Chapter 210

Chapter 210: Wang Xuan

“Master Xu, these are the keys to your courtyard. You’ll be staying here during the Purple Mist Grand Ceremony.”

An outer disciple from Guest Peak responsible for entertaining guests handed a jade badge over to Ming.

“Much appreciated. The accommodations are already quite splendid,” Xu Ming said as he took the jade badge.

It wasn’t Xu Ming being polite; it was the outer disciple showing unnecessary humility.

The environment at Heavenly Profound Gate’s Guest Peak was excellent. Bolstered by spirit-gathering magic arrays, spiritual energy flowed abundantly. The courtyard was meticulously cleaned, elegantly laid out, and nearby were bamboo groves and waterfalls.

Such an environment would have mountain-dwelling cultivators fighting tooth and nail for outside the sect.

But that made sense.

Places for hosting visitors largely represented the face of Heavenly Profound Gate. If the hospitality fell short, it would leave a bad impression on guests.

When friends come from afar, isn’t it a joy?

This diplomatic approach was crucial.

In the cultivation world, it’s not just about battles and killings; there’s also human relations to navigate.

“If there’s anything you need, you can call me through this jade badge,” the female outer disciple smiled.

“Thank you for your trouble,” Xu Ming bowed politely.

After the female disciple left, Xu Ming infused spiritual energy into the jade badge. It emitted a glow, merging with the courtyard.

The magic array within the courtyard resonated with the jade badge, opening up. Xu Ming entered along with Shen Shengsheng and Yue Lou.

Inside the courtyard, a pot of tea had already been prepared.

Xu Ming poured Yue Lou a cup of tea, smiling, “Miss Yue seems to have many questions for me?”

Yue Lou nodded vigorously, “A lot! Very many!”

“Feel free to ask directly.”

Xu Ming poured himself and Shen Shengsheng cups of tea, taking a sip. Its aftertaste was sweet, and it replenished spiritual energy. This tea was truly excellent. Xu Ming wanted to take several pounds of it away.

Shen Shengsheng stuck her tongue into the teacup, tasting lightly before frowning, sticking her tongue out, and quickly putting down the cup.

Apparently, children really didn’t like tea.

“Do you really know Brother Xia well?” Yue Lou asked.

At the sight of Xu Ming and Brother Xia calling each other brothers, Yue Lou was utterly shocked.

“Not familiar,” Xu Ming answered instantly, “Not only am I not familiar, but we even have some grudges.”

Yue Lou’s doubts deepened, “Then what about the things Master Xu said earlier in Brother Xia’s courtyard?”

Xu Ming chuckled, “All lies.”

Yue Lou: “Lies???”

Xu Ming nodded slowly, explaining, “As I mentioned earlier, Miss Yue, Xia Donghua and I actually have some grudges—no, significant grudges.

Back then in the White凹Secret Realm, Xia Donghua formed an alliance with disciples from other sects to seize a treasure. However, unexpectedly, the treasure flew toward me.

I’m not stupid; how could I hand it over? Naturally, a great battle ensued. Xia Donghua and his group were defeated badly. As their leader, he must have been the most humiliated.

Moreover, he appears to fancy Qing Wan, but she stood by my side, which made him despise me even more.

As for the fifty upper-grade spirit stones and five first-grade spirit fruits he owes me, all lies.”

Yue Lou: “Then why did Master Xu say those things?”

Xu Ming smirked, “Of course, I was collecting compensation.”

Setting down the teacup, Xu Ming continued, “Initially, those few disciples from Liefeng Peak, who Yue mentioned had poor relations with Xia Donghua, they’re nothing but Xia Donghua’s dirty gloves.

Because their relationship is strained, whatever they do won’t reflect back on Xia Donghua. So they must have acted on Xia Donghua’s orders, deliberately causing trouble for me.

Since I was annoyed by them, naturally, I sought retribution.

How could I let myself be annoyed for no reason? I defeated so many of your Heavenly Profound Gate disciples, reaching second place on the Azurecloud List. My reputation is soaring, and Xia Donghua surely knows this.

At this point, Xia Donghua wouldn’t dare touch me.

He’d even pretend that ‘it has nothing to do with me.’

So Xia Donghua can only greet me with a smile.

Xia Donghua doesn’t want to openly conflict with me, so he’s acting.

If he acts, then I act too.

As long as I don’t go overboard, whatever I say, Xia Donghua will have to begrudgingly accept.”

Yue Lou thought seriously, “Why doesn’t Master Xu directly accuse Xia Donghua? Wouldn’t that suppress his arrogance and prove he’s a despicable person?”

Xu Ming looked at Yue Lou as if she were an idiot.

“Master Xu, I don’t like that look,” Yue Lou wanted to punch Xu Ming.

“Sorry, sorry, I was just spacing out, no other meaning,” Xu Ming laughed, “Didn’t Miss Yue keep telling me not to act impulsively?”

“Yeah,” Yue Lou nodded, “But Master Xu, kicking Brother Xia right in the gut—that’s not impulsive?”

Xu Ming shook his head, “As long as I haven’t completely torn apart with him, it’s not called impulsive. Besides, although I kicked Xia Donghua, I also said it in his courtyard.

I thought he was two-faced, so I got angry.

But Xia Donghua claimed it was a misunderstanding.

If it’s a misunderstanding, then clearing it up is fine.

If I really followed what Miss Yue suggested, exposed him, proved he’s a despicable person, regardless of whether this is Heavenly Profound Gate’s territory or how many people would believe me,

He’s the son of the sect leader, and with the Purple Mist Grand Ceremony approaching, doing so would trample on your sect leader’s dignity repeatedly until it’s shattered.

Such a scene wouldn’t benefit me.

Not to mention, your sect leader is a cultivator at the peak of Xiānrén Jìng.

So the current situation is just perfect.”

“Master Xu really thinks deeply,” Yue Lou looked at Xu Ming, “Doesn’t thinking so much tire you?”

Xu Ming helplessly replied, “No choice. If I don’t think more, I’ll be dead.”

Yue Lou: “Will Xia Donghua try to harm Master Xu again?”

“Impossible. On the contrary, Xia Donghua will need to maintain a good surface relationship with me,” Xu Ming responded.

“Alright.” Yue Lou thought for a moment, stood up, “Then Master Xu rest well. If Uncle Qin finishes his seclusion, I’ll inform Master Xu immediately.”

“Thank you, Miss Yue. Please walk slowly,” Xu Ming said.

After Yue Lou left, Xu Ming indeed needed to adjust his internal energy.

There’s no real safety when on someone else’s territory. He had to always stay ready.

However, just as Xu Ming was about to retire to his room, he paused, slowly turning around.

Outside the courtyard, a woman veiled in a face veil stared at him.