The sky was just beginning to lighten, the wind and snow still raging.
In the biting wind, a young master in brocade robes and a fur coat, accompanied by a servant, braved the snow towards Cloud Edge Mountain. The servant carried an unconscious person, bound hand and foot.
The path to immortality was high and distant; ordinary mortals entering the mountains couldn't even find the Cloud Edge Sect.
But this young master was clearly no ordinary person. His eyes saw through illusion, spotting the entrance to the Cloud Edge Sect's mountain gate amidst the misty clouds. And deep within the continuous mountain range, the mist-shrouded summit of the main peak was faintly visible—that must be where Qiu Wuji resided.
A fervent glint flashed in the young master's eyes.
If only he could get close to Qiu Wuji…
That must be the dream of every male in this world, except for a brainless idiot like Yan Qianlie who had absolutely no interest in women.
This operation was merely an experiment; he didn't believe it would guarantee him a meeting with Qiu Wuji. But a try was worthwhile; if he could, all the better. Even if he couldn't, at least he'd established a "good relationship," ensuring Qiu Wuji would listen to his story, allowing him to seek opportunities later.
For this reason, he was incredibly cautious and respectful, not even flying, but slowly ascending the mountain, demonstrating his humility and sincerity.
Just as he was thinking this, a vibrant color suddenly appeared on the snow-covered mountain path before him.
A stunningly beautiful woman, dressed in a crisp and capable sword-wielding outfit, stood with her hands behind her back on the cliff edge.
Although she wore no brightly colored clothing or ornaments, simply by standing there—her black hair, red lips, and slightly flushed cheeks—she made the snow appear more vibrant, the dark clouds tinged with color, and the world brighter.
But such beauty was so captivating that one could only glance at her before lowering their gaze, unable to look any longer. Just looking at her from afar was like watching a sword drawn from its sheath, a cloud in the sky, or a distant river stretching to the horizon, its waters a seamless blend of heaven and earth.
She was nature itself, yet transcended nature.
"Qiu Wuji has indeed ascended to the Heavenly Realm," the young master thought.
Yes, this must be Qiu Wuji. Only she could possess the beauty of the entire landscape; the vast expanse of snow-covered mountains and rivers paled in comparison to her crimson lips.
And only she could so proudly defy the snow and cold, her sword intent soaring to the heavens, looking down from a superior position, making one afraid to look directly at her.
If Chu Ge knew his thoughts, he'd probably be scratching his head in disbelief. What was this idiot thinking? Qiu Qiu was so cute; was it really that exaggerated…?
"Lu Shaotong, the last to enter, greets Sect Leader Qiu." The young master stepped forward quickly and bowed deeply to the ground: "I never expected to see Sect Leader Qiu's true face; how fortunate I am!"
He deliberately avoided using "junior," using "the last to enter," as if to soften the difference in seniority.
After all, he was only a hundred years old, while the stunningly beautiful woman before him was ten thousand years old…
"Lu Shaotong…" Qiu Wuji's gaze shifted from the snowflakes on the cliff edge to him, and he said calmly, "The world says you are the genius Seven Absolutes Young Master who broke through to the Nascent Soul stage at a hundred years old?"
Lu Shaotong was overjoyed. He had deliberately spread the word here, and sure enough, Qiu Wuji had heard it.
He quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "Before Sect Master Qiu, who dares to claim genius?"
Qiu Wuji nodded slightly: "With a talent like you among the younger generation, the prosperity of the immortal path in the world is evident… Whose junior are you? By the way, who is that little brat Lu Bingzhang to you?"
Lu Shaotong looked slightly embarrassed: "He is… he is my great-grandfather."
"Pfft…" Chu Ge couldn't help but laugh and quickly turned his head away.
Lu Shaotong only noticed Chu Ge now; he had been completely oblivious to everyone else just moments before… He coughed twice to cover his embarrassment: "And this is…"
Qiu Wuji said calmly, "My disciple."
Lu Shaotong quickly said, "I've heard of him; he's said to be a peerless genius."
Qiu Wuji said, "You can call him Grandmaster Uncle." Chu Ge puffed out his chest, and Lu Shaotong's face began to flush red.
Qiu Wuji suppressed a laugh, his gaze falling on the person being carried by the servant behind Lu Shaotong, and said calmly, "What is the meaning of this?"
Lu Shaotong quickly gestured for the servant to put the person down, explaining, "This person is your sect's external affairs steward. The other day, I witnessed him abusing miners and forcing women, and in a fit of rage, I apprehended him. Considering this is a matter for Sect Master Qiu's family, I dared not act on my own authority, and have come to apologize…"
Qiu Wuji nodded: "I've heard of similar incidents. I came down the mountain today precisely to investigate secretly and see who is tarnishing our sect's reputation."
Lu Shaotong was secretly delighted; this was exactly as he had envisioned. The next sentence should have been a brief thank you, followed by polite invitations to sit down and have some tea…
But Qiu Wuji abruptly changed the subject: "So, it's you who has tarnished our sect's reputation?"
"Huh?" Lu Shaotong's eyes widened.
"The mountains are remote, and with snow blocking the roads, transportation is difficult. Normally, news wouldn't reach neighboring villages for ten days to half a month. Yet, this matter of a mere mine has spread far and wide, even reaching the elders of the sect who live in seclusion. If no one is secretly pulling the strings, do you think I'm a fool?"
"This…" Lu Shaotong hadn't expected to gain suspicion before goodwill. He could only say, "I truly know nothing of the rumors. I just happened to witness this person committing evil and acted out of righteous indignation."
"So, the rumors circulating have nothing to do with you?"
"Truly nothing. I knew absolutely nothing…" Qiu Wuji stared coldly into his eyes. Lu Shaotong met his gaze calmly, showing no fear.
Qiu Wuji was also beginning to feel a sense of surprise.
This person was rather strange… Despite the vast difference in their levels, his own pressure had no effect on him. Even his secret use of soul techniques was like throwing a stone into the sea—completely ineffective. The other party didn't even show a flicker of a heartbeat.
On the contrary, he increasingly sensed a sincerity in the other's demeanor, as if his subconscious was telling him that the other was a trustworthy person.
If he hadn't overheard the conversation between the other and his subordinates beforehand, he might have been fooled, perhaps even developing a good relationship with him.
Now, of course, he wouldn't think that way. Instead, he was extremely wary. This situation was too bizarre, abnormal.
It even deviated from the "Heavenly Dao's setting."
A Nascent Soul cultivator versus a Tribulation Transcending cultivator—such a huge level difference! How could he ignore his soul pressure and have it affect him instead?
What the hell is the Heavenly Dao doing?
But then Chu Ge spoke up: "A country has its laws, and a family has its rules. If we want to rectify the chaos below and eradicate the cancerous growths within the sect, that's our own business in the Yunji Sect. How can outsiders interfere? Do you think we're incompetent? Or do you think we'll cover for others?" Lu Shaotong cursed this bastard to the core. "Are you just here to argue? If you're going to do this, then no one can do chivalrous deeds. Do you need to send a letter of notification first? Are you some kind of government official?"
"You have challenged the dignity of our Yunji Sect," Chu Ge said sternly. "Shouldn't you leave something behind?" Lu Shaotong wasn't as lenient with Chu Ge as he was with Qiu Wuji, his smile turning cold. "This...Grandmaster Uncle, perhaps you wish to punish me?"
"Indeed. It's not for others to discipline our sect's members." Chu Ge delivered a classic line that would raise blood pressure, slowly drawing his Lone Goose Sword. "I also want to see what kind of methods this expert, who so easily captured our sect's external affairs steward, possesses."
Lu Shaotong stared at Qiu Wuji. "Is this Sect Master Qiu's intention?"
Qiu Wuji said lazily, "If I were to bully you, it would be too much of a display of power against the weak, too unsightly. Let my disciple spar with you a few times, that's fine." The young couple were of one mind; it wasn't a matter of whether Qiu Wuji was bullying or not, but rather that they both wanted to see what strange methods he possessed.
The other party's soul was strange; soul-searching might not be useful, and killing him directly would only cut off the clues. Therefore, letting Chu Ge try was the best option.
Under the laws of Heaven, nowhere can one hide.
How come, even here, he's still helping him? Qiu Wuji wanted to scratch his head.
Oh well, it's a husband-and-wife operation, why should it matter who helps whom?
Over there, Lu Shaotong laughed angrily: "I didn't expect Sect Leader Qiu to be so protective of his own, such an unreasonable person. My admiration is truly..."
"I don't need your admiration," Qiu Wuji interrupted directly: "What I want is reverence."
Where did this villain's line come from?
Lu Shaotong felt like he was in a dream today, this shouldn't be Qiu Wuji, right?
Chu Ge stood with his sword, grinning: "Little grand-nephew, draw your sword."