Master, What Dao Do You Cultivate?

Chapter 70: Master Can Fall Too

Boom—— 

With a deafening explosion, a blast wave spread out from Ji Qinglin’s position, and shards of rock, flesh, and blood flew everywhere. 

When everyone snapped out of it and looked at the stage, they saw Sha Zizai’s mangled body twisted backward into a pit in the ground, and the Twin-Blade Phantom Shadows had already become a Shattered-Face Phantom. 

The few Elders who were relatively close could barely make out that the move just now was the Eight Extremes Crushing Punch, but the power... was honestly too shocking to believe. 

Li Qinglin was also splattered all over with blood. Unlike the usual image of a smiling, refined young Elder, at this moment—even from several feet away—everyone could still feel the intense killing intent radiating from him. 

His clothes had been slashed from the two surprise attacks earlier, and his shoulder had a gash from forcefully pulling Sha Zizai back. 

Having seen it a few times before, Yu Ye wasn’t startled by her Master’s hellish state. She was the first to rush over and ask with concern: 

“Master, you’re hurt?!” 

Lei Qiuyun and several other nearby Elders also immediately jumped onto the platform. 

Ji Qinglin wiped the blood from his face and forced out an incongruous smile: “It’s nothing. Just got scratched when I pulled that guy back.” 

Then he turned respectfully and said: 

“President, I apologize. I was too heavy-handed. I should’ve left one alive to get answers.” 

Lei Qiuyun wasn’t worried about any of that. She hurriedly called to the Commerce Guild doctor, Sun Yi: 

“Master, don’t worry about anything else. Dr. Sun, please check on Master first.” 

Li Qinglin raised his hand toward the stage: 

“I’m fine, don’t delay the Guild’s business. Everyone, my part is done. Sorry for the interruption.” 

Someone in the crowd of Elders and members finally broke the silence: 

“Elder Ji, impressive skills!” 

“Who would’ve thought our Commerce Guild had someone so powerful! No wonder those with ill intentions have their eyes on him.” 

“A President in the making...” 

Hearing praise that was a bit too much, Li Qinglin explained: 

“The former President saw potential in me, and I owe him that. I have no ulterior motives toward the Guild, and I hope everyone won’t read too much into it.” 

Honestly, there was no need for him to say it. Everyone already understood. 

If he really wanted something, with his abilities, there was no reason for him to live day to day running that little general store on Xindong Street. 

“Master, please go down and rest. I’ll make arrangements.” 

Lei Qiuyun instructed the Commerce Guild disciples to move Sha Zizai’s mangled body to the side, then asked: 

“Elder Bai, do you recognize these three assassins?” 

Lei Qiuyun wasn’t the type to judge based only on the assassins’ words, but since the three of them had clearly stated Bai Qiucheng hired them, it would be too much to not even ask. 

Besides, just now, it could’ve been an all-out attack to take down the assassins quickly, but Master insisted on a one-on-one duel. The intention was obvious: 

He was risking himself to help her establish authority. 

If she didn’t investigate properly, how could she face him in the future? 

Bai Qiucheng looked helpless. Now was definitely not the time to grab for power—he’d be lucky just to clear his name. So instead of being domineering like before, he respectfully said: 

“President, I do recognize their names, but I’ve never had any dealings with them. I don’t know who ordered them to target Elder Ji. If I really wanted to kill him, why would I tell them my real identity?” 

It really was strange. What Bai Qiucheng said made some sense, but to say those three risked their lives just to frame him... that was hard to believe. 

How much money would it take to get three top-tier assassins to throw their lives away like that? 

Ji Qinglin, having taken off his jacket, waved his hand and said: 

“President, I, Li, am willing to stake my life that Elder Bai would never do something like this to a fellow Guild member. Most likely, some other Guild sent assassins using Elder Bai’s name—either to kill me or to sow discord among us.” 

Bai Qiucheng nodded: 

“I think the same.” 

Bai Qiucheng turned to look at Ji Qinglin. He’d come thinking he might have to fight this rising star. 

But after what just happened, he had to admit he now had a better impression of this skilled and fair young Elder. Especially since Ji Qinglin risked injury to help him. 

Since the parties involved had reconciled, Lei Qiuyun naturally wouldn’t stir things up and harm the Guild’s internal unity. She nodded and said: 

“I’ll have people continue investigating this. Elders and members of Xindong Street, please remain seated.” 

Li Qinglin sat near Lei Qiuyun, surrounded by a semi-circle of headquarters Elders including Yu Jizi. 

Yu Ye, pouting with her apricot eyes wide, helped Dr. Sun clean Ji Qinglin’s wounds. She wanted to scold her Master for being nosy and getting hurt, but with so many people watching, she didn’t want to affect his image—so she just grumpily helped out. 

The venue was reset, but Ji Qinglin’s terrifying one-hit kill had already etched itself into everyone’s mind. 

Lei Qiuyun stepped into the center. Though not as powerful as her father, she had been leading the Guild for quite some time, and her every move now carried a President’s aura. 

“I’ve gathered everyone today to talk openly before the Cultivation Tournament. I’ve decided to represent the Xindong Street Commerce Guild and lead us in the tournament two weeks from now. 

If any Elder has other thoughts, now’s the time to speak. If you don’t want to participate or wish to resign, I won’t force anyone.” 

Everyone already knew about this, but when she said it outright, murmurs spread through the crowd. 

Someone shouted from somewhere: 

“President, may I ask—what are our chances of winning?” 

That question hit on what many were thinking, and the crowd fell quiet. 

Lei Qiuyun analyzed: 

“Fifty percent. 

In terms of funding, we’ve secured support from major players in the Nanhua District, so we won’t be at a disadvantage there. 

As for our foundation, though my father was injured, it hasn’t shaken the Guild’s roots—we’re still on par with others in scale. 

In terms of the situation, the West Chang and Nanhua Districts may work together, but that kind of alliance is fragile, so it’s not a big concern. 

At present, the biggest risks are me—an inexperienced President—and the fact that many of you haven’t yet made your stance clear. 

I understand your feelings. Any Elder who doesn’t want to join is free to say so. Your title will be changed to member, but there won’t be any other consequences. 

If anyone questions my leadership, you’re welcome to step forward and challenge me according to Guild rules. Victory or defeat will decide who’s right.” 

Lei Qiuyun spoke honestly, not sugarcoating the current state of affairs. 

None of the Elders or members in attendance rushed to speak up. They all looked toward the strongest Elders for cues. 

Having just had his wounds treated, Ji Qinglin stood up and said: 

“Since no one wants to speak first, I’ll be the bad guy. My disciple Yu Ye and I will participate in the Cultivation Tournament. Even if it’s just the two of us, we’ll go. 

I fully understand those who don’t want to take the risk. But if you want to challenge the President, you’ll have to get past me first.” 

What he said was both shielding Lei Qiuyun and sending a message: This is my only disciple, Yu Ye. She’s under my protection. 

Everyone thought: Is this guy for real? 

The three people who just fought him didn’t even leave whole corpses behind. 

“Get past him”? More like “pass through the gates of hell,” right? 

Yu Jizi quickly stood up to smooth things over: 

“Elder Ji, that sounded a bit threatening. Let me say something instead. 

I know many think Lei Qiuyun shouldn’t be President. To be honest, I thought the same at first. 

But after working with her these past few weeks, I can honestly say—her sense of responsibility toward the Guild is no less than President Lei Qiong’s. 

Yes, this Guild belongs to the Lei family. But from Lei Qiong to Lei Qiuyun, have they ever let anyone down? 

The membership fees and benefits in Xindong Street should be way better than in other Guilds, right?" 

I’m sure everyone has heard about Elder Ji beating me up the other day. The Yangtze River’s waves push the ones before—my strength may not be on par with Elder Ji’s, but my sense of responsibility to the Commerce Guild is just the same. I’ll bring my disciple to the Cultivation Tournament. If anyone has doubts, feel free to face me first.”

As one of the senior members of the Commerce Guild, Yu Jizi’s words carried weight. Several headquarters Elders quickly chimed in: 

“I’ll join too!” 

“Count me in.” 

With the mood building like this, many Elders from branch divisions also turned to look at Bai Qiucheng. 

Bai Qiucheng, who had previously made many backup plans, now had no intention of breaking off independently. Forget Ji Qinglin—even Yu Jizi had made such a declaration. If he were to flaunt his wealth while ducking responsibility, it would really be indefensible. 

Bai Qiucheng took a deep breath, stood up, and bowed: 

“I, Bai Qiucheng, will also join. Regardless of win or loss, I’ll give it my all. Besides, the fact that someone hired assassins today to attack Elder Ji and frame me shows that other Commerce Guilds are clearly afraid of our unity. We must not let this be the time we fall apart and let them benefit.”

The Elders from the branch divisions behind him nodded in agreement: 

“Elder Bai is right. We’re joining too!”

For most Elders, the best outcome would be to participate in the Cultivation Tournament and achieve solid results. After all, relying on other Commerce Guilds after jumping ship was hardly a good look. 

It was just that under pressure, no one wanted to be the one shouldering responsibility. 

Now, not only was nearly the whole Guild participating, but several Grandmaster-Level Elders had clearly taken a stand. The shaky positions had all solidified. 

What might have become a chaotic dispute quickly turned into internal camaraderie and catching up among Guild members.

Lei Qiuyun bowed deeply and said: 

“I, Lei Qiuyun, thank you all for your trust. Please register with Elder Yu Jizi if you wish to participate. I’ll finalize the detailed plan for the Cultivation Tournament and notify everyone in time.” 

“Yes!”

After saying that, Lei Qiuyun secretly let out a breath. Though she had remained calm on the outside, the tension and excitement in her heart were intense. 

With the foundation her father had left behind and her Master’s life-risking support, she had finally led the Guild to this point. 

At that thought, Lei Qiuyun couldn’t help but turn around and look at her Master, Ji Qinglin, who was resting nearby. 

He gave her a thumbs-up and nodded with a smile. 

Just as Lei Qiuyun was about to say something, she saw the smile on Li Qinglin’s face freeze. Then his body went limp and collapsed to the ground.

Before Lei Qiuyun or the nearby Elders could react, Yu Ye had already picked up Li Qinglin—who had suddenly lost consciousness—and urgently shouted: 

“Master! Doctor! Somebody get the doctor!” 

The crowd immediately sensed something was wrong and rushed over in shock. 

Dr. Sun Yi, who was close by, bent down and checked him for a moment before announcing: 

“He’s been poisoned! There was poison on Sha Zizai’s blade!” 

“How can that be?! Master’s shoulder wound looked fine!” 

“It’s not targeting the body—it’s a Gu poison that attacks the soul sense! I’ll stabilize him with needles first—quick, take him to my clinic!”

Bai Qiucheng’s heart sank when he heard it was poison meant for him that had struck instead. He rushed to take Ji Qinglin from Yu Ye’s arms and shouted: 

“Make way!” 

Holding Ji Qinglin, he leapt through the crowd that hadn’t yet scattered and ran straight toward the parked vehicle outside the venue.

Yu Ye followed closely, her heart already in chaos: 

A poison that targets the soul sense?! That definitely caught Master off guard. Master, oh Master, you have to pull through. Even if I have to pry open your heart, I’ll make sure you’re healed!