Outside the suffocatingly awkward treasure vault, Yun Xian and the other two stood on the roof of the Sword Sect. Liu Xu led her to a secluded spot, saying, "You're so bold! You even dared to break into the headquarters!"

"I don't see anyone guarding this place." Yun Xian looked around. "Have you been locked up in the Sword Sect lately? Indeed. Liu Shi seems to be failing. He must be keeping an eye on you and letting you lead the team in the martial arts competition."

"Yes." Liu Xu said, "Fortunately, this is still the outer reaches. If you go further in, you will be within the range of the elders' spiritual awareness. There are also various formations, which are quite dangerous..."

Yun Xian interrupted her: "Is this something you can say?"

Although she was interested in the information about the Sword Sect, she could not get it from Liu Xu no matter what.

"..." Liu Xu still thought she was in Tang Ling Country. She was stunned, then suddenly woke up and said, "It's nothing. Anyway, no one else would dare to come here like this except you."

Yun Xian secretly thought that if he went in with the current guard situation, the old man selling candied haws next door might be able to break in trembling after drinking two glasses of Erguotou.

Over there, the inner sect disciples were still catching the rapist, the noise and fury intensifying. Liu Xu led the two along a small path away from the Sword Sect's territory. Someone seemed to be whispering to ask where she was going. She frowned and said coldly, "Do I need to report to you where I'm going?"

There was no sound from the other end.

Yun Xian looked at the towering buildings of the Sword Sect and thought of the spiritual spring. He asked, "I've heard that the Sword Sect's spiritual spring strengthens the body, cleanses the meridians and marrow, and even strengthens one's bones. That's why outer disciples are so eager to enter the inner sect, just to compete for this spot."

One's constitution was determined by fate, set at birth. Barring some extraordinary adventure, it couldn't be easily improved. But for cultivators with average constitutions, any hope was better than no hope at all. Even if they were told a thousand times that their constitution couldn't be improved, they would still trust this folk remedy.

What's more, the Sword Sect Spirit Spring does "have" the effect of improving one's bones - isn't that nonsense? The magic core will enter the bones and naturally strengthen them. If you don't stop the loss in time, your ashes will be scattered in the end.

"There are such rumors." Liu Xu hesitated, "But, in fact, I always feel that it is not very reliable."

He looked confused and had no idea why Yun Xian suddenly mentioned the spiritual spring.

The Sword Sect not only categorizes its disciples into different levels, but also its elders. Liu Chang's cultivation isn't actually the highest among the elders, but he oversees all sect affairs. The other elders range from the indifferent to the world, to those like Liu Liu who manage the Sword Sect's finances, to those who handle grievances that are forbidden to outsiders. As a core disciple, Liu Xu naturally knows as little about these matters as possible. Otherwise, if she loses her loyalty to the Sword Sect, wouldn't all her efforts be wasted?

"It's just right that you're here." Liu Xu looked around, confirming that no one was around, and then said nervously, "I originally wanted to go find Elder Liu Chang and ask him to let me leave the sect, but I heard that he invited Zhong Changyao here today just to find an opportunity to deal with you."

In fact, Yun Xian had learned about this earlier through the sound transmission talisman. She wasn't surprised by Zhong Changyao's character, as he could do anything shameless. However, the only thing that surprised her was Taiping.

At least when he last met Zhong Changyao, he hadn't known that the sword spirit within the leader was actually Taiping. Nowadays, many people, seeing Taiping speak, would automatically classify him as a sword spirit derived from the leader, let alone knowing the inside story.

"Thank you." Yun Xian looked at Liu Xu. Her wild face was filled with pure worry. She smiled and said, "I understand."

But Liu Xu is not only worried about this.

"At the martial arts competition, I will lead the Sword Sect." From a natural perspective, Liu Xu certainly didn't want to be Yun Xian's enemy, but it was difficult to disobey the sect's orders. She whispered, "The Sword Sect has cultivated me for a long time. At least this time, I will do my best."

She was still naive, thinking that even if their interests were different, they could still hold hands and become good friends.

Yun Xian was thoughtfully escorted out of the Sword Sect by her, and upon hearing this, he turned back inexplicably.

"Of course." Yun Xian smiled and said, "If you don't try your best, wouldn't that mean you look down on me?"

Liu Xu was stunned. She watched Yun Xian take the taciturn senior brother, pat his butt, and leave, as if he didn't care about anything.

The clouds rolled and dispersed, but she was still in the imprisoned territory of the Sword Sect. The unspeakable guilt and anxiety in her heart dissipated like the wind.

Everyone went to Dao Sect and gained a lot. Finally, they returned to their respective positions and gathered in the inn to share what they had.

Qiao Lingshan's group was exhausted and in a mess after being chased. When they returned, they were still in a state of shock. Qiao Lingshan blamed them, "Feng Ye, it seems that men's clothing is not suitable for you when it comes to stealth missions. Wear women's clothing next time!"

"Can you blame me for this?!" Feng Ye was so confused that his mind was about to burst. "If I were dressed as a woman, he would chase me even harder! Maybe I would even be held responsible!!"

Only Jimo Shu took out something from her pocket, a damp, sticky, black lump, and handed it to Yun Xian.

Yun Xian took it blankly and looked at her inquiringly.

Jimo Shu nodded.

Oh, it looks like it's edible. Yun Xian just opened her mouth when Jimo Shu quickly stopped her: "What are you doing?! This is a magic core!!"

What, magic core?!

Everyone looked at it with wide eyes.

Yun Xian looked at the thing that was almost rotten by the water and asked suspiciously, "Lady Saint, this magic core has been soaked in water for so long, how can you still take it out?"

"Why not?" Jimo Shu said proudly, "He can put it down, but I can't take it."

Yun Xian didn't expect such a pleasant surprise. The magic core was stolen. It seemed that the Sword Sect would be in chaos again.

Although getting this thing would not benefit him in any way, it would be a great thing if it could make Dao Zong uncomfortable.

Qiao Lingshan and Yun Xian hadn't yet entered the Sword Sect's true inner circle. They barely qualified as inner disciples, but the higher-ups, proud of their status, wouldn't intervene over such a trivial matter. At most, they would send an elder to intervene. The remaining ones were Ji Rongxue and Xue Lingxiu.

Xue Lingxiu told everyone about their encounter with Shu Jiuwei. Just by listening to his description, everyone couldn't help but show a complicated look on their faces: "..."

This fox princess could truly make any solemn occasion seem less solemn. It was more like she wasn't born with the ability to "read the atmosphere." She'd been taught from a young age that being clever and accommodating would get her everything. Now, having left her tribe for the first time and eloped with someone, Zhong Changyao was being so rude to her. Naturally, she was both afraid and confused.

When Xue Lingxiu relayed the message, Ji Rongxue was sitting nearby, with no expression on her face. However, Yun Xian felt that the young lady had been a little absent-minded recently.

Given her ambition, it would be a great thing for her to be in a group with Xue Lingxiu. After all, the Body-Building Sect had been suffering from a lack of medical practitioners for a long time. If she could take the opportunity to make friends with Xue Lingxiu, she could also establish a good relationship with the Miaoshou Sect, thus preparing for a rainy day and being prepared for any eventuality.

Of course, this wasn't the primary reason Yun Xian thought something was wrong with her—she'd calculated that Ji Rongxue hadn't told a joke in two days. This was simply unbelievable to her! Even in the dire situation of Lian Zuo being imprisoned, Ji Rongxue hadn't given up on him, and had told such a chilling joke as "The Legend of the Water Tiger." Now, he was just going to stop telling jokes?!

No. Something's definitely wrong. Miss Ji must be worried.

But seeing her cold expression, Yun Xian knew that he had to ask her in private.

"The Sword Sect probably doesn't know the relevant rules of the martial arts competition either." Xue Lingxiu pondered, "I've tried to test Liu Chang, and he seems completely unaware. If he knew, he wouldn't be desperately trying to buy so many things that are common in various martial arts sects, hoping to win every time."

In fact, under unclear circumstances, this approach cannot be considered wrong, as everyone wants to do so.

It’s just that the Dao Sect is too wealthy and powerful to actually realize this practice.

"My senior brother and I went to destroy Zhong Changyao's Jade Water Sword." When it was Yun Xian's turn, he simply said, "In the meantime, we also wrote down the list of magical instruments in the treasure house and tampered with it a little bit."

"List?" Xue Lingxiu asked, "Where is it?"

The clouds are leisurely and the night is late.

Su Chi hesitated for a moment and said calmly, "Say it now?"

Everyone: “…”

Did Su Chi remember everything?! Could you please stop using this as some magical gadget?!

Regardless, the matter was now settled. The enemy was in the open, while everyone else was in the dark. All they had to do was adapt to the situation and employ some subtle tactics. They could counter their own moves later. If an enemy came, they would be met with force; if water came, they would be covered with earth. In short, the Dao Sect was now completely clueless about the Tianyuan Martial Arts Tournament. This time, everyone was on the same starting line.

It looks like tomorrow's auction will be a huge expense.

Xiao Wu came and went, even more like a gust of wind than Yun Xian. She took the magic core away, her brows furrowed as she left, but she didn't forget to reward the hero with a pat on the head. "Well done, keep up the good work next time!"

It was dusk again.

There were no candles lit in the house. As the sun gradually set, smoke from cooking fires rose in the distance. The lights were dim. At the turn of dawn and dusk, warm light was reflected on the faces of everyone in the house. No one spoke, but just sat there, quite naturally.

"It's getting dark." Yun Xianri looked at the restaurant and said, "It's time to eat."

Jimo Shu snorted inaudibly: "Why not ask when you feel you shouldn't eat?"

As soon as they mentioned eating, everyone's gaze slowly shifted from the window to Xue Lingxiu's face. They were all in tacit understanding and remained silent, even Jimo Shu was no exception, leaving Xue Lingxiu alone to bite through her teeth: "..."

That’s all. That’s all!

How could he not know the nature of these people? If they didn't leave, it was their own choice!

"Get up." Xue Lingxiu comforted herself skillfully, and her words were quite warm. "Come on, today I will show you how the sheep hides fish."

Everyone stood up at once, still trying to refuse:

"I feel bad for bothering Fellow Daoist Xue to treat me again."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm almost blushing."

"In fact, plain porridge and side dishes are not bad. Simplicity is the real thing, and you can never get tired of it. Although the Manchu-Han banquet is good, it's not good to see it every day..."

Xue Lingxiu smiled and said "nonsense" on the surface, but she was actually very pleased. However, as soon as she opened the door, her face turned green again.

Whoever he asked for showed up. After two days of absence, Qi Zhiye was standing outside the door, dressed in a gorgeous golden robe. His golden eyes swept over everyone without hesitation. Then, he frowned and asked, "Where have you been today?"

I don’t know if it’s because I just ran away from Master Mingguang’s Buddha’s claws, and my breathing is not yet even.

Yun Xian said, "I went to the Sword Sect and did some work. What's the matter, Fellow Daoist Qi? Did Master Mingguang ask you to tell him something?"

"...You went to the Sword Sect? What are you going to do now? Eat?" Qi Zhiye's brows were getting tighter and tighter. "Why didn't you call me?"

What he said was that going to Dao Sect was not just a trip, nor was it a good thing. Moreover, considering the Buddhist stance, did they have to go and invite Qi Xingye if he wasn't there? Yun Xian was speechless and said, "This is not... Fellow Daoist Qi, you have something to do. It's not good to disturb you."

Besides, she wasn't stupid. After the incident with Senior Mingren, Qi Zhiye had been somewhat depressed and constantly thinking. At times like this, it was even more important for him to have some quiet time to think. Yun Xian was a restless person, so she didn't bother him.

It seemed that Yun Xian's answer was not what Qi Zhiye wanted to hear. His handsome face sank, and he seemed to be getting angry.

None of the four women present could understand why he was angry. Xue Lingxiu, however, took a quick glance and immediately understood. She felt relieved and said with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Qi, you're going back to the Western Realm soon. How dare I call you? Without you, things went perfectly. If you were here, perhaps it would be better if you weren't here. Haha."

The more he spoke, the darker Qi Zhiye's face darkened. He asked, "Xue Lingxiu, what are you so proud of?"

"I'm a villain who's succeeded?" Xue Lingxiu, who never suffered a loss, said coldly, "I wonder who it was who, like a stray dog ​​that couldn't find its way, just followed the scent and came up!"

Su Chi just watched them quarreling quietly. Feng Ye almost knelt down: "It was fine just now, how come it suddenly..."

Jimo Shu turned her head and accidentally met Ji Rongxue's eyes. Both the man and the demon looked puzzled.

Yun Xian always felt that the air was filled with the atmosphere of catching someone having an affair, but with so many people around, what kind of affair could she be catching? Even with her thick nerves, she started to smooth things over: "Stop arguing, what's there to argue about? Come on, Fellow Daoist Qi, let's go eat together. This will be a farewell party."

Seeing the group of people standing in front of him, it seemed that he had no place left. Qi Zhiye immediately looked angry. After a long while, he said stiffly: "I'm not going back to the Western Realm!"

It sounds a bit aggrieved.

Xue Lingxiu froze: "What do you mean?"

"That's what I mean. I've already told Master." Qi Zhiye turned around. As expected of a Buddhist disciple, he had a very well-maintained expression. He quickly regained his normal expression and said, "Aren't we going to eat? Let's go."

"Who asked you to follow me?" He pretended not to hear what Xue Lingxiu said, walked straight to the carriage, and grabbed Yun Xian's neck.

Yun Xian felt a suction coming, thinking it was the peacock's quirk, but she didn't think it mattered. Su Chi did, and with a flick of his sword, he froze her and asked coldly, "What are you doing?"

No matter how noisy others were, he just followed Yun Xian quietly, looking like a valuable pendant.

Qi Zhiye said impatiently: "I have something to say to her."

"It's okay, Big Brother." Yun Xian said, "He should be talking about Senior Mingren. I'll just go over there."

Su Chi's eyes didn't move, and after a while, he let her go.

"If you have something to say, just say it." He said coldly, "Don't make any moves."

Qi Zhiye: “…”

This person is sick! Who in the world could have the slightest romantic interest in this little golden statue that currently looks like a Buddhist guardian beast?! Even his own mother wouldn't think that! He's overprotective!

"I've been wanting to say this for a long time." Jimo Shu also said coldly: "Don't get involved for no reason. It's really annoying to watch!"

Qi Zhiye: “?”

Just before the Buddhist and Demonic sects were about to engage in another verbal battle, Yun Xian quickly pulled Qi Zhiye into the carriage.

As soon as she got on the carriage, she automatically found a comfortable place to lean against and said, "Brother Qi, what's going on?"

The horses' hooves clattered as they headed towards the restaurant. After the farce just now, dusk had already fallen and the setting sun was as red as blood.

Qi Zhiye's profile was hidden in the shadows. After a long pause, he said, "I just said I won't return to the Western Realm. It's true."

Yun Xian didn't dare to speak. Actually, Fellow Daoist Qi, even if you didn't go back, she would still be visiting the Buddhist sect. After all the twists and turns, she would still have to go back... But her remaining emotional intelligence prevented her from speaking aloud at this moment.

"I heard that Master Mingguang will be leaving tomorrow." Yun Xian said, "I was just thinking about sending you a letter, but Buddhist monks are usually secluded, so it's not easy to send this letter."

Qi Zhiye's expression relaxed a lot.

"Master intends to bring Senior Mingren's sachet back to the Buddhist sect and erect a cenotaph there. The Buddhist sect won't conceal Mingren's affairs. I'm sure the world will once again be filled with criticism and condemnation." Qi Zhiye lowered his eyes and said, "I can imagine the insults they'll throw at you, stupid bald donkey, harming both yourself and others... But I'm afraid they don't worry about being scolded."

It was just being scolded, even if he was being stabbed in the spine, it was not even one-tenth of the pain that Akihito suffered back then.

Yun Xian was silent, and said, "So, Master Mingguang's next plan is...?"

"Originally, there were other candidates for the next abbot. Each abbot tacitly decided to pass the mantle to the most stable and sensible person, rather than the strongest." Qi Zhiye said, "Some are suitable for preparing for the sect, while others are not. Even when I went down the mountain to fight in the four directions, many people in the Buddhist community opposed it."

He thought of Master Mingguang's sighing face.

"Someone has to change. Master used to always hope that someone would do it, but he just went with the flow. Mediocrity is evil, but it's evil too. Now at this age, there's nothing to be afraid of. It's already decades too late. If I don't do it now, it will be too late."

"Xingye, do you think you are qualified for the position of abbot?"

It was a short question, but it was as heavy as a thousand pounds. Qi Zhiye was speechless until now, and even now, he couldn't easily give a single answer.

Afraid of taking responsibility, afraid of repeating the same mistakes, afraid of making wrong decisions, and afraid of the damage that may be caused by even the slightest change.

"But if Master dares, why shouldn't I?" Qi Zhiye lowered his eyes, as if talking to himself, "Someone has to change, so why can't that person be me?"

Yun Xian: "If Master Mingguang can convince the abbot, then it will naturally follow suit."

"Yun Xian, you were right then." Qi Zhiye barely paused before continuing, "Changing others is infinitely more difficult than changing yourself. Buddhism is dedicated to goodness, and it only requires goodness of oneself, never demanding of others. I no longer blame my elder brother. ... Even if we are both Buddhists, we have different paths. There are people like him, and there are people like me. This shouldn't be a conflict."

Yun Xian: "Hmm..."

Qi Zhiye: "Do you think I can do it?"

Yun Xian: “Yes.”

Qi Zhiye felt relieved.

He rarely spoke to others, and that was the only time he did so in the Four Directions Secret Realm. Back then, he was filled with resentment, and everything he said was filled with anger. Now, it seemed a little strange. Born and raised in the Buddhist sect, Mingshu was a bit of a stickler among his peers, and his fellow practitioners had different philosophies. After much deliberation, he felt suffocated and had no choice but to use Yunxian as a tree hole.

Unexpectedly, Yun Xian was quite considerate this time. He didn't say anything weird or hurtful. Qi Zhiye lowered his eyes and repeated his concerns and thoughts over and over again.

It was as if a long-standing illness had been shaken off, and my heart suddenly felt much brighter.

Before I knew it, night had quietly fallen, the cool breeze blew through the curtains, and I could hear the lively shouting and hawking from the street.

"The world is full of ups and downs, but a clear mind is the key to success." Qi Zhiye seemed to hesitate after finishing the last sentence. After a long while, he whispered, "Yun Xian, thank you very much."

It seemed like it took him half his life's courage to say this. Qi Zhiye didn't look up, but just listened carefully to the sounds from the other side.

Um?

Why is there no sound?

Wait, got it.

……snore.

He looked up woodenly and saw the little golden man lying stiffly on the couch. He had no idea how long he had been sleeping, and his saliva was almost flowing down to his neck.

Qi Zhiye: “…………”

Stay calm, take a deep breath, avoid getting anxious, and don't violate the precept of anger.

Qi Zhiye calmly raised his hand and hit Yun Xian on the head!

The sound of "dong" was indeed louder than he thought. Yun Xian woke up slowly, still confused: "Huh? Where were we talking about? Yun Xian, thank you so much!! Right?"

Qi Zhiye roared, "You only remember the useless parts, don't you?!!!"