novelraw Chapter 247 - 242: Might Is Right
Chapter 247 - 242: Might Is Right
The moment Yang Molong came out, his eyes fell upon Yang Ying sitting beside Wang Meng, and he flew into a rage. ’She’s only cultivated at the Holy Hall for a few years and already she’s forgotten her family’s rules? This is rebellion!’
But a string of bloodcurdling screams prevented him from addressing it. ’What is with today? Does everyone think they can just pluck a tiger’s whiskers?’
The disciples at the entrance stumbled back in fear. "Younger Brother Ling, you’re too soft-hearted. Anyone who dares offend Brother Wang is making an enemy of my Lihuo Sect!"
The speaker was Kuigang of the Lihuo Sect. He casually grabbed someone from a nearby seat and wiped the blood from his hands on the man’s clothes.
"Mind your own business. I was planning to annihilate their sect after the banquet," Ling Dushan snorted coldly.
Kuigang looked at Wang Meng. "Let me introduce myself. I am Kuigang of the Lihuo Sect. This should be the first time you’re meeting me, Brother Wang, but that’s alright. From now on, we’re friends!"
Wang Meng stood up. "Elder Kuigang, I heard about that method from an elder. Does it work well?"
Kuigang and Ling Dushan exchanged a glance, their eyes burning with fervor. This was especially true for Kuigang, who had never given up his investigation. He had already pieced most of it together from Ling Dushan’s behavior in Evil Immortal City. Now, hearing Wang Meng’s words, how could he not understand?
’Who is Moo Shan? As long as he’s alive, he’s the ancestor of all Evil Cultivators. A few casual pointers from him are enough to completely transform a sect.’
’That shameless Ling Dushan... so damn cunning. I wonder how many benefits he’s already gotten.’
"You lot, get out of the way."
As he spoke, Ling Dushan pulled an adjacent table over, pushed them together, and sat down imperiously.
"Castle Lord Yang, no need to be so formal. I’m just here to meet a friend. Elder Yang, on behalf of my master, I, Kuigang, wish you an early attainment of the Great Dao. I killed a few people just now, I hope you don’t mind."
"Haha, Kuigang, you’re as hot-tempered as ever. Molong, just let our guests do as they please."
Yang Yingtian could guess what had happened, and he was thoroughly astonished. ’Why would the Lihuo Sect and the Evil Spirit Hall stand up for a nameless nobody, and a Holy Hall Disciple at that?’
Zhan Wushuang was trembling, ecstatic. ’Damn, I feel like the world has gone crazy. I’m actually at the same table as Kuigang and Ling Dushan! Gods, even if a Celestial Tribulation struck me right now, I wouldn’t wake up from this. And... and there’s the fairy-like Yang Ying! Heavens, if this is a dream, please don’t let me wake up.’
Yang Molong was a man who knew how to handle public situations. He smiled and said, "That guy actually offended Brother Kui. Death was too good for him."
’He’d have to be an idiot to stick up for the Mad Slaughter Sect and offend two major sects at the same time. That sect is as good as wiped out now.’
"Offending me is no big deal; I’m good-tempered. But offending this friend of mine? Not a chance!"
Kuigang said.
"Ahem, it’s all a misunderstanding. Elders, please, come to the inner hall."
Long Xi quickly looked for a chance to salvage the situation.
"Sitting here is fine. Inside, outside, it’s all the same."
"Haha, in that case, Long Xi, you and the other young people can set up a table nearby and accompany our honored guests."
Yang Molong said.
"Yes, foster father."
As a disciple, Qiu Xiaoluan naturally served them cautiously from the side, stealing a glance at Ling Dushan, and then at Wang Meng. A million questions swirled in her mind, while Yang Ying simply sat calmly to the side.
’In truth, Yang Ying’s heart was also in turmoil. What... what on earth is happening?’
Kuigang stared at Wang Meng. "Hiss... I can’t seem to gauge his depth. Strange."
"Kuigang, you can put away your little tricks. Don’t show off your meager skills before a master."
"Ling Dushan, if we were anywhere else, I’d definitely spar with you. We didn’t settle things last time, and now you’re getting cocky."
"Tch, if you want a fight, we can go right now!"
Seeing the two were about to start brawling again, Wang Meng smiled. "Gentlemen, this is still a birthday banquet for Ying’Er’s family. There will be plenty of other opportunities to spar."
Kuigang and Ling Dushan laughed loudly. "We’ll give Brother Wang face today."
The people around them felt like they were about to vomit blood. Those who had spoken to Wang Meng earlier, in particular, began to deeply reflect on whether they had said anything wrong. One wrong word could get your entire sect annihilated.
Long Xi and Long Ying wanted to interject, but they had no chance. The others didn’t even acknowledge their existence.
Qiu Xiaoluan was even more well-behaved. If she offended Ling Dushan, she would have no place left in the Evil Spirit Hall.
"Elder Mu Xijin of the Chanyin Sect has arrived~~~"
Mu Xijin was an important figure in the Chanyin Sect. Sending her this time was enough to show the importance the Chanyin Sect placed on Celestial Heart Castle—or more likely, on the alliance of the Eight Great Castles.
"Junior Mu Xijin, on behalf of the Sect Leader, respectfully wishes Elder Yang boundless longevity and an early ascension to the Great Dao." Mu Xijin’s voice was coquettish and quite captivating, with an intoxicating quality. Among the Five Great Sects, the Chanyin Sect was rather unorthodox; it was rare to find a Demon Cultivator sect dominated by such powerful women.
Mu Xijin couldn’t help but notice the situation by the entrance. Ling Dushan and Kuigang were like beacons in the night. However, the Chanyin Sect had no dealings with the Lihuo Sect or the Evil Spirit Hall. Demon Cultivators and Evil Cultivators walked different paths and did not collude.
’But given their status... why are they sitting here?’
When her gaze fell upon Yang Ying, a brilliant light shone in Mu Xijin’s eyes. Yang Ying, in turn, sized up the Chanyin Sect Elder.
The Chanyin Sect’s reputation wasn’t very good, but it was far better than the Ten Thousand Demons Sect’s. Yang Ying found it a little strange that Mu Xijin was staring at her so intently.
However, Mu Xijin didn’t linger. Amid a sea of murmurs and gazes, she walked into the inner hall.
Long Xi and the others also withdrew their gazes from Mu Xijin. ’The women of the Chanyin Sect are a lot of trouble and best left alone.’
’If it weren’t for the grand plan of the alliance and the need to avoid complications, I would have killed Wang Meng long before this banquet. But now, I’m glad I didn’t act. The situation has already spiraled out of control. Just where did this kid with such a powerful backer come from, to have such a connection with two great Evil sects?’
’Could his identity be fake?’
Long Xi’s gaze shifted to Yang Ying, and he found it difficult to look away. Her bright, beautiful eyes were a work of art from the heavens. Some women were as beautiful as fairies at first glance, but lost their appeal upon closer inspection. Yang Ying was different. She was stunning at first glance, and even more captivating on second look. Her tender, pink lips, with their slightest movement, seemed as if they could suckle forth Jade Dew itself.
The thoughts that had been turning in his mind instantly went blank.
It wasn’t just Long Xi; Long Qing and the surrounding disciples from various sects were all in a half-dazed state. Long Qing was a veteran of the flowery meadows, a true connoisseur of women. The path of cultivation was inherently dull, and beautiful women were an indispensable garnish. If one could obtain a Dual Cultivation method, it could even advance one’s power. Long Qing had dabbled in this as well. Observing Yang Ying’s physique, she was an absolutely world-stunning choice. It was no wonder the Chanyin Sect Elder had been so surprised earlier. It was just a pity that Yang Ying was a Holy Hall Disciple; the two paths were truly as incompatible as fire and water.
However, Long Qing was more mindful of the bigger picture than Long Xi. ’This Wang Meng is interesting. It’s one thing for Ling Dushan and Kuigang to be polite, but for him to accept it so calmly, chatting and laughing with them... Is he really just a mere disciple from Thunderlight Hall?’
Long Qing glanced at Long Xi and saw his younger brother’s infatuated expression, his attention completely fixed on Yang Ying. A trace of contempt rose in his heart.
Since Ling Dushan’s appearance, Qiu Xiaoluan had been on her best behavior, her eyes constantly scanning Wang Meng as if trying to strip him bare. ’How is this possible?’
’Elder Ling is incredibly arrogant and strict. He barely spares a word even for the elite disciples of our own sect. So why would he be so warm to a kid like this? The Evil Spirit Hall and the Holy Hall have no connection, and there would be no need for this even if he were a disciple of the Sword God.’
Due to the powerful auras of Ling Dushan and Kuigang, the other disciples didn’t dare to speak loudly, terrified of offending the pair. After all, these were unscrupulous Evil Cultivators who would kill without blinking an eye.
"Xiaoluan, come over and greet your Martial Uncle Wang. If he’s willing to give you a pointer or two, you’ll benefit endlessly." Ling Dushan beckoned. Qiu Xiaoluan hurried over, but she was even more bewildered by his words. ’This person... Martial Uncle?’
But how could she dare to defy Ling Dushan’s words?
"Disciple Qiu Xiaoluan greets Martial... Uncle Wang." Qiu Xiaoluan felt so wronged. ’Who on earth is this person? He’s a Saint Cultivator. What pointers could he possibly give?’
"Ahem, Old Ling, aren’t you making me sound old?"
"Haha, no need to be shy, brother. We’re friends, and you’re a Law Enforcement Elder of the Holy Hall. The fact that you’re willing to even acknowledge her is giving me face."
Ling Dushan said, half-joking, half-serious. Although he didn’t understand why the old senior wanted Wang Meng to walk the path of the Holy Hall, he was sure there was a deeper meaning. Besides, he didn’t believe for a second that Wang Meng was completely ignorant of the ways of Evil Cultivation.
’A Law Enforcement Elder of the Holy Hall?’
Everyone was stunned once again. It was easy to become a Holy Hall Disciple, but becoming an elite disciple was just as difficult. Much like the high threshold of Dao Guang Hall, becoming a Holy Hall Elder was even harder than in other sects.
Ning Zhiquan was arguably the number one figure in the Holy Hall Jiufen Hall, yet it had taken him so many years of perseverance to finally be promoted to Elder.
Qiu Xiaoluan was also stunned. "Aren’t you a disciple of Thunderlight Hall? How did you become an Elder?"
Ling Dushan’s eyes widened in a glare. This girl had no sense of propriety. His glare made Qiu Xiaoluan jump in fright.
Wang Meng gave a wry smile. "Brother, let’s just be friends on our own terms. Don’t go mixing up the generations."
"I say, Old Ling, stop with your little schemes. All of Brother Wang’s affections are for Miss Yang Ying. Sigh, even if I searched my entire Lihuo Sect, I wouldn’t find a woman with such grace."
For a boorish fellow like Kuigang to say such a thing was truly hilarious, but it greatly displeased the others. And Long Xi was absolutely the most displeased of them all.
’He could tolerate it for the past two days because he hadn’t even considered Wang Meng worth a damn. Of course, he had no intention of letting him go, either. As soon as the birthday banquet was over, he was going to deal with Wang Meng one way or another.’
’But now this piece of trash was getting more and more out of line. Where did he think he was?’
’This is Celestial Heart Castle! The Old Ancestor is still here! Even the Three Sects and Five Schools have to show us some respect! What bullshit Elder? I don’t take him seriously at all. How could some Elder compare to me, the Young Castle Lord of Celestial Heart Castle? I’m the one who will inherit the position of Alliance Leader of the Eight Great Castles in the future! These past few days, I’ve truly been enduring humiliation to bide my time. But these two old fogeys are really pushing their luck! Since when was it their place to comment on the affairs of Celestial Heart Castle? At best, they’re just Elders from two sects, not the Sect Leaders. And so what if they were Sect Leaders? Celestial Heart Castle has...’
The moment he thought of this, Long Xi’s confidence swelled.
"Elder Ling, you are mistaken. Yang Ying is a Direct Lineage Disciple of my Celestial Heart Castle. The matter of her marriage should be decided by my foster father. It is not something to be trifled with. I believe that none of the sects would wish to break this rule of propriety and righteousness."
Long Xi said, his attitude still reasonably respectful.
Neither Ling Dushan nor Kuigang had expected Long Xi to suddenly interject. Seeing the jealousy in his eyes, it was obvious what was going on.
On the surface, Ling Dushan and Kuigang appeared brash and unconcerned, but in reality, they were both as cunning as old foxes. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)