The Sect Leader Emerged from Seclusion

The middle-aged man who had been stopped by Pei Que turned around upon hearing the voice, and his bitter face immediately lit up with joy. He cupped his hands in a respectful bow and said in a humble and courteous tone, "So it's Brother Pei and Brother Ming in person. It's been a long time. You two have become even more radiant."

"You scoundrel, still so good at putting on an act. You've been doing well lately." Ming Zhe, who was laughing and responding to the middle-aged man's words, suddenly stopped laughing and stopped talking when he saw Pei Que glaring at him.

"Oh, right, I'm so sorry! I only remembered that Senior Brother Pei was also a playful person, how could I have forgotten this relationship?! This aunt of the Kuai Household head is now Senior Brother Pei's aunt, the two are indeed relatives!"

It's all Kuai En's fault, he's so clueless! It's one thing for him to be so subservient all the time, but today, in front of Senior Brother Pei, he's teasing me and flirting with me as usual!

Thoughts raced through Ming Zhe's mind, but before he could speak again, Pei Que beside him apologized to Kuai En, saying, "Junior Brother Ming is too impulsive; his disrespectful words were unintentional. Please forgive him, Brother!"

Kuai En wouldn't risk offending Double Brightness Sword Immortal's disciple over such a trivial matter, so he ignored Pei Que's words. He then smiled warmly, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said, "Haha, it is truly Kuai En's honor to meet you two fellow Daoists today."

Pei Que bowed his head and apologized to Ming Zhe, which greatly improved his mood.

His anger wasn't because the latter thought he had slighted Kuai En, a relative of the Pei Household family by marriage; rather, it was because Kuai En was, after all, the head of a vassal family under the Chongming Sect. Even if he adopted a humble attitude, he still needed to maintain appearances, and Ming Zhe couldn't be too arrogant.

As the third disciple of Sect Leader Kang Da, Pei Que remembered very well the four words "be careful in speech and action" that his master often mentioned.

After all, the Chongming Sect had suddenly risen to prominence, and relying on the prestige of its several masters, it had raised its prestige to a level that ordinary Foundation Establishment forces could only look up to in a short period of more than ten years. It was inevitable that some of its disciples would become arrogant and lazy.

Therefore, as a disciple highly valued by the sect leader, Pei Que really needs to be vigilant.

When he spoke to Kuai En again, he resumed his usual smiling demeanor, and then asked softly, "It has indeed been a long time since I've seen Brother Kuai. Last time, I heard my second senior brother mention that you acquired three acres of First-Tier Superior-Grade Spirit Fragrance fields in Hong County, right? You should be extremely busy right now, so why are you in Changyun County?"

"Those three acres of fragrant spiritual herbs are not easy to manage! Before the New Year, I specially asked Brother Rongquan to take a look. He did give me some advice, but because I was about to break through to the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer, I could not stay for long."

Unfortunately, the cultivator I hired is a blockhead. Even after Brother Rongquan explained it to him in great detail, he still couldn't understand. I'm really worried, because if we delay any longer, I'm afraid this season's harvest of Spirit Fragrance will be completely lost!

That's why I came to Changyun County to find a reputable farming master to help me, but unfortunately, the timing wasn't right, and we couldn't meet."Kuai En spoke of this, his face fell again.

But Pei Que ignored him this time. This guy was good at complaining about being poor, and even the Sect Leader Kang Da, who was an expert in this, had praised him.

If he picks up on this line, Pei Que will inevitably have to throw away another ten or eight Spirit Stone today.

You should know that the uncle and nephew have been supporting this marriage alliance quite a bit over the years, not to mention their own aunt!

Because Pei Yi has been living a secluded life and cultivating in seclusion for many years, the Pei Household has lost a significant portion of its income from alchemy, which is why the Lady Kuai family is not exactly well-off.

Even though Kuai En never complained about being poor in front of her, this aunt who cared deeply for her Lineage still felt extremely distressed and almost wished she could pawn her only decent fairy robe to help support her family.

It was because of this relationship that Pei Yi had made a rare appearance outside of seclusion to inquire about Lang Yi's business dealings with Duan Anle.

This is why the Tanggu Kuai Household, which was not originally listed in the latter's list, was able to obtain the three acres of Linghua Xiangshan fields left by Lang Yi, which were enough to make even top-tier Qi Refinement forces like the Lu Household of Quarry Mountain and the Fish Mountain Fellow Cultivators Association Cultivation Association envious.

Despite Kuai En's pitiful appearance, once he manages these three acres of Linghua Xiangshan fields, he can expect a stable income of three to four Spirit Stone every year.

This amount is enough to select a finely crafted, top-grade magic Law Artifact in Double Brightness Trade Market, which is quite attractive even to some Foundation Establishment True Cultivator meager resources.

That's why Pei Que refused to listen to Kuai En's complaints of poverty. Over the years, Kuai En had received a lot of help from the sect because of his great respect for the Chongming Sect.

The Kuai Household is now living a much better life than when Kuai Wu had to risk his life to exchange for Dantong Cliff from Sect Leader Kang Da. There's no need for Pei Que to worry about them anymore.

Seeing that Pei Que remained silent, Ming Zhe assumed the latter was troubled by the difficulties faced by his in-laws, and thus spoke up:

"Brother Kuai, are you here in Changyun County to look for Master Jia? Senior Brother Kang is indeed in seclusion and cannot attend to the time. However, I heard that Senior Brother Mo just returned to the sect after harvesting a season's Tea-Colored Grain from Heng Mountain. If you trust him, Brother Kuai, you might as well pay him a visit when you pass through Pingrong County."

"This Junior Brother Ming!" Pei Que shook his head, a bitter smile on his face. How could he not know about this news?!

"Oh dear, I heard that Brother Mo has already broken through to become First-Tier Middle-Grade cultivator in recent years! I was just afraid he wouldn't have the time, which is why he hasn't... How could I possibly distrust him? I'll make some preparations and then bring gifts to invite him in person." Kuai En was overjoyed and clasped his hands in thanks to Ming Zhe, who looked at Pei Que with some anticipation, but did not receive the enthusiastic response he had expected.

"Junior Brother Mo is an honest man. If he gets involved with this whiny guy, he'll probably suffer a great loss. I'll have to give him a good talking-to when I get back!"

As Pei Que thought of this, a trace of doubt rose in his heart again:

"I've spent less time in the sect these past few years, so I haven't had much interaction with Junior Brother Mo. But when I was talking to my Second Senior Brother before the New Year, he did bring up this matter."

At that time, he mentioned that Junior Brother Mo had not only made great strides in the cultivation path recently, becoming First-Tier Middle-Grade cultivator, but his cultivation level had also advanced by leaps and bounds to the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining, probably not far from the Late Qi Refinement. It seemed that he had encountered a fortuitous event.

I wonder if the Kuai Household's request this time will delay his cultivation. His cultivation in the first half of his life was wasted and extremely difficult. Not only did he not have a master to take him under his wing, but he could not even become an inner disciple.

Now that things have finally started to improve, we can't afford to delay. When I get back, I still need to have a serious talk with him about this, and tell him to think it over carefully, without worrying about the feelings of my uncle and nephew."

It was inappropriate to say this in front of Ming Zhe and Kuai En at this time, so Pei Que invited Kuai En to accompany him. Kuai En, who had originally planned to save on toll fees, was happy to avoid the trouble of crossing the river.

Although Pei Que was much more composed than Ming Zhe, he was actually quite the joker in private. After teasing Kuai En about marrying a Rogue Cultivator, he finally brought up the serious matter on the way.

In the past year or two, the Ming Household and Kuai Household have been operating a First-Tier Supreme-Grade emerald stone mine in Tanggu County, which has not been doing very well, and some things have been quite troubling.

This is because it is widely rumored that Tie Liuyun, a favorite of the Marquis of Earl of Nan'an, is quite dissatisfied with Sect Leader Kang Da. Consequently, the Book and Sword Gate and Zi Maple Valley of the New Cloud Alliance are becoming increasingly distant from the Chongming Sect.

The Ming Household has always been close to the Kuai Household and Chongming Sect, but now they are making a living on the Tie Household's territory, which naturally leads to a lot of trouble.

This time, Kuai En's complaints were genuine; he sighed repeatedly, yet there was nothing he could do.

Being targeted by a ruthless person like Tie Liuyun was not a pleasant experience. Kuai En had considered moving his entire family out of Tanggu County, a place of trouble. However, he also knew that the reason why Chongming Sect treated the Kuai Household so well was not entirely due to their marriage relationship with Elder Pei Yi.

This time, Ming Zhe was perceptive and quickly steered the conversation elsewhere. The three of them soon got into a lively chatter again, with Du Qing from the caravan occasionally chiming in. Time passed quickly amidst their laughter and conversation.

"Speaking of which, the Double Brightness Junior Competition hosted by your esteemed senior Jiang a year ago was indeed a spectacular event!" Hearing Kuai En's flattering words, Ming Zhe, who ranked second in that competition, felt a tickle in his mouth.

His handsome face beamed with an undisguised smile, but he couldn't boast, so he sincerely said, "Indeed, indeed! Senior Brother Pei dominated the arena, winning the championship of the previous junior competition, and even received praise from Master."

"Haha, the timing was unfortunate. Junior Brother Kang and Second Senior Brother were both in seclusion at that time, so my first place isn't worth much." Pei Que clearly didn't take Ming Zhe's praise to heart.

At the age of thirty-five, he only just reached the Qi Refining Seventh Layer last year, becoming True Disciple Double Brightness. This speed is not slow for a cultivator with Four Spirit Roots. However, compared to Duan Anle, who also has Four Spirit Roots, he is far inferior.

The latter was the same age as him and was still practicing the Hong Grade Cultivation Method "Azure Wood Treasured Light Guide," but his cultivation had already reached the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining, making him the next Foundation Establishment seed among the younger generation after Kang Rongquan.

Leaving aside Duan Anle, even Jin Shilun, the fourth junior brother who was guarding Chongming City, had already reached the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining last year, but his swordsmanship was a notch below that level, which is why he was defeated by Ming Zhe, who had already become True Disciple.

However, this is a contest in the ring, not a life-or-death battle; otherwise, the outcome would be uncertain.

This was because Jin Shilun had temporarily given up his cooking skills and spent the years cultivating diligently in Chongming City, during which time he had indeed killed many notorious wandering cultivators.

After all, even in the most peaceful times in Ping and Jin counties these past few years, there has been no shortage of people practicing this rapidly evolving Evil Method.

These evil cultivators are simply more cautious than before, and dare not act ostentatiously in the slightest. Generally speaking, as long as they plunder some mortals from one house to another for food, ordinary people don't really care.

Ordinary people are inherently fragile and numerous, and this small number is negligible, hardly affecting the county governments' assessments of each household.

However, this approach was difficult to implement under the Chongming Sect. Even though Jin Shilun had practiced the art of cooking, a cook could not be without a knife, which also meant that the chivalrous heart in the heart of this young white-clad swordsman had never been abandoned.

About two years ago, Jin Shilun's cultivation level was only at the Qi Refining Fifth Layer. In order to pursue the fleeing enemy, he was lured into a lair of Evil Cultivator.

However, this group of evil cultivators underestimated the fourth disciple of the Double Brightness Sect Leader because of Jin Shilun's low cultivation level.

Little did they know that this would lead to a huge loss!

It should be noted that even though his talent for swordsmanship was not outstanding, Jin Shilun still loved it very much. Although the Selection of Spirit Saber Techniques " was not of high grade, only Desolate-Tier Middle-Grade, Jin Shilun had already mastered it and cultivated it to perfection.

Even in such a desperate situation, Jin Shilun went to the meeting alone and killed eight evil cultivators, including the leader of the Evil Cultivator who had reached the Qi Refining Seventh Layer.

It was precisely because of his unwavering devotion to swordsmanship that Jin Shilun managed to hold out until Duan Anle and the others arrived with reinforcements. Even when the latter led their men to the Evil Cultivator' lair, Jin Shilun was already in dire straits, covered in blood. Yet, he still showed no sign of submission, continuing his ferocious battle against the group of evil cultivators.

However, this rash move also earned Jin Shilun a reprimand, and even Jiang Qing, while praising him, sternly admonished him.

Over the years, similar incidents have occurred more than once, but none have been as dangerous as those mentioned above. As a result, the Buguang in Jin Shilun's hands has long been nourished by the blood of evil cultivators, transforming it into a Sha Qi weapon brimming with murderous intent.

Therefore, Pei Que also felt that if the last competition had been fought without regard for means and with everyone risking their lives, Ming Zhe might not have been a match for Jin Shilun, who was weaker than him in terms of cultivation, magical Law Artifact, Cultivation Method, and Daoist arts.

Even Pei Que, who had shone brightly in the minor competition and won first place, didn't feel confident that he could defeat his fourth junior brother.

In truth, Sect Leader Kang Da possessed exceptional insight. Of the four disciples he accepted, not one of them disgraced him.

Ming Zhe was slightly disappointed when he didn't hear Pei Que's praise. He turned to look ahead and could clearly see the Seven Stars Sect's archway in the distance.

"Senior Brother Pei, Senior Brother Ming, the checkpoints set up by the Seven Stars Sect are almost here!" Du Qing called out as he returned to the middle of the caravan.

"Yes, Junior Brother Ming, the usual preparations are ready." Pei Que realized that the already meager profits had been further reduced, and his mood sank even lower as he spoke softly to Ming Zhe.

The Chongming Sect is much stronger now, but even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. Sects like the Seven Stars Sect, which Foundation Establishment for many years, are not to be offended openly, but they have plenty of dirty tricks up their sleeves.

"The worst thing on the road of business is to get into trouble like this." This was the heartfelt advice that He Dezong often gave to Sect Leader Kang Da when he was alive.

Therefore, from the moment Chongming Sect took over the Duan Anle from the He Household, Emperor Chongming had never done anything like losing the big picture for a small gain.

However, this time, the disciples of the Seven Stars Sect stationed at the checkpoint changed their expressions instantly upon seeing the Six-Leaf Azure Lotus Dao Flag held high in Du Qing's hand. Not only did they return it to Pei Que, the leader, as was customary, and repeatedly say "I dare not," they also sent someone to report to their sect elders.

Pei Que and the others, feeling mostly confused and somewhat uneasy, were greeted by a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Seven Stars Sect a quarter of an hour later.

"Foundation Establishment True Cultivator actually greeted me?" Pei Que somewhat surprised. He was merely a True Disciple of the Chongming Sect who also served as the head of a caravan, and not a direct descendant of Golden Core sect. He shouldn't have such a grand reception.

"May I ask your esteemed name, young friend, and who your master is?" The speaker, Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Seven Stars Sect, had yellow eyebrows and a kind face, a rare sight among Pei Que's gentle seniors.

"My junior brother Pei Que, and my master is Kang Dabao. These are my two junior brothers. Junior Brother Junior Brother Ming is a disciple of Elder Jiang Qing Elder Jiang of our sect, and Junior Brother Du is highly experienced, praised by all the elders."

Upon hearing Pei Que's words, Huang Foundation Establishment's smile deepened. He said softly, "So you are the esteemed disciple of Sect Leader Kang and Elder Jiang. It is truly an honor to meet you today."

The two bowed their heads in humility, and although Du Qing was not mentioned, he had no choice but to follow suit.

Huang Mei, who had just reached the Foundation Establishment, was even more enthusiastic than everyone had expected. Not only did he refuse the usual customs for those passing through, but he also hosted a grand banquet. Both out of courtesy and reason, Pei Que and the others could not refuse.

Besides the senior Foundation Establishment expert Huang Mei as the main host, the Seven Stars Sect also had a Foundation Establishment member accompanying them, which clearly indicated an exceptionally high level of protocol.

Pei Que was completely baffled, so he could only ignore it for the time being and follow the two True Cultivator as they poured cups of spiritual wine full of Spiritual Qi into their stomachs, hoping to dispel his doubts.

This banquet lasted from noon until midnight. Not only did it leave Pei Que and Ming Zhe completely drunk, but even Kuai En, an outsider who was just tagging along, benefited, his belly bulging with spiritual wine and food until he couldn't move.

The Rogue Cultivator who made their fortunes by following the Double Brightness Caravan were even more overwhelmed, almost moved to tears by the dazzling array of spiritual food and wine.

Pei Que was so drunk that he didn't wake up until the evening of the next day. After pushing away the pretty maid who was clinging to him and was completely naked, he began to anxiously search for and check on the situation of everyone in the caravan.

After the investigation, he was completely relieved. Apart from the fact that everyone had enjoyed their share of romantic encounters, there was nothing else to say.

As for the goods carried by the Double Brightness Caravan this time, the Seven Stars Sect did not touch a single one.

"This is strange." Even now, Pei Que's suspicions had not diminished in the slightest.

After all, the Seven Stars Sect is a Foundation Establishment force with many years of experience, unlike the Changyun Ma Household that Pei Que's team had previously passed through, whose Foundation Establishment Ancestor was dying and in a precarious situation. There's no reason why they would treat their small merchant caravan with such courtesy.

"Could it be that his family, like the Ma Household, also wants to form a marriage alliance with my family?" Pei Que immediately pictured the deeply wrinkled old face of Ma Wenhan, the patriarch of the Ma Household.

Just as Pei Que was lost in thought, the Yellow-Eyebrowed Foundation Establishment who had been so hospitable the day before came over with a smile again.

"This junior thanks you for your hospitality, senior, but I am unworthy of it." Facing a stranger who True Cultivator, Pei Que dared not joke in the slightest. At this moment, he put on the serious demeanor inherited from generations of the Pei Household, which was quite impressive.

"Haha, young friend, you are too modest. It's getting late anyway, so why not rest for another day?" Huang Mei, who had just reached the Foundation Establishment, did not give Pei Que a chance to refute and warmly entertained him for another day.

The next day, Pei Que summoned Ming Zhe and Du Qing, and gathered the caravan members, including Kuai En, who were still reluctant to leave the place. He then ignored Huang Mei 'Foundation Establishment to persuade him to stay, and made excuses about being summoned by his elders at home, insisting on leaving.

The latter had no choice but to see them off for a while. This was truly bizarre, and it wasn't until the very last moment that Huang Mei, having reached the Foundation Establishment, finally cleared up the mystery for Pei Que and the others.

"Young friend, after you return and meet with Sect Leader Kang, please pass on a message for me. Tell him that Qixing Pi Dian has long Sect Leader Kang's demeanor and will certainly pay him a visit another day."

Has my master emerged from seclusion?

"Young friend, you don't know?"

Pei Que's words immediately surprised Pi Dian, who shared his astonishment.

Then he said, "About five days ago, for some unknown reason, the only daughter of the Mystic Moon Sect leader in Ding Prefecture fought with Elder Jiang of your sect in Pingrong County. The woman was no match for him and was killed on the spot by Elder Jiang. Afterwards, the Mystic Moon Sect leader led the Foundation Establishment elders of the sect and risked crossing the border to invade."

Pi Dian paused heavily at this point, his tone revealing his astonishment. "A dignified False Core was actually injured by the combined attack of your sect's Supreme Elder Daoist Black Shoes, Sect Leader Kang, and Elder Jiang."

The Foundation Establishment True Cultivator the Mystic Moon Sect also suffered heavy casualties and are now forced to retreat back to the Mystic Moon Sect's main formation, too afraid to come out!

"Ah?!" Upon hearing Double Brightness, the cultivators of Chongming were immediately shocked and remained silent for a long time.