Chapter 841
by fanqienovelChapter 841: Taking and Giving
The atmosphere in the tall pavilion suddenly turned eerie.
Under Elder Wu’s gaze, the white-robed cultivator felt a chill run down his spine and instinctively said, “Senior Brother…”
“Changming Junior Brother!”
Elder Wu cut him off abruptly, “You should know that seeking peace requires sincerity. What do you think we should offer to negotiate with Wang Chen?”
The white-robed cultivator choked momentarily, rendered speechless.
This white-robed cultivator was no ordinary figure; as a fellow elder of Qinyun Palace, he was also the supreme family head of the foremost family in Taiwu City—the Sikong family—Sikong Changming!
Moreover, Sikong Changming was a senior brother to Elder Wu.
Yet at this moment, he saw no trace of brotherly affection in his senior brother’s eyes.
“Junior Brother, the trouble you caused is yours to resolve.”
Elder Wu spoke each word with deliberate clarity, “Rest assured, I will leave a lifeline for the Sikong family!”
“You!”
Sikong Changming glared in fury, utterly shocked.
He never imagined that his senior brother would use him and the Sikong family as bargaining chips to seek reconciliation with Wang Chen.
Sikong Changming immediately channeled his true energy, preparing to fight to the death.
As an extraordinary state practitioner, his dignity would never allow him to submit without resistance, like a fish on a chopping block!
But as soon as Sikong Changming moved, a powerful aura enveloped him instantly.
Each surge of destructive power matched his own!
Sikong Changming felt as though he were trapped in quicksand; even with immense strength, he found it impossible to unleash it.
He was immobilized, completely suppressed.
At that moment, Sikong Changming realized he had long been a pawn!
He couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh, “Senior Brother, do you truly believe this will bring reconciliation? If Wang Chen is not satisfied, who will you sacrifice next?”
“There’s no need to sow discord.”
Elder Wu spoke lightly, “If Wang Chen is not satisfied, I will offer Qinyun Palace with both hands and pledge allegiance to him as the Master of All Paths.”
“From what I understand, he is mild-mannered and likely has the capacity to accommodate others.”
These words were directed not only at Sikong Changming but also served as a warning to the other elders present.
Sikong Changming’s heart turned to ash as he said, “Senior Brother, I only ask that you spare the bloodline of my Sikong family.”
“If I promise, I will not go back on my word.”
Elder Wu waved his sleeve, “Go in peace.”
In the next moment, an elderly head with white hair soared into the sky!
Inside the tall pavilion, silence fell like the stillness of late autumn cicadas.
Meanwhile, Wang Chen, back in Taiji Palace, remained unaware of the events unfolding on Qinyun Peak.
He brought the white fox to Lingyan Pavilion and began his closed-door cultivation.
Three days later, Wang Chen exited the hidden chamber.
Just as he stepped out of the hidden chamber, he suddenly felt a stir in his heart and said in a deep voice, “Gao Zhuang.”
“Here!”
A robust martial master with a broad back and strong build immediately appeared at Wang Chen’s side, bowing and saying, “Greetings, Lord.”
For seven years, Gao Zhuang had been serving Wang Chen and was his most trusted attendant.
Under Wang Chen’s guidance, he had also advanced to become an innate martial artist.
Wang Chen asked, “While I was in closed-door cultivation, did anything happen?”
Gao Zhuang replied, “Lord, the day before yesterday morning, someone from Qinyun Palace sent a letter and a wooden box as a gift for you. I did not dare to touch it and stored it in the vault.”
“Oh?”
Wang Chen’s gaze flickered, “Bring it to me.”
He had not gone to cause trouble for Qinyun Palace, yet their response was swift.
“Understood!”
Gao Zhuang quickly brought the letter and the wooden box to him.
Wang Chen first opened the letter and read its contents.
Interesting!
After reading, Wang Chen smiled and lifted the lid of the box.
A head with grayish-white hair was eerily presented before him, the eyes tightly shut and the face pale, filled with utter despair.
Sikong Changming!
This gift was somewhat special, but merely served as an appetizer.
The real main course was in the letter.
The letter was written by the grand elder of Qinyun Palace, who not only killed Sikong Changming but also wiped out his son, grandson, and direct line relatives.
In other words, the foremost family of Taiwu City had now become a thing of the past.
And the vast assets of the Sikong family were now sealed, waiting for Wang Chen to take over!
Even though the grand elder mentioned nothing in the letter, the meaning of seeking peace and mercy was crystal clear.
But that was still not enough!
Wang Chen thought for a moment and said, “Send someone to inform Qinyun Palace that I will visit tomorrow at noon!”
Some things had to be taken care of personally!
The next morning, as noon approached, Wang Chen ascended the peak of Qinyun.
At that moment, the gates of the Qinyun Palace stood wide open, with hundreds of cultivators lined up on both sides, respectfully welcoming his arrival.
Wang Chen was alone, cradling only a white fox in his arms.
“Lesser Steward Zhong Li Jing pays respects to the esteemed one!”
An imposing Elder Wu approached Wang Chen, bowing deeply, “It is an honor for the esteemed one to come.”
Wang Chen smiled, “Fellow traveler Zhong, you flatter me.”
This grand elder had governed Qinyun Palace for ten years, and his astuteness was truly beyond ordinary comparison.
Under the grand elder’s guidance, Wang Chen entered the main hall of the Qinyun Palace.
Inside the hall, a luxurious banquet had already been set up, evidently prepared specifically for him.
But Wang Chen did not come for food and drinks; he waved his hand and said, “Fellow traveler Zhong, I am here today to see your secret vault and buy a few items to take back.”
Even the grand elder’s profound nature couldn’t suppress a twitch in his eye.
The secret vault of Qinyun Palace housed countless treasures collected over centuries by past elders and grand elders from the outside world.
Some were extremely dangerous, some granted unimaginable power, and others held secrets that remained unsolved!
But one thing was certain: this vault was the very foundation of Qinyun Palace and the Qinyun Alliance. If someone were to take from it freely, it would mean half of their lives were in the hands of the other party.
Such an outcome was certainly not what the grand elder wished to see, but under the eaves, one must bow!
After hesitating for a moment, the grand elder sighed and said, “The esteemed one speaks plainly. Very well, let Lesser Steward open the secret vault. Take whatever you like; there is no need to pay any cost.”
With money, Wang Chen might empty the vault, and offering it for free might ensure his identity wouldn’t be compromised.
It wouldn’t be too embarrassing!
However, no matter how humble the grand elder acted, he could not sway Wang Chen’s determination.
When he finally entered the secret vault of Qinyun Palace, he was nearly blinded by the dazzling spiritual lights before him—how many treasures there were, and how much time it must have taken to gather them!
The richness of the Qinyun Palace’s secret storehouse truly opened Wang Chen’s eyes.
But he did not forget his true purpose for coming today: to find the Mysterious Fox Order!
“I sense it.”
At that moment, the white fox in his arms raised its head, saying, “It’s over there!”