#983 - Beating and threatening

The Azure Cloud Saint Hall, situated atop Azure Cloud Peak, was majestic and grand, filled with the ancient charm of history.

This saint hall had been built for hundreds of thousands of years. Since the beginning of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect, it had stood here, a symbol of Azure Cloud's power.

On the way to the Azure Cloud Saint Hall, True Person Qingxuan secretly informed some of the sect's hidden powerhouses. Ten people walked out of the sect's forbidden area and were already waiting in the hall.

The main hall was very wide, with jade futons on both sides, each futon spaced several meters apart and located on stone platforms of varying heights.

When Jun Wuxie followed and entered the saint hall, he saw ten old men exuding powerful auras sitting cross-legged on the highest futons on both sides of the hall.

Princess Anning and Fan Xichong, the Blood Butcher, were also sitting cross-legged on the highest futons.

True Person Qingxuan, as the head teacher, sat cross-legged on the futon directly above the main hall.

The Peak Lords of Falling Sunset Peak, Thunderbolt Peak, and Cloud Sea Peak sat cross-legged on the slightly lower futons below.

The elders of the sect were located on futons of even lower height.

Obviously, the height of the futons represented the status of the sect.

The positions of the direct disciples were the futons below those of the elders.

But there was an exception, and that was Qin Yi. He was actually sitting on the futon next to Princess Anning, which was a position only those at the level of the sect's hidden powerhouses were qualified to sit on.

No matter how high Qin Yi's status was in the sect, it was impossible for him to be higher than the Peak Lords of each branch. The fact that he could sit there today was probably at the princess's request.

After the master, senior brothers, and senior sisters were seated, Jun Wuxie sat on the last and lowest futon.

He looked at Princess Anning and Qin Yi. Qin Yi's expression was very peaceful, but he could feel a kind of joy and complacency in him.

"It seems that in Qin Yi's heart, he is extremely pleased to be held up by Princess Anning today. This feeling of being valued by a princess with immense power makes him feel very accomplished."

Jun Wuxie thought to himself, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise slightly.

Some glory is not so easy to enjoy. If you want to get it, you have to pay the price.

Climbing the social ladder always comes at a price, but I don't know if Qin Yi can accept that price.

Or rather, he knows very well in his heart and has already made the final choice.

"Princess Anning's visit to my Azure Cloud today is truly a great honor for Azure Cloud, and we are flattered. I heard from the princess earlier that there was something important, so please speak frankly."

True Person Qingxuan looked at Princess Anning with a smile on his face, with a flattering look.

But what he was thinking in his heart, no one knew.

"Head Teacher Qingxuan is too polite. This princess has long heard from my royal father that Azure Cloud is a sect with a long heritage and deep foundation within the territory of the Great Qian, but I have never come to Azure Cloud to see it, and I feel very regretful."

Princess Anning said with great emotion: "A sect, with a legacy of all ages, is not easy. Over the past hundreds of thousands of years, within the Great Qian territory, I don't know how many sects have risen and how many sects have withered in the long river of time. Azure Cloud is prosperous, and it should always be prosperous."

As soon as these words came out, the Azure Cloud executives present felt a sudden throb in their hearts. Was this a warning spoken with words of emotion and blessing?

Elder Qingxuan's smile remained unchanged, and he said: "Thank you for the princess's kind words."

"This princess suddenly remembered an incident she experienced in her childhood." Princess Anning smiled faintly and said, "At that time, this princess was still young, but she was very conceited. Once, when I went hunting in the forest with my royal father and others, my royal father asked me to follow him, but I didn't listen. I had to act alone to show my own strength."

"As a result, I encountered a fierce tiger in the deep mountains. I felt very uneasy at the time, because I knew I was no match for it, but I found that the fierce tiger didn't seem to have any intention of attacking, so I gradually calmed down."

"I started to observe it. It was very strong, but it looked a bit old, but the aura of a king on its body was very strong, presumably it was the temperament that had been precipitated over the years of occupying the land as king."

"I wanted to leave, but I found that the area was like a maze, making me unable to escape, so I had to stand there. But what I didn't expect was that another fierce tiger broke in."

"That fierce tiger was equally strong and looked younger. It stared at me, its eyes seeming to see through my heart. I was very nervous and stood there as if walking on thin ice."

"At that time, I was thinking that this young fierce tiger must have come to compete with the old fierce tiger for territory. They were going to fight to the death to decide who was the king of this area."

"Many thoughts flashed through my mind. I even thought about whether I should help one of them, but I was worried that I would choose the wrong camp, so I quietly retreated, preparing to watch them fight each other."

"I thought this would guarantee my safety, but what I didn't expect was that the young fierce tiger pounced on me directly before attacking the old fierce tiger. At that moment, all my composure was submerged by fear. I didn't even understand why it would attack me first instead of attacking its main enemy."

"Just when I thought I was going to die in the tiger's mouth, my royal father arrived and saved me. From then on, I understood a truth, Head Teacher Qingxuan, guess what the truth is."

The corner of True Person Qingxuan's mouth twitched imperceptibly, and he said with a smile: "The princess's childhood experience was really dangerous, but fortunately Lord Ning arrived in time. As for the truth that the princess realized from it, please forgive Qingxuan for being dull, but it is difficult to guess."

Princess Anning sighed and said: "Yes, the reason why this princess can survive is because she has my royal father behind her, but what about those who don't have a backer like my royal father? If they encounter the same situation, what will be the outcome?"

"Therefore, this princess understands that when people face choices, they must not hesitate. At that time, I should have chosen the young fierce tiger, so that even if my royal father didn't take action, I might have been able to protect myself."

True Person Qingxuan said: "Has the princess ever thought that even if she had chosen the young fierce tiger at that time, what if it hadn't defeated the old fierce tiger? Or, even if it won, what if it turned around and attacked the princess again?"

"That depends on the individual's judgment. Two equally strong fierce tigers, one is younger and has more vitality. There is no reason why it can't win. If it dares to challenge, it must have absolute certainty. Besides, if it wins, I have at least helped it, and at that time it has no strong enemy, and I am no longer a threat, so why should it kill me?"

True Person Qingxuan was slightly silent and said: "But the princess herself should not have been a threat to it, but it still pounced on the princess before the duel."

"No, it's not the same." Princess Anning smiled faintly and said, "When two strong men compete, a little external factor may affect the final result. This princess didn't make a choice at that time, and seemed neutral, but for the young fierce tiger, it couldn't be sure whether this princess would help its opponent in the process of the duel. It should have thought so at the time, so it attacked this princess."

"Qingxuan thought that the princess would definitely remain neutral and would not help the old fierce tiger."

"Yes, Head Teacher Qingxuan is right, this princess will remain neutral. But for the young fierce tiger, it is impossible to allow an unstable factor to be around during the duel, so the ending is destined."

"This..." True Person Qingxuan said: "Actually, the young fierce tiger is already very strong, there is no need for the princess to help it, and there is no need to regard the princess as a threat."

"Yes, but the fierce tiger doesn't think so."

True Person Qingxuan was silent.

The atmosphere in the main hall became a little depressing, and no one spoke.

Jun Wuxie listened quietly. This Princess Anning compared the current emperor of the Great Qian to the old fierce tiger and his royal father to the young fierce tiger.

In this story, her own role is the current role of Azure Cloud. This is telling Azure Cloud that it is impossible for you to be neutral. If you don't submit, then when the duel comes, it will be the end of Azure Cloud.

This is a warning and a naked threat.

"Why did this princess suddenly talk about her childhood?" Princess Anning shook her head lightly and said, "I'm getting off track. Let's talk about the business. Recently, you Azure Cloud must have known about the affairs in the Flowing Cloud Forest, right?"

"We Azure Cloud have already known about this matter." True Person Qingxuan nodded and said, "An unknown mutation has occurred in the depths of the Flowing Cloud Forest. We once sent people to investigate, but failed to go deep."

"Later, the Peak Lord of my sect's True Martial Peak went there in person, but still failed to find out what happened. In the past, those fierce birds and ancient beasts in the depths of the Flowing Cloud Forest, equivalent to half-step Great Saints, were widely distributed, each staying in its own territory, but now they are gathered in the same area, I am afraid that only Great Saints dare to approach."

"That's right, all the powerful fierce birds and ancient beasts in the Flowing Cloud Forest are gathered in that area, because there is something they want to get."

"What is it?"

True Person Qingxuan realized that this was probably the purpose of Princess Anning's visit. The story she just told was just a way to beat and threaten them.

"A seriously injured, dying Blood鬃 Lion-Dog Beast suspected to be at the Great Saint Extreme Heaven Realm."

"What?"

This time, not only True Person Qingxuan, but also the hidden powerhouses and Peak Lords present exclaimed.

A Blood鬃 Lion-Dog Beast of the Great Saint Extreme Heaven Realm!

Cultivating to this realm, the talent growth intensity of that Lion-Dog Beast, not to mention that it has transformed into an ancient legend, is at least in the later stage of the legend.

If this kind of ancient beast comes, it has the power to destroy a city, and even the Talisman Armor Army can't stop it, unless a Talisman Armor Army composed of saints pays a heavy price to stop it.

"Princess Anning, is this news reliable?"

True Person Qingxuan's heart sank, and he had a bad feeling.

Princess Anning came here to tell such news, and her purpose was self-evident. I am afraid that she wanted them to go to the depths of the Flowing Cloud Forest.

“My news is naturally reliable. This is information that my Ning Royal Mansion obtained at the cost of losing a Great Saint Realm expert. Now, the Lieshan Gate, the Rising Sun Sect, and the Yanhsia Grotto Heaven have all received my father's decree, and your Qingyun Sect naturally cannot be absent.”

“This…” Qingxuan Zhenren looked troubled and said, “Princess Anning, that Bloodmane Lion-Hound Beast is at the Great Saint Peak Realm, and at least of legendary grade. Our Qingyun's strength is limited, I'm afraid…”

Princess Anning smiled as she looked at Qingxuan Zhenren: “Sect Leader Qingxuan, are you going to refuse my father?”

“This… Qingxuan dares not, it's just that our Qingyun is really…”

“Qingxuan Zhenren, my father said that he can understand Qingyun's difficulties and hardships. This time, if your Qingyun can successfully obtain the beast core and essence blood of that Great Saint Peak Realm Bloodmane Lion-Hound Beast for my Ning Royal Mansion in the Flowing Cloud Forest, then you may be granted neutrality.”

“Is this true!”

Qingxuan Zhenren was both surprised and doubtful.

“This is my father's handwritten order, Sect Leader Qingxuan, please read it yourself.”

As Princess Anning spoke, a letter flew from her hand, landing steadily in Qingxuan Zhenren's hand.

He opened it and read it once, his expression grave. After pondering for a moment, he passed the letter to those foundation experts.

The foundation experts read it and then gave it to the Peak Leaders of each branch.

“Esteemed foundation seniors, Peak Leaders, what are your opinions?”

This matter was of great importance, and Qingxuan was not in a position to make a decision.

The Peak Leaders of each branch looked at each other, and the foundation experts also exchanged glances, before nodding in unison to Qingxuan Zhenren.

Qingxuan Zhenren took a deep breath, looked at Princess Anning, and said: “We, Qingyun, agree. If it is successful, please, Your Highness and the Ning King, keep your promise!”

“That is only natural, but there is one thing that I must make clear. Your Qingyun will definitely bring some disciples along for training this time. Qin Yi can go, but you must not let him go deep inside, otherwise, I will be very unhappy.”

“Qingxuan promises Your Highness that we will never let Qin Yi take risks. Please rest assured, Your Highness, Qin Yi is our Qingyun's most prized disciple, we are protecting him as if he were our own eyes, how could we let him go deep into dangerous places.”

“Then your Qingyun will wait for news. Currently, that Bloodmane Lion-Hound Beast has not weakened to its limit, we still have to wait. When the time is ripe, you will receive a message from my Ning Royal Mansion's spirit talisman. At that time, do not delay and quickly go to the Flowing Cloud Forest.”

After Princess Anning finished speaking, she stood up and said to Qin Yi: “See me off, accompany me for a walk outside.”

Qin Yi immediately revealed a smile and said: “It would be Qin Yi's greatest honor.” After speaking, he hurriedly walked to Princess Anning's side, walking shoulder to shoulder with her.

Sect Leader Qingxuan and the others stood up to see her off, politely saying: “Is Your Highness not staying in Qingyun for a little longer?”

“No, the affairs in the mansion are busy, and I still have to share my father's worries.”

As she spoke, she had already walked out of the Qingyun Saint Hall with Qin Yi and the Blood Slaughter guards.

Everyone in the main hall stood up to see her off, all the way to the foot of the mountain.

“Qingyun, from top to bottom, respectfully sends off Princess Anning!”

Everyone bowed to see her off, until Princess Anning and the others disappeared from sight.

She did not ride the Phoenix Carriage, but walked shoulder to shoulder with Qin Yi.

Huff!

Qingxuan Zhenren heavily sighed, looked at the Peak Leaders of each branch, and said: “Go to the Qingyun Saint Hall, we must properly discuss this matter!”

Peak Leader of Falling Glow Peak, Peak Leader of Rushing Thunder Peak, Peak Leader of Cloud Sea Peak all nodded solemnly, following Qingxuan Zhenren as he left.

“Disperse.”

Cheng Yuan Zhenren said to the sect disciples gathered here.

He looked at Jun Wuxie, Nan Jin, Yun Shu, Yi Ling, and Han Ye beside him, and said: “You all return to True Martial Peak first.” After speaking, with a flash, he caught up with the Peak Leaders of each branch.

In front of the mountain gate, the disciples of each branch dispersed one after another, and soon there was no one left.

“Little Junior Brother, what are you thinking about?”

Yi Ling looked at Jun Wuxie, who was somewhat lost in thought.

“Let's talk about it when we get back to True Martial Peak.”

Jun Wuxie felt that this matter was definitely not that simple.

He and Han Ye pushed the Eldest Senior Brother, and Yi Ling pushed the Second Senior Sister, quickly returning to True Martial Peak.

Back at the courtyard of True Martial Peak, Jun Wuxie stood by the mountain spring creek, looking at the stream in silence.

Jing Ya heard the movement and walked out. Seeing him in this state, she did not step forward to disturb him, but silently brewed tea.

Eldest Senior Brother Nan Jin, Second Senior Sister Yun Shu, Third Senior Sister Yi Ling, and Fourth Senior Brother Han Ye, were all looking at each other at this time.

“If our sect can succeed this time, we won't have to walk on thin ice between the Ning King and the Emperor in the future.”

Han Ye said this, and Eldest Senior Brother Nan Jin and Third Senior Sister Yi Ling nodded.

Second Senior Sister Yun Shu remained silent.

“Fourth Senior Brother, you may be thinking too simply.”

Jun Wuxie turned around and walked over.

“Little Junior Brother, what do you mean by that?”

His several senior brothers and sisters all looked at him, revealing a look of doubt, and said: “The Ning King's handwritten letter, personally promised, in black and white, as a King, he shouldn't break his word.”

“I support Little Junior Brother's view.”

Second Senior Sister Yun Shu, who had not spoken all along, suddenly said.

“Second Senior Sister, you also think that the Ning King will not keep his promise?”

They all looked at her with puzzled eyes.