Chapter 278: Disturbing the Peace
Chapter 278: Disturbing the Peace
The middle-aged cultivator with the profound aura introduced himself as Liao Quanfu, a cultivator at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage who had attempted the Golden Core breakthrough twice, only to fail on both occasions. Those failed attempts had damaged his foundation, and with advancing age, his potential had dwindled, leaving him with no further aspirations for advancement.
Although his cultivation level was a stage higher than Shen Ye's, Shen Ye had the advantage of youth and limitless potential. Coupled with his self-proclaimed strength, which was no weaker than Liao Quanfu's, Shen Ye remained unfazed by the other's aggressive demeanor.
"Making such a significant decision on your own, Brother Shen, goes against the rules of the Sword Hall, doesn't it?" Liao Quanfu asked, his face darkening. "As far as I know, the one who obtained the Four-Star Sword Thousand Falcon Spirit Herb is merely an inner disciple who has only recently advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage. Their cultivation talent is extremely ordinary. How can the other disciples of the Sword Hall be convinced of your decision, Brother Shen?"
"No matter who the Sword Thousand Falcon Spirit Herb is given to, there will always be those who are dissatisfied," Shen Ye replied calmly. "Only if Elder Murong makes the decision will there be no dissenting voices. If Brother Liao is still unhappy, you may take it up with Elder Murong."
At the mention of Elder Murong, a Foundation Establishment stage master of the Sword Hall, the middle-aged cultivator was momentarily lost for words. Even if he had a hundred guts, he wouldn't dare to confront a Golden Core stage master.
Noting the other's reaction, Shen Ye softened his tone, explaining, "I understand your loss of composure, Brother Liao. One of the disciples competing for the Four-Star Sword Thousand Falcon Spirit Herb is your nephew, and he is indeed quite exceptional, having cultivated several Three-Star Sword Grasses."
"Indeed, with his capabilities and experience, he would have been the most likely candidate to obtain the Sword Thousand Falcon Spirit Herb if not for that other disciple's sudden appearance. What a pity."
"As for how that disciple stood out," Shen Ye continued, "it's quite simple. While the others were still complacent from cultivating the Three-Star Sword Grass, he had already improved upon it and created a new variety."
"He succeeded on his first attempt." Shen Ye emphasized each word.
"Improving a Three-Star Sword Grass into a new variety in one go? How is that possible?" The middle-aged cultivator had spent decades in the Sword Hall and immediately understood the implications of Shen Ye's words, yet he still found them hard to believe.
While he knew Shen Ye wasn't one to exaggerate, what he was saying still sounded incredible.
"I shall pay a visit to Elder Murong," the middle-aged cultivator said coldly. "If I find out there's any foul play involved, there will be consequences."
"Hmph!" With that, he turned and left.
...
"Hmph! A mere outer disciple dares to snatch the Sword Thousand Falcon Spirit Herb from my grasp?" At the foot of the mountain where Lu Xuan resided, a young man who bore a resemblance to Liao Quanfu stood before the flowing light talisman array, his tone filled with anger.
Among those competing for the Sword Thousand Falcon Spirit Herb, this young man had been a top contender in terms of both ability and experience, and with the support of his uncle, a high-ranking member of the Sword Hall, he had believed his victory was assured. Yet, he had still ended up losing to an inner disciple who had only recently advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage.
Enraged upon hearing the news, he had immediately sought help from his influential uncle.
Fearing that he might anger his uncle, the young cultivator withdrew, filled with resentment.
As for giving up? That was out of the question.
He had long coveted the Four-Star Sword Thousand Falcon Spirit Herb, and with it, he could cultivate the Fourth Level Sword Art, which would grant him a significant position within the Sword Hall.
Not to mention, the Four-Star Sword Falcon would essentially become his personal possession.
The Four-Star Sword Grass was not commonly found within the entire Heavenly Sword Sect, and due to its innate sword-like qualities, it could be used for extended nurturing and refining, even potentially becoming his primary spiritual treasure when he reached the Core Formation stage.
But now, he could only watch helplessly as the Sword Thousand Falcon Spirit Herb fell into the hands of another disciple, a missed opportunity that left him bitterly disappointed.
How could he possibly accept this?
As for Lu Xuan, he had already inquired about him.
Lu Xuan had some reputation within the inner sect, rarely interacting with others and focusing solely on cultivating spiritual herbs. Apparently, he had even helped several senior martial brothers resolve issues related to spiritual herbs and beasts.
However, despite having become an inner disciple in a short span of years, his cultivation was still shallow, and before joining the Heavenly Sword Sect, he had been a minor lone cultivator with mediocre talent and no powerful background.
Upon learning this, the young cultivator felt somewhat relieved.
"So what if he has outstanding talent in spiritual herbs? Without sufficient backing, he'll only end up benefiting others in the end," the young cultivator thought to himself.
He intended to find Lu Xuan and use his status to intimidate him, hoping to take back the Sword Thousand Falcon Spirit Herb.
"May I ask who this senior brother is?"
Suddenly, a clear voice rang out, and a handsome young man emerged from the flowing light talisman array, a smile on his lips as he looked at the young cultivator.
"I am Liao Yufang, and I have long admired your reputation, junior brother. I came especially to visit you today," the handsome cultivator said.
Hearing this, the smile on the handsome cultivator's face grew wider.
"Senior brother's timing is perfect. I am hosting a feast for two senior brothers who are experts in spiritual beasts today. Please join us and taste the spiritual fruits that I cultivated myself."
The handsome cultivator, Lu Xuan, replied with a smile.
"A feast with spiritual fruits? As a proud inner disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, why bother entertaining random people?"
Liao Yufang's eyes narrowed slightly, showing a trace of disdain, and his opinion of Lu Xuan lowered even further.
"Please lead the way, junior brother Lu."
Although he felt contempt, Liao Yufang maintained his pretense and followed Lu Xuan into the flowing light talisman array, his spiritual power surging from his feet as he swiftly ascended towards the mountainside.
After about a dozen breaths, the two arrived at a serene courtyard.
"Senior brother Liao, we've arrived. My humble abode is simple, and I can only offer some ordinary spiritual fruits as hospitality. Please forgive me," Lu Xuan said as he led Liao Yufang into the courtyard.
"Hmm."
Liao Yufang acknowledged with a soft sound, his eyes scanning the courtyard.
His pupils suddenly contracted.
In the small courtyard, a graceful bird with snow-white plumage was elegantly savoring slices of spiritual fruit. As it noticed their arrival, a pair of eyes like black gemstones glanced at them briefly before returning its attention to the fruit in front of it.
Liao Yufang involuntarily swallowed his saliva, and just as he was about to speak to Lu Xuan, a small monkey with a crystalline, jade-like body emerged from behind the white bird. Its reddish eyes glanced at him shyly before lowering its head in a bashful manner.
"I apologize for the intrusion."
Liao Yufang felt an urge to flee from this place immediately.
(End of Chapter)
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