"Won't even hold Master in any regard?" Qing Mei said in disbelief. She then coldly added, "Did he forget who it was that made him what he is today? If not for Master, he would have already been a dead man back in Transient Light Cave."
"There's no point bringing this up any longer. He too has risked his life for me. We don't owe each other anything anymore. It's all in the past! Transient Light Cave…" Yang Qing sighed. "How time flies! To think that in just a few short decades, the Horse Deputy of a tiny Cave would grow to become my equal. When I was his age, I wasn't even a Cave Master, and back then, the two of you had yet to follow me. I've always held high hopes for this kid's capabilities, but I never thought he would find success this early, and the Sea of Constellations Subjugation Crusade would end up being his golden opportunity, no less. Now that he has even caught the attention of the Palace Lord, it's safe to say that he's made it big!"
Qing Ju asked slowly, "Will he blame Manor Head for not taking care of his people?"
"Blame me? How does he expect me to take care of them? If not for me turning a blind eye to the situation, do you think those two little girlies, devoid of any real authority as they are, would have managed to hold out for ten whole years in Mount Calming Sea? Miao Yi was the one who offended the members of the three major sects and left such a mess for himself. Does he expect me to offend everyone else just for the sake of someone who may or may not return? There's more than just Mount Calming Sea in my two Manors. I cannot neglect the bigger picture just for the sake of one Mountain!" Yang Qing said coolly, "Don't worry. That kid isn't someone who can't look at his problems from a different perspective."
Mount Calming Sea. After staying here for close to a fortnight, Shen Fenghua finally took his leave. He couldn't just stay in Mount Calming Sea forever, after all.
Having finally sent away that despicable bastard, Qian'Er and Xue'Er sighed in relief. The two then proceeded deep into the mountains to tell Yao Ruoxian the good news about Miao Yi's return.
Yao Ruoxian originally wanted to persuade the two girls into leaving with him. But when he heard what they had to say, he couldn't help his surprise. "The brat has actually made it back alive?"
He never had a single ounce of faith that Miao Yi would survive. If he hadn't been afraid of upsetting the two ladies, he wouldn't have even given Miao Yi the thirty-five tiny mantids back then.
Xue'Er announced proudly, "Master took tenth place in the Sea of Constellations Subjugation Crusade!"
"Tenth place!" Yao Ruoxian was greatly shocked. He then danced about excitedly and said, "Wahaha! That brat must have brought back a ton of treasure with him! Girlies, have the brat come see me immediately once he's back!"
No one in Mount Calming Sea expected that just two days after they had sent Shen Fenghua away, another deacon from Suppressing Second Hall—Deacon Fan—would pay them a visit. Once again, every person in Mount Calming Sea was busily toiling away to entertain their guest.
However, this Deacon Fan's behavior was significantly better than Shen Fenghua's. He would treat everyone in a friendly manner, and was not at all disrespectful to Qian'Er and Xue'Er. Whenever he was free, he would pull along Zhou Huan and the others and go visit the Caves under Mount Calming Sea's jurisdiction. Given that it was a crucial period for the selection of the new Mountain Chieftain, the three of them were happy to oblige as well.
No one in the entire Mount Calming Sea could tell that Deacon Fan Zizhang was actually here to take charge of the situation under the Suppressing Second Hall Master's orders. They all thought that he was merely here for leisure purposes.
In truth, almost no one within the entire Suppressing Second Hall knew about Fan Zizhang's mission. Had Fan Zizhang not told Yang Qing, he wouldn't have known about it either. Since Huo Lingxiao had even bypassed his Advisors to task his Deacon with this mission, it was evident that he didn't want too many people aware of it. After all, the issue concerned the Palace Lord as well. Not to mention, how would it look for a Hall Master like him to suck up to a mere Mountain Chieftain?
Huo Lingxiao really didn't want to do something as demeaning as this. Alas, the Palace Lord had personally ordered him to persuade Miao Yi to stay within Traversing Moon Palace; he had no choice.
Some time had passed since the Sea of Constellations Subjugation Crusade, and the news of the survivors would have to be announced sooner or later. The Fifth Earthly Branch Overlord also desired to let the public know of the astounding results of his division.
When the people in South Edict Manor received the news, they were absolutely shocked. 'Mount Calming Sea's Mountain Chieftain Miao Yi actually survived? And he even managed to get tenth place!'
Mount Calming Sea was especially affected by the blow. Many people started breaking out in panic, like a bunch of ants on a hot stove.
"He actually made it back alive…" said Tian Qingfeng absent-mindedly, as he stood within the courtyard of the cultivation quarters. Lost in a daze, he ended up standing in place for an entire day.
Zhou Huan, Mao Yifan, and Liu Qian were still outside, accompanying Deacon Fan on his leisurely excursion to the various Caves. Currently, they were drifting on a boat across a glistening lake. After finding out about the news from their fellow disciples in one of the Caves, Zhou Huan and the others started panicking as well. They wanted to return immediately and devise a way to save their skins.
However, Fan Zizhang stopped them and asked, "Do the three of you not wish to accompany this deacon?"
Beside him, Zhou Huan laughed drily and replied, "The Mountain Chieftain's return is nigh. We have to hurry and prepare his welcoming ceremony. Otherwise, it would look disrespectful of us."
Fan Zizhang acted like he was unaware of the shameful things they had done and asked, "What are you in such a rush for? Isn't your Mountain Chieftain still on his way back? The way I see it, the three of you simply do not hold this deacon in any regard. Are you telling me that I am inferior to a mere Mountain Chieftain?"
The three of them were absolutely restless, but they couldn't simply offend the other party either. Liu Qian knew perfectly well the horrible things she had said to Qian'Er and Xue'Er back then. Gritting her teeth, she said, "To tell you the truth, my lord, in my Mountain Chieftain's absence, we have been somewhat ill-mannered to his two handmaidens. If we don't make our preparations soon, I fear that Mountain Chieftain will not let us off once he returns."
"So that's why!" Fan Zizhang suddenly broke out into laughter and added, "You are overthinking it. I guarantee that you're all simply panicking for nothing!"
The three of them exchanged glances, then anxiously asked, "How so?"
Fan Zizhang shook his head and smiled, "To tell you the truth, I've already known that your Mountain Chieftain is returning before I came here. I don't mind sharing some information with you. Once Miao Yi returns, he will be leaving South Edict Manor and be reassigned to a different location as Manor Head. As such, what do you have to be scared of from someone's who's about to leave?"
The trio were both shocked and overjoyed. However, Liu Qian still asked nervously, "But what if he makes his move against us before he's reassigned?"
Fan Zizhang laughed coldly. "All of you can put your minds at ease. Do you honestly think I'm here just for a simple routine patrol? To tell you the truth, I am here on official business from the Hall Master. If I were to express my desire to protect you three, do you think Miao Yi would still dare go against the Hall Master? But of course, if the three of you wish to seek help elsewhere, I won't stop you either. Do as you wish!"
The three of them were immediately beside themselves with joy. They repeatedly apologized to Fan Zizhang and became even more fervent in entertaining him...
In Suppressing Second Hall, Shen Fenghua was also feeling a little apprehensive after hearing the news. 'Miao Yi actually survived?' However, he also listened to a little whispering from Huo Lingxiao that Miao Yi was about to be reassigned elsewhere. Hence, he didn't put too much thought into it after that. All he had to do was hide inside the Suppressing Second Hall. Could that Miao Yi still dare charge into Suppressing Second Hall and do anything to him then?
Shen Fenghua quickly sent someone to deliver the news to Zhou Huan and the others to tell them about Miao Yi's reassignment from South Edict Manor. He instructed them to stay calm and hold their ground! Once Miao Yi was gone, all of them would naturally be safe.
Of course, he couldn't just rely on Zhou Huan and the others. He still needed to put some effort into Huo Lingxiao's side as well. As long as Huo Lingxiao was happy, Shen Fenghua believed that a mere Miao Yi wouldn't be able to do anything to him. Thus, he immediately started doing his utmost to please Huo Lingxiao, not forgetting about Tian Yu and Liu Xing as well.
Zhou Huan and the others soon received news from Shen Fenghua that Miao Yi was soon to be reassigned away from South Edict Manor. And with Fan Zizhang over here to hold Miao Yi back for them, their hearts were greatly at ease. The three of them then quickly replied to Shen Fenghua and assured him that their three major sects were no pushovers and that Miao Yi wouldn't dare do anything against them.
They made no mention of the fact that they had a foot in two camps and had sought help from Fan Zizhang as well. As long as they weren't idiots, they wouldn't do such a thing.
Shen Fenghua soon received their reply and was relieved as well to see the three of them so confident. He just felt it was a pity to let those two ladies in Mount Calming Sea off.
In Mount Calming Sea, Qian'Er and Xue'Er could clearly feel the change around them. Their Master had yet to return; only news of his return had spread, but everyone in Mount Calming Sea had already started treating them respectfully whenever they saw the two ladies. They would also visit from time to time and ask how the two Aunties were doing.
Even those subordinate Cave Masters began sending the two ladies reports on the current status of their respective territories, despite already getting assurance from Zhou Huan and the others that nothing would happen to them. None of them wanted to push tensions past the point of no return.
As the two ladies' aide, Yan Xiu could finally feel the full weight of Miao Yi's name. The man himself wasn't even back yet, and those wretched people were already feeling restless.
South Edict Manor. A few riders charged through the mountain gates. Dressed in a white gown, Qin Weiwei leaped off her mount. After asking for the Manor Head's whereabouts, she immediately rushed towards the back of the mountain.
At the back of the mountain, Qin Weiwei noticed Yang Qing sitting cross-legged in meditation all by himself. After she paid her respects, she immediately asked, "Father, is it true that Miao Yi has returned?"
Yang Qing stepped down from the bed and nodded, "It's true."
Qin Weiwei's eyes glimmered as she asked, "Were you already aware of it a long time ago?" What she meant was—'Why didn't you tell me sooner?'
Yang Qing frowned deeply, "As an esteemed Mountain Chieftain, you came all the way here just to ask me this?"
Qin Weiwei avoided his gaze, "I am his friend, so I just wish to know a little about his well-being."
"Friend?" Yang Qing narrowed his eyes at her. He walked up to the railing, then said blankly, "It is normal for friends to be concerned for one another. There's no need for you to feel nervous about it. I might as well tell you that Miao Yi has gained the Palace Lord's favor, and will soon leave Suppressing Second Hall and be reassigned to a separate location as Manor Head. After this, he will no longer have any connection to our South Edict Manor. As the saying goes, a tree that towers over the forest shall be toppled by the wind. It may not be such a bad thing to minimize your contact with him now that the both of you will be separated. Everything is fine as long as you keep your relationship as normal friends. That way, you won't be implicated in whatever trouble the kid stirs up."
He was subtly persuading Qin Weiwei to give up on this love of hers.
'Leave Suppressing Second Manor and reassigned elsewhere as Manor Head?' Qin Weiwei quivered slightly and bit her lips in silence.
Yang Qing tilted his head and cast a sideways glance at his own daughter. From the moment she set foot here, he just knew that she hadn't given up. It wasn't as though Yang Qing hated Miao Yi or anything, but judging from his experience, although Miao Yi was bathing in glory now, the risk factor he carried was just too high. It was only a matter of time before something bad would happen to him. If it were someone else's daughter, Yang Qing wouldn't be bothered to care. However, he couldn't just let his own daughter fall into the fire pit like this...
One month later. Taking into account the amount of time that had passed since the announcement of the Subjugation Crusade survivors, the day of Miao Yi's return was now close at hand. In a rather elaborate show of respect, Yang Qing not only assembled all his subordinate Mountain Chieftains, but he was even making the trip to Mount Calming Sea himself to welcome Miao Yi back.
On the way, he bumped into Qian'Er and Xue'Er, who were leading their own forces. All the Cave Masters under Mount Calming Sea were present too. As their Mountain Chieftain was returning, they obviously had to be there to receive him.
There was an enigmatic smile on Yang Qing's face as he greeted Fan Zizhang, who had been staying at Mount Calming Sea this whole time. After which, he exchanged a few pleasantries with Qian'Er and Xue'Er, and casually swept his gaze across Zhou Huan and the others. He then brought his mount to Fan Zizhang's side and led the hundred over forces straight to East Arrival Cave...