“Who are you calling Senior Brother? Don’t try to claim any connection here. Lord Bei Chen is busy searching for the Wu Tong Heartfire. Even if he were here, he wouldn’t waste time helping a low-ranking disciple, let alone a non-celestial.”
“You!” Er Yun was furious and was about to act.
The non-celestial woman, also of a strong character, was about to take the child from Chong Zhao’s arms and leave when Chong Zhao stopped her. “Madam, let me try again.” Suppressing his anger, he asked, “May I ask which sect you belong to, Senior Brother?”
“Wu Liang, Shou An.” Shou An raised his chin and, noticing the flowing cloud pattern on Chong Zhao’s sleeve, sneered. “Ah, you’re from Dong Hai Miao Miao (East Sea’s Ethereal Sect)? Miao Miao hasn’t had a disciple participate in the Wu Tong Martial Banquet for three hundred years. And you think you, a mere celestial lord, can compare to me from Wu Liang?”
“I wouldn’t dare, Celestial Lord Shou An. But even if he’s a non-celestial, he’s still a human life. Since the Wu Tong Martial Banquet is being held here in Evil City, it must mean the Heavens are willing to foster goodwill with the non-celestial tribes. If we turn a blind eye to this child, and if Jin Yao, our Master in Heaven, hears about it later, he may blame us for our lack of compassion.”
“You—!” By now, celestial disciples had gathered around the inn, watching Shou An intently.
Shou An, flustered by Chong Zhao’s retort, grew angrier but didn’t dare escalate further.
“If Lord Bei Chen isn’t here, could you at least tell us where to find him?”
Outside, Nan Wan heard the commotion inside but had no intention of getting involved. He was about to turn and leave when Bai Shuo tugged at his sleeve.
“Your Majesty, this could be an opportunity.”
Nan Wan was puzzled, so Bai Shuo quickly explained, “That child might be the key.”
Nan Wan thought for a moment and suddenly grasped Bai Shuo’s meaning.
The Strange One’s Tomb. As the name suggests, it must hold the remains of respected figures from the non-celestial tribes. While they didn’t know the location, the locals surely did. Perhaps, if they helped save the child, they might get information about the tomb.
“If Bei Chen isn’t here, I could give it a try…”
As the tense standoff continued inside the inn, a voice came from the doorway. Everyone turned to see Nan Wan leading the Yun Xiao disciples back inside.
“Lord Nan Wan.” The celestial disciples in the hall made way for him with respectful expressions.
Chong Zhao turned, initially stunned, and then his gaze froze in disbelief.
Standing behind Nan Wan was Bai Shuo, holding a drumstick and winking at him non-stop.
The jade flute hadn’t been wrong! A-Shuo really was in Evil City!
Chong Zhao felt his blood surge with anger, wishing he could grab this impudent person and give him a good thrashing. But suddenly, he noticed a young man peeking out from behind Bai Shuo, supporting her by the arm.
Bai Shuo seemed unaware, but the young man looked in Chong Zhao’s direction.
Their gazes met mid-air, and Chong Zhao’s expression changed. He tightened his hold on the non-celestial child.
The Lord of Hao Yue Hall?! How could he be with A-Shuo? Even if Fan Yue had the face of a young man, Chong Zhao immediately recognized him.
“Let me take a look.”
Before Chong Zhao could react, Nan Wan stepped forward and felt the pulse of the non-celestial child.
The woman looked anxiously at Nan Wan, her eyes full of hope.
“Strange.” Nan Wan murmured in surprise, looking at the woman. “Has this child practiced spiritual techniques?”
The non-celestial tribes have mixed bloodlines and are naturally unable to cultivate spiritual techniques, yet they all possess formidable physical strength. However, the faint spiritual energy in this child’s body was chaotic, swirling uncontrollably.
“No,” the woman shook her head hastily, “our tribe never practices spiritual techniques.”
“The spiritual energy in his body is surging, as if he’s on the verge of spiritual deviation. It’s all right; I’ll send a trace of celestial power to calm the energy within him,” Nan Wan said, preparing to channel a bit of celestial power into the child, but Chong Zhao stopped him.
“Lord Nan Wan, non-celestials cannot cultivate spiritual techniques. This child may not be on the verge of deviation. Since Kunlun is known for its healing, let’s seek out Lord Bei Chen first…”
“You Miao Miao disciple really don’t know what’s good for you. My senior brother is willing to help—this is an incredible blessing for the child!” Ming Xin, standing by, angrily pushed Chong Zhao aside and brought the child over to Nan Wan.
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