Chapter 378: Chapter 242: Holy Sect’s Inside Agent (2)
But he was incredibly frustrated.
The loss, though minor, was a persistent thorn in his side.
What vexed him even more was that when he made indirect inquiries to the Cyan Cloud Sect through his court connections, the sect gave no clear response.
They neither confirmed nor denied anything, their stance remaining ambiguous.
Just then, a message arrived from Du Leishi, who had been sent to You Province to gather intelligence.
A streak of cyan light shot across the horizon and transformed into a Communication Jade Token, from which Du Leishi’s voice emerged.
"Father, the Blood Demon Sword Sect’s response to the news that the ’Cyan Cloud Sect’s Daoist went missing in the Demon Sect’ is ambiguous. The other Demon Child, Liu Mobai, who was responsible for guarding Qin Xuan’Er, has even vehemently denied it, claiming no such thing ever happened!"
Hearing this, Du Haixian’s expression changed, and he suddenly burst into laughter.
"The Demon Sect denies it because they’re afraid of taking responsibility. The Cyan Cloud Sect won’t make a statement, and the imperial court is silent... This proves that this person’s identity is too important to be publicized!"
"This Qin Xuan’Er is, without a doubt, a Daoist or a Saint Child."
The more Du Haixian thought about it, the more certain he became, and he couldn’t help but roar with laughter.
"Hahaha, it must be true! If it weren’t a genuine Daoist Level figure, how could they have triggered the anomaly in my Blessed Land? And how could they cause the Cyan Cloud Sect to be so secretive!"
Gazing at the two people trapped in the Profound Cliff Blessed Land, Du Haixian’s eyes darted as a plan suddenly formed in his mind.
’Since he’s a true Daoist of the Cyan Cloud Sect, I can’t afford to treat him poorly. Otherwise, it will reflect badly on us when Lei Shi goes to the Cyan Cloud Sect in the future.’
With this in mind, Du Haixian urgently convened a family meeting.
He even summoned the three Golden Core Elders of the Profound Cliff Du Family, who were stationed abroad, to return at once!
"I want the Daoist to feel the sincerity of our Profound Cliff Du Family."
One deep gold Communication Jade Token after another shot into the clouds, transforming into streaks of light and vanishing in the blink of an eye.
Du Haixian stroked his beard in satisfaction.
...
「Profound Cliff Mountain, Du Family Ancestral Hall.」
The scent of sandalwood wafted through the air, but it couldn’t suppress the heavy, oppressive pressure that filled the room.
"Du Haixian, why did you bring Miss Xuan’Er here?" Ye Qingxuan, trapped inside an array, demanded angrily.
Qin Xuan frowned slightly.
Just a moment ago, he had seen a flash of light and found himself personally "invited" here by Patriarch Du Haixian.
Out of the corner of his eye, he scanned the densely packed memorial tablets behind Du Haixian.
Besides Du Haixian, Qin Xuan saw three other men seated in the ancestral hall.
Du Haixian smiled. "Your Excellency, the Daoist, I apologize for my offense these past few days. Allow me to explain. It was not my intention to neglect you; rather, I felt my own strength was insufficient."
"I have specially summoned all the Golden Core True Monarchs of the Profound Cliff Du Family. You may choose any one of them, and with my assistance, we will heal you together."
Qin Xuan’s brow furrowed, and he became extremely vigilant.
’What kind of trick is this Du Haixian playing?’
Meanwhile, Du Haixian gestured toward the three Elders.
"This is the Grand Elder, Du Hongshan."
Qin Xuan looked over and saw an old man with wild hair and a matching beard. He appeared to be in his sixties, but his vital energy was like a roaring furnace. A bloody glint flashed in his eyes as they opened and closed, and he possessed an imposing aura without even being angry.
He was like a dormant, ferocious beast, striking fear into one’s heart.
"The Grand Elder’s Cultivation Technique follows a path of overwhelming ferocity. It is called the *Firewood Burning Flame Scripture*."
As he spoke, Du Haixian added via voice transmission, ’He once suffered a cultivation deviation due to the excessive killing intent from this technique. Though he was saved, his temper became even more explosive. He loves to fight and kill, and his subordinates are mostly the elites of the family’s war hall. Your Excellency, the Daoist, choose with care.’
A chill went down Qin Xuan’s spine.
Du Haixian continued, "This is the Third Elder, Du Hongyuan. He cultivates the *Purple Wood Evergreen Spirit Technique*. He excels at management and is in charge of our Du Family’s many external businesses and relationships."
This man looked slightly younger, around fifty years old, with a fair, beardless face and sharp, intelligent eyes that hinted at his cunning.
Finally, Du Haixian pointed to the most amiable-looking old man in the center and said in a low voice, "This is the Second Elder, Du Hongming. He is gentle and kind-hearted, in charge of the family’s Pill and Artifact production, as well as our Spiritual Plants. His Cultivation Technique, the *Yellow Wood and Thick Earth Technique*, is the most balanced and peaceful."
Du Haixian sent another voice transmission: ’I suggest Your Excellency, the Daoist, choose the Second Elder. For your current situation, he is the safest choice.’
Qin Xuan’s expression was peculiar.
’What’s gotten into Du Haixian? Is he actually trying to save me?’
’Well, if he helps me, maybe I can get rid of the backlash from the Golden-Breaking Blood Talisman.’
Qin Xuan was already leaning toward the Second Elder himself. After all, who would want to spend their days with a god of slaughter who could erupt at any moment?
The atmosphere in the hall was tense. Almost everyone in the know subconsciously averted their gazes from the Grand Elder, Du Hongshan.
Just as Qin Xuan was about to accept,
The golden sphere of light in his mind suddenly began to flash.
Four ancient bamboo sticks flew out from it.
[Top-Top Lottery: Choose Grand Elder Du Hongshan. Proactively reveal your identity as a Demon Child to discover he is a Holy Sect informant. Glimpse the Golden Core Dao and obtain a Fourth Grade opportunity. Greatly auspicious.]
[Middle-Upper Draw: Refuse the healing and return to the Profound Cliff Blessed Land to devour its source. No opportunity, but no danger. Auspicious.]
[Middle-Lower Draw: Choose Second Elder Du Hongming. One month later, he will investigate the secrets of his disciples, exposing your own. Near-certain death. Inauspicious.]
[Middle-Lower Draw: Choose Third Elder Du Hongyuan. Four days later, you will stumble upon his affair with his nephew’s wife from the Liu Clan. He will frame you, and you will be ambushed. Inauspicious!]
As the Divinations flowed through his mind, Qin Xuan’s expression became quite strange.
’Interesting.’
’The Grand Elder of the Du Family is actually an informant for my Holy Sect!’
’And that Third Elder, Du Hongyuan, is even wilder, having an affair with his nephew’s wife.’
Seeing his odd expression and that his gaze had shifted to the Grand Elder, Du Haixian frowned and reminded him again, "Your Excellency, the Daoist, the Second Elder is known for his kindness..."
"Hehe, Patriarch Du, you’re too kind," Qin Xuan chuckled. "I wish to study under the Grand Elder and receive his guidance."
"What?" Du Haixian was stunned.
Du Hongshan, who had been resting with his eyes closed, snapped them open as a bloody light flashed and then vanished.