447 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

### Chapter 447: More News of Death The room was dim, and its occupants were left to their own musings, with only the flickering shadows to break the silence. "He possesses the ability to discover the hidden presence of the **Invisible Crane**. This likely triggers a sense of dread within the Jade Crane, prompting it to seek harm." "Moreover, the Invisible Crane materializes and vanishes without a trace. In this trial ground, there's no more fitting method for assassination." Though there was an oral agreement not to disclose the matter upon returning the Invisible Crane, times had changed. Who could have foreseen they would reach this point? If the Jade Crane truly was the perpetrator and still stubbornly upheld the agreement, he wouldn't achieve his current status as Qi Xiu. He laid bare the entire incident of the Jade Crane smuggling the Invisible Crane into the trial ground and being discovered by An Siyan. Chu Wen deeply inquired about the details before falling silent, contemplating with his chin in hand. "This person's words cannot be fully trusted." Miao Qing, astutely recognizing the inconsistency, interjected, "Even if the Jade Crane is suspected of killing An Siyan, what about the people from the Nangong family? Or Mingyang Mountain's Wang Hu Xi and the other slain cultivators? It's improbable he even knew them, let alone had motives to act." "What a vexing little woman!" Qi Xiu internally cursed her countless times before retorting, "By your reasoning, apart from An Siyan, Wang Hu Xi, and the Nangong family member, I have no connection to the other deceased cultivators. Why then are you fixated solely on me?" "Humph! You're acquainted with more people, naturally making you more suspicious," Miao Qing sneered. Her distrust of Qi Xiu was resolute, but it was only apparent through her words. Her captivating eyes ultimately settled on Chu Wen, waiting for him to decide. Unintentionally, a subtle dependence on the man emerged in her heart, though she hadn’t realized it yet. "Regardless of whether the Jade Crane is the culprit, in this current state of affairs, the **Invisible Crane**, which violates the rules, cannot be permitted to linger within the trial grounds any longer! I must quickly convey this information outside." Chu Wen extracted his token of communication, intending to break it and exit, spreading the news. Who would have thought that this wine-loving, carefree individual would become so inflexible upon sobering up? Qi Xiu immediately grew anxious, "But what if the Jade Crane is innocent? Never mind the repercussions of breaching our promise, the delicate relationship between us and the Beast-Taming Sect following two historic duels would become strained! We cannot afford to give them a pretext! Besides, opportunities for trials are rare; how can you abandon them so readily?" "Innocent or not, bringing the Invisible Crane in secretly was already a grave mistake. We stand on the side of reason and ought not to fear confronting the Beast-Taming Sect. My Chu family of Qi Yun is ultimately a part of the righteous path, and I must distinguish between righteousness and personal gain! Moreover, I have already won the previous challenge, which puts me ahead of most. The reward can bring me slightly closer to the Nascent Soul path, what more could I ask for? Abandoning the trial... it's no big deal." Chu Wen resolutely flicked his long sleeves, though his hand hesitated slightly, his thumb caressing the surface of the token. “You…” “I've made up my mind, no more words.” Qi Xiu wanted to persuade him further, but he was met with a firm refusal. “Amitabha, Fellow Daoist Chu…” Standing aside, Miao Qing suddenly clasped her hands together, reciting a Buddhist mantra, “Since reporting this concerns you both, why not allow this humble nun to handle it? I believe the Beast-Taming Sect would not trouble my Nanlin Temple.” “That would be ideal!” “Absolutely not!” Qi Xiu and Chu Wen spoke in unison, yet their intentions diverged entirely, reflecting their utterly opposing stances toward her. Chu Wen shot a fierce look at Qi Xiu and waved Miao Qing off, “No need…” “There’s no need for more words, Fellow Daoist…” A gentle dimpled smile graced her lips, her countenance exuding a touch of solemn elegance. Miao Qing parted her clasped hands, her own token now split into two, resting in one palm. An ornamental prayer bead gifted by Gui Zhengqin was twirled in the other, “I have received much undeserved favor during this venture, so it suits me to ensure your safety.” “However, while you’re alone here, beware of deceitful individuals.” Her voice gradually faded, becoming ethereal as her surroundings began to transform. Before vanishing, she pointed toward Qi Xiu, reminding Chu Wen to be cautious. “Alas!” Chu Wen sighed, furrowing his brows, staring blankly at the token in his hand, his frustration evident. He seemed to blame himself for the slight hesitation he’d shown earlier. Both he and Miao Qing acted selflessly, and Qi Xiu couldn’t help but admire their righteous integrity. Keeping his distance, he chose quiet observation to avoid disturbing Chu Wen's thoughts. After Chu Wen’s moment of melancholy passed, their eyes met, and as they prepared to discuss their next moves, the sound of fallen leaves being trod upon reached them from afar once more. “Who goes there?! State your name and purpose!” Chu Wen, gripping his silver wine flask, called out once more. After a moment, two figures emerged. Following mutual introductions, they came bearing news of yet another slain cultivator discovered, roughly half a day’s journey away. “Identity remains unconfirmed; the deceased wore a plain white Daoist robe with a Beast-Taming Sect-style storage pouch, but a fellow Beast-Taming Sect cultivator arriving on the scene didn’t recognize him. He appeared about 150 years old, youthful and handsome…” Upon hearing the description, Qi Xiu immediately knew who it was: Xi Yu, without a doubt… He recalled the past, when the dragon and phoenix twins were mere babes, innocent and pure as unblemished jade. He remembered them standing confidently behind Chu Shenting, exuding the rare confidence unique to geniuses, like freshly drawn swords—sharp yet tinged with naïveté. All these memories were so vivid, as if they were scenes from yesterday. Now, Chu Shenting’s life span had reached its end, Chu Duo died in a duel, Xi Jing perished chasing power, and Xi Yu, whose death in this damned 'Stela Forest Trial' was shrouded in mystery, fell like petals scattering in the wind. These once vibrant lives left imprinted sadness upon the hearts of those who remained, an everlasting fragrance of mourning. He lingered momentarily in reminiscence before casting a glance back at Chu Wen, who stood stoically, lips pursed, his gaze distant as if into the wilderness beyond, silent. Is he also grieving? It appeared so, suggesting a decent past relationship between him and the former 'Chu Xi Yu,' who later betrayed their family. Given their shared history, it wasn't surprising. Despite different ages and cultivation levels, both were cherished members within the Qi Yun Chu family, likely having shared moments of camaraderie, learning, and philosophical discussions on Mount Chu Yun. The shared silence and grief between Qi Xiu and Chu Wen did not go unnoticed by the two messengers. “Fellow Daoists, please accept our condolences…” “Take us to see him.” Chu Wen abruptly spoke. (To be continued)