushed and died of his wounds.

Compared to this series of events, Ning Ye's encounter at the marketplace was merely a minor episode, not worth mentioning.

Upon receiving the news of Luo Qiuzhen's death, Ning Ye finally let out a long sigh of relief.

With this obstacle removed, the plan to steal the Thousand Mechanism Hall Fragment could finally proceed.

Early the next morning, Ning Ye went to see Xu Yanwen and accompanied him to the palace complex atop Tianxiu Peak.

Xu Yanwen was so excited to see Chi Wanning that he didn't even notice Ning Ye was injured, leaving Ning Ye to lament that his preparations from the day before had been somewhat in vain. However, that is simply how things go; not everything you do will necessarily have an effect. From a security standpoint, it was actually better that he hadn't noticed.

Ningxin Cottage was located within the Green Wood Hall. After presenting their entry passes and stepping through the hall gates, Ning Ye immediately sensed a reaction within his body.

Indeed!

Ning Ye was overjoyed.

The Thousand Mechanism Hall Fragment was nearby.

Although it was still some distance away and the sensation was somewhat vague, Ning Ye was able to determine its general location. He had no choice but to follow the maidservant, but as they progressed, the sensation grew weaker and weaker.

Ning Ye knew that the Thousand Mechanism Hall Fragment must be on the other side.

Ning Ye kept his expression calm, walking seemingly at random while touching things here and there.

The maidservant in front turned back: "Please, guest, do not touch things at random. Some areas are equipped with mechanisms and formations; it would be troublesome if you were to trigger them by mistake."

"My apologies, I was reckless." Ning Ye withdrew his hand and smiled apologetically.

Of course, he knew that formations were laid out everywhere here. His seemingly casual behavior was precisely an attempt to find an opportunity to exploit.

No matter how good a formation is, it is always vulnerable to being broken from within. Moreover, the Green Wood Hall was a living space for cultivators, so easily triggered mechanisms would certainly not be placed in high-traffic areas.

While apologizing and continuing forward, a small stone quietly slid out of his sleeve, rolling along the ground until it disappeared from sight.

Ningxin Cottage was located on the east side of the Green Wood Hall. After passing through winding corridors and bypassing clear ponds and streams, they arrived at a place filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. They entered a three-tiered courtyard with red bricks and green tiles, where an apricot tree was planted in the center.

Chi Wanning was currently beneath that tree.

There were several others with her. One of them was dressed in purple, wearing a high crown with two ribbons hanging down from the sides. He was handsome and refined, currently stroking the Burnt-Tail Night-Light Zither, commanding the strings and playing celestial music. Apricot blossoms fell from above, dancing in the air to the rhythm of the melody without ever touching the ground.

The people around them shook their heads and swayed to the music, seemingly entranced, though no matter how one looked at it, it felt more like they were putting on a show.

A major event had just occurred at the Black and White Divine Palace yesterday, but for those under the tree, it was of no concern. Among cultivators, there are many who prefer to stay out of matters that do not concern them, and those invited to a banquet by Fairy Niaohua were of special status; they didn't take yesterday's events to heart at all.

As for the one playing the zither, it went without saying that it must be the Zither Scholar, Yang Ziqiu.

When Xu Yanwen saw that Yang Ziqiu was also there, he was visibly stunned for a moment before laughing as he approached: "So Brother Yang is here too. Long time no see."

Yang Ziqiu didn't stop playing, saying softly: "Wanning is hosting a banquet today and has invited many friends. I, however, knew that Brother Xu would be coming."

The zither music was continuous, yet it could not mask his words. His tone was gentle, yet it could not hide the aggression within.

The implication was clear: things you don't know, I know. Wanning and I are, after all, closer than you are.

Xu Yanwen was annoyed and was about to retort when Chi Wanning spoke: "Alright, today's banquet is just a casual affair. With nothing to do, we gather in small groups to discuss anything from the ancient to the modern, or to debate the Dao of immortality—all are excellent pastimes."

As she spoke, she invited the two to sit. Only then did everyone notice Ning Ye. They were all stunned for a moment, unable to fathom why Chi Wanning would invite someone so ugly to the banquet.

Ning Ye was familiar with some of the habits of immortals.

Cultivators, aside from daily meditation and diligent practice of combat techniques, had no other occupations. When they had free time, they often held banquets.

However, lower-level disciples mostly focused on bitter cultivation and rarely gathered. Those who could truly afford to sit around drinking tea were usually those who had already achieved some success in their cultivation.

The likes of Chi Wanning and Yang Ziqiu were the darlings of heaven; they learned everything quickly, even mastering the pretentiousness of the upper echelons to perfection. Such gatherings were a common occurrence for them.

Today it might be a banquet for Fairy Niaohua, tomorrow perhaps a banquet for Lady Heartbreak, and the day after, a banquet for some scholar, some young master, or some genius...

Once seated, Chi Wanning said: "I haven't introduced everyone yet. This is the newest disciple of the Seven Kill Heavenly Blade, Ning Ye."

Upon hearing that he was a disciple of the Seven Kill Heavenly Blade, Yang Ziqiu and another cold-faced man with a high nose and prominent eyes said nothing, though three others nodded slightly toward Ning Ye.

Just by observing these reactions, Ning Ye knew everyone's status.

Sure enough, Chi Wanning introduced them to Ning Ye: "Ice Soul Yang Pole Hand Zhong Rihan, Zither Scholar Yang Ziqiu, Wuchangzi Ye Tianshang, Indeterminate Wheel Si Yuetang, and Wuzi Buluo Rong Cheng."

So it was them.

Indeed, those capable of attending Chi Wanning's banquet were no ordinary people.

Ice Soul Yang Pole Hand Zhong Rihan was a disciple of the Great Elder of the Black and White Divine Palace. The three Great Elders were seniors of the Divine Palace with status even higher than the sect leader, and they hadn't taken on disciples for hundreds of years. That Zhong Rihan could be an exception was proof enough of his status as a top-tier genius; it was no wonder Chi Wanning introduced him first.

It could be said that among the disciples of the Black and White Divine Palace, Zhong Rihan was the number one genius. It was just a pity that his appearance was lacking. Ning Ye was merely disfigured, and if one looked closely, his features were actually quite regular, but Zhong Rihan was truly ugly by birth—even bleaching his skin eighteen times wouldn't help.

Yang Ziqiu was a disciple of the Thousand Hands Ancestor, with a status similar to Xu Yanwen's, but crucially, he had entered the sect earlier than Xu Yanwen and was also stronger.

As for the remaining three, they were also quite famous.

Wuchangzi Ye Tianshang was a disciple of the Ghost Fire Divine Lord. The Ghost Fire Divine Lord practiced the Ghost Dao, turning himself into something neither human nor ghost, and this Ye Tianshang was much the same, with a green face and only lacking fangs. Indeterminate Wheel Si Yuetang was a disciple of the Reincarnation True Lord and practiced the Indeterminate Wheel technique; being able to use the Indeterminate Wheel as his moniker showed how much he was favored by the Reincarnation True Lord. The background of Wuzi Buluo Rong Cheng was even more impressive; he was a disciple of the East Chess Envoy of the Four Directions Chess Envoy. Theoretically, his status was even higher than Yang Ziqiu's. However, this man had once committed a grave error and was expelled by the East Chess Envoy, no longer his disciple. Yet, strangely, he was still able to remain in the Black and White Divine Palace. Despite coming from a prestigious background, he remained an outer disciple to this day, which was a strange affair. But this outer disciple was far more powerful than many inner or even personal disciples, so it was no wonder he had the qualifications to sit here.

Because all three of their nicknames contained the character "Wu," they were known as the Three Wus of the Divine Palace, and because of this moniker, the three had gradually become close friends.

By comparison, Ning Ye, a disciple of the Seven Kill Heavenly Blade who hadn't even passed his probationary period, had a status that was pitifully low.

Sure enough, Zhong Rihan had already said, "What is so special about this kid? How could he catch the eye of Fairy Chi?"

He did not necessarily intend to bully anyone; given his status, there were countless people willing to do his bidding with just a glance, so there was no need to specifically pick on anyone. However, precisely because of this, he felt no need to hide or be subtle about his thoughts.

A disciple of the Seven Kill Heavenly Blade was not necessarily qualified to sit here.

Chi Wanning smiled before she spoke, her gaze gentle, every movement of her brows and lips stirring the heart. After "charming" everyone, she said softly and leisurely, "When I last met Junior Brother Ning, we discussed the grand trends of the immortal sects. I found Junior Brother Ning to have profound insights and a vast vision, and I considered him a kindred spirit, which is why I extended this invitation."

As she spoke, she recounted the remarks Ning Ye had made last time.

After hearing Chi Wanning's words, Zhong Rihan fell into deep thought, while Yang Ziqiu sneered, "Nothing but empty talk without substance, purely grandstanding for attention."

Ning Ye had been brought by Xu Yanwen, so he instinctively categorized him as an enemy.

Xu Yanwen raised an eyebrow, "Hey, what do you mean by that? Are you saying that a perspective even Wanning appreciates is just empty talk?"

Yang Ziqiu had not expected Xu Yanwen to drag Chi Wanning into the line of fire and immediately became anxious, "Don't spout nonsense! It's just that this person looks hideous, and having joined the sect for less than a year, what could he possibly know about the grand trends of the immortal sects?"

Chi Wanning gave a light cough, "Ziqiu, do not judge people by their appearance."

Yang Ziqiu was taken aback and stole a glance at Zhong Rihan.

Zhong Rihan let out a cold hum.

Yang Ziqiu knew that this glance had incurred Zhong Rihan's displeasure. He might be ugly, but that did not mean he was willing to admit it. Most importantly, the other party was powerful and held a high position; he was no match for him and could only lower his head in frustration.

The others here had already begun chatting with Chi Wanning, though it was nothing more than idle talk about romance and scenery.

Ning Ye's mind was not on this; it had drifted once again toward the west side.

On the west side, Xuanyu Pavilion.

On the arched roof and flying eaves, a small beast head suddenly opened its eyes.