In the dark, damp cave, Gui Ying received fresh intelligence.
"Hmph. Those idiots from the Righteous Path Alliance. Do they really think I wouldn't see through such a crude trap?"
After hearing his subordinate's report, Gui Ying waved a hand, dismissing him.
According to the information, Tianqiong City had already completed its searches. During the city lockdown, they had also finished assessing their Talisman Practitioners.
The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Demon Sect happened to be a high-ranking figure within the Righteous Path Alliance. Although it was little more than a ceremonial post, the flow of information was still remarkably efficient.
Because of that, Gui Ying was perfectly clear about what Tianqiong City was trying to accomplish.
More importantly, the city's protective formation had developed a breach at this precise moment. He did not even need to think to know what the Tianqiong City garrison had in mind.
To be honest, if this were aimed at low-level Demonic Cultivators, some of them might really have fallen for the Righteous Path Alliance's scheme.
Low-level Demonic Cultivators were mentally unstable by nature. Only after reaching roughly the Tribulation Transcendence Stage would their temperament gradually settle, no longer as volatile as before.
That was why dealing with such cultivators rarely required elaborate plots.
But because of Ye Ling's presence, the Heavenly Demon Sect had gone all out this time. While they had not mobilized every elite at their disposal, they had still paid a heavy price.
To ensure there were no mistakes, the sect dispatched five Tribulation Transcendence Stage experts, along with Gui Ying, who had only just survived his own Demonic Tribulation.
One Tribulation Transcendence expert had already been eliminated through his schemes, and another had died under mysterious circumstances. Even so, the remaining powerhouses were still more than enough to wipe out a Second-Grade Sect.
If he were not worried about alerting the enemy too early, the forces currently under his command could easily annihilate Tianqiong City outright, without even giving them time to call for reinforcements.
The City Lord of Tianqiong City was a Nascent Soul cultivator at the half-step Soul Formation Stage. Wherever he went, he could be considered formidable.
But in front of a Tribulation Transcendence expert, he likely would not even have the chance to make a move.
Tianqiong City did possess a protective array, but to a Tribulation Transcendence cultivator, it was no sturdier than paper.
In the end, though, the Heavenly Demon Sect was not targeting a backwater like Tianqiong City. Their true objective was Ye Ling, the Heavenly Gate Sect disciple.
A small place like Tianqiong City was not worth the sect's attention. At most, it served as a convenient place for entry-level disciples to rack up some performance.
"Still, a trap is a trap. Let my people take the credit for it."
When alone, Gui Ying often spoke to himself, his voice carrying a hint of pathological madness.
Among the remaining three Tribulation Transcendence experts, two were his men, while the last was loyal to the Sect Leader.
Unfortunately, an opportunity to establish authority only came once. It just so happened that Ta Shan, that fool, had delivered the perfect leverage right into his hands, exactly as Gui Ying had expected. Otherwise, he would never have been able to swallow Ta Shan so cleanly.
He knew Ta Shan was bloodthirsty and obstinate, and that his subordinates were no different. That was why he deliberately sent Ta Shan's people to investigate Tianqiong City.
Once they clashed with the city's forces, Gui Ying would have a reason to accuse Ta Shan of acting rashly and stirring up trouble.
Things turned out even better than expected. Ta Shan jumped in himself, and Gui Ying took the opportunity to eliminate him.
But in the current situation, unless the Righteous Path Alliance sent more reinforcements, Tianqiong City would not be able to handle another Tribulation Transcendence expert.
"So…"
In the cave, Gui Ying's sinister laughter echoed.
When the laughter faded, he muttered softly, "It's time to send those fools in the Righteous Path Alliance a bit of information."
…
Mortal Realm Hall.
After stepping out of the courtyard gate, Ye Ling noticed that the two guards who had previously stood watch there were gone. Officially, they were meant to protect guests, but in truth, they were there to keep an eye on them.
The Mortal Realm Hall was enormous. Ye Ling followed the same path he had taken earlier, walking for five or six minutes before finally reaching the main hall.
Just as he expected, Leng Qingqiu was being pestered.
"Brother Leng, now that the city's lockdown has been lifted, why don't we go for a stroll together?"
A young man in white robes hovered around Leng Qingqiu.
He knew she disliked being referred to as a woman, so he deliberately addressed her as Brother Leng.
"No need, Deacon Huang Ren."
Leng Qingqiu's expression was cold, leaving Huang Ren no opening at all.
Even Ye Ling had never seen her reject someone so thoroughly. It was obvious how much she disliked Huang Ren.
Unfortunately, Huang Ren was the grandson of a high-ranking figure in the Righteous Path Alliance. Out of respect for that elder, she could not simply turn around and leave.
Of course, if she revealed her identity as a member of the Leng Clan, she could ignore Huang Ren entirely. But no matter how much he irritated her, she would never make use of the Leng Clan's influence.
"Don't be so distant, Brother Leng."
Huang Ren acted as if he hadn't noticed Leng Qingqiu's mood at all, continuing to pester her. "Just call me Huang Ren. Calling me 'Steward' and the like makes things sound far too formal."
That said, the pride on Huang Ren's face was unmistakable.
After all, becoming a Steward of the Righteous Path Alliance in one's early twenties was an achievement worth boasting about.
It was like someone landing a minor post at the United Nations the moment they graduated. An exceedingly rare feat.
Even if family connections played a role, people would still have to admit he'd been born lucky.
"Steward Huang Ren, I still have matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."
Leng Qingqiu suppressed the urge to beat Huang Ren senseless and turned to head back inside.
She truly hadn't expected to run into this guy while carrying out a mission.
As a second-generation heir, Huang Ren naturally didn't have to slog through fieldwork. All he needed to do was stay at the Righteous Path Alliance and cultivate. Once his realm was high enough, promotion would come automatically. His appearance here was clearly voluntary, and his intentions were obvious.
"If you've got things to do, that's fine. I'll tell my grandfather later and have someone replace you."
Huang Ren blocked her path with a fawning smile, speaking in a tone of righteous indignation. "By the way, Brother Leng, who's your direct superior? Assigning you to host guests, of all things. I'll have him dealt with the moment I get back."
"..."
Faced with Huang Ren's increasingly nauseating sycophancy, Leng Qingqiu was left speechless.
She had already spent plenty of time gathering information outside. She really didn't have the time to waste on a spoiled brat like him.
"Huang—"
Just as Leng Qingqiu was about to push past him, Ye Ling's voice rang out from a distance.
"Qingqiu, why were you gone so long? Did you manage to find out anything useful?"
Ye Ling walked over at an unhurried pace, his expression mild and his manner refined, completely lacking his usual frivolity and unruliness.
What made Leng Qingqiu feel uncomfortable, however, was—
Are we that familiar?
Did I ever say you could call me Qingqiu?
What an infuriating man.
And yet, deep down, she felt no resentment at all toward Ye Ling calling her that.
Compared to Huang Ren… no, that sycophant wasn't even qualified to be compared to Ye Ling.
From beginning to end, there was simply no comparison between Huang Ren and Ye Ling.
Leng Qingqiu knew exactly why. With Ye Ling, their relationship felt equal, and that made her feel at ease.
With Huang Ren, all she felt was a deep, instinctive revulsion.
Maybe… I'm just a terrible person.
In truth, if one were to say who treated her well, it would undoubtedly be Huang Ren.
Ye Ling hadn't been kind to her at all. He'd even beaten her.
But if she had to choose someone to be alone with, she would choose Ye Ling without the slightest hesitation.
It wasn't that she liked Ye Ling that much. She simply couldn't stand being alone with Huang Ren.
"Ye—"
Leng Qingqiu was about to speak, hoping to use the chance to slip away.
But Huang Ren didn't give her the opportunity. He stepped directly between her and Ye Ling.
"And this friend is…?"
Huang Ren might be a sycophant and a privileged heir, but he still had basic manners.
That said, Ye Ling calling Leng Qingqiu by name right away made him extremely displeased, and there was even a hint of hostility in his gaze.
"He's—"
Leng Qingqiu tried to speak again, but Ye Ling cut in first.
"I'm Qingqiu's uncle. And you are?"
"So you're—"
Huang Ren didn't react immediately, but he wasn't stupid. His sycophantic instincts kicked in at once. His expression changed, and he broke into a broad smile.
"So you're Brother Leng's uncle! Then that makes you my uncle as well!"
The speed of Huang Ren's change in attitude, along with his rich array of expressions, would place him near the top even among sycophants.
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. May I ask your surname, my friend?"
Ye Ling had seen it all before. His handsome face carried a warm, steady smile, and he didn't break character in the slightest.
After all, everything was unfolding exactly as he'd expected.
However—
???
When did I suddenly get an uncle?
This man is my un— no, wait!
Faced with Ye Ling's straight-faced nonsense, even Leng Qingqiu herself nearly believed it.
"You—"
Standing behind Huang Ren, Leng Qingqiu glared at Ye Ling, clearly wanting to say something.
Before she could open her mouth, however, Huang Ren in front of her had already started his flattery.
"My name is Huang Ren, Steward of the Righteous Path Alliance. My grandfather is Huang Shiren, the Imperial Commissioner stationed in the Vermilion Bird Dynasty!"
Huang Ren looked immensely proud before continuing, "Brother Leng and I are close friends. His business is my business. Naturally, his uncle is my uncle as well. Uncle, there's no need to be polite."
"So you're Commissioner Huang's grandson. My apologies for the disrespect."
Ye Ling clasped his hands, putting on an expression of long-held admiration. At the same time, he maintained the bearing of an elder perfectly, giving Huang Ren no reason to suspect anything.
Suddenly, Huang Ren seemed to think of something. He slapped his forehead.
"So the one Brother Leng was meant to host was Uncle?"
"No—"
Leng Qingqiu tried to explain, but—
"Uncle, I've been free these past few days. Let Brother Leng and me host you together."
Huang Ren didn't give Leng Qingqiu a chance to finish, pouring all his enthusiasm onto Ye Ling instead.
Wonderful. Truly wonderful.
Unlike Leng Qingqiu, Ye Ling was actually quite pleased with Huang Ren's flattery. After all, Huang Ren was flattering him only to curry favor with Leng Qingqiu, and his identity was fake to begin with.
In other words, even though he was being fawned over, he bore absolutely no responsibility at all.
So how could he possibly be unhappy?