Chapter 165: Chapter 113: Harvest 2

Shi Zhenyue sighed. “The Demon Sect’s power is vast, and their infiltration may run far deeper than we imagine. I must return to the Sect at once to report Zuo Feng’s appearance and the strange happenings in Qianchuan Marsh to my Sect Leader. Brother Hong, Master Chu, I’ll take my leave. Please send my regards to your Sect Leader.”

He cupped his fist, said no more, and shot up from the ground, transforming into a streak of black light that sped toward the Xuanjia Sect.

Once Shi Zhenyue was gone, Chu Jinyun’s gaze immediately shifted to Nie Shanshan. “Shanshan, has Yuanhua been found?”

Nie Shanshan quickly stepped forward and replied respectfully, “Rest assured, Master, he’s been found. Senior Brother Xiao arrived in time to rescue them. Although Junior Brother Wu and Steward Lin are severely injured, their lives are not in danger. Junior Brother Wu’s injuries are particularly grave, so Senior Brother Xiao has already arranged for them to be escorted back to the Sect for treatment.”

She made sure to highlight Xiao Ruize’s contribution.

Chu Jinyun was clearly able to accept this outcome. Her gaze shifted slightly, landing on Chen Qing, who stood behind Nie Shanshan.

Chen Qing immediately lowered his head, cupped his fist, and bowed. “Chen Qing, disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute, pays his respects to Master Chu and Dean Hong.”

He did his utmost to suppress his aura, firmly containing the wisp of Geng Metal True Qi deep within his Sea of Qi. He allowed only the gentle Cyan Wood True Qi to circulate through his body. At the same time, his vital energy was slightly chaotic and his face was pale, giving him the appearance of a survivor still suffering from internal injuries.

Chu Jinyun’s eyes lingered on Chen Qing for only a brief moment before she gave a cool nod. Her tone was flat. “Mm.”

A year and a half had passed. The name was already a blur in her memory.

Just as Chu Jinyun averted her gaze, a voice transmission entered her ear. “Master, that’s Chen Qing. The one whose spot was taken by Junior Brother Zhang Rui all those years ago…”

It was a reminder from Nie Shanshan.

Once one’s control over True Qi reached a certain level, they could send voice transmissions.

Chu Jinyun whipped her head around, her gaze fixed on the bowing Chen Qing.

’It’s him?! The one who was supposed to be my disciple?’

An extremely complex emotion surged through her.

Zhang Rui, who had received her personal guidance and a greater share of resources, was still lingering at the peak of Transmutation Force, unable to reach the Embracing Pill realm.

’Yet this Chen Qing, the one she had abandoned… his aura is steady and restrained. He’s clearly already at the Early-stage Embracing Pill realm!’

’And his progress… it doesn’t seem to be much slower than that of Wu Yuanhua, the one I had such high hopes for!’

’If he had entered the Gui Water Institute back then, if I had personally guided him…’

A storm of conflicting emotions brewed within her. Though she tried her best to maintain a calm expression, her eyes could no longer hold their earlier indifference.

“Junior Sister Chu?” Hong Yuandong keenly picked up on Chu Jinyun’s momentary change. “What’s wrong?”

Chu Jinyun suppressed her turbulent thoughts. “…It’s nothing.”

She then retracted her gaze and turned to Nie Shanshan. “Shanshan, you’ve handled things well. We shouldn’t linger here. Let’s return to the Sect quickly.”

Chen Qing breathed a small sigh of relief.

’Chu Jinyun’s reaction was even better than he had hoped for in the best-case scenario.’

’He thought he had sensed something unusual in Master Chu’s gaze for a moment, but it vanished quickly, and Dean Hong didn’t seem to press the issue.’

“…You’re a disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute?”

Hong Yuandong looked Chen Qing up and down. He had seen Chu Jinyun’s momentary loss of composure just now, and he found himself growing curious about this Outer Courtyard disciple who could provoke such a reaction from his Junior Sister Chu.

Chen Qing quickly bowed again, his posture even more respectful. “In response to Dean Hong, I am indeed a disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute, serving as a Steward at the Nanzhe No. 7 Fishery.”

“Heh!” Hong Yuandong grinned, his eyes sweeping over Chen Qing’s pale face. “How are your injuries?”

“Thank you for your concern, Dean Hong. My injuries have been stabilized for now. It’s nothing serious, and I can return with the ship,” Chen Qing replied respectfully, a hint of weakness in his voice.

Hong Yuandong nodded and said no more.

’Although Junior Sister Chu’s reaction was a bit strange, for an Astral Force master like him, an Early-stage Embracing Pill Steward Disciple from the Outer Courtyard really wasn’t worth wasting his breath on—unless, of course, the name of that strange old man, Li Baichuan, was involved.’

’Still… anyone who could make Junior Sister Chu lose her composure was interesting, at least.’

“Alright, Senior Brother Hong, enough idle chatter.”

Chu Jinyun said, “Shanshan, you and Rui Ze will lead the disciples onto the ship and return at once. Senior Brother Hong and I need to patrol the area a while longer, in case any Demon Sect remnants try to sneak back.”

“Yes, Master!”

“Yes, Martial Aunt!”

Nie Shanshan and Xiao Ruize answered in unison.

The two Treasure Ships started up again, turned their prows, and cut through the waves, speeding toward the Wutai Sect.p>

Chen Qing stood by the rail of the Gui Water Institute’s Treasure Ship, the tension in his heart finally beginning to ease.

’Apparently, the two Astral Force masters hadn’t detected the Geng Metal True Qi in his body. One reason might be that he had covered it with his Cyan Wood True Qi; another might be that neither of them had observed him closely.’

’But all in all, the result was good.’

「By the time Chen Qing disembarked at the tributary’s exit and returned to the Nanzhe No. 7 Fishery, it was nearly dusk.」

Everyone at the Fishery had been eagerly awaiting his return. Seeing him arrive safely, they all breathed a sigh of relief and crowded forward to greet him.

“Steward, you’re finally back!”

Zhou Tai was the first to cup his fist, his steady voice laced with concern. “Everything has been normal at the Fishery these past few days. The Exotic Beasts haven’t been acting up, but with no sign of you, everyone was very worried.”

Old Zhao rubbed his hands together, his face a picture of sincere relief. “As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters! As long as you’re safe! We heard there was big trouble deep in Qianchuan Marsh, that even Dean Hong and Master Chu had to intervene personally…”

Liu He said in a low voice, “Steward, we’ve prepared hot water and clean clothes for you.”

Chen Qing’s gaze swept over their concerned faces. He gave a slight nod, his voice steady. “Thank you for your hard work. The Demon Sect appeared in the deep waters, but the situation has been resolved. For the next few days, you must all remain vigilant and step up patrols. Pay special attention to any anomalies in the water. If there’s the slightest sign of trouble, report it to me immediately!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep