Chapter Eighty-One: The True Person Is Not True

Chapter Eighty-One: The True Person Is Not True

These people present were all influential figures in the martial world of the southwest.

Shangguan Xiong, the Invincible Fist Master from the Divine Fist Sect; Teng Yuxuan, the Deputy Sect Leader of the Ink Abyss Sect; Xu Shaoking, the Young Pavilion Master of the Washing Sea Pavilion...

Any one of them was of great importance.

This gathering naturally paid little attention to the two unknown youngsters, Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun.

They were merely curious about how these two youngsters had managed to show up here without any guidance from their seniors.

But it wasn't just that they had shown up here.

Although the Profound Theory Cottage was called a cottage, its interior space was considerable. The hall, though simply furnished, was not shabby.

The image of the Daoist Ancestor was enshrined at the front, with incense and candles burning continuously.

Two rows of chairs lined the sides of the hall, with no fewer than twenty chairs.

There were plenty of chairs, but even more people, some of whom had nowhere to sit and had to stand inside the hall. Yet, there was a chair left for both Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun.

When the 'Profound Theory Valley disciple' led Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun to their seats, the expressions of those present changed once again.

Though no one said anything sarcastic, they couldn't help but scrutinize them more closely.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun seemed quite surprised as well.

Sitting there, they felt somewhat uneasy.

However, the others only glanced at them briefly before paying them no further heed.

The seating arrangements were made by the Profound Theory Valley, so if any etiquette was breached, it was their problem. As guests, they wouldn't concern themselves with such details.

Instead, most of their conversation centered around the purpose of Zangming Zhenren calling them here.

"What is Zangming Old Daoist up to this time? We've been here for over half a month, yet we haven't seen him."

"Zangming, Zangming, this time he's not hiding his name but hiding himself."

"I was chasing the Thousand-Mile Floating Guest, and I was about to catch him when I received an invitation from the old daoist. I rushed here, and now I've been eating vegetarian food every day, almost tasteless."

"In my opinion, Yuliu Jianxin understands better. He arrived yesterday... Hmm? Why isn't he here yet?"

As they spoke, someone approached the door.

The hall fell silent instantly.

Those who had been whispering earlier now fell quiet.

The air seemed to grow heavier.

Not because of anything else, but because the person standing at the door was none other than Yuliu Jianxin, Liu Suifeng!

He entered with a sword in hand, took a seat on the left side, and remained silent, cold like the wind.

With his arrival, the entire hall became completely still.

It was as if everyone's presence had been suppressed by him alone.

At that moment, Su Mo's gaze was drawn to something outside the door. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone hurrying away.

Su Mo didn't recognize the figure, but... the person had something tied to their back.

That thing was long and slung diagonally across their back, measuring seven feet in length...

"Can't be..."

Su Mo raised an eyebrow slightly, but there was no time for further thought, as Zangming Zhenren had arrived.

The old daoist had clearly dressed up today, with his hair neatly combed. Accompanied by two young disciples, he slowly entered.

Pausing before the main seat, he turned and smiled, "Honored guests, you have been here for a while, but I have been preoccupied with important matters, causing a delay. Please do not hold it against me."

Upon seeing him, the tension eased.

Before, there had been various complaints, but now that he was here, the grievances faded.

They all bowed and assured him it was fine, but were curious about why Zangming Zhenren had summoned them.

"This matter has a long story," Zangming Zhenren sighed lightly. "In my previous invitation, I mentioned that new tea had been prepared, and today we are here to discuss matters and enjoy tea."

Immediately, disciples of the Profound Theory Valley came forward to serve tea to everyone.

Teng Yuxuan from the Ink Abyss Sect loved tea and reached out to take a cup, gently swirling the leaves, releasing a fragrant aroma.

"Zangming Zhenren's good tea, I've been looking forward to it."

He was about to drink when—

"Wait!"

Someone suddenly spoke up.

All eyes turned to see one of the two out-of-place youngsters in the hall.

The one speaking was Yang Xiaoyun.

"Oh?"

Teng Yuxuan said with a smile, "Xiaoyun, is there something you need?"

He wasn't annoyed by Yang Xiaoyun's interruption, displaying the demeanor of a senior to perfection.

Everyone present, including Zangming Zhenren, turned their gaze toward Yang Xiaoyun.

Zangming Zhenren’s eyes held a hint of amusement, but he remained silent.

"…There seems to be an issue with this tea; it would be best not to drink it."

Yang Xiaoyun didn’t know how to explain herself at that moment. She couldn’t very well say that the tea was too hot, could she?

"Hahahaha."

Teng Yuxuan laughed heartily, turning his attention from Yang Xiaoyun to Zangming Zhenren. "These two friends of Zhenren’s are quite interesting. What problem do they see with the tea?"

"That, I suppose, you’d have to ask them."

Zangming Zhenren smiled at Yang Xiaoyun. "Young lady, if you think there’s a problem with the tea, why don’t you speak up?"

"Do I really need to spell it out?"

Yang Xiaoyun looked at Zangming Zhenren. "You should know all about it."

"Your words leave me utterly confused."

Zangming Zhenren shook his head gently. "Young lady, stop beating around the bush. Speak your mind. Everyone here is your senior in the martial world. Even if you’re wrong, no one will blame you."

"...Alright."

Yang Xiaoyun laughed in anger. "The people of the Youquan Cult are more straightforward than I imagined."

"Youquan Cult?"

At these three words, many present changed color.

Someone spoke coldly, "Young lady, in the martial world, spoken words are like water spilled out. Once spoken, they cannot be taken back. Your words today are not just spilling water; they are slandering Zangming Zhenren. It’s not too late to stop now. Don’t speak recklessly and harm both yourself and others."

If someone else had said this, it might have been convincing, but the speaker was Weng Beichen, who had been impersonated.

Yang Xiaoyun knew this person had been disguised.

She snorted coldly. "Evil and heretical ways, how long can you continue to act so arrogantly? As long as no one drinks your tea today, what can you possibly do? Zangming Zhenren, let’s set aside the matter of the tea for now. I’ll ask you one thing... Are you truly Zangming Zhenren?"

"Your words are becoming increasingly incomprehensible."

"Of course Zangming Zhenren is Zangming Zhenren. How could there be any doubt?"

"Are you suggesting that Zangming Zhenren has been impersonated?"

This remark triggered a burst of laughter.

Yang Xiaoyun ignored them and spoke coldly, "Youquan Cult, with its two divisions, three flags, and six orders—the Order of Body Snatching excels in disguise. It’s said that even the closest people sometimes find it hard to tell the difference. Have any of you seniors heard of this?"

With these words, the entire hall fell silent.

Some people couldn’t help but look at Zangming Zhenren, their eyes subtly revealing caution.