CHAPTER 545: 281、THE LOOSENING OF THE NANHUA SECT, DEMON LAIR ERUPTS

"A proper spouse through a formal marriage..." Zuoqiu Ying’s heart trembled.

Since Ruan Baimei canceled the marriage, she had been subjected to the cold treatment of cultivators from both the Nanhua Sect and the Cultivation World. Now, what she lacked was a promise of marriage from someone like Xu Xing.

If it had been a few years earlier, before she signed the marriage contract with Ruan Baimei, Xu Xing’s promises would not have moved her; but now, times had changed and people were different.

Zuoqiu Ying slightly closed her apricot eyes, took a deep breath, and her tense jade muscles slowly loosened. She no longer resented Xu Xing’s intimacy. After all, he was her future husband.

The two flirted for a moment.

When Zuoqiu Ying heard a knock on the door and an Immortal Maiden announced that someone was seeking an audience with Xu Xing, she finally came to her senses. Her face flushed red as she hurriedly extricated herself from Xu Xing’s embrace.

"Master Xu, you should eat the lotus seed soup before it gets cold. I... I will leave first..."

Zuoqiu Ying lowered her Qiufu, adjusted her appearance, re-fastened the buckles on her skirt, and bowed respectfully to Xu Xing, intending to leave right away.

The Butian Sect has just been established, and as the Sect Leader, Xu Xing must be swamped with matters big and small. If not for his healing retreat, his Cave Mansion entrance would have been packed. The people seeking an audience now are likely Butian Sect elders or messengers from other sects, if I’ve guessed correctly.

"No need."

"Immortal Ying is not an outsider, and the affairs of the Butian Sect are not major issues. You can just listen."

Xu Xing smiled and motioned for Zuoqiu Ying to sit back down. Then, he waved his sleeve, returned to the main seat, and cast a spell to open the stone door of the living room.

The stone door slowly opened.

Tan Shan, several other Butian Sect elders, and a group of Immortal Maidens who were waiting outside immediately filed in.

"Sect Leader, the Beichen Sect has joined forces with the Sacred Heart Sect, Tiangang Sect, and other sects to build a base for our sect in the North Wilderness. It is now awaiting your visit for inspection..."

"In recent days, the Sect Masters of the Ziluo Sect and the Immortal Sword Sect have sent messengers to establish contact with our sect. They wish to follow the example of the Beichen Sect and send hostage disciples to join our sect."

The group of elders reported.

"There’s no hurry for the base."

"After I recover from my injuries, I will notify them. Let the Beichen Sect and the other sects wait for now."

Xu Xing raised his eyebrows slightly and contemplated for a short while before speaking.

"As for the matter of the Ziluo Sect and Immortal Sword Sect sending hostage disciples, let it also be put on hold. Tell them that diplomatic relations between our sects should be on equal terms... Our sect has just established itself in the North Wilderness. We accepted the Beichen Sect because of their great sincerity, and it was difficult to refuse," he continued.

At present, the hegemon of the North Wilderness is still the Seven Stars Sect. It wouldn’t be too offensive for the Butian Sect to accept one or two sects like the Beichen Sect as a lower sect. But if we accept too many, it’s hard to guarantee that Mao Ri Saint Lord of the Seven Stars Sect won’t overthink things.

"Yes, Sect Leader."

The group of elders nodded and recorded Xu Xing’s orders on Jade Slips.

「Half a moment later.」

The matters that had accumulated in the Butian Sect over the past year and a half were dealt with one by one during the discussion between Xu Xing and the elders.

Even with such power, he still acts so cautiously and modestly, showing no contempt or disrespect to small sects and factions... Xu Xing is truly extraordinary.

After listening to this internal meeting of the Butian Sect, Zuoqiu Ying’s impression of Xu Xing was elevated another notch, and she couldn’t help but sigh in admiration internally.

Despite knowing years ago that Xu Xing’s temperament was unmatched by ordinary people—otherwise, he wouldn’t have successfully schemed against the two Higher Teachings—her perception of him was different now that she saw him again.

"There’s one more thing..."

At this moment, a sentence interrupted Zuoqiu Ying’s thoughts. The Third Elder of the Butian Sect stood up, bowed, glanced at her, and then addressed Xu Xing.

"I shall take my leave..."

Realizing the Third Elder’s intention, I understand. What he’s about to discuss must be a matter of great importance to the Butian Sect. As an outsider, I shouldn’t listen.

"Third Elder, there’s no need to beat around the bush. Just say it. In a few days, I will personally visit the Nanhua Sect to propose marriage..." Xu Xing smiled and said.

Hearing this, I’m so moved. Zuoqiu Ying returned to her seat, secretly swearing that she would not reveal a single word of what she was about to hear to the Nanhua Sect.

Although the Nanhua Sect is my natal family, I know that my only reliance for the rest of my life will be Xu Xing and the Butian Sect.

"The Qi and spiritual veins at Qingli Ridge in the North Wilderness are congested and knotted, indicating the suspected birth of a Demon Lair. Many Dao Lords from the Yin Wind Gate and Godslayer Sect have reportedly gone there to investigate..." the Third Elder said after pondering for a moment.

"A Demon Lair?"

Hearing this term, Xu Xing’s eyebrows furrowed, and his expression clearly soured.

With his composure, even when facing the likes of Zhongtai Dao Monarch and others, he would never have lost his composure like this.

This alone showed the formidable power of a Demon Lair.

"Is Qingli Ridge within our sect’s territory?" Xu Xing’s face darkened slightly.

Why would a Demon Lair at Qingli Ridge choose to erupt just as the Butian Sect is establishing itself in the North Wilderness? If the Seven Stars Sect isn’t involved in this, I’d never believe it.

Is it because I took the Tide Feather Sword and drew too much attention? Has the Seven Stars Sect become wary of me? Xu Xing stroked his chin, pondering.

In the Fate Deduction, there was no such major event. Now that it has occurred, it must be related to me and the Butian Sect.

Both I and the Butian Sect now possess the strength to influence the historical course of East Huangzhou.

But for now, it’s only a suspected Demon Lair. This should be a warning to me from the Seven Stars Sect... Xu Xing’s expression regained its calm.