Chapter 146: Meeting Shi Feiyan
Meanwhile, in a different corner of this desolate world, another story unfolded. Far to the south, nestled within a valley teeming with vibrant flora, a combined camp buzzed with activity. This was the temporary haven constructed by the Azure Peak Sect and the Emerald Sea Palace.
Sect Leader Deng, a wiry man with a neatly trimmed beard and a steely glint in his eyes, meticulously reviewed the reports submitted by his scouting teams. A satisfied smirk played on his lips. Their strategy, a collaborative effort devised by him and Palace Mistress Gao Ming, was proving highly effective. Multiple teams, comprised of elite disciples from both sects, scoured the surrounding area, systematically eliminating the local beast population.
“Impressive,” he murmured, his voice heavy with satisfaction. The average kill count for their disciples hovered between 500 and 1000, a remarkable feat considering the limited time they had spent in this desolate world.
And the leaders themselves? Their kill counts were truly staggering. Sect Leader Deng boasted a staggering 11,234 points, his prowess with the Fire Attribute a blazing inferno against the unsuspecting beasts. Palace Mistress Gao Ming, a woman of ethereal beauty with a deceptively sharp mind, wasn’t far behind with a kill count of 8,672. Her mastery of the Water Attribute techniques allowed her to dispatch beasts with an almost effortless grace.
Their combined efforts had secured the region around their camp, creating a safe haven for their disciples. The air crackled with a healthy sense of competition, with both sects vying to outdo each other in the Trial of the Slaughter.
As the day wore on, Liu Xue’s group approached a massive clearing. In the distance, nestled amidst the towering rock formations, they spotted a vibrant oasis – the combined camp of the Azure Peak Sect and the Emerald Sea Palace. Relief washed over Liu Xue. They had reached their destination.
As they got closer, figures emerged from the camp, their movements indicating a mixture of curiosity and cautious alertness. Liu Xue, recognizing a familiar face amongst them, stepped forward.
“Greetings, fellow cultivators,” she called out, her voice ringing clear. “We come in peace, a scouting party from the Jade Lotus Palace sect stationed to the north.”
Relief washed over Liu Xue’s group as they were ushered into the Azure Peak and Emerald Sea Palace’s combined camp. Shelters of woven wood and hides lined a central clearing, bustling with activity.
Disciples sparred in open areas, their movements a blur of color against the harsh desert backdrop. The air crackled with a vibrant energy, a stark contrast to the desolate world outside.
Liu Xue exchanged pleasantries with a young woman from the Emerald Sea Palace, their conversation a mix of cautious curiosity and shared experiences in the desolate world.
Meanwhile, a flurry of activity unfolded behind the scenes. Disciples of both sects, their voices laced with urgency, rushed to inform their leaders about the Jade Lotus Palace scouts’ arrival.
Within a secluded pavilion, Sect Leader Deng, his brow furrowed in concentration, was interrupted by a harried disciple. “Sect Leader,” he panted, “disciples from the Jade Lotus Palace have arrived at the camp. They seem to be a scouting party.”
Deng’s eyes narrowed. “Jade Lotus Palace? Interesting. How many are there?”
“A small group, Sect Leader. Mostly disciples, with a couple of elders leading them.”
Deng stroked his neatly trimmed beard, a contemplative glint in his eyes. “Welcome them. Offer them hospitality and see if we can glean any useful information from them.”
Across the camp, Palace Mistress Gao Ming received a similar report from one of her disciples. Her reaction, however, was far more casual. “Oh? Jade Lotus Palace, you say? Excellent. Have them escorted to the guest quarters. Ensure their comfort and needs are met.”
A hint of a smile played on her lips. Perhaps this unexpected arrival held the potential for some interesting developments.
As these messages relayed through the ranks, Wang Li, ever the silent observer, sent a brief message to Liu Xue through their shared spiritual sense. “I’ll explore the camp for a bit, Xue’er. We’ll meet up soon.”
Before she could even respond, he slipped away.
Wandering through the bustling camp, Wang Li’s gaze darted around, taking in the layout of the combined camp. Well-organized tents lined the perimeter, each one emblazoned with the insignia of either sect. Groups of disciples sparred in practice arenas, their movements honed and sharp.
Wang Li’s sharp eyes noticed an interesting phenomenon – a peculiar closeness forming between certain members of the two sects.
Young men from the Azure Peak Sect, their robes a deep blue, engaged in lighthearted conversation with female disciples of the Emerald Sea Palace, their robes shimmering emerald, green. Laughter filled the air, a stark contrast to the harshness of the desolate world outside.
‘Something’s brewing here,’ Wang Li thought, a smirk curling his lips. ‘This camaraderie feels somewhat… orchestrated.’ His gaze fell on Sect Leader Deng, who was observing the interactions with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
A plan, sharp and cunning, began to take shape in Wang Li’s mind.
‘Sect Leader Deng’s not just collaborating with the Emerald Sea Palace due to strategic reasons,’ he concluded.
‘He’s playing a long game. By encouraging these… bonds between the disciples, he’s laying the groundwork for a future merger. Once a significant number of female disciples from the Emerald Sea Palace are emotionally attached to Azure Peak disciples, merging the sects becomes a much easier proposition. Palace Mistress Gao Ming wouldn’t be able to stop him then. The combined entity would be a powerhouse, boasting double the Soul Integration Realm experts and a significantly larger pool of disciples and elders.’
Wang Li, despite his grudging admiration for Sect Leader Deng’s scheming, couldn’t allow the Azure Peak Sect to become too powerful. A dominant Azure Peak Sect, merged with the Emerald Sea Palace, would pose a significant threat not just to the other righteous sects, but also to his own Three Peaks Alliance.
Directly approaching Palace Mistress Gao Ming wouldn’t work. She wouldn’t readily trust his words, viewing it as a ploy to sow discord. He needed a more subtle approach.
Thankfully, a memory flickered in his mind. Shi Feiyan, a bright-eyed disciple of the Emerald Sea Palace, owed him a favor. He’d exposed the truth about Ye Fan, the demon who destroyed her former sect, the Stone Mountain Sect. Back then, he’d promised to wait until she reached Nascent Soul Realm before accepting her so that when he ever kills Ye Fan, she can witness it personally from her eyes.
Fortunately, Shi Feiyan was among the disciples who’d entered this inheritance site. With a flick of his spiritual sense, he located her aura on the outskirts of the combined camp, residing in a solitary hut.
Satisfied with the seemingly secure location, Wang Li deactivated his invisibility cloak, no longer requiring the Yin Attribute to maintain it. He materialized before the entrance, a confident stride leading him inside.
Inside, Shi Feiyan was deep in cultivation. The sound of footsteps jolted her awake, hand instinctively flying to the hilt of her sword. But when the door creaked open to reveal Wang Li, a gasp escaped her lips. Surprise battled with delight in her eyes.
“Patriarch Wang!” she exclaimed, dropping her sword to her side in a surprised salute. “You… you grace me with your presence?”
Wang Li chuckled, his voice warm and disarming. “Greetings, Shi Feiyan. It seems you’ve settled in quite well here.” He gestured towards the simple interior of the hut.
Shi Feiyan flushed. “It’s nothing compared to your own accommodations, Patriarch.” Her voice was laced with a hint of awe. “But tell me, what brings you here?”
He stepped inside, his gaze sweeping the room before settling back on her. “Remember the favor you owe me, Shi Feiyan?” His voice was a low murmur, sending shivers down her spine.
Her eyes widened in recognition. “Of course, Patriarch! I will never forget your kindness in exposing Ye Fan’s treachery.”
“Excellent,” Wang Li purred. “The time has come for you to repay that debt.”
He launched into his explanation, detailing Sect Leader Deng’s hidden agenda, the subtle manipulation of the disciples through orchestrated “closeness.” He didn’t reveal his own presence as an invisible observer, of course. Instead, he painted a picture of himself as a concerned outsider who had overheard whispers of Deng’s plan.
Shi Feiyan listened intently, her brow furrowing with concern. “Are you certain, Patriarch? This is a grave accusation.”
“As certain as the sunrise,” Wang Li asserted, his voice firm. “I fear that the Sect Leader Deng’s ambitions are far-reaching. He seeks to dominate not just the other righteous sects, but other cultivation families as well.”
Shi Feiyan’s grip tightened on her sword hilt. The thought of the Azure Peak Sect becoming a tyrannical power sent a tremor through her. “I understand, Patriarch. I will do my part to expose these… machinations.”
A satisfied smile tugged at Wang Li’s lips. He’d planted the seed of doubt in Shi Feiyan’s mind. “Remember, Shi Feiyan,” he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “discretion is key. Do not reveal the source of your information. Let Palace Mistress Gao Ming come to her own conclusions.”
“I will not disappoint you, Patriarch,” Shi Feiyan vowed, her determination unwavering.
