Chapter 70

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Chapter 70: The Sword Spirit Falls Out of Favor

After the Wan family elder delivered the "bad news" in a solemn tone, Wen Yun noticed that the steady rhythm of Dharma Master Du Yuan’s wooden fish knocking faltered, and Yu Jianli looked up in shock with a complex expression.

Wen Yun thought to herself, indeed, she knew this person would not suddenly show mercy and ask for forgiveness, after all, the darkest hearts play the most cunning tactics.

When she first met the Wan family ancestor, they exchanged communication jade slips. Through occasional communication, they discovered they had similar interests. They quickly became friends, shared ideas, and developed a strong understanding.

The four remaining people in the hall may not have witnessed what happened, but being experienced for hundreds of years, they could sense something suspicious.

Seeing the Wan family ancestor’s grief-stricken expression, Dharma Master Du Yuan and Yu Jianli felt a chill in their hearts.

As the sorrowful expression on Wan family ancestor’s face lingered, they looked deeply at Dharma Master Du Yuan and Yu Jianli nearby, then naturally moved to stand behind Ye Shubai.

Ye Shubai and Wen Yun did not stop them, instead they nodded and greeted each other familiarly.

Wen Yun even warmly invited him to stay at The Tenth Peak, wanting to exchange thoughts on the new collection at Wanbao Pavilion. It seemed like they had many conversations together.

Dharma Master Du Yuan and Yu Jianli exchanged a knowing glance, both recalling something.

The first person who had the idea of stealing the jade nascent soul was Qianzhenzi.

At that time, he was working on a new formation but lacked an item to support the spiritual core. Seeing Ye Shubai barely surviving after returning from the sea, he secretly acted. Fearful of retaliation from Qingliu Sword Sect, he gave fragments of the jade nascent soul to the last two Soul Changing Stage cultivators of Qingliu Sword Sect. Eventually, more people got involved, and everyone except the Wan family had a fragment…

In the past, when Qianzhenzi invited everyone to discuss important matters, both he and Jiang Aotian had their own plans, so they were indifferent in their attitudes. Jiang Aotian always disagreed with Blizzard Island, basically arguing with Qianzhenzi at every opportunity.

So, the most enthusiastic and cooperative person was the ancestor of the Wan family.

He even gave many rare one-time attack treasures to everyone for today’s conspiracy, saying it was to enhance their combat power to successfully kill Ye Shubai.

The ancestor of the Wan family even demonstrated by casually throwing one of those one-time treasures into the sea near Blizzard Island. It created a huge water column as high as a small mountain, instantly shattering a part of Blizzard Island and floating countless fish corpses on the water. The power was terrifying.

He solemnly gave out this precious item to one person, even pretending to be reluctant, emphasizing its great value and the need to keep it safe and only use it in critical moments.

However, Yu Jianli saw clearly just now that when Qianzhenzi trembled with fear at Wen Yun, he also used a treasure, which disappeared into thin air. At that time, he thought Wen Yun had neutralized it, not realizing that the so-called treasure was actually a fake and worthless item.

At that moment, everyone trusted the ancestor of the Wan family blindly, thinking he was just trying to contribute more to get a share of the two jade nascent souls of Qingliu Sword Sect.

It turns out the Wan family had planned everything in advance.

The ancestor of the Wan family had never betrayed them, as he had been loyal to Ye Shubai from the beginning!

Thankfully, we’re all part of the same gang, otherwise we might have ended up fighting for real. That old man would definitely try to cause trouble behind our backs.

But unlike the Wan family ancestors, they’ve never taken any pieces of Ye Shubai’s special jade soul. However, they have. It’s important to face the consequences when we do something wrong. Since they’ve chosen this path, they have organized their own affairs beforehand and are prepared for the worst.

The two people looked at each other. Dharma Master Du Yuan’s face showed no emotion as he continued to chant the scriptures, uncertain if this time he was comforting Sect Master Liu or the two deceased individuals.

Only the Wan family ancestor remained calm and composed, looking around the grand hall. With a hint of regret in his tone, he said, "What a pity, repairing this grand hall will require a lot of precious spiritual jade."

Wen Yun glanced at him softly and asked cautiously, "So, are you planning to support our sect?"

Upon hearing this, the Wan family ancestor’s expression changed drastically. He hurriedly explained, "No, I was just suggesting that if you need to buy wood or seedlings, you can visit my Wanbao Pavilion. I can offer you a 10% discount."

Wen Yun, "…"

Ye Shubai, "…"

The Wan family ancestor’s gaze fell on Ye Shubai, hesitated for a moment, and reluctantly said, "How about 20%?"

Ye Shubai unexpectedly cared about the spiritual jade and calmly said, "Thirty percent."

The ancestor of the Wan family was stunned, watching Ye Shubai and Wen Yun leaving side by side without any reaction for a long time.

Wen Yun, accustomed to being a sword cultivator, understood Ye Shubai’s actions. As he had accepted the Sect Leader Token, taking responsibility as the sect leader, he had started saving money for the sect.

The battle at the Transmigration Stage was fierce, causing the collapse of buildings and destruction of precious plants and trees due to the turbulent sword energy. The First Peak was completely destroyed, hidden in darkness without its former glory, like a wounded beast struggling in the dark. Repairing it would require an immense amount of spiritual jade, possibly in the millions.

The disciples of The First Peak gathered at the foot of the mountain, gazing up at their once majestic peak, filled with despair.

Seeing Ye Shubai and others coming down from the mountain unharmed, the Peak Lords knew that their ancestral master had won the battle. They respectfully bowed to him with their swords.

Even the First Peak disciples, who had been hostile towards Ye Shubai before, now felt a sense of closeness towards him. Wen Yun had delayed Qianzhenzi, allowing these disciples to escape from the battle formation. Though they had grudges with the Tenth Peak, they were no longer enemies.

Initially, they had thought Qianzhenzi was on their side, but he had betrayed them. Only Ye Shubai and Wen Yun’s intervention had saved these lower-level disciples from death.

In this contrast, they felt both embarrassed and grateful towards Ye Shubai and Wen Yun.

Ming Yuan hid behind the crowd, peeked out quietly, and whispered to her companion next to her, "I just realized that Ancestral Master Ye is extremely handsome…"

"You previously accused the people from The Tenth Peak of having ulterior motives, calling them all evil-doers, and even said that Qianzhenzi is a righteous person willing to stand up for our Peak."

Her round face turned bright red as she tried to explain, "That’s not…That’s not being deceived, right?"

"You also said that if Ancestral Master Ye really became the sect leader, you would leave the sect."

"I have never said such rebellious words, don’t talk nonsense!"

Many of those who had changed their views were like them, although they had entered the path of cultivation, their realm was not very profound, and they couldn’t help but be worldly, unable to achieve a calm mind.

In the past, when they saw people from The Tenth Peak, disciples from The First Peak would be furious, but now they all lowered their heads respectfully and behaved properly.

Liu Luoyin still stood at the forefront.

"Ancestral Master Ye," she whispered softly, then bowed in respect.

She spoke with a bit of sadness in her voice, saying, "The First Peak still needs repairs, so the succession ceremony for Ancestral Master Ye will likely be postponed for some time. Please understand."

Ye Shubai had no objections to this, and Liu Luoyin breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, she watched as Wen Yun brushed past her, and suddenly reached out to grab Wen Yun’s wrist. Seeing Wen Yun turn back in surprise, she realized her actions were too bold and quickly pulled back her hand.

Believing she had accidentally bumped into her, Wen Yun walked forward with Ye Shubai.

"Ma… Martial Uncle," Liu Luoyin lowered her head and called out to Wen Yun, her voice very soft but sincere, "Thank you very much."

Thank you for saving my life and saving the disciples of The First Peak.

Thinking Wen Yun hadn’t heard, the beautiful figure paused, lifted the burning stick in her hand, and casually replied, "No need to thank me."

Liu Luoyin let out a long breath, bowed deeply towards Wen Yun and Ye Shubai’s backs with her sword held up. Behind her, hundreds of The First Peak disciples also silently bowed with their swords raised, showing their respect.

From the Soul Changing Stage to the Qi Refining Stage, the members of the Sword Sect all bowed deeply, creating a truly awe-inspiring scene.

Wen Yun looked back and suddenly felt strange. Among the younger generation in the sect, no one knew the name Ye Shubai, but now, he was slowly reclaiming something that belonged to him.

She tugged at Ye Shubai’s sleeve, looking up at him. "Look, this is what you should have."

With his modest personality, he would probably nod in agreement. Wen Yun had already prepared a bunch of compliments in her mind, such as heroes should be respected and remembered by the world, and how she would help him reclaim what he had lost.

Unexpectedly, he replied for the first time, "No."

Wen Yun was caught off guard, unable to say the lines she had prepared.

Ye Shubai casually switched hands holding the wooden sword, making it easier for Wen Yun to pull at his sleeve. He looked down at her, calmly saying, "This is what I want to have."

Wen Yun was stunned for a moment, feeling like there was more to his words. She wanted to ask but hesitated, so she awkwardly turned her head, avoiding his gaze.

When she turned back, she realized they had already arrived at the foot of The Tenth Peak.

Wen Yun suddenly understood. He didn’t want to own the entire sect; he just wanted The Tenth Peak!

He is such a loyal man!

*

Dharma Master Du Yuan stayed at The First Peak to chant scriptures. Wan family ancestor was invited for tea, but didn’t expect Yu Jianli to quietly follow to the foot of The Tenth Peak.

After Ye Shubai got back the jade nascent soul, he didn’t intend to kill him. It was because Yu Jianli promised to go to the outer sea island to guard tomorrow. That desolate place had few cultivators willing to go. Moreover, it was a must-pass place for demon cultivators invading the four continents. Leaving him alive to guard the island was appropriate. After all, the spiritual energy around the outer sea was thin. If a large number of demon cultivators really invaded, even the Transmigration Stage wouldn’t be able to resist. Besides, he was seriously injured to get back the jade nascent soul, it was actually like seeking death for him.

Seeing Ye Shubai about to go up the mountain, Yu Jianli’s eyes turned red, bowing deeply to him.

"Taoist Friend Ye, in the past, it was you senior Taoist friends who sacrificed themselves for righteousness. Now, I also want to go to the outer sea to atone for my sins. Just…" Pausing, this middle-aged man wiped the tears from his eyes discreetly and said hoarsely, "Just may I ask presumptuously, how is Qing Hong doing now?"

In the first half of the sentence, he still had a calm acceptance of death, but when he mentioned the second half, he became cautious.

Wen Yun turned to look at Ye Shubai. Seeing that he had no intention to speak, she had to speak for him, telling the whole story of Mo You taking over Yu Qinghong’s body.

This was truly a tragic event. Yu Qinghong was a very good young man. Just because he was too courteous, passing by Xie Family and visiting once, he became a puppet of a demon cultivator and lost his life.

As she talked, Yu Jianli’s eyes got redder, his fist clenched and then relaxed under his sleeve, his body swayed dangerously backward, almost falling, until Ye Shubai reached out and saved his soul, then he caught his breath.

He asked in a trembling voice, "So… how is Qing Hong now? Can I talk to him?"

Seeing his expression, Wen Yun shook her head with a complicated look, thought for a moment, and decided it was better for him to see for himself.

Yu Jianli couldn’t say another word to his son. When he saw the small tree that carried his son’s aura, a drop of blood dripped from his lips, his face even paler.

He had doubted Wen Yun’s words before, guessing that Ye Shubai had captured Yu Qinghong to threaten him to trade jade nascent soul. The talk of demon cultivators taking over bodies was just a lie to deceive the younger generation.

That’s why he had brought out the jade nascent soul before coming this time, ready to trade it for his son, and had made peace with the idea of dying. If Ye Shubai wanted his life, he was willing to give it in exchange.

He never expected that their words were true – Yu Qinghong really only had a trace of his soul left. Yu Jianli, being at the Transmigration Stage, could naturally tell that the small tree was repairing his son’s spirit.

His hands trembled as he gently stroked the top of the tender green leaf.

Though he couldn’t see it, the bond between father and son made him sense the familiar aura faintly. As his hand approached, the leaf gently swayed, as if responding to him.

Yu Jianli’s eyes welled up with tears as he half knelt on the ground, gazing at the Phoenix tree, and finally tears rolled down.

"I have caused harm, but it is my son who has paid the price for my wrongdoing. Ah Hong, all this is because of my sins!"

The next day, when Wen Yun and Ye Shubai came to see, they found Yu Jianli still holding the planting basin, half kneeling in the courtyard, and he had stayed there all night in front of the small tree.

Seeing the two approaching, he straightened his robes with difficulty, deeply bowed, and was about to bid farewell to head for the deserted island at the edge of the sea.

Before leaving, with tears in his eyes, he looked at Wen Yun and thanked her, "I believe Miss Wen has taken good care of the child, although I cannot see, but when you approached, I felt he was very happy. Thank you."

After a moment of silence, Wen Yun nodded vaguely and said, "Probably, I’m usually the one watering him."

Yu Jianli was so moved that tears filled his eyes, and he seemed to sigh, "The proudest thing in my life is to have such an excellent son. It’s a pity that he fell victim to a demon cultivator. If Qing Hong could recover one day, he would surely get along well with Miss Wen, I wonder…"

Wen Yun was not naive, she could sense the hidden meaning in his words, but this was the first time she had encountered such a situation. Her young face blushed, unsure of how to respond.

Luckily, Ye Shubai suddenly looked up from the distant stone table and coldly said, "She is still young, she doesn’t understand these things."

Yu Jianli just realized he said something wrong, he smiled apologetically, bowed his head slightly, and left.

Seeing Yu Jianli leave, Wen Yun breathed a sigh of relief and her gaze fell on a small tree whose leaves were trembling slightly.

Others couldn’t see it, but she could.

Sitting on the leaves was a small, elegant figure. He noticed Wen Yun looking at him, and a gentle smile appeared on his face. He gracefully bowed to her. Wen Yun waved at him, and he stood up, walking to the edge of the leaf. He looked up at her, with an extremely obedient and sensible look.

Wen Yun cast a bright magic spell and moved the basin to a sunny spot in the courtyard, thus finishing her day’s work.

When she came back and saw Ye Shubai having tea beside her, she sounded a bit sad, "I think I may have unintentionally harmed Yu Qinghong.

Ye Shubai kept his eyes down and his tone slightly cold, "The basin is quite nice, and the size is just right."

"I’m not talking about the basin." Wen Yun moved the heavy basin, feeling thirsty, she poured a glass of water and drank, sighing, "Maybe you forgot that I imprinted my spirit on the Phoenix tree before, creating a Master-servant Contract between us, and now that you’ve come out of the tree and Yu Qinghong has entered and possessed it, so…"

So, just like how Ye Shubai was once possessed in the Phoenix tree, in a way, Yu Qinghong now belongs to Wen Yun.

Yu Jianli said it was true that Yu Qinghong was close to Wen Yun, as it is normal for spirits to be close to their owners.

Hearing her words, Ye Shubai’s hand hidden in his sleeve suddenly tightened.

He looked deeply at Wen Yun, then picked up the cup, calmly pouring himself a cup of tea, and asked calmly, "Do you want to prepare another wand spirit?"

Wen Yun inexplicably glanced at him and said, "Why do I need so many? I already have one."

Ye Shubai felt a stir in his heart, with a hint of joy in his eyes.

However, Wen Yun didn’t look at him, she stood up and called out, "Little Hong," and in the next moment, the red fat pig rushed out of her room and bumped into her.

"Silly magician! I told you not to call me that!"

Wen Yun skillfully avoided the charging pig, holding its head to prevent biting, and continued the previous topic, "See, how energetic and lively he is. Now that my wand spirit has recovered, it’s time to start making wands again. Why not start tomorrow?"

Ye Shubai remained speechless and did not answer for a long time.

From the current situation, it seems like the sword spirit has fallen out of favor.