Chapter 47: Three Women at One Table, and the Little Cabbage Was Claimed!

“The Puppet Sect and the Pleasure Sect disciples first joined hands to slaughter the disciples of the Divine Fire Sect, and then slandered us for colluding with demonic cultivators. Today, unless you provide a satisfactory explanation, I’m afraid neither of you will be able to leave…”

The elders of the two sects stared at the recording stone in Ling Tian’s hand, the images upon it unmistakably clear. Their voices could be distinctly heard.

Chen Ningshuang was taken aback, not having expected Ling Tian to come so well prepared. Her feelings were complicated as she regarded him—so this was the same boy who had shocked the entire Dao Domain three years ago. The change was astonishing!

The onlookers from the other sects, along with the itinerant cultivators, could not help but sigh—he really was relentless when in the right. Clearly, he had no intention of letting the two sects off lightly.

Frustration showed on their faces. Why was it that among all the sects, only the Divine Fire Sect could cultivate ties with Ling Tian, while they could not?

But the two sects at the center of the storm were even more dejected. Not only had their disciples failed to return, but now they were being targeted and forced to pay compensation? This was truly a double loss.

Yet, under the circumstances, it would be unreasonable not to pay a price. After all, the slander against the Divine Fire Sect was now an established fact.

“Fellow Daoist, your words somewhat overinterpret my intentions. I did harbor some suspicion, but never explicitly accused the Divine Fire Sect of collusion with demon cultivators. It appears now that everything was a misunderstanding. Of course, though it was a misunderstanding, our sect will apologize. Here are some resources as compensation.”

The elder of the Puppet Sect was indeed a wily old fox. His eyes darted as he spoke with flawless diplomacy. Earlier, he had been careful not to make any definitive statements, knowing that if he did, he would leave himself open to accusations and certain ruin should things go awry. This way, he left room to maneuver: “I admit fault, I offer compensation—surely you have nothing more to say?” By making a show of sincerity, any further pursuit would now seem unreasonable.

“Well said!” Ling Tian applauded, eyes narrowed as he regarded the elder—this old fox was no simple character.

Then, his expression sharpened and he shouted, “But why did you attack me?”

The words had scarcely fallen when the elder’s heart sank—this boy is setting a trap!

If Ling Tian accused him of attempted murder, not even the gods could save him. Among those present, only a few surpassed him in cultivation, and all had close ties to the Divine Fire Sect—there was no hope of anyone speaking on his behalf. Should he be branded with such a crime, no one would side with him; after all, the tides of power favored the strong. What status did Ling Tian have? And what status did he have? There was simply no comparison.

In a world where might makes right, who bothers with reason? Those who talk about reason, to be frank, lack strength; if one is strong enough, he becomes the law.

“You’re slandering me, I didn’t—”

The elder tried to defend himself, but Luo Changsheng gave him no chance. With a casual wave, the elder was reduced to ashes.

Luo Changsheng shook his head, glancing sideways at Ling Tian. Not only did he not consider Ling Tian cruel, but he admired him all the more.

He had resolve, courage, and his own methods. This was precisely what the cultivation world needed!

By any measure, Ling Tian was the best candidate for the position of Holy Son at Luo Qiu Holy Land. But since he refused, there was nothing to be done.

Compared to Ling Tian, his own son was far too soft, too sensitive, too tender-hearted! Luo Changsheng considered, perhaps it would be best to have his son train alongside Ling Tian for a while.

“Well done! To think he would bully the young with his seniority, and stoop to such shameless acts—utter scum!”

“Master Luo did the right thing! Those who flout the rules should be punished!”

“Shameless! They were already let off, yet still tried to attack…”

The elders leading the other sects exchanged glances—what more could they say? Any other response and they would not be allowed to leave unharmed.

The elder of the Pleasure Sect trembled uncontrollably at the chorus of approval. What a killing god! She had just spoken so harshly to him—wasn’t that reason enough for him to kill her a hundred times over?

“Heh, Sect Master Xiao, the Puppet Sect and the Pleasure Sect—one tried to kill me, the other insulted me. As for the fate of these two sects, I leave it to you.”

Ling Tian turned to Xiao Ding with an air of brushing off his sleeves after a great deed, concealing his achievements and reputation.

But Xiao Ding knew full well that Ling Tian was leaving him with a mess to clean up. He was forced to play along, yet the matter of dealing with the two sects was a thorny one. Mishandled, it could lead to a massacre.

Yes, the resources and profits of the two sects were immense, and the reputation of Luo Qiu Holy Land formidable—no one would stand in their way. But the rumors that would spread would not be pleasant. This boy was truly cunning!

“Very well, I’ll handle this matter,” Xiao Ding replied with a strained smile. There was no other choice—by taking this on, he was binding his sect to Luo Qiu Holy Land. From now on, few in the Dao Domain would dare provoke the Divine Fire Sect.

“To think, the genius everyone’s been talking about lately is you! And here we were talking about protecting you…” Wu Dawei scratched his head, recalling what had happened before entering the secret realm, his face flushing.

“Brother Tianling, could you sign your name for me? I’m such a fan…”

“Yes, Brother Tianling, you were so impressive back then! Even the Sword Pavilion’s master wasn’t as formidable as you!”

As Ling Tian returned, the Divine Fire Sect disciples swarmed around him, clamoring for autographs.

“Haha, of course! Let’s all return to the sect first, then everyone can have a turn.”

Ling Tian smiled faintly, signaling that they should return—this was hardly the right place for such fanfare.

Once back at the sect, Xiao Ding would have to deal with the aftermath. The elders of other sects could only look at their own disciples and admonish them earnestly:

“Look at the disciples of the Divine Fire Sect. Look at yourselves—you can’t hold a candle to them!”

Their disciples wore sullen faces. Sect Master Xiao and Tianling had a connection—why hadn’t they befriended him as well?

“The Holy Son’s life tablet—it’s broken!”

Lin Chuchen’s protector stared at the shattered tablet in his hand, his face turning pale, then livid.

“Sigh, I wonder if this was the right thing to do…”

The old man sighed. Lin Chuchen had instructed him that if anything happened to him, it would surely be Ling Tian’s doing, and his sister should avenge him. But this man was a disciple of the Emperor!

After some thought, the old man decided to inform Lin Chuchen’s sister of his demise, but as for vengeance, that was best left alone.

…

Ling Tian’s return to the Divine Fire Sect caused a great stir. The crowds clamored for autographs; adoring fans—male and female—numbered beyond count. Some even dressed to impress, hoping to catch Ling Tian’s eye.

After a long, exhausting day, evening finally came. Xiao Ding visited the Puppet and Pleasure Sects, collected a mountain of resources, and returned in high spirits to host a grand banquet.

At the banquet, three women shared a table.

Chu Xuan glanced at Hu Yunying across from her, sighing inwardly—another woman had appeared, and with no lack of assets!

Hu Yunying, meanwhile, felt that Chu Xuan’s gaze was less than friendly.

“Fellow Daoist, why are you staring at my face?” Chu Xuan frowned, showing a hint of displeasure.

“So what if I am?” Hu Yunying retorted, quick-tempered and brash.

“You—” Chu Xuan was ready to fight at the slightest provocation.

Xiao Ling’er, seeing this, quickly tried to mediate:

“There’s no need to come to blows over a grudge—words will do. This spirit wine is unique to the Divine Fire Sect. Why not drink together instead?”

She didn’t want to intervene, but feared they would ruin the feast if they started fighting.

“Come on.” Chu Xuan raised her cup to Hu Yunying.

“You think I’m afraid?” Hu Yunying downed the wine in one gulp.

“Hahaha, Brother Tianling truly is a lucky star! Thanks to those two sects, I’ve acquired a trove of resources!”

Xiao Ding laughed heartily at Ling Tian, finding the young man much more agreeable now.

Ling Tian coughed twice and glanced at Xiao Ling’er, then said,

“Well, what if I told you that these resources from the two sects were actually the price for taking away your Holy Maiden…”

“Father, I want to leave with him.”

Xiao Ling’er came before Xiao Ding and made her request.

Crash—the wine cup in Xiao Ding’s hand shattered instantly, his good mood vanishing. The sky had fallen—his precious daughter was about to be stolen away!

His palm burned with anger, and he instinctively wanted to lash out at someone.

He glanced at Luo Changsheng, who turned his head away, signaling that he would not intervene.

Ling Tian sensed trouble and bolted for the door.

With a sudden surge of strength, Xiao Ding leapt up and caught Ling Tian by the scruff of his neck.

“You little rascal, always so flashy in your actions. Today, I’ll teach you what the real world is like...”