Chapter 24: Nine Saint Princess (2) (2/2)

However, in this era, where he had regained his true body, it was fateful that the first person he met was Old Devil from the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect. Li Qiye had single-handedly taught Min Ren; in a sense, he was the true creator of the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect. He was confident that he could reignite its old glory. One day, the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect, under his command, would sweep through the heavens and earth, reigning over the Nine Worlds.

Li Qiye was so lost in his thoughts that he did not notice Nan Huairen’s arrival.

“Senior, the Elders wish to see you.” Nan Huairen waited until Li Qiye was finished contemplating before he spoke.

Li Qiye slightly nodded his head and followed Nan Huairen into the Grand Chamber. The Six Elders had gathered there beforehand, and all of them had their eyes set on Li Qiye.

The atmosphere in the Grand Chamber suddenly became strangely dignified and calm. Everyone had their own thoughts.

The Six Elders previously had heard Protector Mo’s report on the events regarding the trials, but Protector Mo did not reveal everything. He concentrated on Li Qiye’s pa.s.sing through the Chaotic Heart Forest, he purposely left the fight with Xu Hui intentionally vague, he did not mention the Serpent Punis.h.i.+ng Stick, or Li Qiye’s control of the four Heavenly Guardians. In the end, he even concluded that Li Qiye’s victory over Xu Hui was pure luck.

“You have successfully pa.s.sed the trial?” The First Elder formally asked Li Qi ye. The truth was, the Six Elders did not have any confidence regarding this arranged marriage, but the impossible had happened. Li Qiye pa.s.sed the trial, but the more surprising detail was that he could go through the Chaotic Heart Forest.

Li Qiye ignored the serious atmosphere in the chamber, and exclaimed: “Honorable Elder, that is right! It seems like I should be getting the rewards promised to me, yes?”

“Of course there will be rewards, but I need you to explain one thing.” First Elder inquired: “From what I’ve heard, Xu Hui was a renown young disciple from the Nine Saint Demon Gate. His cultivation was the same as a sectional leader in our sect. You just joined our sect and had never cultivated before, how did you manage to defeat him?”

“Honorable Elder, Merit Laws are complex; martial arts are simple. I practiced the “Invisible Dual Blade” technique in a strange manner; as long as the opponent revealed a weakness in their defense, he will immediately receive a death blow. When it comes to a life and death battle, the brave person will win.” Li Qiye calmly answered.

“Nonsense!” An Elder named Xiong suddenly yelled and coldly continued:

“A mortal proclaiming that he had killed a Heaven’s Mandate cultivator through sheer techniques is ridiculous.” This Elder Xiong before had supported Li Qiye; however, today, he spoke coldly, and he was even unhappy; the before and after was like the sky against the depths. [1]

Li Qiye looked at Elder Xiong and spoke slowly: “Dear Elder, I had only spoken the truth. What other people can’t do does not mean that I can’t as well.”

He then looked at the remaining Elders in the room: “Dear Elders, today, I am a hero from the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect. If the Elders truly think that I had cheated in some way, then you guys can question the people who saw it with their own eyes; people like Protector Mo or the people of the Nine Saint Demon Gate.”

“All of the Elders know, in your hearts, that this trip to the Nine Saint Demon Gate was dangerously ominous. By going to the Nine Saint Demon Gate, we were essentially going to our own demise. However, because of the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect’s reputation, even if I were to lose my life, I would have done the same again. Today, I come back as a hero. what is the reasoning behind your suspicions of me? This is how you treat a hero? If this is the reality, then the people’s hearts will become cold; who will want to sacrifice themselves for the sect anymore?” Li Qiye paused a moment and then he went on: “Before our departure, we had an agreement; do you honorable Elders wish to retract your words? If that is the case, then I can only say my joining of this sect was a mistake. Our Cleansing Incense Ancient Act is of Immortal Emperor lineage for many era; if the elders are not true to their words, then how can we remain trustworthy as a sect?”

“Whether our sect is trustworthy or not, it is not up to you to comment.” An Elder loudly yelled.

Li Qiye ignored the reaction of this Elder and kept going on: “I risked my life going into the Nine Saint Demon Gate and came out with a complete success. If the Elders carried out the promise from that day without accusing me of lying, I would not be criticizing. Otherwise, I will cry ‘unfair’ because the success of this trip was potentially traded with my life.”

Finished speaking, Li Qiye coldly glared at the Six Elders.

“You have said too much!” At this moment, an Elder coughed. His expression contained a little bit of shame.

The First Elder started speaking: ”Li Qiye, it is not that we wanted to berate you; the thing is, this whole thing is just a little strange. Let’s set aside the Xu Hui thing; I want to hear how you successfully pa.s.sed the Chaotic Heart Forest.”

The First Elder’s eyes brightened up and stared at Li Qiye as if he wanted to see through the little boy.

[1] This is another proverb, comparing the two great extremes.