The sun set in the west.

Zheng Xiaofeng took a deep breath; at this moment, he could only use that move. He then let out a bitter laugh and said:

"Following you will lead to a way out? You are disciples of the Tianyan Sect from Central State; naturally, the Qingfeng Sect wouldn't dare to do anything to you."

"And what about me?" Zheng Xiaofeng raised his head, gritting his teeth, "I'm just a cultivator who climbed up from the very bottom, every step was excruciatingly difficult..."

Such a clumsy attempt at persuasion.

Chu Xingchen had no patience for him to continue and directly interrupted:

"Blame fate for a poor reincarnation; some people can't even reach the Core Formation Stage, why don't you compare yourself to them?"

"Do you think just because we were born into better circumstances, the competition isn't fierce? Do you think we reached the Core Formation Stage just by drinking water?"

"Do you think you're the only one who has it hard? Do you think it's easy for me and my Senior Sister?"

Zheng Xiaofeng saw that Chu Xingchen's expression was devoid of sympathy, and his counterarguments were quite reasonable. He realized that his rhetoric would not sway this high disciple of the Tianyan Sect.

Who the hell said those protected disciples from Central State were naive?

They didn't seem any worse off than himself.

Chu Xingchen sincerely said, "Xiao Zheng, you haven't seen through the current situation because you're just afraid of dying. It's actually quite easy to avoid death."

Zheng Xiaofeng was taken aback by these words and looked at Chu Xingchen with suspicion: "What do you mean?"

Chu Xingchen solemnly said, "From now on, you are an external gatekeeper of the Tianyan Sect."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xiaofeng frowned and thought carefully—an external gatekeeper of the Tianyan Sect?

Quickly, after thinking it through, he concluded—what the hell is the use of that?

Isn't that just sweeping the gates of the Tianyan Sect?

Chu Xingchen saw through Zheng Xiaofeng's expression and explained seriously, "If you encounter an elderly Qi Refining stage sweeper at the Tianyan Sect's gate who curses you, would you dare to make a move against him?"

Zheng Xiaofeng quickly came to a conclusion and admitted honestly:

"No, I wouldn't dare."

After all, anyone sweeping the gates of the Tianyan Sect, regardless of their cultivation level, was backed by the great mountain that was the Tianyan Sect, and he couldn't afford to provoke them.

Zheng Xiaofeng quickly added, "But this isn't the Tianyan Sect's gate, even if I'm the head sweeper, it won't help."

"Your perspective is too narrow." Chu Xingchen hooked an arm around Zheng Xiaofeng's shoulder and said, "Think carefully, are you afraid of the name Tianyan Sect, or the cultivators behind that name?"

"Naturally, it's..." Zheng Xiaofeng looked enlightened but then suspiciously at Chu Xingchen.

The words sounded good now, but if a real conflict arose and the elders started killing, wouldn't they still come after him?

Your mouth can say whatever it wants, but my life is my own!

Facing Zheng Xiaofeng's suspicious gaze, Chu Xingchen sighed and said:

"Xiao Zheng, you need to understand one thing, you don't have the right to choose now; you are being chosen. This is your last chance; think carefully about how you'll face the Sect Master."

Having said his piece, Chu Xingchen turned and left with Yaoqin without hesitation.

Yaoqin also followed, simultaneously sending a voice transmission to Chu Xingchen, "Do you think he'll take the bait?"

"For people like him, the more perfect the guarantee you give, the more suspicious they become. Often, leaving a flaw with a barely reasonable explanation is what hooks them," Chu Xingchen replied via voice transmission.

"Moreover, he has no other choice. Trust me, in ten seconds, he'll be begging you to let him sweep the grounds."

Yaoqin nodded half-believingly, counting the seconds in her mind.

One...

Two...

Before Yaoqin could count to three, an urgent voice rang out behind them.

"Wait! I surrender! I surrender!"

Zheng Xiaofeng's voice came hurriedly as he quickly walked to Chu Xingchen's side and said:

"But you must guarantee that afterward, I can go to the Tianyan Sect to sweep the grounds!"

Yaoqin glanced at Zheng Xiaofeng and calmly agreed, "I promise you."

Zheng Xiaofeng looked at Yaoqin, then locked his gaze on Chu Xingchen.

From the beginning, it was this man who was in charge. Although he was nominally a junior disciple, this junior disciple likely held a higher position in the Tianyan Sect.

He needed him to speak!

Chu Xingchen almost wanted to laugh; the one who could make decisions was ignored, and he was sought out, even though he wasn't even a member of the Tianyan Sect.

"Naturally, it's not a problem," Chu Xingchen nodded in agreement, then said seriously, "But you understand the consequences if you betray us now, right?"

Zheng Xiaofeng blurted out, "I am utterly loyal to you now!"

Chu Xingchen nodded in satisfaction and affirmed:

"Very well, remember, when we go back, whatever I transmit to you, you say it. Remember, from now on, you are a member of the Tianyan Sect, so act a bit more assertive."

"Huh? Assertive? I don't know how."

"Don't worry, you'll learn quickly."

——————

Qingfeng Sect.

In the side hall for discussions.

As soon as Chu Xingchen entered the room, he shouted at the Qingfeng Sect disciple at the door:

"Go! Get the damn Sect Master here!"

The Qingfeng Sect disciple was visibly stunned for a moment, then immediately turned to find the Sect Master.

Chu Xingchen looked at the somewhat uneasy Zheng Xiaofeng beside him and reassured him, "Don't panic!"

Zheng Xiaofeng instinctively nodded.

Yaoqin looked at Zheng Xiaofeng's slightly panicked expression and couldn't help but think this person was unreliable.

Can he handle it?

He was already scared before even seeing anyone; when he actually sees them, won't his legs give out before he even speaks?

There wasn't much time for Zheng Xiaofeng to gather himself, as the Sect Master, having received the message, hurriedly flew over and stepped into the discussion hall.

His gaze swept around.

He saw Chu Xingchen with a cold expression, full of questioning.

Yaoqin lightly touched her sword hilt, her eyes cold.

And Zheng Xiaofeng, who was visibly flustered.

The Sect Master cupped his hands and asked, "May I ask what urgent matter brings you here?"

Chu Xingchen snorted coldly and said, "We've received intelligence from Central State that suggests someone in your Qingfeng Sect might be involved with evil cultivators. I've come to ask the Sect Master for clarification!"

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"Central State intelligence? Could I take a look? If this is true, the Qingfeng Sect will clean house!" the Sect Master replied seriously.

But the Sect Master didn't receive a response from Chu Xingchen.

Instead, Zheng Xiaofeng's slightly unconfident voice came through, "Central... Central State intelligence is not for you to see."

The Sect Master's gaze instantly turned to Zheng Xiaofeng, his eyes narrowing slightly.

That questioning look was one Zheng Xiaofeng had seen countless times and endured countless times.

At this moment, for some reason, a surge of blood rushed to his heart.

Zheng Xiaofeng shouted angrily, "What the hell are you looking at! I said it, Central State intelligence is not for you to see!"

With this shout, Zheng Xiaofeng's entire being could be described with one word—satisfied!

It was a feeling of venting all his pent-up frustration.

The Sect Master suppressed his anger and asked in a low voice, "Xiao Zheng! Did you take the wrong pill?!"

Zheng Xiaofeng didn't hesitate to shout again:

"I didn't take any pill! I'm now a member of the Tianyan Sect! You old dog, show some respect!"

"You? Tianyan Sect?"

"That's right! I'm now sweeping the gates of the Tianyan Sect! What can you do about it?!"