Chapter 59: Brothers Reunited

He slapped his forehead and exclaimed, “You don’t have a single woman here… Brother, this won’t do! You can’t have men doing everything, serving tea, cooking, cleaning, can you?”

Tang Qingxuan realized the oversight as well. “You’re right. I’ll have someone send a few female disciples from the outer sect—ones with good appearance and bearing, skilled at household matters—to serve you.”

Qin Yue politely declined, “I can take care of those chores myself…”

Ling Chen interrupted him, “Absolutely not. You’re a guest elder of the Zhaoyang Sect. It wouldn’t do for you to be seen working like that.”

Even Chu Wanqing quietly added, “Your time is precious; you shouldn’t waste it on such things.”

Tang Qingxuan made the decision, “Leave this matter to me. I’ll handle it and promise you’ll be satisfied!”

They didn’t linger for long. Piloting their magic vessel, Tang Qingxuan promised that before the ceremony two days later welcoming the guest elder into the sect, she would have everything arranged for him.

After their departure, two inner disciples and Xu Liang, showing their understanding, led Dong Zhuang and the other outer disciples to familiarize themselves with the cave dwelling, tidy up, and begin preparations for dinner.

Qin Yue didn’t rush to meet Dong Zhuang. Instead, he returned to his room to contemplate his next moves.

On the surface, everything seemed perfect, but in reality, he felt as if he were walking on thin ice, playing a high-stakes game beneath a carefree facade.

He had deliberately avoided choosing female attendants—his real concern was for Qin Xin, Ye Yu, and others who might have been brought here as well. His comments about the lack of people skilled in agriculture among the outer disciples were also part of his plan.

But he understood that he couldn’t rush this. The authority of a guest elder was almost equal to that of an inner elder, but not entirely. Guest elders joined the sect for their unique abilities, enjoying high status and freedom but not full inclusion.

To the Zhaoyang Sect, he was only “half” one of their own.

Those who cultivated forbidden arts within the sect must have special status, with the sect leader’s tacit approval or even encouragement.

If he wanted to compete with such people, he needed powerful backing and, more importantly, to prove himself irreplaceable.

At the same time, he needed his people from Ice Abyss to show unprecedented value.

None of these things would be easy.

Tang Qingxuan, Ling Chen, Chu Wanqing, and even Xuan Xiao were all influential and currently his supporters. But compared to inner elders with the sect leader’s secret backing, they didn’t provide a significant advantage.

Qin Yue couldn’t be certain if Tang Qingxuan and the others even knew about the existence of forbidden cultivators within the sect, or what their attitudes would be if they did.

This brought him to the second point: irreplaceability.

Being talented wasn’t enough; he needed the right opportunity to showcase it.

Last night, he’d demonstrated a hint of his ability by reviving the old flowering tree at the banquet—a “half” success, since he hadn’t truly elevated the spirit herb to the level of a treasure.

He needed a chance to absorb the essence of a supreme treasure herb and completely transform it into a treasure, demonstrating an extraordinary ability in a way that could not be easily replicated.

Only then, when competing for people, would he be seen as invaluable and irreplaceable in the eyes of the Zhaoyang Sect’s highest authorities.

By tying his interests to theirs, he could make them rally behind him and fight for his interests.

Accomplishing these two points would win him high status and influence within the sect.

But most importantly, his kinsmen from Ice Abyss needed to display abilities that set them apart.

He needed everyone to realize that treating them as mere expendables was a grave mistake—a monumental waste.

As for using secret techniques to assassinate and abscond with his people, that would only be a last resort; the consequences of such rashness would be unbearable for both him and his people.

That night, with the ingredients delivered earlier, they prepared a sumptuous dinner.

When Qin Yue emerged, he noticed each group cooking separately, with the best ingredients reserved for him.

He spoke to everyone, “There’s no need to separate like this. From now on, the rule here is that everyone eats the same food. Xu Liang…”

Xu Liang hurried forward, his eyes shining with gratitude at being valued.

“You’ll be responsible for handling all external communications, collecting resources and provisions from the storeroom. It’s your job from now on.”

Everyone recognized this as a plum assignment.

Xu Liang bowed deeply, “Thank you for your trust, sir. I will do my best.”

Qin Yue turned to the other two inner disciples, “Since you’re interested in medicinal herbs, I’ll teach you what I know.”

He himself needed to learn first from Elder Yu, but if they could become his people, he would teach them; if not, he would simply go through the motions.

Their names were Wen Lang and Ruan Jun, plain and honest types without notable backgrounds. Hearing the guest elder offer to teach them, they bowed with joy.

He addressed the outer disciples, “I don’t know your individual strengths yet, so we’ll assign duties based on your abilities later. Here, I may not be able to guarantee everything, but you will have the cultivation resources, opportunities for advancement, and dignity you deserve—none will be denied to you.”

Everyone bowed in unison, their excitement far surpassing that of the inner disciples. The mention of “dignity,” especially, moved them deeply.

Dong Zhuang remained silent throughout, unable to calm his heart. How had his brother, dead for so long, suddenly appeared here so changed in appearance and bearing, wielding such methods? What had Qin Yue experienced in the past months, and how had he escaped to attain such status?

To him, the shock was no less than seeing a god descend.

After dinner, Qin Yue assigned them rooms, placing Dong Zhuang closest to himself.

Deep into the night, he spread his spiritual sense across the cave dwelling.

Xu Liang, Wen Lang, and Ruan Jun were all cultivating. Though they appeared to have it easy, each was secretly working hard.

Other outer disciples wrote excited letters home or lay sleepless in bed, unable to calm their nerves.

Dong Zhuang, however, was waiting for him.

Qin Yue sent a mental message: Brother Dong, come to my room.

He casually set a barrier around the room and smiled at the nervous Dong Zhuang. “Brother Dong, you recognized me long ago. Why the act?”

Upon hearing Qin Yue admit his identity, Dong Zhuang’s face twisted as tears streamed down, though his mouth attempted a smile.

The last time he’d cried was when Qin Yue had died.

Qin Yue stood and helped him to a chair, saying nothing—anyone would be overwhelmed in such a moment.

Dong Zhuang wiped his eyes awkwardly and said, “Forgive me for making a scene. I just can’t believe I’d see you here! Qin Yue, did you fake your death back then?”

Qin Yue nodded, “Yes.”

Dong Zhuang exhaled heavily, wanting to ask about his experiences but ultimately refraining, knowing they would be beyond his comprehension.

He said softly, “Your fourth sister Qin Xin, your youngest sister Qin Zi, and Ye Yu… they’ve all been brought here too, but I don’t know where. We were separated the first day we arrived at Zhaoyang Sect.”

Qin Yue thought, as expected. He asked, “How many total from Ice Abyss were brought this time?”

“Twelve in all! Four with me, and two young men, Lin Heng and Zhou Xiang—you might know them. They’re said to be very talented and were taken elsewhere. Six women were brought—your fourth sister and the others, plus Xia Nianyun, Yan Shuang, and Lu Lingxue.”

In his memory, only five or six people were usually taken from Ice Abyss each time, rarely any women.

The people of Ice Abyss were considered lowly, and its women unlucky; such a thing was almost unheard of before.

Clearly, the addition of six young women meant someone had specifically requested them.

If this deduction was correct, even if Zhaoyang Sect had harbored forbidden practitioners before, it had been kept secret. Now, though not open, they were emboldened.

Whoever was behind this had significant status—beyond Dong Zhuang’s knowledge. Perhaps Xu Liang might know more.

Qin Yue asked, “Brother Dong, do you know the real reason Zhaoyang Sect brought you here?”

Dong Zhuang sighed, his expression bleak, “Many outer overseers don’t bother to hide it; they say some of us are only to become medicine men. I, it seems, have the constitution to be a sparring partner. Remember that old rumor? We understand everything now.”

“In that case, I won’t explain further. From tomorrow, I’ll secretly teach you cultivation methods. As for the others, we’ll see.” Qin Yue looked at Dong Zhuang. “Since we’ve met here, I’ll do my best to change your fates.”

Dong Zhuang couldn’t help but ask, “Qin Yue, have you… joined Zhaoyang Sect?”

Qin Yue smiled, “Do you think that’s possible?”

Dong Zhuang thought for a moment and shook his head, “Not likely.”

If he hadn’t come here himself, witnessed things firsthand, he might have believed otherwise.

But after realizing that the old madman’s words from years ago were true, he no longer believed his childhood brother would ever betray their people.

“I came here mainly to learn about them, to seek opportunities, to change the fate of our people,” Qin Yue said.

Dong Zhuang took a deep breath, “I don’t know what happened after you faked your death, but I can see you’re completely changed! Qin Yue, I’m older than you, and you’ve always called me brother. If this is what you mean to do, then I hope you’ll send us back—just say we were disobedient!”

Qin Yue regarded him silently.

Dong Zhuang continued, “I know I’m ordinary, and the other three brothers are too. Keeping us close is dangerous; one day we might drag you down! Our lives are small things—changing the fate of our people is what matters.”

Qin Yue looked at Dong Zhuang’s earnest face and suddenly smiled, “If I can’t even protect my childhood brothers, if I can’t safeguard my closest friends and family, how can I talk about changing the fate of our people? Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. I’ll have others look into my sisters and Ye Yu. As for you, stay here in peace.”

Dong Zhuang’s eyes reddened again. He nodded firmly, “All right, I’ll do whatever you say. If you ever need me to die, just say the word!”