Chapter 45. My Eighth Rank
The Great Kingdom of Puhan has three major sects: Xuanyun Sect, Yulin Sect, and Hunfeng Sect.
On the surface, these three sects appear to be allies, but in reality, they are competitors.
They are not evenly matched in strength; if we’re talking about power, Xuanyun Sect has the slight upper hand.
As for who sent someone in the last life to look for the princess, Lin Nuo had no idea—he was just a low-ranking cultivator, and any confidential matters had nothing to do with him.
Lin Nuo observed the two disciples from Yulin Sect and Hunfeng Sect, full of vigor and impressive presence, exuding an overwhelming aura. Based on their outward energy, their cultivation levels were probably between Liu Shuqin and Qin Shili—around the sixth to seventh ranks.
The three major sects seemed harmonious on the surface but each harbored their own schemes. If there were any important commissions from the people, these three sects would try their utmost to accomplish them; it was quite simple—reputation, much like schools; if they had a name, talented individuals would be willing to join, even receiving royal sponsorship.
Now that the princess was missing, these three sects would undoubtedly dispatch capable disciples. If they found and rescued the princess, their sect’s reputation would soar, and that was self-evident.
Yulin Sect and Hunfeng Sect sent mid-to-high ranking young disciples to showcase their respective sects’ new blood. Even if they couldn’t find the princess, putting in a solid effort during the search or triggering other plotlines, like killing a villain, would still add luster to their sect.
As for Xuanyun Sect—
Sorry, they sent a villain to tag along.
Lin Nuo did not know who found the princess; it could be one of the two, or someone else entirely. Either way, it was none of his business.
At this moment, the general let out a long sigh and continued speaking:
“Her Highness the Princess was incognito in Huang City. However, just the night before yesterday, while she was at the night market, she mysteriously disappeared. We immediately contacted the authorities to mobilize all the guards to search, but there hasn’t been a single lead. In desperation, our incompetence forced us to seek help from the three major sects. We beseech you all to assist us in finding her Highness. If anything happens to her, our heads will roll!”
The general spoke with deep emotion, nearly in tears.
“General Huang, do not panic. I, Chen Zhong, will surely follow the leads and find Her Highness,” a confident young sixth-rank disciple from Yulin Sect spoke up.
“This matter is likely related to the Dark Alliance or the Demon Sect. They are skilled in disguise techniques and could very well have kidnapped the princess to threaten the royal family. For the moment, Her Highness should be in no personal danger. I, Du Shengtao, have dealt with the Dark Alliance several times, so there’s no need for you to worry, General Huang.”
Another disciple chimed in, this one from Hunfeng Sect, also at the sixth rank.
The general felt somewhat reassured, but if the princess were being used as a bargaining chip against the royal family, his own head would also be on the line. It was crucial to find Her Highness as soon as possible.
Lin Nuo silently listened to their conversation. He knew enough about the Dark Alliance, a shadowy organization that colluded with many extreme and malevolent talents—assassins, poison masters, beast tamers, and a hodgepodge of other nonsense. But in Lin Nuo’s view, they were just a bunch of misfits, driven by their own interests, lacking strong cohesion.
Du Shengtao and Chen Zhong took turns sharing their thoughts, brimming with confidence, declaring that they would surely find Her Highness within three days.
Lin Nuo listened in silence, knowing that these two actually had skills; they weren’t just boasting. According to the progression of events, it was highly likely that they would complete this mission.
Anyway, he was here to establish a magic weapons storage; all the credit could go to them.
General Huang’s gaze shifted to Lin Nuo, seemingly waiting for him to say something.
Lin Nuo understood; after standing in silence for so long, it wouldn’t do to remain quiet.
What should he say? Wishing the princess good health?
Might as well stick to a template and set a flag.
Lin Nuo calmly said, “General Huang, I, Lin, will give my utmost effort to find Her Highness.”
…
After a brief meeting and discussion, Lin Nuo and the others left the general’s residence.
“I wish you all success in finding Her Highness. I, Chen Zhong, will take my leave first,” the disciple from Yulin Sect said respectfully before departing, leaving just Du Shengtao from Hunfeng Sect with Lin Nuo.
Du Shengtao sized Lin Nuo up.
【This person has a very weak aura; he must not be high-ranked. He didn’t speak much earlier. To send someone like him to search for the princess is quite the odd choice for Xuanyun Sect.】
Let’s test the waters.
“Hello, Young Master Lin. I am Du Shengtao from Hunfeng Sect, sixth rank. I’ve heard that Xuanyun Sect is filled with talented individuals. May I ask about your cultivation level?”
Facing Du Shengtao’s question, Lin Nuo decided not to tell the truth. After all, he wasn’t here for serious business, but he needed to put on the appearance of someone capable, at least enough to give off a vibe of overwhelming strength and inspire this righteous path disciple.
“Eighth rank,” Lin Nuo replied.
“Eighth, eighth rank?!”
Du Shengtao was astonished. An eighth rank in their sect was among the top tier, typically only seen in esteemed masters.
This young cultivator was actually an eighth rank? Could it be true?
“But Young Master, your aura…”
“I’m hiding it.”
“Hiding…”
To hide one’s aura to such a low rank level, returning to simplicity—this truly indicated a master’s skill.
Du Shengtao considered this; Xuanyun Sect being the number one sect in the world, sending experts to search for the princess was entirely reasonable.
Moreover, this seemingly aloof person felt enigmatic.
He sensed himself in a tight spot. There was a high chance this eighth rank disciple would find the princess; he needed to work even harder.
Regardless of the situation, he had to find Her Highness before Lin Nuo did. This was a golden opportunity to elevate Hunfeng Sect’s reputation! Plus, defeating an eighth rank cultivator would give him bragging rights for years to come!