Chapter 168: Return

Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint

Near Blackwater Dock, in a secluded courtyard.

Earth Origin Sect's Elder Yu He's face was grave as water, the fury in his chest almost ready to explode.

He suddenly raised his head, his gaze fixed deadly on Miao Zhiheng's face before him.

The atmosphere in the courtyard was so oppressive it seemed frozen.

Under his stare, Miao Zhiheng felt his scalp tingle, his back instantly soaked with cold sweat. He hastily bowed, "Elder Yu, I... I truly didn't know! When this junior received this pearl from Master Uncle Yu that day, it was already like this. If this junior speaks even half a lie, may heaven strike me down!"

After they had fortunately escaped with their lives from the Specter Guard that day, the fake treasure pearl and incomplete manual that Yu Jiayao had "obtained" naturally were handed over after Yu He arrived.

Who could have imagined that this experienced Elder Yu would discover the crude forgery after only a brief examination?

The fake pearl only resembled the real thing in appearance. Inside it was completely hollow, clearly refined from some special metal mixed with stone powder. It had sufficient weight but no spiritual resonance whatsoever.

And that so-called incomplete manual was even more full of holes. The qi circulation methods were riddled with errors. If one actually cultivated according to it, not going mad from qi deviation would already be fortunate. It had absolutely no value.

They had lingered and searched in this area for several days, practically turning Blackwater Dock upside down. Not only had they failed to find any trace of the Netherworld Twin Guards, they hadn't even caught sight of any other suspicious figures. It was as if those two had evaporated from the mortal world along with the real treasure.

Lu Da sighed at the side, the muscles on his face drooping, written full of exhaustion and dejection.

Earth Origin Sect had gone to such great lengths this time, not hesitating to cross boundaries and infiltrate Yunlin Prefecture with their elite forces deployed. Not only had they gained nothing, they had also lost Elder Shi Long and several skilled fighters. It was truly losing both the lady and the soldiers, completely losing face.

"Boy."

Yu He's voice was low and ice-cold, "If this old man discovers in the future that you've concealed even half a truth... Hmph, even if your master Teng Duanfang came in person, he couldn't save your life! I mean it!"

Miao Zhiheng cried out bitterly in his heart, but didn't dare show it on his face. He could only bend his waist even lower, swearing oath after oath, "Elder Yu, please see clearly! Every word this junior says is true, absolutely no deception! You've already personally searched my body, and these past days I've followed you step by step in the search. Where would I have had the opportunity or ability to do anything? That Zhu Yi was an old cunning fox. He must have prepared a fake long ago. The genuine article was probably transferred by other means long ago!"

Yu He's eyes were sinister as he stared at Miao Zhiheng, as if wanting to find even the slightest flaw on his face but in his heart he knew Miao Zhiheng's words were most likely true.

With that old fox Zhu Yi's cunning mind, under circumstances where he knew he was being pursued from all sides, using a fake to attract attention and preserve the genuine article was the most normal operation but this stifled anger was really hard to swallow.

That Earth Heart Marrow Pearl was too important to him, to Earth Origin Sect!

Seeing this, Lu Da stepped forward and advised in a low voice, "Elder Yu, matters here are finished. Remaining is pointless. We've already delayed here for several days. This is Yunlin Prefecture territory after all, not a place to stay long."

Yu He naturally understood this principle.

Cross-border operations were already taboo. Now having suffered losses and gained nothing, if they were discovered by Yunlin's local forces, it would be even more embarrassing.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the churning fury and deep unwillingness, finally squeezing three words through his teeth:

"Let's go back."

He took one last deep look toward Blackwater Dock's direction, as if wanting to firmly etch this place where he'd taken a huge fall into his memory.

He wouldn't forget this debt.

That Earth Heart Marrow Pearl, he would get his hands on it sooner or later!

…

In the council hall, the atmosphere was grave and solemn.

The various Courtyard Masters, Guishui Courtyard's Chu Jinyun, Lihuo Courtyard's Hong Yuandong, Gengjin Courtyard's Tan Yang, Kunti Courtyard's Peng Zhen, and even Qingmu Courtyard Master Li Baichuan who rarely participated in such affairs, were unusually present.

Nie Shanshan, Li Wang, Li Lei, Yan Yaoyang and other chief disciples from each courtyard stood respectfully behind their respective Courtyard Masters.

Sect Master He Yuzhou sat high at the head seat. He swept his gaze over everyone below, finally landing on Li Lei and Yan Yaoyang, and spoke in a grave voice, "Are your injuries healed?"

Hearing this, Li Lei and Yan Yaoyang immediately stepped forward, shamefully lowered their heads, and clasped their fists, "Reporting to Sect Master, this disciple's injuries are mostly healed. However... this operation was fruitless. We failed to capture Zhu Yi and recover the 'Earth-Nurturing Treasure Formula,' and instead implicated Junior Brother Chen Qing... This disciple is incompetent and has disappointed the Sect Master and the sect."

He Yuzhou waved his hand, his tone softening somewhat, "This matter doesn't blame you. Earth Origin Sect and Golden Sand Fortress interfered, and the Demon Sect's 'Netherworld Twin Guards,' such fierce individuals, appeared. The situation's complexity far exceeded expectations. That you could escape from such danger is already not easy."

Executive Elder Sang Yanping at the side also nodded in agreement, "What the Sect Master says is correct. To return with your lives and bring back important intelligence is already a great achievement. Don't blame yourselves excessively."

Just then, Nie Shanshan took a deep breath, stepped forward from the crowd, and cupped her fists toward Sang Yanping, "Elder Sang, this disciple has something unclear and wishes to ask the elder."

Seeing this, Chu Jinyun's brow furrowed slightly as she said in a low voice, "Shanshan, don't be disrespectful."

Sang Yanping was quite magnanimous though, smiling, "No harm. Nephew Nie, speak freely."

Nie Shanshan's gaze was firm as she asked clearly, "Currently within the sect and throughout all of Yunlin Prefecture, it's widely rumored that Junior Brother Chen Qing has already perished. I've heard this matter was ultimately investigated and confirmed by you personally, Elder Sang. This disciple wants to know, is this matter beyond doubt?"

Her words were clear, carrying a trace of barely detectable urgency.

Sang Yanping nodded and said frankly, "This old man did personally go to Blackwater Dock to investigate this matter. The sect's conclusion on this matter is also based on this old man's investigation results. What questions does Nephew Nie have?"

"This disciple has heard that when Elder Sang went to investigate, you didn't find any of Junior Brother Chen's personal belongings, nor did you discover conclusive... remains."

Nie Shanshan's tone grew heavier, "Without solid evidence, why did the elder so quickly reach a conclusion and announce to the sect and even the outside world that Junior Brother Chen is dead? Junior Brother Chen is our sect's chief disciple. This matter is of great importance. Wasn't it... wasn't it somewhat hasty?"

In her view, Elder Sang's investigation was far too perfunctory.

Rushing hundreds of miles there and back in just one day, bringing back the death announcement of a genius.

This wasn't just because of her personal relationship with Chen Qing, but concerned the life, death, honor and disgrace of a chief disciple. Handling it this way, wouldn't it dishearten the disciples?

Li Lei and Yan Yaoyang standing behind also showed slight expressions at hearing this.

After escaping danger and calmly reviewing the situation, they both realized that although the circumstances were dangerous, Chen Qing's strength was exceptional. They also knew he had fought Miao Zhiheng without falling into disadvantage, so facing the Nether Guard he wouldn't necessarily lack the power to fight.

At the time, they were either confused by the treasure or intimidated by the Netherworld Twin Guards, only concerned with their own escape. Thinking back now, they indeed felt guilty, and also developed some doubts about Chen Qing's "death announcement."

"Shanshan!"

Chu Jinyun's tone grew heavier, carrying a warning meaning but Sang Yanping laughed heartily and waved his hand, "Junior Sister Chu, no harm. Young people have doubts in their hearts, speaking directly is their true nature."

He turned to look at Nie Shanshan. The smile remained on his face, but his eyes deepened somewhat, "Nephew Nie, you only know I didn't find Chen Qing's belongings. But do you know what consequences would arise if I announced he was merely 'missing' rather than 'confirmed dead'?"

Nie Shanshan froze, "Naturally it would mobilize more forces to search with all effort..."

"Search?"

Sang Yanping interrupted her, his voice steady but carrying a heavy power, "At that time, would only our Five Terraces Sect search for him? The Demon Sect, Hanyu Valley, Xuanjia Gate, Qixia Manor, even Lin'an Prefecture's Earth Origin Sect and Golden Sand Fortress, even countless jianghu forces hearing the wind, would all turn their eyes toward the 'missing' Chen Qing! Would they truly want to find him, or would they want to strike a fatal blow when he's weak and thoroughly eliminate this future threat? Nephew Nie, do you think Chen Qing's chances of survival would be greater or smaller then?"

Boom!

These words were like thunder, instantly exploding in Nie Shanshan's mind, making her suddenly understand. Her pretty face flushed bright red.

She had only thought of finding the person, but hadn't deeply considered the bloody storm behind it.

Sang Yanping announcing the death wasn't hasty and perfunctory. Rather, he was using a special method to remove the open spears and block the vast majority of hidden arrows for the possibly surviving Chen Qing. He was protecting him!

Li Wang, Li Lei, Yan Yaoyang and others also showed shocked expressions, then revealed sudden realization and admiration.

So behind Elder Sang's "perfunctory" investigation was such deep meaning!

Clearly several Courtyard Masters already knew, all were acting.

As for why the Sect Master immediately dispatched Elder Sang to investigate, this also seemed to contain deep meaning.

"Now do you understand?"

Chu Jinyun looked at her beloved disciple and helplessly shook her head, "When encountering matters, you must think one layer deeper. Don't just observe the surface. Senior Brother Sang's actions are truly the strategy of an experienced statesman, indirectly protecting Chen Qing."

Nie Shanshan was utterly ashamed and bowed deeply, "This disciple was thoughtless and wrongly blamed the elder. Please punish this disciple."

Sang Yanping stroked his beard and smiled, "Hehe, no harm. Your concern clouded your judgment out of care for your fellow disciple. What fault is there?"

"You're quite calculating."

Li Baichuan, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke, his voice flat and waveless, "However, just announcing the death isn't quite secure enough. Near Blackwater Dock, did you leave backup for support?"

Sang Yanping looked at Li Baichuan, his smile deepening, "As expected, nothing escapes Master Uncle's discerning eye. I've secretly arranged a team of reliable people, disguised as scattered treasure-seekers, who've been secretly searching and providing support in that area all along. If alive we want to see the person, if dead... we also want to see the most conclusive evidence. Additionally, I've heard Earth Origin Sect's Elder Yu He seems to have obtained a fake and is currently searching that area like a headless fly for traces of the Netherworld Twin Guards, jumping with rage."

"That old scoundrel Yu He also went?"

Peng Zhen snorted coldly, a fierce light flashing in his eyes, "If I'd known he was there, I would have gone to meet him. Old and new grievances could be settled together!"

Clearly he and Yu He had long-standing enmity.

Tan Yang's brow was tightly furrowed, more concerned about the treasure's whereabouts, "So you're saying that genuine Earth Heart Marrow Pearl and the 'Earth-Nurturing Treasure Formula' incomplete manual possibly fell into the Netherworld Twin Guards's hands and were taken back to the Demon Sect?"

At this moment, He Yuzhou sitting high at the head slowly spoke, "According to reports from our eyes planted inside the Demon Sect, the Netherworld Twin Guards have not returned to any known Demon Sect stronghold."

As these words fell, the council hall instantly fell silent.

Everyone's gazes began flickering.

The Netherworld Twin Guards disappeared?

Chen Qing also "disappeared"?

Yu He found a fake... When these pieces of information connected, the possibilities they contained made these old jianghu veterans' hearts instantly churn with countless thoughts. Thinking carefully, they actually felt a trace of heart-pounding shock.

Even horrifying!

He Yuzhou's gaze turned to Li Baichuan, carrying a trace of inquiry, "Master Uncle Li, what do you think about this matter...?"

Li Baichuan didn't even lift his eyelids, as if speaking of something taken for granted, and said indifferently, "That boy has an extremely tough life. He won't die. Right now he's probably holed up in some mountain valley digesting his gains."

He understood Chen Qing too well. Got a treasure and immediately come back?

Hearing this, Tan Yang couldn't help but say, "Master Uncle Li is so certain? After all, the opponent is the notoriously fierce Netherworld Twin Guards. Joining forces, they rarely have opponents below the True Aura..."

Just at this moment,

"Report!!!"

An executive disciple rushed wildly into the council hall with an excited expression and gasping breath. Before he could even fully calm his breathing, he shouted loudly:

"Reporting to Sect Master! All elders! Chief... Chief Disciple Chen Qing has returned! He's currently outside the mountain gate!"

Whoosh!

The entire council hall instantly erupted in uproar. All gazes turned in unison toward the door, faces written full of shock, disbelief, and tremendous joy.

He Yuzhou suddenly stood up from his seat, spiritual light bursting from his eyes, immediately saying, "Quick! Quickly bring him in!"

Immediately the council hall filled with discussion.

"Master Uncle, looks like you were right." He Yuzhou looked at Li Baichuan, his eyes carrying a trace of emotion and amazement.

Sang Yanping took a deep breath, his heart surging with emotion.

Chen Qing returned. What did this mean?

How could these old jianghu veterans present not understand?

The Netherworld Twin Guards's fate was probably grim!

This conclusion made even Sang Yanping feel his heart pounding.

Just then, a figure holding the Coiling Cloud Spear walked in with steady steps.

The person's complexion was ruddy, his eyes clear and bright. Who else could it be but Chen Qing?

Li Lei and Yan Yaoyang both held their breath, their expressions extremely complex, containing both tremendous joy and relief at seeing their fellow disciple return alive, as well as an indescribable embarrassment and disbelief.

Li Wang was also very excited, clenching his fist forcefully.

Nie Shanshan was even more slightly stunned, her beautiful eyes instantly blooming with radiance, her tightly pressed lips unconsciously relaxing.

"This disciple Chen Qing pays respects to Sect Master and all Courtyard Masters."

Chen Qing clasped his fists in salute toward the head seat, his voice steady, neither servile nor arrogant.

He had just come from the inn and heard rumors he was dead. Who the hell did this good deed!?

"Good, good, good!"

Seeing Chen Qing standing here completely unharmed, He Yuzhou's last trace of doubt vanished. He couldn't help but stroke his beard and laugh heartily, saying "good" three times, "It's good you're back! It's good you're back!"

The Five Terraces Sect upper echelon present also stared intensely at Chen Qing with burning gazes, as if wanting to see something from him, their eyes full of delight and a trace of impatient questioning.

Peng Zhen's heart shook, "This boy actually returned completely unharmed?"

He naturally knew what this meant.

Chu Jinyun took a deep breath and thought to herself, "This boy returned, so the Netherworld Twin Guards probably won't be returning."

Elder Sang coughed lightly, suppressing the hall's subtle commotion. With a warm smile on his face, he followed the Sect Master's words and asked, "Good that you're back! Returning safely is the greatest fortune. However, that Netherworld Twin Guards's strength is no simple matter. Both were embracing elixir perfection with extremely rich combat experience. Countless experts have died at their hands. That you could... ahem, 'escape' from their hands and return is very difficult. Tell us, what was the specific situation then? How did you... 'flee' out?"

In an instant, all gazes in the hall focused on Chen Qing again.

Chen Qing had already prepared his story. His face showed lingering fear and alarm as he spoke, "Reporting to Elder Sang, at that time the inn was filled with dark evil qi, visibility was obstructed, and chaos reigned. This disciple was frightened in his heart, only feeling that demon's aura was terrifying and couldn't be resisted by force, so I also found an opening and desperately rushed outside."

"As for what specifically happened afterward... this disciple truly doesn't know clearly. I only vaguely heard extremely intense fighting sounds and explosion sounds coming from the inn behind me. It seemed the Demon Sect people clashed with other experts who arrived later. This disciple at the time was only focused on fleeing for his life. Suffering internal injuries, I stumbled all the way. Finding an extremely hidden mountain cave, I immediately went into closed-door healing. Only today when my injuries fully recovered did I dare return to the sect."

His words were seventy percent true, thirty percent false, completely removing himself from the situation, creating an image of one who fortunately escaped.

"Oh?"

Hearing this, a spiritual light flashed in Sang Yanping's eyes as he stroked his beard and pondered, "You're saying that after you fled, the Demon Sect still engaged in fierce combat with other experts who arrived later?"

"Could it be Earth Origin Sect's Yu He?"

Peng Zhen timely spoke from the side, naturally guiding a direction, "That old fellow Yu He's cultivation has reached True Aura, and he was right near Blackwater Dock at the time supporting Lu Da. He must have arrived and clashed with that Netherworld Twin Guards!"

"Senior Brother Peng sees clearly!"

"It must be so!"

"Apart from Elder Yu He, probably no one else nearby at the time would have had the strength to contend with the Netherworld Twin Guards."

Everyone present were all shrewd people. They immediately nodded in agreement, expressing high recognition of the Sect Master's words.

For a time, the council hall filled with an atmosphere of "sudden realization."

"That Netherworld Twin Guards's strength is unfathomable. Joining forces, they're strange and vicious. Unless a True Aura expert makes a move, who else could keep them there?"

"Definitely ran into Yu He who conveniently eliminated demons and devils!"

"That old thing Yu He, usually silent and low-key, this time he inadvertently did a great good deed! Slaying the Demon Sect's Netherworld Twin Guards, this is a great achievement!"

Watching this scene, Chen Qing laughed inwardly, but his face still maintained a look of "so that's how it is" and "I don't know anything" innocent appearance.

These old fellows really understood!

They weren't wrong. The Netherworld Twin Guards were Demon Sect elite, even more so the trusted subordinates of Blood Rakshasa Hu Mei. Once this matter was confirmed, Blood Rakshasa's insane revenge could be foreseen.

Pinning this monstrous blood debt on Earth Origin Sect's Yu He couldn't be more appropriate!

As for whether there were minor flaws?

Who cared?

The four major sects needed this result and also needed a target to attract the Demon Sect's firepower.

As for whether Earth Origin Sect was willing to accept this "pot" and the accompanying "glory" and "trouble," that wasn't something Five Terraces Sect needed to consider.

He Yuzhou took in the reactions of everyone in the hall, especially Chen Qing's perfectly appropriate confusion. His heart was clear as a mirror.

His gaze imperceptibly swept over the several chief disciples.

Li Wang's strength was lowest. This operation also had nothing particularly outstanding, appearing rather mediocre.

Li Lei in this operation, facing the treasure, lost his composure somewhat and appeared impulsive. His foundation and temperament still needed tempering.

Yan Yaoyang's strength and aptitude were both good, and he had some cleverness, but when facing true crisis, he instantly lost focus and chose to withdraw first. Though this was human nature, in comparison, his decisiveness and courage ultimately fell short by several degrees.

Though that Nether Guard was strong, Yan Yaoyang wasn't without the power to fight.

Nie Shanshan's talent and temperament were both excellent. She knew how to keep a low profile and had good overall perspective. But in worldly wisdom and adaptable skills, she was still slightly immature.

Looking at Chen Qing before him... the more He Yuzhou thought carefully, the more he felt this boy was unfathomable.

His strength progressed rapidly yet he concealed it deeply. His thoughts were meticulous. His character was steady and experienced, not like a young person.

Facing the Netherworld Twin Guards in such desperate straits, he not only could "escape unscathed," he could also handle the aftermath troubles seamlessly, skillfully directing everyone's attention elsewhere.

This composure, grace, and calculation far exceeded his peers!

After this comparison, Chen Qing's position in He Yuzhou's heart invisibly rose another level.

He Yuzhou took a deep breath and waved his hand, "Alright, if there's nothing else, everyone disperse. Let Chen Qing rest properly."

After some more casual caring conversation, everyone dispersed.

Li Wang, Li Lei, Nie Shanshan, Yan Yaoyang and others came forward, greeted Chen Qing one after another, then also took their leave.

Chen Qing followed Li Baichuan, preparing to return to Qingmu Courtyard.

Just then, Kunti Courtyard Master Peng Zhen suddenly coughed dryly and walked quickly a few steps to catch up with the two, opening his mouth to ask, "Returning safely is truly great joy. Uh... this, I'll presume to ask, that day in the chaos, that Earth Heart Marrow Pearl... cough cough, did you happen to see it? Or rather, did you later... hmm, by fortunate coincidence... obtain it? If convenient, could you take it out for me to... observe?"

Hearing this, Chen Qing acted as if he'd heard something incredible and hastily waved his hands, "Courtyard Master Peng jests! That day after the pearl was seized by Yu Jiayao, I never saw it again. Later when the inn descended into chaos, this disciple could barely protect himself, only focused on fleeing for my life. How could I still care about any pearl? This disciple knew nothing of what happened afterward. As for the treasure's whereabouts, this disciple truly has no knowledge."

This boy is still acting!

Looking at Chen Qing's utterly sincere eyes, Peng Zhen could be almost certain that the genuine Earth Heart Marrow Pearl was ninety-nine percent in this boy's hands!

But he couldn't say this matter openly.

Peng Zhen's mouth twitched several times. He could only smile and say, "Don't know, ah, not knowing is also good, also good... Returning safely is most important, most important..."

Having said this, he turned and left somewhat resentfully.