Chapter 087: Digging a Pit to Bury Myself

Although they were Buddhist cultivators, they were also practitioners of the immortal path and naturally yearned for opportunities. Yet, if they accepted Meng Yu’s invitation at this moment, wouldn’t it mean they were shamelessly leveraging their status as hosts to vie for a fortune that rightfully belonged to others? Moreover, there was a chance they wouldn’t obtain anything at all.

Buddhist cultivators valued their reputation even more than those of other sects. Immediately, a disciple stepped forward, intoning a Buddhist verse: “Amitabha, we are grateful for the good intentions of our benefactors, but our sect has other tasks to attend to and will not accompany you this time.”

At these words, Qiu Shuoran’s expression improved considerably. However, Yan Shu’s face darkened, to be precise, it had already clouded the moment Qiu Shuoran praised Meng Yu’s noble character.

When the disciples of the Brahma Heaven Sect declined, Meng Yu did not insist. He pressed his palms together in a respectful gesture. “Then I wish the venerable masters swift success in your endeavors.”

The Buddhist cultivators returned the salute, and only then did Meng Yu turn and leave.

Once they had left the sight of the Buddhist disciples, Yan Shu seized the moment. She turned to Sun Changfeng and said coldly, “I don’t know how your fourth senior brother has taught you, but one thing is certain—don’t assume everyone else is a fool!”

Although Yan Shu held a higher seniority, Sun Changfeng was already over three hundred years old, and with his disciple by his side, being rebuked so mercilessly by Yan Shu was a major blow to his dignity.

He glanced at Yan Shu and said, “I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you mean, Elder Yan.”

Yan Shu was not one to stir up trouble, but ever since she had come to the Brahma Heaven Sect, been cared for by her senior brothers and mentored by her master, together with the resonance of the original host’s emotions, she had long regarded the Xuantian Sect as her own home.

What she loathed and could never tolerate was anyone tarnishing the reputation of Xuantian. And what made it worse was that the culprit was someone from her own sect.

It had to be said, Sun Changfeng and Qiu Shuoran, master and disciple, were cut from the same cloth—treating everyone else as if they were fools!

She sneered, not bothering to spare his feelings, and stopped to face Sun Changfeng. “The Brahma Heaven Sect’s opening of the secret realm, whatever their motives, benefits all cultivators of the immortal world. Meng Yu invited them to join us with the consent of both myself and Xiao Jihan.”

“The clues to the opportunity were found by me and Xiao Jihan. Who to invite on this journey is not for you to decide. Your disciple was the first to mock Meng Yu’s noble character, and then you followed with veiled jabs at the Brahma Heaven Sect. Do you really think your high-sounding words could hide your true intentions from others?!”

“If you wish to show others that you are narrow-minded, that’s your own business. But now you carry the name of the Xuantian Sect. First an invitation, then a hidden insult—how do you suppose others will view our sect? If word of this spreads, won’t people say that the Xuantian Sect is hypocritical and duplicitous?!”

Though the phrase “duplicitous” might have been unfamiliar, “hypocritical” was understood by all.

Sun Changfeng’s face turned pale and livid by turns under her scolding, but he stubbornly argued, “I said nothing out of line. Elder Yan, you must have misunderstood me.”

Yan Shu regarded him coolly. “I don’t care how you normally conduct yourself, nor what happens privately between you and your disciple. But when you’re outside, remember at all times—you represent not just yourself, but the Xuantian Sect! If this happens again, I won’t bother informing Fourth Senior Brother—I will deal with you myself!”

Given her status, Sun Changfeng dared not argue further, even if he was unwilling to accept it. His face ashen, he said in a low voice, “I will heed Elder Yan’s teaching.”

“See that you do,” Yan Shu replied, giving him a glance before striding away.

Because of her outburst, the group fell into silence, no one speaking again. Only Xiao Jihan glanced at Yan Shu’s cold face and secretly sent a message: “Master, what does it mean to be ‘duplicitous’?”

Yan Shu stiffened slightly at the question. To be both a whore and a saint—was that something someone of her status could say aloud? Clearly not. Yet, could she simply ignore the protagonist’s question? Of course not.

After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “You’re still young. Some things are not suitable for you to hear yet.”

Xiao Jihan merely replied, “Heh!”

Favorable impression: 12 (Acquaintance)

Yan Shu: …

So this was the legendary “digging a hole and burying yourself.”

While Yan Shu and Xiao Jihan exchanged whispers, Qiu Shuoran and Sun Changfeng, at the rear, were also conversing through secret sound transmission.

“It’s all because of me that you were implicated, Master.”

Sun Changfeng frowned slightly. “What do you mean by that?”

“Master, you truly don’t see it?” Qiu Shuoran said angrily. “You didn’t actually say anything wrong, yet Elder Yan publicly rebuked you without the slightest regard for your dignity. Do you really think she was angered just because of your words to the Buddhist disciples? Clearly, it’s because I called Xiao Jihan a pretty face earlier, and now she’s taking it out on you!”

Sun Changfeng’s expression shifted slightly. “You must be mistaken. Elder Yan is aloof and devoted to the Dao. She regards Xiao Jihan with nothing more than the usual bond between master and disciple.”

Qiu Shuoran sneered. “You are a gentleman, Master, so you think no further. But Xiao Jihan only possesses a fake four-element spiritual root, and to this day has barely reached Foundation Establishment. How could someone with such talent be accepted as a personal disciple? Besides, Xiao Jihan himself admitted as much!”

At this, Sun Changfeng’s face remained unreadable, but his pupils dilated ever so slightly. “Such baseless claims are better left unsaid.”

“I wouldn’t dare say so without proof,” Qiu Shuoran retorted coldly. “That day, Xiao Jihan went to the Administration Pavilion to collect his monthly allowance. He told the steward himself that he was Elder Yan’s favored companion!”

At these words, Sun Changfeng’s expression changed at last. He looked up at Yan Shu and Xiao Jihan walking ahead, side by side. “Are you certain?”

“Absolutely!” Qiu Shuoran swore resolutely. “If I am lying in the slightest, may I never make another advancement!”

Such an oath was no small matter for a cultivator. Sun Changfeng was silent for a long time before suddenly saying, “You mentioned wanting to deal with that dog last time?”

“Yes! I wish that dog would stay trapped in this secret realm forever!”

Sun Changfeng let out a cold laugh. “Whatever opportunity lies ahead, there are sure to be demon beasts or spirit beasts guarding it. When the time comes, cooperate with me.”

A flash of malice and excitement flickered in Qiu Shuoran’s eyes as he responded, “Yes!”

While Sun Changfeng and Qiu Shuoran were seething with resentment, Pang Feiyan and Meng Yu were filled with astonishment.

In their eyes, Yan Shu had always been aloof and otherworldly. Not to mention rebuking a disciple openly—she had never even spoken at such length before.

Especially for Meng Yu, who, though less acquainted with Yan Shu, had been present since she joined the sect. Though of a lower generation, he had truly watched her grow up. This side of Yan Shu was utterly unfamiliar to him.

If this was Yan Shu’s true nature, he could scarcely believe it.

He looked up at Xiao Jihan ahead, then lowered his eyes.

It was true—ever since Xiao Jihan entered the Supreme Peak, Yan Shu had changed.

Whatever thoughts or schemes the others might have had, as the sun began to set, the group finally arrived at the great tree that Qiao Yuru had mentioned.