Chen Shuangbai broke through his seclusion, making progress in both cultivation and magic, which was truly a joyous occasion. Looking up at the sky, seeing it bright and clear, he said:
"Today is an auspicious day, and I have gained quite a bit of insight into my cultivation, so I will certainly guide the two of you in your practice."
If there's anything you don't understand, please tell me.
Upon hearing this, Zhuang Wen and Bi Sheng were overjoyed and repeatedly expressed their gratitude, demonstrating how precious it is to have a wise teacher to guide and enlighten one's spiritual practice.
The three of them talked on and on until late into the night.
As the moon reached its zenith, Zhuang Wen and Bi Sheng exchanged a glance, then bowed deeply to Chen Shuangbai once more, saying in unison:
"We are very grateful to our Martial Uncle for imparting the Dao and resolving our doubts. We are disciples of the Spring-Venerating Daoist Academy, and today we will follow Martial Uncle's lead without question."
With a flick of her sleeve, Chen Shuangbai felt a gentle force lift the two of them up, and said softly:
" The Spring-Venerating Dharma Lineage is the lineage of our Jade Spring Sect, and I am also a part of it. Such formalities are a bit much."
The two readily agreed, but they had already made up their minds that if any talented individuals with exceptional Spirit Root were to be promoted by their sect in the future, they would be the first to seek the patronage of this Martial Uncle Chen.
Chen Shuangbai roughly understood what the two were thinking, but she didn't point it out.
The Jade Spring Sect is indeed excellent, but there are quite a few factions within the sect. However, the sect is thriving, and everyone is working together towards a common goal, so there are no major conflicts.
Chen Shuangbai also needed to plan for the future.
After expounding their teachings and resolving their doubts, the two were about to take their leave when suddenly a wild and arrogant voice came from above the bamboo forest. It contained thunder, pierced through the array, and entered the bamboo forest, causing the bamboo to rustle and the bamboo leaves to fall with a rustling sound, startling many birds into flight.
"Zhao Shiyong, a disciple of the Xuanxiao Sect of the Zhao State, has returned to his hometown today. Having heard of the esteemed garrison commander's reputation, he has come to request an audience."
Zhao Shiyong?
Chen Shuangbai looked down at the two people below and saw that Zhuang Wen and Bi Sheng's expressions were slightly unpleasant, so she knew who they were.
"But is that the direct descendant of the Zhao Household who joined the Profound Firmament Sect?" Chen Shuangbai asked.
Zhuang Wen nodded, his expression somewhat grim.
Bi Sheng took the initiative to introduce this eldest son of the Zhao Household to Chen Shuangbai.
"Among the local cultivation Aristocratic Clan, the Zhao Household has the deepest roots. Back when Wind Howling County was still part of the Zhao Kingdom, they were practically the masters of this place. It is said that one of their ancestors was Foundation Establishment cultivator!"
"When Zhao Shiyong was born, it was said that there were unusual signs accompanying him. Afterwards, he was spotted by a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Profound Firmament Sect who was traveling in this area. They established a master-disciple relationship and allowed him to grow up to be about ten years old before the Zhao Household sent him to the Profound Firmament Sect to seek the Dao."
" The Profound Firmament Sect is a major sect in the Zhao Kingdom, with a profound foundation. This Zhao Shiyong even has Foundation Establishment cultivator as his master. Now that he has returned home, he has probably heard about his Lineage's misfortunes and is coming to cause us trouble."
Chen Shuangbai, pondering in her heart:
"As a master who personally imparted the Dao to those at the Foundation Establishment, he surpasses many outer sect cultivators of various sects. Now that he has returned, he must be here to seek justice for the Zhao Household."
But upon further reflection, I didn't feel afraid.
" The Profound Firmament Sect is a major sect within the Zhao Kingdom, while this is the territory of the Jade Spring Sect of the Jing Kingdom. Even if he were a dragon, he would have to stay here."
The two then followed Chen Shuangbai's instructions.
"You two keep an eye on the academy. I'm going to see this Fellow Daoist Zhao."
Having said that, Chen Shuangbai rode the wind and soared straight into the sky, passing through the cover of the lush bamboo forest, through the traces of the formation, and landed directly above the bamboo forest, gazing intently ahead.
Not far away in mid-air, a figure stood with his hands behind his back, waiting quietly.
The newcomer was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, wearing a black wide-sleeved Daoist robe with gold trim. On the sleeves, one could vaguely see fine fire patterns and cloud patterns flowing around, which was the standard robe of the inner disciple of the Profound Firmament Sect.
He had a handsome face, large ears, and an air of arrogance between his brows. His eyes flashed with fire and cloud-like light as they opened and closed, indicating that he practiced the fire-elemental method.
He exudes a powerful, restrained aura that is extremely aggressive; even from a distance, it makes one's mouth dry.
Chen Shuangbai frowned slightly, feeling a bit troubled.
This person was also at the Late Qi Refining Stage, which should be no lower than Chen Shuangbai's.
Chen Shuangbai scrutinized Zhao Shiyong, and Zhao Shiyong was also scrutinizing Chen Shuangbai.
He looked at the young man before him, dressed in a pine-green robe and with a dark blue Law Sword at his waist. The sword gleamed coldly, sending chills down his spine, and he knew it was a sharp weapon. He then used his Qi-Gazing Technique to observe the aura and saw a bright and clear light, with silver radiance covering the sky and frost hanging high in the sky. He also reduced his slight contempt for the young man.
"You're Chen Shuangbai?"
Zhao Shiyong spoke, his voice not loud, but it carried an air of grandeur.
Chen Shuangbai raised an eyebrow, and a mist of water swirled around her, moistening her aura. She said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "That's me. May I ask what guidance you have for me, fellow practitioner?"
"I wouldn't presume to offer guidance." A slight smile curved Zhao Shiyong's lips as he glanced at Fellow Daoist Feng Quan below before his gaze returned to Chen Shuangbai. He said, "I have been away from home cultivating for over a decade, and only recently received permission from my sect to return to my hometown to visit my family. However, I have heard of a drastic change in my hometown, with the old and young of my clan suffering terribly. After inquiring, I learned that it was all your doing, Fellow Daoist, which is why I have come here to see you."
" Fellow Daoist Zhao's words may be biased."
Faced with Zhao Shiyong's questioning words, Chen Shuangbai remained calm and simply said, " Wind Howling Ford and even Wind Howling County should have been thriving, but because some villains and people with ulterior motives have taken control, they have been exploiting the people, oppressing them, and committing all sorts of evil deeds. I, Chen, have been ordered by my sect to come here to set things right and to act uprightly and justly."
Zhao Shiyong's expression darkened slightly, a glint of fire flashing in his eyes, and he thought to himself, "What a sharp tongue!"
However, he did not come here today to discuss right and wrong.
The Profound Firmament Sect and the Jade Spring Sect belong to two different countries and are inherently in competition. This place is also Jade Spring Sect territory, but...
As inner disciple the Profound Firmament Sect and a leading figure in the Late Qi Refining Stage realm, Zhao Shiyong returned home to visit his Lineage. Seeing his Lineage humiliated, if he couldn't stand up for them and restore their honor, wouldn't he become a laughingstock?
"Fellow Daoist, your words are truly eloquent; I am no match for you."
Zhao Shiyong changed the subject, leading Chen Shuangbai to mistakenly believe that he intended to stop there, but his next words made her frown slightly.
Then Zhao Shiyong changed the subject, staring intently at Chen Shuangbai.
"Governor Chen was able to sweep away Compassionate Light Temple and Azure Flood Dragon Society in a short period of time, forcing four families to submit. He must be highly skilled and have remarkable abilities."
"I, Zhao, am unworthy, but I have cultivated in the Profound Firmament Sect for many years and have long admired your sect's teachings. Now that we have the opportunity to meet, I wonder if Commander Chen would be willing to offer some guidance?"
He already had a plan. If, during the duel, he accidentally used too much force and left some tricks in Chen Shuangbai's body, or if he used too much force and crippled an arm or a leg, he would use that as an excuse to push Chen Shuangbai upwards.
In that case, the Jade Spring Sect would not be able to find fault with itself, nor would they be able to vent their anger.