Collateral Damage

---- Cloud Horn Prefecture, Xuanwei City, Fei Household

Fei Nanying formed the Dragon-Tiger Seal with his hands, dressed in a black Daoist robe, and sat cross-legged in meditation. The "Profound Insight Numinous Treasure Scripture" on his lap moved without wind, and the silk-like pages emitted a purple light, each word imprinted into his sea of consciousness like a branding iron.

Beside him, a jade lotus-patterned incense burner emitted incense smoke, the finest sandalwood as its base, mixed with the crisp floral fragrance of spring in the snow, permeating the quiet room, refreshing the mind and spirit, and giving the cultivators inside a sense of icy tranquility.

If he were still in the Ying Prefecture clan territory, a pillar of the clan like him, within sixty years of Core Formation stage, should be cultivating peacefully, keeping a quiet talisman up and avoiding outsiders.

But Fei Nanying is caught in the whirlpool of the world, so it's rare for him to be so carefree.

His cultivation had only lasted for half a month when, on this day, someone again made a sound through the eaves of the quiet room.

"Patriarch, several fellow Daoists from the Chongming Sect have arrived."

Hearing the commotion, Fei Nanying opened his eyes, a hint of anger flashing in them.

He gestured towards the door, and the spiritual seals on the Lingzhen wooden door gradually dispelled. Fei Enwen outside, stepped across the jade threshold and respectfully said, "Master, it is Fellow Daoist Fellow Daoist Jiang and several other Chongming Sect who have arrived."

Since being formally registered in the Fei Household genealogy, the latter has received the same resources and treatment as the direct descendants, and can be considered one of the few Golden Core seedlings among the Fei Household members in Cloud Horn Prefecture. In addition, due to his special status, he was able to serve as a regular servant by the head of the family.

"Yes, I understand. Has Fellow Daoist Chu arrived yet?!" Fei Nanying stood up from his jade throne, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang means that Fellow Daoist Yuan has gone to invite him, and he will be visiting soon."

Upon hearing this, Fei Nanying's face showed a hint of satisfaction, and then he said, "Well, then I'll go see him. Hehuan Sect, take my visiting card to the Duke's mansion and invite Zhu Tong, the registrar, to come to our home as well."

Fei Enwen replied respectfully, "Uncle Nanfeng has already set off, but we haven't received any news of his return yet."

"Hmm, that's good then." Fei Nanying of satisfaction deepened noticeably.

While Fei Tianqin's departure to the clan's territory and the absence of any more high-ranking cultivators from the Fei Household residing in Mountain South Fei Nanying mountains, the family members still did their best to minimize Fei Nanying's troubles.

Fei Nanying strode into the council hall, where Chongming Sect and his entourage were already standing. Fei Nanying had some impression of these people.

Jiang Qing goes without saying; in Gun Shilu's eyes, this Double Brightness Jiang Third is already a definite son-in-law. However, Fei Nanying feels that given the Anshan Gun Household's social standing, it would be difficult to make this happen.

After all, with such a background, such age, such cultivation, such talent, such character, and such Swordsmanship, it seems impossible that someone from a respectable family could be worthy of her.

As for the three people behind Jiang Qing, Fei Nanying had seen them several times.

One of them, surnamed Zhou, was over 120 years old, yet he was still Kang Dabao brother. At such an age, he was only at the Late Qi Refinement Refining, making him a rare Second Tier cultivator, but he couldn't do much for the Chongming Sect for much longer.

The other person seemed to be Kang Dabao's apprentice, and appeared to have inherited some of the boy's honest and pragmatic personality. Fei Nanying vaguely remembered that Kang Dabao had mentioned that he knew some beast-taming skills and was quite reliable. As for his name, he couldn't recall it.

However, Fei Nanying didn't care about any of this. After all, in his opinion, besides Kang Dabao, the only person in the Chongming Sect who was qualified to talk to him was Jiang Qing.

"Please, have a seat." Fei Nanying a few simple pleasantries, and only after Jiang Qing and the other two had taken their seats did he speak, "Young friend Jiang, what price did those scoundrels from the Three Immortals Cave ask for this time?!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Qing's face showed some displeasure. "Reporting to Senior, the Chongming Sect over four hundred households in the Cold Crow Mountain Range, pay one million Spirit Stone, and Foundation Establishment spirit items. As the leader of the group, my unworthy disciple failed to severely punish the Double Brightness disciples who offended the Three Immortals Cave's followers, and must also pay with his life. This matter can then be considered settled."

"Ha, why doesn't he just let Chongming Sect of your Foundation Establishment stick out their necks and let them chop them off? That would be much more efficient!" Fei Nanying sneered, but then remained silent for a long time.

Jiang Qing's expression grew even more anxious. If it were up to his nature, how could he possibly do such a humble and subservient thing?

It was only because Sect Leader Kang Da went to Ying Prefecture, Ye Zhengwen stayed at the sect to appease the people, and Yuan Jin went to the Fei residence to invite important guests that he was able to take on such a prominent role in this council hall.

Zhou Yixiu, being an experienced and shrewd man, naturally noticed his third senior brother's unusual behavior. However, as a mere minor cultivator, it was already somewhat presumptuous of him to have a position in this hall, and it would be even more inappropriate for him to speak rashly.

At this point, he gave Duan Anle a wink. The latter immediately understood, having already prepared his response. He rose, stepped into the hall, and bowed to Fei Nanying, saying:

"We juniors understand that this matter has put you in a difficult position, senior, and we had no intention of offending the esteemed envoy of the Hehuan Sect. Junior Brother Ming and the others were unaware that it was the Hehuan Sect envoy of the Hehuan Sect who had sent people to carry out this task, which is why they acted so Chongming Sect is willing to make amends, only hoping that Junior Brother Ming and the others can return to the sect as soon as possible. However, this compensation is truly..."

"Hmm, the Three Immortals Cave shows absolutely no interest in negotiating. Even if they were to fleece a mere outer disciple, let alone demand a False Core, it wouldn't be worth this price."

Fei Enwen maintained a good relationship with Sect Leader Kang Da over the past year or two. Seeing that his master looked alright, he mustered up his courage and stepped forward to speak up for him.

A look of melancholy gradually appeared between Fei Nanying's brows. This Three Immortals Cave was just an idle force in the Mountain North Circuit, and it couldn't even occupy a Third Tier Spirit Vein.

It only had a few False Core cultivators in charge, with two or three hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators and several thousand Qi Refining Qi Refinement of varying quality interspersed among them. Although it was called a sect, it actually had more of a mortal bandit's feel to it.

Let alone outsiders being unable to understand their background and lineage, even those few False Core within their sect probably don't know how many disciples they have or how many Cultivation Method are used in their sect. It's laughable.

Back in the Mountain North Circuit, Three Immortals Cave had a habit of engaging in some dubious business.

However, he often did things that were outrageous and angered both heaven and man, but he was good at keeping his eyes open and never offended anyone he couldn't afford to offend, so he wasn't particularly conspicuous.

If this Three Immortals Cave were in normal times, let alone what Fei Nanying could do to it, even if the Chongming Sect, now that Kang Dabao is not here, were to launch a Chongming Sect attack, it might be able to easily overthrow this force.

But this time, the Three Immortals Cave has become involved with Chu Han, the Spring Wind Envoy of the Hehuan Sect, which is a bit of a headache.

It should be understood that the Hehuan Sect is not like the Five Old Mothers Mountain Sect, which has no successors and is only at the Nascent Soul stage. The Guandong Circuit that it has been able to operate in the prosperous Guandong region for thousands of years and span two dynasties speaks volumes about its strength.

To be honest, even Shannan Circuit tyrants like the current Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion are far inferior to him, only a level below forces like the Yukun Han Household and Original Response Temple.

It is truly remarkable that such a powerful family has come under the wing of the Office of the Duke of Qin. Therefore, Fei Nanying would never want to provoke them unless absolutely necessary.

However, the matter Chongming Sect was clearly different. Fei Nanying did not believe that Chu Han, the Spring Wind Envoy of the prestigious Hehuan Sect, would be so concerned about a Foundation Establishment sect.

You should know that Ming Zhe and his group had just witnessed the Double Brightness disciples being harmed by the villains of the Three Immortals Cave and had reached a truce with them; then, the elite disciples of the Hehuan Sect abducted the entire Double Brightness Caravan and locked them in the Xuanxiao Mountain.

Subsequently, the document of accusation from the Three Immortals Cave was placed on the archway of Little Ring Mountain.

Jiang Qing and his group had come to inquire about strategies and request a reconciliation ten days prior, and Fei Nanying had also met with them at that time. After all, this matter involved the Nascent Soul sect, so even Fei Nanying had to lose his arrogance and become extremely cautious.

After hearing this, the latter Chongming Sect members to wait for further news and gave them a word of advice. "Do not send out the news yet, lest you implicate your sect leader a second time."

But after waiting for another ten days, judging from the arrogant attitude of the Three Immortals Cave, it was clear that things were not looking good.

Everyone knows who Chongming Sect is, and everyone knows whose son-in-law the Chongming Sect leader is. So it's self-evident who this Spring Wind Envoy Chu Han is here for.

Fei Nanying roughly understood that this was probably because the Hehuan Sect had its eye on the Fei Household's position. Or perhaps, it was because they had their eyes on the positions of the former princes.

Many believe that the Ying Prefecture Fei Household lacks True Person leader and should relinquish their position as the Duke of Duke of Qin's right-hand man so that another family can take over.

However, Fei Ye Shui placed his bet early and made the right choice. It would have been too embarrassing to attack the Fei Household right away, so the Chongming Sect became someone's target.

First clip the wings, then force the main party to back down – this is a rather common tactic.

Therefore, regardless of whether this is a warning to others or a way to scare others, if this matter is only the intention of Chu Han, the Spring Wind Envoy, then Fei Nanying still feels there is some room for maneuver; but if it is truly the work of the True Person Crimson Snow, then this matter will be difficult to handle.

The will of the True Person cannot be defied in the slightest by Fei Nanying in his current state. It may even be necessary to report to Ancestor Ye Shui before proceeding with any further action.

It's strange, really. This Great Wei is clearly still in turmoil, and after the imperial edicts were issued in Great Abyss Capital, it's unclear how many families would actually comply. Yet, the officials in the court and these powerful clans and Aristocratic Clan out of power have already started to disregard decorum and engage in these sordid acts. It's laughable.

I wonder how many schemes and tactics it will take to bring order to the Great Wei kingdom once the Duke of Qin truly ascends the throne?

Fei Nanying pondered for a moment, about to speak, but was interrupted by Yuan Jin and Qi Buxiu, who entered the room together.

"Does fellow Daoist know the background of Chu Han?" Chu Yanran asked before even sitting down. Her tone was somewhat urgent, clearly showing her great fear of this Spring Wind Envoy from the Hehuan Sect.

Fei Nanying was somewhat surprised by her enthusiasm, as he knew that Chu Yanran had some connection with the Chongming Sect because of her father.

However, the one who wants to deal with the Chongming Sect this time is a Grandmaster Golden Core. In Fei Nanying's eyes, it was already rare that Chu Yanran could even move over, but judging from her current appearance, she really seems to be willing to lend a hand.

Little did he know that this beautiful woman was the Daoist Black Shoes was still thinking about heading to the outer seas to seek the opportunity of a fortuitous opportunity Upper-Grade Golden Core, which was why she was taking such good care of the Chongming Sect.

Fei Nanying that Chu Yanran was truly kind-hearted, which was why she rushed to help out of a sense of public duty, and he felt a little more favorably disposed towards this beautiful woman. He pondered for a moment before speaking:

"If my memory serves me correctly, Chu Han began serving True Person Crimson Snow and was promoted to Spring Wind Envoy a year ago, around the year 60."

Chu Yanran knew these things. After all, the Spring Wind Envoy of the Hehuan Sect was extremely famous, and only those who had served True Person for many years and were at the Golden Core could become envoys. This was common knowledge among cultivators with a little knowledge.

Fei Nanying was aware of these things, so he continued without pausing after saying this, "However, it is rumored that True Person Jiangxue is not fond of any of the twelve Spring Breeze Envoys under her command, but only favors one pseudo-Dan Master who shares her skills. Therefore, Chu Han is probably not highly regarded by her either."

"So you're just a marginal character?" Chu Yanran's beautiful eyes flashed, her tone revealing a hint of ease.

Fei Nanying was somewhat taken aback by her reaction, "This woman..."

Hearing Chu Yanran's words made Jiang Qing, who was sitting to one side, somewhat excited. However, Fei Enwen, who had returned alone, poured cold water on everyone in the hall.

When Fei Enwen this, he looked hesitant, but he could only grit his teeth and say, "Master, Registrar Zhu said that official duties are too numerous and difficult to spare time."

"Has the Duke shown himself?!"

"Master, I... I haven't even met Chief Clerk Zhu yet. He had a subordinate official from the Duke's mansion relay these words to me."

The people in the hall had different expressions after hearing the words, but all felt a chill in their hearts. Jiang Qing was about to shout angrily almost instantly, but after looking at the expressions of his senior and junior brothers beside him, he swallowed his curses back.

Chu Yanran did not show any surprise in her eyes; instead, she quietly comforted her husband beside her.

Fei Nanying could only sigh softly to himself, "Truly worthy of being from the Kuang Household."

---- Office of the Duke of Qin

Kuang Liuting's face was ashen. Zhu Tong and the other high-ranking officials of the Duke's mansion knew that the Duke of Qin was in a bad mood, so they all remained silent and dared not speak. After an unknown amount of time, Kuang Liuting suddenly spoke, which made all the important figures in the hall who had been hanging their heads raise their heads.

"Zhu Tong, go to Xuanxiao Mountain and bring that scoundrel Chu Han to see me!!"

"My lord, this is unacceptable!"

Zhu Tong had just achieved the Golden Core stage, had barely finished speaking when he saw Kuang Liuting staring at him with fierce eyes. He immediately felt his hair stand on end, as if he were being glared at by a dragon or tiger. He immediately abandoned all restraint and kowtowed, offering his advice:

"My lord, the Hehuan Sect has traveled thousands of miles from Guandong Circuit, which shows their respect. As their superior, we must not show them the slightest disrespect, lest we incur condemnation from the world and be shunned by the elite."

Kuang Liuting's anger showed no signs of abating; instead, he questioned her sharply:

"So you mean that another official of my Great Wei Immortal Dynasty has been murdered in the Mountain South, and I, the Duke, should just back down and turn a blind eye?! Back then, before I achieved the Golden Core Elixir, I had to endure it; now that I have achieved the highest grade and been granted the title of Duke, you still expect me to endure it?!"

"My lord, I know you have lofty ambitions, but one should not act rashly. Now that the Office of the Duke of Qin controls two regions and bears the Emperor's high expectations, we can no longer act so compliantly to your wishes."

When Zhu Tong arrived at this point, he saw that Kuang Liuting's anger had intensified, and a sense of fear arose in his heart. However, he was someone whom the Left Prime Gui Nianzhi, and he quickly calmed down and continued to speak eloquently:

"Today's forbearance will lead to tomorrow's intolerance; temporarily pardoning the county official's humiliation today will ensure that tomorrow's upright officials can truly govern the regions on behalf of the descendants of the founding emperor."

Today, let the Hehuan Sect run rampant for now, so that tomorrow we may cleanse the world with a just cause. Your Excellency, as the sage said, "A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan." This humble official humbly begs Your Excellency to consider this matter!

Upon hearing this, Kuang Liuting's expression softened slightly, and he continued:

"Can't you really see that the Hehuan Sect's actions are aimed at the Fei Household?! Fei Nanying was a former retainer of mine when I was a prince, Ying Prefecture Fei Household still has a large number of members who have abandoned their families and homes to come to this desolate border region. How do you expect me to explain this to them? Won't the world laugh at me Kuang Liuting, for being a heartless and ungrateful person?!"

"'Big fish eat little fish' is a profound truth spoken by a sage. If Your Excellency were to truly intervene in this matter, it would invite criticism."

Zhu Tong spoke up again to persuade them, "The Hehuan Sect was originally wavering, but it was all thanks to the Duke's achievement of a top-grade pill that caused a sensation throughout the world. This time, the fact that they were able to relocate their elite troops to Mountain South is even more proof of their obedience. It was inevitable that they would do something inappropriate in the early stages. It was only right for the Duke's Mansion to cover for them. How could you possibly speak out and question them?"

After saying this, Kuang Liuting seemed to suddenly calm down. After a while, he gritted his teeth and said, "Does the world really not laugh?"

"If Your Excellency were to make such an unwise move as 'offending a Nascent Soul True Person because of a powerful family,' it would only draw the world's attention." At this point, Zhu Tong had already sensed Kuang Liuting's change of heart, and so she pressed her advantage, respectfully advising him:

"In the Great Wei world, Your Excellency only needs to care about the moods of the thirty-two Nascent Soul factions scattered across various paths. As for the thoughts of the rest, they are not worth mentioning. Moreover, the Hehuan Sect's current methods are mild, merely a test."

If Ying Prefecture Fei Household had known how to protect himself, then the Hehuan Sect wouldn't have been able to make any big moves this time. It would have just resulted in that Chongming Sect losing some disciples and resources.

Kuang Liuting was so shocked by these words that his body trembled. A long list of words immediately came to mind, but he could not find a single one to refute them, so he fell silent again.

"Have someone keep an eye on Chu Han. The Ying Prefecture Fei Household has served me faithfully for many years; they must not be treated lightly. Chongming Sect has also rendered meritorious service to me; they are a virtuous family, so we must not go too far with them!"

"Yes."

----Inside Fei Household Hall

"In that case, I will go and see Chu Han, the Spring Wind Envoy, after some time to see if there is any chance to turn things around."

Zhu Tong, who was expected to attend, declined to participate, which greatly disrupted Fei Nanying's plans. For a while, he couldn't find a suitable person to discuss things with, which made him feel extremely exhausted.

The cultivators of the Chongming Sect were not satisfied, but seeing that the two senior cultivators in the hall were no longer speaking, they wisely got up and took their leave.

Jiang Qing seemed to have gained a lot of understanding after being advised by his fellow disciples, and his face had lost much of its resentment. However, after only hastily paying his respects to the two senior cultivators, he was the first to leap out of the door again.

The Chongming Sect followed closely behind, except for one hunched old man with snow-white hair who turned back halfway through his cultivation.

He seemed to have made a great decision. He didn't speak at first, but instead bowed deeply to Fei Nanying with utmost respect. "This junior, Zhou Yixiu, presumptuously requests that if the Hehuan Sect insists that my Chongming Sect pay with a life, I, an elder, may offer my life in exchange. That would be quite appropriate."