I Pick up a Lost Godhood

Chapter 235 - 233: Returning Home in Glory

"If this person is a disciple, they must hold a significant position. Otherwise, it would be impossible for them to know the situation in the Main Hall," Kuchan said. "We have to find them, or they will become a major threat in the future."

"If I get my hands on this bastard, I’ll make him wish he were dead!" Wu Fatian roared, his anger boiling over.

"This mole was only discovered recently. The casualty rate for Holy Hall Disciples during their training has been increasing sharply over the years. If a few of the attacked disciples hadn’t managed to escape and report back, we would have assumed it was natural. This person is extremely cunning. Until they are found, we must all be very cautious with important matters," Zhou Luodan said.

"Those who fit both criteria are the current chief disciples of the Nine Sub-Halls."

"Ning Zhiquan, Mingren, Liangyuan, Yang Ying, Tang Wei, Song Zhong, Jia Shidao, Qiao Qian, and Zhao Guang are all highly suspicious," Wu Fatian stated.

Zhao Tianlong frowned. "Brother Wu, Zhao Guang is a member of the Zhao Family. There’s no way it’s him!"

"Junior Brother Zhao, I’m not saying Zhao Guang is the mole. But whoever could leak this information and orchestrate these attacks, even if it’s not one of those nine, must be connected to them. It’s possible a Demon Cultivator tricked them into inadvertently revealing secrets," Wu Fatian said.

"Investigate! Summon them all and investigate them one by one!" Thunderbolt said.

"Junior Brother Lei, be patient. We can’t risk alerting the enemy, and a careless move could also hurt the disciples’ morale. Now that we’re aware of the situation, we can be more observant. If it is a Demon Cultivator, they’re bound to reveal their true colors sooner or later," Li Xiuwen said.

However, these nine individuals were all key prospects being groomed by the Holy Hall. If one of them truly was a Demon Cultivator’s mole, it would be a devastating blow. Generally, anyone who reached this position was thoroughly investigated by the Holy Hall. Even Wang Meng and Hu Jing’s backgrounds had been checked; people were sent to the mortal realm to investigate them long ago.

Right now, the suspicion was twofold. One possibility was that one of the nine was the problem. The other was that someone close to them was a Demon Cultivator, causing them to leak information unintentionally.

"Fortunately, we know now. The prepared can outwit the unprepared. We might even be able to turn this against them. From now on, we must ensure that at least two Ancestral Masters are guarding the Main Hall at all times," Li Xiuwen said.

It was rare for all six Ancestral Masters to travel together; this tournament was a very unusual situation. Furthermore, Dao Guang Hall wasn’t far from the Main Hall, so no one would have thought someone would be so bold. And yet, the unthinkable had happened.

If Kuchan hadn’t been there, this would have truly led to a catastrophe.

The Sect Leader’s condition represented the status of the entire sect. Even though the Holy Hall’s overall strength had waned, as long as the Sword God, Xuee Zhongnan, was present, the Holy Hall remained one of the Three Great Sects. If Xuee Zhongnan were to be injured, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"The Ten Thousand Demons Sect has gone too far! We can’t just let this slide. I’ll go teach them a lesson!" Thunderbolt said.

Li Xiuwen shook his head. "Senior Brother Lei, it’s not just the Ten Thousand Demons Sect and the Chanyin Sect that are rapidly expanding. The Lihuo Sect and the Evil Spirit Hall are also eyeing us like hungry tigers. Fortunately, the Evil Cultivators have always remained neutral. We have no proof this time, so we can’t act without a just cause. Until the Sect Leader emerges from seclusion, we must endure."

"Junior Brother Li is right. In the Great Yuan Realm, our main strategy should also be to hold our ground. Everything can wait until the Sect Leader is out of seclusion. We should also contact the family factions that have ties to us," Kuchan said.

In its prime, the Holy Hall was said to encompass the world. Its influence extended beyond the sect itself, through the disciples who had graduated from it.

"Times have changed. The question is whether they still acknowledge those ties."

"Why is everyone so pessimistic? I refuse to believe anyone would actually dare to attack us!" Thunderbolt said.

"Senior Brother Lei has a point. I don’t think we need to be so pessimistic either. Besides, we’re already aware of the mole. As long as we stabilize the situation on the Vermilion Bird Continent and in the Great Yuan Realm, I doubt that bunch of petty cowards from the Ten Thousand Demons Sect will have the guts to invade."

The other Ancestral Masters also felt there was no need to worry needlessly. They just had to take the proper precautions.

The tournament was followed by the individual competition, but Wang Meng, Ning Zhiquan, and the others were all absent. The strongest team competition was followed by the weakest individual competition.

Mingren, Yang Ying, and Tang Wei took the top three places in the individual competition, each earning a Small Rejuvenation Pill. However, the disciples all felt that this was no longer the main event.

「Main Hall, Zhao Family Estate.」

Zhao Guang kept his head down. He had only placed a pitiful eighth in the individual rankings. It was actually a decent result, but in Zhao Tianlong’s eyes, it was complete trash.

"How is the investigation I assigned you?" Zhao Tianlong’s face was devoid of emotion, but his expressionless face was the worst expression of all.

"I am still investigating, but I already have a few leads."

"Don’t disappoint me again," Zhao Tianlong said. "You should know that not everyone gets a second chance."

"I understand. I was wrong. I will definitely take Wang Meng down!" Zhao Guang said through gritted teeth.

"Foolish! You’ll take him down? Who do you think you are? He is a perfectly legitimate Law Enforcement Elder, and he has the high regard of Thunderbolt, Wu Fatian, and Zhou Luodan!"

Every one of Zhao Tianlong’s words struck Zhao Guang like a hammer. Zhao Guang quickly fell to his knees. "I was wrong. I am a fool. Please, Ancestral Master, instruct me."

"You need to think long-term. Dao Guang Hall’s foundation is still intact. Have you ever heard the term ’killing with kindness’?"

A faint smile played on Zhao Tianlong’s lips.

Zhao Guang kowtowed heavily, breaking out in a cold sweat. "I understand. I will not betray your trust."

’Zhao Guang was so resentful he wanted to bash his head against a wall. The Ancestral Master’s meaning was clear: he had to bow his head to Wang Meng. To put it nicely, he was to endure hardship for a future goal. In reality, he was being told to go grovel.’

’It seemed like only yesterday that Wang Meng was just a pathetic new disciple.’

After a week of rest, Wang Meng had also recovered. However, management was really not his specialty, so he naturally became a hands-off manager. This meant more work for Hu Jing. Fortunately, she had Zhou Qian, Chen Haiguan, Hex Ziyuan, and others to assist her, along with the walking encyclopedia, Zhang Liang. It was only a matter of time before they took complete control. Riding the wave of his invincible reputation from the tournament victory, no one dared to challenge his authority.

"Tian’Er, are you really leaving?" Liuu Mei clutched Ma Tian’Er’s hand reluctantly. She understood in her heart that watching Wang Meng and Yang Ying’s intimacy every day was indeed a form of torture for Ma Tian’Er.

"Sister Liuu, thank you for taking care of me all these years in Thunderlight Hall."

"Tian’Er, what are you saying? We’re like sisters. You must come and visit me when you have time."

Ma Tian’Er nodded. "You must be happy, Sister."

"Tian’Er, try to look on the bright side. There are plenty of handsome men out there. You’re the best girl I’ve ever met. That guy Wang Meng will definitely regret this in the future."

Ma Tian’Er gave a faint, sad smile. "I hope he lives a good life. I’ll be happy for him. It’s just... I’m afraid I won’t be able to come back and see you for a very long time."

"Ah? What’s wrong?" Liuu Mei was taken aback.

"When I go home this time, I’ll probably be heading to the Great Yuan Realm. Please keep it a secret for me."

Ma Tian’Er left. Her final glance back at Thunderlight Hall nearly broke Liuu Mei’s heart. The Great Yuan Realm... that was a crazy, dangerous place. If she weren’t afraid of being constantly reminded of her painful memories, why would Ma Tian’Er ever go there?

’But matters of the heart were the most helpless. That guy Wang Meng usually seemed so domineering, but when it was time for him to be a little roguish, he became a perfect gentleman. Men... what strange creatures were they, really?’

Wang Meng took Yang Ying, and Zhang Xiaojiang took Liuu Mei, and they all returned to the mortal realm together. After being away from home for so many years, they were finally going back. The return of the two of them caused a huge sensation.

This was especially true for Wang Meng. Law Enforcement Elder of the Holy Hall Jiufen Hall—such a grand title was beyond the comprehension of mortals, but they understood one thing at least: Wang Meng was very powerful and held a high status. Instantly, the Wang Family estate became the liveliest place in Thunderlight City.

Wang Meng’s parents, however, reacted to this with calm indifference. Although, when they saw Yang Ying, they thought their son had brought a fairy home.

Father Wang didn’t care how impressive Wang Meng was in the Holy Hall. He just hoped his son would live the life he wanted to live. A good man’s ambition lies far and wide.

Whether she was a Dual Cultivation partner or a daughter-in-law, Wang’s Mother didn’t care. What she cared about was when the two of them would give her a grandson or granddaughter. This was the most important thing to mortals, and her questions made Yang Ying blush beet red.

But for Cultivators, this was something that might not happen for a very long time.

Wang Meng really wanted to bring his parents to the Small Thousand World, but they were very attached to their homeland. They just wanted to live the familiar life they knew and didn’t want any more upheaval.

Over at Zhang Xiaojiang’s parents’ house, they threw a huge banquet. Originally, Father Zhang had disapproved of his son hanging out with Wang Meng. But as soon as he heard Zhang Xiaojiang describe how awesome Wang Meng was in the Small Thousand World, Father Zhang’s enthusiasm for Wang Meng surpassed even his affection for his own son, Zhang Xiaopang.

In any case, with Wang Meng and Zhang Xiaojiang’s prestige in the Holy Hall, no one in the mortal world would dare to provoke their families anymore. Father Zhang would also take good care of Wang Meng’s parents, which put Wang Meng’s mind at ease.

The four of them stayed in the mortal realm for another half a month before leaving reluctantly.

After Wang Meng left, the Wang Family estate returned to its usual tranquility. Clearly, Father and Mother Wang did not enjoy the hustle and bustle.

"Old Wang, some things are just destined to be. The boy still ended up walking this path."

"His life is his own to decide. The beauty of life lies in the process of experiencing it."

Wang’s Mother smiled faintly, a glimpse of her former elegance showing through. "That child, Yang Ying, should be from the Yang Family of Celestial Heart Castle. I suppose she’s a good match for our son."

"We’re just ordinary people. As long as he’s happy, that’s all that matters."

"Yes. There’s happiness in being ordinary, too."

The two of them looked at each other and smiled, a gentle, shared understanding between them that showed they had seen through the ways of the world.

Zhang Xiaopang and Liuu Mei returned to the Holy Hall. With Brother Meng busy, of course Zhang Xiaopang had to hold down the fort. His reputation as "True Master Zhang of Arrow No Miss" was nothing to scoff at—even if it was self-proclaimed.

When Wang Meng first arrived at the Holy Hall, he had assumed everyone came from the mortal realm. Only later did he learn that many Holy Hall disciples were actually from the Small Thousand World itself. Some were from Cultivator families in the Small Thousand World, while others were mortals, but being born in the Small Thousand World gave them better potential. Wang Meng, however, was an exception to the rule—a freak of nature.

Yang Ying, on the other hand, came from a prestigious family in the Small Thousand World. On the Vermilion Bird Continent, the most famous powers were undoubtedly the Three Sects and Five Schools. But besides them, there were also many powerful families and City Lords. A place like Tongming City could only be considered a small city.

The Three Sects, Five Schools, and Eight Great Castles. Yang Ying’s family was the Yang Family of Celestial Heart Castle, one of the Eight Great Castles.

The Yang Family’s old ancestor was also a supreme expert at the Ancestral Master Level and rarely made public appearances anymore.

The current Castle Lord of Celestial Heart Castle is Yang Ying’s maternal uncle, Yang Molong. Yang Ying’s father passed away when she was young, so she was raised by her mother. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian.com to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)