CHAPTER 939: CHAPTER 938: THE OUTCOME IS DECIDED

The Nascent Soul Masters of Qin Sect moved swiftly because they knew such matters couldn’t be delayed for long; the three candidates were unwilling, and the sect’s thousands of disciples were dissatisfied.

Hou Niao was arranged to meet Cui Huizuo, which was also to deepen the connection between Qin Sect and Cui.

It was Hou Niao’s first time meeting him, "Daoist Cui, a pleasure, truly a pleasure."

Cui Huizuo was a robust man with a red face, "I’ve heard Senior Brother Wei mention Daoist Hou, acclaimed as Jinxiu’s outstanding talent. Seeing you today, the reputation is well deserved."

Hou Niao sighed inwardly, knowing it was indeed like this; Wei Yi had his own arrangements, these Upper Realm characters appeared arrogant, but each acted prudently and cautiously. Wei Yi had secretly found Cui Huizuo on the Prison Star, and though they might not have colluded, there was certainly some tacit understanding. That’s why Wei Yi often mentioned Cui Huizuo to Hou Niao, hinting at his admiration.

This was indeed a hint; one should not explain things too explicitly in the Cultivation World; it leaves no room for maneuvering. If Wei Yi succeeds in entering the Jinxiu Continent, the three might become good friends, aiding one another; but if Wei Yi doesn’t, then things would get interesting.

Wei Yi’s entrustment is roundabout because Cui Huizuo might be the main figure here, with Hou Niao as the native assisting from the side.

Evidently, Wei Yi, seemingly rough and robust, had all matters clearly planned. Cui Huizuo, without proper status, couldn’t directly take over Qin Sect, and Hou Niao, valuing loyalty, didn’t stand idly by.

Everything happened naturally, all was understood without words.

"In the future on Jinxiu Continent, we should indeed have more interactions." Hou Niao smiled.

Cui Huizuo nodded in acknowledgment, "The lips perish, the teeth are cold; honor and disgrace go hand in hand. When will Sect Leader Hou depart, so I may see you off?"

Their meeting consisted of just these few words, both being people of understanding, who valued action over many words, making trust easier without extravagant promises, though to Yin Qingsi, who accompanied them, it seemed very strange.

The two seemed to know each other? Yet also seemed unfamiliar? But they had great mutual understanding, while she felt like a fool standing by?

"Sneaky, what exactly do you two mean? Hou, you promised me..." After exiting, Yin Qingsi was relentless, unable to rest until she understood all this.

Hou Niao sighed lightly, "Qingsi, where in this world is there pointless sacrifice? If an outsider wholeheartedly devotes himself to Qin Sect, then you must be cautious, for he surely has motives you haven’t noticed.

Look now, Cui Huizuo has successfully preached in Qin Sect, Qin Sect gained the most promising Daoist heritage, and I secured an allied partnership, everyone has motives, thus forming a foundation for collaboration; understanding each other’s goals and limits, which is far more stable and enduring than purely impulsive cooperation. So what are you worried about?"

Yin Qingsi thought about it, realizing it indeed seemed so; if ones appearing before her were all selfless saints, she would likely be in constant anxiety. This way, at least the others’ motives are clear.

She pursed her lips, "I knew it, you’re seeking fighters for Shan Sect Quanzhen, it’s the Sword Sect that’s most restless. Feeling danger now, so you start seeking scapegoats!

Hmm, but there’s still Wei Yi left out. If one day he returns, how will Qin Sect conduct itself? How will Cui Huizuo and his backing Daoist Sect manage?"

Hou Niao smirked, "That’s their matter, unrelated to us. However, I think, given their affinity for the pure physical force of Ancient Martial arts, they surely have their own unique understanding, though outsiders might not comprehend."

Yin Qingsi stared at him, "You already knew about the friendship between Cui Huizuo and Wei Yi, why not say it directly? Why circle around this much?"

Hou Niao spoke meaningfully, "If I said it directly, your Nascent Soul Masters would be the first to reject him!"

Yin Qingsi was speechless, complex cultivation world, complex human hearts.

Tilting her head and furrowing her brow, she had one last question, "Why did he offer to see you off? Do you two have a deeper conspiracy?"

Hou Niao laughed involuntarily, "You can come too, then you’ll know what conspiracy we have."

Without waiting for definite news from Qin Sect, all this was still tentative discussion. The actual alliance formed ten years later at the founding ceremony of Dushan Sect, giving both sides more flexible time to weigh advantages and disadvantages, and wait for more Daoist sects to join.

Hou Niao quietly departed; his next stop was the Grassland, where he would conclude this journey. The itinerary was short, also because his current status was different; he could no longer act freely and carefree as before.

Ten miles outside the city, someone awaited suspended in mid-air. When the two met, neither spoke, walking side by side, openly and boldly, after a hundred miles, they sensed two auras approaching.

Hou Niao and Cui Huizuo exchanged glances, unsurprised, standing still in waiting.

Soon, the two auras became clear, equally confident and upright.

Helian Feng, Du Bai.

Their faces showed neither anger nor urgency; everything happened naturally, facing each other in the air,

Helian Feng expressionless, "Indeed, Daoist Hou is impressive; within a day, Qin Sect’s attitude pivoted! No more words, Jinxiu has its rules, the Universe has its system..."

Hou Niao smirked, "No need for words, fair and reasonable."

The four assumed their postures, already each entering battle mode.

The conduct of the Universe Cultivation Realm has only one rule, the strong prevail! Irrespective of conspiracy and tricks, ultimately one cannot escape the trial of hand-to-hand combat to settle life and death.

Hence the display of talent within Qin Sect over months was merely a facade of demeanor, it was all superficial.

The four locked their auras, ready to clash, a large wild goose inadvertently flew in, light and shadow flickered, the four split into pairs, spirit surged violently, thunder roared, sword howled.

Du Bai found Cui Huizuo, while Helian Feng targeted Hou Niao; they had come prepared, their battle choices had deep implications.

The Daoist Sect’s Ancient Martial arts specializing in control and lasting battles, hence he would delay the powerful Gao Tang visitor. In battles at their level, engaging meant it could not be resolved quickly.

The breakthrough point set on the Sword Cultivator, as in their view, no matter how strong Hou Niao might be, he was just a cultivator from Jinxiu, having little presence on Hell Star. Even after entering Jinxiu, they had faced many Jinxiu native Golden Cores, only moderately satisfactory and not noteworthy.

In terms of burst power, excluding future potential, Body Meridian Ancient Martial is far more formidable than Daoist Ancient Martial, best suited for swift battle resolution!

As for whether this person is a Sect Leader from some Daoist tradition, it’s utterly irrelevant in their considerations; as long as it’s not a Nascent Soul Master, there’s no need for concern.