txolops Chapter 69 I Don't Understand
Chapter 69 I Don't Understand
Tianxing City, Xinggong Elder Hall.
The towering palace is built on a single piece of green jade, with star-patterned spirit stones inlaid on the eaves and brackets, which glow faintly in the night.
The dome inside the hall is painted with a vast star map, which slowly rotates with the flow of spiritual energy, as if shrinking the entire chaotic starry sea into a small space.
The ground was paved with cold jade bricks, and every step was silent, yet it faintly exuded a murderous aura—this place was not to be entered by anyone other than a cultivator at the Core Formation stage or above.
In a side hall of the main hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.
An elderly man dressed in a dark blue Taoist robe with cloud patterns sat in the main seat. His robe was embroidered with three silver star emblems, and a jade talisman with the words "Enforcement Elder" hung at his waist. He was none other than Ning Jingyue, the third elder of the Enforcement Hall of the Star Palace in Tianxing City.
His beard and hair were as white as snow, his face was thin and refined, his eyes shone with a restrained brilliance, and his aura was as steady as an abyss, clearly indicating that he was at the Great Perfection of the late Core Formation stage.
He once fought against the demonic path alongside the former leader of the Miaoyin Sect and Zhou Yuan's father, and the two families had a long-standing friendship.
Before long, the palace doors opened slightly, and a purple figure slowly entered.
Zhou Yuan wore a deep purple dress with a light veil over it, her hair was styled with a star-patterned jade hairpin, and a token of the Star Palace Envoy hung at her waist.
She was graceful yet dignified, with a gentle smile in her eyes, though the smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Uncle Ning," Zhou Yuan curtsied, her voice gentle yet respectful, "It's been many years since we last met; you look even more radiant than before."
Ning Jingyue rose to greet her, a hint of kindness flashing in his eyes: "Yuan'er, please sit down. If your father were here, he would be pleased to see you now in charge of the Miaoyin Sect and highly regarded by the Star Palace."
The two sat down, and a servant served them "Concentrating Dew," a secret recipe from the Star Palace. The tea had a refreshing aroma and a subtle starlight effect.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ning Jingyue changed the subject slightly: "I've heard that the Miaoyin Sect has been having a rather abundant supply of spiritual herbs lately? Even rare items like the 'Heart-Clearing Pill' are being supplied steadily, and even my Enforcement Hall has received a few... Have you found a new channel?"
Zhou Yuan lightly stroked the teacup with her fingertips, her smile undiminished: "They are just some old acquaintances who happened to have some leftovers and couldn't bear to see our family in decline, so they offered a small helping hand."
"Oh?" Ning Jingyue's gaze narrowed slightly. "Anyone who can produce such high-quality spiritual herbs must be extraordinary. Could it be... Fellow Daoist Han Xiaoliu from the newly opened Mo Family Medical Clinic?"
Zhou Yuan's heart tightened, but her face remained calm: "Uncle Ning, what makes you say that? That Fellow Daoist Han is just a rogue cultivator. Although he has some wealth, he is just a playboy. To say that he can support the large-scale procurement of my Miaoyin Sect... is probably an overestimation."
"Is that so?" Ning Jingyue said slowly, "But as far as I know, he has been in the city for less than ten years, yet he has spent many nights at the Miaoyin Sect and spent lavishly. Such a background... is not like that of an ordinary rogue cultivator."
Zhou Yuan lowered her eyes, concealing the wariness in them.
She was well aware of Han Xiaoliu's sensitive identity. He was currently providing the Miaoyin Sect with over a million spirit stones worth of spiritual herbs a year. If his true identity were exposed, it would likely attract the covetous eyes of various parties.
She absolutely must not allow Xinggong to have direct contact with this person.
"Uncle Ning," she looked up, her voice soft yet firm, "even if there is indeed a benefactor helping us, it's because they cherish old friendships and don't want to publicize it. If I were to introduce them rashly, it would be impolite. Besides..." She paused, then smiled gently, "As you know, the situation in the Chaotic Star Sea is delicate right now, and the Wonderful Sound Sect is struggling to survive. There are some things we have to be extra cautious about."
Ning Jingyue was silent for a moment, then sighed: "Yuan'er, you've grown up. When your mother was still alive, she often said that you were clever and quick-witted, even more so than a man. Now it seems that she was right."
His tone softened, carrying a hint of elder's earnestness: "The Star Palace has no ill intentions. It's just that the demonic path has been stirring lately, and the righteous path needs to unite all available forces. If that fellow Daoist is truly sincere, the Star Palace is willing to treat him with the courtesy of a 'guest minister,' sharing resources and jointly resisting external enemies—this would also be an aid to your Myriad Sounds Sect."
Zhou Yuan sneered inwardly: Guest Elder? That sounds nice, but in reality, it's about bringing people under surveillance. Once Han Xiaoliu enters the Star Palace system, the Myriad Sounds Sect will no longer be able to enjoy its benefits alone.
But her face still showed gratitude: "Uncle Ning's kindness is deeply appreciated by this junior. However, this matter... requires the consent of that senior first. After all, he has never liked being bound by power. If I were to make an introduction without authorization, I fear it would displease him and damage the relationship between our two families."
"That's only right." Ning Jingyue nodded, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes, but he didn't insist. "Then you should convey Xinggong's message. Whether it succeeds or not depends entirely on his wishes. I only hope... that a misunderstanding won't cause us to miss out on a good match."
"Definitely." Zhou Yuan stood up and bowed respectfully. "This junior will certainly relay the information truthfully."
As Zhou Yuan left the Elders' Hall, a cool night breeze blew. She looked up at the starry sky, her gaze calm and serene.
She knew clearly in her heart: the Star Palace could be relied upon, but its trump card must never be revealed. Han Xiaoliu was the biggest variable and the most precious asset of the Miaoyin Sect at present. As long as he remained unexposed, the Miaoyin Sect would have a chance to breathe—and even a chance to turn the tide.
As Wang Heng's wife, Wang Ning's mother, and the actual leader of the Miaoyin Sect, she had to safeguard this flame.
Even when facing his father's close friend, the Star Palace Law Enforcement Elder.
As dusk fell, the depths of Miaoyin Gate were serene and picturesque.
A winding bluestone path meanders through the courtyard, flanked by swaying bamboo groves. Occasionally, a crane calls softly, and a clear spring trickles down from between the artificial rocks, flowing into a tranquil pool. Inside, the furnishings are simple and elegant. White gauze curtains flutter gently in the breeze, and incense burners on the tables emit a delicate, calming fragrance. A guqin and ink paintings of landscapes hang on the walls, and a glass lamp in the corner casts a soft glow, giving the entire room a serene and secluded atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Zhou Yuan sat upright in the main seat, her brows furrowed with weariness. She lightly tapped the table, summoning the disciple in charge of intelligence: "Go and investigate what Han Xiaoliu has been up to lately."
The disciple bowed and accepted the order, then quietly withdrew.
Zhou Yuan gazed at the darkening sky outside the window, her heart churning with worry: Xing Gong had actually tested her because of him… Though it was just a simple question, it already revealed his attention. If she didn't take precautions, it probably wouldn't be long before Xing Gong could follow the clues and discover their secret connection!
It seems that we must discuss this with Han Xiaoliu in person as soon as possible in order to determine the next steps.
Just as he was pondering, a purple shadow fluttered into the hall like a butterfly—it was the young Wang Ning.
She wore a light purple silk dress, her black hair cascaded down her back, her skin was as white as snow, and her clear eyes shone like stars. She clutched a thick book tightly in her arms and lightly rushed into Zhou Yuan's embrace.
"Mother!" She looked up at the book, pointing to a line of ancient seal script on the page, her voice soft and earnest, "What does this mean? The book says, 'Spiritual essence is innate, but can also be cultivated,' is that true?"
Zhou Yuan felt a warmth in her heart, and her fatigue lessened slightly.
She gently stroked her daughter's soft hair and said softly, "This is a saying from ancient books. It talks about certain special techniques or elixirs that can stimulate a weak spirituality in a mortal's body... However, only one in ten thousand can truly succeed." She patiently explained word by word, and Wang Ning listened attentively, nodding from time to time, her eyes sparkling with longing for the path of cultivation.
A few hours later, the intelligence disciple hurriedly returned, looking slightly surprised.
"Madam, we've found it."
"Speak." Zhou Yuan's expression hardened.
"Han Xiaoliu... opened a pharmacy called 'Mo Family Medical Clinic' in the mortal settlement on the east side of the island. He not only sells medicine at low prices, but also provides free spiritual root aptitude tests for mortals! This matter has spread throughout the island, and many people are queuing up every day to have their spiritual roots tested."
Zhou Yuan frowned slightly: "Has he taken those with spiritual roots as disciples or servants?"
"No." The disciple shook his head. "In the past few days, seven or eight people have been found to have spiritual roots, all of them ordinary aptitudes such as wood and earth. But Han Xiaoliu didn't keep a single one of them, letting them be taken away by nearby small sects or rogue cultivators, without taking a single penny."
Zhou Yuan was stunned, momentarily incredulous: "He went to so much trouble, yet he doesn't want anyone?"
Her fingertips unconsciously traced the rim of the teacup, her thoughts racing: If it wasn't to consolidate power, then what was he after? Could it be... that he was searching for some special physique? But the concept of a spiritual body is mostly found in the bloodlines of immortal cultivation families; how could it easily manifest among mortals?
"I don't understand..." she murmured, "but this is definitely not an act of excessive kindness."
Wang Ning blinked, looked up, and asked, "Mother, is this person... a good person?"
Zhou Yuan remained silent for a moment, her gaze deep, and slowly said, "On the path of cultivation, there are no absolutely good or evil people. To those poor mortals, he is naturally a benefactor for giving them medicine and divination; but for himself, his actions must have ulterior motives."
She pulled her daughter into her arms, her voice low but firm: "Whether he's good or bad isn't determined by what he did, but by how he treats us. Remember, Ning'er—in this chaotic star sea, cultivators who don't scheme won't survive until tomorrow."
The little girl nodded emphatically, remembering her mother's words firmly in her heart!
Outside the window, the night wind rustled through the bamboo forest, as if heaven and earth were whispering: what kind of game is hidden beneath this seemingly benevolent act?