Mortal: Fifteenth Realm Sword Cultivator

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Zi Ling suppressed her frustration, "Elder Zhao is truly thoughtful, always considering the well-being of the Miaoyin Sect."

Seeing that she not only didn't get angry, but instead went along with the conversation, Zhao Zheng's face immediately showed a smug smile, as if everything was under his control.

"That fellow Daoist's surname is Fu. He is an old friend of mine for many years. Although his cultivation is only at the early stage of Core Formation, his foundation is solid, and his combat experience is even more abundant. I have already reached a preliminary agreement with him. Once the sect leader approves, we can choose an auspicious day to invite him to join the sect and serve as a guest elder!"

Zi Ling sneered inwardly.

This wasn't a discussion at all; it was clearly a notification from Zhao Zheng.

The person has been chosen, and the relationship has been clarified; all that's left is for her, as the sect leader, to go through the motions.

She underestimated the other person.

Although Zhao Zheng was a lecherous man, he was no easy person to become the Sixth Elder's confidant.

The proposal to bring in a cultivator in the early stage of Core Formation as a guest elder at this moment is clearly premeditated, and the attitude is tough, making no attempt to hide its ambition.

This situation is like a game of chess.

The two players were not even in the same league to begin with, and not only did the opponent gain the initiative, but they also had to give up three or four stones.

As for why Zhao Zheng is a cultivator in the early stage of Core Formation, the reason is self-evident.

He himself was at the mid-stage of Core Formation. If he invited a cultivator of the same level, and that person later broke through to the late stage, even with the Star Palace envoy's status to keep him in check, the difference in cultivation level would naturally carry less weight.

How long can one suppress others based solely on their status?

Zi Ling knew perfectly well that this Core Formation cultivator surnamed Fu was of mediocre talent and had no hope of breaking through to the next level in this lifetime.

Such a person would neither threaten Zhao Zheng's position nor hinder his control of the Miaoyin Sect.

That's quite a clever plan.

one stone two bird.

Knowing that nothing could be changed, Zi Ling slowly said, "Elder Zhao, you flatter me. You are now the pillar of the Miaoyin Sect, and you are free to make decisions on matters within the sect."

Hearing this, Zhao Zheng nodded in satisfaction.

It doesn't even qualify as a reprimand.

A young girl is still just a young girl.

He chuckled inwardly, quite pleased with the other party's submissive attitude.

Zhao Zheng stood up, paced a few steps, and said to himself, "Hmm, now that the turmoil in the Star Palace has just subsided, it's inevitable that some people will take the opportunity to impersonate others with ulterior motives. The sect leader is still young and inexperienced, so we must be extra careful. Don't assume that everyone is as loyal and devoted to the Miaoyin Sect as I am. If someone has any ulterior motives..."

As he spoke, he moved closer to Zi Ling as if by accident, lowering his voice, "That would be like inviting a wolf into the house..."

"Speaking of which..."

Zhao Zheng forced a fake smile. "The sect leader always covers his face with a veil. As an elder of the sect, I am responsible for protecting him, yet I don't even know what he looks like. How can this be? What if a villain impersonates him in the future? That would be absurd. So it's better for me to see it with my own eyes."

As he spoke, he reached out without warning to remove the veil from Zi Ling's face!

Zhao Zheng moved quickly and urgently, his fingertips almost touching his cheek.

Just as he was about to touch the veil, the thin fabric suddenly lit up with a layer of light, violently repelling his hand!

"Well!"

Caught off guard, Zhao Zheng staggered and took several steps back before regaining his balance.

His face immediately darkened, and he rubbed his fingers, which were numb and slightly burning from the shock, while a look of shock, anger, and disbelief flashed in his eyes.

This veil is actually a magical artifact that can protect itself?!

Just then, there was a soft thud outside the door, and the door was pushed open.

A graceful figure swayed as she walked in from outside; it was Fan Jingmei.

Upon entering, one immediately sees the two people before them. Zi Ling sits upright in a chair, her veil still shimmering, while Zhao Zheng stands a few steps away, his face ashen, his hand-rubbing motion clearly visible.

She cursed inwardly, but kept a straight face. She quickly stepped forward, gently took Zhao Zheng's arm, and spoke in a soft, sweet voice.

"Oh dear, Elder Zhao, what happened? You are the pillar of our Miaoyin Sect. If you were injured, I would be heartbroken!"

As she spoke, she gently stroked Zhao Zheng's numb hands with her soft, delicate fingers.

His tone, tinged with both reproach and reassurance, subtly distanced Zhao Zheng from the tense atmosphere between him and the sect leader.

Zhao Zheng was interrupted by Fan Jingmei and felt the soft touch from her. He suppressed his anger and embarrassment somewhat, but his face was still unpleasant.

Zi Ling's voice was cold and clear, "Elder Zhao, if there's anything else, you can handle it with Left Envoy Fan."

After saying that, she got up and left without waiting for Zhao Zheng's response. The purple light around her was faintly visible, forming an invisible barrier.

Seeing this, Fan Jingmei quickly gave Zhao Zheng a look, signaling him to calm down. Then she turned to Zi Ling's back, her voice still carrying a smile: "Sect Master, please take care."

Zhao Zheng watched Zi Ling disappear through the door, then looked down at his still throbbing fingers, his eyes filled with even more malice.

He abruptly flicked his sleeve and coldly snorted at Fan Jingmei, "That little brat!"

Fan Jingmei moved closer to Zhao Zheng, gently stroking his chest with her delicate hand, and said with a sweet smile, "Elder Zhao, please calm down. It's not worth getting upset over a young girl."

Zhao Zheng glanced at her. "Madam Fan arrived quickly."

Fan Jingmei's beautiful eyes were full of smiles as she gracefully sat down, swaying her slender waist.

She leaned forward deliberately, and a faint, uniquely feminine fragrance quietly spread out, enveloping Zhao Zheng. Her voice was so soft and alluring it could melt water.

"Elder Zhao, what are you saying? I'm just worried that our sect leader is still young and might not act tactfully. If he offends you and then becomes unhappy, what will become of the entire Miaoyin Sect? There are so many eyes watching us, hoping for internal discord so they can take advantage of the situation!"

"In such a short time, our Miaoyin Sect's trade share has already dropped by more than 15%, and the losses are all real spirit stone profits! Elder Zhao also contributed a lot to this, didn't he?"

Zhao Zheng gazed at the snow-white jade neck, its fragrance lingering in the air, truly enjoying a small but significant moment of blissful beauty.

"I never expected Madam Fan to care so much about me. What's going on lately, including today?"

Upon hearing this, Fan Jingmei's face lit up with spring-like joy, and her watery eyes sparkled, making her look like a captivating enchantress.

"Elder Zhao, what are you saying? I've just figured it out. Being able to follow someone as important as you is a blessing that many people would rather die for. Perhaps I can even try my luck in the future. My cultivation has now reached the peak of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and I'm about to break through to the late stage. If I want to advance further and condense my core, wouldn't I still need your guidance and support?"

She leaned forward slightly, her breath sweet as orchids, "If Elder Zhao doesn't mind, I would be very willing to do my best to serve you."

Zhao Zheng's breathing quickened suddenly. He reached out to grab Fan Jingmei's wrist, but she nimbly dodged him.

The latter let out a light laugh with a hint of mischief.

Zhao Zheng rubbed his palms together; the brief loneliness brought on by disappointment was quickly replaced by a strong desire.

Fan Jingmei has an extremely thorough understanding of men's thoughts.

If you make it too easy for him to get what he wants, he'll quickly lose interest and won't care about you anymore.

Only this kind of elusive, ambiguous, and coy approach can accurately touch the deepest itch in their hearts, keeping them thinking about it forever.

Zi Ling walked out of the pavilion.

My mind became increasingly agitated and difficult to calm.

If it weren't for the magical artifact left to her by her parents protecting her, she would have almost been undressed and assaulted by that lecherous old man, Zhao Zheng.

Recalling the scene just now, if Fan Jingmei hadn't appeared in time, she was afraid she would have lost her temper and turned on the spot.

Fortunately, she was always patient and managed to suppress her anger.

This incident intensified her sense of urgency; she had to get rid of Zhao Zheng as soon as possible.

Over the years, she has kept in mind all the ways Zhao Zheng has embezzled public funds and taken advantage of the organization.

This person had long regarded the Miaoyin Sect as his own private treasury, taking whatever he needed without restraint or scruples.

Miaoyinmen's trading profits decreased by 10-20% for no reason. Apart from the turmoil after his parents' unexpected deaths, most of it was caused by him.

Zi Ling's face was shrouded in sorrow like a thin cloud, but she quickly relaxed.

The complexity of his expression and the intensity of his feelings during that time were like a winding mountain stream flowing down the mountain.

We must break through the foundation building stage as soon as possible.

Zi Ling murmured to herself.

Her current predicament prevents her from simultaneously managing the Miaoyin Sect.

If you force yourself to be distracted, you may end up with nothing.

Ultimately, the cultivation world must be based on strength.

During the seclusion period, Miaoyin Sect could only entrust the matter to the two senior sisters.

Zi Ling pondered silently.

I need to completely relinquish my responsibilities as a manager.

However, the pent-up frustration in his heart caused by Zhao Zheng's actions today, as well as the ambiguous yet cryptic words of the Grand Elder Jin Kui, lingered like a tangled mess in his mind, difficult to dispel for a long time.

Such seclusion is not only inefficient, but may even breed inner demons, which is detrimental to breakthroughs.

Before going into seclusion, I should go and relax first...

She gently touched the veil on her face.

I could feel the slight warmth from the residual protective aura on it.

Externalization without internalization; cultivation leads to clarity.

Before Zhuang Huayi went into seclusion, she casually mentioned the shop opened by Yan Ruyan, Xin Ruyin, and Yuan Yao.

Although there is a protective array outside, it has been uninhabited for a long time, and it would be a pity if it were stolen.

Having nothing else to do, Lu Jianghe readily agreed.

They descended with the wind and arrived at the tenth level of Tianxing City.

The area is filled with shops of various styles, making it more bustling and lively than the higher-level cave dwelling area. The goods sold here are also diverse and dazzling.

Lu Jianghe didn't care much about this, and just strolled along, sensing that he was getting closer and closer to the location of the shop that Zhuang Huayi had mentioned.

Just then, his gaze was drawn to something not far away.

A little girl dressed in plain clothes was being sternly reprimanded by a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

The little girl's face flushed red as she stood stubbornly in front of the other party, seemingly arguing about the amount of spirit stones.

People around glanced at him casually and then hurried away, their faces showing indifference as if they were used to such scenes.