Chapter 737: Foster Daughter |
“What does it mean to sever one’s inner demon?” Weng Mo Er didn't know how to answer.
She had seen the head previously, and not just once. But only from afar. After all, she was a mere disciple, and no ordinary person could approach the head. Moreover, the guards wouldn't allow it. Yet today, she realized just how powerful the head was. A single phrase had stumped her.
If she said she didn't want to sever her inner demon, then his words about dedicating herself solely to cultivation would be a lie.
If she did want to, then it meant she had to get married!
And she had already guessed who her chosen one would be. Why else would the head have summoned her?
But how could she say anything when she hadn't even seen the man?
She hadn't imagined she would invite such troubles upon herself today.
However, she had suspected it. After all, she had lived under the pressure of other disciples for several years. But she hadn't thought even the head would coerce her into the same thing.
Seeing her silence, Gong Ling Ze asked again, "Why are you quiet?"
Gong Ling Ze persisted, asking, "And why not?"
Weng Mo Er didn't know how to respond. Should she really say that she didn't want to succumb to their pressure? She pondered for a moment, then said, "This disciple wishes to remain in the sect and undertake whatever tasks she can manage."
Gong Ling Ze: "Young one. I understand you. You don't want to deceive your heart. And you don't want to diminish your beauty. Are you searching for an ideal husband? Of course, with your looks, you have many choices. However, I want to tell you that the ideal husband you imagine simply doesn't exist. Everyone has emotions and flaws. There is no perfect husband in this world as you believe. These are merely your fantasies!"
"But humans don't truly have many choices. That's why they quickly follow passion rather than illusory ideals! Within the body are benefits that require nourishment. And no matter how much nourishment you receive, no matter whether you are satisfied with it or not, every resource you obtain is provided by our ancestors. And for these nutrients, we owe a debt to our ancestors. Whether we are happy about it or not, every resource brings us benefit. And for this, we must pay. I am like this, you are like this, every disciple of the Black Gold Cave is like this. And no one dares to go against the sect; whoever does will be guilty of squandering resources!"
Having said this, he left her no way out. If she refused him now, he would not be able to let her return alive. And no matter how beautiful Weng Mo Er was. Death and beauty had no connection. Even the beautiful could die!
Weng Mo Er understood him. Previously, she had been pestered out of selfish desires. And they hadn't dared to go against the sect's rules.
But today, before her very eyes, was the fear of breaking the rules. And this, she could not resist!
Yet, she still seemed unable to reconcile herself: "The Secret Realm of Tian Du will soon open. This disciple wishes to go there, to give her life for the sect!"
The so-called Secret Realm of Tian Du was one of the forbidden territories left by Shang Song. It opened once every 50 years. And each kingdom had to send 1000 cultivators there. In truth, the cultivators of every country didn't want to enter it. But one could not go against the rules of the Palace of Mystery.
In the world of cultivators, rogue cultivators were at a disadvantage. They constantly faced difficulties. It was hard for them to cultivate, as they were under constant pressure. But when the Secret Realm of Tian Du opened, cultivators from major sects found themselves at a disadvantage. For rogue cultivators were not allowed into the Secret Realm of Tian Du.
Weng Mo Er had once heard similar threats from disciples. That she would be put on that list.
Gong Ling Ze: "Nonsense! Is that even a matter? Can just anyone wish to enter there? How many people will be registered from the Black Gold Cave and who will be registered to sacrifice themselves is not for you to decide!"
With this, he completely left her no chance to escape her fate.
Weng Mo Er bit her lip and asked, "Niu You Dao?"
Gong Ling Ze remained silent, but his silence was also an answer.
Weng Mo Er: "This disciple does not understand. This disciple has always been in the sect; it's practically on the fingers of one hand how many times she has left the sect's territory. How could Niu You Dao have known about me? And even more so, want to marry?"
Gong Ling Ze: "He doesn't know about you. And he doesn't know you exist. Therefore, he has no intention of taking you as his wife. The sect hopes to see him take you as his wife."
Weng Mo Er understood her destiny...
When Yue Yuan entered the tent, he was astonished. Gong Ling Ze had adopted Weng Mo Er as his foster daughter. And he ordered this news to be announced throughout the entire sect.
With this status, no one would now dare to list Weng Mo Er as a participant in the Secret Realm of Tian Du.
Although Yue Yuan guessed what this was all for, he still smiled bitterly. For he was already calculating what would happen when this news spread throughout the sect. How many disciples would fear Weng Mo Er. How many people had already offended her.
As for the documents related to Niu You Dao, Gong Ling Ze ordered Weng Mo Er to study them thoroughly.
Gong Sun Bu was also surprised when Gong Sun Bu appeared before him.
Gong Ling Ze looked at him.
"Where is Niu You Dao?" Gong Ling Ze asked in a cold tone.
Gong Sun Bu clasped his hands and respectfully replied, "I truly do not know where he is."
Gong Ling Ze: "Then you should understand well that if he doesn't completely sever ties, I will find him!"
Gong Sun Bu: "I understand the head's meaning. Lord Dao observes precautions. And even by tracking a Bird King, he still cannot be found."
Gong Ling Ze: "In the current situation, it's not worth expending many people on his search. However, he won't be able to hide forever. He will still reveal himself. I only have one request for you. Pass a few words to him. I don't think that's difficult for you?"
Gong Sun Bu bowed: "I obey Head Gong. I will definitely contact Lord Dao!"
Gong Ling Ze: "Tell him that his influence exceeds his strength. After the war, if the Yan Kingdom survives. Then Shang Chao Zong and Meng Shan Min will have immense influence over the kingdom. And the Three Great Sects of the Yan Kingdom will not turn a blind eye to all of this. Who does he take himself for? Does he want to rule everything with a single hand? The Three Great Sects of the Yan Kingdom will not allow it!"
Gong Sun Bu said seriously, "I've memorized it."
Gong Ling Ze: "Remind him that killing an elder of the Palace of Bliss is not the best course of action! Therefore, he'd best not test our patience further! He acts freely, and we do not like this. However, I hope that in the end, everything will be well for everyone! I can send someone to negotiate with him. This will not affect his safety. I come with sincere intentions. We will not track his location. Let him send people to meet my person. How and where to meet, let him decide..."
Gong Ling Ze's message immediately reached Niu You Dao.
He stood on a high mountain by a lone tree. And he gazed into the distance for quite a while. In the end, he sighed and waved his hand: "Matchmaker!"
Guan Fang Yi approached him anxiously: "What?"
She also already knew that Gong Ling Ze wanted to lay out his cards.
Niu You Dao: "Arrange a meeting for the person!"
The meeting was arranged on a large lake. There were no ships, and only a single raft floated upon the water.
Niu You Dao chose the location. Guan Fang Yi didn't understand why Niu You Dao chose the lake. And he brought only her with him. The others were kept far from the location for safety.
The weather was clear, and the sky above was blue. A single bird flew through the sky, and a female silhouette leaped from the bird.
Soaring on the wind, this exquisite female silhouette began to descend. She was like a celestial maiden.
From the girl's silhouette and figure, one could tell she was a beauty among beauties. And it was, of course, Weng Mo Er.
Both Niu You Dao and Guan Fang Yi were astonished by the negotiator. They couldn't help but exchange glances.
Weng Mo Er looked at Niu You Dao. She critically scrutinized the young man standing on the raft, leaning on his sword. She, too, was involuntarily surprised. Was this the Niu You Dao she had read about?
There were many young people in the Black Gold Cave. And she knew what they were capable of. But none of them could be like the man who stood behind the Southern Domain.
After both sides had observed each other, Niu You Dao asked with interest, "Are you Head Gong's daughter, Weng Mo Er?"
They had already received news from Gong Sun Bu. And that Gong Ling Ze would send a foster daughter to Niu.
Weng Mo Er replied, "Yes, a foster daughter. Head Gong is my foster father."
Was there any need for such an explanation? Niu You Dao already understood who she was. He continued to ask, "I haven't heard that Head Gong has a foster daughter?"
Weng Mo Er: "Not hearing it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Since I'm here, it means there truly is. Are you Niu You Dao?"
Niu You Dao slightly smiled: "If it's marriage, then you can exchange it. There's no need for me to deceive either!"
And this was the one she was supposed to marry? Weng Mo Er pondered, then asked, "Brother Niu, since you've been able to meet me, you must already know what the head desires."
Niu You Dao: "The head spoke vaguely and unclearly. I still don't understand what it means. I don't know what outcome would be good for everyone. Please, young lady, enlighten me."
Weng Mo Er: "The head admires Brother Niu, and hopes that Brother Niu will serve the Black Gold Cave."
Niu You Dao smiled: "The entire cultivation world of the Yan Kingdom and everything within the Yan Kingdom is under the control of the Three Great Sects of the Yan Kingdom. Am I not already serving the Black Gold Cave?"
Weng Mo Er: "The Three Great Sects of the Yan Kingdom are the Three Great Sects of the Yan Kingdom. The Black Gold Cave is the Black Gold Cave. I believe Brother Niu understands the difference. There's no point in beating around the bush. The head's wish is simple. He hopes that Brother Niu will join the Black Gold Cave!"