"Thank you, Sister. But my cultivation is not a problem. On the other hand, Brother Ren, even with his physique fully revealed, will still be the slowest of us. As a blacksmith, he has no reason not to take such a pill when the time comes for it. After all, he only needs big arms to strike with his hammer, not the subtle control of each one of his acupoints."
"Hey!"
This little quip and the over-exaggerated response of Ren Chao finally brought back an atmosphere the four of them were more familiar with. All of them began to laugh. And more banters between Sun Liao and Ren Chao ensued. However, in Sun Liao's mind, there was a seed now. He would completely focus on his cultivation. With enough efforts, he was certain that he could catch up with Mei Hua. After all, he was truly a genius! Cao Yun was an abnormal case, but Mei Hua was not that much more talented than him. There was no way he could lose by a lot.
Thankfully, Sun Liao wasn't as arrogant as before. As such, he had no hard feeling against Mei Hua. But her sudden progress had completely motivated him to soar higher and faster.
While the four friends were laughing among each other, Mei Hua being very enthusiastic for once, Xiao Xuefeng was talking with Matriarch Huang.
Mostly, their conversation was about Matriarch Huang explaining clearly what she had gotten out of Can Mouye while Xiao Xuefeng reported on the events that had happened in the Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute. Although both women were very cordial, there was still some tension between them. One had to read between the lines to understand what was going on. Despite being allies, there were things that just couldn't be told to outsiders. Yet, they needed to share information about demonic cultivators. Where the subject was more delicate was about suspicions concerning the involvement of the Imperial City. And Xiao Xuefeng could not reveal all the secrets of Director Ge Ling either. However, she did reveal what had been stolen during the stampede, the real goal of the demonic cultivators.
Even Huang Liyue was not authorized to be present. Against Xiao Xuefeng, she knew that even her stealth would not keep her hidden. In fact, she would have probably been able to detect her even if she were weaker. After all, Xiao Xuefeng had the most sensitive spiritual senses. Now that she was in front of Matriarch Huang, even she had to admit that despite her attempted breakthrough, she was still not up to a challenge with her spiritual senses. This woman was just too good with her soul.
After the conversation, Matriarch Huang Yufeng even believed that Xiao Xuefeng would maybe be the first one to finally step into the Sage realm since the beginning of the Forsaken Dao Era. Indeed, she had been the first one to forge a Spirit pill successfully. And her control over her soul and Soul Embryo were beyond imagination. The only real dream of Matriarch Huang Yufeng, besides seeing her family prosper of course, was to reach this legendary realm even if she were to die of old age soon after. Before breathing her last breath, she wanted to feel this realm in her flesh and in her soul. The idea that a junior could maybe break through was even more fuel to push her toward this goal. In fact, if someone were to break through before her, she could maybe get some pointers.
Matriarch Huang Yufeng was not ready to humble herself in front of anyone. But if she could finally step into the Sage realm, she would seek the advice of Xiao Xuefeng without any arrogance or pride.
-
Finally, a few days passed and Xiao Xuefeng decided to bring everyone back to the Wubei Sect. The only one who refused her offer was Yun Ping. His cheerful nature had been ripped away from him with his left arm. Understanding what was going on in his mind, Xiao Xuefeng decided to give him some time. As a fourth-year, he had no real reason to go back immediately. On the other hand, she couldn't wait too long to bring Cao Yun and his friends back. In a month or so, they would become third-years and the Ancient Ruins would be open to them. However, if they missed the opening, they could never enter it. Losing such an opportunity would be a serious mistake.
Thus, Cao Yun, Ren Chao, Sun Liao and Mei Hua all followed Xiao Xuefeng and rode on the Cloud-Drifting Crane. That 8-core demonic beast was not as fast as Elder Ying, a Blue Mane Falcon, but it was still very impressive nonetheless. One last time before leaving, Cao Yun visited the Mountain Fenghuang egg to make sure that everything was fine. He even touched it and felt that the chick inside was full of life. Now that it was in an environment naturally brimming with Qi, it was better.
Xiao Xuefeng used this travel as a good occasion to share important information with the four of them. Although only Cao Yun and Mei Hua had a close relationship with her, she knew that all four of them had sworn a brotherhood oath. And she knew them well enough because of her investigations to be certain of their loyalty. As such, she decided to share what she knew with them all. Because it also concerned the Ancient Ruins, this was important.
Through telepathy, she told them that the demonic cultivators would probably try and execute their plan inside the Ancient Ruins. Everything seemed to point in that direction. All they had planned up until now would culminate there. They had already gotten what they wanted from the Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute and now they only lacked something in the Wubei Sect. She stayed very vague on what had been stolen in her institute. Then she confessed that no one had any idea on what they were looking for in the Ancient Ruins. But this wasn't up to her to explain this place, the Wubei Sect would soon do it. However, she insisted on the fact that they had to be cautious.
Although she had done everything to check all the soon-to-be third-years, she had found no demonic cultivator. That being said, she had not been able to detect neither Luduo Bu nor Lu Meihan. Maybe some orthodox cultivators had already turned traitors. Unless she violated their souls, she couldn't know as she couldn't just watch their memories like a God-Monarch could.
The Wubei Sect had thought about closing the Ancient Ruins this year, but this would be a real blow to the disciples as those Ancient Ruins could bring great benefits. Moreover, the demonic cultivators would just have to wait. With more time, they might even get stronger while Sect Leader Xuan was getting older and older, and consequently weaker and weaker. After many discussions within the Wubei Sect, the decision was made. It was better to burst the abscess now than to wait for an hypothetic better chance later. In fact, Cao Yun's presence played a huge role in that decision.
This generation of outer disciples was less numerous but more talented. They had Mei Hua, Sun Liao and Cao Yun. Even Ren Chao was a special case thanks to his physique. And now that it had fully awakened, he would probably be able to resist against a Mortal Warrior in a pure physical fight. Damn, he might even be able to stand his ground against weak Qi Manifestations. There would never be a better batch of disciples. As such they needed to go through the Ancient Ruins as their benefits may be way higher than usual. And they were also a great deterrent against demonic cultivators. The fact that they had tried to assassinate Cao Yun beforehand was another proof of the matter.
Spirit Master Xiao kept none of that secret so that they all fully understood the situation. On the other hand, she only told Cao Yun what had been stolen from the Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute.
Deep within the institute, protected by even sturdier walls, there was a very small tree. Almost no leaf was present on this tree whose branches were incredibly thin and brittle. Anyone watching it would think that a wind a bit too strong could uproot this tree. Yet, there was a sense of majesty to it. Under the light of the sun, it appeared to be made of pure silver. That frail tree was one of the great treasures of the Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute, the Heavenly Silver Peach Tree.
This Heavenly Silver Peach Tree was considered as a 3-star Spirit plant. Although it had almost no leaf, it was able to produce a handful of fruits every century. It wasn't very regular but one could hope to get one peach every thirty or forty years. Each fruit was also rather small, but they had great properties. In theory such a tree should have had a bit of awareness but it was so old that it had completely dulled down. According to some experts, the tree itself should have died a long time ago. Only by the efforts of the various directors of the Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute was this Heavenly Silver Peach Tree saved.
After explaining what the tree was, Xiao Xuefeng went on to speak about the theft.
"During the stampede, someone was able to get inside the room of the Heavenly Silver Peach Tree and plucked the fruit it had formed. This implies that they knew the fruit had matured. If they had come the following year, we would have already harvested it. Thus, they had very good information. And I can't shake off the feeling that the demonic cultivators used the boy in Yinmen City to make me go investigate the Wubei Sect. Maybe it had helped them prepare their theft, but since there is indeed a Spirit Warrior demonic cultivator in the Wubei Sect, he has been able to observe me. During the stampede, I am certain that the 9-core demonic beasts had targeted me in particular. Someone had trained them explicitly to stall for time while their operative was stealing from us."
Before Cao Yun asked the question, Xiao Xuefeng answered.
"The peaches from the Heavenly Silver Peach Tree can strengthen someone's soul, cure souls, but also, among other things, erase soul seals. Considering a demonic cultivator stole it, I would imagine that this is either to heal his injured soul or Soul Embryo, or to erase a seal that was forced on him. Since this tree has such a high grade, this is really not an ordinary medicine anyone can use. Only a late Spirit Warrior can really benefit from this treatment.
"And yes, we also know who the thief is, Gu Song, a 4th-grade Spirit Warrior. There is no way he practiced any form of demonic cultivation, I am certain of it. So, he has either been threatened in some way, or more likely, he decided to betray us. Unfortunately I don't know him enough to know the reasons behind his betrayal. But we're going to find him one way or another. And I can tell you that I will get my answers. Next year I will remain in the Wubei Sect to oversee what happens around the Ancient Ruins. But then, I will help my sister Hua Fenfei with chasing after this traitor."
-
The flight back to the Wubei Sect was uneventful. Everyone was busy cultivating in some capacity. But from time to time, Xiao Xuefeng took some time so that they could rest. Each time, the four young disciples could freely talk among each other and relax, catching up a little and even giving each other advice.
"By the way, Brother Chen, I've met with Miss Feng Yingyue..." There was a bit of amusement in Mei Hua's eyes when she asked Cao Yun. "She told me how much she was missing you. Then, we talked about many things. Apparently, you're a very good Dao companion."
Immediately, Cao Yun coughed up the tea he was drinking while Ren Chao and Sun Liao were smiling to his face. For the first time, Mei Hua actively took part in their banter. And she found it quite pleasing. Of course, she had never talked about such intimate subjects with Feng Yingyue, especially not under the circumstances, with a stampede looming over their heads.
"Sister, I don't think appropriate to talk about this."
"Why is that, Brother? Aren't we from the same family now? I want to know how it goes between you and your lady." Ren Chao was the first one to press his brother, but everyone was amused by Cao Yun's reaction. Although he was the most powerful of the group, he was acting very shy right now.
"Maybe Brother Ren just wants some advice for his reunion with Miss Wang Mei."
"Hey!"
"Oh sorry. I know nothing will happen for two more years, that's right..."
"Yeah... And don't you need some advice with Long Huafang? After you leave the Ancient Ruins, there's no reason for you both to restrain yourself, right? Won't you officially become Dao companions?" Ren Chao and Sun Liao were now used to this little game.
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
"Oh? So you just want to play with Sister Long Huafang without taking responsibility? I should just warn her against a wolf in sheep's clothing like you." Now that Mei Hua was also taking part in their banter, she knew where to push.
"I never said that! What I meant was... Damn! But we're only talking among us brothers, what about you, Sister? Don't you have any interest in some young cultivator?"
As a boomerang, her little provocation had gone back to bite her. And now all the guys were staring at Mei Hua who was becoming a bit red in the face. Previously, they would have never thought about teasing her, but she had clearly warmed up to the group. After all, she had sworn brotherhood with them. As her relation with her little sister attested, she took this kind of relation seriously. Besides, she had never had any brother, so she was very pleased with these three she had found.
"Well... I'm not thinking about those things yet. I'm still too young."
"What?! Brother Chen is younger than you, right?! At least, tell us your type. We'll find a suitable candidate."
Sensing her disciple's plight, Xiao Xuefeng chuckled a little and went to the four of them. It was time to resume the journey back home.