Chapter 361: Chapter 229: Dramatic Ups and Downs (Part 3)

"How could this be... I was raided, and yet Bai Qilang is soaring to great heights! Damn Zhou Fuchen, why collude with the White Sun Sect!"

The ups and downs of life are truly capricious!

...

... 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Indeed a remnant of the White Sun Sect. A certain Protector who was newly promoted at that time even taught him the ’Future Star Chart of No Birth,’ an exceptionally profound skill."

In the Government Office, Master Xuanji’s face was as still as ancient well water. After several repetitions of soul searching, the residue spirit of Zhou Fuchen, originally of the White Sun Sect, was utterly shattered, akin to a porcelain vase broken to pieces.

The Daoist Official overseeing the Zhi Xin Temple elegantly lifted the Vermilion Pen, making a slight mark next to the He Mansion listed in the Fish Scale Atlas that recorded the entire Lu Family, and then closed it.

The case was thus settled.

"If he practiced the White Sun Sect’s ’Future Star Chart of No Birth,’ why was he so easily exposed? Methods to obscure the heavenly secrets might not withstand a full search, but they shouldn’t have revealed his actions so quickly."

Daoist Chongxu gently stroked his beard, still puzzled.

The capture of the White Sun Sect remnants tonight was remarkably smooth, without a single ripple.

He had been worried that the long-hidden White Sun Sect Leader would be discovered by Master Xuanji, sparking a calamity.

"Perhaps it was a desperate gamble. According to the Ear Reporting Deity, there had been a conflict between Lu Zhongping and Bai Qi at the He Mansion’s spiritual hall during the day.

Zhou Fuchen might have sought revenge, targeting Bai Qilang for a covert assault. This allowed Chen Xing from the Inheritance Hall to intervene unexpectedly, inadvertently revealing Zhou Fuchen’s hand."

This sequence of events makes sense. Daoist Chongxu, do you intend to reverse Zhou Fuchen and Lu Family’s conviction?"

Master Xuanji’s tone was indifferent.

"Regardless of Zhou Fuchen worshiping the Four Inverse or believing in the White Sun Sect, it’s all tainted. No matter whom the Lu Family colludes with, they cannot escape guilt, nor can they cleanse their crimes."

Having freshly achieved merit, Master Xuanji’s influence was at its peak. Daoist Chongxu had no intention of offending him, besides, with the Lu Family’s downfall, Yuanyang Temple would also benefit from the confiscations.

This was a magnificent opportunity!

"Daoist Chongxu, let’s discuss those two promising talents. Yesterday, you saw the Bai Brothers and stopped me from using the Observation Skill. Are you trying to hide them and seize them for yourself?"

Master Xuanji’s expression turned unfriendly. The aura around Bai Qilang was visibly nine inches of purple glow, while his younger brother’s was seven inches. Both were excellent material for cultivation. If Yuanyang Temple acquired them, years of suppression would have been in vain.

"It was a chance encounter, a heavenly opportunity. Daoist Xuanji, does one have to gather all of Yihai Prefecture’s talents into the Zhi Xin Temple Daoist School before resting?"

This time, Daoist Chongxu was unyielding. He swished his Duster, solemnly stating:

"For the past three years, Yuanyang Temple hasn’t secured a talent over six inches of green glow. At this rate, we might as well close the Daoist School, or Daoist Xuanji might as well petition the Dragon Court to strip me of my Golden Seal, allowing you to oversee everything alone."

These words were incendiary, instantly casting a pall over the Government Office.

In any case, the old fellow wouldn’t last long. For now, stepping back would prevent an ugly brawl.

Master Xuanji thought for a moment, then relented his domineering desire to monopolize both talents, amiably smiling as he suggested:

"Daoist Chongxu, you overstate it. Talents for cultivation are everywhere; there is no need for us to get heated over this. How about this, we each pick one talent between Yuanyang Temple and Zhi Xin Temple, what do you say?"

Master Xuanji offered an olive branch, though he secretly smirked. Should Elder Chongxu insist on taking Bai Qilang with the nine-inch purple glow,

then he shouldn’t blame me for being inconsiderate.

"An old Daoist like me doesn’t have the skills to teach a talent with nine inches of purple glow! Bai Qilang, I’ll leave him to Daoist Xuanji!"

Daoist Chongxu lowered his eyelids, thoughts stirring:

"Master Xuanji, competing with Ninghai Zen and Qiu Changtian for apprentices—let’s see how that turns out for you!"