Ye Qiu watched the direction in which Fang Tianming had vanished, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
“Little brat, this poor daoist understands now.”
Only at this moment did Elder Changmei grasp Ye Qiu’s intention. “You let Fang Tianming live so that he could carry the news and stir up war between the Ancient Desolate Holy Land and the Qingyun Sword Sect.”
Ye Qiu smiled. “Precisely. If Fang Tianming had died, who would know that Chen Fan slaughtered so many disciples from the Ancient Desolate Holy Land?”
“To be accurate, I am not starting a war between the Ancient Desolate Holy Land and the Qingyun Sword Sect. I intend to borrow the hand of the Ancient Desolate Holy Land to deal with Chen Tianming.”
Elder Changmei said, “Little brat, I think that is quite unnecessary.”
“You possess an imperial-grade anomalous flame. Why fear Chen Tianming?”
“No matter who he is, just burn him to ashes with a single blaze. Simple and direct.”
Ye Qiu replied, “Do you think I do not wish to do exactly that?”
“Though I have an imperial-grade anomalous flame, do not forget that those people have powerful backers.”
“Qi Tian is a disciple of Wuji Heavenly Venerable. Chen Tianming’s grandfather is a Saint King. Xiao Yichen’s father is the leader of the Heaven-Mending Sect.”
“They are all the foremost divine sons of their respective sects, each with extraordinary combat strength.”
“Consider their status. When they venture out, would the forces behind them not provide some life-saving trump cards?”
Ye Qiu continued, “My cultivation is so weak. My greatest reliance now is the imperial-grade anomalous flame. If the flame fails to kill them, would we not end up dead?”
“So, let them fight each other first and wound one another. In the meantime, we can probe their depths.”
“Now do you understand?”
Elder Changmei said, “Such an obvious principle, I actually saw through it long ago.”
“I asked only to give you a chance to show off.”
Ye Qiu cursed, “Shameless old thing.”
Elder Changmei pretended not to hear and asked, “Little brat, I understand why you saved Fang Tianming’s life to let him spread the news, but I still do not comprehend why you gave him a mid-grade earth-level spirit pill.”
“Would it not be better to give the pill to me?”
Ye Qiu explained, “I wanted him to recover his cultivation quickly so that he could sooner inform the other disciples of the Ancient Desolate Holy Land and thus deal with Chen Tianming earlier.”
“Besides, even if I wanted to give the pill to you, you would not dare consume it!”
Elder Changmei looked puzzled. “What do you mean? Is there something wrong with that spirit pill?”
Ye Qiu smiled. “Though the pill is highly effective for healing, I added a colourless, odourless slow-acting poison to it.”
“Even if Fang Tianming does not die in the Dragon Burial Nest, in a few days he will succumb to the poison.”
Elder Changmei’s eyes widened in shock. “Little brat, you are truly ruthless.”
Ye Qiu remained unconcerned. “A petty man lacks magnanimity, a true gentleman lacks venom.”
“When dealing with enemies, why show mercy?”
“Moreover, if not for me saving him, Chen Fan would already have killed him. Fang Tianming should thank me for letting him live a few extra days.”
At this point, killing intent flickered in Ye Qiu’s eyes. “Let them fight until both sides are gravely injured. Then we strike and seize the opportunity to leave everyone who entered here buried within!”
Even before entering the Dragon Burial Nest, Ye Qiu had decided that not one from those great powers would leave alive.
These people were the backbone of several major forces in the Eastern Wasteland. Eliminating them would deal those forces a devastating blow.
Elder Changmei said, “Little brat, you are doing the right thing.”
“The cultivation world is different from our mortal realm. There are no laws to restrain anyone. The one with the biggest fist makes the rules. Against enemies, there is indeed no need for mercy.”
“From now on, our creed shall be: if others do not offend me, I will not offend them; if others offend me, I will exterminate their entire clan.”
Elder Changmei chuckled and said, “Little brat, can we discuss something?”
The moment Ye Qiu saw that expression, he knew Elder Changmei wanted a favour. “You want the Undying Divine Medicine?”
“No, no, no.” Elder Changmei hurriedly waved his hands. “The Undying Divine Medicine is yours. How could I have the face to ask for it?”
“This poor daoist is a gentleman. A gentleman does not seize what others cherish.”
You dare call yourself a gentleman?
Ye Qiu found it amusing and asked, “What exactly do you want, then?”
Elder Changmei smiled. “If we encounter another divine herb later, could you let me have it?”
Ye Qiu replied, “Very well. I will not compete with you for it.”
“Not competing is not enough. If someone else sets their eyes on it, you must help me seize it.” Afraid Ye Qiu might refuse, Elder Changmei added, “We are companions through life and death. You would not refuse to help with such a small matter, would you?”
Ye Qiu agreed readily. “Fine. I promise you this. If we encounter another divine herb, no matter what, I will help you obtain it.”
“That is loyal enough.” Elder Changmei could hardly wait. “Let us set off. Hurry and search for divine herbs.”
With that, he started walking.
“Stop!” Ye Qiu barked.
“What now?” Elder Changmei turned back.
“Do not forget your role.” Ye Qiu said, “I remind you, you are currently my servant. You must follow behind me.”
Elder Changmei was somewhat reluctant. “No one is watching anyway. What is there to fear?”
Ye Qiu replied, “Once someone sees, it will be too late.”
“Fine!” Elder Changmei walked back and followed behind Ye Qiu. “Little brat, I have been thinking about something. By impersonating Long Pusa, will you not be exposed very soon?”
“Think about it. Long Pusa has been accepted as a disciple by Wuji Heavenly Venerable, and Qi Tian is also his disciple.”
“They share the same master. Surely they spend time together daily?”
“Even if not daily, they should be quite familiar with each other.”
“Impersonating Long Pusa carries great risk, does it not?”
Ye Qiu laughed.
“Why are you laughing?” Elder Changmei asked.
“Old fellow, I considered all that you mentioned long ago, but you overlooked one thing.” Ye Qiu said, “Qi Tian is the foremost divine son of the Yin-Yang Sect, a peerless genius seen only once in a millennium. Do you think Long Pusa is qualified to spend time with him daily?”
“Moreover, would Wuji Heavenly Venerable allow Long Pusa to remain at Qi Tian’s side?”
“If I am not mistaken, Long Pusa has probably been tossed into some corner by Wuji Heavenly Venerable to train bitterly alone.”
Elder Changmei laughed heartily. “Little brat, you have grown mature. You consider matters thoroughly. It seems you have learned much from this poor daoist.”
Thick-skinned and shameless, always claiming credit.
“Hmph!” Ye Qiu snorted coldly and proceeded forward.
Elder Changmei followed.
The two were in no hurry. They strolled leisurely, admiring the scenery as they went.
The Dragon Burial Nest was truly vast.
Two hours later.
Suddenly, a thick scent of blood assailed them head-on!
