Grandma Tao's words were a little harsh. Some of the younger Palace Lords couldn't help scratching their noses bashfully, wondering if the 'arrogant youngsters' that Grandma Tao mentioned included them as well.
Miao Yi and the others were a little taken aback. This Palace Lord of theirs just called the Overlord by name! Hold on, she was even casually calling out the Celestial Sage as well! What fearlessness! This was way past being bold! And from the sound of it, she must be quite old indeed; she just referred to Mu Fanjun as her sister!
The three of them finally realized that not a single one of these people were pushovers. As expected of someone who oversaw a massive domain on the Celestial Sage's behalf. A normal person would not be able to shoulder such a task!
Well, it was to be expected. If Grandma Tao really had so many years of experience under her belt, there was no way she would let someone else take her men away so easily!
Grandma Tao seemed very angry at Lan Hou's forceful methods. After venting her frustration out on him, she started chastising Miao Yi and the others as well. "What are you three still standing in a daze for? Hurry along to your new posts already! Or do you three whipper-snappers think my words are unimportant as well?"
Everyone knew what she was trying to say. It was pretty much the same as what she boldly announced before— "I'd like to see who dares stop me!"
Miao Yi and the others immediately bowed their heads and excused themselves. At the same time, they snuck a glance at Lan Hou—while his expression was as dark as it could be, he didn't dare to try and stop them. Miao Yi and the others couldn't help their astonishment at Grandma Tao's influence when they saw this.
Standing by Lan Hou's side, Pu Yigong had his head timidly lowered and just kept perfectly silent. There was no place for him to speak here. Since Lan Hou didn't say anything, he wouldn't dare to stop Miao Yi and the others either. Otherwise, that grandma's cane could very easily send him straight to his grave!
"This old one is getting on in years, so I won't be sticking around with you scamps any longer!" Grandma Tao turned to the crowd and nodded her head in farewell, then flew off into the distance in a streak of light.
The other Palace Lords were completely speechless. There were some among them who were rather old as well, and these people couldn't help smiling bitterly at Grandma Tao's words. For someone at their age to still be called a scamp. How could this make sense? But alas, the other party was indeed much older, and thus had the right to call them that. This was why none of them could make a single rebuttal!
"Aii! Even though Grandma Tao's cultivation isn't high, her attitude is completely overbearing!" Zhang Tianxiao covered her lips and smiled coyly. It seemed she was very pleased to see Lan Hou suffering a setback. She teased, "Governor Lan, why did you have to put yourself through such misery? Grandma Tao is a very proud individual. For someone of her age to still be equal in position to us, it's evident that her greatest fear is being looked down upon by others. And you just had to try and seize her men right in front of her face. If she let you acted as you pleased, how could she possibly live with the shame?! Governor Lan, why don't you ask the Overlord to lend you a hand instead?"
"Hmph!" With a flutter of his sleeves, Lan Hou turned around, crossing his arms behind his back as he gazed down the mountain. However, contrary to his actions beforehand, there was an almost undetectable look of slyness in his eyes.
How could he possibly not understand what kind of person Grandma Tao was? If he had truly intended to take Miao Yi and the others away, he wouldn't have done it right in front of her face. The reason he did so was precisely because he knew she would try to stop him! If he had let things be, he wouldn't be able to give a satisfactory explanation to the Huyan family, given that there was a dead body involved. Now that someone else had forcibly taken the suspects away, he wouldn't be blamed for not doing his job properly. If Huyan Taibao had the guts, he was more than welcome to take his complaints straight to Grandma Tao's face!
It didn't matter who killed Huyan Shou while he was in prison. It was likely that the Huyan family wouldn't let a single suspect go. Now that Grandma Tao was there as a deterrent, things would turn out just as she said. Even Huyan Taibao—the Huyan family's ancestor—had to walk on eggshells in front of her, much less the normal members of the Huyan family.
Even though Lan Hou put up a grim face, he was sighing in relief deep inside. It didn't matter if he lost a bit of face. The most important thing was fulfilling his obligation to his friend without sacrificing his principles...
On the way down the mountain, Miao Yi and the others bumped into the Gu Sanzheng trio. Since none of the other three major sect disciples were around, they were able to speak freely. Gu Sanzheng asked in a low voice, "What happened?"
Miao Yi replied calmly, "Huyan Shou is dead!"
Gu Sanzheng and the others were astonished. Ye Xin asked, "Who killed him?"
Miao Yi shook his head and answered, "I don't know!"
'Then why the heck did Lan Hou have the three of you stay behind?' The Gu Sanzheng trio looked at Miao Yi and the others suspiciously.
Meanwhile, Sikong Wuwei chuckled and said, "Who cares who killed him? God knows how many people that good-for-nothing guy has already offended. It's not surprising for someone to want to kill him. Well, the guy's already dead now. Not like it matters much to begin with though. More importantly, that Palace Lord was so freaking cool! I'm thoroughly impressed!"
"Which Palace Lord?" Tan Lao asked curiously.
Miao Yi and the others smiled at one another, then simply shook their heads, refraining from revealing any more about the topic. Grandma Tao had helped them out after all. Not to mention, she was also their direct superior. It would be inappropriate for them to talk behind her back like this.
Since Miao Yi and the others were unwilling to divulge anything further, the Gu Sanzheng trio didn't bother prying for more details. After all… In the end, Gu Sanzheng still decided to speak up, "Brother Zhao, I know why you guys chose to take up your new posts in Traversing Water Palace. The three of us are ashamed for not being able to do the same."
Hearing Gu Sanzheng mention this, Tan Lao and Ye Xin felt a little awkward as well. Compared to the camaraderie between Miao Yi, Zhao Fei, and Sikong Wuwei, the three of them felt terrible at having to go back on their promise. It should be known that Zhao Fei and Sikong Wuwei were Manor Heads to begin with, and their original territories were likely not any worse off than what they'd chosen. Not to mention, they had been overseeing their places for many years. But now, they had given it all up just to follow Miao Yi and fulfill a single promise. The Gu Sanzheng trio couldn't help cursing their own situations when they saw what Zhao Fei and Sikong Wuwei did!
Zhao Fei smiled and said, "We understand! The three of you have an obligation to ensure the benefit of your respective sects. The choices you made were not entirely your own. Not to mention, given the relationship between Miao Yi and your three major sects, you guys don't really have to beat yourself up about it…"
As they approached the Chamber of Commerce's sector, the six of them split into two groups and went their separate ways as though they were mortal enemies!
The meeting with the Overlord was finally over, and with danger lurking in every corner of the capital city, Miao Yi and the others had no intention of staying for another second—especially when they had just gotten out of a sticky situation themselves.
After handing down several instructions to Lin Pingping, Miao Yi and the others went to bid farewell to Uncle Hua and Luo Ping before going on their way.
And as there were many acquaintances of the three major sects within the capital city, the Gu Sanzheng trio had to visit them one by one before they could leave. Hence, their departure could only take place a little later. Nevertheless, even if they could leave at the same time as Miao Yi, they could not be seen together.
Once again, Luo Ping escorted Miao Yi and the others out the city, insisting on sending them off five kilometers out the gates.
"Brother Luo, this is far enough!" declared Miao Yi, turning Charcoal around.
"No matter how far one wishes to see a friend off, the moment of parting will eventually come." Luo Ping cupped his fists and smiled, "Take care, everyone!"
"The verdant mountains never wither, and the turquoise rivers shall continue to flow. We shall meet again!" Zhao Fei cupped his fists as well.
"We shall meet again!" Sikong Wuwei replied, cupping his fists. He then let out a hearty laugh, turned his dragon steed around and chased after Miao Yi and the others.
More than twenty riders galloped off, stirring up a streak of dust as they disappeared into the horizon!
Standing between the mountain and river, Luo Ping cast a longing gaze towards the departing figures. Those three were each the master of their own Manors and would oversee massive plots of land. With over ten million followers under their feet, they had vast armies under their command. It was no exaggeration to say they were all little lords of their respective areas. Luo Ping believed that such a life—where one could fall into a beautiful woman's lap when drunk, and wield an unquestionable authority when sober—was an exciting one worth living!
Little did he know that he was the one truly fortunate; there were countless cultivators out there who wished to have the peace and quiet of working in the Chamber of Commerce.
About 50 kilometers out of the city, the party stopped for a brief moment as Miao Yi suddenly dove into a nearby forest on his own. No one knew what he was trying to do.
Inside the forest, a group of tiny mantids that had been hiding in the trees flew into Miao Yi's storage bangle.
When he was making his move on Huyan Shou, Miao Yi was worried that someone would investigate him, so he had the tiny mantids take a different path out of the city right from the start. That way, even if he were caught, he could still deny all claims against him!
After making his way back out the forest, Miao Yi continued to lead the troops along the journey...
More than twenty riders galloped unabated by the wind and rain, crossing numerous mountains and rivers, only stopping to rest once every five days!
In the middle of their journey, they passed by Suppressing Second Hall. As they entered the area, the troops stopped at the foot of the mountain. Miao Yi continued up the mountain alone to bid farewell to Huo Lingxiao.
Regardless of what happened, Miao Yi didn't wish to be at odds with Huo Lingxiao any longer. Consider it a gesture of respect for the Palace Lord who stood behind him. Not to mention, who could say that Miao Yi wouldn't have a use for this relationship in the future?
Truthfully speaking, after the incident in the capital city, Miao Yi realized that he could no longer afford to offend powerful individuals so carelessly. To be able to climb up to his current status with just strength alone was already the best result he could ask for. From now on, the people that he would cross paths with would only get stronger and stronger. At the very least, they would be individuals at the level of a Hall Master. These people were an entire major realm stronger than he was. There was no way he could defeat any of them on his own. From now on, he needed to become a turtle, hiding in his shell. As such, regardless of how much he hated Huo Lingxiao, he needed to preserve this relationship, even if just in form alone. He had to continue to feign ignorance regarding the Sea of Constellations incident!
The two brothers soon met one another. Huo Lingxiao wore a dark expression, evidently aware that Miao Yi had chosen a different path than what he originally assumed. However, when the latter answered him with the same reasoning he had told the Traversing Moon Palace Master, Huo Lingxiao couldn't help growing a little anxious. To think that Governor Lan really did imprison Miao Yi just because of him. It seems that person has really been looking at him quite unfavorably for some time now!
As Huo Lingxiao pondered over Miao Yi's 'reason', he realized it wasn't such a bad idea to send this miserly little brother of his as far away from him as he could. Not only would he be able to avoid having that loose tongue spouting nonsense wherever he went, but it would also save him quite a bit of trouble as well. He wouldn't have to continue cleaning up Miao Yi's messes for him all the time. Things were all the better since the Palace Lord herself wasn't entirely against Miao Yi's decision to begin with.
The color of Huo Lingxiao's face switched in the blink of an eye. After thinking things through, his mood was as jovial as it could get. He even wanted to invite Miao Yi to stay for a few more days so he could give him a proper send-off.
Miao Yi politely refused, saying that his men were still waiting for him down the mountain and that the Traversing Water Palace Lord herself had ordered him to report to his post immediately.
Huo Lingxiao didn't really want him to stay, but he didn't try to keep this brotherhood a secret any longer either. There was no need to anyway. After all, the entire Suppressing Second Hall was already aware that Miao Yi was his sworn brother. As such, he took it upon himself to personally escort Miao Yi out the door. Once they were at the front gates, Huo Lingxiao cupped his fists and said, "Safe travels, dear brother!"
"Take care, Big Brother! If the opportunity arises, I will be sure to pay you a visit!" Miao Yi cupped his fists in farewell.
"Yes, yes, of course!" Huo Lingxiao let out a dry laugh as he thought, 'Please don't ever come back here again. Just think of it as me being scared of you, alright?'
"Safe travels, Lord Miao!" Tian Yu and Liu Xing curtsied as they bade farewell.
"Send my regards to Sister-in-Law for me. If I get the chance, I'll be sure to visit!" Miao Yi said as he climbed on to his mount.
Huo Lingxiao's expression instantly froze, the smile on his face twitching under Tian Yu's and Liu Xing's curious gazes...
After leaving Suppressing Second Hall, the party marched onwards to South Edict Manor without rest, where Miao Yi went to say his goodbyes to Yang Qing.
Miao Yi's current status was already equal to Yang Qing's at this point, and both parties addressed each other as Manor Head when they met. This was the perfect example of returning to one's roots after obtaining fame and fortune.
After hearing that Tian Qingfeng had been promoted to be the Mountain Chieftain of Mount Calming Sea, effectively taking up his previous position, Miao Yi simply smiled in gesture. Yang Qing was an unfathomable person through and through, and Miao Yi had no idea what he was plotting this time around. Nonetheless, this was no longer something he should be concerned with. From this day forth, their paths would no longer cross with one another, so he didn't question Yang Qing too deeply on the subject.
Yang Qing was also a little confused as to why Miao Yi would choose somewhere as remote as Raincloud Manor for his new post, but sensing that Miao Yi was intentionally avoiding the topic, he didn't dwell on it for too long either. The two of them would probably never get to see one another ever again. As a token of goodwill, Yang Qing invited Miao Yi to stay for a few more days. It wasn't too much trouble for him anyway, and at the very least, it would help leave a more favorable final impression of him in Miao Yi's heart. However, the latter politely refused the same way he had denied Huo Lingxiao!
Yang Qing personally escorted Miao Yi all the way down the mountain, then bade his farewell!
As this sight fell upon the cold gazes of the three major sect disciples, they couldn't help feeling a sense of admiration and jealousy. In just a few short decades, Miao Yi had gone from Cave Master to Mountain Chieftain, and now he was making the leap to Manor Head. The speed of his promotions was enough to cause their eyes to stir with envy. That said, they were aware that Miao Yi had only managed to reach his current position by risking his life in the Sea of Constellations. Even if they themselves had the chance to join in the next Subjugation Crusade, they might not necessarily be willing to go. After all, only one hundred participants would be able to survive out of a staggering 180,000 cultivators. These odds were a little too terrifying!
"Looking back to Transient Light Cave all those years ago…" Yang Qing mused to himself as he saw Miao Yi and his party off from the mountain gates. He then shook his head and laughed bitterly, "How time flies!"
Beside him, Qing Mei and Qing Ju looked on at the departing figures with mixed feelings as well. They still remembered when they first met Miao Yi, and how he'd awkwardly presented them with gifts. But now… He had used just a few short decades to cross a distance that normal cultivators required hundreds, maybe thousands of years to reach!
Qing Ju seemed to have thought of something else, and gently sighed…