Chapter 24 (024) A Dramatic Incident

A slight blush rose on Xie Jue's fair cheeks.

If it were anyone else, Xie Jue would definitely not give up, but it just so happens to be Rong Tang.

Seeing Xiao Tang's pretty face, which looked a little angry, Xie Jue's anger vanished completely. Xiao Tang simply had some misunderstandings about her uncle and didn't know Xie Qingyu very well.

Furthermore, the Rong and Xie families had some past issues, and Rong Tang was simply siding with Rong Jianxian, whose temperament was always extreme.

Xie Jue's heart began to soften again, and her fair face flushed even more.

He leaned closer, wanting to say a few more words to Rong Tang, but was met with a fierce glare from her.

Rong Tang was extremely impatient with Xie Jue and glared at him fiercely.

Xie Jue felt uneasy and resentful even when he remained silent.

He couldn't vent his frustration on Rong Tang, so he looked around and finally fixed his gaze on Jiang Yingxue.

Although Jiang Yingxue tried her best to hide it, a hint of unease still appeared on her face, revealing her worry.

Although Shen Xiaochun had only been in Tianyuan Prefecture for a few days, Jiang Yingxue and she got along very well.

Xie Jue then leaned over and asked, "Jiang Xiaoxiu, your current deskmate isn't coming to Tianyuan Prefecture anymore. I wonder who else can sit next to you?"

Jiang Yingxue was clearly at a loss and not very good at speaking.

Xie Jue deliberately asked, "How about I ask around for you? Who would like to sit next to you?"

He deliberately raised his voice, but no one responded.

Jiang Yingxue originally came from the second level of heaven and didn't have any particularly close fellow cultivators. Her classmates didn't dislike her or mind being her deskmate, but since Xie Jue asked this on purpose, no one had the patience to argue.

Jiang Yingxue paused for a moment, then said, "Xiao Chan is just asking for leave; she's not not coming."

Xie Jue was surprised that she would agree, and immediately perked up: "If I say that, she definitely won't come."

Rong Tang frowned slightly and moved away from Xie Jue.

Rong Tang already misses Rong Xiao, whose cultivation is not yet complete.

Tianyuan Prefecture has very strict rules. Except for Rong Xiao, no other junior cultivator under the age of fourteen can ask for leave at will. It's unlikely that Shen Xiaochan can ask for leave, which would mean dropping out of school.

But what does this have to do with Rong Tang? She was annoyed by Xie Jue's endless chatter.

Xie Jue has been mischievous since he was a child. When Rong Tang went to Xie's house to play when she was a child, she saw Xie Jue's sleeves were slightly dirty.

There was a golden ant nest in the Xie family's ancestral garden. The adults ignored it, but Xie Jue deliberately activated the Flame Breath Technique and burned the golden ant nest.

Rong Tang also disliked the dirty golden ants, but usually ignored them. Xie Jue, however, found it amusing and even got a stain on his sleeve.

Xie Jue was only six years old at the time, and his round little face radiated pure joy.

Rong Tang didn't really like him.

In fact, Rong Yuejun of the Rong family taught by example that he emphasized decisiveness and ruthlessness, and the junior cultivators of the Rong family did not claim to be benevolent or kind.

But Xie Jue is just very annoying.

"What a child is like at three, he will be like at eighty." From a very young age, Xie Jue was sinister and cruel.

Rong Tang kept her distance from Xie Jue, her pretty, proud face tense.

Rong Xiao was taken away by his own mother to cultivate, leaving the seat next to Rong Tang empty. However, even if it was empty, Rong Tang would not allow Xie Jue to sit there.

The first lesson was on talismans. Before class, Master Lingfeng briefly mentioned, "Mo Lin has violated the rules of the Tianyuan Prefecture and has been expelled. The Bixia Sect is advancing in its cultivation level these two days, so Chen Xiaochan is granted a day off."

Having said all that, Master Lingfeng stopped talking and began teaching immediately.

Master Lingfeng focused solely on his duties and ignored other matters. Although it was quite rare for a sect to advance in the first level of heaven, Master Lingfeng did not intend to pay any attention to it.

These things have nothing to do with Master Lingfeng.

The junior cultivators below felt as if they had stumbled upon a juicy juicy story. They exchanged glances, but because of Master Lingfeng's cold and aloof demeanor, they refrained from gossiping or discussing it.

Xie Jue's face flushed red instantly.

He came from the Xie family, and Xie Qingyu doted on him, so people always took what he said seriously. Everyone felt that Xie Jue must have some inside information.

Sometimes Xie Jue would speak vaguely, and Xiao Xiu, a classmate, would think about it again and again.

But the information Xie Jue released now is not true.

Xie Jue would naturally feel very embarrassed.

He was naturally good at putting on airs, and besides, he had asked his uncle, who had already said he wouldn't interfere. Although the Sect Leader Shen was very beautiful, she was just a female cultivator from the lower realm, so it was understandable that his uncle didn't care.

Moreover, although Xiao Tang didn't want to hear it, it was indeed true that the Rong family sent people to the Tianchi Sect to make things difficult for Shen Zhiwei.

He's incredibly well-informed, how could he make a mistake?

Xie Jue had been holding back these secrets, intending to boast about them to Rong Tang, but now he was only thankful that he hadn't said a word.

Xie Jue couldn't help but bite her lip hard, leaving a red tooth mark, and her cheeks burned.

Xie Jue sat a little behind Rong Tang. He stared at Rong Tang's back and could imagine Rong Tang's impatient expression.

He couldn't help but look at Jiang Yingxue again. Jiang Yingxue looked radiant and happy.

Xie Jue was naturally very angry.

He also thought of Mo Lin. Although Xie Jue hadn't taken Mo Lin seriously, Mo Lin was his pet dog, but Shen Xiao Chan had prevented him from coming to Tianyuan Mansion.

At the Rong family residence, Su Yuan, Xie Chengbi's attendant, was sweating profusely and extremely nervous.

As a follower, Su Yuan was involved in the family affairs of the Rong and Xie families, and he couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

There are some things Xie Chengbi definitely won't admit to.

The lady had been suspicious for a long time, and only made her move today, which can be considered as putting Su Yuan under her control.

Rong Ying is always smiling, even if it's a bit fake, she always seems amiable.

But now Rong Ying had a cold face and her expression was not friendly.

Rong Ying said gently, "Your son, Xiao Su, will be participating in the Tianyuan Prefecture selection in two years. Although he took some forbidden drugs, it was due to carelessness. Actually, there's no need to worry about it so much. As long as he takes good care of his health, nothing will be found. He will definitely be selected for the Tianyuan Prefecture, and he will be a rare and talented young cultivator. You, as his father, don't need to worry too much."

Su Yuan wiped away his sweat and said yes.

Rong Ying continued, “You are Chengbi’s confidante, and I am his wife. As Daoist partners, I am naturally of one mind with him, and I have no intention of doing anything to harm him. It’s just that there are some things he doesn’t tell me, so I try to ask him. Mr. Su is very capable, but he always goes to the foot of Mount Sumeru every month and stays there for a few days.”

Rong Ying revealed her true intentions: "I suppose there's something very important that requires your attention."

"What is it?"

This matter was a thorn in Rong Ying's side. The Rong family hadn't done much business in the First Heaven, and neither had the Xie family.

The First Heaven is such a poor place, with little spiritual energy and scarce resources. What is there to covet?

Rong Ying would naturally wonder what kind of mess Xie Chengbi had made in the first level of heaven.

Some men from the upper realms, shameless as ever, change their names and go to the first heaven to commit adultery.

After the great battle that year, Xie Chengbi went to the foot of Mount Sumeru to carry out a mission for more than half a year, saying that he was doing things for the family. Who knows what happened?

Back then, although the two were childhood sweethearts and had a deep affection for each other, they were both pampered at home and neither of them had a particularly good temperament.

So they broke up and got back together several times, had some arguments, and each had other relationships, but in the end they missed each other more.

Later, during the battle to vanquish the demon, the two were separated for long periods, constantly worrying about each other.

After the war ended, the two got married.

Before they became Daoist partners, the elder sister was quite unhappy and worried. She felt that Rong Ying and Xie Chengbi were always arguing, and even if they became Daoist partners, there would be no good outcome.

Rong Ying was also a little worried, but since the two of them were truly in love, she decided to take a chance and give it a try.

Unexpectedly, the two got along very well after their marriage. Perhaps because they had experienced the great war against the demons, their personalities had changed somewhat, and they were no longer as noisy as before.

The couple was surprisingly harmonious and sweet, and could be considered to have achieved a happy ending.

After their marriage, the couple had a son and a daughter. Both Huai Ze and Xiao Tang were talented and well-behaved.

These days are absolutely wonderful.

On such a wonderful day, Rong Ying had a thorn in her heart that made her heart ache.

That is Xie Chengbi's unusual attention to the lower realm. Su Yuan is his confidant and often goes to the first heaven to do things. No one knows for whom it is for!

Rong Ying was furious about this.

Xie Chengbi is quite meticulous in his actions, and Rong Ying can't find any fault with him. Asking him would be pointless, and he would definitely deny it. This might even make Xie Chengbi more wary.

Rong Ying had been holding back, but now that she had a crucial handle on Su Yuan, she was trying to pry him open up.

She kept avoiding and enduring it, but she still had her pride.

If Xie Chengbi goes too far, she will also reach her breaking point!

Her older sister will definitely stand by her side; she wants both children!

If Xie Chengbi dares to have another family outside, she will definitely teach Xie Chengbi a lesson!

The thought of this possibility suddenly caused Rong Ying a sharp pain in her heart!

Su Yuan hesitated and stammered, but knowing that Rong Ying was determined to get what she wanted today, he finally opened his mouth and said, "The person I see every month, Fairy, is someone I know, it's that, Sect Leader Shen."

Rong Ying wasn't even that surprised. She quickly thought, "Yes, the one Xie Chengbi can't forget must be Shen Zhiwei's looks."

Also, there's a mark on Shen Zhiwei's back; she was injured by a demon beast.

Coincidentally, Xie Chengbi returned from the foot of Mount Sumeru that year also injured by a demonic beast; one of her arms was bitten raw. She went to care for her, shedding many tears. The healer examined her and offered two suggestions: one was to treat the original arm, and the other was to cut off the injured arm and regenerate a new one.

What a coincidence, both of us were caught in the beast tide of the first level?

At that time, Rong Ying already had some doubts—

The female cultivator was extremely beautiful, yet also very vulgar, but she seemed to possess some skill.

Now that they've come looking for you, they're deliberately showing off in front of others!

Rong Ying couldn't help but clench the hem of her dress.

Su Yuan also quickly replied, "As for the master, he has never visited Shen Shi in the past ten years, nor has he spoken a single word to him. He listens to my reports every month and takes them very seriously, instructing me to keep a close watch on him so as not to make any mistakes."

Rong Ying said sternly, "Of course you're speaking up for him. Even now, you're still covering for him!"

Su Yuan smiled wryly: "Madam, please think about it. If the master comes in person, why would I need to go every month? Wouldn't that just make things difficult for myself? It would be redundant! Besides, Madam can find out his schedule."

Rong Ying thought that made sense, and her expression softened.

What Su Yuan said does make some sense.

Fortunately, Xie Chengbi didn't have another family, so he was so affectionate with Shen Xiaochun, who hugged his neck and called him "Dad."

Thinking this, Rong Ying couldn't help but secretly curse herself for being so useless!

However, it seems that although Xie Chengbi made mistakes, he did not cross her bottom line.

Moreover, she hadn't actually been able to bring herself to break up with Xie Chengbi.

Although she was still angry, she had already begun to find reasons for Xie Chengbi.

Based on Shen Xiaochan's age and the timing of the beast tide in the first layer of heaven, it should have been before their marriage.

In the war against the demons back then, countless cultivators died, and many of them had their Dao hearts broken.

Perhaps Xie Chengbi's Dao heart collapsed at that time, and he happened to fall to the mortal realm, where he met a seemingly decent and beautiful female cultivator.

So I made a mistake for a moment.

At that time, she verbally broke up with Xie Chengbi, although their on-again, off-again relationship in their youth was not a true breakup.

Thus began a romantic entanglement.

Therefore, we can't just ignore it.

Therefore, he always asked his subordinates to check on things from time to time.

It seems we can't just ignore it completely; that would be inhumane.

But Rong Ying was filled with bitterness!

She was pampered and spoiled since childhood, and used to being willful. How could she endure such grievances?

Rong Ying was also jealous and couldn't help but say, "So I'll let you keep an eye on things. If Shen Zhiwei is alright, then so be it. But if Shen Zhiwei is in any trouble, you must step in to help her. Isn't that right?"

"No wonder the Bixia Sect has such a powerful presence! They've even advanced in cultivation level. It turns out they have such a powerful backer! I was right, how could a mere illegitimate son of the Tianchi Sect have such a foundation?"

Rong Ying had figured things out and seen through the truth, and her voice gradually grew louder.

That's just how it is, there's absolutely no other possibility, it's absolutely hilarious!

A mocking smile even appeared on Rong Ying's lips.

Unexpectedly, Su Yuan shook his head and said, "No!"

Su Yuan gritted his teeth and, regardless of whether he should or shouldn't say it, said it all: "The master told me to keep an eye on her. Whether she goes to the third day or the second level of heaven, she can't go to Yuan Yuan Heaven."

"The master said that she must not be allowed to say anything reckless or say anything she shouldn't say."

"If Sect Leader Shen arrives in Yuan Yuan Tian, ​​you must inform him. If Sect Leader Shen says anything unpleasant, you must stop her. If necessary, it is alright to use some force."

"What the master means is that I can spare your life, but it doesn't matter if my cultivation is destroyed."

Rong Ying was stunned!

She never expected Xie Chengbi to say such a thing.

Is this really possible? Ruthless!

Xie Chengbi is actually this kind of person? She felt like she hardly recognized Xie Chengbi anymore.

In my memory, Xie Chengbi was always somewhat willful and childish as a teenager, and she and Xie Chengbi were always at odds, neither willing to give in.

After marriage—

After marriage, Xie Chengbi didn't seem to have changed much. Sometimes his immature childishness would still surface, but his temperament was much better than before marriage, and he would always give in to Rong Ying.

Rong Ying suspected him of infidelity, but she never imagined he would be so ruthless. Xie Chengbi had an older brother, Xie Qingyu, a powerful and influential figure. With such a brother, the younger brother would naturally be weaker. But what should have been a given now felt unreal.

Was Xie Chengbi faking it?

He was unwilling to accept it?

He was unwilling to submit to servitude.

He has other ambitions and doesn't really respect Xie Qingyu.

Rong Ying immediately imagined many versions, and she didn't realize that she was sweating profusely and felt a chill run down her spine.

Yes, that affair was merely a momentary infatuation on Xie Chengbi's part. Once Xie Chengbi came to her senses, she naturally didn't want anyone to know. After the great demon-slaying war, the Rong and Xie families were extremely prosperous, and Xie Chengbi's status rose accordingly.

She and Xie Chengbi were a loving couple, a beautiful story that brought honor to both families.

Xie Chengbi was living a good life and naturally didn't want those embarrassing old stories to be brought up again for people to gossip about, not knowing how unpleasant the comments would be.

Therefore, he was wary of Shen Zhiwei talking nonsense in Yuanyuantian.

She listened as Su Yuan said, "This time, that Shen actually went to Yuan Yuan Heaven. I was ordered to keep a close eye on her, afraid that she would talk nonsense and also afraid that she would hurt Fairy Rong. Fortunately, that Shen is sensible enough. At most, she said a few sarcastic remarks, but did not overstep her bounds."

Even Shen Zhiwei was secretly being watched in Shangyuan Yuantian this time?

Rong Ying was even more horrified! This was truly something she had never imagined!

Xie Chengbi is far too despicable; he's truly vile!

But she couldn't deceive herself either—

Although it is despicable, shameless, and heartless, although it is said that one should choose a man who is of good character, and although a man who is heartless to others may also be heartless to you, etc.

Rong Ying understood the reasoning perfectly, but she felt a surge of joy, relief, and even a sense of catharsis.

In Cheng Bi's eyes, the mother and daughter were like worthless weeds.

All he wants is this home he has now.

Even because of Xie Chengbi's despicable and cruel behavior, she was somewhat less angry and didn't hate him as much as before.

Her heart softened, her thoughts of reconciliation with Xie Chengbi faded, and she was already thinking about continuing to live her life with Xie Chengbi in this muddled way.

Su Yuan, observing Xie Chengbi's expression, also spoke up for her: "Master's heart is ultimately with the fairy. What are those two women? Why should the fairy care? If you make a scene and start a fight, it will only make Shen laugh at you. She has no hope anyway."

Rong Ying sneered: "He's already had a daughter with someone else, yet he can still boast about their deep affection. How hypocritical!"

She paused, then said sternly, "What I'm discussing with you today, you must never tell anyone else."

She was prepared to live her life in a daze, which meant she would just endure it, but she didn't intend to let Xie Chengbi know that she had chosen to endure. If Xie Chengbi knew that she would endure, he would definitely think she was easy to bully, he would definitely not be grateful, and he would definitely take advantage of her.

That's how it is when you're married; it's either the east wind prevails over the west wind, or the west wind prevails over the east wind.

Su Yuan replied, "Yes!"

Rong Ying breathed a sigh of relief, but then felt a bit flustered again.

Shen Zhiwei must be resentful about being treated so poorly, and who knows if she might want to retaliate? Perhaps Shen Zhiwei wants to ruin her and Xie Chengbi's happy days.

But what can Shen Zhiwei do? Even if he advances in his cultivation level, he's only at the second level. How can he compare to the power and influence of the Rong and Xie families? It's like an ant trying to shake a tree; he has no chance at all.

If the Shen family were to behave themselves and live a good life, that would be fine; otherwise, they'd be in for a rough time.

Shen Zhiwei seemed to be quite clever, and probably knew what was important.

Even so, Rong Ying was not really confident.

Thinking of Shen Zhiwei's charming smile and seemingly nonchalant demeanor, Rong Ying felt that she was quite scheming and a sense of fear crept into her heart.

Shen Zhiwei couldn't help but sneeze.

She has many different personas, but they all seem to be villains, such as a scheming mistress who intends to take revenge on her lover, a hypocritical and cunning sect leader, or a world-destroying madman who is detrimental to the four realms.

However, Shen Zhiwei is also a down-to-earth person, and now she is managing the sect well.

After a day and a night, the space activated by the Yuanmu Tree for the Bixia Sect in the second layer of heaven has matured and stabilized, and can be used by the sect for production and operation.

Shen Zhiwei had already used his magic sword to survey the area and had a general understanding of the Bixia Sect in the second level of heaven.

The territory of the Bixia Sect has expanded fivefold, with two spiritual veins available for mining. Each spiritual mine is of purple grade, which is incomparable to the small red grade spiritual mine in the old Drywood Mountain.

In addition, there are a hundred spirit houses, including a scripture hall, and scrolls of alchemical manuals and cultivation techniques, mostly purple and yellow grade techniques, with five volumes of earth grade techniques.

Only cultivators who have reached the Jade Liquid Realm can cultivate Purple-grade techniques, and only those who have reached the Half-Immortal Realm can learn Earth-grade techniques.

The cultivation techniques bestowed upon Yuanmu Tree upon its advancement were also quite commensurate with the sect's standards.

With one small goal achieved, Shen Zhiwei's mind is already focused on the next one.

Her wish was simple and modest: to elevate the Bixia Sect from the second level of heaven to the third level of heaven.

To go further, Shen Zhiwei, the current sect leader, doesn't need to be upgraded any more; the sect leader of the third level only needs to be at the half-immortal realm.

The main difference lies in the size of the sect.

For the Bixia Sect to upgrade from the second to the third level, the following conditions must be met: the number of disciples must be at least 20,000; if the sect's main business is alchemy, it must have more than 1,000 alchemists of purple grade or above, five alchemists of earth grade or above, and its annual business volume must exceed 10 million spirit stones.

In short, the key is to earn more money and build a larger network of contacts.

At this time, Li Yao arrived with Shi Miaoxue.

Shen Zhiwei conjured the Fallen Heart Flame and returned it, sighing, "Now Young Master Nan returns this Fallen Heart Flame—"

He said he was afraid that Fairy Jiang would misunderstand.

Shen Zhiwei gave another "you know what I mean" look.

Nan Yulou naturally didn't want to return it; Li Yao had gotten the Meteorite Flame back through her sharp tongue.

Now that Shen Zhiwei is making a point here, Li Yao knows exactly what's going on.

Li Yao wanted to laugh, but she forced herself to hold it back, feeling that it would be a waste of her good karma.

Li Yao forced herself to hold back.

A look of sadness immediately appeared on Shi Miaoxue's face, and a flash of tears appeared in her eyes. Then, her cheeks were flushed with anger.

Elder Shi is soft-hearted. Even after such a falling out with Nan Yulou, he still lingers, clearly still having feelings for her.

However, she had some pride, and no matter how deep her feelings were, they couldn't compare to Nan Yulou's behavior and Shen Zhiwei's pickiness.

The heartbroken young female cultivator gritted her teeth and said, "He doesn't want it, and I'm still unwilling to give it to him. He doesn't deserve it!"

Shi Miaoxue reached out and retrieved the Meteor Heart Flame.

Shen Zhiwei was relieved to see that Shi Miaoxue had taken back the Heart-Shattering Flame she had given away. Her biggest fear was that Shi Miaoxue would get caught up in her self-pity and become unable to extricate herself. For example, she might make a huge sacrifice to prove that she didn't want anything in return and that it was true love, or that no one would ever be more devoted to her in the future. That was completely unnecessary.

Shi Miaoxue integrated the Meteor Heart Flame into her body, her anger still lingering on her face; she was indeed quite furious.