Chapter 7 007 The vulgar Sect Leader Shen has two faces...
When Shen Zhiwei left Yuanyuan Heaven, Xie Qingyu made a point of seeing her off.
She was invited to the Listening to Snow Pavilion, which is located on the side of the road leading out of the country and is covered in snow all year round.
Beside the pavilion, a tree.
The tree's gnarled branches twisted and turned, as black as iron. Yet, on those withered branches, a dense profusion of red flowers bloomed. The petals were plump, a rich, almost eerie red.
Xie Qingyu was in the pavilion, and the sect leader of the Nine Peaks Immortal Sect had changed his clothes again.
He was dressed in black robes, exuding an air of refined elegance.
Upon seeing Shen Zhiwei, Xie Qingyu's expression turned slightly solemn: "In less than half a year, our sect will begin to sell pills in small quantities, and all four realms will be able to benefit from this favor."
His gentle face showed a hint of apology: "I know that Sect Leader Shen has a difficult time, and I don't want to lie to you."
Shen Zhiwei's expression changed as expected, and Bai Wanyun, the elder of the Jiuyi Immortal Sect, who was standing to the side, did not find it strange.
As the saying goes, plans are no match for changes. A single policy change by a major sect is enough to annihilate Shen Zhiwei, a small sect at the foot of Mount Sumeru.
Bai Wanyun: "Our sect's actions are also intended to benefit the four realms, so that even small sects and rogue cultivators can use inexpensive pills. As for the livelihood of first-level alchemy cultivators, Sect Master Xie has also taken it into consideration."
"Even if they can't refine pills, they can still make a living in other ways. We won't need so many alchemists in the future. The sect leader plans to introduce eighth-grade spiritual herbs and various spiritual fruits into the first layer of heaven, which can be cultivated by alchemists who have switched careers, so that they can also make a living."
Xie Qingyu remained silent, but even if he didn't say a word, others would speak for him.
His dark robes fluttered slightly, his expression less amiable than usual; in truth, he was inherently aloof. It wasn't just the Nine Peaks Immortal Sect; in fact, countless people across the four realms revered Xie Qingyu. Sometimes, implementing certain policies, even those benefiting the majority, inevitably sacrifices some.
Sect Leader Xie willingly bore the infamy.
Shen Zhiwei laughed in anger, biting her lip: "So, I should thank Sect Master Xie? The Nine Peaks Immortal Sect has made some good arrangements, even taking care of our sect's future."
She was very beautiful, with a face as white as jade, and the red mark from when Young Master Mu pinched her hadn't faded yet.
A beautiful but damaged face appeared somewhat frivolous, a stark contrast to Xie Qingyu's somber and serene appearance.
A pleasing appearance always has some advantages, so although Bai Wanyun felt that this Shen family was shallow, she felt there was no need to get really angry with Shen Zhiwei.
Although she lacked experience, the Shen family had just revealed that their daughter could ascend to the Yuan Yuan Heaven, and the female cultivator was now being dampened by her pride.
No wonder you're unhappy.
Xie Qingyu stepped forward and said gently, "Sect Leader Shen, the magic sword for Xiao Chan has been found."
It was found, not bought; it was just a matter of Xie Qingyu giving an order to Tianling Peak.
Xie Qingyu: "This Nanli Sword is formed from a strange fire. Although it is of the Earth rank, it is of the Purple rank. She can probably use it for several years at her age."
Once Shen Xiaochan's cultivation level increases, she will definitely need to get a better magic sword, or upgrade and temper the old one.
Shen Zhiwei's face was stiff and he looked somewhat awkward as he said, "Thank you very much, Sect Master."
Xie Qingyu's tactical shift in topic was brilliant; not only did it extend a favor, but it also reminded Shen Zhiwei of Shen Xiaochun. No matter what, Shen Zhiwei would inevitably think of Shen Xiaochun's future.
Xie Qingyu: "I also hid a wisp of Heavenly Essence Flame in the sword. It won't harm the sword master, but it can enhance the sword."
Shen Zhiwei's expression changed, but she finally softened: "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader. Thank you for taking care of Xiao Chan."
Bai Wanyun saw this but wasn't surprised; a mother would naturally think of her child. However, Bai Yiyun felt something was amiss, thinking that although Xie Qingyu usually had a good temper, she wasn't often this thoughtful and attentive.
Xie Qingyu: "No need to be polite. After all, Sect Leader Shen has also suffered a lot of fright today. Besides, I also greatly admire Sect Leader Shen. I think that if Sect Leader Shen is willing to do things for me, I will definitely reserve a very good position for him in Yuan Yuan Tian."
Xie Qingyu actually extended an olive branch to Shen Zhiwei.
Shen Zhiwei was clearly startled as well.
She seemed somewhat at a loss, a hint of confusion on her beautiful face. She nodded and said, "Thank you, Sect Master, for allowing me to think it over carefully."
Shen Zhiwei's anger had clearly subsided, leaving her feeling dizzy and disoriented from the olive branch.
Although they are worlds apart, the clouds in the sky have somehow managed to get so close.
Bai Wanyun was observant and understood it.
In truth, although Shen Zhiwei had revealed her daughter's identity, she couldn't see how talented this Sect Leader Shen was, or why Xie Qingyu was so eager to win her over.
With the Nine Peaks Immortal Sect now possessing such power, heroes from all four realms have fallen into its trap. Shen Zhiwei is only at the Jade Liquid Realm, so why would Xie Qingyu need to create another boss recruitment event?
Ultimately, it's simply because this Ms. Shen is exceptionally beautiful.
Headmaster Shen was already handsome when she was in the Yuan Yuan Heaven, and after removing the Yan Chai hairpin, she became even more stunningly beautiful.
Such beauty, even if it's a bit vulgar, would make anyone take a second look.
Good looks can be monetized, so it's only right that beautiful women receive some preferential treatment.
No matter how highly Xie Qingyu was praised, she was still flesh and blood, which Bai Wanyun could understand. Even so, Bai Wanyun couldn't help but want to complain.
Looking back, Xie Qingyu had also been married to a Daoist partner, but they were incompatible, each too strong-willed. His former partner was always at odds with him, so naturally, they couldn't stay together.
Xie Qingyu doesn't cultivate the Path of Heartlessness, nor does she object to forming a Daoist partner. Since one relationship failed, others want to arrange a second one for Xie Qingyu.
Xie Qingyu's previous Daoist partner was domineering, which caused them to fall out. So, when they were looking for someone else for Xie Qingyu, they chose some gentle and pure-hearted female cultivators.
But Xie Qingyu didn't find any of them appealing.
Men!
Although Bai Wanyun usually admired the sect leader, she secretly had a lot of complaints about him.
Sect Leader Shen wasn't much better off; he seemed quite straightforward, and he even had a daughter. Yet the Sect Master clearly showed some interest in her and was very patient with her.
Bai Wanyun secretly complained: Actually, the sect leader just wants a pretty one.
After Shen Zhiwei left Yuanyuantian, her expression underwent a subtle change.
Those shallow and blunt qualities vanished from her; a gentle smile appeared on her lips, but her watery eyes remained deep and unfathomable.
When she first arrived in Yuan Yuan Tian, she anticipated that she would be scrutinized and that she needed to establish a persona.
Beautiful, reckless, petty, somewhat immature, and impulsive when faced with small gains.
He looks intimidating, but there's no need to worry about him too much; this kind of persona is just right.
Of course, even if a person pretends, they can never pretend to be someone with a personality completely different from their true self.
The character she portrays in the show and her actual personality are not entirely unrelated.
She just has a big appetite.
She had many ulterior motives.
Beyond the Yuan Yuan Heaven, Bixia Sect disciples Li Yao and Yin Wujiu were already waiting.
The two who came were both trusted confidants of Shen Zhiwei's sect.
In addition, Elder Nan Yulou is also going crazy waiting.
Nan Yulou had already urged Shen Zhiwei, and Shen Zhiwei replied that she was on her way, which was half a day ago.
After Nan Yulou repeatedly urged him, Shen Zhiwei simply stopped contacting him.
Li Yao and Yin Wujiu volunteered to invite Shen Zhiwei back, and waited for some time.
Seeing that Shen Zhiwei had already gone to get the hairpin, the two were somewhat surprised, but quickly regained their composure.
Shen Zhiwei smiled gently: "My 'Flowing Sunset Glow' should be finished by now?"
She showed no intention of wearing the hairpin that accentuated her complexion again.
Li Yao had already come to her senses and responded with a "yes," then took out Shen Zhiwei's new clothes from her magic treasure pouch.
The outer garment, folded in a sandalwood tray, shimmered with a jewel-like luster. It was made of a brocade of celestial clouds, neither silk nor satin, but smooth as butter, light and soft as if it were nothing, its color a deep, clear blue after rain. The hem of the garment was slightly wide, cut into the curve of a crabapple blossom in early bloom, layer upon layer, with the edges embroidered with a subtle lotus pattern using five-colored silk threads twisted with peacock feathers.
Shen Zhiwei put the item on her body.
For a moment, the golden light shone brightly, and the rosy clouds were dazzling and blinding.
Shen Zhiwei was already stunningly beautiful, but after dressing up, she was even more breathtaking.
There's still a tough battle ahead, so naturally she needs to dress dazzlingly.
Shen Zhiwei briefly mentioned Yuan Yuantian's various actions, skipping over Young Master Mu and directly mentioning Xie Qingyu. Shen Zhiwei recounted all of Xie Qingyu's words, but omitted the fact that Xie Qingyu had ultimately tried to win her over.
Li Yao frowned slightly, a hint of worry appearing on her pretty face: "It seems that the news we received a year ago about the Nine Peaks Immortal Sect selling off its refined immortal pills was indeed true."
Even if Xie Qingyu didn't say anything, Shen Zhiwei also had some inside information.
Of course, Xie Qingyu said that Shen Zhiwei would definitely have to act as well.
Faced with this business crisis, Shen Zhiwei began planning and strategizing a year ago.
Li Yao: "Fortunately, the sect leader was promoted to the half-immortal realm two months ago, and the plan to promote the sect to the next level has gone much more smoothly."
Shen Zhiwei put her finger to her lips and gently shushed him.
The truth was profound yet subtle, and the two trusted confidants present also understood it.
That means if the Bixia Sect wants to avoid such a crisis, the only option is for the entire sect to advance to a higher realm and draw more resources from the Yuanmu Tree.
Otherwise, if they remain in the first level of heaven, no matter how clever their schemes are, they will be crushed and shattered by the powerful forces of the major sects.
This industrial upgrading is imperative.
Li Yao: "Sect Leader Xie is talking without understanding the situation. If those disciples of the Nine Peaks Immortal Sect were asked to plant some spiritual herbs and fruits at the foot of Mount Sumeru, they probably wouldn't be happy either."
Li Yao possesses a wood spirit constitution and has been practicing the art of cultivating spirits since childhood, making her very skilled at tending to flowers, plants, and spirit trees. However, spirit herbs and fruits don't fetch high prices, so even wood cultivators like the Li family don't earn much spirit stone.
Therefore, Li Yao put a lot of effort into becoming a pill refiner.
We can't go back to the way things were.
Li Yao was quick to speak, while Yin Wujiu, standing to the side, was much more reserved.
Yin Wujiu was an old man who had followed Shen Zhiwei for a long time. Anything that was handled by Yin Wujiu would be handled very smoothly.
This senior brother Yin from the Bixia School is not flashy or dazzling, but he seems to influence people subtly and quietly, and handles everything properly.
Unlike Shen Zhiwei's flamboyant style, Yin Wujiu dressed simply in a plain blue robe.
He wore a blue robe and had black hair, with a bright red flower pinned to his temple; he wore no other ornaments.
Next, Yin Wujiu's skin was extremely pale, without a trace of blood, and he wore dark gloves on both hands to prevent his skin from being exposed.
At this moment, Yin Wujiu stood beside Shen Zhiwei, completely at ease, and would not steal the limelight from Shen Zhiwei in the slightest.
Young Master Mu's search of Yuan Yuan Tian yielded no results, and then Xie Qingyu was summoned.
In fact, Xie Qingyu did not want to go to the Cloud Palace.
Although he was the sect leader of the Nine Peaks Immortal Sect, he was always overshadowed by this Young Master Mu.
Xie Qingyu is adept at interpersonal relationships and winning people over; over the years, she has garnered a considerable following. Young Master Mu wouldn't do that, but even more people are rushing to flatter Yunque Heavenly Palace.
Because Young Master Mu's status is unmatched.
People always side with the powerful and the weak.
But Mu Wuxian wasn't like this before.
More than twenty years ago, he met Mu Wuxian. The Mu family has always been known for its madness and arrogance, taking pride in its bloodline. Mu Wuxian was not only a genius of the Mu family, but also rarely appeared in public.
As Mu Wuxian grew older, he began to appear in public more often.
At that time, Mu Wuxian was not talkative. He was probably practicing some kind of technique to enhance his five senses, and sometimes he was practically mute. He was good-looking, a bit aloof, but his eyes shone with a resolute and clear light.
He was the kind of boy who was raised well and had high hopes for his family.
At that time, Xie Qingyu was somewhat wary of him, but she didn't think she couldn't handle him. No one expected Mu Wuxian's personality to change so drastically.
But now this Young Master Mu has become so profound and mad.
Those around whispered among themselves, discussing how the descendants of the Mu family were easily corrupted by the shattered soul of the Great Evolution Immortal Venerable, and that Mu Wuxian was probably the same.
No one wants to be outdone, so Xie Qingyu kept observing him carefully, trying to find some flaws.
Once, Xie Qingyu caught a glimpse of several curse marks on Young Master Mu's cold, jade-like wrist beneath his sleeve. He immediately took them to heart, not only carefully memorizing them but also thoroughly reviewing them upon returning home.
Xie Qingyu was taken aback and a little embarrassed.
That was the curse of the Desire Sect, which was somewhat related to the Joyful Union Sect, though desire seemed to have nothing to do with someone as cold-hearted as Young Master Mu.
What desires does Young Master Mu need to satisfy?
In fact, it's not really a scandal to cultivate excessive desires. There have been many abstract things done by cultivators in the Yuan Yuan Heaven who broke through the path of desires, such as killing their wives to prove their Dao or using love to overcome tribulations.
It's not surprising that someone would specifically seek out a Daoist partner to date in order to overcome a love tribulation.
However, Mu Wuxian had never done anything so abstract.
Xie Qingyu was puzzled and couldn't help but recall the rumor that Young Master Mu had a painting of an absolutely beautiful woman hidden in his room.
It is said that there is a beautiful woman whom Mu Wuxian misses dearly.
While Xie Qingyu was pondering this, she had already arrived at the Cloud Palace.
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