No wonder Tianyan Sect is a sect from Central Plains, how shameless

Qingfeng Sect.

The sect leader gazed solemnly at the decree issued under the authority of the Central Continent.

It was now undeniable that Qingfeng Sect had become entangled with demonic cultivators—there was simply too much evidence. The critical question now was how to handle the fallout. Severing ties was inevitable, but if they followed the Central Continent’s orders strictly, disciples like Shangguan Hong and Elder Li, who had colluded with the Evil Spirit Sect, would have to be punished. That would mean nearly half of Qingfeng Sect’s elders would face consequences…

For the sect, such losses would be unbearable.

Still, things could have been worse. Rumor had it that Wind Sword Sect… had already collapsed, its members scattered, and its ruins now sealed off by the Central Continent.

Though the Central Continent had ordered the operation, it was other sects carrying it out under the direction of Tianyan Sect disciples. The actual envoys from the Central Continent wouldn’t arrive for a few more days.

Those two Tianyan Sect disciples had truly investigated the matter thoroughly.

Every remaining Wind Sword Sect disciple who hadn’t escaped was likely lined up for interrogation, their mouths being pried open for information—whether any other sects were involved. If they could extract names of rival sects, wouldn’t that be a free advantage?

After all, if the enemy suffered while you remained unscathed, that was profit in itself.

Word was that Wind Sword Sect had served as a hub for resource distribution, meaning they might know which other sects were complicit.

Now, every nearby sect was trembling on unstable ground.

Qingfeng Sect had avoided a full-scale purge, likely because the Central Continent didn’t want the situation to escalate. As long as everyone could save face, things would pass.

Some matters, when unexamined, weigh no more than a goose feather. But once placed on the scales, even a mountain seems insignificant.

The demonic cultivator affair was no different.

With a sigh, the sect leader tucked the decree into his sleeve. Difficult as it was, he had no choice but to proceed.

Rising from his seat, he stepped outside and glanced at the main hall, still under reconstruction.

Qingfeng Sect had truly been cursed with misfortune lately.

Yet, for the sect leader, not all news was bad.

At least that damned bastard Zheng Xiaofeng had finally been taken away by Tianyan Sect.

For days, that brat hadn’t uttered a single normal sentence—just endless curses, no matter the occasion. The sect leader’s hard-earned prestige had nearly evaporated in those few days.

And the boy’s behavior had been utterly brazen. Had Tianyan Sect not intervened, the sect leader would have personally removed his head within another two days.

Lucky for him, the Tianyan Sect disciple had kept his word.

Without Zheng Xiaofeng around, the sect leader felt considerably more at ease.

He turned to the foreman overseeing the repairs and demanded, “How much longer until the main hall is restored?”

The foreman hesitated, recalling the ruins the hall had been reduced to.

He didn’t know what immortals called it, but to mortals, this was a full reconstruction.

Carefully, he replied, “Even with rushed labor… at least five months.”

“Five months?!” The sect leader’s face darkened. “Throw more men and money at it—finish it faster!”

The foreman wanted to argue that manpower alone wouldn’t solve the problem, but under the sect leader’s glare, he could only nod obediently…

“Hmm. After seeing everything, I must say—Qingfeng Sect’s architecture is truly unique. Even beautiful.”

A familiar male voice cut through the air.

The sect leader’s gaze snapped toward the source. There stood the Tianyan Sect disciple from before, Chu Xingchen, surveying the surroundings with apparent satisfaction.

Only one thought filled the sect leader’s mind: What wretched luck!

He knew he couldn’t blame the gatekeepers—Chu Xingchen had made himself unforgettable during his last visit. But right now, he still wanted to punish today’s guards. How could they just let this man waltz in?!

Worse, Chu Xingchen had been the one to deliver the final threats last time, leaving the sect leader at a psychological disadvantage.

With Qingfeng Sect in crisis, this man’s arrival couldn’t possibly herald good news.

Still, no matter how much he despised him, he had to play host.

Reluctantly, the sect leader clasped his hands. “May I ask why—”

“Ah!” Chu Xingchen raised a hand, the unmistakable aura of a solidly established Nascent Soul cultivator radiating from him. “Don’t call me ‘fellow Daoist.’ Call me ‘Senior.’”

The Qingfeng Sect leader: “……”

This brat is even worse than Zheng Xiaofeng!

It also cemented his resolve—he needed to appoint a quick-witted disciple as reception elder immediately. Dealing with these untouchable figures made him feel like a groveling child.

Taking a deep breath, the sect leader forced another bow. “May I ask what brings Senior to Qingfeng Sect this time? Elder Zheng has already been taken away.”

Chu Xingchen’s eyes lingered on the half-rebuilt hall, nodding approvingly before his tone turned sharp.

“What? Is assisting Tianyan Sect such a burden for you?”

“Of course not—”

“Good!” Chu Xingchen cut him off. “There’s a small matter I’d like your help with.”

The sect leader tensed. Was this about interfering in the elder purge?

Cautiously, he asked, “What does Senior require?”

Chu Xingchen’s reply was blunt. “Building a house. You’ll cover the costs upfront and provide the labor.”

Silence fell. Even the foreman gave Chu Xingchen an awkward look…

The man might as well have said “I’m here to freeload” outright.

When no enthusiastic agreement came, Chu Xingchen’s expression darkened.

“What? Is Qingfeng Sect no longer willing to serve?”

The sect leader weighed his options. “If Tianyan Sect requires assistance, we naturally cannot refuse. However…”

Running a sect meant managing finances. Rebuilding the main hall alone was costly, not to mention repairing structures damaged by falling mountain debris.

And if too many elders were purged, they’d need to invest heavily in training Foundation Establishment disciples to fill the gaps.

With so many expenses, where would the money come from?

This brat was too cunning. Blindly agreeing might trap Qingfeng Sect in a financial pit they couldn’t escape.

“If that’s your attitude, then we’ll have to rephrase things.” Chu Xingchen’s voice turned icy, his Nascent Soul pressure bearing down on the sect leader.

“Qingfeng Sect aided demonic cultivators in abducting people for mining, refining blood-infused spirit stones—”

The sect leader hastily interrupted, “Wait—everything is negotiable.”

“So you’ll help now?”

“We can assist, but… may we finish rebuilding our main hall first?”

“Sect Leader, perhaps we should first discuss Qingfeng Sect’s…”

Gritting his teeth, the sect leader cut in, “Tianyan Sect takes priority!”

Chu Xingchen corrected him, “What ‘Tianyan Sect’? This has nothing to do with them! It’s my personal request.”

The Qingfeng Sect leader stared in disbelief. Since when are Central Continent sects even more shameless than us backwater folk?

No wonder they thrived in the Central Continent while Qingfeng Sect remained stuck in the boonies.

Asking for favors but refusing to owe favors in return—utterly shameless.

But under another’s roof, one had no choice but to bow.

Fine. If this transaction could spare some elders, it might not be a total loss.

The aged face of the Qingfeng Sect's leader forced a faint smile:

"Very well... this matter shall be handled as the senior requests."