The Journey of Immortal Cultivation-Chapter 431 - 254: Various Trees Will Bear Fruit Eventually
During this brief delay, Ning Xiaoxian had already closed in on the Golden Core cultivator, and with a swipe, she aimed her dagger at him. Her speed was extremely fast, and the strike was silent until the very moment it nearly reached the body. Then, a ghostly image of a coiled snake with bloodied tusks emerged on the dagger, following right along with the tip — it was clear that being struck by it would bring dreadful consequences.
The complexion of the Golden Core cultivator changed as he emanated a faint yellow shield around his body, evidently activating his protective divine skills. Ning Xiaoxian, paying no heed, continued her attack. The tusk-like dagger tip struck the shield, and with a "pop" sound, it burst like a soap bubble, forceful enough to shatter it completely!
But that split second had bought the Golden Core cultivator enough time to gather his strength, as he pulled out his own magic artifact to counterattack. Over on the other side, Old K Face also regained his composure, irritated at being fooled again by this young girl, his expression sinister as he readied to strike once more.
Initially, they feared using their full range of magic artifacts and skills within the Duobao Pavilion, but they didn’t expect this woman to be even more ruthless, having already launched two Flame Burst talismans beforehand.
The onlooking crowd saw that the four grown men, among whom were Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators, were simultaneously attacking a young girl, and their faces showed disdain. Those from Tianlan Courtyard had been played by Qi Zai multiple times, and later let Ning Xiaoxian slip away, they were so angry they could almost go mad. To deal with such a slippery enemy, they were willing to lose face just to capture her.
Just then, from the second floor of the Duobao Pavilion came a prolonged howl, and a cultivator dressed in light blue robes gracefully descended, landing amongst them. He spoke sharply: "Who are you people, daring to run wild within the Duobao Pavilion?!" With his arrival, Ning Xiaoxian let out a sigh of relief. Facing a combination of Nascent Soul and Golden Core alone was too much for her and Qi Zai to handle, so her initial plan was to hold out until the Duobao Pavilion intervened.
This man was of Gold Core Late Stage cultivation and was apparently from Guangcheng Palace. Though Old K Face had a higher cultivation level than this man, he was, after all, on someone else’s turf, and he came down a notch, cupping his hands in greeting: "We are disciples of Tianlan Courtyard, pursuing a thief under our master’s orders. Please allow us to capture this woman before we apologize..."
But before he could finish, the Guangcheng Palace cultivator, his face like frost, interrupted him coldly: "All fights and disturbances are strictly forbidden within Guangcheng Palace. If you have personal grievances, please settle them outside our sect!"
Old K had his face reprimanded and turned extremely ugly. Swallowing his anger, he said: "May I know how to address you, Daoist? This is a grave offender our sect must capture. Please, allow us this convenience, and Tianlan Courtyard will be sure to repay the favor extensively in the future!" He was worried about when they would have the opportunity to catch her again if they missed it now.
The cultivator replied sternly: "You threaten me with Tianlan Courtyard? Laughable. We Guangcheng Palace disciples fear nothing in this world. You have deliberately violated the Duobao Pavilion’s rules. You’re no longer welcomed here, please leave immediately!"
Old K, furious, said: "Who are you to treat guests this way? I demand an explanation from Guangcheng Palace!"
The cultivator responded coldly: "I am Li Jianming, Deputy Chief of Duobao Pavilion. If you seek an explanation, I will be right here waiting for you. Please, do come!"
This place was no longer welcoming to them. With an angry huff, Old K Face gave Ning Xiaoxian a deathly stare and commanded the other Tianlan Courtyard members: "Let’s go!" With a sweep of his sleeve, he walked out of the Duobao Pavilion, head held high.
In the Duobao Pavilion, neither side involved in the commotion would end up well off. Ning Xiaoxian was pondering this when she saw Li Jianming turn his head. How would he treat her? Regardless, Guangcheng Palace had indeed helped her out of a tight spot, so being reprimanded a bit was of little consequence.
Yet, to her surprise, the anger on Li Jianming’s face suddenly transformed into a warm spring breeze, and he smiled saying: "Miss Ning? I have been watching from above, and it is clear that it was those from Tianlan Courtyard who started the trouble. You are the victim. You do not need to worry about the Duobao Pavilion treating you unfairly." He then addressed the crowd, "The matter is resolved, please continue with your business as usual."
Having seen Ning Xiaoxian being attacked by the four cultivators, everyone already considered her the victim, so there were no objections. Cultivators are less curious than mortals, and the onlookers dispersed quickly.
Huh? It seemed that she had just thrown two Flame Burst talismans in the midst of the crowd, and the blast wave had even smashed a couple of nearby white jade lamps. In Huaxia, that would be considered arson in a public place, a serious crime. So, is she going to get away with that too?
She hesitated, in disbelief that this man could be so understanding. Li Jianming, noticing her puzzled face, laughed, then suddenly gave her a wink with his left eye.
