Cure Me, and I Will Marry My Daughter to You

Zhao Yide snorted coldly, his eyes darkening. "And what if you can't produce any evidence?"

"I'll kneel down and kowtow to you."

Kong Liuke said calmly.

"Fine! I accept. Let's see what evidence you have."

Zhao Yide nodded indifferently.

"This Xu Mu, though he hasn't cultivated within the sect, was taught by Ding Yuan."

Kong Liuke pointed at Xu Mu.

"What? Our Grand Elder, Ding Yuan?"

Lin Tianlu's eyes widened in shock.

"Hahaha! Kong Liuke, you didn't even prepare your lie properly. Your master has been missing for over thirty years. Isn't it a bit late to bring him up now?"

Zhao Yide couldn't help but scoff.

"Xu Mu, unleash your technique. Aim it at Zhao Yide; he'll surely be able to block it."

As Kong Liuke spoke, he retreated to the side.

"Brother, here."

Dai Xingluo handed the longsword in her hand to Xu Mu.

Without hesitation, Xu Mu swiftly drew the sword and swung it towards Zhao Yide.

The longsword was now enveloped in red flames, and a phoenix's cry echoed throughout the hall.

Whoosh!

A fiery phoenix shot towards Zhao Yide.

"What? The Fire Phoenix Sword Technique?"

Zhao Yide's eyes widened in disbelief. Immediately, his body was surrounded by green energy as he thrust out a palm.

Boom!

The fiery phoenix collided with Zhao Yide's power, forcing him back two steps.

"Damn!"

The qi around Zhao Yide erupted once more, cracking the stone slabs beneath his feet, before he finally shattered the fiery phoenix before him.

Everyone present was stunned.

The long-lost Fire Phoenix Sword Technique of the Heaven Sword Sect—how could an outsider use it?

"Zhao Yide, the ability to produce the Phoenix's Cry proves this move has been mastered to perfection. Who besides my master could teach someone to this level?"

Kong Liuke glanced sideways at Zhao Yide. "Now kneel."

"A year ago, I did meet a senior. He said my bones were exceptional and taught me this move."

As Xu Mu spoke, he pointed at Dai Xingluo. "Xingluo can attest to it. Because of me, she also learned a bit."

"That's right, though I'm not as skilled as Brother."

Dai Xingluo now stepped forward to Xu Mu. She took the longsword and swung it horizontally once more.

The outline of a fiery phoenix swiftly shot towards Zhao Yide.

Zhao Yide raised his arm and crushed it with one hand. He was inwardly astonished; the difference in proficiency between their techniques was indeed worlds apart.

"A year ago... So Ding Yuan isn't dead?"

Zhao Yide's eyes narrowed into slits, filled with killing intent.

His composure stemmed from having everything under control.

Lin Tianlu was like a candle in the wind. As for Huang Min and Kong Liuke, he didn't even regard them as threats.

Only if those two joined forces could they pose some danger to him.

He could slowly erode their position and seize all the Heaven Sword Sect's foundations for himself.

But now, if Ding Yuan was alive, his plans would be ruined. He had to seize control of the Heaven Sword Sect as quickly as possible.

By the time Ding Yuan returned, he would be none the wiser about what had happened.

He looked back towards the door outside; the sky was already dark.

He had to take advantage of the night and settle matters early.

Kong Liuke said calmly, "Old Zhao! In front of all these elders from your Green Wood Mountain, you're not thinking of going back on your word, are you?"

"This doesn't count as evidence. Perhaps this kid just got lucky and stumbled upon the Fire Phoenix Sword's cultivation manual."

Zhao Yide glanced at Xu Mu.

"If he managed to cultivate the Fire Phoenix Sword to the level of producing the Phoenix's Cry all by himself, then he truly is a prodigy."

Kong Liuke gave a cold laugh.

"Perhaps he is just that kind of genius."

After saying this, Zhao Yide turned and left with the group of elders.

After those people had left, Xu Mu looked at Kong Liuke. "If I'm not mistaken, you must be the Grand Elder of Blazing Sun Mountain, right?"

"Did my master mention my name to you?"

Kong Liuke was somewhat surprised.

"No. I received information from the Eternal Life Research Institute that Zhao Yide is planning to join forces with them to move against you."

Xu Mu explained.

Hearing this, not only Kong Liuke, but even Lin Tianlu and Huang Min were utterly shocked.

Lin Tianlu clenched his fist, the corner of his mouth twitching. "That bastard! How dare he collaborate with the Eternal Life Research Institute! Does he have no shame before the ancestors of the Heaven Sword Sect?"

"Brother Kong, do you know where to find Blood Essence Grass?"

Huang Min suddenly asked. Now, the only way was for Lin Tianlu to recover.

As long as he could regain his original strength, Zhao Yide would be no cause for fear.

"Blood Essence Grass? That's a seventh-grade heavenly treasure. What do you need it for?"

Kong Liuke asked, puzzled.

"Senior, to be frank, I have some knowledge of medicine. As long as we have Blood Essence Grass, I have a way to treat the Sect Leader."

Xu Mu chimed in from the side.

"What? You can cure the Sect Leader?"

Kong Liuke was first stunned, then said, "I do actually know the whereabouts of Blood Essence Grass."

"Where?"

Lin Tianlu asked excitedly.

"Reckless Mountain."

Kong Liuke explained.

"That sect is full of reckless lunatics. Even if they really have it, they probably won't give it to us."

Huang Min shook her head deeply.

"Then we'll trade for it."

Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment. "I still have one Qi Sea Pill. The pill contains seventh-grade Blue Sunflower. Trading it for their Blood Essence Grass—they'll definitely agree."

"Good. I'll go right now."

Kong Liuke immediately nodded.

Huang Min wheeled Lin Tianlu back to his bedroom. Before long, the two returned.

Lin Tianlu held a small wooden box in his hand. He opened it, revealing the Qi Sea Pill inside.

Seeing this, Dai Xingluo couldn't help but smile at Xu Mu.

[Favorability +15]

She finally understood now just how precious the Qi Sea Pill was.

The esteemed Sect Leader guarded a single Qi Sea Pill so carefully.

Yet Xu Mu had given one to her as if it were nothing.

"Sect Leader, rest assured. I'll be back in no time!"

Kong Liuke took the wooden box, turned, and headed outside.

Xu Mu suddenly spoke up, "It seems he won't be able to leave."

Hearing this, Huang Min immediately wheeled Lin Tianlu outside the hall.

They found Zhao Yide standing not far away, blocking Kong Liuke's path.

"Zhao Yide! What are you doing?"

Kong Liuke growled.

"There's a traitor within our Heaven Sword Sect. Until the traitor is found, no one is allowed to leave!"

Zhao Yide said flatly.

"I gave him permission to go!"

Lin Tianlu, now outside the hall, declared loudly.

"Sect Leader, not even you! You've been secluded in the hall for years and aren't fully aware of the sect's current affairs. After the traitor is caught, I will come to you and accept my punishment."

Zhao Yide was no fool. It was obvious that these few had learned of Ding Yuan's whereabouts from Xu Mu.

Kong Liuke's departure was most likely to invite Ding Yuan back.

If he returned, Zhao Yide's plan would be finished.

He had already sent someone to contact the Eternal Life Research Institute. He had to strike first.

"I'm leaving! Can you stop me?"

Kong Liuke's body was suddenly covered in red qi energy, blazing like flames in the night.

"Do you think you're a match for me?"

Zhao Yide also erupted with power, swiftly charging towards Kong Liuke.

Boom!

After just a few exchanges, Kong Liuke's body was sent flying backward.

Xu Mu felt a bit helpless. He had only come with Dai Xingluo to help her withdraw from the sect, so how had he gotten dragged into their internal power struggles?

"Brother, what should we do?"

Dai Xingluo grabbed Xu Mu's arm. "I really don't like Zhao Yide."

"Ah, well, I suppose I'll have to step in a little then."

Xu Mu took a deep breath and looked at Lin Tianlu. "Sect Leader, I'll go to Reckless Mountain for you."

"Excellent! If you can successfully cure me, I will give you my daughter's hand in marriage."

Lin Tianlu said to Xu Mu.

"Sect Leader, that won't do! Don't be fooled by my brother's strong build; he's actually quite feeble."

Dai Xingluo immediately turned her head and said to Lin Tianlu.