C21 You Should Take It Seriously

On that day, two peculiar incidents occurred in Qing City.

First, the Ling family's young master had his three cronies cleaning the soles of a young man's shoes.

Secondly, Xuan Yao, the vice master of the Profound Moon Sect—the most prominent sect in Qing City—made an appearance at the Immortal Watching Tower.

While the first event might be dismissed as the antics of three madmen, the second was decidedly odd.

It was well-known that for a high-ranking member of the Profound Moon Sect to visit the Immortal Watching Tower, there were only two likely reasons: either there was trouble at the sect that the subordinates couldn't handle, or it was a significant day.

Yet, neither of these reasons applied!

Onlookers at the entrance and the patrons on the first floor of the Immortal Watching Tower watched Xuan Yao ascend the stairs with swift, agile steps that seemed at odds with his wrinkled face and graying hair. It was clear to all that something was amiss.

What urgent matter could possibly have the vice master of the Profound Moon Sect in such a rush?

Disregarding the speculation below, Xuan Yao made a beeline for the top floor.

The attendant at the corridor's entrance bowed upon seeing Xuan Yao and greeted him, "Vice Master."

"Where is he?" Xuan Yao asked, his voice tinged with the same urgency he had shown upon entering.

"He's inside."

"Does he really possess the Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill?"

"I'm not certain," the attendant replied, shaking his head. "I'm unfamiliar with the Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill."

"Very well, you may go," Xuan Yao said with a nod, gesturing for the attendant to leave.

The attendant had barely taken two steps when Xuan Yao inquired further, "Has that individual been looked into?"

The attendant paused at the staircase, nodding slightly. He cast a glance at the two individuals beside Xuan Yao but remained silent.

"Go ahead, speak."

"He is Shen Feixue, the useless young master who fled Qing Prefecture three years ago. Judging by the behavior of Ling Xiaofeng's three lackeys, it seems the Ling family may be aware of the Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill's existence."

True to its reputation as the leading sect in Qing Prefecture, the Profound Moon Sect had thoroughly investigated Shen Feixue's background within a mere four hours, uncovering details of his escape to the Celestial Sword Sect and the recent chain of events.

Of course, only the senior members of the Celestial Sword Sect and the Big Blade Sect were aware of the Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill's existence; they hadn't learned of it through their spies.

"He's been with the Celestial Sword Sect for three years? Where did he get his Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill from?" Xuan Qing pondered the most significant mystery in the recent intelligence.

It seemed impossible for the unremarkable Celestial Sword Sect to produce an Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill.

Xuan Yao was well aware of the many inconsistencies in the situation.

Why would a useless young master, who fled three years ago, return so conspicuously with an Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill? Facing Shen Feixue, Xuan Yao needed to remain composed and not be swayed by the allure of the pill.

It was common knowledge that the Mysteries Pavilion had orchestrated the Shen family's downfall three years prior, but the Profound Moon Sect and other powers had significantly contributed to the event.

Was Shen Feixue's appearance at the Immortal Watching Tower with the Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill a deliberate challenge to the Profound Moon Sect, or merely a coincidence?

These considerations compelled Xuan Yao, the vice master, to intervene personally.

"I'll meet with him first. You two stand guard at the door," Xuan Yao commanded, then entered the room alone.

Inside the guest room, Shen Feixue was seated at the table, pouring tea into a cup. He sensed someone's entrance but didn't look up, instead sliding a teacup forward with two fingers.

"Young Master, you certainly enjoy the finer things," Xuan Yao remarked, lifting the teacup. He had already discreetly assessed Shen Feixue's energy multiple times.

Despite Xuan Yao's Celestial Energy Stage cultivation, his findings were the same as any other at the Perception Stage—no evidence of opened meridians or acupoints.

This left Xuan Yao bewildered. A man who had been on the run for three years, with no change in appearance or advancement in cultivation—what was his purpose for returning?

Was it all because of an Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill?

While Xuan Yao was still contemplating, Shen Feixue, sitting across from him, spoke up, "Are you the one in charge?"

"I am Xuan Yao, the vice master of the Profound Moon Sect. My words carry some weight," Xuan Yao responded with a calm exterior, though his heart was anything but still.

"Let's begin," Shen Feixue said, extending her left hand as the golden pill rolled onto the table.

She was aware that for these sects, particularly the Profound Moon Sect, renowned as the premier sect in Qing Prefecture, reputation and prestige were paramount.

The reputation of Qing Prefecture's leading sect was incomparable to an Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill—like comparing clouds to mud.

Just as Shen Feixue anticipated, Xuan Yao spared only a brief glance at the Spirit Gathering Pill before shifting his attention away. An Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill, rare though it might be, wasn't worth committing murder or theft over, especially not in the Immortal Watching Tower.

He turned to Shen Feixue and inquired, "Aren't you going to introduce yourself, Young Master?"

"Shen Feixue," she replied succinctly, barely parting her lips.

With that, Xuan Yao realized that the young master once deemed useless had indeed changed.

Xuan Yao was somewhat familiar with the old Shen Feixue—timid, seemingly tailor-made for defeat. At fifteen, she had knelt and wept, pleading for her life amidst her family's ruin, prompting the Mysteries Pavilion to show mercy.

Yet now, three years later, the composure on her face was something many could not achieve in a lifetime, especially in the presence of an adversary.

Approaching seventy, Xuan Yao had a knack for reading people. He could see that Shen Feixue's serenity wasn't a mere facade. Only someone who had weathered great storms could exhibit such tranquility, let alone someone like Shen Feixue, who appeared to have etched indifference deep into her very marrow.

Moreover, according to the intelligence, this transformation had occurred only recently.

What had she gone through?

Xuan Yao was at a loss. He suspected that the reports from his informants might be incomplete. A more thorough investigation was necessary.

He kept his thoughts to himself and maintained a steady tone, "I heard you wanted to trade this Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill for a thousand Yellow Level Spirit Gathering Pills?"

"That was before you arrived, but I've since changed my mind."

"Let's hear it."

"We'll proceed with an auction, accepting only Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pills and Demonic Beast Cores as bids," Shen Feixue stated.

He had initially hoped to make the exchange discreetly, but it now seemed unlikely. So why not let the whole of Qing Prefecture in on it? Moreover, this method promised to be more valuable than a straightforward trade for a thousand Yellow Level Spirit Gathering Pills.

"At the Immortal Watching Tower?"

"It's the only suitable place in Qing City."

Xuan Yao stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and then declared, "The Profound Moon Sect will take a cut of the profits."

He had been ready to trade a thousand directly, with the pills already in his storage ring. Alas, the other party had changed their mind. Now, he would have to join the auction when the time came.

"Agreed," Shen Feixue replied coolly.

"As for the promotion and event management, the Profound Moon Sect will handle it. We'll take fifty percent of the auction's proceeds."

"Thirty percent!"

"Rest assured, our experience with the Treasure Appraisal Conference over the years makes us experts in this field. I estimate that the Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill, if converted to Yellow Level Spirit Gathering Pills, will fetch no less than three thousand," Xuan Yao said, his demeanor as genial as ever, his business acumen evident.

"Twenty percent!"

Damn!

Even Xuan Yao couldn't help but want to swear. Were it not for the Immortal Watching Tower, he might have resorted to physical reprimands.

What a way to haggle!

Internally cursing, he couldn't help but admire Shen Feixue. An ordinary person, boldly negotiating in the presence of a Celestial Energy Stage cultivator.

Impressive!

Whether she truly had substance or was just bluffing, Xuan Yao understood one thing for certain: she had realized he wouldn't dare act out in the Immortal Watching Tower, and that's why she was so brazen.

"It seems the change isn't just in her temperament!" Xuan Yao mused. The timid Shen Feixue from three years ago certainly wouldn't have noticed these subtleties.

For a moment, he found himself increasingly curious about Shen Feixue's experiences.

"One..."

The sound of a palm striking the table cut Shen Feixue off.

Xuan Yao shot up from his seat, already anticipating what Shen Feixue was about to say.

This was outrageous!

Absolutely outrageous!

This person was ready to take a swipe at her even if she remained silent.

If he didn't agree now, he might end up on the losing end. "Fine, twenty percent it is. We'll hold the Treasure Appraisal Conference on the fifteenth of next month!"

"No," Shen Feixue countered firmly. "Tomorrow, forty percent!"

With over twenty days until the fifteenth of next month, and holding a Yellow Level Spirit Gathering Pill, how much spiritual energy could be condensed into the Sword Core in that time? It would be absurd to waste those precious days.

"Agreed!"

In just a few exchanges, they had settled the matter. Shen Feixue's composure was unsettling.

Her calmness unnerved Xuan Yao. To him, it seemed as if the Earth Level Spirit Gathering Pill that Shen Feixue was about to offer was as inconsequential as a clump of dirt.

Xuan Yao didn't linger to chat with Shen Feixue. Though he wanted to learn more about her, her aloof demeanor made it clear that any further conversation would be fruitless. Why embarrass himself further?

It wasn't until he stepped outside that he slapped his forehead in annoyance.

In the room, he had completely forgotten his status as the vice master of the Profound Moon Sect, the preeminent sect of Qing City.

He had been led by the nose the entire time.

That was the power of presence!

Used to his high status, Xuan Yao quickly grasped the reason for his lapse once he came to his senses.

"Father, how did it go?" Xuan Qing, who had been waiting outside, inquired.

"Send word to our spies in Tianxi Town. I want them to uncover everything Shen Feixue has done in the Celestial Sword Sect over the past three years, including who he's met and what he's done. They must find out everything, even how often he visits the latrine at night!" Xuan Yao commanded, his face regaining its authoritative composure.

"If that's the case, our spies might blow their cover," Xuan Qing expressed his concern.

In Qing Prefecture, the Profound Moon Sect had numerous spies in every town, some of whom had even infiltrated the local sects.

"We must uncover the truth, even at the risk of exposure! We must find out at all costs!"

"Is it really worth it for a useless young master?"

Was it really worth it?

Despite sensing that Shen Feixue was still just an ordinary person, Xuan Yao was captivated by her serene composure and the inexplicable aura she exuded. To him, it was worth every risk.

"I'm entrusting the auction to you. I have urgent matters to attend to, so don't screw this up!" With those words, Xuan Yao descended the stairs alone, resolved to make a personal visit to Tianxi Town.

The purpose behind Shen Feixue's return remained a mystery, and with such significant changes afoot, the Profound Moon Sect had to preempt any potential threats.