Spare His Life

"So it's Senior Xue." Hua Chunning looked at Xue Yong who had appeared, and immediately understood. She sneered, "I didn't expect that besides drinking tea, Senior Xue also has a hobby of watching plays."

Xue Yong looked embarrassed and, disregarding age and seniority, bowed again to apologize. He sighed and explained, "Young friend, you misunderstand. I only came to investigate because I vaguely sensed the fluctuations caused by the stolen magic Law Artifact of my Xue Household, the [Wu Earth Apricot-Yellow Spirit Flag]."

Duanmu Ren did not recognize Xue Yong and remained silent, letting Hua Chunning speak as she pleased.

Hua Chunning's expression was indifferent as he exclaimed in amazement, "This place is far from Danzhou City, yet you were able to sense it. Could it be that you have already reached the Perfected Qi Refining and are on the verge of Foundation Establishment?"

"I am but an old man, and I do not have such Fate." Xue Yong shook his head and smiled bitterly, then continued to explain, "Young friend, you may not know, but the [Wu Earth] Dao lineage is profound. When a cultivator dies, their Dao returns to heaven and earth, and they will mostly turn into sand and gravel."

"Especially for someone like me who is nearing the end of my life, already half-buried in the earth, I am able to connect with the earth's energy and generate a mysterious connection."

Hua Chunning frowned slightly upon hearing this.

Whether the [Wu Earth] lineage possesses such profound mysteries is something I myself cannot confirm.

However, Xue Yong wanted to clear his name and save Xue Changfeng to retrieve the Law Artifact, but that wasn't something he could do just by talking.

Hua Chunning reached out and took the [Wu Earth Apricot-Yellow Spirit Flag] in her hand. She felt its weight, its ancient design, and the faint aura of killing intent it exuded. "So, what exactly does Senior intend to do?"

Xue Yong's gaze was fixed firmly on the [Wu Earth Apricot-Yellow Spirit Flag], and he said sincerely, "First of all, I want to take back the Treasure Spirit Banner. To be honest, this is one of a complete set of [Wu Earth] array banners, which is quite useful to Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain, but not very useful to you two."

"I won't take it for nothing; I'm willing to exchange it for Spirit Stone, pills, or Law Artifact."

Hua Chunning glanced at the small flag in her hand, remaining noncommittal. "Any more?!"

"Sigh..." Xue Yong sighed, looking at Xue Changfeng lying on the ground, and said in a low voice, "The younger generation has brought this upon themselves. But as an elder, I cannot just watch him die."

"This is my personal request."

"I shamelessly offer myself and everything I have, just to beg you two to show mercy and spare his life."

Hua Chunning remained silent.

If it were up to their own conscience, they would naturally not want to let Xue Changfeng go.

However, since he Qi Ingestion in the [Wu Earth Secret Realm] and entered the Dao, he still owed the Xue Household Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain a great favor.

Using a Spirit Artifact to exchange for some suitable pills and Law Artifact with Xue Changfeng, repaying a favor and settling karmic debts, seems like a good idea.

Seeing Hua Chunning's reaction, Xue Yong knew there was hope, and quickly asked, "Young friend, do you have any urgently needed pills or Law Artifact? Please don't hesitate to ask. Even if I don't have them, I can return to Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain to ask for them."

Hua Chunning didn't answer, but turned to the side and asked, "Junior Brother, what do you think?!"

"Junior Brother?!" Xue Yong's mind raced, and he suddenly smiled, trying to get closer to him. "This must be Fellow Daoist Duanmu! I've heard of him for a long time, and now that I've finally met him, he truly is a prodigy, living up to his reputation."

Duanmu Ren had already appeared in the Huang Kingdom, so he wasn't surprised that Xue Yong guessed his identity. He completely ignored the polite greetings and instead reminded her, "Senior Sister Hua, today's matter is both a big deal and a small matter."

"Since it involves Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain and Supreme Mystery Mountain, it's best not to act on your own. You should immediately report to the sect and let your master make the decision."

Hua Chunning was taken aback upon hearing this, but immediately understood and nodded, saying, "Junior Brother is absolutely right."

Upon hearing this, Xue Yong grew anxious and quickly said, "Fellow Daoists, please reconsider. It's best to settle this matter today, turning a major issue into a minor one, and a minor one into nothing."

"Otherwise, if it's brought to the forefront, it will definitely be exploited by those with ulterior motives, thereby affecting the long-standing friendship between Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain and Supreme Mystery Mountain, and even jeopardizing the overall situation of the Southern Edge Continent."

He paused, then lowered his voice and said, "Even if we assume the worst, and the two of you report this to the sect, then it will be handled strictly according to the rules."

"It's unlikely that much of the compensation from Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain will end up in your hands."

Hua Chunning smiled upon hearing this, unmoved by the promise of cultivation resources. She shook her head and said softly, "Senior, please return. Let Senior Xue Yang discuss the follow-up matters with the Sect Leader."

Xue Yong tried to persuade her again, but seeing that Hua Chunning remained unmoved, he could only plead, "Since you two have already made your decision, I will not force you. However, I have a request that you both grant me permission to take this unworthy junior back to Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain to be punished."

"Then I took him and Xue Yang to Supreme Mystery Mountain to apologize."

"Today, I bestow all the Spirit Stone stones and magical Law Artifact I possess upon you two."

Duanmu Ren sneered after hearing this, refusing to be swayed by such words. "Fellow Daoist, you jest. This man is a leader of the Bandit Cultivator, a murderer of countless lives, and even dared to attack disciples of Supreme Mystery Mountain. He deserves to die, and I certainly won't let him go just because of a few words from you."

"Letting him go today would be like releasing a tiger back into the mountains, leading to endless troubles."

"Duanmu Daoist Duanmu, you are mistaken." Xue Yong shook his head repeatedly and said sincerely, "I am a direct descendant of Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain, and I am ordered to oversee Azure Cloud Market. My reputation and credibility have always been..."

"Fellow Daoist Xue!" Duanmu Ren, no longer wanting to listen, interrupted rudely, "You just said yourself that your lifespan is nearing its end, and you won't live much longer. A dying man talking about reputation and credibility, isn't that laughable?"

Xue Yong was stunned upon hearing this, speechless for a moment. His expression changed several times, and his entire demeanor became weak. He sighed and said with a bitter smile, "Duanmu Daoist Duanmu's words are sharp; I have no reply."

"Since that's the case, I can't keep hiding it any longer; I can only tell you both the truth."

"Today, you two may take the [Wu Earth Apricot-Yellow Spirit Flag], but I, Changfeng, must take it with me!"

"Although Changfeng is foolish and unworthy, he is involved in a far-reaching conspiracy."

"This scheme was a secret order from the Ancestor, and it involves the overall situation of the Old Method of Southern Reach. Sect Leader Li is most likely aware of it as well."

Hua Chunning frowned.

It's about the Xue Household patriarch, the overall situation in Southern Reach, and the sect leader's claim that he knows everything.

Xue Changfeng doesn't seem to be particularly handsome or talented; can he really shoulder such an important responsibility?!

Duanmu Ren remained silent after listening.

"You two must know about the revival of the Old Method' fortunes." Seeing that they were intimidated, Xue Yong continued earnestly, "The revival of the Old Method' fortunes will inevitably give rise to many Child of Fate."

"The two senior brothers accomplished great things on the shores of the South Sea, forcing back the Dragon Prince and shaking down the secret realm. They are very likely among the Child of Fate destined to carry the destiny of the Old Method!"

However, where there is yang, there is yin; where there is good, there is evil; where there is righteousness, there is wickedness.

"The revival of the Old Method in Southern Reach will inevitably give rise to those Child of Fate for evil and wickedness."

"Changfeng is the candidate recommended by Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain, specifically to inherit the evil Evil Qi fortune of the Old Method."

Hua Chunning immediately understood after hearing this; it made sense, but the Xue Household's actions were indeed somewhat despicable.

Duanmu Ren seemed to be deep in thought.

Seeing their reactions, Xue Yong felt slightly relieved and continued, "If you two have read the old story of the Human Emperor in the [Wu Earth] Dao Treatise, you should know that the Human Emperor once had a son who was lost among the common people. Later, after overcoming numerous difficulties, he attained [the Fruition] and became a renowned Demonic Dao Venerable."

"Changfeng was chosen by the Ancestor to successfully steal the clan's treasure, the [Wu Earth Apricot-Yellow Spirit Flag], and descend the mountain. Then, with my secret protection and guidance, he became the leader of the Bandit Cultivator."

"Otherwise, let alone escaping the Azure Cloud Sect's pursuit, even leaving Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain would be difficult."

Hua Chunning was already somewhat convinced.

"So there was such a secret plan. Why didn't you say so sooner, senior?" Duanmu Ren's eyes flashed as he stepped forward to help Xue Changfeng up, saying to Hua Chunning, "Senior sister, quickly remove the restraints from Fellow Daoist Xue."

Hua Chunning nodded after listening, a flash of light on her forehead sweeping over Xue Changfeng.

Xue Changfeng gradually awoke from his daze, opened his eyes, and glanced around. He immediately understood the current situation and his face was filled with frustration.

Xue Yong breathed a sigh of relief and reminded him, "Alas, you fool, why don't you thank the two of you for sparing your life!"

Xue Changfeng's gaze swept over Hua Chunning and Duanmu Ren. His expression was complicated, and his lips moved slightly, but he couldn't say anything for a long time. He staggered to his feet, pushed Duanmu Ren aside, and was about to run towards Xue Yong.

However, Xue Changfeng stopped in his tracks, feeling as if he had been pressed to the spot by a tremendous force.

"You!" Xue Changfeng exclaimed in shock and anger, turning to look at Duanmu Ren, only to see a black Divergent Flame growing larger and larger in his field of vision, landing directly on his forehead.

Boom!

Duanmu Ren and Xue Changfeng were engulfed in raging black flames.