CHAPTER 88: CHAPTER 86: LITTLE SUQING PLAYS A BIG ROLE【PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!】

「Two days later.」

A Flying Shuttle pierced through the clouds, zooming out from the gates of Annihilation Sect Mountain and shooting toward the northwest.

On the shuttle, Lin Suqing’s eyes brimmed with worry as she held a bundle containing jars and bottles, while Yang Wudi and the others seated beside her were also restless.

They had just received the news that their Sect Master was gravely injured.

They had naturally heard about their Sect Master’s ’great battle’ with Ji Mo, the Young Master of the Military Family’s Ji Clan, and Ling Xiaolan, the current Saintess of the Xuan Nu Sect. This battle took place in front of the Human Emperor at the Main Hall of Benevolent Emperor Pavilion.

Not only had they heard about it, but they were also quite surprised at the breadth of their Sect Master’s acquaintances. How did he manage to, *cough*, get to know all these people?

Of course, the fact that their Sect Master and the other three parties were punished by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion to undergo military training for half a year did not seem like much of a punishment in their eyes.

On the contrary, thanks to the influence of the Ji Family and the Xuan Nu Sect, their Annihilation Sect jumped from the 76th to the 64th position among the hundred great Demon Sects!

When the Beast Tide struck the border, Yang Wudi, Zhang Moshan, Fang Renye, and Feng Tian were not sent to the border but remained to cultivate in the Sect as the personal guards of the Sect Master.

Today, a messenger from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion came to request Lin Suqing’s presence at a military camp in the northwest to treat Wu Wangzi. Consequently, Yang Wudi and the others were dispatched by the Grand Elder to follow and protect her along the way.

"How... how was he injured?" Lin Suqing gently asked, turning to the Fairy Immortal who had come from the Sect to pick her up.

The Fairy Immortal hummed softly, offered Lin Suqing an apologetic smile, and explained, "Fellow Daoist, do not worry. It’s likely not a serious injury, but the condition is a bit strange, and I’m not aware of the specifics."

Lin Suqing then asked, "Is there a wound somewhere?"

"The strangest thing is that there are no visible injuries." The Fairy Immortal glanced around and transmitted her voice, "This matter is a secret of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. Your Sect Master has performed a heroic deed, rescuing more than two thousand cultivators from an Evil God and slaying countless beasts."

"His merits are not my concern," Lin Suqing bit her lower lip. "I’m only worried about the state of his injuries."

"Indeed, he has no visible injuries," the Fairy Immortal continued to transmit. "The Pavilion Master personally diagnosed him, saying that his body was unharmed and others should not try to check his pulse. But ever since their return a day and a night ago, he has woken up three times, only to lose consciousness again without cause. Until the last time, when he opened his eyes and suddenly shouted out—’Suqing, call for Lin Suqing!’ This is why I was ordered to hastily come in search of you, Fairy."

"Unexplained unconsciousness?" Lin Suqing blinked. "Have there always been Maidens by my Young Master’s side to guard him?"

"Four Maidens from the Lin Family take turns on watch," said the Fairy Immortal. "Fellow Daoist, need not worry. Young Master Lin is extremely respectful toward your Sect Master and addresses him as ’Teacher.’ Those four Maidens were specifically requested by him to attend to your Sect Master day and night."

Lin Suqing: ...

Then there’s nothing to worry about. She had thought the Young Master was at death’s door, recalling his diligently working personal tutor. Yet, as it turned out, he was simply lost in blissful stupor amidst the care of Maidens! Truly, she had been worried for nothing, while the Young Master was still in the military camp enjoying non-stop attention around the clock.

"Hmph."

The Fairy Immortal beside her asked, "Fellow Daoist, what’s the matter?"

"Ah, it’s nothing," Lin Suqing gave a deep sigh, raised her hand to wipe away a tear, and said sorrowfully, "My Young Master has a hidden ailment, and since his childhood, I’ve been the one treating him. Thank you all for going to such trouble."

The Fairy Immortal blinked and smiled, saying, "It’s no trouble at all, glad to be of assistance to your Sect Master."

As the Flying Shuttle traveled throughout the day, and when sunset loomed in the West, it entered the large Formation of a domed military camp, arriving at the camp designated with the code ’Yi Chou.’

With half the cultivators having been dispatched to the Northern Border for support, the place seemed somewhat deserted.

The Flying Shuttle descended directly into a courtyard in the center. Lin Suqing didn’t wait for the shuttle to come to a complete stop before she leaped from its door and headed toward the courtyard.

Shadows in the yard immediately gathered around, and those two men wrapped like rice dumplings with burlap also hopped over.

"Fairy Lin!"

"Quick, Miss Suqing! Brother Wuwang is inside!"

Lin Suqing responded and signaled to others not to enter for the time being. She charged straight into the house, ordering those four Maidens and several guards from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion to leave.

A Golden Core Daoist directly dismissing several Immortals—the mere thought of it brought a distinct sense of achievement.

Afterward, she had someone activate the room’s Formation, then with her hands behind her back, hopped to the side of Wu Wang’s bed where he lay unconscious. She had intended to wake her Young Master immediately but suddenly realized...

If I awaken the Young Master so easily, wouldn’t that expose his strange illness?

Lin Suqing pondered slightly, then swiftly came up with an idea. Bending her legs, she knelt beside the bed, closed her eyes, and focused, chanting a spell for summoning souls right there and then.

Afterward, she recalled her past at the Clear Wind and Moon Sect, remembering those experiences of performing rituals for others to earn some money and support her junior brothers and sisters. She convincingly took out a Treasure Sword and started hopping and skipping around next to the bed.

After busying herself for a moment, Lin Suqing finally grabbed a teacup and, while no one outside was paying attention, splashed Wu Wang’s face with cold tea.

Wu Wang’s eyes shot open as he sat straight up, warily scanning his surroundings. Only when he saw Lin Suqing’s mischievous little face did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Really, those Maidens were far more troublesome than dealing with any Evil God.

"Young Master!" Lin Suqing hopped to the bedside and handed over a clean handkerchief. "How do you feel now?"

Wu Wang quickly applied a double layer of Ice Crystal film to himself and grumbled, "I’m fine now. You’ve had to make another trip. If there’s nothing serious in the future, just stay close to me."

"Hee hee, now you see the benefits of having me by your side, huh?" Lin Suqing pointed toward the door. "There are many people waiting for you to wake up, Young Master."

"Hmm." Wu Wang got up and stretched, feeling full of energy. A quick introspection revealed that besides being on the verge of a breakthrough in his cultivation level, there was nothing unusual.

He opened the door, and a variety of faces came into view; some familiar, some strangers, all wearing warm smiles.

Ling Xiaolan let out a soft sigh of relief and said, "Brother Wuwang, it’s good to hear you’re unharmed."

What? The ’Brother’ title is back again? Wu Wang felt a bit perplexed but didn’t dwell on such trifles. He asked, "Has the Pavilion Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion left?"

Xu Mu answered, "The border conflict cannot be delayed. The Pavilion Master left for the Northern Region yesterday, and there are dozens of inspection immortal envoys searching the area."

Wu Wang felt a bit disappointed. Who’s going to reimburse me for those Star Thunder Technique Crystal Balls?

He then asked Ling Xiaolan, "The information you gleaned from that interrogation, did you give it to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion?"

"Of course," Ling Xiaolan said, "and they even rewarded me for it."

An Immortal on duty from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion immediately said, "With the information provided by Fairy Ling, we’ve eradicated six bases of the Ten Evils Hall. We’ve hit them hard!"

Wu Wang: ...

Giving away intelligence for free? Doesn’t that mean I’ve lost even the chance to haggle with the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion? This Fairy, how could she be so honest?

Xu Mu added, "The border conflict has now begun, and all of the Pavilion’s finances must be allocated to support the border expenditure. Therefore, the rewards given to everyone this time are merely verbal commendations."

Wu Wang staggered back several steps, struggling to breathe, before twisting around to find a wooden chair to sit down on. He let out a long sigh.

I can actually take a loss!

"Brother Wuwang, what’s wrong?" asked Ji Mo, standing on one foot next to him, concern showing in his eyes that peeked out from the burlap wrapping.

"It’s nothing. Just let me have a moment of peace. We’ll drink and chat later. I’ve overextended my Divine Thought quite a bit earlier," Wu Wang waved them off, and the Immortals bowed and took their leave.

Xu Mu came forward to whisper that the details of the recent battle had been ordered by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion not to be spread, to avoid causing Wu Wang any unnecessary trouble.

Wu Wang thanked him, but he was clearly not in the mood to talk, so Xu Mu had no choice but to leave.

Shortly after, the room quieted down completely. Wu Wang sat on the wooden chair, zoning out for a while. He looked at his several storage magic treasures, which had become nearly empty, and felt disoriented.

"I need to keep a lower profile from now on," he muttered to himself, causing Lin Suqing’s eyes to light up, thinking the Young Master finally wanted to concentrate on cultivation. Then Wu Wang sighed and said, "If I provoke any major sect now, I truly won’t be able to blow up their sect gate."

Lin Suqing: ...

Pah! I should’ve just let you sleep to death earlier!

「...」

Due to a significant loss of wealth, Wu Wang was unable to summon his spirits for several days, not stepping out of the main gate or even the second gate, only able to encourage himself with his cultivation level.

And he broke through a minor realm.

Not only did Wu Wang have a flood of insights in his heart, but Ji Mo, Ling Xiaolan, and Lin Qi also had their own realizations. As soon as Wu Wang awoke, they each went into seclusion.

After some careful contemplation, Wu Wang realized that this was because they had been under the oppression of the Evil God, which had put too much pressure on them, forcing out their potential.

In the short term, the burst of potential could bring about a breakthrough in realm. However, in the long run, this might lead to the phenomenon of draining the pond to get all the fish.

Therefore, Wu Wang did not fully enter seclusion but instead suppressed these insights, waiting until he could rid himself of the pressure from the Evil God before seeking a place to cultivate.

Evil God.

The image of the Evil God Ming Snake taking human form, descending slowly from the sky, lingered in Wu Wang’s mind, unable to be dispelled.

What happened at that time? Wu Wang had not thought about it much before, but upon deeper reflection, he noticed many details.

First of all, Ming Snake excelled in the Dao of Heaven and Earth and could control Heaven and Earth – the scene of General Zhong Lin’s tragic death was enough to support this.

Then, his mother had taken action.

The silver-white lightning was all too familiar to Wu Wang, but this time the lightning that struck was exceptionally powerful, enough to tear through Heaven and Earth and break Ming Snake’s blockade over Heaven and Earth.

At that time, the Pavilion Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion rushed out through the gap in Heaven and Earth created by the silver lightning.

Moreover, the Evil God Ming Snake subconsciously dodged the lightning...

It seems Mother’s strength is excessively strong. Is this the strength a Sun Ritual should possess?

In the Northern Wilderness, a single strike forced the Evil God to retreat. Even if Ming Snake’s strength was as distant from a Star God’s as earth is from heaven, a Sun Ritual, after all, was not a Star God...

Could Mother possibly draw retaliation from the Heavenly Emperor’s side because of this?

With such worries, Wu Wang called out to the necklace a few times and got a response from his mother.

"Mom, are you all right?"

"What could be wrong?" Cang Xue was obviously puzzled. "What’s the matter? Is it time to introduce Fairy Ling to your mother?"

"Mom, what you said, that’s not even a thing yet. But of course, it would be possible to introduce her to you as a friend." Wu Wang’s face reddened, and he quickly brought the topic back, asking urgently, "When you assisted me in driving off Ming Snake earlier, could that provoke retaliation from the Heavenly Emperor’s side?"

Cang Xue was silent for a moment, and Wu Wang’s heart tensed.

Suddenly Cang Xue laughed. "Wouldn’t it be fine just to deny it?"

"No... there would indeed be problems," Wu Wang raised his hand and rubbed his forehead, his mind racing.

Cang Xue said softly, "Don’t worry about this. Other Divine Spirits will not easily step foot into the Northern Wilderness, and I intervened only to save my own child. If this matter were to get out, they wouldn’t dare to say anything. There are some things I can’t yet tell you, but you don’t need to be too apprehensive or too concerned about the clan’s safety. Just play carefree in the Human Domain. If you feel uncomfortable, come back to your mother’s side. No one will dare to bully you then."

"Mom," Wu Wang thought carefully, "compared to the Human Emperor, who is stronger?"

"It’s naturally Senior Shen Nong," Cang Xue laughed. "Your mother is but a servant of the Star God; how could I compare to the Human Emperor?"

"What about the issue with your and Father’s Lifespans..."

"You needn’t worry about that," Cang Xue was silent for a moment, before saying, "When your strength is sufficient, I will reveal some secrets to you. I know you have a sharp mind, and I am also thinking of having you help me with some ideas. Just stay safely in the Human Domain for now. This Beast Tide in the north won’t last too long. Most of the Ten Evil Gods are not Innate Deities; they are Divine Spirits sealed by the Heavenly Emperor, so their strength isn’t too formidable. When you have the strength to surpass Ming Snake, your mother will be able to rest assured and rely on you."

Wu Wang took a deep breath, just about to speak when the necklace in his hand lost its glow.

This... Before I can surpass Ming Snake, will my parents’ Lifespans truly not run out? The Human race can only live for a few hundred years at most. Neither the Praying Star Technique nor the Body Cultivation methods of the Northern Wilderness extend one’s Lifespan.

Wu Wang couldn’t help but secretly worry about this matter.

「Before one disturbance had settled, another arose.」

Lin Suqing hurried over, pushed open the door, and exclaimed, "Young Master, you must go see this—Ji Mo and Lin Qi are fighting, and the Immortals nearby can’t even stop them!"

Wu Wang swept the area with his Spiritual Sense and saw that Ji Mo and Lin Qi were indeed tangled up in a fight not far away, which puzzled him too.

What’s the matter? Are they eyeing the same courtesan?

"Let’s go, quickly. If we are late, we’ll miss the fun."

Wu Wang gave a shout and strolled out of his dwelling. A bald, burly man hopped over to his side—it was Yang Wudi, his personal bodyguard.

Wu Wang said, "Wudi, there’s no need to be so tense."

"But I must, Sect Master," Yang Wudi hastily replied. "The Grand Elder said that if you lose a single hair, he’ll skin me one layer; if you break a fingernail, he’ll break one of my legs!"

Wu Wang, with a pained look, raised his hand, plucked two hairs from his head, then turned and handed them to Lin Suqing.

"Wrap them well, and go show them to the Grand Elder later."

"Okay!" Lin Suqing sweetly agreed, and Yang Wudi shivered all over, nearly bursting into tears.

Upon stepping out of the courtyard and walking past several wooden houses, Wu Wang arrived at the crowd of onlookers.

He wasn’t in a rush to go over and made a gesture; a Demonic Sect guard immediately brought over a reclining chair, a sunshade, and chilled fruit wine.

Wu Wang comfortably reclined in the chair as Lin Suqing peeled melon seeds, placing the plump, jade-like celestial melon seeds next to Wu Wang.

Yang Wudi called out, and the wall of people immediately parted to the left and right.

Ji Mo and Lin Qi also spotted Wu Wang and each jumped aside—one with a bruised nose and swollen face, the other with disheveled long hair—eliciting continual laughter from the surrounding cultivators.

With a leisurely tone, Wu Wang said, "Gentlemen, carry on with your fight."

Lin Qi bowed his head and cupped his hands. "Sorry to make you witness such an embarrassment, Teacher."

Ji Mo snorted and said, "I’ve never seen someone so muddled! Brother Wuwang, you say something about this guy!"

"What’s the matter?" Wu Wang sipped his fruit wine, wondering, "What’s with Lin Qi?"

"Teacher," Lin Qi said, "after reflecting for many days, I’ve understood many things. I’m not yet worthy of the Yan Emperor’s command. I wish to return it to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. Only after I temper myself and qualify to hold the command will I go back to the Pavilion to retrieve it, regardless of the trials I face."

Wu Wang fell silent upon hearing this, and Ji Mo immediately said, "You fought hard to obtain the Yan Emperor’s command only to return it. Are you trying to insult the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, or do you look down on His Majesty the Human Emperor?"

"Ah, Brother Ji," Wu Wang said with a smile, "it’s not that serious. After all, the Yan Emperor’s command is just that—a command representing a lineage, the inheritance of the position of the Human Emperor. If Lin Qi feels that he cannot hold the Yan Emperor’s command steadily right now, it’s perfectly fine for him to return it. This is beyond reproach. But Lin Qi, have you considered this?"

"Please tell me, Teacher."

"If you, having just suffered a scheme by the Ten Evils Hall, now return the Yan Emperor’s command to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion," Wu Wang tapped the armrest with his finger, "what would the Ten Evils Hall say? Would they say the son of the Lin Family is afraid of death? Or that the Human Emperor has chosen a coward as a candidate for Human Emperor?"

Lin Qi was taken aback. I hadn’t considered that.

"When the Ten Evils Hall is dealt with, if you still choose to do this, I will not persuade you otherwise."

Lin Qi sighed. "I’m dull-witted, making you worry, Teacher."

Wu Wang waved his hand. "Let it be. If you have the energy, head to the Northern Region to hunt evil beasts and earn some merit."

The cultivators bowed to Wu Wang and then dispersed. They didn’t know exactly what position Wu Wang held in the military, but seeing such an entourage, they assumed he must be someone of high status and power.

Ji Mo, looking pleased with himself, floated over to Wu Wang’s side. His eyes reflected deep thought. After humming thoughtfully for a bit, he then spoke warmly, "Brother Wuwang, I have an impertinent request, and I wonder if you might agree to it."

He whispered a few words into Wu Wang’s ear. Wu Wang’s eyes widened, and he shook his head like a rattle drum.

"How could that possibly be?"