Chapter 29: The Enchantress Appears

The loose cultivators and hunters watching the commotion nearby were all utterly shocked, staring at Qin Yue in disbelief.

The story of "Mister Qin" becoming an esteemed guest among the various demon kings had not spread widely. Only disciples of the most prestigious sects, those who interacted frequently with the great demons of the Beast Valley, were aware of it. Ever since someone mentioned "Green Bamboo Garden," the top figures from Zhaoyang Sect and the Ten Great Holy Lands had tacitly agreed to keep silent, each harboring their own thoughts and refraining from discussion.

Now, seeing the unassuming and courteous young man who had traveled with them for days being openly courted by a major figure from Zhaoyang Sect, all the bystanders were dumbfounded. None could fathom the true identity of the boy who followed beside Captain Hu, nor why he was addressed as "Mister" and held in such esteem.

At that moment, several more spirit vessels landed, and from each emerged people whose eyes burned with interest as they looked toward Qin Yue.

"So this is the legendary Mister Qin? So young, and already a man of remarkable bearing. I am Qiao Zhen, an elder of the Invite Moon Hall from the Sacred Land of Zhanmeng. I sincerely invite Mister Qin to join our hall—an entire peak could be yours!"

Another elder, an alluring woman in her early thirties, smiled softly at Qin Yue. "Invite Moon Hall may not suit you. I am Xue Lei, a direct disciple of the Palace Master of Tianhua Palace, Sacred Land of Rouzhao. If you join us, not only would you have your own peak, but you could become an outer sect elder directly..."

"I am Li Qing from Divine Phoenix Manor..."

"I am Dong Shanbai, Deputy City Lord of Azure Scale City..."

These names were unfamiliar to Qin Yue, but to the crowd, they were thunderous—if not by name, then by the renown of their backing. The crowd was left reeling; had they been shocked too soon just moments ago?

What was so extraordinary about this tall, handsome young man that so many great powers vied for him? Was he a prodigy cultivator or a grassroots genius risen from the slums?

Qin Yue himself was somewhat bewildered but quickly guessed the reason—his recent exploits in the Beast Valley had been spread by the subordinates of various demon kings. A talent capable of cultivating supreme medicinal herbs—what great sect would not covet such a person?

Yet, this was far from a good thing.

As Qin Yue pondered his options, he donned a look of polite confusion and bowed to the crowd. "Honored seniors and fellow Daoists, could there be some misunderstanding? What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such attention?"

Suddenly, someone among the crowd called out, "They all know you are the heir of Green Bamboo Garden, renowned across the world centuries ago!"

At these words, the faces of the major sect representatives changed. Some glanced about, searching for the source of the revelation, but the voice was elusive, impossible to locate.

The crowd erupted in whispers. Those who knew of Green Bamboo Garden suddenly understood, whispering excitedly to their neighbors.

"Green Bamboo Garden was famed for cultivating the finest medicinal herbs. Their produce was thirty percent more potent than wild herbs and fifty percent better than those grown by other sects. Their alchemy skills were unmatched..."

"Weren't they annihilated centuries ago? How could there be a successor?"

"Could it be someone escaped and, after all these years, the lineage has resurfaced?"

"The young man who traveled with us is a disciple of Green Bamboo Garden?"

"What is happening lately? Strange phenomena, sudden movements from the Demon Sect, the unexpected appearance of the Dragon Palace ruins..."

Then that same mocking voice sounded again. "Mister Qin, are you aware that the fall of Green Bamboo Garden was linked to Zhaoyang Sect?"

The crowd was stunned.

Ling Chen and Tang Qingxuan’s faces turned cold, Xuan Xiao’s gaze became sharp as he searched for the troublemaker. But the voice was so ethereal that even its gender was indiscernible.

Disciples of Zhaoyang Sect could not help but curse aloud.

"Utter slander!"

"Show yourself if you dare!"

"Cowardly worm, come out from the shadows!"

Tang Qingxuan looked at Qin Yue with gentle courtesy. "Mister Qin, do not be misled by such provocations."

Xuan Xiao added, "It must be a Demon Sect agent sowing discord!"

Qin Yue smiled politely. "You are all mistaken. I am just a child from an ordinary family. I have never even heard of a sect called Green Bamboo Garden..."

Elder Qiao Zhen from Invite Moon Hall smiled. "Whether or not that's true, our invitation stands."

Huo Qing stepped forward. "Elder Qiao, Mister Qin is an honored guest of our Lingyun Sect. Is it proper to try to poach him right in front of us?"

Lingyun Sect was a top sect of the Sacred Land of Zhuoyong, but Invite Moon Hall was no lesser name in Zhanmeng Sacred Land. Qiao Zhen replied calmly, "In the end, it is up to Mister Qin to decide for himself." Inwardly, he cursed—why hadn't Huo Qing spoken up when Tang Qingxuan of Zhaoyang Sect made her offer?

The mocking, ambiguous voice did not return, and all eyes settled once more on Qin Yue.

Qin Yue faced the crowd and spoke with utmost politeness, "Forgive me, everyone. First, I truly am not a successor of Green Bamboo Garden. Second, I have no intention of joining any sect at this time."

This trouble had all begun with him outwitting the demon lords and taking advantage of the Beast Valley. If possible, he would have preferred that none of this became known.

Not far behind, Hu Jiuyan, who had maintained a calm demeanor throughout, finally relaxed when Qin Yue clearly refused all offers.

Heh, my junior brother—did you really think you could just take him from me?

Tang Qingxuan smiled wryly. She had thought recruiting a youth from a fallen sect would be simple with the prestige of Zhaoyang Sect, the foremost sect in the realm. She had not anticipated so many competitors and hidden saboteurs, which had sown doubt in the boy’s heart.

Just then, Qin Yue was seized by a sudden premonition. Instinctively, he looked up at the sky.

A sword came streaking from the west, as swift as thunder and lightning, aimed straight at him!

The sight of the swordswoman stunned him—a figure shrouded in black, face veiled.

In that instant, he did not hesitate; he summoned his spiritual power, ready to use his escape technique.

But a cold voice sounded in his mind, "Eh? Don’t move!"

Damn it, if I don’t move, do you want an easy target?

Qin Yue realized who the attacker was, but that was no reason to stand still as a target. A wise man does not stand under a crumbling wall; even if there was no killing intent, he would not risk it.

Hu Jiuyan, seeing the black-clad figure, was momentarily stunned, then flashed forward to shield Qin Yue.

On the Lingyun Sect side, Chen Xuan reacted fastest. Not only did she leap in front of Qin Yue, but she also activated her magical artifact in an instant, releasing a dazzling light to form a protective shield.

In a split second, others too sensed the danger. But upon seeing the attacker’s target was Qin Yue, they held themselves back.

Someone shouted, "Demon Sect witch!"

The atmosphere grew tense.

The Huo brothers and Huang Ying, though slower, quickly joined Hu Jiuyan and Chen Xuan in forming a defensive line.

Huo Tong, the slowest, shouted loudly, "Stay away from my brother!"

Clang!

A cold glint flashed and, in an instant, shattered the light shield cast by Chen Xuan’s artifact.

Bang!

A tremendous crash sounded as the assailant's sword was jointly deflected by the combined force of Chen Xuan, Hu Jiuyan, Huo Qing, and Tian Ying’s weapons, forcing them all back several steps.

Qin Yue, guessing the attacker’s intention, stood still. To others, though, it seemed as if he was frozen in terror, unable to flee.

Only now did Xuan Xiao, Tang Qingxuan, and the others finally react and move to intercept the attacker.

Cries erupted:

"Don't let her escape!"

"Feng Qian Ning, you have some nerve!"

The black-clad figure soared into the air, laughing coldly. "A bunch of selfish incompetents, what right have you to recruit talent? Little Qin, your Green Bamboo Garden ancestors were slaughtered by those old villains of Zhaoyang Sect—I have proof!"

Her voice was clear and melodious, like pearls falling on jade.

Qin Yue was exasperated. Truly the Demon Sect witch—knowing he was from Bingyuan, yet spouting such nonsense. Was she trying to make him the acknowledged heir of Green Bamboo Garden?

Xuan Xiao soared after her, shouting, "Witch, you will not escape!"

Someone called out, "Everyone, after her! She’s Feng Qian Ning—she has the demon king’s treasure and the Dragon Palace inheritance!"

Instantly, more people poured out of the spirit vessels, weapons drawn.

The loose cultivators scattered in panic, fleeing far away.

You want us to fight? You big sects can go yourselves! Who among commoners could face the newly risen Demon Sect Saintess who had stolen treasures from demon kings and performed miracles in the Dragon Palace ruins?

The black figure walked on air, speeding away. "A flock of headless chickens! There’s a ruin in Yandang Mountain—I’ll be waiting there. Come if you have the courage!"

She was simply too fast. Soaring ever higher, she vanished swiftly like the wind.

Qin Yue carefully studied her trajectory, deducing silently to himself: aside from flight, she was not actually faster than him.

The cultivators of the great sects, led by Xuan Xiao, pursued her for a time but soon returned, unable to catch up.

Qin Yue cupped his fists to Chen Xuan and Huo Qing. "Thank you for your righteous aid."

A faint smile appeared on Chen Xuan’s pale, delicate face. She shook her head gently, her gaze thoughtful as she watched the direction in which the black-clad woman had disappeared.

Huo Qing sighed, "That witch’s cultivation is formidable. That sword strike was powerful—I was no match at all."

Ling Chen, the young master of Zhaoyang, spoke dispassionately, "It’s not her cultivation or strength. Didn’t you notice she used the power of the Wind-Fixing Pearl? At the Art level, who could fly like that?"

Huo Qing, steady by nature, did not retort, but Huo Tong, hot-tempered, snapped, "You talk big—why didn’t you stop her just now?"

Ling Chen glanced at Huo Tong with disdain, saying nothing. He could tolerate Tang Qingxuan recruiting Qin Yue, but as for these ‘ordinary’ disciples from other sects, he had no interest in engaging with them.

Huo Tong wanted to retort further, but was stopped by Tian Ying.

After Feng Qian Ning’s disruption, the various sects’ efforts to recruit "Mister Qin" came to an end. Besides, after seeing how Hu Jiuyan and the Lingyun Sect disciples had shielded Qin Yue, it was clear he was unlikely to choose anyone else. Compared to Feng Qian Ning, any attempt to recruit Mister Qin would have to wait.

Capturing her, now that would be a true coup.

Tang Qingxuan stepped forward, taking out a sound-transmitting stone, and handed it to Qin Yue with a smile. "The witch has revealed herself. We will pursue her at Yandang Mountain. This is my sound-transmitting stone—if you have any thoughts or need assistance, you can contact me at any time!"

One could not deny her capability; though she had not shielded Qin Yue directly, she had acted when necessary.

Qin Yue accepted it, expressing his thanks politely.

With her leading the way, Elder Qiao Zhen of Invite Moon Hall, Xue Lei of Tianhua Palace, and several others also presented their own sound-transmitting stones.

"Mister Qin, don’t worry—we’ll head to Yandang Mountain to pursue the witch now!"

"We’ll be in touch!"

"The Demon Sect is ruthless and the witch bold—Mister Qin, you should consider finding a powerful sect for support."

Qin Yue did not refuse, thanking each in turn.

Then he watched as the group boarded their spirit vessels and rose into the sky, departing.

Huo Qing looked at Qin Yue. "Brother Qin, you must have been startled just now. Let’s head to the city for a good drink to calm your nerves!"

Since they got along well and had just stood together in adversity, Qin Yue had no reason to refuse and agreed.

He then took his leave, waving courteously to the group of loose cultivators and hunters with whom he had traveled for days.

They responded with equal warmth. The events of this day would surely become a tale retold throughout the martial world for some time to come.

The name "Mister Qin" was destined to spread far and wide.