Chapter 142: Life or Death is Irrelevant

Pu Pingping's remarks were met with a chorus of agreement from the various sects present.

Even Xi Xu chimed in: "Old Zhu, why are you being so serious? We are just here to enjoy the flowers, and letting the young ones enter the secret realm is a chance for them to broaden their horizons. These few Foundation Establishment cultivators taking up five spots isn't exactly an imposition, is it? Surely Sect Leader Yin isn't that stingy. Besides, not only has Lady Duan prepared generous gifts, but I and my nephew Zuo have also brought decent offerings. Surely none of the others are coming empty-handed? Let us share the good fortune and look out for one another. At worst, the next time one of your sects has such an opportunity, your Xianyun Sect can send your own people."

Xi Xu's words sounded reasonable enough, and Zhu Xian’s expression softened.

In truth, he, Sect Leader Yin Quan, and several Nascent Soul elders of the sect had already discussed the matter. Given the current tense situation, Yin Quan did not wish to offend all five sects over uncertain treasures in the secret realm. It would be better to let them all in; if a rare treasure truly appeared, they could fight over it themselves.

However, before Zhu Xian could step down from the platform offered, Qi Xiuning added, "It is not five. Pu and I do not need to admire the flowers; we will both be entering the secret realm. Before leaving, Junior Nephew Pu received personal guidance from my master, who bestowed upon him a talisman to temporarily suppress his cultivation to the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage."

Even with Zhu Xian’s excellent composure, his expression shifted slightly at these words.

This young female cultivator, with cultivation only at the peak of Foundation Establishment, spoke as if the secret realm were already her own possession, all thanks to the backing of her master, Dai Mingchi.

Where did this Qi Xiuning originally come from? The Danya Sect. It was rumored that the former leader of the Danya Sect, Lingxuzi, the Deity Transformation master Jin Donglou, and many other water-element masters were killed by Dai Mingchi, yet she showed no sign of dwelling on the past.

Thinking of this, Zhu Xian felt a surge of secret contempt. He was reminded of Shi Qingxiang, who had once studied at the Xianyun Sect, and his mood grew complicated. He sighed, "Miss Qi, you entered the Danya Sect's secret realm back then as well, didn't you?"

The remark sounded like a casual sigh, but its implications were profound. Qi Xiuning was momentarily stunned, unsure of how to respond.

Fei Chengji quickly took over the conversation: "Back then, their six Deity Transformation disciples were about to venture into the Demon Domain. Our sect leader made a special exception for them to train in the Danya Sect's secret realm. It shows there is a precedent for breaking down sectarian barriers and opening up secret realms. Elder Zhu need not worry about that."

Zhu Xian, unwilling to engage with him further, gave a dismissive laugh, looked away, and asked the group: "Is there anyone else here planning to suppress their cultivation and enter the realm to contend with the youngsters? If so, it would be best to speak up now."

This was a question with an obvious answer; everyone knew that such a method of suppressing cultivation, being the work of the Deity Transformation master Dai Mingchi, was not something others could easily replicate. Zhu Xian clearly held the practice in disdain and brought it up specifically to belittle Pu Pingping. Naturally, if a Golden Core cultivator like him couldn't defeat the Foundation Establishment youngsters, it would be even more embarrassing.

Seeing that Zhu Xian seemed inclined to agree and not wishing to further provoke his displeasure, the group laughed and prepared to move past the issue.

Pu Pingping said with a faint, enigmatic smile: "Elder Zhu, you might want to tell Sect Leader Yin that those from your sect with lesser strength who have never seen blood shouldn't go in. If a rare treasure appears, great danger will surely follow, and spells have no eyes. This time, we shall not concern ourselves with life or death."

Zhu Xian’s face darkened, and he said coldly: "You of the Futu Sect aren't planning to start a massacre in my Xianyun Sect's secret realm, are you?"

Pu Pingping replied: "As long as it doesn't hinder us, my martial aunt and I will not trouble ourselves with those juniors. But if anyone else covets the treasure as I do, do not blame me for being discourteous. Treasures have always belonged to those with the ability to take them."

As he spoke, he cast a glance, whether intentional or not, at the two Foundation Establishment disciples from Little Yingzhou and the Sanqing Gate, his gaze as cold as a blade.

"Well said, 'to those with the ability.' You want to disregard life and death—does Sect Leader Dai know about this?" Xi Xu interjected, his voice calm.

Qi Xiuning said: "My nephew's meaning is that since there can only be one owner of the treasure, and everyone holds the same intention, we should simply cast aside all restraint and rely on our own abilities. Those who are afraid should not enter. Even if my nephew and I were to die in the secret realm, my master would only blame us for lacking skill."

Xi Xu’s expression was somber. Worried, he glanced at Zuo Qiancheng of the Sanqing Gate. As a Nascent Soul cultivator, he did not worry about his telepathic message being overheard, so he sent one to Zhu Xian: "Old Zhu, I need to see Sect Leader Yin."

Yin Quan resided on the top floor of the Xianyun Sect's Scripture Hall. Although guests from various sects were visiting, only Xi Xu was a Nascent Soul cultivator, and Yin Quan had not taken the matter seriously until Zhu Xian led Xi Xu and Zuo Qiancheng to see him. Only then did he sense the unusual nature of the situation.

Xi Xu said: "Sect Leader Yin, the people of the Futu Sect are so arrogant; they should be shown some strength. Since Pu Pingping says life and death are of no concern, he will surely strike mercilessly once inside. He is a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator suppressing his cultivation; the Foundation Establishment disciples that I and my nephew Zuo have brought are likely no match for him. I ask that you send capable disciples, and the three sects can join forces. If the treasure is beneficial to my Senior Martial Brother Le’s condition, I will take it back to Little Yingzhou, and we will certainly not leave your sect uncompensated. If it has nothing to do with his treatment, then we are merely here to assist and will not covet your sect's treasures."

Zuo Qiancheng added: "I hear that Jiang Yan under Elder Zhu is known as the strongest in your sect below the Golden Core stage. Perhaps Elder Zhu should give him clear instructions in advance."

Yin Quan and Zhu Xian exchanged a look. There were still a few days before the secret realm opened, so this could be discussed slowly. However, with things having escalated to this point, the weaker disciples of their own sect truly could not be allowed to go in and die in vain.

Yin Quan told Zhu Xian: "Redetermine the list of people entering the secret realm. Verify them one by one. Tell those who insist on going about the internal situation and the dangers, so they can be prepared. As for Jiang Yan, ask him what his thoughts are."

Zhu Xian nodded in agreement.

Yin Quan then said kindly to Xi Xu and Zuo Qiancheng: "Let me finalize the list of those entering the secret realm first, and then we shall discuss further."

Xi Xu was somewhat stunned. Accustomed to the fiery temper of his own sect leader, Le You, he found this Sect Leader Yin truly seemed to be made of dough. Although he had long heard that Yin Quan was easygoing, he hadn't expected him to still be thinking of soliciting the opinions of his disciples at a time like this. After a long pause, he said: "It’s only a few days away, Sect Leader Yin, please hurry."

Yin Quan smiled, "Rest assured."

At this moment, Jiang Yan, having wasted no end of breath to finally persuade "Junior Sister Wei," returned to his quarters. Putting on an expression of utter exhaustion, he said to Hong Jian: "It's done. There is finally a spot. Now, we just need to figure out a way to sneak you in."

In Jiang Yan's view, having a spot was critical, but even with one, passing the headcount inspection would not be easy. With the masters all present and everyone so familiar with one another, how could a new face in the team go unnoticed?

However... a new face? Looking at Hong Jian’s unfamiliar face, he could find no flaws. He hoped her secret technique was truly as miraculous as claimed, and that she wouldn't be discovered while disguised as "Junior Sister Wei."

Before Jiang Yan could think of a foolproof plan, his master, Zhu Xian, summoned him. Like a bolt from the blue, he was told that because the five major sects were participating in the treasure hunt, the Xianyun Sect would no longer send any disciples except for those with proven strength.

Zhu Xian specifically relayed the intentions of Pu Pingping and Xi Xu, and even mentioned that Lady Duan had taken a fancy to him, intending to arrange a marriage and use the "Heart-Wisdom Sword" technique as a dowry, asking what he thought of it.

Jiang Yan’s mouth twisted like a bitter melon. His first thought was: "It's over. In front of all these people, how can I turn Fang Hongjian into a bug and smuggle her into the secret realm?"

He wanted to tell his master the truth, but after hesitating, he swallowed the words back down. He only said: "Master, rest assured. I will act according to Little Yingzhou's wishes. I will play it by ear in the secret realm and ensure the Futu Sect does not get their hands on it easily. As for the Xianxia Cave..." Jiang Yan paused, leaning in toward Zhu Xian in a spoiled manner, "Master, your disciple is not yet at the point where he needs to sell himself."

Zhu Xian was both annoyed and amused. He patted Jiang Yan on the head and scolded: "Enough, stop with the glib tongue. If word of this gets out, Lady Duan won't spare you. I will think of a polite way to decline her. You prepare yourself well these next few days. Pu Pingping is a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator. The sect leader also told me to warn you: block them if you can, but don't force it if you can't. Whatever you do, don't lose your life in the secret realm. Let the five sects fight over it. If a rare treasure truly appears, even if the Futu Sect manages to retrieve it from the realm, they may not have the ability to take it back out."

Jiang Yan nodded, thinking to himself: "It's so dangerous; why would Fang Hongjian want to enter the secret realm? I'll take her in when there's an opportunity later."

Having made up his mind, he felt a sense of relief. Hong Jian’s identity was sensitive; if she were exposed, it might bring disaster to the Xianyun Sect. Between his vague, good brother Shi Qingxiang and his father-like master, Jiang Yan felt that having finally found a way to satisfy everyone, he could put the matter aside and focus on discussing how to deal with Pu Pingping and the others in the secret realm.

"Master, he said life and death are of no concern. Does that mean if he and Qi Xiuning die in the secret realm, the Futu Sect won't pursue it?"

Zhu Xian knew this boy had a big heart and was daring. He pondered for a moment and said: "Unless it is a matter of life and death, do not let the Futu Sect members die at our hands. Do not forget, there is still Ji Youyun."

If it were not for Ji Youyun’s "Scripture of Great Calamity," the major sects would not have tolerated the growing arrogance of Dai Mingchi’s followers all these years and would have struck secretly long ago.

Zhu Xian waved his hand, telling Jiang Yan to return. In his heart, the difficult problem that plagued so many continued to swirl: "If only there were a way to contain Ji Youyun, eliminate a batch of Dai Mingchi’s lackeys, and yet prevent him from calculating the truth."