Chapter 349: The Master’s Appearance
Previously, Xu Dong had sent a message to Ling Meng, and she decided to investigate.
Just who is that Ni Daye? How could he single-handedly create magic weapons and artifacts stronger than those made by the Refining Demon Sect’s artificers?
With her questions in mind, she made her way over.
After a long journey through one treacherous area after another, they finally closed in on their destination.
“This must be Lu’s territory?”
Ling Meng murmured to herself, approaching and waiting for the moment the veil of truth would be unveiled.
She had no idea where exactly Ni Daye might be, but she had captured a passerby to ask for directions.
There were cultivators here, as well as underworld figures; both factions were not to be underestimated.
Suddenly, a young girl appeared in front of Ling Meng’s group, accompanied by several subordinates.
The girl removed her mysterious veil, and Ling Meng could finally see her face.
It was Mu Yiting.
Just as she was hoping to find her, it seemed like Mu Yiting had walked right into her trap.
With only a few subordinates, they were nowhere near the number of disciples from the Refining Demon Sect.
Their power was naturally on a different level altogether.
Ling Meng lightly waved her hand, signaling her subordinates to stop.
She wanted to see what this woman had up her sleeve.
In a cold tone, Ling Meng said:
“Mu Yiting, you collaborated with Lu without notifying me—do you think that’s appropriate? It’s ridiculous that the Refining Demon Sect still provided you support in your time of need, and yet you repay our kindness with such ingratitude. So tell me, what’s your explanation?”
“Miss Ling, please don’t be angry. I merely wanted to give you a surprise.”
Mu Yiting replied calmly, showing her composure from dealing with the underworld, accustomed to big scenes with a mentality that faced danger without fear.
“A surprise? How surprising indeed, but devoid of joy! Your cooperation with Lu undermines our collaboration with him—what’s joyful about that?”
“Sorry, Miss Ling, but I wasn’t aware of this. Lu said he would cooperate with the Refining Demon Sect but didn’t specify which faction. The Refining Demon Sect is divided among many factions. You want to unify the Refining Demon Sect, while we are merely trying to prevent Lu from collaborating with other factions of the Refining Demon Sect.”
“Is that so? Don’t you find that absurd?”
Ling Meng scoffed, thinking Mu Yiting’s words were utter nonsense and quite amusing.
However, the small group they had was strangely calm, suggesting some kind of trickery. Her master had always taught her to be cautious, to avoid recklessness.
Before, she had been too reckless and nearly lost her life; recklessness was not a trait of a leader. If she wanted to rule the Refining Demon Sect, a cautious attitude was essential.
Mu Yiting, on her end, adopted tactics taught by Lin Nuo.
Similar to a strategy of empty fortification, they took a risky gamble and initiated a psychological battle.
By confronting the disciples of the Refining Demon Sect with just a few people, her opponents might grow suspicious and hesitate to attack.
This was Lin Nuo vs. Lin Nuo.
Now, with Mu Yiting’s people seeking to rendezvous with Lin Nuo, she aimed to delay Ling Meng so that Lin Nuo could reach safety as planned.
Mu Yiting continued:
“Miss Ling, this is absolutely true. Had we known about the cooperation with Lu, we would never have interfered. However, we are allies—our collaboration with Lu essentially aligns with the Refining Demon Sect’s collaboration with him.”
“I no longer care about Lu’s power. I need the person skilled in crafting magic weapons, Ni Daye. If you can hand him over to the Refining Demon Sect, I will no longer pursue this matter,” Ling Meng stated.
Mu Yiting slightly bowed, appearing somewhat apologetic:
“Sorry, Miss Ling, but this is his personal choice. We tried to persuade him, but he insists on staying with our Helong Hall. If you need magic weapons, he can still create them for you.”
“Is that so? Then bring him here; I want to ask him personally.”
“Alright, but he currently has a task and cannot come at the moment. Please return for now; once he’s back, I will surely bring him to meet you.”
“Are you trying to pull a fast one on me?”
Ling Meng had already begun to gather her Demon Qi, exuding an intimidating aura that could wither trees.
If this couldn’t be resolved peacefully, then she’d have to take action.
Mu Yiting believed it was about time. She prepared the powder balls, and they all threw them out, while her subordinates executed a confusing mist technique to cover their retreat.
Yes, that would work perfectly.
Both sides readied themselves: one side eager to fight, the other looking to escape, poised to strike.
In an instant, a thunderous sound resonated nearby, accompanied by the strong fluctuation of spirit power.
“Is it cultivators?”
Ling Meng realized what was happening; cultivators were nearby, apparently engaged in a battle.
Moreover, the fluctuations of spirit power were getting closer, as they were using Spirit Techniques, undoubtedly rushing this way.
Unclear about the situation on the opponent’s side, Ling Meng decided it was best to retreat and conserve their strength. It wouldn’t be wise to lose her subordinates on this trip.
“Follow my orders, we’re retreating. Mu Yiting, remember what you said: if I do not see Ni Daye, Helong Hall won’t have an easy time.”
Ling Meng issued her threat and was about to withdraw when Mu Yiting thought it was just as well, saving her from further negotiation.
Take Ni Daye to see her? Impossible! Their relationship had already shattered when Ling Meng discovered her clandestine collaboration with Lu.
After all, they had amassed a bit of power, and they were no longer as weak as before.
Lin Nuo had already arrived, and it was time to rejoin him.
Both sides planned to leave, but unexpectedly a wind-like figure dashed out from the forest.
Having chatted for a long time with Qin Shili earlier, Lin Nuo was now making his way to meet Mu Yiting, only to find himself targeted by several cultivators.
Not wanting to engage, especially as he had no experience and his gear was useless, he decided to flee. These cultivators, wielding spirit waves and sword qi, acted more like villains themselves.
Just as he thought he could shake off these cultivators, he ran out of the thickets and collided with a group of people.
A crowd dressed in black, each with purplish hues on their bodies.
It wasn’t because they had been beaten; it was a characteristic left by cultivating demon arts.
Those with strong physiques could fully recover, while those who were weaker ended up with splotches of purple.
Indeed, Lin Nuo had once joked that the Refining Demon Sect was the “Purple Sect.”
As he emerged, he found himself smack dab in the middle of both the Refining Demon Sect and Mu Yiting’s crowd.
Ah, what the…
Am I heading for heaven?
Ling Meng and Mu Yiting, initially thinking of retreating, saw Lin Nuo suddenly appear and completely changed their plans—no one was leaving now.
Lin Nuo had disguised himself, but Ling Meng recognized him by his remarkable stature.
Stepping out of the forest like a gust of wind, his soaring form reminded her of the days spent alongside her master.
Back then, her master was just as graceful, displaying the strongest movement techniques and exuding unique personal charm in every gesture.
This presence—there was none like it under the heavens.
It was him, Wu Ying Ge!
“Master! It’s my Master! We’re not leaving—let’s go greet the Master!”
Ling Meng exclaimed excitedly.