Yu Ding Zhenren was all smiles, clearly in an excellent mood.
He had even begun imagining how, once this plan succeeded completely, they could at least cripple one outstanding disciple of the Interception Sect, even if they could not sever one of its arms.
Nezha!
Like Yang Jian, he was one of the two thorns embedded in the Chan Sect's heart.
For now, they had no concrete way to deal with Yang Jian. Both his parents were dead, and the Interception Sect had long since brought him to Golden Ao Island. Even if the Chan Sect wanted to deal with him, they could not think of a good way to do it yet.
Nezha, however, was different.
As long as Yin Shiniang remained in Li Jing's residence, Nezha would never leave the Li Residence and head to Golden Ao Island.
And all of Chentang Pass was the Chan Sect's territory. The Interception Sect had only Wuyun Xian here.
In a head-on clash, very few people in the Chan Sect could match Wuyun Xian.
But when it came to scheming and plotting, Wuyun Xian was just a little boy!
This time, the Chan Sect had prepared thoroughly, even setting up an interlocking series of traps. Even if this attempt failed, they would eventually trick Nezha to his death.
Once Nezha died, his share of fortune would instantly dissipate.
Not only would the fortune he contributed to the Interception Sect vanish, but the sect would even suffer some backlash.
Although that bit of fortune hardly amounted to anything for the Interception Sect, it would at least leave a slightly bitter taste in their mouths.
That'll teach you to steal our Chan Sect disciples. You deserve it!
But Yin Shiniang was, after all, Li Jing's lawful wife, and however unwelcome Nezha might be, he was still Li Jing's own flesh and blood.
So, after some consideration, the Chan Sect decided to give Li Jing a little reward.
Although the Chan Sect thought Li Jing was rather stupid, they had already tricked two of his children into joining their sect and completely abandoning their bond with their father.
Now they were going to harm his wife and third child, too!
Even the thick-skinned, black-hearted Chan Sect now found Li Jing almost endearingly stupid. They were beginning to feel a little embarrassed about striking again.
Li Jing was such a good man!
Thus, the Chan Sect finally decided that someone who devoted himself wholeheartedly to their sect, even at the cost of tricking his wife and children to their deaths, absolutely must not be left too bitterly disappointed.
And so, at the Primordial Heavenly Venerable's word, Li Jing was promoted directly from an outer disciple of the Chan Sect to a third-generation inner disciple.
One reason Yu Ding Zhenren had come now was to see whether Yin Shiniang and Nezha had already been tricked to their deaths.
If not, he would discuss how they should continue plotting against Li Jing's wife and child.
Then he would toss Li Jing a sweet date along the way, telling him that he would henceforth be a glorious inner disciple.
Of course, the Chan Sect would certainly not provide him with cultivation methods, spiritual treasures, a master, or anything of the sort. His supposed inner disciple status was merely a nicer-sounding title.
But the Chan Sect felt that this was already quite generous.
After all, did he think every stray cat and dog was qualified to join their Chan Sect?
Yu Ding Zhenren felt certain he could exceed the goals of this mission. That fool Li Jing was simply far too easy to dupe.
Yet after calling out several times inside the Li Residence, he still had not seen Li Jing come out to welcome him.
What was going on?
Yu Ding Zhenren instantly sensed that something was amiss. He swept the residence with his divine sense and discovered that Li Jing had actually vomited blood and fallen unconscious.
He could not detect the slightest trace of Yin Shiniang or Nezha anywhere in the Li Residence, either.
Could Nezha and his mother have already been tricked to their deaths?
Was that why Li Jing had vomited blood and fainted?
He dared not delay after seeing this and immediately went to the Pipa Fox Spirit's courtyard in the rear quarters.
"What happened to Li Jing?" Yu Ding Zhenren demanded of the Pipa Fox Spirit, his expression stern.
Naturally, he could tell at a glance that Li Jing's second wife was a fox demon.
Although the Chan Sect looked down on creatures born of wetness and eggs, they would not lay a hand on the Pipa Fox Spirit.
They knew very well that without the Pipa Fox Spirit, Li Jing and Yin Shiniang would probably still be deeply in love.
If that were the case, how could the Chan Sect carry out its plans?
Precisely because of that consideration, they had naturally left her alone.
When the Pipa Fox Spirit saw Yu Ding Zhenren, her face went deathly pale, and she collapsed straight onto the floor.
She was only a demon. What she feared most was, of course, the orthodox Chan Sect.
"This Pipa Fox Spirit pays her respects to the venerable immortal of the Chan Sect."
"I'm not really sure why Li Jing is like this, either. He merely saw me having an affair with a servant in the residence, and then he ended up like this."
"I truly cannot understand it. It's such a pleasurable thing, so why can't he accept me doing it with someone else?"
The Pipa Fox Spirit lay prostrate on the floor, answering Yu Ding Zhenren with the utmost reverence.
She did not even dare lift her head.
To ordinary loose cultivators and the various factions of the Demon Race, the Chan Sect was a sword suspended above their heads.
None dared act presumptuously!
The Pipa Fox Spirit thought very little of her husband, Li Jing.
But before a true member of the Interception Sect's Twelve Golden Immortals-even Yu Ding Zhenren, the most unremarkable-looking among them, who seldom walked the mortal world-her fear knew no bounds.
After hearing her explanation, Yu Ding Zhenren felt his head ache.
This fox demon really was nothing but trouble. How could she follow the Demon Race's customs while living among humans?
Had the Pipa Fox Spirit not still been somewhat useful, Yu Ding Zhenren would have slapped the fool to death!
"Get out!" Yu Ding Zhenren said coldly.
The Pipa Fox Spirit dared not hesitate. She immediately scrambled and crawled out of the courtyard.
Hmph!
Only after watching the Pipa Fox Spirit leave did Yu Ding Zhenren snort coldly and examine Li Jing's condition.
Finding nothing seriously wrong, he laid Li Jing on the bed, then slowly waved his right hand.
In an instant.
A stream of pure immortal spiritual power poured into Li Jing's body, cleansing him completely in the blink of an eye, even dispelling every trace of alcohol.
"Li Jing, wake up!" Yu Ding Zhenren thundered.
Under the power of Yu Ding Zhenren's command, Li Jing slowly began to awaken.
At first, his eyes were utterly blank, but after a moment of dazed silence, he gradually recovered his senses.
Ah!
Li Jing let out a helpless sigh, looking like a walking corpse.
He had destroyed his once happy, beautiful life with his own hands.
Thinking of how things had once been, then looking at the wretched state he was in now, Li Jing almost wished he could cleave himself apart with a sword.
What sins I've committed!
Of course, Li Jing had also noticed Yu Ding Zhenren beside him, but he truly had no interest in offering a greeting just then.
Yu Ding Zhenren also noticed that something was wrong and hurriedly asked, "Li Jing, what exactly happened?"
"Why are you in such a state?"
"And where are Yin Shiniang, Wuyun Xian, and your third son, Nezha?"
"Why can't I sense even a trace of their presence? Where are they now? Have they already started fighting the East Sea Dragon Clan?"
Before you continue