“You are in Stage 6 of Path Forging Realm! This is wonderful, Uncle Chu! I think this happened because you drank the Energy Infused water before using my manual.”

Not knowing the exact reason himself, Ikasa theorized based on the situation. His doubtful tone did not reassure the bald man. Perceiving his apprehension, Ikasa put aside his theories and focused on assuaging Chu Kuang.

“Anyways it is a good thing. Nothing you should worry about, Uncle Chu! If you are worried, spend the night here. I will have Caretaker Han assign you a room.”

With his guarantee, a smile returned to Chu Kuang’s face. They walked back to the Villa in silence as Ikasa’s head was filled with thoughts about what he witnessed today.

‘My Top Grade Manual can help absorb more Energy Infused Water. Not only that, if the Water is used when using my manual, it also helps the cultivator reach a higher stage.’

He summarized the facts he learned today. His attention was particularly drawn to the second use.

He wanted Feng Yan to use his top-grade manual and increase his potential, but he also didn’t want him to lose his fighting power. This provided him with a perfect solution.

Considering the ongoing battle, he cheered in his heart for finding a timely remedy.

Chu Kuang could see Ikasa was lost in thoughts and wisely kept quiet but their other companion was not as astute.

“Brother Ikasa, please don’t tell sister Xin Ruo of my mischief today?”

The little girl pleaded with her eyes ready to start watering at any minute. Her waterworks may work on Ikasa but on Xin Ruo who knew her every trick, they were ineffective.

In a good mood from his discoveries, Ikasa decided to spare the little girl. However, it did not mean she would not pay the price.

“Qiqi, you have done something very wrong today. But we discovered something good out of it. So, I will keep your deeds a secret…”

A big smile had bloomed on the little girl’s face before Ikasa finished his words. She was about to run ahead but Ikasa grasped her shoulder and completed his sentence.

“On one condition. You need to reach the pinnacle of Path Forging within a month. For this, you can use at most one jar of Energy Infused Water every week. No more. And if I catch you sneaking again, you will be in deep trouble. Got it?”

She nodded eagerly, not even hesitating a bit.

‘She is already at Stage 7 of the Path Forging realm, same as the other kids. With the help of the Water, she can easily reach the pinnacle of Path Forging soon.’

This was Ikasa’s assumption as to why Luo Qiqi agreed so easily. But she had agreed because of an entirely different reason. Ikasa forgot she was still a kid who had yet to mature.

In her mind, the prospects of being free from punishment and drinking her favorite drink eclipsed the hard work required to reach the Pinnacle of Path Forging. Thus, she readily agreed.

Joyful from getting Ikasa’s promise, she raced against Moony to the Villa.

—

This night was significant not only for Ikasa but also for the future of Birch City.

Sect Master Yan Hao arrived at the Hu Clan with Deacon Zhi Yang. Even when they entered the Hall of Clan Master, Yan Hao had no idea why they were there.

“Welcome Path Finder Zhi and Sect Master Yan! I see the He Family’s message reached you as well.”

“Clan Master Qing Mo, I would appreciate it if you kept the He Family out of your negotiations. I do not want to take action because your cooperation was motivated by outside influence.”

The Hu Clan Master was shrewd enough to understand what Path Finder Zhi meant. As long as they did not mention the He Family or any outside party in their alliance negotiations, the Absolutes will have no reason to interfere.

Sect Master Yan understood why they came here secretly in the middle of the night. He looked at Path Finder Zhi who had retreated to the background with his hands folded before his chest. The moon pearls shining behind him cast a shadow on his face, making it difficult to discern his emotions.

At this moment, Sect Master Yan understood that the actors would be himself and the Clan Master, Qing Mo. Before he could think further, Clan Master Qing began to speak.

“As you know from the letter, a newly opened Cultivation Manual shop has harmed our interests. To safeguard our profits, we need to unite against it.”

When he mentioned ‘Our’, he implied the Hu Clan, Monstrous Flame Sect, and the He Family who supplied them with the manuals. Sect Master Yan understood it and wondered how bad the market situation was for the He Family to get involved.

Still, he had no time to play war on behalf of the He Family when he was already fighting one. As if expecting Sect Master Yan’s rejection, Clan Master Qing Mo clarified his position.

“We understand your current situation. Hence, we will help you in your Battle against the City Lord. Since Ikasa is backed by the City Lord, it would be better for us if we take down his backer before going after him.”

Sect Master Yan looked at the collected figure of Clan Master in disbelief as he spoke about taking down the most powerful player in the City. As shocking as his declaration was, Sect Master Yan believed it to be a bluff. He sneered as he looked at the confident eyes of Clan Master.

“Drop your pretenses, Clan Master Qing. The combined power of my Sect and your Clan was just enough to suppress City Lord in recent years. How do you plan to defeat the City Lord now?”

Sect Master Yan stood up and leaned forward on the table between him and Qing Mo.

“Combined, we could take on City Lord and his guards. But who will deal with Red Eye? You? Yao Mao? Or the ghost of your dead third Seat?”

Bringing up their lost comrade was a low blow but his point was valid.

The City Guards were stronger than ever. All the Sense trainers they had would be needed to contain the Sense Realm Experts on City Lord’s side. In fact, to contain City Lord alone, they would need a minimum of three Sense Realm Experts.

The Monstrous Flame Sect may have four Sense realm experts on paper but only two could display the combat prowess of a Sense Trainer. The First Elder was not only old, but he was also a retired Medicine Master who rarely fought.

The third elder had recently advanced and he did not have top-grade techniques or experience like Feng Yan to make up for his lacking realm. That meant only intermediate Sense Trainer Second Elder and advanced Sense Trainer Yan Hao were combat capable in the Sect.

This information did not need to be said as the Clan Master of Hu Clan was already aware of it after numerous dealings with the Sect.

Similarly, Sect Master Yan also knew the situation inside the Hu Clan. Though every Sense Trainer in Hu Clan was experienced, their lower realm and lacking martial skills dragged them down.

With the loss of their Third Seat, Hu Clan was weaker than ever. And yet, Clan Master talked of taking down the City Lord.

If the Sect Master of Monstrous Flame Sect understood the contrary situation, how could the Hu Clan master be unaware?

He knew very well their only advantage was the superior number of Mercenaries and Adventurers under their employ. That was the case until two weeks ago when his son returned.

Hence, when Sect Master arrogantly questioned about the Red Eye’s opponent, he calmly smiled. Pointing to the man standing behind his chair, he said one word. “Him.”

The visitors focused on the serious face of the man who was leaning on the wall behind him. His rough skin and the stubble of his beard added to his fierce aura.

When Sect Master Yan’s eyes met the man’s, he felt he was being seen through. It was at that moment he realized that although both of them were Advanced Sense Realm Experts, his Cultivation paled before this person.

It was at this moment Path Finder Zhi intervened.

“Clan Master Qing, do I need to remind you that if an outsider to Birch City interferes in the Battle sanctioned by the Absolutes, I will have to take action to remove this variable?”

Though he spoke to Qing Mo, his aura was locked on the figure leaning against the wall. He was not sure about this person’s origin as he had no signs from Absolutes that indicated he was an outsider, but he couldn’t help but be careful.

Hu Bei, the man leaning against the wall, watched the Path Finder impassively, showing no reaction to the aura focused on him. It was as if he was habituated to enduring this type of aura.

Just as Path Finder Zhi wondered about his origin, Clan Master Qing stood up to introduce the man.

“He is not an outsider. He is the First Seat of our Hu Clan, Hu Bei. He usually acts individually as an escort to Caravans going to the Tier 1 and Tier 2 Cities. Hence, you may have not seen him around much.”

Sect Master Yan’s lips twitched at the false modesty Qing Mo displayed.

‘Not seen him much? More like never heard of him before!’

Even their information network had never caught wind of his existence. For a long time, they assumed the First Seat of Hu Clan was the Clan Master himself. Then at this crucial moment, Hu Clan brought out a trump card that had a chance to defeat the City Lord!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep