Changming Peak Backs Down

?

Right before his opponent's strike landed, Ning Fan abruptly dropped into a horse stance, directly exposing his chest to the incoming fist.

Bang-

The Qihua Peak disciple's fist slammed into Ning Fan's chest, producing a dull, heavy thud. The sound did not resemble a strike upon mortal flesh, but rather a blow against solid mountain rock.

Upon closer inspection.

Ning Fan's exposed arms and neck had taken on an earthen-yellow hue. It was clearly a defensive bodily martial skill!!

"Scram!"

With an explosive shout, Ning Fan violently shook his body. The Qihua Peak disciple who had struck him was instantly blasted back to his original position.

"Rock Earth Body?"

"That Ning Fan only joined Changming Peak a week ago. To think he has already mastered this defensive martial skill that requires long-term cultivation."

"Such talent is truly rare."

Chang Yue murmured to herself.

This would not do.

After Ning Fan deciphered the ancient ruin's texts, the strength of the Changming Peak disciples had risen by several levels. Trying to suppress Changming Peak by force would likely prove difficult now.

"How about this."

"According to Sect rules, I will take these four disciples away and compensate you with some medicine fees. Here are two thousand Spirit Stones. It is not a small sum."

Chang Yue flipped her palm, and a storage ring appeared in her grasp. She then tossed it lightly, sending the ring landing precisely between the two groups.

'Medicine fees' was merely a polite term for compensation. Generally speaking, Sect disciples who were captured would inevitably suffer heavy injuries.

They would need to consume Pills to heal. Providing compensation under the guise of 'medicine fees' was the standard method to exchange for disciples that had fallen into the opposing party's hands.

This was considered an unwritten rule within the Yin Yang Divine Sect.

For Chang Yue to offer medicine fees.

Was essentially admitting defeat.

However.

In a situation where one came knocking to provoke trouble, only to end up captured, a mere five hundred Spirit Stones per person was far too little.

Moreover, if there was a conflict between two peaks, it would not simply end with medicine fees. One would certainly seize the opportunity to make a grander display.

Qihua Peak's approach.

Was a compromise, but not a complete one.

Because Changming Peak had previously sent formal challenge letters to all the other Main Peaks, quite a few disciples from various peaks had gathered to watch the spectacle.

Many turned their gazes toward Miao Tian, speculating on the choice he would make.

"Heh."

"I wonder if Changming Peak has the spine to stand their ground and keep clashing with Qihua Peak. It would certainly give us a good show."

"It will be difficult. Even if the Changming Peak disciples have greatly improved their strength due to the ancient ruin's deciphering, their overall foundation still cannot compare to Qihua Peak."

"But the medicine fees Qihua Peak offered are far too low. It is somewhat insulting."

"..."

Murmurs of discussion rose from the crowd.

The gaze of Qihua Peak's Master, Chang Yue, flickered. She naturally knew the compensation she offered was too little, but this was precisely the 'stepping stone' she was providing Changming Peak to save face.

If Miao Tian showed a bit of backbone and demanded more compensation, she would then make a few more concessions.

By doing so.

Both Qihua Peak and Changming Peak would preserve their dignity.

Yet, who would have thought.

Miao Tian did not entangle himself in the issue of the compensation amount. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Chang Yue across from him.

"This is merely a dispute over Ranking Disciples. Chang Yue, are you trying to escalate this into a conflict between Chief Disciples?"

Chang Yue was taken aback, instinctively feeling this was a threat from Miao Tian.

"Regardless, if a Qihua Peak disciple falls into trouble, it is a matter for the entire Qihua Peak. Do not speak of Chief Disciples; even if it escalates to the Peak Masters."

"There is absolutely no problem!"

Chang Yue declared domineeringly.

Miao Tian's reaction, however, became rather intriguing. He was not angered, nor did he meet her with equal hostility. Instead, he smiled.

"Indeed. If that is the case, then there is no problem."

"Give them back."

Miao Tian shot a glance at the Changming Peak disciples behind him. Immediately, several disciples stepped forward and carried the prone Lu Qing'an and the others into the space between the two groups.

In the same motion, they collected the storage ring from the ground.

"..."

Chang Yue narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Miao Tian from head to toe. Two thousand Spirit Stones to exchange for four disciples?? This Miao Tian...

Was being far too agreeable.

But in the next moment.

Chang Yue came to an understanding. Changming Peak likely did not wish to incite disputes with the other peaks at this time. This was a critical period of growth for Changming Peak, and the All-Peak Tournament was right before them. Passing through this period of improvement peacefully was undoubtedly their best choice.

"This."

"To think they accepted a mere two thousand Spirit Stones as compensation and called it quits. Isn't Changming Peak being too cowardly!?"

"Changming Peak is still afraid of Qihua Peak."

"It is also possible they do not want to fall into a dispute right before the All-Peak Tournament. It is undoubtedly a sensible decision, it just lacks any martial spirit!"

"..."

A wave of mocking voices rose from the surroundings.

To think.

Changming Peak had clearly captured four Qihua Peak disciples, yet they so easily backed down. Tsk, tsk, it seemed Changming Peak was still the same old Changming Peak.

A hint of regret surfaced in the hearts of the observing disciples from the various peaks.

They had missed out on a grand spectacle.

What a pity.

"Let us go!"

Seeing her goal achieved, Chang Yue ordered her disciples to support Lu Qing'an and the other three. The group departed from the foot of Changming Peak in a grand procession.

After Chang Yue and her group departed, Miao Tian opened the storage ring, took out five hundred Spirit Stones, and handed them to Ning Fan.

"Well done. Here, recover from your injuries properly. You will continue your cultivation tomorrow."

"Understood."

'Ning Fan' accepted the Spirit Stones, a flash of cunning sweeping through his eyes.

A quarter of an hour later.

Chang Yue and her grand procession returned to Qihua Peak. For this trip, they could only temporarily bring Lu Qing'an and the others back.

As for Yu Qingqing?

That matter would have to be discussed later.

Chang Yue first sent Chen Chen and Yu Gu back to their immortal caves. Then it was Lu Qing'an and Che Shuai's turn. After placing Lu Qing'an and Che Shuai into their respective caves, Chang Yue quietly gazed at the two of them.

After a long while.

She let out a slow sigh.

"Sigh."

"The Peak Master thought so highly of you. I never expected you to make such a blunder. Your future path at Qihua Peak will likely be difficult now."

"What a pity."

"Your Lu family presented an Earth-tier cultivation treasure to the Peak Master, which is what earned you his favor. That treasure was a rare artifact capable of increasing our Peak Master's chances of breakthrough. You know better than anyone how difficult it is to come by."

"Now, it has all gone to waste."

"..."

Chang Yue muttered for a time, then shook her head and departed.

Only Lu Qing'an and Che Shuai remained within the immortal cave. Yet, a few minutes later, the two who had been lying on the ground with breaths as faint as gossamer suddenly opened their eyes.

Their eyes were bright and spirited. Where was there even the slightest hint of injury?

"Husband, we really made it in!"

A familiar voice rang out from Lu Qing'an's mouth. The tone lacked Lu Qing'an's usual aloofness; instead, it was pure and clear.

It sounded exactly like...

Yun Qingyao!!

As for 'Che Shuai,' he too spoke up at this moment, using a voice that belonged to Ning Fan.

"Hurry."

"Time is short. Before they can react, we must hurry and proceed according to the plan. Senior Brother Lin Yu estimates we have two days at most."

"Once those two days pass, no matter how slow-witted Qihua Peak might be, they will certainly realize the truth."

Indeed.

The 'Lu Qing'an' and 'Che Shuai' that Chang Yue had brought back.

Were actually Ning Fan and Yun Qingyao.

No one could have expected.

That Changming Peak would actually play such a trick during the "return of the disciples"!

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