493 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

### Chapter 493: Meeting Gui Qingzhi Again --- In the world filled with constant turmoil, the Black River region remains as tranquil as ever. Ever since the rise of Chu Qin Sect, they have been purchasing large quantities of **Black-Hearted Lotus Seeds** annually during summer from the Beast Master Sect. These seeds are spread generously from the backs of silver-backed manta rays flying overhead. Although the survival rate of these seeds is low, the hundred-year commitment has gradually reduced the swamp's foul stench. Amidst the rising black fog, one can occasionally spot naturally formed clusters of lotus flowers, resembling oases in a desert, presenting a unique charm. At a transfer point outside the Black River Market, a couple emerged from the flying shuttle's cabin. The man, with an air of humility and elegance, and the woman, displaying beauty and graciousness, both possessed the cultivation level of an early-stage Golden Core, appearing to be a well-matched pair. They were none other than Gu Tan and Ming Zhen. "It's been a long time," Ming Zhen remarked, turning her gaze towards Heihe Peak. "I want to visit Heihe Peak." Understanding her intent to pay respects at Pan Jiaheluo's grave, Gu Tan readily agreed. However, before he could finish his response, his eyes caught sight of a familiar pair conversing at the market entrance. His expression shifted dramatically, his eyes widened with disbelief, and his jaw literally dropped. Ming Zhen's gaze followed his, and she too experienced a shock. The couple they saw was unexpectedly Chu Wen of the Chu family from Qiyun and Miao Qing from Nanlin Temple! Miao Qing, no longer dressed in monk's robes, wore a light-colored cloak with a hood obscuring most of her face. Her eyes, filled with an intense affection, remained fixated on Chu Wen as they conversed. Both Gu Tan and Ming Zhen had been significantly impacted by her in their past—a brief imprisonment for one, and more than two decades for the other. No matter how unrecognizable, they couldn't mistake the once obstinate nun, now seemingly having renounced her vows for a life of secular love. Reflecting on past events in the cave, Ming Zhen mused, "So, the one who moved her heart was Chu Wen of the Chu family from Qiyun. The twists of fate are indeed unpredictable." Caught in a moment of contemplation about whether to greet them, Gu Tan jovially exclaimed nearby, "A nun with a Taoist priest—truly a match made in heaven!" Their arrival coincided with the flying shuttle reaching its destination; the area was bustling with people coming and going. Cultivators naturally possess sharp hearing and quick reflexes. Gu Tan's loud, melodramatic call garnered immediate attention, as curious eyes followed his gaze towards the standing figures of Chu Wen and Miao Qing. Under the hood, whether Miao Qing's head was shaven remained unclear. Yet, Chu Wen's status as a late-stage Golden Core practitioner deterred immediate upheaval. Nevertheless, the monks of Baishan, known for their penchant for gossip, would surely immortalize this tidbit in next month's unofficial chronicles. "Ah!" A brief silence enveloped Black River Market, shattered only after three breaths by a short, distressed cry from Miao Qing. Overcome with embarrassment, she covered her face, turning to flee back into the market. This action only substantiated Gu Tan's words, leaving Chu Wen under immense pressure. "Which nunnery did she come from? A Golden Core cultivator, and so pretty. If she could engage in dual cultivation…" speculated one. "Heh, who would've thought a dignified Qiyun Taoist could be one of us?" noted another, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "Huh? Isn't that Chu Wen from Qiyun Peak? This must be reported to our sect!" insisted a member of the Qiyun sect. "Ten Thousand Things Knowledge has just declared its closure. Such fresh gossip—I should sell it to the know-it-alls instead," remarked a busybody from Black River Market. "Doesn't that green-robed cultivator seem familiar? Ah, right! Decades ago, I saw him at the Chu Qin Sect—a strategist named Gu something. Who would have thought he’d rise to become a Golden Core senior?!" observed a native of Baishan. Facing such diverse scrutiny, Chu Wen, despite his generally carefree demeanor, found it difficult to maintain composure. His anger visibly boiled, immolating through his glare at Gu Tan. Yet, recognizing them as familiar allies of Chu Qin Sect quelled his rage from erupting publicly. "I…" Acknowledging his transgression, having deeply offended someone, Gu Tan gave himself a hefty slap on the face and helplessly cast an apologetic glance towards Ming Zhen before hastily approaching Chu Wen to apologize and explain. His disheveled state amused Ming Zhen, who tried not to laugh, her eyes twinkling. Instead of following to Chu Wen, she pursued Miao Qing's escape route. At the market entrance, she saw Miao Qing, disoriented and lost, circling back. "Hey, Sister Tai, hold on," she called out playfully as Miao Qing approached closely. Ming Zhen nudged her gently to stop her flight. "Oh right, I shouldn't call you Sister Tai now. Perhaps fellow Daoist? Or sister?" "Spare me, please." Overwhelmed by the public, Miao Qing begged, "Let's find a quiet place to talk." Helpless, she lowered her sleeve to shield her face as she pleaded. Ming Zhen laughed heartily, her spirits lifted from her two-decade imprisonment. Like any woman, she was naturally curious about the tale behind Miao Qing and Chu Wen's union. Casting a glance around, she tugged at Miao Qing's sleeve, leading her toward a small Chu Qin shop nearby. She was naturally stunning, once reserved due to her upbringing, which muted her allure. However, after forming her Golden Core, her beauty surpassed her past self, her demeanor becoming free-spirited and captivating. As she walked with grace, her radiant smile drew many admiring glances along the street. "Please, forgive us." Just as the pair entered a small alley, they were blocked by a black-robed youth wielding a folding fan. With an elegance and confidence befitting a scholar, he bowed with exaggerated politeness, an obvious charm and grace evident in his actions. Trailing behind him was a middle-aged male cultivator, dressed in Qiyun attire, at the mid-stage of Golden Core, also bowing in greeting. "Do the two fellow cultivators block our path with some intent?" The Qiyun cultivator bore a stern look, unwilling to engage further. While the black-robed scholar appeared pleasant and even somewhat recognizable, Ming Zhen sensed a trace of covetous desire in his gaze and felt a growing unease. Despite her own annoyance, she returned a polite greeting, with Miao Qing shrinking behind her like a timid sidekick. "My surname is Gui, given name Qingzhi, originally from Jixia City. This is my senior brother Jiang Changsheng from Qiyun's Spirit Medicine Pavilion," introduced the black-robed scholar with a flourish. "Fellow cultivator, your beauty captures the heart of anyone who beholds you. Though it's presumptuous, might I ask your name? Haha, it's not rudeness on my part—I can't help but feel a peculiar familiarity upon seeing you, almost as if from a past life. The vast Dao and boundless seas—who knows when we might meet again? Please don't misunderstand; I merely wish to make your acquaintance, if you'd allow me this chance?" Achieving the Golden Core stage typically signifies those steadfast in their pursuit of the Dao, rarely engaging in street-side flirtations. Ming Zhen struggled to contain her fury. "Gui Qingzhi? That name seems familiar from my childhood!" she quickly attempted to recall, refraining from dismissing him outright, creating an impression of hesitation in his eyes. Believing there was hope, Gui Qingzhi pressed on, "Perhaps you aren't aware of the Gui family's heritage in Jixia, where the great city lies at the boundary of Qiyun, Mingyang Mountain, and Nanlin Temple…" As he continued boasting, Miao Qing could bear it no longer. "Who wants to hear this? Goodbye!" Despite her lovelorn state, she had no liking for the likes of Gui Qingzhi and tugged at Ming Zhen, attempting to bypass him. Having lowered her sleeve earlier, she was now forced to reveal her face. Gui Qingzhi, upon seeing her unparalleled beauty, had his eyes sparkle with determination, whisking his arms wide like an eagle, refusing to let the two women pass. Miao Qing switched directions, and he blocked her again, obstinate in his pursuit, leaving even Jiang Changsheng embarrassed by his actions. "Gui Qingzhi!" After finally resolving matters with Chu Wen, Gu Tan witnessed the scene with dismay. When Gui Qingzhi had visited Baishan with Qin Siyao, Ming Zhen was but a child, her memories vague. However, as someone who had managed Qin Siyao's remarriage, Gu Tan had no illusion about forgetting this lascivious character. Considering the tragic fate of Jiang Mingrong, Qin Siyao, and Jiang Yan, Gui Qingzhi was significantly culpable. Gu Tan's voice thundered as he charged forward, spewing curses, "How dare you show up at Black River again!? Get lost! Get lost!" Ordinarily, he would've refrained from openly offending someone, but this time, his newly unsettled cultivation level, combined with his intense dislike for Gui Qingzhi and a protective instinct, led him to abandon restraint. "Who the hell are you!? Daring to speak to me like that?" Gui Qingzhi raged. Back then, Gu Tan was merely an errand boy, with Qi Xiu and Yao Qing handling negotiations. Thus, Gui Qingzhi hadn't recognized him and wasn't prepared for such a confrontation. "State your credentials. What gives you the right to speak to me in such a manner?" "Qiyun's Chu Wen!" Chu Wen, unaware of the history between the two parties, had simply observed coldly. Assuming the Chu Qin Sect held no weight in Gui Qingzhi's eyes, he expected the man's arrogance would only worsen if their name was mentioned. Seizing the moment, Chu Wen stepped in with a solemn bow, assuming full responsibility, "There are many in the market. If you don't wish for your family's disgrace, kindly retreat." As a descendant of Qiyun and a late-stage practitioner, Gui Qingzhi, though callow, wasn't ignorant. Silencing his protests, he glanced sidelong at Spirit Medicine Pavilion's Jiang Changsheng. Understanding the situation, Jiang Changsheng stepped forward with gestures of appeasement, concluding, "Qingzhi is young—it’s all a misunderstanding." He then presented himself to Chu Wen, "Gan Bu Ping has ascended, and I was transferred from Jixia to oversee Black River affairs. A pleasure to meet you, Brother Chu." Just as both sides were about to withdraw and go their separate ways, Gu Tan loudly remarked, “You’re over a hundred years old, yet you still hide behind youth as an excuse. Aren't you embarrassed?” "You!" Gui Qingzhi was infuriated, stomping his foot in anger, momentarily not caring about offending Chu Wen. “Who are you? Name your sect!” Jiang Changsheng also looked displeased. “Chu Qin’s Gu Tan!” Gu Tan’s truthful outburst gathered momentum, and he felt a peculiar joy in exposing the mask of pretense. Pointing directly at Gui Qingzhi, he stood his ground and sternly added, “Do you want me to broadcast your past deeds here in Black River Market?” “Chu Qin Sect?” Gui Qingzhi's neck involuntarily retracted as he finally realized the source of Gu Tan's anger. Particularly afraid of Gu Tan taking the past to light since it involved the Jiang family’s reputation, which was significant within the Qiyun territory. “Never heard of it,” Gui Qingzhi lied, hurriedly shaking his head, “I won’t stoop to the level of your little sect.” Hastily, he attempted to pull Jiang Changsheng away. Unexpectedly, Jiang Changsheng didn’t move this time. His eyes glinted with a hint of recognition as he observed Gu Tan, “Are you from Baishan’s Chu Qin Sect?” “Correct.” Gu Tan answered confidently. “Heh,” Jiang Changsheng sneered, “I am related to Jiang Shaoqing. Do you remember him?” Jiang Shaoqing’s execution by Da Zhou Academy for smuggling deserters was from the wartime era a century ago. Gu Tan hadn’t joined Chu Qin Sect back then, Ming Zhen was still quite young, and Chu Wen was not involved in matters. The three exchanged glances, all shaking their heads, unaware of this history. “No worries—ask your sect leader; they’ll know.” Jiang Changsheng curtly said, flicking his sleeves before departing with Gui Qingzhi. Left standing in the alley, the four were at a loss, not knowing where to commence in their conversation. “Let's start with Gui Qingzhi's background,” Chu Wen proposed quickly, hoping to steer the topic away from himself and Miao Qing. “Well, here's the story…” Though the tale was a shameful piece of history within Chu Qin Sect, Chu Wen was considered trustworthy, and Miao Qing seemed on the verge of becoming part of their circle. Thus, Gu Tan narrated the entire saga—from the pursuit of Qin Siyao by Gui Qingzhi, Jiang Mingrong, and Chu Wendao; their journey to Baishan; the scandal where Jiang’s family caught Gui Qingzhi and Qin Siyao in flagrante delicto, leading to Qin Siyao’s repudiation; her misplaced hope of becoming Gui Qingzhi’s wife only to find out his promise was empty... After hearing the full account, Ming Zhen and Miao Qing, empathizing with the injustice, simultaneously cursed with two words, “Scumbag.” (To be continued)