CHAPTER 335: 159. QINGLAN’S PAST! NIU BATIAN’S ACT OF GRATITUDE! EXPOSING YUANYI! _2

Lin Xiao pondered, his mind becoming increasingly troubled.

At this moment, after hearing Yuanyi speak, True Master Ziyun, who was on the stage with a few Supreme Elders, exchanged some words with them in lowered voices. Then, he said with a grave expression, "Brother Yuanyi makes a good point. Anyone who can so easily break the restrictions of the Spiritual Beast Hall must be extremely familiar with the internal defensive formations of our Qinglan Sect!"

"So, according to Brother Yuanyi, where do you think this spy is hiding?" True Master Ziyun turned his gaze to his Tiandang Peak Chairman Junior Brother, who was more thoughtful and experienced in handling matters than himself. His tone suggested he was seeking advice.

"Sect Leader Senior Brother, that’s not important." Yuanyi shook his head and said, "Since that spy has managed to infiltrate our Qinglan Sect for so many years, he certainly has his own sophisticated methods of concealment. Therefore, it will likely be difficult for us to uncover him in a short time! But this does not mean we do nothing!"

"Currently, the demonic sect forces beyond our borders are restless and making strategic moves everywhere. The Righteous Path and the Demonic Path are at daggers drawn; a great war is imminent!"

"This spy hidden within Qinglan, it goes without saying, is definitely a master sent by the Demon Sect! Furthermore, the attack on the Spiritual Beast Hall is merely the beginning! Before the Demon Sect formally invades, this person will undoubtedly resort to further insidious schemes!"

"What we need to do now is not risk wrongly accusing our own disciples in an attempt to root out this spy, but rather to get one step ahead of him and take preventative measures!"

His words were well-reasoned and delivered with conviction.

Everyone present, including the Supreme Elders, nodded in agreement.

"Brother Yuanyi, you’ve said so much. So, what exactly should we do? Can you be more explicit?" suddenly interjected Daoist Chisong, the Chairman of Red Cloud Peak, a man with a pointed mouth, simian cheeks, and a Fu Manchu mustache.

"Hahaha, Brother Chisong, why are you so impatient? Could it be..." Yuanyi chuckled, deliberately letting his words trail off, his meaning clear.

At that moment, all suspicious gazes turned towards Daoist Chisong.

"Humph! Brother Yuanyi! What do you mean by that? Stop your insinuations! I, Chisong, act uprightly and live an honest life, loyal to the Sect Leader and loyal to the sect! Heaven and Earth can attest to this!" Daoist Chisong’s face flushed crimson, his mustache bristling with anger.

"Alright, alright. I am well aware of Brother Chisong’s character. Let no one doubt him," Sect Leader True Master Ziyun quickly interjected to ease the tension. "Brother Yuanyi, please just state your thoughts directly."

"Yes, Sect Leader." Yuanyi narrowed his eyes, a smile like that of Maitreya Buddha on his face. "Hehe, everyone, consider this: if the Demon Sect were to truly invade Qinglan one day, aside from the eighteen Supreme Elders and the Six Holy Beings, what is our strongest hidden card for defeating the enemy?"

"This..." Upon hearing this, the crowd began to discuss amongst themselves.

"Are you referring to... Junior Sister Xiao... no, Chairman Xiao?" True Master Ziyun suddenly uttered.

The entire assembly was stunned for a second, then understanding dawned upon them. All eyes turned to the stunningly beautiful woman with a cool expression and a powerful aura.

Indeed, strictly speaking, throughout the entire Qinglan Sect, aside from "Sword Saint" True Monarch Taiwu, the most formidable hidden strength was none other than this Chairman Xiao.

TSK, TSK, my Master is truly formidable. Even her disciple can bask in her glory, Lin Xiao, who had been observing the proceedings from close behind his Master, chuckled to himself.

"Don’t... don’t speak nonsense. Whether it’s the Righteous Path or the Demon Sect, I, as your Master, care little for such things," Xiao Hongling said, her expression still cool as she shook her head.

Then, she even added, "Even if a great calamity were to befall Qinglan one day, all I, as your Master, would wish to do is protect you... and your three junior sisters. That is all."

Hearing this, Lin Xiao’s heart trembled. A warm current surged from deep within him, spreading throughout his entire body, so intense he felt it might almost burst out towards his Master!

This woman... she spoils me too much!

"Thank you, Master."

"But I, your disciple, swear that as long as I am by your side, the remainder of your life, Master, will be nothing but calm and peaceful days." Lin Xiao responded with a rare display of deep emotion.

Saying this, he even reached out and briefly clasped his Master’s jade-like hand.

At this moment, due to their affectionate display, the surrounding murmurs grew slightly louder.

Lin Xiao, however, paid them no heed. He knew that the real drama was about to unfold.

"AHEM!" A clearing of a throat was heard.

It was Chairman Yuanyi of Tiandang Peak who spoke again, "Sect Leader Senior Brother, while Junior Sister Xiao is undoubtedly immensely powerful and one of our greatest assets, you must not forget, Sect Leader Senior Brother, that apart from the combat strength of our personnel, what has protected our Qinglan Sect and allowed it to stand for ten thousand years... is our mountain-protecting, Protective Sect Formation!"

Sect Leader True Master Ziyun grew even more tense. "So... Brother Yuanyi, are you implying that if a spy has infiltrated Qinglan, their next move will very likely be to target the Formation Temple!"

"Not ’very likely,’ but ’inevitably’!" Yuanyi declared decisively. "This person has lurked within the Qinglan Sect for many years, biding their time and revealing no flaws. They are the epitome of a crafty old fox. Would they go to such lengths merely to kill a few guardian Spiritual Beasts of the mountain?"

"Therefore, this person’s next target must be to infiltrate the Formation Temple and destroy the Formation Devices within!"

"In doing so, the Demon Sect will have an unobstructed path, allowing them to launch a direct assault and invade the mountain gates of Qinglan!"

As these words were spoken, everyone felt as if they had been enlightened, nodding in agreement. At the same time, they couldn’t help but admire Chairman Yuanyi’s extraordinary ability to perceive matters so acutely, especially given his usual kind and benevolent demeanor.

Just then, a sorrowful yet powerful voice boomed, "True Monarch Taiwu once divined that a great calamity is about to befall Qinglan! Though I, Yuanyi, am mediocre and incapable, I am willing to dedicate all my heart and strength to our sect!"

"I beseech the Sect Leader to permit me, in my capacity as Chairman, to personally stand guard over the Formation Temple! I will absolutely not allow those despicable villains a chance to take advantage!"

When he finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent.

It was the first time anyone had seen Chairman Yuanyi of Tiandang Peak, usually so calm, reserved, and kind in his dealings, reveal such a fierce and unyielding spirit! For a moment, everyone looked at him with awe and admiration.

Here it comes. Finally. Your act, you old schemer, should be over by now. Lin Xiao suddenly opened his eyes, a hint of murderous intent flashing within them.

「Two hours later.」

The emergency meeting concluded. The Sect Leader and the elders, naturally, placed their complete trust in Yuanyi, agreeing to his request to personally station himself at the Formation Temple.

Just as the members from each peak were about to disperse, Lin Xiao, however, clung to his beautiful Master, accompanying her to see Sect Leader True Master Ziyun.

At this moment, in the main hall, only True Master Ziyun and Daoist Chisong remained, discussing something.

"Junior Sister Xiao, Martial Nephew Lin, is there something else you need?" True Master Ziyun asked, noticing Lin Xiao’s uneasy expression.

「On the wedding night.」

From the loft of Hongyan Pavilion, joyous laughter and playful sounds could be heard. They continued deep into the night, uninterrupted. The sound of a xiao flute, with its many turns and refrains, played throughout the entire night.

Under the large tree outside Hongyan Pavilion, a tall, stunningly beautiful woman in a fiery red, phoenix-patterned ceremonial dress stood with her back to Hongyan Building. With an anguished look in her phoenix eyes, she gazed at the cold moon above, playing a long xiao.

Xiao’er, what are you doing right now? He... this child has a simple heart. Though he sometimes acts with youthful impulsiveness, he knows nothing of matters between men and women...

So, how is he holding Yurong now? Would he also be clinging to her legs, kissing and nuzzling her... refusing to let go?

Stimulating and bold images uncontrollably surfaced in the woman’s mind.

Just as her thoughts grew turbulent.

WHOOSH!

She suddenly sensed a suspicious fluctuation of energy. Her beautiful face changed abruptly, and she turned to look behind her.

She was startled to see a delicate young woman, cradling a zither, flying towards her with a palpable murderous intent!

"Youwei!?"

The wedding banquet ended a long time ago, and all the guests have dispersed. Why would she appear now?

Xiao Hongling’s willow-like eyebrows furrowed. With a flash, she appeared in front of the other woman.

Guo Yourong was so charmed by his words that her affection for the man before her deepened even further!

Young and handsome, powerful, gentle-natured, and even witty and humorous!

Is this... truly the husband meant for me in this life?!