Chapter 485 - 237: Soaring Cultivation (Part 2)

Chapter 485: Chapter 237: Soaring Cultivation (Part 2)

The reason no one saw through his change of disguise was, naturally, his newly acquired Celestial Illusion Skill, which he had enhanced to its maximum potential using the Illusory Dream Celestial Crystal. For at least a day, an ordinary Grandmaster wouldn’t find anything amiss even with an intimate search. A Flying Dragon List Master would have to examine him meticulously just for the possibility of discovering something was wrong—and even then, it was only a possibility.

After all, this was a technique cast using the true Black Celestial Book. In hindsight, the effect was excellent; there was no sign that anyone had seen through it.

Back at the residence, Xie Yuan silently let out a breath of relief.

The expedition to the ruins was finally over.

He replayed the events in his mind. There had been no major issues with how he handled things.

Of course, even with his precautions, given the decisiveness of the Qian and Yao families, they were almost certainly convinced he was Xie Yuan. Nothing had fundamentally changed in that regard.

’But at least this way, it wasn’t too blatant. It won’t put the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect in a difficult position.’

Xie Yuan quietly returned to his room and swiftly packed his things.

Before he was finished, Qin Zhenyang came over.

"Junior Brother Zhang, are you leaving?"

he asked calmly.

Xie Yuan nodded and said in a low voice,

"Senior Brother Qin, I’m afraid it will be dangerous if I continue to travel with you all."

Ever since their conflict in Yunzhou, the actions of the Qian and Yao families suggested they considered Xie Yuan a huge nuisance—one they were intent on eliminating.

This expedition to the ruins proved their resolve was considerable.

Yet, despite using such methods, they had still failed. And having caused a series of incidents at Jianzhen Lake, they would likely now view Xie Yuan as an even greater threat.

Combined with the potential Xie Yuan had already demonstrated, he figured the two families’ tolerance for him had run out. Drastic measures were likely to follow.

The great families might be bloated and corrupt, but they should never be underestimated. At times, they could be remarkably decisive, and he had to be on guard.

Therefore, after this expedition, Xie Yuan decided he could no longer operate in the open—not even as Zhang Shan.

It was time to temporarily bid farewell to the Sword Sect.

Qin Zhenyang opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it and sighed.

"Will you come back to Cloud Mountain?"

"Of course I will!"

Xie Yuan smiled.

"I may not have completely solved Steward Wang’s case, but I did find the killer... It’s just a shame I couldn’t catch them.

"But according to what the Sect Leader said, I should be able to enter the Sword Peak to cultivate one more time, right? Hehe."

He grinned playfully for a moment before his expression turned serious. He spoke with sincerity,

"Senior Brother Qin, I’ll never forget my time cultivating at Cloud Mountain. It wasn’t just about my cultivation improving. It was my fellow disciples, the Sect itself... it all made me feel something different. If there’s any place where people strive to better themselves with integrity and strength, it’s Cloud Mountain. Honestly, I never had any thoughts about being some kind of righteous hero before. From the moment I began training, all I wanted was to protect myself, and at most, look after the people close to me. But after spending so much time in the Sword Sect, my perspective has changed. If I encounter injustice on the road ahead, I will certainly draw my sword. The Swordsmanship of Cloud Mountain is meant to be used against evildoers.

"I will come back—as long as the Sect Leader and you, Senior Brother, don’t mind having me. But not this time. I’m already a target, and the road back to Yunzhou is so long..."

Hearing his words, Qin Zhenyang’s expression softened greatly. At this point, he interrupted,

"I’ll send a message right now and ask Master to come pick us up. Let’s see which of those filthy scions of the great families dares to stand before Master’s sword!"

Xie Yuan’s mouth fell open, touched by the offer.

But he immediately shook his head.

"Why trouble the Sect Leader over this? It would be too complicated. Besides, the Sect is flourishing right now, on the verge of reaching a new height. If we clash openly with these great families, who knows what kind of slander they’ll spread behind our backs... I can’t be the reason everyone’s progress is hindered."

Qin Zhenyang started to protest, but Xie Yuan, clearly moved, said,

"Senior Brother Qin, really, there’s no need. Leaving now is what’s best—for me and for the Sect. I still have things to do out here. Just think of it as part of my training, a chance to temper my sword! Once I’ve made a circuit of Jiangnan and gotten a handle on these great families, I’ll come back to Cloud Mountain—so don’t you go casting me aside then!"

Since Xie Yuan was so insistent, Qin Zhenyang gave up on trying to persuade him. He stood tall and solemn, clasping his fist in a formal salute.

"Junior Brother Xie, the martial world is full of dangers. Take care!"

Xie Yuan’s figure grew slightly taller as his face gradually changed, revealing his true appearance.

His handsome face bore a hearty smile, and he gave a firm salute.

"Senior Brother Qin, we’ll meet again!"

With that, he shouldered his bag and, without any hesitation, left the Sword Sect’s residence, his destination unknown.

Qin Zhenyang silently watched Xie Yuan leave, clenching his fists.

His expression was calm as he thought to himself,

’If I already had the cultivation of a Grandmaster, how could I have failed to protect my junior brother?’

He had undergone a great trial in the Illusion Realm this time. Although he had to rely on Xie Yuan to be awakened in the end, his gains were still enormous.

’After I return to Cloud Mountain, I must press forward with all my might.’

「...」

Xie Yuan left the Sword Sect’s residence and instantly concealed his tracks, heading directly out of Jinling Prefecture.

If his calculations were correct, the Yao family would send experts to find him within the next two days. Given his own battle record and the great families’ methods and decisiveness, it might even be a Grandmaster.

But, given the Yao family’s caution and restraint, plus the fact that the trouble at Jianzhen Lake would keep them busy, they definitely wouldn’t barge directly into the Sword Sect’s residence tonight.

So, when they looked for Zhang Shan tomorrow or the day after, this Sword Sect disciple would naturally be off traveling somewhere, his whereabouts unknown.

And since he wasn’t mingling with his fellow Sword Sect disciples, the Qian and Yao families would have no reason to make trouble for or offend the flourishing Cloud Mountain Sword Sect.

The great families were indeed decisive and ruthless, but Xie Yuan, having been through so much, was equally cautious and meticulous. He had prepared his countermeasures in advance, giving them no opportunity.

With the Celestial Concealment Skill and Celestial Illusion Skill at his disposal, once he was out in the wide world of martial arts, he would be like a fish leaping in the vast ocean, a bird soaring in the endless sky.