Chapter 1028: Snow Peak Four Elders
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“Sure, as long as the people from western lands agree.”
He gave Chu Qingcheng a long look and understood the situation, that it would not help Zhuo Fan’s case either way. By looking at their hands so tightly held, Ouyang Lingtian had a guess as to what they might be. There was no reason not to indulge him this small request and nodded.
He couldn’t just as well turn antagonistic, not before having an idea of who Zhuo Fan was, where he came from and the side he took.
Zhuo Fan gave a smile and a nod, then turned to Shui Ruohua.
She got the idea, seeing how Chu Qingcheng and him were so close, it might actually work in Chu Qingcheng’s favor and help her recover faster. She gave her approval and let go of Chu Qingcheng’s hands.
Chu Qingcheng showed a faint smile, finally at Zhuo Fan’s side and sticking to his arm like glue.
Sea Bright Sect’s elder escorted Zhuo Fan and the guards under careful watch, just like prisoners.
Shangguan Qingyan witnessed from the side with worry for Zhuo Fan on one hand, and confusion on the other. Zhuo Fan had never been thoughtful to any woman around her, to the point he’d even do all he could not to disturb her sleep.
[But who is she?]
“Junior sister Shui, what is going on? Who is he and why did you let junior sister Qingcheng go with him?”
“I don’t know either, but they seem to be very close. Qingcheng felt at peace around him. I believe that letting her stay with him will help her recover.”
Wu Qingqiu rushed to Shui Ruohua for an answer, but she didn’t know much else either.
Yan Mo grumbled, “How can you be so careless? He’s too much of an enigma and has the Sea Bright Sect watching him. By letting Chu Qingcheng go with him might end up with using her as a shield in the end. How are we going to save her then, in Sea Bright Sect’s home no less? They wouldn’t just cave under his conditions just because you’re a western lands disciple.”
“What else was I supposed to do? You saw it too, her hands were glued to him and wouldn’t let go.”
“Her mind is lost, so of course she’s being hard on us. Don’t you get that simple truth?”
“Why you…”
Yan Mo and Shui Ruohua bickered, with Wu Qingqiu frowning in thought. He then rushed over and cupped his hands at Ouyang Lingtian, “Senior Ouyang, my junior sister with a frail mind has now gone with that unknown man. I only ask senior to look after her if anything happens…”
“I understand, you don’t have to say it. But there’s no need to worry, since he has no ill-will towards your junior sister.” Ouyang Lingtian cut him off with a dismissive wave.
Wu Qingqiu looked lost, “Senior, how are you so sure…”
“His feelings for your junior sister are plain to see and she leans on him too. This can’t be faked.” Ouyang Lingtian spoke, “I’ve been around for many years and can read a situation. Your junior sister will be in complete safety at his side, ha-ha-ha…”
Ouyang Lingtian laughed and patted his shoulder then left them there confused.
Ouyang Lingtian walked to his son and raised his hand, making Ouyang Changqing tuck his head and kneel with a sullen look.
Ouyang Lingtian watched his reckless and wild son with gnashed teeth, lowering his hand in the end, resorting to chiding, “Damn it boy, have you any idea what storm you stirred today? You not only caused so much harm to your fellow disciple sealed as they are, needing to be taken to Heaven Sealing Pavilion to recover, you also forced me to take the Heaven Sealing Sword from its place, weakening the barrier. What if Invincible Sword used this chance to strike? If the sect fell, it would all be on you!”
“I need to get the sword back at once and report to Sect Leader about Steward Qian. Once everything is settled I’ll come deal with you!”
Ouyang Lingtian flicked his sleeve and flew away, leaving Ouyang Changqing with a pained gaze and disgruntled face.
[Then I wish for it to never settle! As long as dad’s busy, he won’t deal with me.]
“This Ouyang Changqing…”
Murong Xue could read him like a book, shaking her head and saying, “Yan’er, don’t you think he hasn’t matured one bit-, uh, Yan’er…”
Shangguan Qingyan wasn’t there though.
Wu Qingqiu had got Ouyang Lingtian’s answer and consoled his group before leaving as well.
As he went, Wu Qingqiu’s mind was deep in thought.
Shui Ruohua suddenly found her path blocked by someone unnexpected, “Miss, are you…”
“Shangguan Qingyan from eastern lands.” She made a bow.
Shui Ruohua looked puzzled, “Miss Shangguan, why have you suddenly appeared like this?”
“I want to know everything about that lady, down to the smallest detail. Can you tell me?” Shangguan Qingyan looked straight in Shui Ruohua’s eyes.
Shui Ruohua started in confusion.
[Why is she interested in Qingcheng?]
Shui Ruohua gauged her restless eyes and nodded in the end…
An hour later, the moon now replaced the sun in the sky as the night fell.
A flash of light appeared on Beyond Heaven Island, on the highest pavilion, connecting it to the sky, making it a true abode of immortals.
Ouyang Lingtian appeared here, walking towards the copper pillar, two meters tall by half meter wide, covered in signs that glowed faintly.
He took a deep breath, and presented the Heaven Sealing Sword with utmost respect, “I have borrowed the divine sword and now come to return it. I ask the four venerables to activate the barrier and put the divine sword in its rightful place!”
“Ha-ha-ha, that was quick.”
An aged voice echoed in the pavilion, followed by the appearance of four elders with white beards on each side of the copper pillar, “Lingtian, we have lent the sword on account of the sect being in mortal danger. Now that you have come to return it, we would like some answers.”
Ouyang Lingtian shook his head, “The misfortune of the sect came upon by my wretched son, almost unleashing a calamity…”
Ouyang Lingtian sighed and gave a full account of the events. The elders turned grave.
“Changqing is a good seed with his amazing talent, but it got to his head and affects his mind. The stronger he is the bigger the fall. Lingtian, he’s your son and you need to set him straight. Regardless of his great future, it will only bring glory to the sect as long as he walks on the righteous path. But if he turns evil, the world will suffer. He cannot be indulged!”
“I shall take Venerable’s advice to heart.” Ouyang Lingtian felt ashamed.
The four made signs and the barrier on the pillar opened. One elder gestured and the Heaven Sealing Sword in Ouyang Lingtian’s hands flew above the copper pillar, hovering quietly.
The elders changed their signs and the barrier was restored.
The Heaven Sealing Sword shone brightly in an icy blue glow, but withe barrier in place, it did not travel far, sucked in by the copper pillar.
The entire sect’s barrier shook then and took on an icy blue glow, mystical and enchanting.
The four elders nodded, “Now the sect barrier is strong and peace is restored. Not even Invincible Sword can get in, ha-ha-ha…”
“Yes, Venerables, I shall now take my leave as I have matters to discuss with Sect Leader.” Patriarch bowed.
The four waved him off and he withdrew.
Their eyes, however, failed to notice a delicate shadow watching on like a viper.
“That’s why there’s not a guard around Heaven Sealing Pavilion, the strongest four sword guardians, Snow Peak Four Elders, watch it.”
The pillar’s shadow wiggled and Bali Yuyu appeared in the darkness, looking at the four elders with a frown, “The four combined have the power of a Sword King, just as strong as Ouyang Lingtian. Getting the sword will be difficult, not to mention a long battle that will draw in more trouble. What to do?”