Aftermath

---- Mountain North Circuit, Three Ting Prefectures, Hehuan Sect

"Senior Brother Chu, shall we leave it at that? If we continue this escalation, it might be difficult to explain to the True Person."

As he spoke, Lian Xuepu picked up the newly arrived message and tossed it towards Chu Han. The latter, with his own sources, already knew that all the schemes had been thwarted, so he had no need to look at the message.

The latter extended a finger and pointed it in the air, instantly turning the silver talisman to ashes. A gentle breeze swirling in the hall carried the talisman back to Lian Xuepu's feet, along with Chu Han's words:

Whether this matter succeeds or fails, it will not affect the overall situation, so neither my junior brother nor I need to take it to heart.

Hehuan Sect, Spring Wind Envoy, spoke without any emotion, but his eyes became much more serious as he spoke:

"Junior Brother Lian, the position of the Ying Prefecture Fei Household isn't something I want to fight for alone. This time, I'll let it go because you didn't understand the rules and interfered without permission. But if it happens again, don't blame me for disregarding my reputation. Even if you are trusted by the True Person, we will still join forces to go to the True Person and complain about you."

After pondering these words for a while, Lian Xuepu didn't rush to reply. Considering that it wasn't the time to compete with Chu Han yet, he simply said in a low voice, "Senior Brother Chu, you flatter me. I'm only here to protect an old friend. As for the so-called imperial heir, I don't care about that."

Hearing this, Chu Han glanced at him with her phoenix eyes, her tone revealing a hint of disdain. "That's for the best. Junior Brother Lian your former junior brothers have had close ties with the Fei Household, making it difficult to sever all ties. You may be able to save them today, but you might not be able to tomorrow. You'd better think carefully."

Seeing Chu Han leave the hall with Lian Xuepu showed no fear on his face. He just grinned and chuckled at the black ash on the ground, "Still just a cowardly bum. I don't believe that Middle-Grade Golden Core and a title bestowed by the Emperor are not enough to make you, a mere wretch, show the slightest fear."

Gradually Lian Xuepu's smile faded, and the words on the talisman returned to his mind. He thought to himself, "They're really something. Even all the backup plans I prepared failed. If my senior brother were still here, I wonder how happy he would be?"

Just then, another young, handsome Daoist boy with delicate features entered from outside. Lian Xuepu snapped out of his reverie, and upon seeing the newcomer, he showed no disrespect, but instead smiled and asked, "Senior Brother Chi, what brings you here?"

This young Daoist boy, whom Lian Xuepu called "Senior Brother Chi," was no ordinary child. Although he looked like a child, he was actually over two hundred years old. This was because Qi Deviation while practicing Outer Dao Cultivation Method many years ago, which gave him the appearance of being young again.

Since his great-grandfather, his family has been loyal servants serving the True Person Crimson Snow. Now, four generations later, even though no one has yet produced a True-Grade Golden Core, their status within the Hehuan Sect is considered extraordinary.

Lian Xuepu and he were both False Core (false cultivators) and served under the same True Person Crimson Snow). Over the years, their relationship had become quite close.

When Senior Brother Chi saw Lian Xuepu, he laughed and said, "I saw Senior Brother Chu Han's expression when I came here. You really angered him this time. He's known for being petty. Why did you provoke him? The Lord has ordered you to come and be questioned. He specifically sent me to invite you."

Senior Brother Chi usually serves by the side of True Person Crimson Snow, so he wouldn't usually come out. Lian Xuepu understood this immediately, and his heart warmed. He then bowed deeply to the former with a serious expression as a way of thanking him.

Senior Brother Chi chuckled and shook his head for a while before accepting the bow. If others didn't know his age, they might even find him somewhat innocent and adorable.

The two landed hand in hand on a red cloud. As they talked along the way, Senior Brother Chi was still concerned and advising them. "I heard from some well-informed senior brothers that your junior brother has some strength."

First, he beheaded the abbot of Original Response Temple in the Xiezhi Prison; then, he achieved a mid-grade elixir at the Ying Prefecture Fei Household; next, he was granted the title of Marquis of the Prefecture in the Lone Dragon Hall; and finally, he returned to Thunder Splendor Mountain and annihilated the spirits of the two superior cultivators of the Crimson Heart Cult.

"At only a hundred years old, he has already achieved such good fortune; his path to immortality is bound to be incredibly smooth. Junior Brother Lian, such a figure is hard to find even within the entire Great Wei Immortal Dynasty. It seems there's no need for us lowly people to look after him."

Lian Xuepu's smile froze upon hearing this. He simply bowed in thanks without responding. Senior Brother Chi, who had known Lian Xuepu for many years, understood his intentions with just a glance and offered no further persuasion, only whispering a reminder:

"His Majesty is in a bad mood. Just bear with what he says and don't throw a tantrum."

"Thank you, senior brother."

Because of their special status, the Hehuan Sect, who were serving outside the sleeping quarters of True Person Crimson Snow, only conducted a simple inspection before letting them pass. Lian Xuepu was familiar with every plant and tree in the sleeping quarters, but this time, he still felt a little uneasy.

Since becoming the Peach-Burning Envoy, he had been favored by True Person Crimson Snow, yet he remained honest and dutiful. He never dared to contend with Golden Core cultivators, and he was always extremely polite even when interacting with his disciples.

Therefore, even Xiao Wan'er, who had previously served as the sect leader, would praise him for being sensible and well-behaved.

Unexpectedly, the very first move thwarted Chu Han's schemes, causing quite a stir. To be honest, regardless of who was right or wrong, this could be considered collusion with outsiders, and if True Person Crimson Snow were truly dissatisfied, she would have no grounds for criticism.

This sleeping quarters was much smaller than the one used by True Person Crimson Snow in Guandong Circuit. The two walked for a short while before entering the main hall.

The interior furnishings are simple. A hexagonal glass lamp hangs on an ebony flower stand by the window, its blue flames burning silently within a hollowed-out gilded cover, reflecting a shimmering starlight effect across the entire glass wall.

At each of the four corners of the hall, a snow-white gauze ribbon hangs down, with spirit-gathering talismans drawn in cinnabar floating on the ribbons. When the dragon blood amber at the end collides, it emits a clear and melodious sound, which is an indescribable calming and profound sound.

The bronze censer with the Eight Treasures Lingzhi pattern, located in the center, emits wisps of smoke. This is the "Jade Marrow Peaceful Meditation" treasure, meticulously crafted by the Imperial Palace of Imperial Repose in the capital. Even the one from the Hehuan Sect in the palace who received a small share could not necessarily be more extravagant than the True Person Crimson Snow Immortal.

The fine mist of sandalwood outlined and circled the twelve-panel sandalwood carved lattice fan several times, then added a hazy layer to the surface of the Six-Leaf Golden Thunder Wood fan.

This is a superior material for refining a natal magic Law Treasure during the Golden Core cultivation process. It is already rare. True Person Crimson Snow has kept it in her bedroom for nearly ten Jiazi (60 years), partly for decoration and partly to nurture it with Dao Rhyme energy, thus adding to its profound meaning.

If one were willing to part with it now, it wouldn't be too difficult to attract one or two years' worth of elixir-making to serve Golden Core.

On the floating sandalwood shelf, a seven-stringed scorched-tail zither and a gilded divination plate are scattered about. These are Law Treasure that True Person Crimson Snow used in his early years. Although they are no longer usable, the True Person is sentimental and has not bestowed them upon anyone else. They are just displayed in this room.

Even the True Person's bedroom couldn't be without flowers and plants for decoration. Three Nine-Leaf Evening Primrose were growing in a crystal lotus cup on the side of the table, their fluorescent petals changing from blue to silver with the phases of the moon, which was quite beautiful.

A five-colored spiritual flower, called "Five Rainbow Twisted Rouge," floats on the outer side of the Nine-Leaf Evening Primrose.

Its leaves are as thin as cicada wings, allowing sunlight to pass through. Where the branches droop, a string of emerald bell-shaped flowers bloom. When there is no wind, the clear sound shakes off the dew. Consuming it can delay the passing of youth. It is one of the Spirit Plant most often cultivated by high-level female cultivators.

These flowers and plants are all beautiful, but they are not easy to maintain.

To ensure that the residence of the true immortal remains undisturbed, even if the true immortal Jiang Xue might not glance at it for years, Senior Brother Chi also keeps two fake alchemists in this palace, who will take the essence of the true immortal's heart and blood to nourish it in the middle of each month, truly doing their best.

Inside the niche in the sleeping quarters, Nine-Aperture Exquisite Water Mirror floated and rotated in the air. The mirror reflected the purple qi escaping from the cracks in the void. It was locked in a small space by four sealing spiritual patterns. It was the vital point that the True Person would only reveal to those close to him.

The definition of "closeness" varies from person to person. For ordinary female Daoists, being able to whisper sweet nothings to each other is considered very close. But for the experienced and knowledgeable True Person Crimson Snow, even being intimate in bed is not necessarily the case.

Lian Xuepu had seen him countless times, but he kept his mouth shut and suppressed his curiosity, which is why he never lost the True Person's favor.

Lian Xuepu entered, he looked up and saw a chilling aura emanating from behind the jade screen in the hall. The bed, carved entirely from a piece of cold jade, shimmered with a frosty glow. The silk curtains moved without wind, faintly revealing a captivating and exquisite figure. He immediately bowed deeply in greeting.

Senior Brother Chi also glanced at the jade screen, and after a moment of preparation, spoke in a perfectly timed tone, "My lord, Junior Brother Lian has arrived."

Unexpectedly, the graceful figure behind the jade screen remained silent. Senior Brother Chi had not prepared for this scene beforehand. He glanced at Lian Xuepu, who was lying on the ground, and hesitated for a moment before speaking in a softer, gentler tone. "Master, Junior Brother Lian has come to pay his respects."

"Do you think I'm old and senile, blind and deaf?!"

The question, though soft and sweet, startled Senior Brother Chi, who immediately buried his face in the ground with a thud, crying, "This humble servant wouldn't dare!"

"Get out!!!"

Upon hearing this, Senior Brother Chi felt as if he had been granted a pardon. In this situation, even if he and Lian Xuepu were close friends, he didn't dare to look at them with any concern as he left.

It was clear that True Person Crimson Snow had made preparations beforehand. After Senior Brother Chi withdrew, there was not a single person left in this huge sleeping hall, only her and Lian Xuepu were still kneeling in front of the steps.

"Come in."

The former's tone was languid and alluring, so much so that Lian Xuepu immediately stood up and slowly walked around the jade screen. There he saw a naked beauty lying in a cold jade bathtub.

The expression on True Person Crimson Snow's face showed no anger as it appeared; instead, it held a hint of a half-smile. Her appearance didn't quite live up to the word "beautiful," but her skin was as white as mutton fat jade, still alluring.

Her jade-like legs stretched out, and five slender toes reached towards Lian Xuepu's handsome face. The tips of the two longest toes were each inlaid with a piece of bright red jade. With a nimble pinch, they clamped down on Lian Xuepu's left ear and pulled it in as well.

While the latter's fighting skills were not particularly impressive, his mastery of winning a woman's heart was certainly commendable. Lian Xuepu only needed to look at the expression on True Person Crimson Snow's face to feel his anxiety wash away with the splash of water.

Feeling the warm, delicate golden lotus against his face, he even felt a sense of enjoyment. He took a deep breath and said, "True Person."

Upon hearing this, True Person Crimson Snow looked both embarrassed and annoyed. Jinlian slapped Lian Xuepu's face twice. "Ha, you can be frightened too? I just thought you were unwilling to lower yourself to be a male concubine anymore and wanted to go back to your sect to become a Supreme Elder."

"So that's what's troubling you?!" Lian Xuepu suddenly realized, but before he could explain, he heard True Person Crimson Snow interrupt, saying:

"If you really want to protect your descendants, just tell me. Why bother arguing with those worthless cowards? Since you don't like Chu Han, I could have sent him out later and found a pretext to kill him."

But he did it on the orders of that girl Wan'er, which is why he wanted to cause some trouble around the Duke of Office of the Duke of Qin. That way, I couldn't take action myself, and you had to suffer this injustice."

Lian Xuepu laughed upon hearing this, secretly thinking that the beautiful woman before him was as good at making empty promises as ever. While his heart warmed, he did not take what the True Person Crimson Snow had said to heart.

Zuo Chu Han is also a late-stage cultivator, and his age is suitable. To be honest, it's not impossible for him to advance to the True Person realm in the future. So how could he be easily killed because of a rivalry over a woman?

True Person Crimson Snow noticed the mockery in Lian Xuepu's eyes, but showed no shame or anger. He simply increased the pressure on her jade-like toes, pulling her closer, and whispered, "Take it off, practice your skills."

Lian Xuepu was already very familiar with this task, and he handled it with great ease. However, as the two were whispering sweet nothings to each other, the sticky moans of the True Person Crimson Snow also reached Lian Xuepu's ears:

"And another thing... don't even think about going back to the Chongming Sect. If you leave, I won't let them go."

"Phew, I'm not going. If I don't go, I can't go back."

Not long after, Senior Brother Chi, who had been prepared, slowly walked in carrying a bowl of medicinal food. Lian Xuepu didn't stand on ceremony or care about manners, and slurped it all down.

"Being a male concubine is no easy task."

Even though Senior Brother Chi had seen a lot, he still felt a pang of sadness. He sighed inwardly and softly advised, "Wait, wait! The Master personally instructed Third Tier cook to add Demon Officer root powder. Eating it whole won't be easy to refine!"

Lian Xuepu was almost completely devoured, couldn't listen to anything else. Only after he finished eating did he feel a bit of his strength return.

At this moment, after collecting the dishes, Senior Brother Chi took out a spirit ring and handed it to Lian Xuepu.

"This is?"

"The master said that the junior has achieved a mid-grade elixir. As his senior uncle, how can you not bring gifts to congratulate him? Also, that old bird from the Fei Household who was invited by the master has been released. When you return, remember to ask the Fei Household to repay your kindness."

"Ah?"

Seeing Lian Xuepu's surprised expression, Senior Brother Chi said, "His Majesty is considerate; how could he bear to let you truly sever this ties? But when you go, don't forget to remind him not to interfere too much in the affairs of the Ying Prefecture Fei Household, and to take good care of himself."

Lian Xuepu heard these words for the second time, and it was from True Person Crimson Snow who relayed them to Senior Brother Chi. Compared to before, he naturally took them much more seriously, and his heart sank immediately, so he nodded in agreement.

After tidying up carefully for a while, he rode on the red clouds again and headed towards Pingrong County.

---- Thunder Splendor Mountain

"Senior Brother!"

"Master!"

"Sect Leader!"

"Alliance Leader!"

A cacophony of greetings surged forth, and the Sect Leader Kang Da took a deep breath, knowing that now was not the time for pleasantries. He simply dealt with them briefly before dispatching the leaders of each faction to take stock of the spoils and casualties and to pursue the remaining remnants.

Objectively speaking, if it weren't for the timely intervention of Sect Leader Kang Da, the Chongming Sect would have truly suffered a great loss this time. With the combined efforts of the two superior cultivators from the Crimson Heart Cult, not only could the pseudo -False Core cultivators of the Double Brightness Alliance not withstand them, but even Golden Core Senior Cultivator Wufeng, if unlucky, might not have survived.

While the finger-shaving technique that Exalted Cultivator Honggu was rather strange, its power was considerable. If Kang Dabao hadn't taken the initiative and ripped out his heart, dealing with him would have required even more effort.

I wonder if there are Jade Slip slips inscribed in his Storage Bag. If I could take them and study them carefully, I would benefit greatly.

And the broken arrow that Gu Chengsen threw out in his moment of crisis was clearly a trump card for survival.

That ancient demonic remnant may seem ordinary, but in reality, it already possesses the Divine Sense strength of a top-tier Middle Stage of Golden Core cultivator. If it weren't for the fact that Sect Leader Kang Da's Divine Sense had also risen significantly after Core Formation his Golden Core, he might have actually been defeated by it.

To be honest, even if someone like Fei Nanying or Chu Yanran were to face that ancient demonic remnant, they would most likely suffer a great loss. Even if they had rare treasures to save their lives, it wouldn't be as easy as Kang Dabao suppressing and annihilating it with the Bright Moon Visualization Method.

The fact that the Hehuan Sect would take in the remnants of the Crimson Heart Cult for its own use suggests that even though the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty Nascent Soul, this "subservience" is not as simple as it seems to ordinary people.

Fortunately, Yuan Jin and Jiang Qing fought bravely, and the entire Double Brightness Alliance was of one mind. This allowed them to hold out until Sect Leader Kang Da returned, resulting in not only avoiding disaster but also achieving a great victory.

In less than half a day, Yuan Jin's military tent was packed with heads of various families. In addition to the families of the Double Brightness Alliance, meritorious individuals such as Yang Xun, the head of the Yang Rainbow Mountain Yang Household, were also fortunate enough to be invited to discuss matters here.

Although this victory could be considered a major triumph, not all the cultivators were overjoyed. This was because the Crimson Heart Cult was not a rabble after all, and although the Three Immortals Cave was disorganized, it held its ground on its home turf and inflicted considerable casualties on the other factions.

It would be an exaggeration to say that every family was in mourning, but the fact that many promising disciples and students had died is truly heartbreaking.

Sect Leader Kang Da could certainly empathize with this State of Mind.

All the clan leaders of the Chongming Sect. Not only did the Azure Jue Guard suffer heavy losses, but the local militia of the two counties and the military officers of Pine Wind Volunteers also suffered many casualties. Even Yuan Changsheng, whom they regarded as their own son, went to the front line to personally carry the banner and has not yet woken up.

However, he knew how to distract himself from these heavy thoughts. Having received his instructions, Zhou Yixiu temporarily took on the role of the master of ceremonies and read aloud the regulations that Kang Dabao had just arranged.

Old Xiu's cultivation level wasn't high, but his voice was quite loud, and he could still maintain a strong voice for a short time:

"All households Pine Wind Volunteers Ping and Jin counties shall be exempted from taxes for three years. Those who have rendered meritorious service shall be dealt with separately. Special personnel shall be assigned to prepare notices in all towns and markets to inform all parties."

"The spoils seized this time, along with those hidden by the two Golden Core cultivators, will all be gathered together. Within ten days, the spoils will be distributed among each family according to their contributions, and the Chongming Sect will not conceal anything."

"When we have a subsequent audience with the Duke, we will also petition for rewards and honors for those who have rendered meritorious service today."

These arrangements were made in accordance with the fairness and generosity that Sect Leader Kang Da has always upheld. The more the cultivators listened, the happier their expressions became, and the sadness they felt earlier gradually dissipated.

For most cultivators, Spirit Stone stones are more precious than their own children, which is perfectly normal.

However, for Sect Leader Kang Da, the aftermath of this matter still needed to be properly handled. This was the annihilation of a major sect's vassal; it couldn't be as trivial as Zhou Yixiu and the other cultivators had described!

Those in the hall who were vigilant knew about these matters, but they did not speak of them at this crucial moment, lest they displease Kang Dabao, who had already become a high-ranking monk.

Things are different now. Even Bian Hu, who previously had some desire to compete with Sect Leader Kang Da, is now meek and submissive, showing no sign of arrogance whatsoever.

However, Sect Leader Kang Da didn't seem to care much about his current mood.

It took another ten days to disband the troops and distribute the spoils before Kang Dabao finally returned to the sect with his now much dwindling number of disciples.

During this time, he also received letters from Fei Nanying and Chu Yanran. The two of them had made some moves before, which was because Chu Han had a lot of influence. He was even able to invite Exalted Cultivator Lanxin, a cultivator under True Person Crimson Snow who could rival Pu Two Instruments Sect, the Grand Elder of the Liangyi Pu Honggu.

Fei Tianqin was also invited by True Person Crimson Snow to visit the Hehuan Sect, but the two had their own difficulties and could not make any moves.

After putting away the letter, Sect Leader Kang Da felt a mix of emotions, including a sense of melancholy.

After all, in the past, even if these two elders had actually done these things, they wouldn't have written to explain them to me; they would have just let me understand.

Therefore, it seems that the arrogance of Golden Core cultivator is only displayed in front of lower-level cultivators; it is difficult for those of the same level to see it.

This principle applies everywhere, and for Kang Dabao, this change is naturally a good thing, so he has nothing to be annoyed about.

Along the way, Sect Leader Kang Da searched through the Storage Bag of the Exalted Cultivator Honggu and Gu Chengsen again. After all, he had killed both of these cultivators by himself. Even though the cultivators from various sects had put in some effort, in terms of actual merit, they only received some scraps.

That's why Kang Dabao made Zhou Yixiu say those nice words; otherwise, given his honest and pragmatic nature, how could he bear to do that?

The finger-shaving technique Exalted Cultivator Honggu was nowhere to be found, but the origin of Gu Chengsen's broken arrow piqued the interest of Sect Leader Kang Da. There was a seal character on it that was eight parts similar to the one on the Black Bone!

After returning to the sect, Sect Leader Kang Da was still pondering the matter, but there were still many things to do, so he rarely had any free time.

Just as he had finally sorted out most of the complicated matters, he heard a message from a disciple outside.

"Is it Martial Uncle Lian who's back?!"