Chapter 35: This Woman Must Die!
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Like two gravely ill patients discussing their ailments, the two conversed at length.
But Dongfang Jue wasn't foolish enough to reveal anything about Su Cheng. For her, it offered no benefit whatsoever—on the contrary, it could endanger her.
As for Father, if he learned of Lingxian Hall's strength, it would be only natural for him to seek an alliance.
Though matters discussed at the table never involved old grudges or new grievances—only interests mattered.
But Su Cheng wasn't a merchant—she was the head of Lingfrost Hall. Her relationship with Ye Qinghan was hardly amicable.
Given the extent of Su Cheng's devotion to Ye Qinghan, he might not look kindly upon her or the kingdom.
A week ago, Su Cheng's stance had already been made abundantly clear. He was a man who held no one in regard when it came to his direct disciples.
Whether it was the Kingdom, the family, or the sect, that man cared for none.
"In that case, Li Shiyao's initiative to approach Ye Qinghan was most likely orchestrated by the Holy Mountain."
Moreover, it didn't take long for her to obtain a Immortal-tier cultivation technique.
Indeed, Dongfang Jue used the system to scan everyone around Ye Qinghan—even Xu Zhanfeng and the vegetable vendor's records were examined.
Naturally, he discovered the little fool who had always followed Ye Qinghan, who had also obtained the Immortal-tier cultivation technique.
"Perhaps the Holy Mountain had long recognized that Su Cheng was deliberately concealing his cultivation. You saw that sword strike yourself—it was entirely on par with any sect leader’s."
Shangguan Rou phrased it as delicately as possible. While Cheng Liang could also execute such a devastating strike, he could never match Su Cheng's effortless execution.
Everyone understood this truth, so Dongfang Jue naturally refrained from pointing it out.
"Such matters cannot remain hidden forever. Before long, Lingxian Hall will either be the center of adoration or the target of criticism. An outcome is inevitable."
Shangguan Rou smiled, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Young Miss Dongfang, to possess such insight into the world's affairs at your age—truly extraordinary."
Dongfang Jue gave a wry smile. "Sister, you jest. If I were truly as formidable as you suggest, how could I have been beaten half to death?"
Heh, discerning the heavens and reading the times?
Wasn't that describing Ye Qinghan? Clinging desperately to Su Cheng's coattails, she'd now leaped through the dragon gate!
But then she thought, if she could do it, why couldn't she?
With all those treasures, I might not be much worse off than her!
In the Main Hall of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion, Cheng Liang was also discussing matters with several elders…
Besides the elders, a distinguished guest had arrived today: Liu Jingcheng, head of the Liu family.
"Brother Cheng, I've heard about your senior brother's situation. The events at Pingyun Sect are still fresh in my mind. Killing him might…"
Seeing the unease on Liu Jingcheng's face, Cheng Liang quickly changed the subject.
"Brother Jingcheng, you worry too much. How could I possibly send someone to kill my own senior brother?"
Liu Jingcheng froze. Hadn't this fellow said exactly that when he sent word last time?
Now that he'd learned Su Cheng was troublesome, who else did he want me to kill?
"What urgent matter brings Brother Cheng to summon me so hastily?"
Cheng Liang buried his face in his hands, seemingly still wrestling with himself. After a long pause, he spoke.
"Do you know my senior brother has a direct disciple? She possesses Demon Clan blood and is bloodthirsty by nature. If left unchecked, she will become a source of endless trouble!"
"I am well aware. He is the orphaned heir of the Fox Demon Royal Lineage, born with an innate allure. His name is Ye Chenmeng."
Cheng Liang spoke plainly, and Liu Jingcheng understood the implication.
Though Su Cheng was exceptionally powerful—a fact known to all—this world could not be ruled by strength alone.
As the head of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion, Cheng Liang would never tolerate such a potential threat.
"This girl possesses extraordinary talent. Brother Cheng, why not take her under your wing? With a mix of kindness and authority, given time, she will surely become an invaluable combat asset."
At this point, Cheng Liang still felt a pang of reluctance.
How could Cheng Liang fail to grasp Liu Jingcheng's words? But Ye Qinghan was like a stubborn mule, refusing to turn back no matter what, repeatedly making him look foolish!
"I gave her a chance. It was that worthless woman who refused the offer and chose her own demise!"
Liu Jingcheng smiled—he understood perfectly!
He thought: So even you, Master Cheng, have met your match. Ha ha ha!
"Heh, if the chance arises, I'll cripple her cultivation for you. Bring her to Brother Cheng to vent his anger?"
Cheng Liang froze, convinced this Liu Jingcheng had lost his mind…
But Liu Jingcheng, thinking Cheng Liang was already on the same page, continued with a laugh.
"I hear that Ye Qinghan possesses innate seductive charms. If captured and used as a furnace vessel, Brother Cheng's future cultivation path…"
Cheng Liang was absolutely terrified. Was this Liu Jingcheng out of his mind?
"Are you insane? That woman must die! If she lives, whoever gets their hands on her will be cursed!"
"Haven't you heard how much Su Cheng adores her? He doesn't even give a damn about us dozen elders and clan heads! Even if we joined forces, we couldn't defeat him!"
"Do you know how many people would die?"
"Without Ye Qinghan, Su Cheng will have no restraints! He's a madman—didn't you know that?"
"For a bedmate, you're willing to sacrifice the entire Liu family?"
Cheng Liang couldn't help but think these people were all brainless pigs.
While I don't believe we can defeat Su Cheng, you surely don't think I can't defeat Ye Qinghan!
If I wanted to capture him alive, why wouldn't I go myself? Isn't the whole point to prevent Su Cheng and Ling Shan from finding any evidence?
"You want to hand him over to me? Are you trying to divert the blame? Lure that madman Su Cheng to seek revenge on me?"
Capture them alive? And you want to hand them over to me? Are you mad, or am I?
You want to provoke that madman Su Cheng?
Once Ye Qinghan is dead, what can Su Cheng do alone?
But if Ye Qinghan stays in Lingxian Hall, that place becomes a force to reckon with—growing stronger by the day! I can already see that day coming!
But how can this pig not grasp such a simple truth?
A heavy slap smashed onto the table, sending teacups tumbling over. Cheng Liang gritted his teeth, snarling viciously.
"Head of the Liu Clan, remember—you must kill her without fail! Do not be tempted by her beauty and spare her life! If she survives, she will surely become a thorn in our side!"
"My actions stem not from petty jealousy over Senior Brother taking her!"
"If we allow Lingxian Hall to rise and grow into a formidable force that cannot be underestimated, it will become impossible to deal with!"
"With Ye Qinghan dead, even if Su Cheng possesses divine powers, he remains but a single man! He won't stir up much trouble—truly nothing to fear."
Liu Jingcheng was startled by Cheng Liang's words and instantly grasped his meaning.
"Just kidding. Of course I understand."
Lingxian Hall, Main Hall.
"Master?"
Su Cheng stood before the desk, exhaling deeply before slowly dipping his brush.
He'd been quite idle these past days and was now practicing calligraphy. But just as he was about to complete the final stroke, Ye Qinghan interrupted him.
"What is it?" Su Cheng crumpled the ruined character into a ball and tossed it into the wastepaper basket before turning his gaze toward the hall entrance.
"Um… Did I disturb you, Master?"
Ye Qinghan looked apologetic, though not overly so. He merely scratched his head politely.
"It's fine. What brings you here, Qinghan?"
"There's someone outside the hall." Ye Qinghan pursed her lips, though she wouldn't show her displeasure in front of her master.
Su Cheng frowned in confusion. Normally, neither master nor disciple should be detectable outside Lingxian Hall.
[Could it be Cheng Liang? Qinghan showed off for me at the secret realm entrance recently—did he fail to intimidate them?]
【Have they come seeking an explanation?】
【I'm inside Lingxian Hall now. Even a True Immortal wouldn't stand a chance against me!】
"Who goes there?"
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