Chapter 16: The Sect Leader's Husband |
Tu Han led that disciple not along the main road, but along a narrow trail to the elder responsible for the sect's laws.
Elder Su Po tactfully and calmly questioned the disciple, then said:
"Do not speak of this to anyone. Understood?"
The disciple still didn't understand what had happened, but he certainly knew it was related to the food box. He guessed that Song Yang Qing had done something. If he hadn't mentioned Song Yang Qing, would it have caused such a reaction? So he quickly nodded: "This disciple understands."
Su Po waved him away.
After Tu Han made sure the disciple had left, he turned and approached, leaning on his crutch. He said in a hoarse voice:
"Elder, our Supreme Purity Sect is quite a renowned sect. Since a disciple has stooped so low, are we just going to let him off so easily?"
Su Po was silent for a moment, then asked: "Investigate? How do you propose to investigate?"
Tu Han said angrily:
Su Po slowly closed his eyes: "You understand better than others that after the destruction of Ning Wang, who had pulled us under his wing, every sect is now eyeing us like prey. However, they all fear the Song family, who supports us. If not for them, our sect would have been destroyed long ago. The imperial court destroyed Ning Wang, but left us crippled. How can we go against the Song family now? Should the Song family merely show that they are no longer associated with us, other sects will immediately descend upon us. And who is more important, Song Yang Qing or the Supreme Purity Sect?"
Tu Han said with fierce hatred:
"Elder. The Supreme Purity Sect no longer holds much importance for the Song family. And the only reason for their concern is that Song Shu is a disciple of the Supreme Purity Sect. However, they already act arrogantly, having risen to their current position. Now, the Song family is only waiting for an opportunity to abandon the Supreme Purity Sect. And they certainly aren't thinking of how to protect the Supreme Purity Sect. Sooner or later, they will abandon the sect. This disciple suggests we abandon everything now and go into reclusion for a while. Instead of waiting here for death to come!"
"It's good that you only say such things to me. Don't speak of this to anyone else, especially not in front of people. Otherwise, everyone will question your position!" Su Po lightly sighed and looked at Tu Han:
"If that day truly comes, remember: don't worry about this place. You must leave immediately, go to Werewolf Ridge, and find your master!"
Tu Han wanted to say something, but Su Po interrupted him:
"Enough, let's not speak of this. Go back and protect Niu You Dao well. Dong Guo Hao Ran was skilled in physiognomy. And since he took Niu You Dao as a disciple, there must have been a reason for it. He didn't act without purpose. Nothing must happen to Niu You Dao!"
"Understood!" Tu Han nodded sadly and left.
Not a blessing, but a curse. In his previous life, he avoided close relationships, but in this one, he was bound to marriage beforehand.
Under the peach tree, red lanterns glowed. The lanterns also illuminated the peach blossoms, making the scene quite enchanting.
Although Peach Blossom Spring looked magically beautiful, there was no festive atmosphere in the Supreme Purity Sect. They didn't even hold a wedding banquet, let alone inviting guests from other sects to such a ceremony.
A crowd of inner-circle disciples stood watching the ceremony, and among them was Song Yang Qing. He watched Tang Yi, dressed in red robes, as she and Niu You Dao bowed to each other.
Anger could be seen in Song Yang Qing's eyes. People stood beside him, ready to restrain him at any moment.
"Enter the wedding chambers!" the wedding officiant's voice rang out.
After drinking two cups of wedding wine, the guests began to disperse. Some grieved, some shook their heads, and others had mixed feelings.
However, quite a few people looked at the gloomy Song Yang Qing and found it amusing. Everyone knew that Song Yang Qing loved Tang Yi. Who wouldn't love a beauty? But no one in the sect dared to compete with him, and now a country bumpkin had appeared and snatched Tang Yi. Therefore, some rejoiced in another's misfortune.
The doors to the room opened, and the newlyweds entered. They looked at the lit red candles.
After they drank the wine, the attendants removed their wedding attire and left, closing the door behind them and leaving the newlyweds alone.
A propitious fragrance wafted through the room. However, the somber Niu You Dao occasionally glanced at the beauty sitting beside him. He didn't know what to say. Furthermore, he still didn't understand what this meant. Was there a catch? Therefore, he acted with extreme caution.
And Tang Yi also sat calmly and motionlessly. It was strange.
The two sat like that until dawn the next day. They didn't even hold hands. Then someone knocked from outside, and Tang Yi left.
Later, a male and female disciple entered and said to Niu You Dao:
"Sect Leader Tang has affairs to attend to. We will leave."
"Mm!" Niu You Dao nodded.
And when everyone had left, he immediately fell asleep and only woke up in the evening.
When he emerged from the room, the red lanterns and red silk hanging everywhere stood out vividly.
Niu You Dao immediately saw Tu Han, who was lighting red lanterns under the peach tree. As soon as Tu Han saw Niu You Dao, he immediately approached him, and they entered the courtyard together.
Dressed in a large red robe, Niu You Dao stood under the peach tree, looking at the shining Supreme Purity Palace on the other side of the cliff.
Night gradually descended, and a single peach petal fell onto his shoulder.
Niu You Dao only saw Tang Yi on their wedding day; on other days, they did not meet. Tang Yi would only come on New Year's to dine with him, sitting opposite each other. Then he would sleep in his room, and she would sleep in the neighboring room and leave at dawn.
Niu You Dao felt a sense of seclusion, tranquility, and loneliness after the wedding. Occasionally, Cheng Gui Shuo and others would converse with him. He found their company more pleasant and interesting than that of the boring Tu Han.
However, Tu Han had a fondness for alcohol and often carried a gourd with him. And after drinking, he became more cheerful.
During such times, Niu You Dao would talk with him and occasionally glean useful information.
For example, that after their wedding, Tang Yi had become the new Sect Leader.
This meant he had become the Sect Leader's husband! Only a husband who was under house arrest. However, Niu You Dao still didn't understand what the Supreme Purity Sect wanted from him? And no one gave him an answer.
Another year passed like this.
Under the ever-blooming peach tree stood a gentle, elegant young man with his hands clasped behind his back. From his features, one could discern a talented individual. Warmth and harmony emanated from him. His hair was tied back in a ponytail. This young man was none other than Niu You Dao.
The sun and moon darted across the sky like weaving shuttles. Thus, five years had passed since Niu You Dao was placed under house arrest.
Now, from a youth, he had transformed into a well-developed young man. Thanks to the strong character he had forged in his previous life, he took advantage of the opportunity to live out his days peacefully and in seclusion, cultivating frequently.
Since that was the case, he had no need to rush. He knew that sooner or later, he would leave this place through his own strength. And though the sect did not provide him with cultivation resources, the Doctrine-Transmitting Amulets were his primary support!
Initially, his protective amulets had now formed two lines, but his cultivation had only reached the peak Lian Qi level.
And the higher his cultivation became, the faster he processed the protective amulets. This was his strength.
Lian Qi, Zhu Ji, Jin Dan, Yuan Ying—further levels were not mentioned yet. As Tu Han had said, there are few Yuan Ying cultivators in this world. And Yuan Ying cultivators are considered peerless masters. Jin Dan is also considered a good high level.
In the Supreme Purity Sect, only three elders had reached the Jin Dan level. Previously, two more people were at the Jin Dan level: Tang Mu and Dong Guo Hao Ran. A few others were at the Zhu Ji level. Last year, Tang Yi, with the help of the three elders, broke through to the Zhu Ji level, while the other disciples still lingered at the Lian Qi level. Therefore, Niu You Dao's cultivation could be considered not low within the sect. Only, he didn't draw attention to himself and had no intention of showing his true abilities.
He was doing well now. There was food and drink. And a peaceful place, perfect for cultivation. He heard that the outside world was in turmoil. So, he would hardly find a more suitable place for cultivating his heart, which was why he was in no hurry to leave the sect.
Relaxed, Niu You Dao lay down on the daybed under the peach tree and peacefully fell asleep...
Night descended upon the capital of the Yan Kingdom. Here was a forest of luxurious shops, and crowds of people filled all the streets, as if they had no connection to the troubled world outside. In the dark alleys, beggars lived their own lives.
In a secluded palace hung a plaque: *Song Residence*. This was the estate of Song Jiu Ming, an important figure of the Supreme Court of the Yan Kingdom.
A carriage pulled up to the estate, and a man in a cloak alighted. Stroking his beard, he casually ascended the steps.
A gatekeeper immediately opened the doors and called into the house:
"Master Cao!"
Immediately, a person rushed out of the house. Before he had even fully exited, he clasped his hands and said with a smile:
"What wind brings Master Cao to us? Please, come inside quickly!"
The one who came out to greet Cao Feng Duo was Song Jiu Ming's eldest son, Song Chuan. He was also an official.
The arriving guest was a commoner, yet he was one of the chief advisors to the Minister of Public Works. Therefore, Song Chuan personally came out to greet him.
The two men conversed with smiles and entered the inner courtyard, where they sat down in the main hall and began drinking tea.
After some time, Song Jiu Ming emerged. His face was fair-skinned. From his aura and appearance, one could tell he took good care of himself. When he entered, the two men stood up.
Cao Feng Duo clasped his hands together:
"Greetings, Grand Judge of the Supreme Court!"
Song Jiu Ming nodded and directly took the main seat. He calmly and seriously asked:
"Master Cao, since you came personally, you must have instructions?"
"Indeed!" Cao Feng Duo bowed his head and said in a low voice:
"Tomorrow, Shang Jian Bo's son—Shang Chao Zong—is being released from prison..."