Chapter 338 - 58: Changing Identity

Chapter 338: Chapter 58: Changing Identity

"Master, we’ve arrived." There was a faint, almost imperceptible tremor in Li Qingyan’s voice.

Returning to this place filled her with incredibly complex emotions.

After all, there was a time when she had been a prominent figure on Yunmeng Peak—full of life, with a boundless future ahead of her. But now, all of that was in the past, leaving her overwhelmed with emotion.

Chen Ye, on the other hand, appeared as calm as ever. Or rather, the current Lin Xun looked as cold and arrogant as always.

He looked up, sizing up the mountain peak shrouded in clouds and mist. His eyes were placid, but his mind was racing with analysis.

The defenses here were easily a hundred times stronger than back at the Black Water Lake docks, and the hidden Arrays made even him feel a sense of threat.

As expected of a branch of a Major Demon Sect. Their foundations truly ran deep.

"What’s next? Do we go straight up?" Chen Ye asked.

"No... we can’t go straight up." Li Qingyan quickly shook her head. "Yunmeng Peak has a Mountain Protection Array. Trespassing without an Identity Token will get you killed on the spot. We first need to go to the Guest Welcoming Hall at the foot of the mountain to announce our Identity."

"And your current Identity? Will that be a problem?" Chen Ye glanced at her.

Li Qingyan’s face paled, and she gave a bitter smile. "It’s not ideal, but it’s our only option."

’I’m the most critical part of Master’s plan right now,’ she thought. ’I absolutely cannot afford to make a single mistake.’

"Mm," Chen Ye responded noncommittally, which was his way of agreeing.

The two of them walked along the mountain path toward the nearby Guest Welcoming Hall. As they drew near, Chen Ye saw it was a magnificent hall built entirely of Black Stone. Two disciples stood guard at the entrance. Their auras were heavy and composed, marking them as members of the Inner Sect.

Seeing Li Qingyan approach, one of the guards froze for a moment before a derisive smirk spread across his face.

"Well, look who it is. Isn’t it Senior Sister Li? What’s the matter? Couldn’t stand living in a backwater like Black Water Lake, so you came crawling back?"

"Hey, Brother Liu, you shouldn’t say that," the other disciple added with a sneer. "Senior Sister Li is a disgraced disciple now. Perhaps she’s returned to beg the Sect for forgiveness?"

The two of them went back and forth, their mockery completely undisguised.

Li Qingyan’s body trembled faintly. Hidden in her sleeve, her hand was balled into a fist so tight her nails nearly broke the skin.

These two used to trail behind her, calling her "Senior Sister" more sweetly than anyone else. Now that she’d fallen from grace, they showed her no mercy at all.

This was the reality of the Demon Sect: everyone kicks you when you’re down.

"I want to see Elder Sun." Li Qingyan forced the words through her teeth, suppressing her rage.

"Elder Sun is busy. And even if he weren’t, he probably wouldn’t want to see you," the first disciple said lazily.

Just as she found herself in a bind, a cold voice sounded from behind her.

"She is here to recommend someone to join the Sect. This is a matter of great importance. If you cause a delay, can you bear the consequences?"

It was Chen Ye who had spoken.

He stepped out from behind Li Qingyan, his cold gaze sweeping over the two guards.

His gaze startled them, and they subconsciously felt a chill run down their spines.

’Who is this person?’

"A recommendation?" Liu Chen frowned, then sneered again. "Li Qingyan, you’re a disgraced disciple who can barely fend for herself. What right do you have to recommend someone else? Don’t be ridiculous!"

"Whether I have that right is not for you to decide," Li Qingyan seized the opportunity to say coldly. "I advise you to report this right now. Otherwise, when Elder Sun holds you accountable, neither of you will escape!"

She invoked Elder Sun’s name, hoping to cow them.

The two guards looked at each other, both hesitant.

Although they looked down on the current Li Qingyan, Elder Sun was indeed someone they couldn’t afford to offend. If what Li Qingyan said was true, it would be even more troublesome.

"Hmph, wait here!" In the end, Liu Chen didn’t dare to take the risk. He snorted coldly and turned to enter the grand hall.

The remaining disciple, meanwhile, watched Chen Ye and Li Qingyan like a hawk, afraid they might try something.

「Inside the grand hall.」

Brother Liu made his way to a Quiet Chamber and reported respectfully, "Reporting to Steward Qian, Li Qingyan is outside seeking an audience. She says she wants to see Elder Sun."

Inside the Quiet Chamber, a middle-aged man who was meditating slowly opened his eyes, his brow furrowed. "Li Qingyan? What is she doing here?"

This man was none other than the Steward of the Guest Welcoming Hall, Qian Feng.

"She said she wants to recommend someone to join the Sect and wishes for Elder Sun to make the decision," Brother Liu answered cautiously.

"A recommendation?" Qian Feng was stunned, then his expression turned incredulous. "Has she lost her mind? A disciple punished with exile to the outer waters of Black Water Lake wants to recommend someone? Who would dare take in anyone she puts forward?"

"That’s what I thought as well, so I came to ask for your decision, Steward."

Qian Feng pondered for a moment, then said, "Let her come in."

In the end, Qian Feng decided to see just what she was up to.

"Yes."

Soon, Liu Chen came out with a dark expression and said impatiently to Li Qingyan, "Steward Qian says you can go in."

Li Qingyan felt a wave of relief and gave Chen Ye a meaningful look. The two of them entered the Guest Welcoming Hall, one after the other.

The grand hall was spacious and imposing. Qian Feng was sitting in the main seat, sipping tea. He didn’t even lift an eyelid when he saw Li Qingyan enter.

"Junior Sister Li, long time no see. I trust you’ve been well."

Li Qingyan took a deep breath, suppressed the humiliation in her heart, and bowed. "Greetings, Brother Qian."

"No need." Qian Feng waved his hand dismissively. Only then did his gaze fall upon Chen Ye, who stood behind her. He sized him up from head to toe, his eyes filled with scrutiny. "So this is the one you’re recommending?"