CHAPTER 487: CHAPTER 234 THE ARRIVAL OF QINGYU SECT (VOTE FOR MONTHLY TICKETS)

After paying Jiang An his due compensation, Shen Changqing dispatched men to escort Jiang An and his party to the Demon-Subduing Division in South Sea City.

The Demon-Subduing Prison in Mountain-Breaking City might have been completed, but construction on the one in South Sea City had not yet begun.

Subsequently, Jiang An still had to ensure that the Demon-Subduing Prison in South Sea City was also completely constructed.

It was just that this time, Shen Changqing did not personally accompany them.

After all, the areas under the jurisdiction of both South Sea City and Mountain-Breaking City had become much more peaceful. The sects that should have fled had nearly all done so, and those that should have been eradicated were almost entirely gone. The remaining Jianghu forces dared not oppose the Demon-Subduing Division.

As for the Demon Evil side, they were even less likely to cause chaos.

It could be said that ever since both Demon-Subduing Divisions had devoted their full efforts to exterminating Demon Evil, coupled with Shen Changqing’s own intimidating presence, the Demon Evil Clan had seldom caused trouble in South Nether Prefecture. Even if a few such evils occasionally surfaced, they were like lingering illnesses—hard to completely eradicate, capable of causing some trouble, but not significantly.

「One day.」

Shen Changqing was waiting for the people from Great Liang and Dayue while silently contemplating the Banishing Evil Great Palm Imprint.

There was a knock on the courtyard gate.

Tiankui let out a symbolic roar as a reminder.

He ended his contemplation and walked out from within.

Opening the courtyard gate, he found Xing Yi standing at the entrance.

"Lord Defender."

"Steward Xing, what brings you here today?"

As he spoke, Shen Changqing turned and walked back inside, Xing Yi understandingly following him.

Once they were indoors, Xing Yi said in a deep voice, "People from the Qingyu Sect are outside the Demon-Subduing Division seeking an audience, hoping to meet with Lord Defender."

"Qingyu Sect?"

Shen Changqing was somewhat surprised. He was familiar with the name; Yun Dingtian of the Qingyu Sect had made quite an impression in the Heavenly Realm.

Unfortunately, that Sect Master of the Qingyu Sect had already died within the Heavenly Realm.

Barring any surprises, it should have been Shimohe who killed him. Because Shen Changqing was well aware that in the Heavenly Realm, only two people could kill a Grandmaster Peak expert—himself and Shimohe. Since he hadn’t done it, it must have been Shimohe. Otherwise, those Defender Envoys, even if they could suppress Yun Dingtian, would not have been able to kill him. What puzzled him, however, was why the people of the Qingyu Sect would come looking for him without any apparent reason.

"Do you know anything about the Qingyu Sect?" Shen Changqing looked at the man before him.

Xing Yi said, "The Qingyu Sect is considered a righteous sect in Jianghu. It has existed in South Nether Prefecture for a long time and enjoys a significant reputation there. In the past, when Demon Evil wreaked havoc, the Qingyu Sect would step forward to suppress it and was well-regarded by the local populace. According to the Heavenly Inspection Guard’s intelligence, they have no intention of antagonizing the Imperial Court or the Demon-Subduing Division; they mostly maintain a neutral stance."

Through these simple words, Shen Changqing gained a considerable understanding of the Qingyu Sect.

"Who has come?"

"The Qingyu Sect’s Grand Elder, Yun Yi."

"His surname is Yun. What is his relationship with Yun Dingtian?"

"Both are considered to be from the same lineage. However, Yun Dingtian possessed greater talent, not only reaching Grandmaster Peak but also seizing the position of Sect Master of the Qingyu Sect. Yun Yi’s talent isn’t poor, but it falls considerably short when compared to Yun Dingtian’s. Now in his seventies, he has only barely stabilized his cultivation at the late-stage Grandmaster Realm."

Seventy years old, yet only late-stage Grandmaster. Shen Changqing nodded slightly. "In that case, his talent certainly seems somewhat lacking."

After a moment’s thought, he slowly said, "Since he’s here, let him in."

"Yes!"

Xing Yi acknowledged the order and departed.

In less than a quarter of an hour, he returned, leading an elder dressed in qingyi into the room.

Despite his advanced age, the elder’s back was straight. His movements, powerful and graceful like a dragon and tiger, showed none of the usual frailty of old age; instead, he emanated a tremendous oppressive aura.

Upon seeing Shen Changqing, before Xing Yi could speak, the elder clasped his fist in salute.

"Yun Yi of the Qingyu Sect. I greet Lord Shen!"

"Elder Yun, you are too courteous. Please, take a seat." Shen Changqing gestured toward the seat before him.

At this, Yun Yi clasped his fist again before taking a seat.

Meanwhile, Xing Yi tactfully withdrew, not wishing to disturb their conversation.

After sitting down, Yun Yi subtly surveyed his surroundings. When his gaze fell upon Tiankui, lying not too far away, his pupils noticeably contracted.

He was aware of Tiankui’s existence. But to truly see a Grandmaster Peak Fierce Beast lying so close, the pressure he felt was immense. To put it bluntly, if Tiankui were to suddenly attack, Yun Yi had no confidence he could escape unscathed. However, the beast that should have been ferocious was now lying there as docile as a cat, showing no inclination to attack anyone. This situation was certainly not due to a change in the beast’s nature, but some other factor.

Ultimately, Yun Yi’s gaze settled on Shen Changqing, and he took the initiative to break the silence.

"This old man has long heard of Lord Shen’s fame. It is my great fortune to meet you today. That such a fearsome Fierce Beast like Tiankui could be tamed to such obedience by Lord Shen—this truly earns my deepest admiration!"

"Elder Yun jests." Shen Changqing smiled, pouring a cup of Spiritual Tea for each of them as if they were old friends.

With a wave of his hand, a teacup gently landed in front of Yun Yi. Shen Changqing picked up the other cup, took a light sip, then set it down again.

"I don’t believe I’ve had much interaction with the Qingyu Sect. What brings Elder Yun here today?"

"This old man has come primarily for two matters."

"I am all ears."

"I wish to ask, did our sect’s former Sect Master, Yun Dingtian, die at Lord Shen’s hand?" Yun Yi’s gaze was piercing, as if seeking a definitive answer.

As his words fell, the room grew quiet.

Shen Changqing, his expression unchanged, lifted his teacup for a sip and said nonchalantly, "No."

"With Lord Shen’s answer, this old man is relieved." Yun Yi visibly relaxed, a look of relief spreading across his tense face.

At this, Shen Changqing raised an eyebrow. "Does Elder Yun trust my word so readily?"

"It is not Lord Shen’s words that this old man trusts, but rather your current status. As the esteemed Defender Envoy of South Nether Prefecture, I believe you would not lie about such matters. So, if Lord Shen says no, then it is naturally no. My Qingyu Sect is not yet so significant that Lord Shen would feel the need to lie to us." Yun Yi’s expression was candid, showing no hint of falsehood.

After a pause, he continued, "In the Heavenly Realm, besides Lord Shen, only that Mahavairocana possessed the power to kill my sect’s former Sect Master. Now that he is the Heaven Alliance Hierarch, the Heaven Alliance is an enemy of the Qingyu Sect. Likewise, the Heaven Alliance is also an enemy of the Demon-Subduing Division. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Of course, this old man is aware that the Qingyu Sect’s status alone does not qualify us to be friends with the Demon-Subduing Division. However, my Qingyu Sect is willing to serve Lord Shen, asking only that Lord Shen will one day slay Shimohe and avenge our former Sect Master."

Yun Yi’s words were very direct. He made no attempt to probe or conceal the purpose of his visit. This Grand Elder of the Qingyu Sect understood clearly what kind of words were appropriate for what kind of person. Based on Yun Yi’s understanding of Shen Changqing’s usual conduct, this Lord Shen was likely not one who appreciated beating around the bush.

Hearing this, Shen Changqing did not respond immediately but fell into thought.

The Qingyu Sect’s sudden offer of allegiance was unexpected. But on reflection, their offer was not entirely without reason. Just as Yun Yi said, Shimohe killed Yun Dingtian, making the Heaven Alliance an enemy of the Qingyu Sect. Even if the Qingyu Sect could set this matter aside, Shimohe himself might not spare them. As the saying goes, ’Cut the grass and remove the roots to prevent future trouble.’ With Yun Dingtian having died at his hands, Shimohe would certainly not spare the Qingyu Sect. Only by completely annihilating them could he ensure no future repercussions. To take a step back, even if he didn’t completely destroy the Qingyu Sect, he would have to shatter their remaining strength, rendering them incapable of seeking revenge. This was the hidden threat facing the Qingyu Sect. Yun Yi’s current visit was both an offer of allegiance and a plea for protection.

"If the Qingyu Sect is willing to cooperate with me, I naturally have no reason to refuse." Shen Changqing emerged from his thoughts with a faint smile. "As for Shimohe, even if Elder Yun hadn’t mentioned it, I would slay him one day. Openly rebelling and killing a Defender Envoy of our Demon-Subduing Division—for these two crimes alone, his fate is sealed."

With that one sentence, he signified his agreement to the Qingyu Sect’s allegiance.

Yun Yi, hearing this, also felt a great sense of relief. Although he had been fairly certain Shen Changqing would not refuse, actually hearing the confirmation was still a great comfort.

Composing himself, Yun Yi clasped his fist. "May I ask what the Qingyu Sect can do for Lord Shen?"

Having requests was normal; his fear was that Shen Changqing might have no use for the Qingyu Sect, which would make the alliance feel less secure.

"As it happens, there is one thing I need the Qingyu Sect’s help with," Shen Changqing said.

"Please speak, Lord Shen," Yun Yi replied, his expression calm.

Shen Changqing stated, "I need Demon Evils—a large quantity of them. If your sect is able, I hope you can capture Demon Evils and deliver them to the Demon-Subduing Division."

"Capture Demon Evils!" Yun Yi’s expression changed slightly.

Shen Changqing smiled faintly. "Elder Yun, rest assured, I will not let the Qingyu Sect toil for nothing. For every Demon Evil you deliver, I will convert it into merit points for you. And with merit points, you can obtain various Martial Arts from me—whether Grandmaster Martial Arts or even Great Grandmaster Martial Arts. I could even personally visit the Qingyu Sect to expound on the Martial Dao for your Grandmasters. All of this is possible, provided your sect accumulates enough merit points."

Merit points. Exchanging them for Martial Arts. A Great Grandmaster expounding on the Martial Dao.

Hearing these words, Yun Yi’s breathing quickened.

With his many years of experience, he instantly understood the immense value of these merit points. If Martial Arts could be bought with silver taels, a Great Grandmaster’s explanation of the Martial Dao was not something mere money could buy. Considering Shen Changqing had once acquired tens of millions of taels from an auction, it was clear he wasn’t short of money. If the Qingyu Sect wished to receive such teachings from a Great Grandmaster, even emptying their coffers might not be enough to gain Shen Changqing’s attention.

Therefore, the moment Shen Changqing finished speaking, Yun Yi immediately agreed.

"No problem!"